Kiwi Death Significant Loss to Local Populations

The monitored bird, named Stripe, was killed by a dog – very likely one of those reported on the loose in the area this time last week.

Department of Conservation staff are devastated by the loss to the Whangarei Kiwi Sanctuary population.

“It’s such a waste,” says kiwi team ranger Miriam Ritchie. “Every kiwi killed by a dog is avoidable. Stripe was a great breeder and incubating two eggs, so his death has real consequences for the local population.”

Fellow ranger Emma Craig remembers an event with Stripe 10 years ago, which provided the first confirmation that a stoat was able to predate kiwi eggs

“I was checking his nest.  When I got close I realised something was wrong as Stripe was stamping and growling within the burrow. I arrived in the middle of a stoat attack. An adult kiwi is more than capable of fighting off a stoat, so Stripe survived, but unfortunately both his eggs were lost. Now his complete capability has been lost to a dog.”

Stripe has produced many eggs for the  Bank of New Zealand Operation Nest Egg programme as well as chicks for his own population and had been part of the sanctuary study since 1995.

He could have remained so for a lot longer, says Ms Craig.  “It’s so frustrating.   Northland kiwi have everything going for them - they breed at a younger age than other kiwi, they produce more eggs per clutch and more clutches per season. Northland kiwi can start breeding at three years, can produce up to six chicks per year, and can live for decades! We know how to cope with the cats and mustelids that kill kiwi. Northland should not have a declining kiwi population, yet we do. The sole reason for this is dog owners.”

It was time for dog owners to be responsible, keep their dogs under control and away from kiwi.

“New Zealanders are seen as world-leaders across many aspects of conservation, yet we don’t control our dogs well enough to protect our national icon. It’s embarrassing.”

The kiwi population at Purua Scenic Reserve had not recovered from a significant dog predation event a year ago.  Kiwi would not survive if dog predation continued, Ms Craig says.

Kiwi can live for over 50 years, but in Northland the life expectancy is just 14 years due to predation by dogs.

If you see wandering dogs in or around kiwi areas, the dogs should be caught if possible – regardless, report them to Environment Northland (09 4387513) or your local DOC office immediately.