The national bird of New Zealand is the kiwi. The kiwi is a flightless bird that is native to New Zealand and is an iconic symbol of the country. Some quick facts about the kiwi:
- Kiwis are ratites, a group of flightless birds that also includes ostriches, emus, rheas, and cassowaries.
- There are 5 recognized species of kiwi living in New Zealand.
- Kiwis are nocturnal and have a highly developed sense of smell.
- They are the smallest ratites and lay eggs that are very large relative to their body size.
The kiwi perfectly represents some of the unique aspects of New Zealand’s natural history and wildlife. New Zealand was isolated from other land masses for a very long time, allowing the kiwi and many other endemic species to evolve in the absence of mammals. As a flightless bird, the kiwi also represents New Zealand’s geological history, as it was the isolation of the islands that led to the evolution of flightlessness in many of its bird species.
When was the kiwi named the national bird of New Zealand?
The kiwi was first unofficially recognized as a national emblem of New Zealand as early as the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it did not receive official designation as the national bird until the passing of the National Emblems Act in 1967. This act made the kiwi, silver fern, and Southern Cross official national symbols.
So while the kiwi has long been an iconic species, it only received formal recognition as the national bird in 1967. For over 50 years now, the kiwi has stood as the official bird representative of New Zealand and its unique natural heritage. It is recognized around the world as symbolic of New Zealand.
What are some key facts and statistics about kiwi?
Here are some key facts about New Zealand’s national bird:
- Average lifespan in the wild: 30-50 years
- Average lifespan in captivity: Over 50 years, with the record at 69 years
- Average height: 25-45 cm
- Average weight: 1-3 kg
- Number of eggs laid per year: 1-2. Incubation takes 60-90 days.
- Predators: Used to include eagles and weka, now mainly stoats, ferrets, dogs, cats, and pigs.
Species | Estimated population |
---|---|
North Island brown kiwi | 35,000 |
Little spotted kiwi | 1,200 |
Great spotted kiwi | 22,000 |
Okarito kiwi | 400 |
Southern brown kiwi | 27,000 |
This table gives an overview of the estimated populations of each current kiwi species. Though some species have thriving populations, others have declined significantly and are in danger of extinction. Overall, it’s estimated there are around 68,000 kiwi left in New Zealand.
Why was the kiwi chosen as the national bird?
There are a few key reasons why the kiwi was chosen to represent New Zealand:
- Uniqueness – The kiwi is endemic to New Zealand. It is such a unique species that it warranted its own family (Apterygidae). It serves as a symbol of the rare flora and fauna of New Zealand.
- Heritage – The kiwi has always been important to native Maori culture. It is found depicted in rock art around the islands. Kiwi feathers were used in Maori cloaks and garments.
- Character – The nocturnal, flightless behaviors and physical characteristics of the kiwi reflect the rugged, down-to-earth nature of New Zealanders.
- Conservation – Choosing such a vulnerable endemic species brings attention to conservation in New Zealand. This reflects how closely New Zealanders identify with the natural heritage of the islands.
So in the kiwi, New Zealanders saw a distinctive, culturally relevant bird that also represented the spirit of the country and its people. The kiwi was a natural choice for national bird from an early time. Its small stature and inability to fly well represented an underdog qualities that resonates with New Zealand’s national identity.
What are the threats and conservation status of kiwi species today?
Unfortunately, the survival of all kiwi species is threatened to some degree today:
- The main threat comes from introduced mammalian predators like stoats, ferrets, dogs, and cats that eat kiwi eggs and chicks.
- Habitat loss also impacts some kiwi populations and species.
- Road accidents and human activities result in some kiwi deaths.
Due to these threats, all 5 kiwi species have experienced declines:
Species | Conservation Status |
---|---|
North Island brown kiwi | Near Threatened |
Little spotted kiwi | Endangered |
Great spotted kiwi | Vulnerable |
Okarito kiwi | Endangered |
Southern brown kiwi | Least Concern |
The species with the most secure populations are the Southern brown kiwi and Northern brown kiwi. But the remaining 3 species are all identified as threatened and efforts are underway to boost their numbers.
