284 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [Jan. 
LITTLE BARRIER ISLAND BIRD-SANCTUARY. 
By W. R. B. Oliver, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Dominion Museum. 
With illustrations by the author. 
One needs but to spend a week or two on Little Barrier Island to realize 
the success which has attended its isolation as a bird-sanctuary and the 
wisdom of the Government of New Zealand in its policy of giving pro¬ 
tection to our avifauna. Everywhere throughout the forest one is attended 
by one or more friendly species of birds, while from dawn to dusk the bush 
rings with the musical notes of the bell-bird and a chorus of others. Per¬ 
haps on this island the nearest approach to conditions in the New Zealand 
bush before the advent of the white man is to be had. At least one species 
of bird (the stitch-bird) quite extinct elsewhere is to be found in the dense 
forest of the Little Barrier, and appears to be increasing in numbers, whilst 
two species of kiwi intentionally transferred to the island have thoroughly 
established themselves. It is sincerely to be hoped, therefore, that, as 
opportunity offers, such birds as our native thrushes, crows, saddleback, 
the huia if it still exists, and other birds peculiar to the New Zealand region 
and fast disappearing before the advance of settlement, will be transferred 
to this island sanctuary, where the species should continue to exist 
indefinitely while sweeping changes are being made in the avifauna of the 
mainland by the spread of the more aggressive exotic species. 
Of the three island bird sanctuaries now reserved by the Government 
Little Barrier appears to afford the best conditions for conserving our 
species of bush-birds. Its distance from the mainland gives it that seclusion 
needed for wild life and a large degree of safety from interference by 
unauthorized persons. The extremely rugged nature of its surface afford 
a variety of habitats, its dense forests provide ample cover and abundance 
and variety of food. Enemies are few. Some cats are the cause of 
tragedies here and there ; hawks and owls also may take their quota of 
small birds. But the loss from these causes is greatly minimized by the 
alertness of the caretaker, who has accounted for a number of cats and 
harriers during his term of residence on the island. 
Little Barrier Island lies some fifteen miles east of Rodney Point, whence 
fortnightly leaves the little yacht which furnishes the only regular com¬ 
munication with the mainland. The island is a much-dissected volcanic 
cone. Viewed from the sea one might expect to find a large crater where 
the summit appears to be abruptly truncated. But no definite crater is 
recognizable; instead are found deep ravines separated by knife-edge 
ridges radiating from the central portion of the island. Practically the 
whole island is composed of volcanic breccia consisting of a rather soft 
matrix containing large angular fragments of andesitic lava. Such material 
is easily attacked by rain and surf, hence results the extremely rough surface 
and coast of vertical cliffs surrounded by a beach of water-worn boulders. 
Landing must be made on the rocks, and can only be done in fine weather 
on the lee side of the island. 
A list of the birds of Little Barrier Island, with notes on some of the 
species, follows. 
