Conservationists are delighted after a unique kiwi was rediscovered in Aotearoa for the first time in 50 years.
The little spotted kiwi, or kiwi pukupuku, was first spotted in the remote Adams Wilderness Area in the West Coast by a Department of Conservation (DOC) hunter.
It prompted DOC biodiversity ranger Iain Graham, alongside his conservation dog Brew, to fly in to locate the bird.
"I heard kiwi calling the first night - two of them duetting - and immediately knew they didn't sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area," Graham said.
A female kiwi pukupuku found in the Adams Wilderness Area, the first in nearly 50 years. Photo: Lucy Holyoake/DOC
He said the trip was a bit of rollercoaster.
"We were in rough terrain, in typical West Coast weather, and I was running out of dry clothes. Brew would find a burrow, but I couldn't get to the bird. We were so frustratingly close," he said.
"I was stoked when we finally caught up with the female on our final night, the absolute last chance before getting flown out."
Tiny feathers were collected from the small spotted kiwi to confirm the bird was a kiwi pukupuku, the smallest kiwi species.
A little spotted kiwi, or kiwi pukupuku. Photo: Tom Lynch
Kiwi pukupuku are extremely vulnerable to introduced predators. Until now, it was believed they only survived in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites.
An estimated 2000 of the threatened birds remain, though the population is increasing thanks to the conservation efforts of community groups, agencies, and tangata whenua, DOC said.
Despite years of searching, the last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978.
"Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world," Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said.
Kara Edwards, of Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio, said the find was an opportunity for hapū to connect with what had been considered a lost taonga.
"Knowing kiwi pukupuku have survived this whole time in our takiwā is incredible. We are extremely excited and looking forward to working with DOC to secure the future of kiwi pukupuku."
Since the sighting, Graham and Brew have returned to the area and captured a male kiwi.
"We'll wait for genetic analysis to confirm, but the measurements look right for a kiwi pukupuku," Graham said.
King told Midday Report the discovery was a "game-changer".
She said the kiwis have both been released back into the bush with transmitters to monitor where they go.
"We've got some acoustic recorders, which are essentially big microphones that we pop out in the bush, then they will record any calls that are made over time," King said. "Hopefully, from that information, we will be able to know if there are more out there, and fingers crossed that there are."
DOC is gathering information to work with Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio to explore the future protection and management of these birds.
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