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Kiwi campaign to protect icon
Topic Started: Oct 15 2007, 01:05 PM (35 Views)
Kahu
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Kiwi campaign to protect icon
Northern News | Monday, 15 October 2007


SURVIVORS: A mature pair of North Island Brown Kiwi
Story Link and photo

New Zealand's national icon, the kiwi, could face extinction within the next 20 to 30 years, unless more is done to protect the fragile, flightless bird.

That's the grim warning from the New Zealand Kiwi Foundation, which this month is launching a campaign to help make New Zealanders aware of threats to kiwis and their habitat, and what they can do to help minimise the threats.

Foundation convenor Dr Greg Blunden, of Kerikeri, says all species of kiwi numbered an estimated 78,000 throughout New Zealand in 1998. Six years later the population fell to about 70,000.

As the foundation is based in Northland, it is primarily interested in protecting the brown kiwi which is mainly found in the northern half of the North Island.

The foundation estimates there are about 25,000 brown kiwi, mainly spread between Northland and Coromandel.

Dr Blunden says mainland populations of kiwi are declining at a rate of four to five per cent a year.

"So if that trend continues unchanged, simple maths suggests the kiwi could become extinct within a generation," he says.

Several organizations like the foundation are actively working to preserve habitat areas, to manage predators and to manage breeding programmes in the areas.

"Thanks to this work, in those managed areas kiwi numbers are stable or increasing. But we do need to do more, and this includes all New Zealanders who want to help preserve our national icon.

"This is not just something for people living in rural areas. City dwellers can also help."

Dr Blunden says the Fragile Kiwi campaign, being launched with a special function at Auckland Zoo on October 19, aims to educate holiday makers that the summer season sees many kiwi killed by domestic dogs and cats.

"Due to its bone structure, the kiwi is very fragile. Just a dog picking one up in its mouth can kill it.

"So when you visit your holiday bach, please take extra care with your pets. Don't let them roam free in any areas near bush that might be kiwi habitat.

"That applies almost anywhere in Northland, as well as in the Coromandel, and points south as well," he says.

Recognising that families have an important part to play in controlling pets, the campaign launch at the zoo will involve about 100 children and supervisors representing primary schools from throughout Northland and Auckland.

As well as learning about the kiwi, and seeing the zoo's kiwi house facilities, the youngsters will compete for prizes sponsored by the Save the Kiwi Trust.

When they return to their schools, many are expected to give class talks as young kiwi ambassadors, helping to spread the word about the importance of protecting our national icon for future generations.

The foundation, running since 1999, works closely with local bodies, regional authorities and conservation agencies.

While based in Northland, it liaises closely with similar conservation groups in other areas of the country.

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