WWF New Zealand - Protecting our native species New Zealand is a true ‘hot spot’ for albatrosses,. Nearly half of the world’s 22 albatross species breed here, and many of these breed nowhere else. Yet tens of thousands of seabirds including albatross are killed each year by fishing operations. Of the species that breed only in New Zealand, the Chatham albatross is listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as 'critically endangered' and the northern royal albatross is 'endangered'. To stop seabird numbers declining further, WWF is part of Southern Seabird Solutions, which unites fishers, industry, government and WWF in the common cause of saving seabirds. Southern Seabird Soultions exists to help fishers fish smarter, ensuring seabird-friendly fishing is practised throughout New Zealand fleets and internationally, so more seabirds return to New Zealand shores safely.
Kiwi The Kiwi is endemic, meaning it is only found in New Zealand. New Zealanders have adopted it as their national symbol. A looong beak Kiwi have long beaks with nostrils at the tip for sniffing out their favourite foods like worms, spiders and other insects. Their beaks also have organs that sense vibrations in the soil which helps them find wriggling insects underground when they poke their beak deep into the dirt. Teeny, tiny wings Kiwi have wings but they are very very small which means kiwi are flightless. Camouflage feathers Kiwi feathers are rough, shaggy and brown and have special patterns and colours to camouflage them on the ground. What's that smell? Kiwi have a very distinctive smell - some say that they smell like a forest mushroom. Kiwi kick boxers Kiwi defend themselves using their powerful legs and sharp claws to kick and scratch at anything attacking them. Supersized eggs Female kiwis lay enormous eggs that can take up 20 percent of their body and weigh around 430g. Night Walkers