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
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