Success hinges on species of kiwi

matthew.tso@stuff.co.nz

Selecting the right species of kiwi is being seen as vital to the success of Capital Kiwi’s trapping project, an academic believes.

Otago University ancient DNA lecturer Dr Nic Rawlence has warned against the project becoming an example of ‘‘ecological stamp collecting’’.

The paleogeneticist felt using a Okarito kiwi or ‘rowi’, and the little spotted kiwi would be preferable options.

That was because DNA analysis from Wellington’s sub-fossil record showed the presence of both species in the region.

Both varieties of Kiwi would have adapted to the region’s conditions and would have played an important role in its ecology.

If those species were not used in the programme, co-ordinators would need to ensure an ‘‘ecological surrogate’’ exhibited very similar habits and feeding behaviours if their aim was to restore the ecology of the area.

‘‘You want to fill a job vacancy in the ecosystem to restore that lost connection. What you don’t want is stamp collecting when you say, ‘We want kiwi, so any kiwi will do’.’’

A nearby kiwi project in Lower Hutt run by Rimutaka Forest Park Charitable Trust released North Island brown kiwi in the renamed Remutaka Forest Park in 2006.

Department of Conservation kiwi expert Hugh Robertson said the North Island brown kiwi and rowi were part of the brown kiwi group. Because their size and feeding habits were similar, he expected their effect on the ecology of the Remutaka Range would be roughly the same.

Robertson said since the release of North Island brown kiwis into the Remutakas, the aim of the kiwi conservation plan had changed from increasing overall numbers to restoring the distribution of different species.

‘‘Rowi or the little spotted kiwi would be the preferred ones to reintroduce to the Wellington peninsula.’’

Capital Kiwi project leader Paul Ward said early advice from the Kiwi Recovery Group, a

Okarito kiwi, or rowi

The rarest kiwi species with a population of 450. Confined to Okarito forest and surrounds in South Westland, as well as two predator-free islands. Before human settlement, they were widespread throughout the northern South Island and southern North Island.

Once present on both main islands of New Zealand, the smallest species of kiwi is now extinct on the mainland. Around 1400 birds live on Ka¯piti Island, with smaller populations on several other predator-free islands. A small population has since been introduced to Zelandia.

research and co-ordination agency that specialises in kiwi conservation, indicated rowi might be considered for release in Wellington.

Ward stressed those discussions were in the early stages. Capital Kiwi’s main priority was eliminating predators to enable a future kiwi release.

The programme had set nearly 1000 traps since November, with the goal of setting 3400 more.

Future talks on the appropriate species would be held with iwi, land owners, community members and the Kiwi Recovery Group.

Little spotted kiwi

Conservation Department kiwi expert Hugh Robertson says the focus of the capital’s conservation plan has changed since North Island brown kiwi were released into Remutaka Forest. North Island browns are not endemic to the area.