You can help kiwi researchers monitor kiwi by reporing any kiwi sign you see, and reporting kiwi calls.
One of the simplest ways to locate a kiwi is to listen for its distinctive call.
Other sign that kiwi are in an area are beak probe holes in the ground, large grey-and-white smelly droppings, feathers snared in hookgrass and footprints.
Kiwi footprints are about the size of a domestic hen’s. They show up in soft ground – like snow, sand and mud.
Probe holes made by the kiwi's beak usually occur in groups and look like a screwdriver has been pushed into the ground, rotated and pulled out again. Probe holes are about 10-centimetres deep.
To report any kiwi sightings or sign, fill in a kiwi reporting card and hand it into your local Department of Conservation area office. The information these provide helps kiwi researchers learn more about kiwi distribution.
We used to think only male kiwi incubated eggs. We now know great spotted, rowi and the Haast tokoeka share incubation, and sometimes southern tokoeka pairs enlist the help of other kiwi to share incubation.
