After the little spotted kiwi, or kiwi pukupuku, was spotted by a Department of Conservation (DOC) hunter in the remote Adams Wilderness Area on the West Coast, DOC biodiversity ranger Iain Graham and his trusty conservation dog flew into the area to track the bird down. 

"I heard kiwi calling the first night - two of them duetting - and immediately knew they didn't sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area," said Graham in a press release.  

The little spotted kiwi is the smallest of New Zealand’s five kiwi species and has long been considered vulnerable due to predation from introduced species. Until now, it was thought that these kiwis could only survive on offshore islands or in predator-free areas. The discovery marks a significant moment for New Zealand’s conservation community. 

Thanks to extensive conservation efforts, including community and kiwi-led initiatives, the population of kiwi pukupuku is slowly increasing, with around 2,000 individuals remaining. Despite their rarity, there are signs of hope for the species.  

Since the initial discovery, Graham and Brew have returned to the area and found a male kiwi. Genetic testing will confirm whether it is indeed another kiwi pukupuku.  

Both birds have been released back into the bush and DOC is now using technology like acoustic recorders to monitor their movements and determine if more of the species remain hidden in the area.  

This rare find offers new hope for the future of the kiwi pukupuku and conservationists are optimistic that the species will continue to thrive on the mainland once again. 

Image credits to Lucy Holyoake/DOC

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