Kiwi News July 2010

Its time to catch up with Bridget and what is happening with our kiwi.

Ohope Scenic Reserve

All kiwi have been pinged here this month.  Some of the Juvies had health checks this month.  Punga had his second health check done and weighed in at 1230gms.  Aotearoa's health check is due, but at present Bridget is unable to find him.  Toi has started to head south and had his second health check.  He weighed in at 1080gms. Rangiremoana and Wainui both had their first health checks in the wild and weighed 1010gms and 1060gms.

In August and in September we are doing egg lifts for Operation Nest Egg. Pouraiti, Mika, Kahurangi and Te Hau are all incubating, so fingers crossed.

Mokorua

All birds have been pinged here this month.  Noti, Wiremu and and Marie are all due to be changed to their adult transmitters. Te Kauhoe will just have his transmitter changed for another juvie one.  Oneone is now due for his second health check.  Koru unfortunately has still not been found, but Michelle and Dave will be going up in a helicopter to see if they can get her signal.

Razorback Ridge

Rewi-Ray, Ngahuia and Morehu were all pinged this month.  However Naomi and Wharua were not found.  There is at present extensive logging happening on the ridge and Bridget is hesitant to venture up there while this is happening.  Also due many slips after the recent weather the road have been closed off.

Kohi Point

Whiuwhiu, Kapu, Te Rangi, Ranginui and Te Ra are all due for their transmitter changes.  Moko will be having his second health check in August.

Wainui

Hirimai had his first health check and is looking very good.  Egg lifts are due here this next month with Rata, Rua, Te Kooti and James all incubating.

Moutohora

Bridget will be heading over to island in August to check all the males and change Motu's transmitter.

Omataroa Kiwi Project

They have caught new new (very large) males here and are now keeping an eye on them.

Kiwi Week and Kiwiathon 2010

The Whakatane Kiwi Trust had another successful Kiwi Week and Kiwiathon.  Thank you to all the volunteers who helped and attended the live auction at Radio 1XX on Sunday 1st August. 

We had a BBQ and announced the winner of the flights to Sydney - thanks Donella and everyone at Harvey World Travel.

Also thanks to Putauaki School who has been studying kiwi in class and turned up with an amazing poster of a kiwi that was covered in donations from their school.  Thanks Guys!!! 

They also stayed on and Guss our Avian Aversion Trainer showed them how training dogs to avoid kiwi can help the kiwi to survive.

We are still counting the donations - so watch this space to see how much we have raised.

Thanks everyone!!!!!

Avian Aversion Training 1st August 2010

Dogs pose a serious threat to the survival of kiwi. By having your dog kiwi aversion trained, you can reduce the risk of your dog killing kiwi.

The next training will be on 1st August 2010


Near Radio 1XX, Whakatane as part of the Trusts Kiwi Week.

$10 per dog.

To book please phone Louiese on 07 308 4890

Kiwi News June 2010

Hi all, this is the latest kiwi news from Bridget Evans, our Project Manager.

Ohope Scenic Reserve

All birds were 'pinged' this month.  As well as our other adult males, Bridget found another male near the Fairbrother Loop who now has a transmitter on and has been called Krishna.  Bridget thinks he is a lonely male but she is keeping an eye on him.

The Juvies are doing well.  Ohope is now in the central Fairbrother Loop Track. Hawea was caught for a transmitter change and a health check. He was a bit light at 1275gms, so has not progressed to the adult transmitter.  Whetu was caught and now has an adult transmitter on.  He weighed in at 1320gms and will be checked again in six months. Punga, Aotearoa and Toi are due health checks soon. 

Bridget released two new chicks this month, Rangireremoana and Wainui.  Rangi is from Omataroa and Wainui is from Wainui.  The were dedicated to all the Trappers and Volunteers who help the Trust.

It's now breeding season, and four males in Ohope have started to incubate.  Our first egg lift will be at the end of August.

This month has also seen Bridget conducting a Kiwi Survey in the Ohope Scenic Reserve.  Rough figures seem to indicate 26 male Kiwi, 15 of which are paired up.

