Since 1990, the population of the kiwi plummeted by 90%. Kiwis have very poor eyesight and can easily fall prey to introduced predators such as stoats, cats, and dogs. Over 90% of kiwi chicks do not survive to reach the breeding age.
Breeding programmes, measures to deter predation and the establishment of sanctuaries for kiwis, are helping to stabilize the wild population of this unique flightless bird in New Zealand.