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Miami Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
‘Little' creature feared locally extinct for decades rediscovered in New Zealand
In a remote region of mainland New Zealand's west coast, Iain Graham heard a duet between a male and female of one of the country's most iconic species. If Graham's ears were correct — honed by his profession as a Biodiversity ranger — then he knew he was hearing two creatures believed to be locally extinct — little spotted kiwi, known locally as a kiwi pukupuku, according to a July 16 news release from the New Zealand Department of Conservation. He and his dog Brew, part of a team dispatched to locate both protected species and pests, scoured the rough terrain for days in search of the birds, getting 'frustratingly close,' but not close enough. They were sent there on a tip from a hunter who first sighted the little spotted kiwi in March, according to the release. On Graham and Brew's final night before getting flown out, in what Graham called their 'absolute last chance,' they found the female and collected feathers which verified its identity. The chance rediscovery of the little spotted kiwi, not seen on the mainland since 1978 both shocked and delighted conservationists. Little spotted kiwi are the smallest of the five kiwi species, and 'are extremely vulnerable to introduced predators,' experts said. It was believed they only survived at fenced predator-free sites on offshore islands, according to the release. 'Despite years of targeted searching, we hadn't found them – until now,' Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said. 'It was like finding a needle in a haystack.' 'Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special,' King added. 'I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world!' Graham and Brew returned to the area and successfully captured the male. The Department of Conservation will work with local tribes to explore protection and management of the birds on the mainland. The kiwi were found in the Adams Wilderness Area on New Zealand's west coast. It is about 120 miles west from Christchurch.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Science
- The Advertiser
Rare kiwi found in NZ for first time in 50 years
A rare kiwi has been found in the wild on mainland New Zealand for the first time in 50 years, the nation's conservation authority says. The smallest of the kiwi species, the kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), was thought to only live in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said. However, a DOC-contracted hunter spotted the bird in a remote part of the South Island's West Coast. DOC ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog Brew were flown in to locate it. "I heard kiwi calling the first night - two of them duetting - and immediately knew they didn't sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area," Graham said. "We were in rough terrain, in typical West Coast weather, and I was running out of dry clothes. Brew would find a burrow, but I couldn't get to the bird. We were so frustratingly close," he added. "I was stoked when we finally caught up with the female on our final night, the absolute last chance before getting flown out." Tiny feathers were collected from the kiwi to confirm the bird was a kiwi pukupuku. Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said the discovery was almost miraculous. "The last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978. Despite years of targeted searching, we hadn't found them - until now." "Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world." DOC will now work with local Maori to protect and manage the birds, of which an estimated 2000 remain. A rare kiwi has been found in the wild on mainland New Zealand for the first time in 50 years, the nation's conservation authority says. The smallest of the kiwi species, the kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), was thought to only live in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said. However, a DOC-contracted hunter spotted the bird in a remote part of the South Island's West Coast. DOC ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog Brew were flown in to locate it. "I heard kiwi calling the first night - two of them duetting - and immediately knew they didn't sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area," Graham said. "We were in rough terrain, in typical West Coast weather, and I was running out of dry clothes. Brew would find a burrow, but I couldn't get to the bird. We were so frustratingly close," he added. "I was stoked when we finally caught up with the female on our final night, the absolute last chance before getting flown out." Tiny feathers were collected from the kiwi to confirm the bird was a kiwi pukupuku. Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said the discovery was almost miraculous. "The last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978. Despite years of targeted searching, we hadn't found them - until now." "Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world." DOC will now work with local Maori to protect and manage the birds, of which an estimated 2000 remain. A rare kiwi has been found in the wild on mainland New Zealand for the first time in 50 years, the nation's conservation authority says. The smallest of the kiwi species, the kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), was thought to only live in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said. However, a DOC-contracted hunter spotted the bird in a remote part of the South Island's West Coast. DOC ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog Brew were flown in to locate it. "I heard kiwi calling the first night - two of them duetting - and immediately knew they didn't sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area," Graham said. "We were in rough terrain, in typical West Coast weather, and I was running out of dry clothes. Brew would find a burrow, but I couldn't get to the bird. We were so frustratingly close," he added. "I was stoked when we finally caught up with the female on our final night, the absolute last chance before getting flown out." Tiny feathers were collected from the kiwi to confirm the bird was a kiwi pukupuku. Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said the discovery was almost miraculous. "The last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978. Despite years of targeted searching, we hadn't found them - until now." "Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world." DOC will now work with local Maori to protect and manage the birds, of which an estimated 2000 remain. A rare kiwi has been found in the wild on mainland New Zealand for the first time in 50 years, the nation's conservation authority says. The smallest of the kiwi species, the kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), was thought to only live in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said. However, a DOC-contracted hunter spotted the bird in a remote part of the South Island's West Coast. DOC ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog Brew were flown in to locate it. "I heard kiwi calling the first night - two of them duetting - and immediately knew they didn't sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area," Graham said. "We were in rough terrain, in typical West Coast weather, and I was running out of dry clothes. Brew would find a burrow, but I couldn't get to the bird. We were so frustratingly close," he added. "I was stoked when we finally caught up with the female on our final night, the absolute last chance before getting flown out." Tiny feathers were collected from the kiwi to confirm the bird was a kiwi pukupuku. Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said the discovery was almost miraculous. "The last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978. Despite years of targeted searching, we hadn't found them - until now." "Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world." DOC will now work with local Maori to protect and manage the birds, of which an estimated 2000 remain.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Science