Mokorua

3 of the 4 birds released here in February are still in the reserve.  Noti however is starting to move towards the southern boundary.  Koru has still not been found, but Bridget has not got a mortality signal on the transmitter either, so there is still hope. Oneone had his first health check and weighed in at 1070gms.

Razorback Ridge.

All birds were 'pinged' here.

Kohi Point

Ten kiwi are being monitored here and all have consistently 'pinged'.  Whiuwhiu had his transmitter changed for an adult one.  Awanui had an early health check, all good but Bridget had to change his transmitter band.  Moko had his first health check and weighed in at 1210gms.  Orini is due his first health check.

Wainui

Te Kooti is incubating, it's his first lot.  Rata is also incubating.  A young chick from Toes Twos called Hirimai was released into Wainui following a ceremony at the Marae at the end of Te Kooti Road.

Moutohora

Morena's transmitter was changed this month.  He was found in a burrow with a very big Awhi!  Motu's transmitter change and health check is due soon.

We are now all looking forward to egg lifts and a new season of kiwi chicks.

Out pinging Kiwi with Laura Morgan

I managed to get out of the office today and went pinging Kiwi with Laura Morgan, one of our dedicated volunteers. We were also joined by Ruairi Kelly and Sam Thompson.  Laura goes out regularly to help Bridget 'ping' kiwi that we have transmitters on. 

It is important to do this so we can keep a track on where the kiwi are, whether they are incubating, and to help us track them for their health checks. Each kiwi has a certain channel they are on and the sound that is detected can tell us what is happening to them.  When they are incubating the 'ping' is different from when they are not.

Today I, Ruairi and Sam had a go at using the ariel and we picked up most of the kiwi in the area.

Vicky Kelly

Volunteers and Trappers BBQ and Kiwi Ceremony 7th July 2010

On the 7th July 2010 the Whakatane Kiwi Trust held a BBQ and special Kiwi ceremony for the volunteers and trappers who help the Trust.

The Trust honoured the Trappers who tirelessly devote themselves to ridding the bush of pests such as rats, stoats and weasels that were brought to New Zealand.

Other volunteers were also honoured, including the Kiwi Call Listening Tours team led by Russell Ingram-Seal and the people who help Bridget Evans, The Kiwi Project Manager, in the field.

Two Kiwi were blessed - one from Wainui and the other from the Omataroa Project.  Both will be released into the Ohope Scenic Reserve.

For more photos of the evening see the slideshow to the left of the screen.

Quota Conference Kiwi Release June 2010

Here are some photos from the recent kiwi ceremony at the Quota Conference here in Whakatane.

Stanford Womens Rugby Team 24th June 2010

On the 24th June 2010, The women's rugby team of the prestigious Stanford University came and volunteered for the Whakatane Kiwi Trust.  12 girls helped the Trust track kiwi and clear vegetation while some others went to Kawerau to help with 'Habitat for Humanity'.

The day started with breakfast for all prepared by the Trust and talks from David Paine, EBOP's Pest Control Officer and Bridget Evans, the Kiwi Projects Manager.

The girls enjoyed their time in the bush with comments such as "neat day”, “crazy hearing the pinging of the sleeping Kiwi”, “a great tramp”, “the trappers were great and very fit”, “we tried to stay out of the way”, “lunch and the kiwis were terrific”.

The Team presented the Trust with a Sweatshirt that will be auctioned at the Kiwiathon at the end of July 2010.

Kiwi Week and Kiwiathon 2010

Kiwi Week 2010

Monday 26 July to Sunday 1 August

In September 2009 Radio 1XX in Whakatane held the first ever ‘Kiwiathon’ and raised over $3000 for the Whakatane Kiwi Trust. The Kiwiathon included a phone-in auction of items donated by the Whakatane business community, phone-in pledges, kiwi music, kiwi facts, guest speakers and a fund raising Bar-B-Q.
In July 2010, Radio 1XX will again host a Kiwiathon and hopes to raise $10,000 for the Whakatane Kiwi Trust.

