Kākāpō rising: 90 chicks swell population of the world’s heaviest parrot
Critically endangered New Zealand bird enjoys record breeding season triggered by mass fruiting of native tree, pushing its numbers to 325
TL;DR
- The kākāpō population has reached 325 birds, the highest number in 75 years.
- A record 90 chicks were added to the population after a successful breeding season.
- The breeding season was triggered by the mass fruiting of native rimu trees, a rare event that occurs every two to four years.
- Kākāpō are the world's only nocturnal and flightless parrot, once abundant but now critically endangered due to introduced predators.
- A recovery program began in 1995 with 51 birds and has faced challenges with genetic diversity and breeding success.
- The kākāpō breed on predator-free islands off New Zealand's South Island.
- Kākāpō can live 60-80 years, weigh up to 4kg, and have unique booming mating calls.
- Females are solely responsible for eggs and chicks for about six months.
- The next breeding season is anticipated as early as 2028.