Facts about rowi
Rowi (formerly known as Ōkārito brown kiwi), are critically endangered. In 1994 they were found to be an entirely new species (one of five kiwi species) and given the name rowi.
Distribution
Presently confined to Ōkārito forest and its proximity, rowi were once distributed over much of the lower North Island and upper South Island.
Rowi chick on Motuara Island
In 2000, Ōkārito forest was designated one of New Zealand's five special kiwi sanctuaries and funding for the management of recovery of rowi was provided through the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.
Predator-free island locations
Small numbers of rowi can also be found on two predator-free islands in the Marlborough Sounds. These islands provide secure, remote sub-populations to safe-guard against the risk of anything happening to the natural population at Ōkārito. They also provide unique research opportunities.
Motuara Island serves as a crèche in which to raise young birds away from the jaws of stoats, to help boost the Ōkārito population.
Appearance
Rowi vary from other types of kiwi in a range of ways. They are quite greyish in colour and often have patches of white on their faces. They also feel soft to touch, whereas other kiwi can feel coarse.
Behaviour
Rowi breed between June and February and usually lay one egg per year.
Both the male and the female rowi take it in turns to look after the egg, while in most other kiwi species only the male does this.
Most pairs remain together for their entire lives and birds form close family bonds. These social bonds have also been observed in young birds after removal from their parents.
Chicks on to Motuara Island can often be found nesting together and will sometimes stay together after they have been returned to Ōkārito Forest.
Lifespan
Rowi have a much higher adult survival rate than North Island kiwi. Rowi live, on average, 80 years while North Island species may live up to 50 years.
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