Most of the work done by the Whakatane Kiwi Trust, including predator control, kiwi aversion training for dogs, education, kiwi releases, fund raising and publicity, is undertaken by volunteers. Helping the Trust to support its volunteers and to provide support and equipment directly contributes to the wellbeing of the kiwi.
During Kiwi Week, The Whakatane Kiwi Trust will promote Coins for Kiwi - collection buckets will be placed at various locations through the district for customers, clients and staff to place a gold coin donation.We encourage businesses to challenge each other.

The weekend of July 31st and August 1st will again see a Kiwiathon hosted by Radio1XX from 10am to 2pm on both days.An auction on radio willl be held with sponsored goods from various businesses in our district. Sunday afternoon will conclude with a live auction of extra goods,a BBQ,the live draw of our major prize of 2 return flights to Sydney from Harvey World Travel and a Kiwi release all at Radio 1XX - items can be previewed at 1XX.co.nz from 1st July 2010.

Also during the week there will be a static display by Whakatane District Council in the old Briscoes building in the Mall , a Kiwi Encounter educational display in the Info Centre and a dog aversion training session.

Dog Avian Aversion Training 20th June 2010

Do you have a dog and live near native or pine forests?

Dogs pose a serious threat to the survival of kiwi. By having your dog kiwi aversion trained you can reduce the risk of your dog killing kiwi. The

Whakatane Kiwi Trust is providing subsidised aversion training - so book your dog in now!

Training takes just 15 min per dog.

Kiwi Aversion Training
Venue: Hedley Farm, Te Kooti Road, Wainui
Date: Sunday 20th June 2010
Time: 9.00am onwards
Cost: $10 per dog

Bookings essential. Phone: Louiese on 07 308 4890

Help protect Whakatane kiwi

May 2010 Kiwi News

Bridget is back from holiday and has updated us with some news about whats been going on with the kiwi in May!

Ohope Scenic Reserve
Six breeding males are being monitored: Te Hau, Kahurangi, Mika, Two Toes, Big Al and Pouraiti.  Two Toes and Big Al had there transmitters changed this month.

Out of the the newly released chicks/juveniles this month all are doing well.  Ohope is up on Toi's Track and Hawea is still in the reserve and not moving far.  Punga was caught for his first health check and has put on 65gms and now weighs a healthy 1160gms.  Aotearoa, who was released in honour of our new sponsor GBK in the UK, and nicknamed Beetroot, has had his first health check.  He put on 26gms and now weighs 1020gms. Toi has also had a health check and has put on 52gms - he is now at 1050gms.  Whetu who was released in January was caught using Bridget's dog Tai - a specially trained kiwi dog - he looked OK but unfortunately was a bit light.

Generally, in the reserve Bridget has been conducting a call count of the kiwi that live there.  This is using DoC Best Practice Procedures and involves passive listening for an hour, half an hour after dusk, then soliciting calls using recordings of male and females.  She has already heard calls from kiwi without transmitters, possibly 9 males, 3 of which were dueting with females.  She is very excited by this and hopes to catch a couple to use in Operation Nest Egg.

Mokorua
Three of the chicks released here in February were caught for their second health checks. Wiremu weighed 1230gms, Noti weighed 1310gms and Marie weighed 1300gms.  Unfortunately another chick released here, Koru, could not be found.  We are bit worried because of the washout through the reserve since the recent storms. 
Access has been difficult for Bridget as the main stream that runs from the pine block at the southern end of the reserve has completely taken out the track and filled the gully with pine slash. Tai, however, indicated several kiwi tracks in silt that has built up along the stream and none of the seem to be from birds with transmitters.  One was definitely an adult while the other two looked like juvenile birds.  She is very excited by this!

A kiwi we haven't seen for awhile, Te Kauhoe, was consistently 'pinged' this month which has been a relief.
In may Oneone was released here for the Whakatane District Council and he seems to be doing well.

Razorback Ridge
Rewi-Ray, Naomi, Ngahuia, Wharua and Morehu were all 'pinged' this month.  Unfortunately Bridget could not locate Mauri and thinks her transmitter battery might be flat.  Tai however indicted several kiwi poos along the main ridge in Waiotane.

