The South Island Brown Kiwi, also called Tokoeka, is a nocturnal and rarely seen kiwi subspecies in Fiordland. This threatened, endemic bird grows up to 55 cm tall, is flightless and related to ostriches and emus.
Kiwis feed primarily on invertebrates, secondly on plants and fruits. They inhabit Fiordland's forested areas and are found from sub-alpine to coastline territory. Two subspecies are known, one found in Haast, the other on Stewart Island.
The population north of Lake Manapouri is estimated to have 10,000 individuals, while another population in the south has between 4000 to 5000 individuals. Introduced species such as the stoat threaten the Southern brown kiwi. Such predators feed on the kiwi's nutritious eggs and are able to kill young chicks.