Northland kiwi management plan
The consultation period closed 31 May 2010.
Northland kiwi are genetically distinct from all other kiwi, and they face unique challenges. In response to this, a unique recovery plan for this population is being created.
Since 1991 Northland kiwi have been managed under a national Kiwi Recovery Plan. This plan deals with all 11 distinctive groups, or taxa, of kiwi, including populations as diverse as the critically endangered rowi (population 250) and the little spotted kiwi, which is largely confined to off-shore islands. There is little room to focus on the plight of Northland kiwi in this 30 page document. Now there will be a plan dealing specifically with the Northland population.
A Northland kiwi ranger is holding a
kiwi egg in his hands
This plan will be a real asset to Northland kiwi conservation as it gives the opportunity to focus on the aims and threats specific to this region.
Like other kiwi taxa, the Northland population is decreasing. There were between half a million and 1.4 million Northland kiwi a little over a century ago. The current population of 8000 individuals is projected to decrease to 5000 within a decade. Predation by dogs and mustelids affects kiwi at every life stage; up to 95% of kiwi chicks are eaten by stoats in unprotected areas, and dog predation reduces the life expectancy of kiwi in Northland from between 40 and 65 years to just 13 years. Kiwi are also killed by ferrets, cats, on our roads, and by drowning in cattle troughs.
The Northland Kiwi Management Plan will:
- set goals for Northland kiwi;
- describe in detail the management and research actions required to achieve these goals;
- provide valuable guidance to projects carrying out kiwi recovery work;
- provide status for funding these projects;
The plan will apply to kiwi on private and conservation land.
Your contribution is vital!
As a stakeholder of kiwi in Northland it is important that you have input to the plan, agree with it and buy into it. There will be the possibility to contribute and the opportunity to comment on drafts of the plan.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is coordinating the writing of the plan. During the week of the 15th to the 19th of October there were five public meetings across Northland to set the goals for the plan, and discuss the implementation of these goals. About 100 people contributed their ideas during the week, and the writing of the draft is now underway. Watch this space for a chance to comment on the draft!
Contact
For more information about the plan or opportunities to have your say contact Emma Craig at the DOC Whangarei Area Office +64 9 470 3386 or ecraig@doc.govt.nz .
Nā tōu rourou, nā tāku rourou ka ora te manuhiri.
With your contribution and with my contribution the work will be done.