Kohi Point
All of the bird here were pinged each week in May.  There are nine kiwi currently being monitored here.   Three were caught for their health checks.  Kohine was looking good and weighed 1190gms.  Kapua also was looking great and weighed in at 1250gms.  Awanui was caught by our other kiwi monitors Michelle and Laura for his first health check.  Although looking OK he was a little lighter than his release weight.

Moko was also released in May after a ceremony at Paroa School.

Wainui and Waiotane Extension Area
Unfortunately Windi has dropped his transmitter and was living in a swamp so he has been difficult to get to.  He has now moved towards the ridge but without his transmitter.

Moutohora
Morena is due for a transmitter change as is Motu.

Omataroa Kiwi Project
Alaska was returned to the forest this month after a stay at Rosemary Tully's.  unfortunately her transmitter keeps changing to the mortality signal! After this happening a couple times Bridget, Ian, Fran and Laura set out to change it - they finally succeeded.  They also located Vollie.  Recently, 3 males, however have dropped there transmitters.

Bridget would like to say a great thank you to Michelle, Laura and Dave A who monitored the kiwi in her absence. Their help was much appreciated!!!!

Kiwi Call Listening Tours

Although the Ohope Scenic Reserve has been closed to the public, due to landslides on the Fairbrother Loop, the Kiwi Call Listening Tours are still going ahead.  If there is any other news, the people booked in on tours will be advised on the day of their tour. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 07 312 6201 for anymore information.

Thanks
Vicky Kelly

Ohope Scenic Reserve Path Closures

Ohope Scenic Reserve closed until further notice
The Department of Conservation would like to advise anyone that wishes to use the walking tracks in Ohope Scenic Reserve to find alternatives.
The heavy rain over the last ten days has led to numerous slips through Ohope Scenic Reserve, effecting both the Fairbrother Loop and the link section of the wider Nga Tapuwae o Toi track system.
“It is regrettable that we have had to take this step, but it is in the interests of everyone’s safety. This is a very popular track with visitors and locals alike and we will be assessing the situation over the next few days to see what is required to open up the Scenic Reserve again” said John Ballantyne, Programme Manager, Visitor Assets for the Gisborne-Whakatane Area Office.
DOC would like to remind the public that after such extreme weather events to have caution when entering the outdoors. Not all tracks can be checked straight away and if you come across damage (fallen trees or slips across tracks) to let your local DOC office know as soon as possible.
To keep up to date with track closures, please visit http://www.doc.govt.nz/.

Dog Avian Aversion Training 30th May 2010

Sunday saw another successful Avian Aversion Training on Hinemoa Street in Whakatane. Louiese had dogs booked in all day which will greatly help with keeping our kiwi alive.

All dogs love the smell of kiwi and because kiwi can't fly, dogs find them easy to attack and kill.

Dogs need to be trained to leave kiwi alone. This is called avian aversion and awareness training. It is for hunting dogs and any other dogs that work or live around kiwi habitat.

The dogs are trained by getting an electric shock every time they go near kiwi feathers and poos. After some time the dog has learnt that kiwi give you a nasty shock, so they learn to stay away from them. Training takes ten minutes and costs $10 per dog.

Ohope, Kohi Point and Mokorua Scenic Reserves are all no dog zones under Whakatane District Council bylaws. People found to have dogs in one of these reserves will face prosecution and a $300 fine per dog.

Whakatane District Council Kiwi Ceremony 28th May 2010

 

On Friday 28th May 2010 - the Whakatane District Council were honoured for there work and support of the Kiwi Trust with the blessing of their own Kiwi. Oneone, which means earth, is a young male which will probably be followed for the rest of it's life and hopefully become a successful breeding male. 

BNZ Save the Kiwi - How the kiwi arrived in New Zealand

Hi all,

For everyone out there who is interested in how the kiwi got to New Zealand, check out the BNZ Save the Kiwi website at www.savethekiwi.org.nz/about-the-bird/kiwi-characteristics/how-kiwi-arrived.html

Also check out our Facebook Group and become a friend - just search for 'Whakatane Kiwi Trust'!

