Rarest of Birds Returns to Forest

In New Zealand, the Rowi kiwi is one of the rarest wild birds, with a population of about 350. Their numbers plunged due to the impacts of predators, like the stoat, and habitat loss. Recently about 35 of them were released on South Island in the Okarito Forest. Rowi kiwis have not lived there for twenty years. It was the largest release of rowi kiwi ever. A conservation official there, Mr. Livingstone said, “The department is increasing the species’ numbers pretty consistently, meaning we’re now in a position to help these birds claim back old habitats.” (Source: BayofPlentyTimes) He also said it was good luck there was forest remaining for the birds, as their habitat had been diminished enough they had been pushed back where they had no other place to go.

Their eggs had to be removed by conservation workers and hatched on a predator-free island to ensure their safety. Okarito is the only place they live in the wild. All the reintroduced kiwi have radio transmitters attached to them so scientists can track their locations and behavior. Scientists hope the young kiwis are mature and strong enough to protect themselves from predators. If all goes according to plan, they will be in good condition for the next breeding season and begin repopulating their natural habitat. Both male and female rowi kiwi take turns caring for the one egg per year they produce. Most pairs mate for life. Although the overall population is very small, and the bird’s status is critically endangered, they can live up to 100 years.

Okarito Forest is located on the South Island, the largest New Zealand island, sometimes called the mainland. The forest is near Okarito Lagoon which is the largest unaltered wetland in New Zealand. A small town of about thirty people there is called Okarito. There are bird watching, eco-tours and kayak tours for the lagoon. If the rowi kiwi can recover to a stable population, perhaps one day they will be included in the bird watching tours. Due to its natural beauty, New Zealand draws many tourists every year and tourism generates large revenues for the country.

Image Credit: Livingheritage.org

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Sheila A.

11:31AM PDT on Jul 21, 2011

Wow, I didn't realize they took turns in carrying the egg.

send a green star

Ruth M.

9:41AM PDT on Jul 21, 2011

aw thats so awesome! they're making a come back! :)

Hartson D.

10:56AM PDT on May 25, 2011

Eco tourism will play a large part in protecting an areas native wild life.

Kathleen D.

6:51AM PDT on May 25, 2011

One more really encouraging and great story of efforts to save instead of destroy. It's amazing the potential life-span of this bird and hopefully in a hundred years it's numbers will be multiplied in great numbers and it's habitat restored to ensure continued survival. Hopefully humans will be much more evolved in a humanitarian way and respect all inhabitants of the earth!

Dave C.

11:21AM PDT on May 24, 2011

good news.

Judith E.

9:31AM PDT on May 24, 2011

Thanks! Kiwi are way bigger than i thought! :D

Bon L.

1:34AM PST on Feb 20, 2011

Thanks for the info.

Alessandra C.

12:49PM PST on Feb 19, 2011

I would like to be of help in situations like this. Still we can all help even where we live (italy). I do some volunteer for the dog shelter and I'm so incredibly happy when one of the dogs is adopted by a good family. If people knew how much satisfaction you get in helping living creatures, either rare or not!

Janice K.

9:42AM PST on Jan 5, 2011

uplifting, happy story! loved it!

Robert O.

6:04PM PST on Dec 20, 2010

Amazing...and unusual. Thanks.