Until 2006, the tokoeka in Fiordland were thought to be the same as those found on Rakiura (Stewart Island), but genetics research has changed this.
The Fiordland birds are intermediate in size, between the larger Rakiura (Stewart Island) and smaller Haast tokoeka.
Population status
There is no direct management of the Fiordland tokoeka but efforts to eradicate pests from Resolution and Secretary Islands have successfully created safe havens. There has also been extensive stoat trapping in the Murchison Mountains, near Te Anau. The trapping was primarily to protect takahē, but also protects tokoeka and other forest birds. To some extent, their recovery is still in the research phase. That means some important information about whether populations are declining and what may be causing the drop in numbers is not yet available. It is estimated that in 2015 nearly 9% of the Fiordland tokoeka population was under active management.
While a full survey has not yet been done, the population of Fiordland tokoeka is estimated at 12,500.
Fiordland tokoeka are considered to be ‘threatened (nationally vulnerable)’ by the Department of Conservation. It is predicted that, under current management, the population will decline by 1.0% over the coming 15 years.
Preferred habitat
The habitat of Fiordland tokoeka stretches from the mountains to the sea. They can be found high up in the mountains of their South Island home, burrowing into the snow in winter.
āhe tokoeka whānau
Fiordland Tokoeka
Until 2006, the tokoeka in Fiordland were thought to be the same as those found on Rakiura (Stewart Island), but genetics research has changed this.
Haast Tokoeka
Haast tokoeka were identified as a distinct taxon in 1993. They have brown-grey plumage with a distinctive reddish tinge, whitish feet, a short beak with down-curved bills, and long whiskers.
Stewart Island Tokoeka
Rakiura (Stewart Island) tokoeka are a stocky round bird and, although kiwi are normally solitary, as a pair they are quite communal.
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.
Shop for kiwi
Show your support for Save the Kiwi and some of our wonderful sponsors by purchasing products that will help us do more of what we do.
Donate
Make a quick donation, donate a day of annual leave or invest to save the kiwi.
