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Photo of kiwi (Apteryx sp.)Kiwi

Kiwi (Apteryx spp.) are flightless, nocturnal birds, which feed largely on invertebrates. They lay a single, very large egg. Currently, the populations of the five kiwi species total about 70,000.

All kiwi species are in decline and considered threatened. Their rates of decline depend on the densities of introduced predators, especially dogs, ferrets, stoats and cats. The fastest rate of decline is in lowland areas, with slower declines or stable populations at high-altitude sites, where predators are absent or scarce.

Guided by a recovery plan, the Department of Conservation's strategy includes:

  • protecting nests, chicks and adults from predators in the wild
  • collecting eggs or chicks from the wild and raising them in captivity for release back into the wild when they are able to defend themselves from stoats and cats
  • undertaking research into their genetics, breeding ecology and habitat requirements
  • empowering iwi and community groups to manage kiwi populations, especially where kiwi are still found on private land.

Current situation

The brown kiwi is still widespread in the central and northern North Island. Rowi are found only at South Ōkarito on the West Coast, but distinct populations of tokoeka (formerly believed to be brown kiwi) are present at Haast, Fiordland and on Stewart Island. Great spotted kiwi can be found in the northwestern South Island, while little spotted kiwi are restricted to five offshore islands and the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellington.

Kiwi now occupy about 17 per cent of their estimated original range, as a result of habitat loss and predation. Since the 1970s, their range has decreased by about 20 per cent.

Change in distribution of the kiwi

Map showing the change in distribution of the kiwi (all species)

Note: All species are combined to show their overall distribution.
Data source: Department of Conservation.

The map above shows the distribution of kiwi (all species) in New Zealand, including the estimated pre-human, 1970s and current (2007) distributions. It shows that their range has contracted and now occupies about 17 per cent of the original range.

 

This information has come from the latest national state of the environment report Environment New Zealand 2007.

 

Move to the next indicator species, the kākā.

Last updated: December 2007