New Zealand reveals the Small Five
20th October 2009
New Zealand unveils country’s list of its must-see little creatures features
You’ve heard of South Africa’s Big Five, but New Zealand has now unveiled the Small Five.
The country’s list of its must-see little creatures features the kiwi (the country’s iconic flightless bird), kea (mischievous alpine parrot), tuatura (ancient beak-headed reptile), yellow-eyed penguin and Hector’s dolphin.
The kakapo hasn’t made the list, despite the publicity generated by the recent episode of the BBC TV series Last Chance To See. Officials say it hasn’t been included on the grounds that it isn’t “easily accessible for public viewing”.
Here’s where to spot the Small Five:
Kiwi – Mason Bay, Stewart Island
Kea – Alpine regions of the South Island
Tuatura – Stephens Island in the Marlborough Sounds or, in captivity, at the Karori Sanctuary, Wellington or the Southland Museum, Invercargill
Yellow-eyed penguin – Otago peninsula, South Island
Hector’s dolphin – Akaroa peninsula near Christchurch or Porpoise Bay on the Catlins coast
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