Ohope Scenic Reserve

Here is a few facts about Ohope Scenic Reserve where some of our kiwi live.

• 
  
  The Ohope Scenic Reserve includes of New Zealand's largest remaining coastal pohutukawa forests and has outstanding scenic and conservation values.
• 
  
  During the summer flowering season, the reserve is ablaze with crimson flowers.
• 
  
  Further inland the bush changes from a typical coastal forest of pohutukawa, kohe kohe, karaka, titoki, ngaio and akeake to other native trees such as rewarewa, tawa and kanuka.
• 
  
  In addition to North Island Brown kiwi, the reserve provides a habitat for common native and introduced forest-dwelling birds species such as tui, bellbird, grey warbler, North Island fantail, silvereye, long-tailed cuckoo, shining cuckoo and morepork.
• 
  
  It is likely that native lizards such as common and forest geckos and copper and ornate skinks are present, but surveys are needed to confirm this.
• 
  
  The reserve is surrounded by land that is used for a variety of purposes including residential, landfill, road reserve and farming.
• 
  
  Ongoing management of pest plants and animals in the reserve and on neighbouring private properties is needed to ensure that the health of the reserve is protected and enhanced.
• 
  
  There are four main streams and several tributaries within Ohope Scenic Reserve, all of which have significant ecological values.
• 
  
  Te Hiku o te Tuna Stream, running adjacent with Ohope Hill Road and discharging to the coast at Ohope, contains banded kokopu.
• 
  
  Te Hiku o te Tuna Stream has been subject to significant erosion as a result of storm events in 2004 and 2005.
• 
  
  The reserve, a popular walking and running area, is highly valued by the community for its recreational opportunities, and for the outstanding natural and cultural landscape which it provides so close to Whakatane, Ohope and the coast.

Young Chick Moko named at Ceremony at Paroa School

On 17th May 2010 Moko was officially named at a ceremony at Paroa School.

He was then released by Michelle and Laura at Kohi Point where he will monitored and hopefully become part of a future breeding pair.

Whakatane Kiwi Trust Welcomes GBK as a new corporate sponser with a Kiwi Release

Fans of the fabulous GBK Kiwiburger will be munching for a cause from April 2010.

GBK, the Gourmet Burger Kitchen, is a ‘posh burger’ company started by three kiwi backpackers in 2001 in the UK. GBK is now established throughout mainland UK.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen (gbk) is kick starting Spring by doing their bit to help save New Zealand’s endangered Kiwi. For every Kiwiburger purchased from the new Spring Menu, gbk will make a voluntary donation on the customer’s behalf of 25p which will go to help save the iconic New Zealand Kiwi in Whakatane. Special Thanks to GBK for all the support...
 
GBK MD, David Sykes, said that GBK was thrilled to be partnering with such a successful kiwi conservation project that was so well supported by its community, Councils, DoC and local Ngati Awa iwi.
“We are very proud of GBK’s New Zealand heritage and we consider it very appropriate that our gorgeous Kiwiburger can help a New Zealand kiwi conservation project,” said Cat Kebbeh, GBK’s Head of Marketing.

Cat Kebbeh said that GBK was looking forward to developing a long-term relationship with the Whakatane Kiwi Trust and watching kiwi flourish in Whakatane.

The Trust celebrated with a release of a special kiwi in honour of GBK.  Aotearoa was released in the Ohope Scenic Reserve by the Trusts Project Manager Bridget Evans.  He will hopefully go on to become a future breeding male.

Aotearoa was a natural in the limelight, posing for the cameras of the New Zealand Herald.

Special Naming Ceremony for the Environment Bay of Plenty Councillors

Thursday 22nd April saw a naming ceremony for one of our young kiwi chick.  This was especially for the councillors of Environment Bay of Plenty who have supported the Whakatane Kiwi Project and Trust greatly over the years.

