The kiwi is an emblematic bird of New Zealand. Endemic to the archipelago, it embodies the cultural identity of the country, to the point that New Zealanders themselves are sometimes nicknamed “Kiwis”. Its singular appearance and its nocturnal lifestyle distinguish it from other birds. Despite its lack of functional wings, it has adapted to its island environment. Today, it faces many threats, its conservation is a major issue for New Zealand’s biodiversity.
Article and photographs by Svetlana Markoff / Edited by Damien Lafon.
The kiwi a Wingless Land Bird
The kiwi belongs to the ratite family, a group of flightless birds that includes the emu and the ostrich. Unlike its larger cousins, it is small in stature, measuring between 25 and 45 cm depending on the species. Its fine, brownish plumage looks more like hair than feathers, a characteristic that allows it to camouflage itself in dense vegetation.
Its wings are atrophied and hidden under its fur, giving it no flying ability. On the other hand, it has sturdy legs that make up almost a third of its weight. These allow it to move quickly in the forest and dig burrows where it spends the day safe from predators.
A Restricted and Fragile Habitat
Historically, the kiwi occupied almost all of New Zealand, from coastal plains to dense mountain forests. However, deforestation and the introduction of predatory mammals have drastically reduced its range. Today, it is mainly found in humid forests, wooded areas and some protected islands.
New Zealand has five species of kiwi
- The brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli), the most widespread, present on the North Island.
- The roa kiwi (Apteryx haastii), or great spotted kiwi, the largest of the group, living in the mountains of the South Island.
- The Okarito kiwi (Apteryx rowi), a rare species living in a restricted area of the west coast of the South Island.
- The spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii), the smallest, now confined to a few protected islands.
- The Mantell kiwi (Apteryx australis), once widespread but now in sharp decline.
Did you know?
The kiwi has the largest nostrils in proportion to its beak of any bird. It uses them to locate its prey thanks to its developed sense of smell, a rare characteristic in the avian kingdom.
A Nocturnal and Solitary Lifestyle
The kiwi is mainly active at night. Its discreet behavior allows it to escape predators introduced by man, such as ferrets and feral cats. It spends its days hidden in burrows that it digs with its powerful legs, then comes out at nightfall to feed.
Its diet consists of insects, earthworms and small invertebrates that it detects thanks to its keen sense of smell. Its long and flexible beak allows it to explore the ground in search of food. It supplements its diet with fruits and berries that have fallen to the ground.
A Special Reproduction
The introduction of mammalian predators, such as rats, stoats and dogs, is the main threat to the survival of the kiwi. Unlike native birds, the kiwi has not developed defense strategies against these new predators.
The loss of its habitat due to deforestation and urbanization is making the situation worse. Less than 5% of young kiwis reach adulthood in the wild. Conservation programs are trying to reverse this trend by setting up protected areas and captive breeding initiatives, such as the Nest Egg Project, launched in 1995.
This initiative involves collecting eggs after the first 25 days of incubation, directly from the kiwis’ burrows, in order to maximize their chances of survival. The newborns are accompanied from hatching until they reach a size large enough to escape predators. They are then released back into the wild at the place where the egg was collected.
Once abundant, the kiwi is now listed as a declining and threatened species. Some populations are increasing, while others continue to decline.
Before the arrival of settlers, the total kiwi population was estimated at about 10 million individuals. Today, all species combined, there are only about 68,500 individuals left.
Species estimates for 2030
- Brown kiwi: 24,550 today → 32,081 (increasing).
- Spotted kiwi: 14,800 today → 12,428 (declining).
- Lesser spotted kiwi: 1,800 today → 2,867 (increasing).
- Rowi: 500 today → 891 (increasing).
- Tokoeka: 25,900 today → 21,422 (declining).
Growing Threats
Once abundant, the kiwi is now classified as a declining species. The introduction of mammalian predators, such as rats, stoats and dogs, is the main threat to its survival. Unlike native birds, the kiwi has not developed defense strategies against these new predators.
Habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization is making the situation worse. Less than 5% of young kiwi reach adulthood in the wild. Conservation programs are trying to reverse this trend by establishing protected areas and captive breeding initiatives.
Did you know?
Domestic dogs pose a significant threat to adult kiwi. A single untrained dog can decimate a local population in a matter of days.
The Kiwi a Symbol to Protect
The kiwi plays a crucial role in New Zealand culture. It is depicted on many emblems and appears in Maori legends. Despite its iconic status, its preservation remains a challenge. Conservation efforts offer hope for a brighter future, but its survival depends largely on managing invasive species and protecting New Zealand’s forests.
In the fight to save the kiwi, every initiative counts, from creating sanctuaries to raising public awareness. This discreet forest dweller is more than just a bird: it is a symbol of the fragile balance of island ecosystems.
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