Rowi chick a boost for struggling population
July 2013. The discovery of a kiwi chick born on Marlborough Sounds' Orua Wairua (Blumine) Island could help secure the future for the world's most endangered kiwi - the rowi.
The as yet unnamed chick was transferred by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to Mana Island - a predator-free kiwi sanctuary off the Kapiti Coast -joining other rowi, in the hope it will one day breed.
Just 375 rowi alive including only 80 breeding pairs
Kiwis for kiwi executive director, Michelle Impey says the chick's hatching could unlock the species' gene pool, genetically diversifying the rowi population which stands at just 375.
"With an estimated one third of rowi unproductive and with the population down to just 80 breeding pairs, this precious chick could literally ensure the survival of the species," says Ms Impey.
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