Preserving indigenous kiwi species
In the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, the iconic kiwi bird faces numerous challenges to its survival. Five unique species of kiwi, each with their distinct characteristics, call this country home, each under varying degrees of threat.
The Great Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx maxima), the largest of the species, is native to the South Island. Living primarily in mountainous regions such as northwest Nelson and the Southern Alps, this kiwi is classified as vulnerable due to a 43% population decline over the past 45 years. The primary causes of this decline are introduced mammalian predators, such as dogs, stoats, cats, and ferrets, as well as habitat destruction. With an estimated population of less than 16,000 individuals, efforts to protect and conserve this species are crucial [1].
Another kiwi species, the Tokoeka (Apteryx australis), is one of the five main species alongside the Great Spotted, Okarito Brown, Little Spotted, and Rowi kiwi. However, specific threat levels for this species were not detailed in the search results [1].
The Okarito Brown Kiwi (Apteryx rowi) is another species found in New Zealand. Although specific threat levels are not provided in the search results, ongoing research is being conducted to understand their behaviour patterns, genetics, and more to ensure conservation efforts continue to be informed by the latest research [2].
The Little Spotted Kiwi, or Kiwi Pukupuku (Apteryx owenii), is the smallest and rarest species. Once thought to be extinct on the two main islands, it was recently rediscovered on the South Island mainland. Its status remains highly endangered due to predation by introduced pigs, stoats, and cats. As it was previously only known from predator-free offshore islands and fenced sanctuaries, its survival depends heavily on these protected areas [3].
The Great Grey Kiwi, or Roroa (Apteryx maxima), shares its name with the Great Spotted Kiwi. However, "Great Grey Kiwi" or "Roroa" is another common name for the Great Spotted Kiwi species [1].
General threats for all kiwi species include introduced predators, particularly stoats, which are the leading killers of kiwi chicks. Dogs and cats pose threats to both chicks and adult birds. Without active protection, the mortality rate for kiwi chicks is extremely high, with up to 95% of chicks dying before reaching adulthood [2].
To combat these threats, conservation efforts have been implemented across the country. One successful intervention is the development of offshore and mainland sanctuaries with strict predator control, habitat protection, and restoration. These sanctuaries, such as the Whangārei Kiwi Sanctuary, Moehau Kiwi Sanctuary, Tongariro Forest Kiwi Sanctuary, Ōkārito Kiwi Sanctuary, and Haast Tokoeka Kiwi Sanctuary, have led to dramatic increases in chick survival rates compared to outside the sanctuaries [1].
By mid-2019, this work has resulted in over 600 kiwi being released back to the wild. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch is one of the institutions involved in the conservation and management of kiwi. Operation Nest Egg is a programme used in these sanctuaries, which involves the removal of kiwi eggs from burrows and transportation to kiwi breeding and recovery sites for incubation [2].
Candling an egg allows conservation staff to determine its viability and age the egg within 1-2 days of its actual developmental stage. As these efforts continue, the future of New Zealand's endangered kiwi species remains hopeful.
References: [1] Department of Conservation (2021). Kiwis (Apteryx spp.). Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/kiwi/ [2] Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (2021). Kiwi. Retrieved from https://www.willowbank.co.nz/kiwi [3] New Zealand Bird Rescue (2021). Little Spotted Kiwi. Retrieved from https://www.nzbirdrescue.org.nz/species/little-spotted-kiwi/
Despite the dire threats facing New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird, efforts to conserve its various species are ongoing. Home-and-garden sanctuaries, such as the Whangārei Kiwi Sanctuary and Ōkārito Kiwi Sanctuary, have been crucial in protecting these precious birds, offering a safe environment for their lifestyle to flourish. These sanctuaries, beneficial not just for the kiwi but also for the home-and-garden ecosystems they inhabit, are a testament to New Zealand's commitment to its unique home-and-garden life.
