AR-News: (US) In the Land of Kiwis, the Winged Variety Is Disappearing

[Animalara2003 at aol.com]

By JANE E. BRODY

Published: March 23, 2004


OUTH ISLAND, New Zealand — This country evolved as a land of birds, not 
mammals, and scientists and citizens are struggling to save several of the more 
spectacular winged species unique to this area, including the endangered royal 
albatross and two flightless species, the yellow-eyed penguin and the kiwi, 
which gave its name to the human residents.
We call ourselves kiwis, but most New Zealanders haven't seen one in the last 
40 years," Paul Jansen, who coordinates the kiwi recovery effort, said in an 
interview.
Of 93 species of birds native to New Zealand, only 50 remain, said Lyndon 
Perriman, head ranger at Taiaroa Head in Dunedin, in the southeastern part of the 
island, "and 37 of these are classified as threatened or, worse yet, 
endangered." 




full story:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/23/science/23BIRD.html?ex=1080622800&en=c48b8d8
131fb49b5&ei=5062 
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