The kiwi is named Toitehuatahi and will be released into the Ohope Scenic Reserve with a transmitter, for Bridget to track him.  It is hopeful he will become a future breeding male.

Nocturnal Kiwi Listening Walks

On April 20th 2010 The Whakatane Kiwi Trust began its series of nocturnal kiwi listening walks. These are run by long time volunteer for the Trust, Russell Ingram-Seal, with the help other experienced volunteer leaders. These walks will bring local members of the community and visitors to our town into the bush in the evenings to hear the call of our elusive iconic bird, the kiwi, a rare treat that we are lucky to have in Whakatane.

The walks also give the volunteers opportunities to record call counts to help with knowledge of the birds within the greater Whakatane district.

The walks start at 7pm and last for two hours, this includes an introduction to the area and work being done to protect kiwi. A good level of physical fitness is needed.

Dates for the next walks are (subject to weather):

May: 5th, 7th, 11th, 13th, 17th, 19th

June: 2nd, 4th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th

Adults: $15
Children (aged 8 to 17): $10
No children under 8 please.
Family Group (2 adults and 2 Children): $40

Children must be accompanied by one adult to each child.
School bookings are also possible.

For more information and bookings please contact Vicky Kelly on:

07 312 6201

Email: admn-whakatane.kiwi@windowslive.com

March/April 2010 Kiwi News

Here is another report from our Project Manager - Bridget Evans.

Ohope Scenic Reserve
All bird that are tagged pinged this last month.  There are six breeding males being monitored - Te Hau, Kahurangi, Mika, Two Toes, Big Al and Pouraiti.
Te Hau, Mika and Kahurangi has had their health check and transmitter changed.  Two Toes and Big Al are due for their transmitter change.

Out of the Juvies, Kohi has been caught and had her transmitter emoved as she is now over 12 months old.  Ohope was caught early April and all is ok.  Tokamauku was caught and had its transmitter removed.  Hawea has gone into Mika's territory, has had a health check and all is ok. Whetu is proving hard to catch.  He is Mika's territory and very near Hawea, but keeps being in swamp land so Bridget can't catch him!

Te Hau's only chicks have been released, the male is called Awanui but we are yet to name the female chick.  They were dedicated at a public release at Ohope Beach School on the Easter weekend.  Also released this month was Punga, Pouraiti's second chick.

In the Reserve, Night Listening Tours have started - see the 'Whats Happening' column - and we will be beginning call counts this season to keep an eye on kiwi numbers in the reserve.

Mokorua
There were four new chicks released here in February  Their names are Wiremu, Noti, Marie and Koru. They were all caught for their first health checks this month and all is ok.  All of them but Wiremu seems to be difficult to track as they are wandering quite widely.  Te Kauhoe who also lives here has also moved so Bridget is finding a challenge locating them all.

Razorback Ridge
Rewi-Ray has moved and hasn't been pinged for two weeks.  NgaHuia is now in Waiotane, as is Noami.  Wharua was released into Waiotane and is now heading south, and with a long time of treking Bridget caught her close to Tanetua.  She is now residing on a farm amongst the pines and pampas!!

Kohi Point
All the birds have pinged here each week.  All of the eight kiwi monitored here seem to be staying in the gorge during the dry weather.  After the bit of rain, however, they moved back to their usual spots.  There was a through search for Ranginui but without any success.  A new kiwi, Awanui, who was dedicated at Ohope Beach School on Easter weekend, was released here and is still near the release site.

Wainui
Out of the seven kiwi monitored here most of the males have had their transmitters changed.  There is plans to release two chicks here in July.

Waiotane Extension Area
As mentioned above, all is well. Morehu is still near Razorback Ridge and Mauri seems to be staying close to a private property.

Moutohora
3 birds are tagged here.  Tumanako has had his heath check and transmitter change.  He looked beautiful and weighed in at a hefty 2.31kg.  Humbumble has managed to drop her transmitter and Morena was nowhere to be found.

Omataroa Kiwi Project
Two chick were released here in March, but unfortunatley Alaska had to be taken to Rosemary Tully after she was discover with her transmitter on a mortality signal just six days after being released.  She has now been taken to Kiwi Encounter but her condition still remains a mystery.

