Four weka found dead

Four of the six buff weka recently transferred to Stevenson's Peninsula have been found dead, Ngai Tahu weka group spokesman Hoani Langsbury announced yesterday.

Investigations had indicated it was likely a cat and possibly mustelids (stoat, weasel or ferret) had destroyed the small population.

Predators remained the greatest challenge to any bird restoration project and there was always an element of risk, he said.

Mr Langsbury said it was a "most unfortunate setback", but in light of Ngai Tahu's long-term plans, it was not cause to despair.

"There are now about 200 weka living on predator-free islands in the region, from the original 30 birds released seven years ago."

The project aimed to restore buff weka to their natural range and at some stage that would require moving them to mainland sites.