“First Kiwi Bird Hatchlings in 150 Years Recorded in New Zealand!”

In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation, Wellington in New Zealand recently witnessed the birth of two wild kiwi chicks after a span of over a century.

The Capital Kiwi Project joyously shared on their Facebook page: “We are thrilled to announce the recent discovery of two kiwi chicks on Monday. These mark the first kiwi chicks born in the wild, west of Wellington, in over 150 years. Incredible!”

The project has undertaken a mission to reinstate a thriving wild population of kiwi (Apterygidae) in the hills around the capital city.

The kiwi, an emblematic flightless bird native to New Zealand, faces growing vulnerability, confronting the imminent threat of decline and potential extinction. Ranging from habitat loss to persistent predator threats, these obstacles continuously jeopardize the survival of the species.

According to the Department of Conservation, approximately 26,000 brown kiwis remain in New Zealand.

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Sustained monitoring of the chicks is an integral part of conservation initiatives like the Capital Kiwi Project, crucial in safeguarding the remaining populations.

The project released several dozen adult kiwis into the wild near Wellington in 2022 to re-establish a population in the region.

During a recent monitoring visit, conservationists spotted four chicks, marking the first births in Wellington’s hills in over 150 years.

While the team initially anticipated finding a lone chick, they were pleasantly surprised to uncover a second one tucked in a burrow under the mamaku fern fronds, as stated in the project’s Facebook post.

Paul Ward, the founder of the project, expressed, “This is truly special for the dedicated team that has put in years of hard work.”

The team is currently devoted to closely monitoring the fledgling chicks until they reach a specific weight—approximately 800 grams. This weight is crucial for the chicks to defend against their natural predators, such as stoats. An adult kiwi is estimated to weigh around three kilograms.

Active engagement from local communities has been instrumental in supporting kiwi conservation efforts. The Capital Kiwi Project has initiated programs to protect kiwis from predators in the wild.

“Only a quarter of the 63 adult birds are currently being monitored, so more chicks are likely to be out there in our hills. These two pēpē will be tracked using transmitters (alongside the next 18 hatched chicks),” mentioned the Facebook post.

The initiative has trained local dog owners to keep their pets away from kiwi habitats and established a vast trap network to combat stoats, clearing the path for the kiwi’s return to the Wellington highlands. Reportedly, around 4,600 traps have been set across the vast area.

Local communities have actively joined hands in supporting conservation endeavors to safeguard wild kiwis on the ground. The community plays a crucial role as “Kiwi guardians” at the epicenter, as highlighted in the Facebook post.

The successful hatching of these chicks not only calls for jubilation but also instills hope for the resurgence of the Kiwi population. With only a quarter of the released adult birds presently under surveillance, there’s optimism for the emergence of more chicks in the wild. This contributes to the long-term conservation and safeguarding of these iconic birds.

For more details please go to interestingengineering.com.

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