Kiwi Genetics

Genetic bottlenecks may have naturally occurred in the past, reducing the genetic diversity within a population and increasing its probability of extinction, and this is probably the reason why kiwi were not found historically on islands smaller than 3000-hectare Little Barrier Island, in the Hauraki Gulf.

Research into kiwi genetics aims to make sure that we manage kiwi populations, including translocations and Operation Nest Egg projects, to ensure good levels of genetic diversity are maintained.

Little spotted kiwi

One project is looking at the genetic diversity of little spotted kiwi.

Because most little spotted kiwi live on Kapiti Island (about 1200) they have been the major source for translocations to create new populations elsewhere (about 200 birds). However, because the Kapiti population was founded by only a handful of birds in the early 1900s, has low genetic variation, and/or a specific concentration of genes.

Two birds from a different lineage to the Kapiti birds were transferred from D’Urville Island to Long Island in the Marlborough Sounds in the 1980s, and their genes may have mixed with Kapiti birds also transferred to Long Island.

BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust helped fund research led by Victoria University to measure genetic differences within and between little spotted kiwi populations. This ongoing research should allow the Department of Conservation to manage genetic diversity as much as possible by transferring particular birds between the populations.

Feather and blood samples collected over the years are providing the genetic material.

New taxa

Genetic research has also lead to some exciting discoveries. In 1995, the tokoeka was found to be separate from brown kiwi, and in 2003, rowi was recognised as a separate species.

We expect some exciting new developments in the near future, particularly with new forms being described for brown kiwi and tokoeka.