Kiwi Return to Fiordland Island

Real Journeys is moving roughly 30 little spotted kiwi to Pearl Island in Fiordland, New Zealand. The tourism company spent ten years running a predator trapping program to prepare the island. This program targeted stoats, ferrets, and cats, making the island safe for the birds.

Little spotted kiwi weigh between 1.2 to 1.7 kilograms and are New Zealand’s smallest kiwi species. They were once widespread, but their populations declined due to habitat loss and predators. Currently, the species exists on predator-free islands.

Researchers note the success of this reintroduction depends on ongoing pest control. They also acknowledge that monitoring the birds’ breeding success will be crucial. Real Journeys plans to continue trapping and track the kiwi population on Pearl Island.