HIGH IN THE MIST-SHROUDED FORESTS of North-west Nelson lives New Zealand's largest, most handsome and least known kiwi - the great spotted kiwi (Apteryx haasti) or roa. Although it also occurs in Westland, the kiwi's stronghold is along the North-west's western coast. There are two distinct populations: one in rich lowland forest, the other in subalpine vegetation at heights of up to 1000 metres above sea level. The contrasts between the populations are sharp, sufficiently so that they well be different races. The upland kiwi, at home among hanging glaciers and snow, appears not to be disadvantaged by its harsh climate, and in fact is thriving, whereas its lowland counterpart is besieged by possums, traps and pigs. Photo: P & J Morrin

Forest and Bird, Volume 22, Issue 1, 1 February 1991, Unnumbered Page

HIGH IN THE MIST-SHROUDED FORESTS of North-west Nelson lives New Zealand's largest, most handsome and least known kiwi - the great spotted kiwi (Apteryx haasti) or roa. Although it also occurs in Westland, the kiwi's stronghold is along the North-west's western coast. There are two distinct populations: one in rich lowland forest, the other in subalpine vegetation at heights of up to 1000 metres above sea level. The contrasts between the populations are sharp, sufficiently so that they well be different races. The upland kiwi, at home among hanging glaciers and snow, appears not to be disadvantaged by its harsh climate, and in fact is thriving, whereas its lowland counterpart is besieged by possums, traps and pigs. Photo: P & J Morrin