Male Stitch (Hihi) calling

Here is an ethical dilemma for Buddha –

Hihi/stichbird (Notiomystis cincta) is one of New Zealand’s rarest birds, once found throughout the North Island. The impact of introduced predators, habitat destruction and possibly disease reduced the distribution of Hihi to Hauturu/Little Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf.  Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoats_in_New_Zealand

Conservation workers are trying to re-establish a Hihi population back on the mainland – one project being in the Cascades Kauri Park, Waitakere ranges. Over 120 birds have been released in the Cascades Park. They had been reared on predator free islands in the Hauraki Gulf. However introduced predators in the mainland bush keep the population from thriving. So stoats and rats must be killed off to be kind to the bird inhabitants.

Volunteer conservation workers visit established trap lines regularly to renew baits and clear kills. Re-establishing populations of the original inhabitants is important for New Zealand bush eco-system as there is a relationship between the animals and trees – Birds distribute seeds, spread fertiliser, and help pollination.

Conservation Volunteer Judi Simpson visits 16 box traps each month. She shares the rostered duty with other volunteers along 100s’ of traplines in the Waitakere bush. They clear stale bait, remove dead animals and refresh baits. Spring loaded plates within the trap crush small visitors quickly, cleanly. The trap must be disguised with debris otherwise birds transferred from nursery islands mistake them for nest boxes. Check out the video :-  http://youtu.be/JCudsFalm6E

The Hihi’s strident call is distinctive, likened to the word “stich” or two stones being repeatedly struck together. They also have a low warbling song that can last several minutes.

Hihi nest in tree cavities (which may make them more vulnerable to predators) and have an unusual mating system in which females may breed with a single male or several. They are the only bird known to sometimes mate face to face.

Enlightening comments from Buddhists welcome.