Rooks, which are pests, have been reported in many parts of
Otago. Photo: ORC.
Rooks have been reported in many places in Otago so far
this season but, bucking a recent trend, have not been seen in
the Strath Taieri area.
The Otago Regional Council is calling for reports of the
pests, which damage crops and pasture, so they can be
eradicated.
The council's regional services group manager, Jeff
Donaldson, said so far this season rooks had been reported in
Greenfield and Wairuna in South Otago, Moeraki in North Otago
and in the Macraes-Nenthorn area.
"Unlike most years, there have been no reports of rooks in
the Strath Taieri area so far, bucking the recent trend, but
some have been seen in the Maniototo."
Regional services were interested in every sighting and were
especially keen to locate any new nesting sites, Mr Donaldson
said.
Last year, rooks were reported in central Balclutha and on
the Otago Peninsula.
"The response we got last year was the best we have ever
had."
People who saw a rook on their property should not shoot at
or scare the birds as there was often only one chance to deal
with them before they scattered, Mr Donaldson said.
There was no cost to landowners for their eradication, which
had enabled the population to be reduced to about 120 rooks.
People noticing rooks are asked to phone Malcolm Allan on
027-278-8498, or the Otago Regional Council on the freephone
number 0800-474-082.
Rooks
- Part of crow and raven family
- Larger than magpies
- Totally black with purple or bluish sheen in bright
light
- Introduced from Europe to control insects
- Cause damage to crops and pasture
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