- Okarito Kiwi
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Okarito Kiwi Conservation status Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Struthioniformes Family: Apterygidae Genus: Apteryx Species: A. rowi Binomial name Apteryx rowi
Tennyson et al., 2003The Okarito Kiwi, Apteryx rowi, also known as the Rowi or Okarito Brown Kiwi, is a member of the Kiwi family Apterygidae, described as new to science in 2003. The species is part of the Brown Kiwi complex, and is morphologically very similar to other members of that complex. It is found in a restricted area of the Okarito forest on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island[1], and has a population of about only 300 birds.[2] Some Okarito Brown Kiwis may live up to 100 years.[3]
Contents
Taxonomy
The Okarito Kiwi is a monotypic species.[1] Their genus name Apteryx stems from the Greek "without wings".[4] This bird is a ratite and has similarities to the others (Emu, Ostrich, Rhea, Cassowary). Its sternum has no keel, its wings are minimal, and it has no preen gland. Its palate is also distinctive, and its feathers have no barbules or aftershaft. Other features that are similar to only the other kiwis is a weak gizzard and no tail, only a pygostyle.[5]
Range and habitat
The Okarito Brown Kiwi lives in the Okarito forest on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.[1][2] On the 29th of June 2010, three breeding pairs were released onto Blumine Island as part of a breeding program. [6]
Reproduction
The female can lay up to three eggs, each in a different nest. Both the male and the female incubate the eggs. The egg is very large, as it weighs 20% of the female's weight (as in all kiwis). Most pairs are monogamous throughout their lives.[3]
Status and conservation
Its conservation status has been set as "nationally critical". Conservation efforts such as Operation Nest Egg and the stoat control regime have been partially successful in restoring the Rowi population. However, the rowi is still in a fragile stage of existence. Predation, mainly from imported animals such as stoats, is still the biggest threat to the Rowi. The South Okarito Forest was designated a kiwi sanctuary in 2000.[3]
Footnotes
- ^ a b c Clements, J (2007)
- ^ a b New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), (2009)
- ^ a b c New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), (2009(a))
- ^ Gotch, A. F. (1995)
- ^ Davies, S. J. J. F. (2003)
- ^ "Kiwi released on Blumine Island". The Marlborough Express. 30 June 2010. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3869779/Kiwi-released-on-Blumine-Island. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
References
- Clements, James (2007). The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World (6 ed.). Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. ISBN 978 0 8014 4501 9.
- Davies, S.J.J.F. (2003). "Kiwis". In Hutchins, Michael. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia. 8. Birds I Tinamous and Ratites to Hoatzins (2 ed.). Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group. pp. 89–90. ISBN 0 7876 5784 0.
- Gotch, A.F. (1995) [1979]. "Kiwis". Latin Names Explained. A Guide to the Scientific Classifications of Reptiles, Birds & Mammals. London: Facts on File. p. 180. ISBN 0 8160 3377 3.
- New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) (2009). "Rowi: New Zealand native land birds". New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC). http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/birds/land-birds/kiwi/rowi-formerly-okarito-brown-kiwi/. Retrieved 2009-07-25.
- New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) (2009(a)). "Facts about Rowi". New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC)". http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/birds/land-birds/kiwi/rowi-formerly-okarito-brown-kiwi/facts/. Retrieved 2009-07-25.
- Tennyson, A.J.D.; Palma, R.L.; Robertson, H.A.; Worthy, T.H.; Gill, B.J. (2003). "A new species of kiwi (Aves, Apterygiformes) from Okarito, New Zealand". Records of the Auckland Museum 40: 55–64.
Categories:- IUCN Red List critically endangered species
- Apteryx
- Birds of New Zealand
- New Zealand stubs
- Ratites
- Flightless birds
- Animals described in 2003
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