A KIWI STORY

THE KIWI Endemic to NZ Endangered 5 species : – Brown – Great spotted – Little spotted – Rowi – Tokoeka Distribution – small population scattered around NZ

Distribution Small isolated groups

SOME INTERESTING FACTS Nocturnal Sleep and nest in burrows Can’t fly – no wing or tail feathers Long beak, nostrils at tip –eat worms, grubs, spiders, berries Strong legs, big claws Whiskers Huge eggs – dad sits on the egg

WHY ARE KIWI ENDANGERED? Small population size, slow to reproduce, numbers declining At risk from being attacked by predators (stoats, ferrets, cats, rats*, hedgehogs*, dogs, humans) because they: – Can’t fly – Live/nest on the ground Loss of habitat (their home and food supply) – Chopping down forests/bush for farming, wild pig grazing, fires Death or injury by traps, poisons

HOW DO WE PROTECT THEM? Department of Conservation (DOC) Provide a predator-free habitat Track and monitor birds Collect eggs and raise chicks in a safe place Release chicks back into the wild

Mt Ruapehu - Tongariro National Park

TRACKING KIWI A transmitter is attached to kiwis leg The transmitter makes a sound that can be heard on a special radio The closer you get to the bird the louder the beep on the radio

Kiwi sleep in burrows To catch a kiwi you have to crawl into the burrow!

Over 70 species of NZ birds are endangered Some live right here in Mid Canterbury

Black billed gull nests in Ashburton river

Kea Ski fields – Mt Hutt, Craigieburn

NZ Falcon Ashburton lakes Vineyards using them to scare away birds that eat the grapes

Southern crested grebe Ashburton lakes Mackenzie lakes

Black stilt Mackenzie lakes - Twizel

Rifleman – NZ’s smallest bird

What can you do to help? Don’t destroy nests or eggs! Learn about birds – Books – Internet – Museum, clubs & societies – Go out into the wild and look for them Talk to friends and family about birds and why we need to look after some of them Make a bird feeder or grow plants that attract birds in your garden

Some common birds