Threats to rowi
Two hundred years ago millions of kiwi lived throughout New Zealand's forests-the night air echoed with their calls. Now, introduced pests are so numerous that without extensive management they would ultimately lead to the demise of our national bird.
Stoats
Currently the biggest threat to rowi survival is stoats. They are wanton killers; able to prey on species four to five times heavier than themselves. Despite the use of 3000 traps in Ōkārito forest from 2001 to 2006, stoats continued to kill a high percentage of rowi chicks.
Rowi killed by a stoat
Although adult kiwi are strong enough to defend themselves, kiwi chicks are extremely vulnerable until they attain approximately 1 kilogram in weight. To date no rowi are known to have been predated by stoats once over this weight.
Possums
Possums kill kiwi, destroy eggs and compete with kiwi for burrows.
Dogs and cats
All dogs, regardless of size, breeding or training, are potential kiwi killers. Dogs find the strong distrinctive scent of kiwi irresistible and easy to track. They can catch and kill kiwi in seconds.
Likewise, uncontrolled, wild or abandoned cats are a big threat to kiwi, especially young chicks.
Motor vehicles
Motor vehicles are a significant threat to rowi. If you hit a kiwi, do not hit and run! If the bird is injured or dead please take it to your nearest DOC office.
Rats
Rat numbers can dramatically increase, ravaging populations of nesting songbirds and providing food for stoats. They also eat invertebrates-vital kiwi food.
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Learn more
BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust website
Information about funding applications for kiwi conservation organisations
Contacts
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings