Kiwi recovery project launched

Forest and Bird, Volume 22, Issue 3, 1 August 1991, Page 3

Kiwi recovery project launched

FIVE-YEAR RECOVERY plan to save the kiwi from extinction was launched this month by the Threatened Species Trust programme with the blessing of one of the world’s best known conservationists, Sir David Attenborough. "I am delighted that a recovery plan is in place for the kiwi. In the minds of many people around the world, the kiwi is a symbol of New Zealand itself. The project deserves all the support it can get and shows, once again,

that New Zealand is leading the way in its conservation of native birds," said Sir David. The plan has also won the backing of the Bank of New Zealand, which has committed itself to a five-year support programme enabling the recovery project to begin immediately. Bill Mansfield, director-general of the Department of Conservation, says the plight of New Zealand's national emblem is not widely appreciated. "All kiwi species are considered threatened with extinction unless the causes of declines are addressed," Mr Mansfield said. Recent research shows the three species of kiwi still present in New Zealand have been declining in number and geographical spread, to the extent that the little spotted kiwi is thought now to exist only on offshore islands. The great spotted kiwi is found only in large forest areas in the South Island and although they are still the most widespread, brown kiwi populations are becoming increasingly isolated. In the first year the recovery plan will research and quantify the extent of the problem. The next stage will seek to improve the position by increasing, where possible, the current abundance and distribution of all species of kiwi. The Threatened Species Trust programme, a partnership between the Department of Conservation and the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, will co-ordinate the project

over the next five years. Mr Mansfield said the Bank of New Zealand was working alongside the Trust to tackle the problem quickly, and across a wide range of fronts. "Time is critical and considerable resources are required throughout the country to implement the plan. The Bank’s partnership will contribute greatly to the success of the whole project," he said. The managing director of the Bank of New Zealand, Lindsay Pyne, said the Bank had enthusiastically taken up the challenge to assist in the preservation of the kiwi. "We are developing a number of initiatives and using our nationwide presence to provide a strong impetus and high awareness level for this project. "The Bank is honoured to play a role in preserving what is a key element of New Zealand's natural heritage," Mr Pyne said. Fo