Spotted kiwi to be reintroduced to Fiordland: 13-08-2008
A plan to save New Zealand's kiwis has seen the spotted kiwi reintroduced to the Fiordland region.
Plans are attempting to increase the number of safe places that the kiwi can live in order to ensure the safety of the iconic bird.
The spotted kiwi is endangered but they used to roam freely in the area before predators reduced their numbers.
The introduction of ferrets, stoats and weasels has been able to control the rabbit population but it has resulted in the decline of the birds.
Since then, stoats have been removed and the money has been raised to send the spotted kiwi back to its original home.
Speaking to Wildlife Extra, Murray Willans, DOC Biodiversity Programme manager, said: "Once established on Chalky Island, this population of kiwi may be used as a source for transfers to other predator-free islands throughout Fiordland."
The national symbol of New Zealand, the flightless kiwi is now endangered but travellers who cannot make it to the select areas where they appear in the wild can see them in 'kiwi houses' at national parks, the country's tourist board said.