By 3 News online staff
A kiwi has been mauled to death by a dog near Wainuiomata, most likely while the bird was looking for a mate.
The Greater Wellington Regional Council is calling the death a tragedy, given Otautahi was of prime breeding age and could have fathered up to 20 chicks in his lifetime.
The bird was released into the Rimutaka Forest Park in July 2012 and was being monitored by volunteer trackers.
Rimutaka Forest Part Trust spokeswoman Melody McLaughlin believes if the dog had been on a leash, the kiwi would not have died.
"Kiwi are synonymous with what makes us New Zealanders, they are resilient birds provided we control introduced predators such as stoat and ferret and man’s best friend, our dogs," she says.
Ms McLaughlin says kiwi frequently nest near paths, putting them in harm's way and vulnerable to dogs.
The three-year-old bird was found beside the track leading into the recreation area where dog often walked.
The death was a reminder for dog owners to know where their pets are at all times and keep them inside or contained at night, Ms McLaughlin says.
Otautahi was born in Christchurch a week after the February 2011 earthquake and was given the Maori name for the city.
3 News
source: newshub archive