What conservation efforts are being made to protect kiwi?
A number of conservation initiatives and programs are focused on saving New Zealand’s national bird:
- Kiwi recovery groups – Community-led projects throughout NZ undertaking predator control, egg incubation, and chick rearing.
- Operation Nest Egg – Eggs taken from the wild, incubated and hatched in captivity, chicks raised in predator-proof environment, juveniles then returned to the wild.
- Predator-proof fences – Large fences erected to create mammalian predator-free zones protecting kiwi habitats.
- Advocacy and education – Programs to build awareness and a conservation ethic around the kiwi.
- Reserves – Habitat protection in national parks, reserves, and private conservation lands.
Thanks to these efforts, some kiwi populations have shown signs of stabilization and recovery. But continued intensive management will be needed to secure the future of all kiwi species in the wild. The kiwi remains an important symbol of natural heritage and a focal point for conservation in New Zealand.
Major kiwi conservation groups
- Kiwis for kiwi
- National Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs
- Kiwis for kiwi Tiaki Promise
- Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) Save the Kiwi Trust
- The Department of Conservation
These are some of the most prominent organizations that work on kiwi research, captive breeding, community engagement, predator control, habitat management, and fundraising for kiwi conservation.
Key kiwi conservation reserves
- Tongariro Forest (Great spotted kiwi)
- Whangarei Heads (Northland brown kiwi)
- Zealandia in Wellington (Little spotted kiwi)
- Haast Tokoeka Kiwi Sanctuary (Haast tokoeka)
- Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary (Okarito kiwi)
These are a few of the most important kiwi conservation reserves each focused on protecting habitat for specific kiwi species.
How is the kiwi used as a national symbol today?
The kiwi remains a ubiquitous national symbol and is used to represent New Zealand in a variety of ways:
- The kiwi still features on national symbols like coins, flags, stamps, and badges.
- It serves as the nickname and mascot for New Zealand’s national rugby union team.
- Cities and organizations often incorporate the kiwi in names, logos, and branding.
- Popular kiwi icons include the large kiwi roadside sculptures dotted around the country.
- The kiwi is also used in books, cartoons, tv, and movies to represent New Zealand.
- Kiwi Birdlife Park, Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter, and other nature parks let visitors view and learn about kiwi.
So the kiwi remains a versatile symbol that represents New Zealand’s culture, wildlife, and national spirit. It is instantly recognizable worldwide as the national icon of New Zealand. The kiwi provides a great branding image and its uniqueness represents the distinctiveness of NZ on the world stage.
Fun Facts
Here are some other interesting and fun facts about the kiwi:
- Kiwi are the only bird species with nostrils located at the tip of their beak.
- They have excellent hearing and highly-developed olfactory centers in their brain to aid finding food.
- The Māori believed the kiwi’s partly hair-like feathers and upright stance represented human characteristics.
- Their eggs can be up to 20% of the female kiwi’s weight. The largest on record weighed 454 grams.
- Kiwi feathers cannot be used for flight and are more hair- or fur-like. They have a spongy center with loose fibers.
- Kiwis mate for life and pairs will defend large territories averaging around 40 hectares in size.
- The kiwi’s powerful legs have proportions more like a moose than a bird. Their leg bones account for a quarter of their total body weight.
The kiwi truly has many unusual and fascinating traits among birds. These details just add to their uniqueness and reputation as one of the world’s most extraordinary birds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the flightless, nocturnal kiwi has become ingrained as the national identity of New Zealand. Its selection represents the one-of-a-kind wildlife found in New Zealand and the country’s isolated evolutionary history. The kiwi’s stout and quirky characteristics also resonate with the culture and attitude of New Zealanders themselves. Though iconic, the kiwi remains a vulnerable endemic species. It will continue to be the focus of intensive conservation efforts to protect this treasured living symbol of New Zealand for future generations. The kiwi remains an instantly recognizable emblem with its own intriguing attributes that make it a distinctive part of the heritage of New Zealand.