Two tiny little spotted kiwi chicks have given conservationists proof that a species thought extinct on mainland Aotearoa for nearly 50 years is not only surviving, but breeding on the West Coast.
The discovery followed the revelation earlier this year that kiwi pukupuku species had survived in the rugged South Westland wilderness. Until March, kiwi pukupuku were believed to exist only on pest-free offshore islands.
Department of Conservation (DOC) rangers initially confirmed a single bird in the remote area. Now, they've found nine birds, including two breeding pairs.
The discovery followed the revelation earlier this year that the species, thought to be extinct on mainland New Zealand for nearly 50 years, had survived on the West Coast. (Source: 1News)
DOC biodiversity ranger Laurie Keller says finding the chicks was an unforgettable moment.
"To see the two freshest kiwi pukupuku chicks is incredible – it's very, very special," she said.
The chicks, each weighing less than 200 grams, were carefully transported across the South Island after a brief stop to meet members of Ngāti Māhaki, mana whenua for the region. Kara Edwards, Pouārahi of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, told 1News holding a chick was overwhelming.
"We feel incredibly lucky to have a precious taonga in our midst. Our goal is for them to thrive here," she says.
At Willowbank, kiwi husbandry officer Bethany Brett said the team is "buzzing" about the challenge ahead.
"The fun that's coming up is the adventure of using our knowledge as a team to get to the next stage."
As the smallest kiwi species, pukupuku are highly vulnerable to predators and take up to three years to reach a 'stoat-safe' weight. Raising chicks in a controlled environment was a proven strategy to boost survival rates.
DOC project lead Iain Graham said the rediscovery opened a new chapter for kiwi conservation.
"We've now found nine individual birds in South Westland, including two sets of breeding pairs," he said. "We're expanding our search area and considering the best options for long-term conservation of this special population."
The work is supported by Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Ngāti Māhaki, with DOC urging the public to help through donations to the New Zealand Nature Fund.
For a species once thought lost to the mainland, the future suddenly looks brighter.
"These chicks are just the start of a journey," Keller said.
"It's a chance to learn about this smallest species of kiwi and secure a strong future for kiwi pukupuku."
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