A cheque for over $50,000 is today being presented to the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Takahe Recovery Group as part of an urgent support package for endangered takahe.

The cash injection comes following the January announcement by DOC that an explosion in stoat numbers had caused a 25% decline of the total takahe population. 

Stoats that are known to kill for fun as well as food also impact other species such as whio/ blue duck and kiwi. Sandra Geange, General Manager Marketing Mitre 10 said “For 3-years Mitre 10 has been the mainstay sponsor for takahe. Mitre 10’s commitment which is supported by customers and employees alike enables many DOC activities to focus on bringing takahe numbers back from the brink – while the stoat explosion has caused a set back we are here for the long haul and we will work to achieve the recovery of takahe for all New Zealanders.”

The amount raised was made possible by Mitre 10 through the sales, at all stores, of NZ Native grasses and the unique 2008 Mitre 10 Takahe Rescue calendar. The 2008 calender included art entries, from schoolchildren all around New Zealand, into the Takahe art competition which is run annually by Mitre 10.

Just 12 months ago the department hoped it was close to achieving a long term goal with a population of nearly 100 breeding pairs of takahe in the Murchison Mountains. The recent beech seeding year which led to a stoat plague and unprecedented levels of stoat predation has been a severe set back to takahe recovery in the Murchison Mountains.

Phil Tisch head of DOC Takahe Recovery Group said “Trapping is the only means of reducing stoat populations and the problem is one that we simply have to face. Our island sanctuaries provide secure populations as an insurance against this type of event. However, reducing stoat predation at the only mainland takahe stronghold in the Murchison Mountains is a priority.

The $50,000 from Mitre 10 will be used to enhance the capability of the Burwood Bush Takahe Breeding Unit to ensure takahe chicks can be raised to help overcome the set back in the wild population that occurred this summer.

The breeding programme is a cornerstone of takahe recovery and combined with the extended stoat trapping will help to ensure the long-term growth in the takahe population.

“We believe the valuable support of Mitre 10 combined with the work of the takah? recovery team and those at the Burwood Bush Rearing Unit has put takah? in a position to sustain, and successfully recover from this stoat assault” said Mr Tisch.