The Kiwi

All species of kiwi need help to survive.

If we do not help the kiwi it will become extinct.

Keep reading to learn more about the kiwi and how you can help...

There are 6 varieties of kiwi: North Island Brown, Little Spotted, Great Spotted, Okarito Brown, Haast Tokoeka, Southern Tokoeka

Brown kiwi kicking

Kiwi can live to be 40 years old
Whiskers for feeling in the dark
Tiny wings – the kiwi didn't need to fly when there were no predators in New Zealand
Nostrils at tip of beak for sniffing out worms and spiders to eat
Eyes which are good for seeing in the dark
A female kiwi gives birth to an egg 20% its own body weight
Long beak to probe in the soft earth
Feathers, rough and shaggy – no use for flying
Powerful legs for running, kicking and burrowing
Razor sharp claws
Kiwi are endemic to New Zealand

People living in New Zealand are very lucky. It is a beautiful country to explore and has some very unique wildlife, including one special bird - which New Zealanders have proudly taken their nickname!

'Kiwi' - a wonderful nickname!

It is true that New Zealanders treasure the kiwi but it has not been treasured enough ……

the kiwi is in danger!

Dogs do kill kiwi - do you know where your dog is?

Cattlestops

Cars

Possum traps

Habitat Loss

Introduced Predators

Cats and Dogs

Rats

Possums

Ferrets

The kiwi cannot defend itself against all of these dangers.

The kiwi needs your help!

Be a responsible pet owner.
Keep your dog on a leash when you are near forests and don’t dump unwanted pets in the bush.

Protect New Zealand's Native Forests!
New Zealand is the only place in the world where kiwi are found in the wild and they don’t live in cities and towns like most people. While you are caring for the kiwi remember to care for the forest too – that’s where the kiwi is living!

Lots of people are caring for the kiwi......

In the 1980s scientists and visitors to the forest realised that the number of kiwi was decreasing. They decided something had to be done.

In 1990 the Threatened Species Trust was formed. Learn more about it on the DOC website

Kiwi Recovery Programme
In 1991 Forest and Bird, the Department of Conservation and the Bank of New Zealand launched the Kiwi Recovery Programme – a big project to learn more about the kiwi and help save the kiwi from extinction. In 2003 the Kiwi Recovery Programme changed to be the 'Kiwi Recovery Trust', which is separate from the Threatened Species Trust.	check out this website to learn heaps more about the kiwi www.kiwirecovery.org.nz

'Kiwis For Kiwis' Campaign

In September 1998 Forest and Bird launched the ‘Kiwis for Kiwis’ campaign. Forest and Bird want to secure the future of the kiwi by protecting kiwi habitat and by controlling introduced predators. Go to the Forest and Bird website to learn about the 'Kiwis for Kiwis' campaign. www.forestandbird.org.nz

The 'kiwi for kiwis' campaign worked...
June 2000 - The government pledged more money to help save the kiwi and kiwi habitat. Go to the 'Media Releases' in the Forest and Bird website to learn more about it.

There are a lot of people taking care of the kiwi – and don’t forget that you can help!

Write to the Minister of Conservation, explain, in your own words why you think the kiwi is worth saving and the New Zealand government must do all they can to help.

Great Spotted Kiwi running

This fact sheet was updated in November 2004.
Learn more about the kiwi... Map Photos Story Resources