February 2010 Kiwi News

Well we have news from our Project Manager Bridget Evans, on how our kiwis are doing out there:

There are six areas being monitored in Ohope Scenic Reserve, Mokorua and Kohi Point Reserves, Wainui, Moutohora, Omataroa and Waiotane.

Ohope Senic Reserve
We have 11 birds tagged here and all have been pinging regularly this last month.
We are monitoring 6 breeding males: Te Hau, Kahurangi, Mika, Two Toes, Big Al and Pouraiti.  We also have 5 juvies here - Kohi, Ohope, Tokamauku, Hawea and Whetu. Whetu was released at the beginning of January 2010, and Bridget tried to catch half way through February but unfortunately he was in gnarly swamp and eluded her.  They are all doing fine and its been a fairly quiet month.

Mokorua
Te Kauhore, the last kiwi to remain here  was found.  Four babies were realeased into the reserve: Wiremu, Noti, Marie and Koru.  They are going to be checked in March and Bridget has been using her dog 'Tai' to locate them.

Razorback Ridge
2 kiwis have pinged here in February.  Naomi was hiking back north and Ngahuia was also heading north.

Kohi Point
All birds here pinged each week in February.  7 kiwis are being monitored in this reserve.  Kohine and Kapua were released at the beginning of February and had their first health checks at the beginning of March.  They have put on at least 25gms and are doing well.  Kapu Te Rangi is very close to his original release site and had his transmitted changed to an adult one.  His current weight is 1330gms.  Te Whetu was also spotted but Ranginui seems to be eluding Bridget.  Whiuwhiu and Te Ra have both set up territories.

Wainui
Quiet month here and all 7 kiwis here are due for a transmitter change.

Waiotane
3 kiwi are being tracked here, and all have pinged regulary.  Morehu and Mauri are doing well, but there has been a concern over their weight gain at their last health check and their progress will be assessed in April.

Moutohora
5 birds are tagged here but not one has pinged in February.

Omataroa
7 kiwi are tagged here, but only 1 breeding male is being monitored. as 2 have lost their transmitters this season and 2 haven't bred. 5 eggs have been taken to Kiwi Encounter.

What is a Kiwi?

What is a Kiwi?


Kiwi are the smallest members of a group of birds called ratites, a group of flightless birds that includes rheas of South America, ostriches of Africa, emu of Australia, and cassowary of Papua New Guinea and the extinct moa of New Zealand.

External Features

The external features are the features of a kiwi that are most easily recognised are:

• flightless with only tiny wings

• no tail

• feathers very soft and hang loose, like hair

• extremely long bill with nostrils at the end

• legs are powerful and muscular

• fleshy footpads and a silent walk

Senses

Like humans, all animals have the senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. Kiwi have well developed senses for living in their environment.

• strong sense of smell due to very well developed olfactory lobe

• excellent hearing with large and visible ear openings

• cat-like whiskers on its face and around the base of its bill

• small eyes, can see well at night and in daylight too

Internal Features

The internal features are the features that cannot be easily seen. These can only be seen by xrays, ultrasound, or dissection.

• cone-shape skeleton, topped with a strong neck and a small head

• no keeled sternum to hold the flight muscles

• bones filled with marrow. Being flightless, bones do not have to be extra light

• large nasal cavities, for a greater sense of smell

• blood temperature is much lower than most other birds; between 37°C and 38°C

Behaviour

Kiwi build burrows in the ground that they sleep in. Kiwi have large territories and defend these by calling at important points. Kiwi can be good fighters, they can use their strong, solid legs and large claws.

At night, kiwi can be heard sniffing around in the dark and rustling leaves and twigs on the ground.

When danger is near a kiwi will sniff the air to sense whether they are safe. They are omnivores and locate their food by smell alone.

Kiwi usually mate for life. The female is bigger and dominates the male. Having one partner for life and the male sitting on the eggs is rare among birds. Kiwi can live as long as 40 to 50 years.


