Comparison of little spotted kiwi (Aptrix owenii) from Kapiti and D'Urvill Islands

The Kapiti and D’Urville Islands populations of little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) are the only two long-standing populations of this species that have survived the decline of kiwi in the 20th century. The populations were compared to determine their conservation status and to provide a basis for management decisions for the two surviving birds from D’Urville Island. Measurements, voice, ectoparasites, and genetic variation, as determined by allozyme electrophoresis, of birds from the two populations were analysed. Birds from the populations were found to be very similar with little genetic variation (0 loci for D’Urville Island birds and 3 loci for Kapiti Island birds). The origin of the Kapiti Island population was believed to be from an introduction of birds to the island. However, searches of archives show that brown kiwi were introduced to Kapiti Island, but that there is no conclusive evidence to justify the belief little spotted kiwi were also introduced. We recommend that management continues with the mixed Kapiti Island and D’Urville Island population on Long Island, and also that future excess progeny sourced from D’Urville Island stock should be transferred to another suitable island. 1 . I N T R O D U C T I O N The existing populations of little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) originate from the two long-standing populations that survived the decline of this species in the twentieth century to near-extinction. The first population, on Kapiti Island, has probably more than 1000 birds (Jolly & Colbourne 1991; J.N. Jolly, unpubl. data) and is the source of recently established populations on three other islands. The second, on D’Urville Island, has probably dwindled to extinction. Two birds from D’Urville Island were transferred to Long Island, Queen Charlotte Sound (one female in 1982 and one male in 1987). They were provided with mates from Kapiti Island (two males in 1982, one female in 1989). The D’Urville Island female and one of the males from Kapiti Island had bred successfully by 1987 and reared at least one offspring (a male) to independence by 1987 (Jolly & Colbourne 1991). One of the males from Kapiti Island was removed from Long Island in 1989; and the number of kiwi on Long Island has steadily increased (Colbourne & Robertson 1997).