Haastkiwi

Haastkiwi

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The Haast kiwi(Apteryx haastii), also known as the large spotted kiwi, is a member of the small kiwi family (Apterygidae). It is found exclusively on the South Island of New Zealand.

The plumage of the Haastkiwi is grey to brown in colour and has a dark spotted pattern, which gave it its nickname. It reaches a body length of approx. 60 cm and a body weight of up to 3.2 kg. The females are usually somewhat larger and heavier than the males. Like all kiwis, the shark kiwi is nocturnal and unable to fly. Its wings and tail are atrophied and not recognisable from the outside.

The habitat of the Haastkiwi is grasslands, forests and areas near the coast at an altitude of up to 1200 metres above sea level. Its diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as insect larvae, worms, snails, beetles and spiders. It finds these by sticking its long, thin beak into the ground and feeling for prey.

The Haastkiwi's breeding season is between July and November. The nest is a simple cavity in the ground, which is either found naturally or dug by the bird itself. The clutch usually consists of a single egg, rarely two eggs. In contrast to all other kiwi species, both parents incubate the eggs of the Haast kiwi. This takes between 70 and 85 days, which is one of the longest incubation periods in the bird world. The newly hatched young birds are correspondingly well developed and can leave the nest for the first time after around a week.

The population of the Haastkiwi is currently categorised as endangered. Current estimates suggest that only 8,000 to 15,000 specimens remain in the wild. The main reason for this situation is the introduction of predatory mammals such as dogs, cats and martens by humans. In addition, many kiwis fall victim to poison traps set by hunters.