Kiwi species
All kiwi are the same, right? Wrong. There are actually five living species of kiwi, all with their own unique features.
Delving into kiwi DNA
For much of the last century, in the days before genetic research, kiwi were classified according to their body structure. Because scientists could only work from what they could see, up until the 1980s just three species of kiwi were formally recognised: the great spotted kiwi, the little spotted kiwi, and the brown kiwi.
The importance of genetics
Genetic research has since led to some exciting discoveries about kiwi. In the 1980s, research confirmed the great spotted and little spotted kiwi as separate species. In 1995, the tokoeka was found to be a separate species from brown kiwi, and in 2003, rowi was also recognised as a separate species.
Now, five living species of kiwi are recognised: kiwi nui (North Island brown kiwi), roroa (Great Spotted Kiwi), kiwi pukupuku (Little Spotted Kiwi), rowi (Okarito brown kiwi), and tokoeka (Southern brown kiwi). Within each species, there are still genetic differences, often due to geographic isolation, that warrant further classification called taxa (i.e. North Island Brown Kiwi and tokoeka have four taxa each).
Ensuring all kiwi species are thriving
Research into kiwi genetics aims to ensure managed kiwi populations maintain good levels of genetic diversity. By carefully selecting which birds to move around during translocations and as part of Operation Nest Egg projects, we can ensure kiwi taxa remain strong and unique to the environment they live in. Genetic bottlenecks may have naturally occurred in the past, reducing the genetic diversity within a population and increasing risk of extinction.
Maintaining genetic diversity is important to make sure all kiwi species survive. In certain cases, the whakapapa of kiwi populations are considered when mixing taxa populations.
This is why different taxa of North Island brown kiwi are managed separately in the Kōhanga Kiwi strategy. We have coordinators across the North Island, working alongside their local community projects to ensure that each taxa is managed well. Our overarching goal is to restore and, wherever possible, enhance the abundance, distribution, and genetic diversity of all kiwi species.
1. North Island brown kiwi/kiwi nui
Population estimate: 24,550
Estimated 2030 population: 32,081
DOC threatened status: Not threatened (conservation dependent)
North Island brown kiwi are found in four distinct regions in the North Island: Northland, Coromandel, Eastern, and Western. They are known for their long noses, short tempers, and spiky brown plumage.
2. Great spotted kiwi/roroa
Population estimate: 14,800
Estimated 2030 population: 12,428
DOC threatened status: Threatened (nationally vulnerable)
Great spotted kiwi/roroa are rugged mountaineers found in three discrete natural populations: northwest Nelson, the Paparoa Range, and near Arthur’s Pass.
3. Little spotted kiwi/kiwi pukupuku
Population estimate: 1,800
Estimated 2030 population: 2,867
DOC threatened status: Threatened (nationally increasing)
The little spotted kiwi is the smallest of the kiwi species. Their shaggy plumage is a pale mottled grey. Their total number is thought to be just over 1500 and growing.
4. Okarito brown kiwi/rowi
Population estimate: 500
Estimated 2030 population: 891
DOC threatened status: Threatened (nationally endangered)
The rowi (Apteryx rowi) was only identified as a distinct kiwi species in 2003. Before then, it was thought to be a variety of brown kiwi. Rowi is the rarest species of kiwi.
5. Southern brown kiwi/Tokoeka
Population estimate: 25,900
Estimated 2030 population: 21,422
DOC threatened status: Threatened (nationally vulnerable)
Tokoeka (Apteryx australis) are thought to be the ancestral type of brown-coloured kiwi.
Learn more about kiwi
Kiwi species
All kiwi are the same, right? Wrong. There are actually five different species of kiwi, all with their own unique features.
Threats to kiwi
The national kiwi population is under attack from many different threats, including predators, loss of habitat, and fragmentation of species.
Where to see kiwi
Many facilities around New Zealand are home to kiwi, plus there are places where, if you're lucky, you could see one in the wild too.
How you can help
Many hands make light work. Keen to join the mission to save the kiwi? Here are some ways you can help.
Protect kiwi
For kiwi to thrive, we all need to work together. Find out what you can do to help save the kiwi, wherever in Aotearoa you happen to be.
Fundraise
To continuing saving the kiwi, conservation groups need funding. Support the mission by making a donation, setting up a fundraising project, or engaging with other fundraising initiatives.
Donate
Make a quick donation, donate a day of annual leave or invest to save the kiwi.
Awhina mai ki a hoki te kiwi ki te wao tapu nui a Tāne
Help bring kiwi from endangered to everywhere
Donations over $5 are tax-deductable in Aotearoa. Thank you for supporting kiwi conservation.
