NEW ZEALAND BIRDING NETWORK

(Photo: John Barrett)

The smallest kiwi, and now extinct on the mainland due to predation pressure and loss of habitat. The photo shows one of a pair photographed on Kapiti Island by John Barrett. Pairs hold territories all year round and often share burrows. For many years they were confined to Kapiti Island but transfers to other islands have increased their chances of survival. Recently, Little Spotted Kiwi were reintroduced to a mainland island in Wellington city at Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, where they are protected by a predator-proof fence.


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