© Copyright Heurisko Ltd 2008

Kiwi Facts

Here are some Quick facts about Kiwi's

-Originally it was thought that The Kiwi's came from its call, a kind of 'Creech' sound, but it is actually from the Polynesian name for the Bristled- Thighed Curlew, the Kivi.  This bird has the same way of feeding as the Kiwi.

-It has very strong legs for burrowing and ripping apart vegetation.  These are very different than other birds legs and more like mammals - even with bone marrow.

-The Kiwi cannot fly and live in burrows on the ground with quite a large wandering range.  Then can travel up to 1 km in a night.

-Its diet is mainly worms, spiders, bugs, grubs and fruit.  Captive bred Kiwi's are fed ox hearts.

-A Kiwi's egg is large compared with the size of its body (An egg averages 20% of the females weight, compared to 2% for an Ostrich).

-The female is larger than the male. In some varieties, mainly the North Island Brown, the males are the ones that sit on the egg.

-Kiwi's have a good sense of smell and have nostrils on the end of their beak, the only bird to have this.  The snuffling noise they make is them trying to smell for their food.

-The Kiwi belongs to a group of birds called Ratities of which is the smallest member. This group includes some of the worlds biggest birds like the Emu, Ostrich, as well the extinct Moa and the Elephant Birds of Madagascar.  Ratities have a different bone structure than most birds, with less developed flight muscles.

-It has an average body temperature of 38 degrees C, which is 2 degrees lower than other birds and two degrees higher than humans.  It is very similar to other small mammals.

Kiwi's are more like mammals than birds, which makes them unique and special.

Kiwi Species

To begin with I thought it would be good to look at the different types of kiwi that live in New Zealand.  There 6 types, many dwindling in numbers.

North Island Brown - Apteryx mantelli

This is the most common kiwi and can be found in the upper side of the North Island.  This is the type of Kiwi that we have here in Whakatane.  They have reddish brown feathers, but the ones here have a slight blondish tint.  The average female weighs about 2.8kg while the male wieghs in at about 2.2kg.  Their average height is around 40cm.  Population: c.35,000

Okarita Brown - Apteryx mantelli

In 1993 the Okarita Brown was recognised as a distinct variety of kiwi.  They live in the forests just north of the Franz Josef Glacier on the South Island and can be identified by its slightly greyish feathers and sometimes white markings on its face.  With only around 140 alive today it is one of the rarest of the kiwi family.  Unfortunately predators have killed the young kiwi chicks with none living beyond 3 months in the last 3 years.  Population: c.140                                                                                  

Stewart Island Bround or Southern Tokoeka - Apteryx australis

This is the largest of the brown kiwis, and differ as they othen come out in the daytime.  The name Tokoeka means 'weka with a walking stick'.  The females actually take a turn sitting on the egg to incubate it unlike other types of kiwis.  It is believed they mate for life.  These kiwi are very social and it is not unusual for family members to live in the same burrow.  They are mainly found in Fiordland and Stewart Island.  Population: c. 27,000

Hasst Brown or Haast Tokoeko - Apteryx australis

These Kiwis  live in the high mountin basins of the Haast region on the South Island.  They are notorious rock climbers but unfortunately their numbers are also dwindling.  Population: c. 200

Little Spotted Kiwi - Apteryx oweni

This is the smallest species of kiwi.  Their feathers are brownish black but have grey bands that go around their body.  They are now extinct on the South Island and their population can be found on a few islands around the coast, the main one being Kapiti Island.  Their population was decimated by predators such as stoat, cats and dogs.  The only Little Spotted Kiwi found on the mainland are at the Wellington Sanctuary.  Population: c. 1200

Great Spotted Kiwi - Apteryx haastii

This is the largest of all the kiwi species and is only found in the South Island.  Nelson, Westland and Canterbury are the main areas and it prefers a habitat of harsh hill country.  Unlike other kiwis, the female only lays one egg a year, ( a North Island Brown can lay up to 6).  The chicks also can spend up to a year in the burrow with its parents.  Population: c. 10-20,000