Now we know that we have to act quickly to save the kiwi from extinction. Some money comes from the Government to do this, some comes from business, some comes from organisations of interested people. Back to top
Some of the money is spent on finding out more information about kiwi. Scientists find out what kiwi need to breed successfully - how many kiwi are needed in an area to keep them raising strong and healthy chicks, what foods they eat, how large an area they need, etc.
More money is spent in breeding programmes. This means that eggs are hatched in captivity and the chicks are cared for until they are old enough to look after themselves. Then they are let go into the bush to live normally - and to breed more chicks themselves. Many kiwi are being released into special places, like islands, where there are few hunting animals.
People who have kiwi on their land sometimes work with the Department of Conservation to make their bush a safe place for kiwi. They trap the hunting animals that harm kiwi and make sure that dogs and cats aren't loose on their land.
Everyone can help the kiwi though. Keep dogs under control in the bush - that means on a lead or muzzled (like Otto in the picture). Never let them run wild. Keep control of cats too - if they run away and become wild they will catch birds for food. Help to preserve the bush, and keep off-shore islands free of hunting animals.
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