Successful translocations of little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) between offshore islands of New Zealand

In the 1980’s Little Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx owenii) were transferred to Long, Red Mercury and Hen Islands to establish new populations beyond their stronghold on Kapiti Island. Recent surveys indicate that all three populations are increasing at between 4% and 8% per annum. Recently, a fifth population has been established successfully on Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf, and has grown at a rate of about 11% per annum. Little spotted Kiwi now appear to be secure with five viable populations on predator-free islands. Aerial poisoning of rats using brodifacoum baits does not appear to have had any long-term adverse effect on the populations of Little Spotted Kiwi on Red Mercury and Tiritiri Matangi Islands.