The rare Coromandel Brown Kiwi arrives at Motutapu

The Coromandel Brown Kiwi arrived at Motutapu Island yesterday in a helicopter. Conservationists hope their population will grow. 5 of that rare kiwi were released into the predator-less island in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. In a major programme that is intending to help make the Kiwi's ability to survive better. An 11 day old chick, named Motutapu, after its new island home was the youngest released yesterday. It will be followed by up to another 50 Brown Kiwi over the next 4-6 years. Christine Fletcher, Chairwoman of the Motutapu Restoration Trust said the restoration of the island and conservation of the Kiwi is " about creating a second Auckland for our rare animals.... and to recreate our ancient world" There are only 1500 Coromandel Brown Kiwi in the wild so they are very rare. The 5 birds that have been released on Motutapu have been micro-chipped for identification but they are not having their movements tracked. It is hoped that one day there will be around 300 Kiwi on Motutapu. Source: The old fashioned newspaper....... NZ Herald ( Metro News Item page A10) 24 October 2012