Great spotted kiwi  (Apteryx haastii)

The introduction of mammalian predators to New Zealand is the primary cause of decline of the kiwi, and has now placed New Zealand's national icon in grave danger (2) (4). The drop in numbers of great spotted kiwis is due to habitat loss, predation of chicks and juveniles by mustelids (Mustela spp.), particularly stoats, nest predation by the brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), and predation of adults by dogs; all non-indigenous animals were introduced to New Zealand by European settlers near the turn of the 20th century (2) (5).

Awareness and concern for kiwi welfare has grown in recent years and, in 1991, the Kiwi Recovery Programme was launched, through which strategies such as predator control have benefited this and other kiwi species (2) (5). These unusual birds are also intensively monitored using call-counts, specially-trained dogs searching for banded birds, and radio-tracking (5). No other animal has been so linked to a country's cultural identity as the kiwi bird, and with continued efforts by dedicated conservationists, the kiwi should hopefully remain a celebrated icon of New Zealand for many years to come (2).