Research cuts threat to future of the kiwi

Press, 15 February 1989, Page 32

Research cuts threat to future of the kiwi

PA Nelson Cuts in research funding are threatening the future of New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, says a scientist, Jim Jolly. With a population of only 1000, the little spotted kiwi is endangered and worrying gaps in the distribution of the South Island great spotted kiwi may be an indication of a population decline. Cuts in funding which, saw Mr Jolly lose his job with the Department of Conservation in October also spelt the end of proposed research into the distribution of the great spotted kiwi. Mr Jolly and a fellow scientist, John McLelland, of Havelock North, are concerned about the great spotted kiwi. While still in greater numbers than the little spotted kiwi, gaps in the distribution of any species were an indication that

something was not right, Mr Jolly said. The gaps occur in two areas — between the Paparoa Range on the West Coast and Lewis Pass, and between the Taipo and Waitaha rivers in north Westland. No kiwis have been reported there in recent years.

The situation was not the same as the North Island brown kiwi which suffered through forest clearance. In the two areas, land had not been cleared, but for some reason the greater spotted kiwi range was reduced. Mr Jolly’s own eightyear project studying the little spotted kiwi came to a halt when he lost his job with the Conservation Department.

While 1000 kiwis survive on Kapiti Island, the birds’ principal sanctuary, its low breeding success — less than 10 per cent during the study period —

raised questions as to how the kiwi could afford to lose a high proportion of its eggs. In the three months Mr Jolly has been out of work he has been approached by companies interested in sponsoring continuing research. Although there was nothing certain, this avenue offered possibilities, he said. He has also talked to educators about how he could use his experience to promote conservation through the kiwi.

“The kiwi is such a good focus for conservation issues. It has suffered from conversion of forests to farmland or exotic forests, the introduction of mammalian predators, and from its native predator, the weka.

“When I go to schools every kid knows what I’m talking about. They know it’s a national bird and it’s peculiar to New Zealand.”