The kiwi is a bird that symbolizes New Zealand. Its numbers have declined dramatically and it is designated as an endangered species. Therefore, there are active efforts being made in New Zealand to protect and increase the kiwi's numbers.
One such effort bore fruit, with kiwi eggs being discovered in the capital, Wellington, for the first time in about 150 years.
First discovery in Wellington area in 150 years!
Last November, a large-scale project was carried out in Makara, an area on the western edge of Wellington, to eradicate harmful mammals that are natural enemies of kiwis. After that, it was confirmed that the area was safe for kiwis to live in, and 11 North Island brown kiwis (one of the kiwi species) were released.
This project is run by the Capital Kiwi Project , which is committed to protecting and breeding kiwis to increase their numbers in the Wellington region.
Capital Kiwi says they are closely monitoring how the rescued kiwis are faring in the natural environment, with each one fitted with a transmitter on its leg and checked weekly.
Currently, all the kiwis released into Makara are eating well and doing well. What's more, in the latest survey, kiwi eggs were discovered!
This is the first time in quite some time that eggs have been laid in a natural environment in this area, which is great news for the new year, not only for the members working on this project, but also for everyone who supports us and the local community.
"The eggs are still there, but they're still there," said Ward, who is leading the project. According to records, this is the first time the eggs have been found in more than 150 years, since 1870.
Of course, we can't count the kiwis until they hatch, but finding the eggs is big news. We're very excited.
He commented,
By the way, dogs often pose a threat to kiwis, especially stray or stray dogs, but trained dogs can sometimes help protect them.
This is Bay, Capital Kiwi's newest puppy.
He will undergo training as a nature conservationist and will be tasked with spotting kiwis and harmful mammals that are natural enemies of kiwis.
Kiwi chick found on roadside
There was one other Kiwi-related piece of news.
A newborn kiwi chick was found on the side of a road in Northland, an area north of Auckland. It was slightly wet and dangerously cold with the eggshell still attached to its back.
But luckily, the chick was discovered by a ranger who was used to dealing with kiwis. Ranger Cameron McInnes was on his way back from swimming in the river with his daughter when he spotted the chick.
As soon as McInnes found the chick, he picked it up, warmed it against his chest, and rushed home, where he immediately contacted a nearby bird rescue center. Thanks to that, the chick was quickly taken to the center and examined. Fortunately, the chick was not seriously injured, and it is now resting together in a warm cage with another chick that was rescued in the same way.
"Mr McInnes then investigated the area where he had found the chicks, searching for the nest. He discovered a mother kiwi with another egg. He speculates that the first chick was on the road because the nest was not very strong and fell out.
The rescued chicks will be observed at the center for a few weeks before being released back into the wild.
McInnes said,
Kiwis are in unexpected places. I think this incident is a good lesson that when walking dogs, owners should always keep them on a lead so that they can be quickly controlled.
He is calling on people to do so.
