Rein, the dog, has been searching for kiwi birds for the past 11 years. The four-legged beauty is now taking a well-earned break.
Iain Graham and Rein aided in the conservation of a rare bird species, the kiwi, in order to expand its number. The dog is said to have assisted in the discovery of 1,700 kiwis. The population has grown from 160 to 600 birds as a result of her efforts.
Rein has been carefully trained to safely track kiwis in the wild. She comes upon bird eggs that are prey for predators.
They are then gathered and planted at the West Coast Wildlife Center before being moved to the reserve for a period of around two months.
The kiwis are only taken to the island of Motuara when they are large enough to be released into the wild. A transmitter is attached to each released bird. “We know kiwis are nesting when we notice a 50% decline in eating activity,” Graham added.
Graham and Rein go in quest of eggs about 30 days later.
According to the owner, the dog can already tell where they are concealed while they are 100 meters away. During the 6-month breeding season, the dog works and does not relax for the rest of the year.
She goes to Motuara Island to keep an eye on the chicks.
He also searches out kiwi every 12–14 months to change the batteries in their transmitters. Rein, on the other hand, has reached the end of his career.
“She’s getting to the point where she prefers the couch over the bed. “She’ll still go trekking with us,” Iain Graham continued, “but retirement will offer her a greater chance of relaxation.”
