Survey of husbandry practices and captive environments for North Island brown kiwi <i>(Apteryx mantelli)</i> housed in facilities within and outside New Zealand.

ABSTRACT: North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli), endemic to New Zealand (NZ), are held in captivity both within and outside of NZ. However, more knowledge is required regarding how kiwi are housed and managed. This study aimed to characterise the demographics and reported health/behavioural issues of the captive population of kiwi, investigate current housing and husbandry practices, and explore the association between reported behavioural problems and housing practices. Between November 2021 and June 2022, all 31 facilities holding kiwi were invited to participate in a questionnaire. Thirteen facilities within NZ (92.9% response rate) and ten elsewhere in the world (58.8%) responded, covering 97 kiwi in NZ (93.3%) and 40 outside NZ (83.3%). Kiwi in NZ were younger on average than birds

SUBMITTER: Connor RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12284840 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature