Success in breeding kākāriki karaka
One of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered birds has been successfully bred at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, near Masterton.
Orange-fronted parakeets (kākāriki karaka) were declared extinct twice in 1919 and 1965. Today their wild population number is just 100-300 individuals.
Successful hand-rearing of orange-fronted parakeets is considered extremely unlikely but Pūkaha had very little choice. The five chicks hatched in early August from one of the centre’s two breeding pairs, a male called Karaka and a female called Pōra. Not wanting to disturb the nest, it wasn’t until two weeks of age that rangers noticed that the feathers on the chicks were not developing. A closer inspection revealed that the chicks were bald and that their feathers had been plucked by their parents. Immediate intervention was required because the chicks were at imminent danger of dying from the cold. The only option for the parakeets’ survival was an attempt at hand-rearing.
The young chicks were immediately placed in brooders with heat lamps and fed a diet of parrot rearing formula. It took about three weeks for the chicks to get their feathers. Some six weeks later, all five chicks are fully grown, flying, and eating by themselves.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.7% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.6% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.9% Keep it as is
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33.2% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.3% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!
What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
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