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.