Little Spotted Kiwi Flown Home To Fiordland
Media Release
Friday 23 April 2010
Eight rare Little Spotted Kiwi have been flown to their new home on predator free Chalky Island in southern Fiordland.
The transfer, which was funded by the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation, brought the number of Little Spotted Kiwi transferred to the island by the Department of Conservation to 30.
The Foundation was established in 1994 by Real Journeys founder Les Hutchins, whose daughter Robynne Peacock and grand daughter Madeleine were on hand this week to help DOC with the relocation.
Every year, Real Journeys passengers contribute more than $50,000 to the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation through a $1 passenger levy on Doubtful Sound cruises.
Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Hannah Edmonds said Little Spotted Kiwi once roamed freely in Fiordland before the arrival of introduced predators. With adult birds weighing just 1 kg, the smallest of the kiwi species are the most vulnerable to introduced predators.
“Little Spotted Kiwi were transferred to Kapiti Island from Fiordland in the early 1900’s to protect the dwindling population,” Ms Edmonds said.
“Stoats were eradicated from Chalky Island at the mouth of Chalky Inlet in 2001 and over the past two years a programme has been underway to introduce a population of Little Spotted Kiwi on the 514 ha island.
“The transfer of twenty two Little Spotted Kiwi to Chalky Island in 2008 and 2009 was funded by passengers on board Real Journeys multi-day Discovery Cruises via auctions of mystery prizes held at the end of each trip.
“This latest transfer is again being funded by Real Journeys passengers – this time through their donation via the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation.
“The birds being relocated are basically descendants of the birds originally removed from Fiordland and there is certainly a feeling of bringing them home,” Ms Edmonds said.
“We don’t know the exact population on the island currently but we have seen signs and heard them so we can assume they are doing well,”
The kiwi were flown from Wellington to Queenstown and transferred by helicopter to Chalky Island.
Real Journeys Milford and Doubtful Sound Area Manager Paul Norris said Real Journeys passengers could be proud of the fact they have played their part in such a major conservation project.
“Through both their contributions while on the Discovery Cruises and via the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation they are supporting Real Journeys commitment to the restoration of Fiordland islands.”
For more information contact:
Hannah Edmonds
Biodiversity Ranger
Department of Conservation Te Anau
03 249 0220
Paul Norris
Area Manager Milford and Doubtful Sounds
Real Journeys
03 249 8643
Gabby Lake
Marketing Communications Co-ordinator
03 442 4830
