The locals at Fox Glacier are starting to occasionally hear a bird call that's been absent from the area for many decades. The Department of Conservation is introducing the rare Okarito kiwi - also called Rowi - into the forests of Lake Matheson, just a few kilometres from Fox Glacier. Following a programme of trapping and poisoning of introduced predators around Fox Glacier, more than 100 birds have been released in the Lake Matheson area. That's good news for the tourist town of Fox Glacier, which has not only had visitor numbers drastically affected by Covid-19, but also by a massive landslide that permanently closed road access to the glacier. Lead Guide of Fox Glacier Guiding Marius Bron says he's "excited" by the return of kiwi to the area and the implications for future eco-tourist ventures in the area.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 28, 2022 11:45 UTC