Key Takeaways
- The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson has successfully bred little spotted kiwi, also known as kiwi pukupuku, just six months after their reintroduction.
- The first chick has hatched, and breeding has begun, with multiple males showing signs of incubation.
- The sanctuary has been working to create a pest-free environment, allowing the kiwi to thrive and potentially reach a capacity of 300-350 birds.
- Night tours at the sanctuary have been popular, with visitors having close encounters with the kiwi and other native species.
- The sanctuary plans to continue night tours into the summer months and hopes to translocate other native bird species, such as kākā and mohua, in the future.
Introduction to the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson has achieved a significant milestone in its conservation efforts. Just over six months after the reintroduction of little spotted kiwi, also known as kiwi pukupuku, breeding has begun, and the first chick has hatched. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the sanctuary’s hard work in creating a pest-free environment, allowing the kiwi to thrive. In May, 41 little spotted kiwi were translocated from Kapiti Island to the fenced sanctuary in Nelson, and the team has been closely monitoring their progress.
Breeding and Incubation
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary ecologist Robert Schadewinkel expressed his delight at the news, stating that the team had been hopeful the birds would breed this season. Little spotted kiwi typically lay eggs between July and January, with an incubation period of 65 to 75 days. The male birds take on the incubation duties, and Schadewinkel noted that five of the 10 male birds fitted with transmitters were visiting the same burrow, indicating they were breeding. Trail cameras were set up near the burrows to catch footage of the chicks when they emerged, and Schadewinkel was overjoyed when he captured footage of the first fluffy kiwi chick wandering around in the bush.
Conservation Efforts and Sanctuary Management
The arrival of kiwi chicks is a significant milestone for the sanctuary, which has been working tirelessly to create a suitable habitat for the birds. Sanctuary chief executive Chris McCormack said the kiwi’s rapid establishment and breeding were a testament to the abundance of food in the sanctuary. The team hopes to increase the kiwi population to 300-350 birds in the future. The sanctuary has also begun night tours, which have proven popular, with over a thousand people taking a guided tour between July and November. Visitors have been lucky enough to hear kiwi calling to each other, and some have even had close encounters with the birds.
Encounters with Kiwi and Future Plans
McCormack shared a remarkable encounter he had during a recent tour, where a visitor was surprised by a kiwi at her feet. The kiwi jumped into the bushes and then returned, allowing the group to watch it disappear into the night. McCormack said the encounter left him speechless, as seeing kiwi is often likened to finding a needle in a haystack. The sanctuary plans to continue night tours into the summer months, allowing visitors to experience the wildlife after dark. Additionally, the team hopes to translocate other native bird species, such as kākā and mohua, to the sanctuary in the future.
Kiwi Pukupuku Conservation Status
Kiwi pukupuku were thought to be functionally extinct in the South Island until a chance discovery on the West Coast earlier this year. In July, a female kiwi pukupuku was found in the remote Adams Wilderness Area, marking the first sighting in 50 years. The species is extremely vulnerable to introduced predators, and until now, it was believed they only survived in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites. The Department of Conservation is working with Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio to explore the future protection and management of the birds. The discovery of kiwi pukupuku in the South Island highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect these unique and vulnerable species.
