*** After what they've had to deal with, most birds would have been extinct long ago. But the fact that the kiwi has hung on is an indication of their spirit, by Derek Round. ***

THE flightless bird wh ich is New Zealand's national symbol is near extinction

One species, the little spotted kiwi, is now probably extinct on the New Zealand mainland and found only on outlying islands.

The great spotted kiwi is found only on the west of South Island, one of the country's two main Islands. The brown ktwl. still the most common, is declining in numbers and geographical spread.

AH three species are considered to be threatened with extinction. Land clearance on North Island by both the native Maoris and Europeans eliminated the birds in most coastal and lowland areas.

"We are taking steps to save this unique bird, our national emblem, before its position becomes critical." says Prime Minister Jim Bolger.

New Zealanders are often colloquially called kiwis. The Chinese gooseberry has also been renamed the kiwifruit by New Zealanders who launched the fruit Into an international export success.

"Although the kiwi is our national symbol, we know surprisingly little about IL* says Kevia Smith, conservation director of the Forest and Bird Protection Society.

"Unfortunately, what we do

know Is that it is in decline," Mr Smith continues. "Kiwis are slowly disappearing from forests in many parts of New Zealand. We need to know why and what needs to be done to protect this amazing bird"

The ktwl is a nocturnal bird that sleeps during the day. It has some unique features and has been described as a one-off evolutionary design, more like a mammal.

Most birds rely on sight but the kiwi finds Its food by scent. It Is the only bird known to have external nostrils at the end of Its bill.

Kiwis never fight with their beaks which are highly sensitive and can smell insects several centimetres below the ground.

Other features that are more those of a mammal are its loose feathers which are more like hair and fur. its long

whiskers, the fact that tt cannot fly and that it digs burrows in the ground.

The kiwi bird is threatened by stoats, wild cats, dogs and pigs, possum traps and poison and the logging of their forest habitat. During six weeks in 1987. a wild dog killed about half the 1.000 kiwis living in Waitangi State Forest in the Bay of Islands.

Kiwis have also been victims of gin traps and cyanide poison laid for possum. And it is common in some areas to find kiwis missing talons.

An ancient bird, the kiwi has family ties to New Zealand's exUnct moa. the Australian emu. African ostrich and South American rhea.

Dr John Mclenna. head of the Kiwi Recovery Group, describes the kiwi as one tough customer. After what they've had to deal with, birds would

have been extinct long ago. but the fact that the kiwi I—hung on Is an Indication of their spirit.

They're tough tenacious and extremely protective of their territory." he says .

New Zealand has launched a five-year plan to save the kiwi. The first phase will concentrate on gathering information and will be aimed at safeguarding the little spotted kiwi.

The second stage will Involve rescue action for endangered kiwis and monitoring of all species, the third phase will study the mainland kiwi population and undertake longterm management

The most successful kiwi population in captivity exists in the Northland region, at the top of the North Island, across a range of vegetation types Including exotic forests and rough farmland.