Rare kiwi under care of Wildlife Hospital

By Mike Houlahan

It is a figure which brings home just what an endangered species means: 1% of the world's population of Haast kiwi are now under the care of Dunedin Wildlife Hospital.

There are just 400 of the alpine kiwi species believed to be alive, and four chicks are being cared for at the hospital after contracting a bacterial infection.

''They are the world's rarest kiwi,'' Elton Smith, conservation manager at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, said.

"With only 400 in the world, every single one counts, and to get these birds to their current age of 3 to 4 months, has taken plenty of resources.''

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