Meet the Tutukaka Coast Kiwi

These kiwi were all raised from a young age on predator-free Limestone Island until, they were big and strong enough to fight off a stoat or weasel.

Each kiwi we monitor has a transponder, a little micro chip inserted into the bird that can be "read" by an electronic device to identify the  bird at anytime in the future.  It replaces the need for leg bands that were used previously for this purpose.  eg in the event of a road casualty, we can determine if its a wild bird or one from our release programme.  They are much less invasive than the leg bands, which have been known to hook up on things in the bush, causing fatalities. Also can cause damage to the leg.

For regular updates on these kiwi and their new adventure in the wild, signup to the Kiwi Coast 'Follow a Kiwi' Program.