Kiwi Chicks Hatch in New Zealand Capital after Century
Exciting news! Conservationists have found two kiwi chicks in Wellington, marking the first successful wild births of these iconic birds in over 150 years in New Zealand's capital
Two kiwi chicks have been found in Wellington, marking the first wild births for the bird in the New Zealand capital in over 150 years. This discovery comes just a year after the Capital Kiwi Project successfully reintroduced the iconic national bird to the city, which is home to around 400,000 people.
Hailing from Makara, a suburb located just 25 minutes from the heart of Wellington, their arrival brings the local population of North Island brown kiwi to a total of 65. Considered one of the most prevalent kiwi species in New Zealand, the brown kiwi is at risk of disappearing from the wild within two generations if proper conservation efforts and support are not put in place, as stated by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
The Capital Kiwi Project anticipates the hatching of 18 more brown kiwi chicks as part of its effort to reestablish a thriving wild population of kiwi in New Zealand's capital. The project intends to employ transmitters to track the two upcoming kiwi chicks, as well as any additional hatchlings.
Save the Kiwi charity reports that New Zealand's kiwi population has declined from around 12 million to just 68,000. The organization is one of about 90 kiwi conservation programs working to increase the population.
The Kiwi Recovery Plan was initiated by the New Zealand Department of Conservation in 1991, placing emphasis on both predator control and community involvement. The Department reports that the country's kiwi population is decreasing by an average of 2% annually, primarily as a result of predators such as stoats, cats, dogs, and ferrets.
Save the Kiwi reports that 95% of wild-born kiwi in New Zealand do not survive to adulthood.
According to Paul Ward, team leader of the Capital Kiwi Project, the main threat to adult kiwi is roaming dogs, while stoats are responsible for preying on kiwi chicks before they reach maturity.
Ward expressed optimism about the project, after the release of the 63 kiwi near Wellington last November which marked the first time in about a century that wild kiwi have lived in the area.
