Development of Techniques for Reproductive Assessment of the Captive and Wild Brown Kiwi

The brown kiwi Apteryx mantelli is the most numerous species of the family Apterygidae with an estimated 35,000 individuals. However, due to human encroachment and exotic species predation of chicks, the brown kiwi is considered endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature IUCN. The New Zealand Department of Conservation, in collaboration with several New Zealand universities, is actively trying to halt the population decline by a headstart program (Operation Nest Egg), predator eradications, and ecological studies of wild populations. However, it is difficult to add new methods and technologies to these programs because of the potential disturbance and challenges of recapture of wild animals. Therefore, the use of birds in managed care to develop new methods is useful as these birds are accustomed to handling and are readily available.

The goal of this ongoing study is to develop and validate non-invasive techniques including fecal steroid analysis, ultrasound to evaluate ovarian follicle growth, behavioral observation, and microsatellite analysis to monitor the reproductive physiology of the brown kiwi. In addition to their use in monitoring wild kiwi reproductive status, these methods are being applied to captive propagation programs including the Zoological Society of San Diego's kiwi breeding program. As only a few captive kiwi pairings result in the production of chicks, understanding their reproductive physiology and behavior will elucidate the factors involved in a successful pairing.