Little Spotted Kiwi

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Little Spotted Kiwi

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Struthioniformes
Family:	Apterygidae
Genus:	Apteryx
Species:	A. owenii

Binomial name

Apteryx owenii
Gould, 1847

The Little Spotted Kiwi, Apteryx owenii is a small species of kiwi originally from South Island (what is known is they used to live near Marlborough and where Tokoeka currently live) that, around 1890 and 1910 was captured (for conservation purposes) and later released on Kapiti Island. Little Spotted Kiwis are the smallest species of kiwi, at about 1 kilogram or 2.1 pounds, about the size of a bantam.

1 Predation and status
2 Habitat
3 North Island Little Spotted Kiwi
4 Food And Hunting
5 References and External Links

[edit] Predation and status

As the smallest species of kiwi, the Little Spotted Kiwi would be an ideal meal for main kiwi predators like cats, dogs, and stoats, however the Little Spotted Kiwi lives on several off-shore islands (mainly Kapiti Island). The Little Spotted Kiwi's conservation status is listed as 'Range Restricted' (by 'Save The Kiwi'), with a growing population, this means it is probably Vulnerable.

[edit] Habitat

After they were released on Kapiti Island, they were also moved to Red Mercury Island, Hen Island, Tiritiri Matangi Island, and Long Island in the Queen Charlotte Sound. In 2000, about 20 Little Spots, as they are some times called, were released in to Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. This was the first time since about 1900 that Little Spotted Kiwis could be found on North or South Island. Studies on Kapiti Island show that they prefer flax, seral and older forest. Lower numbers in rough grassland and scrub show that they aren't as fond or need more space in these areas.

[edit] North Island Little Spotted Kiwi

The North Island Little Spotted Kiwi, Apteryx owenii iredalei was a sub species from North Island, New Zealand that went extinct in the late 19th century.

[edit] Food And Hunting

The little spotted kiwi tends to eat grubs and other small insects that like to burrow far into the ground, and also will eat certain types of fruit. Hence the sharp talons and long beak, it digs into the ground with its talons then shoves its long beak down the soft ground. Since they can't fly to get to insects or food on trees and its eyesight is very poor it depends on its keen sense of smell, long beak and talons.