- Perth Now
Rare kiwi found in NZ for first time in 50 years
A rare kiwi has been found in the wild on mainland New Zealand for the first time in 50 years, the nation's conservation authority says. The smallest of the kiwi species, the kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), was thought to only live in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said. However, a DOC-contracted hunter spotted the bird in a remote part of the South Island's West Coast. DOC ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog Brew were flown in to locate it. "I heard kiwi calling the first night - two of them duetting - and immediately knew they didn't sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area," Graham said. "We were in rough terrain, in typical West Coast weather, and I was running out of dry clothes. Brew would find a burrow, but I couldn't get to the bird. We were so frustratingly close," he added. "I was stoked when we finally caught up with the female on our final night, the absolute last chance before getting flown out." Tiny feathers were collected from the kiwi to confirm the bird was a kiwi pukupuku. Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said the discovery was almost miraculous. "The last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978. Despite years of targeted searching, we hadn't found them - until now." "Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world." DOC will now work with local Maori to protect and manage the birds, of which an estimated 2000 remain.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Science
- RNZ News
Little spotted kiwi found on New Zealand's mainland for first time in 50 years
A female kiwi pukupuku found in the Adams Wilderness Area, the first in nearly 50 years. Photo: Lucy Holyoake/DOC Conservationists are delighted after a unique kiwi was rediscovered in Aotearoa for the first time in 50 years. The little spotted kiwi, or kiwi pukupuku, was first spotted in the remote Adams Wilderness Area in the West Coast by a Department of Conservation (DOC) hunter. It prompted DOC biodiversity ranger Iain Graham, alongside his conservation dog Brew, to fly in to locate the bird. "I heard kiwi calling the first night - two of them duetting - and immediately knew they didn't sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area," Graham said. He said the trip was a bit of rollercoaster. "We were in rough terrain, in typical West Coast weather, and I was running out of dry clothes. Brew would find a burrow, but I couldn't get to the bird. We were so frustratingly close," he said. "I was stoked when we finally caught up with the female on our final night, the absolute last chance before getting flown out." Tiny feathers were collected from the small spotted kiwi to confirm the bird was a kiwi pukupuku, the smallest kiwi species. A little spotted kiwi, or kiwi pukupuku. Photo: Tom Lynch Kiwi pukupuku are extremely vulnerable to introduced predators. Until now, it was believed they only survived in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites. An estimated 2000 of the threatened birds remain, though the population is increasing thanks to the conservation efforts of community groups, agencies, and tangata whenua, DOC said. Despite years of searching, the last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978. "Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I'm not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world," Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King said. Kara Edwards, of Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio, said the find was an opportunity for hapū to connect with what had been considered a lost taonga. "Knowing kiwi pukupuku have survived this whole time in our takiwā is incredible. We are extremely excited and looking forward to working with DOC to secure the future of kiwi pukupuku." Since the sighting, Graham and Brew have returned to the area and captured a male kiwi. "We'll wait for genetic analysis to confirm, but the measurements look right for a kiwi pukupuku," Graham said. DOC is gathering information to work with Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio to explore the future protection and management of these birds. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
After streamlining menu, Starbucks needs fans' help to liven it up
It looks like Starbucks' CEO Brian Niccol is backtracking a bit on his "simplifying the Starbucks menu" strategy. Last year, Niccol announced he would reduce the Starbucks menu by 30%, eliminating customization options and discontinuing multiple beverage items to bring the focus back on coffee as part of the chain's turnaround plan. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Starbucks has long had one of the most customizable menus in the business, with offerings that accommodate all dietary needs and preferences. The coffee giant has over 170,000 different ways to customize beverages, allowing customers to choose from a variety of syrups, drizzles, toppings, sweeteners, coffee and non-coffee bases, coffee types, crafting styles, and multiple dairy or non-dairy milk options. Related: Starbucks CEO announces major update on turnaround plan Starbucks' highly customizable menu has influenced fans to create imaginative drink orders, which eventually led to the emergence of a secret menu with beverages that continue to go viral on social media. Although Niccol has managed to make multiple changes to the Starbucks menu, social media's power is too massive to ignore, as it has helped the coffee chain stay relevant. Image source: Getty Images After years of fans playing around with Starbucks' (SBUX) customizable menu to create unique and creative beverages, the coffee giant has officially embraced the trend by launching the "secret menu" on its mobile app starting today. Related: Starbucks removes fan favorite item, customers are shocked This highly anticipated debut features a rotating selection of four drinks, all of which can be crafted by customizing beverages already available on the original menu. Here are the first four secret menu drinks: Cookies on Top can be crafted by ordering a Cold Brew with two pumps of vanilla syrup, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, and cookie crumble Glow-Up can be ordered by selecting the Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher, adding peach juice blend, and topping it with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Tea & Pearls can be made by mixing Starbucks' iced black tea with lemonade and adding raspberry-flavored popping Add White Mocha can be crafted by ordering a Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, adding White Chocolate Mocha Sauce, and topping it with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam. Starbucks fans are the pioneers of this custom beverage trend that has helped it become the recognizable brand it is today. To thank them for their loyalty and encourage consumer engagement, the coffee giant is launching a first-of-its-kind contest. Through July 20, customers can use the enhanced customization options in the Starbucks app to craft their own original beverage and submit it for a chance to be featured on the official secret menu. More Starbucks News: Starbucks considers massive change to its second-largest businessStarbucks executives to get huge bonus as baristas demand better payStarbucks unveils huge store updates amid turnaround plan Starbucks will hold a public vote on its Instagram, allowing fans to choose the top four finalists and creating more social media buzz. The finalists' drinks will be showcased on the secret menu from August 18 through 25. The three runner-ups will receive a $5,000 prize, and the first-place winner will receive $25,000. Fans can download the Starbucks app and click the "offers" tab to explore the secret menu drinks and learn more about the contest. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
