Report Signs of Kiwi

2 probe holes left by a kiwi, and, kiwi footprints in the mud

Many kiwi populations live in remote areas, and are very good at hiding.

You can help kiwi researchers monitor kiwi by reporing any kiwi sign you see, and reporting kiwi calls.

What to look for

One of the simplest ways to locate a kiwi is to listen for its distinctive call.

Other sign that kiwi are in an area are beak probe holes in the ground, large grey-and-white smelly droppings, feathers snared in hookgrass and footprints.

Kiwi footprints are about the size of a domestic hen’s. They show up in soft ground – like snow, sand and mud.

Probe holes made by the kiwi's beak usually occur in groups and look like a screwdriver has been pushed into the ground, rotated and pulled out again. Probe holes are about 10-centimetres deep.

Kiwi reporting card

To report any kiwi sightings or sign, fill in a kiwi reporting card and hand it into your local Department of Conservation area office. The information these provide helps kiwi researchers learn more about kiwi distribution.

What your donation can buy ...

$1 - 100 worms to feed 1 kiwi chick for 1 week

$10 - Trapping one hectare for one year

$20 - A kiwi zone sign to warn people to keep dogs away

$75 - Training one dog to avoid kiwi

$300 - One Smart transmitter

$1,200 - The first year of life for one BNZ Operation Nest Egg™ chick

$2,500 - One receiver to pick up transponder signals

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Did You Know?

Kiwi are ratites, one of a group of largely flightless birds. DNA research suggests kiwi are linked to the Australian emu and cassowary, not the moa as previously thought. Kiwi are found only in New Zealand.