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Rowi Project Blog

Ten newbies join the kiwi crèche
Posted by Rowi Ranger
Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 4:08 pm

This week, 10 young chicks, hatched in Willowbank Wildlife Reserve over the past three weeks, are being whisked off to Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds. They will spend the next 6-10 months on the predator-free island, growing up away from the threat of stoats.

Motuora Island

Motuora Island

Chick being released

Chick being released

Duncan, Anna, and Lucy collected the young chicks from Willowbank early on Tuesday morning. They prepared the birds for their trip by giving fluids to prevent dehydration, along with worming medication to prevent any parasites being transferred to the island. Each chick will also have a small transmitter fitted to its leg to allow rangers to find it and perform health checks throughout the year.

There is an abundance of life on Motuara, including high levels of invertebrates (bugs) which give the young chicks a good start on the island. Other bird species include bellbirds/koromiko, saddlebacks/tieke, red-fronted parakeet/kakariki, blue penguins/korara, sooty shearwater/titi, shining cuckoo/pipiwharauroa, and plenty of cheeky bush robins/toutouwai.

Saddleback

Saddleback

As you could imagine, the dawn chorus on this island is amazing and I would recommend a visit to the island if you are ever in Picton with a day to spare. There are great eco-tours available to the island with plenty of interpretation and local history along the way. If you’re really lucky you may share the trip with a number of young rowi making their way out to the island as well.

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Season Update...
Eggs Detected
69
Eggs Rescued
51
Chicks Hatched
21
Chicks Rescued
5
Pairs Monitored
62
Individuals Monitored
27
Total Rowi
Population
350
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Great spotted kiwi are the largest kiwi species.  Adult females often weigh more than 3 kilograms (one-third bigger than the average male).

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