Little Spotted Kiwi Rediscovered on New Zealand's Mainland After 50 Years

Keywords: little spotted kiwi, kiwi pukupuku, New Zealand conservation, Adams Wilderness Area, DOC, kiwi rediscovery, conservation efforts, endangered species, New Zealand wildlife, wildlife protection
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Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Little Spotted Kiwi Rediscovered on New Zealand's Mainland After 50 Years

In a momentous discovery that has sent ripples through the conservation community, a little spotted kiwi, or kiwi pukupuku, has been found on New Zealand's mainland for the first time in 50 years. This rare bird, once believed to be confined to offshore islands, has reemerged in the Adams Wilderness Area on the West Coast, offering a glimmer of hope for its survival.

Conservationists were elated when a Department of Conservation (DOC) hunter first spotted the bird in the remote region. The discovery led to a high-stakes expedition by DOC biodiversity ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog, Brew. Graham described the experience as a rollercoaster, with the pair navigating rough terrain and unpredictable West Coast weather.

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