Tahr control to resume

The Department of Conservation’s (DOC) ambitious tahr control programme is set to resume in July.

The programme, which aims to bring the number of tahr down on Crown and conservation land over time, had been partially delayed due to Covid-19.

DOC tahr programme manager James Holborow said it hoped to get the new programme under way next month.

‘‘Throughout the duration of New Zealand’s Covid-19 response, we have been focused on supporting the hunting sector by providing clear information on when hunters would be able to access public conservation land for recreational and commercial hunting,’’ he said.

The Himalayan mountain goat is considered a pest animal because it disturbs several native plants in the high country. It is also sought after by hunters as a trophy animal.

‘‘Due to Covid-19 restrictions we were not able to commence work with Land Information New Zealand to survey the number of Himalayan tahr on Crown land, including pastoral leases,’’ Holborow said.

‘‘This aerial monitoring survey would have helped us to gain a better understanding of the wider tahr population. This work is being postponed until later in the year as this type of survey is most effective between spring and autumn.’’

Holborow said the tahr population on conservation land is estimated to be about

35,000.

The Himalayan Tahr control plan calls to limit the population to 10,000 on Crown and conservation land.

‘‘Since July 2019, we have collectively reduced the Himalayan tahr population on public conservation land by 12,000. The goal for this season will be to continue making progress.’’

Holborow acknowledged the commercial hunting sector has been affected by

Covid-19 and this will have an impact on projected control for the 2020-21 season.