Tuesday 12 January 2021

Beware of Kiwis

In many New Zealand towns there are these signs that say "Kiwi Zone". At the entrance to Rainbow Falls is this one, because there is so much native bush where the birds live in their burrows under the ground. In fact in most Department of Conservation walks the sign at the entrance usually says "no dogs".

Dogs, cats and stoats are some of the Kiwis worst enemies. Many people unfortunately just don't care and don't understand the birds are a protected species, even taking a dog into these areas on a leash is illegal. 

There is the Kiwi Avoidance Training that owners can take their dogs to which teaches the animals  to steer clear of the birds. I don't know if I agree with the type of training which involves the use of electric collars but until someone comes up with a different method I guess this is it.

The trainers interestingly enough found that the breed of dog was found to influence the training with terrier and working breed dogs showing higher levels of avoidance from the training and non sporting dogs showing the lowest levels of avoidance.


Linking up with 
Our World TuesdayTuesday TreasuresThrough my lens and My Corner of the World.

17 comments:

Graham Edwards said...

The real answer is just to keep dogs away. We've come to regard the pet dog as sacred. It isn't.

Amy said...

Agree with you Graham. I wish everyone thought like you do.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

I would love to walk where kiwis live

Tom said...

...let's face it, many people only care about themselves.

Jim said...

Love the kiwis.

Tigger's Mum said...

Kiwis are so iconic, so part of our identity I'm suprised that people don't care (or don't think). I agree with Graham, but I'm also inclined to think that Kiwis would benefit from less disturbance from humans too (and have only those who work for their conservation) allowed into places where they still make their homes. I spent 8 years working in forestry and conservation and have never seen a live kiwi in the wild. We need to treat them as more important than any human made historical or archaeological remnants.

Iris Flavia said...

Sad when people are so ignorant! Our birds/"wildlife" certainly are just common ones yet at breeding time dogs should be on a leash and many just ignore that, also.
In general I think there should be dog parks where they can have fun without a leash otherwise: leash! I am really afraid of dogs and hate it when they roam free everywhere.

Lady Fi said...

Lovely area!

At Home In New Zealand said...

Did you see the programme about kiwis on Prime tonight ('Dinosaurs')? It was so interesting. I wish they would make more documentaries like this so we can learn more about our wonderful native creatures.

Amy said...

Funnily enough we do have a local dog park which consists of over 15 acres where dogs can sniff and run as much as they want.

Amy said...

No but I will look out for it.

Amy said...

So so true, good comment.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

I am glad to see the area and the bird are being protected. Have you ever seen the Kiwi in their habitat. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.

Jackie McGuinness said...

Kiwis was one of my aha moments when we went to New Zealand.

Bill said...

I had to look up Kiwis to see what they looked like. I have never seen one even in a photo. There should be no animals allowed in the areas that the Kiwis make home.

NatureFootstep said...

When I visited NZ many years ago we visited a place where they kept a few birds safe. I got the idea there was almost none left in the wild. So this has obviously improved it they are now found in several areas. And dogs teached to avoid them. That´s great. :)

betty-NZ said...

I didn't realize you could train your dog to avoid kiwis--that is awesome!!

A lovely addition to 'My Corner of the World' this week! Thanks for linking!

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