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 Day visitors to Tiritiri Matangi are likely to see all but one of the translocated species of bird present on the island. The one they almost certainly won’t see is the Little Spotted Kiwi because, like all Kiwi, they are nocturnal. For those fortunate enough to spend the night on the island, a night walk can be a most rewarding experience. As the Kiwi population grows and the birds become increasingly tolerant of human presence, the chance of an encounter has gone from being a possibility to a probability.5 pair of Little Spotted Kiwi were released on Tiri in 1993, followed by 6 more birds 2 years later. A 1997 census showed the birds are breeding well with a population of around 25. This includes the largest ever Little Spotted Kiwi recorded, a female weighing almost 2kg. Endemic to New Zealand, there are also three other distinct species of Kiwi. By far the most common are the Brown Kiwi and Tokoeka. These are widespread in the North and Stewart Islands. There are two subspecies of Tokoeka. There are also two subspecies of Brown Kiwi, the North Island and Okarito. However, evidence now suggests that these may each be a separate species. The Little Spotted is the smallest and rarest of the Kiwi. Whilst a few birds may still exist in the South Island, the only certain populations are on six offshore islands, with most of these on Kapiti Island. Relative to body size, the egg of the Little Spotted Kiwi is the largest of any bird. Slightly larger than the Brown Kiwi is The Great Spotted Kiwi. Once found throughout the upper South Island, they exist now only in the North West. Despite being our national symbol, the Kiwi is rarely seen outside of captivity. It is a tragedy that, without outside help. they are expected to all but disappear from the mainland within fifty years. The reason for this, once again, is predation. Although adults can generally fend off attacks from all but dogs, other predators, particularly stoats, wreak havoc on nests and juvenile populations. Juveniles leave their parents very early and it is believed that only 1% to 5% survive their first year. There is some hope however, thanks to "Operation Nest Egg", a programme whereby eggs and juvenile Kiwi are removed from the wild and raised in captivity. They are then released into their original habitat when large enough to fend for themselves. The five yearly census has just been conducted nationally. On Tiritiri Matangi this took place one week in early July 2002 using a team of dedicated volunteers and dogs. Tiritiri Matangi once again had the heaviest female and male, exceeding previous records - female: 2040g and male: 1540g. Photo 14 birds were caught this time, of which 3 were from the original release, 3 were island bred and recorded in the 1997 census, 8 were unbanded, island bred in the last 5 years. The estimated population for this survey is approximately 50 birds. Photography by: Simon Fordham ©
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