Kiwi are flightless nocturnal birds found only in New Zealand whose populations have been devastated by introduced predators, making predator control programmes central to their welfare and conservation.
Wild kiwi face welfare impacts from predation attempts that may not be immediately fatal — stoat attacks leave surviving birds with severe injuries. Injured birds that survive attacks suffer prolonged pain and disability in the absence of veterinary care. The stress of predator presence elevates cortisol in kiwi populations near forest edges where predator pressure is highest. Chicks that survive to the release size threshold from Operation Nest Egg still face significant adjustment stress during reintroduction to wild habitats. Dogs used inappropriately in management or recreation cause acute welfare emergencies through attack injuries.