Kākāpō

Details

Kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) is New Zealand’s flightless, nocturnal parrot—the largest and among the longest‑lived parrots. Historically widespread across North and South Islands, it now survives only under intensive management on predator‑free islands and fenced sanctuaries. IUCN: Critically Endangered (CR).

Ecology & Behaviour

Ground‑dwelling but an agile climber and short‑distance glider. Feeds mainly on native plant leaves, shoots and fruits. Breeding is tightly linked to mast seeding (e.g., rimu). Males gather at leks and produce low‑frequency “booming” calls to attract females; females alone incubate and rear chicks.

Identification

Moss‑green, mottled plumage; prominent facial disc and whisker‑like bristles; short wings, long tail; stout legs and bill.

Reproduction & Longevity

Breeds only in mast years (intervals of 2–4+ years). Clutch 1–4 eggs, prolonged chick‑rearing; late maturity. Individuals can live 40–60+ years.

Threats & Conservation

• Introduced predators (mustelids, cats, rats) causing high adult/chick mortality.

• Small‑population risks including inbreeding and low genetic diversity.

• Historic habitat loss from logging and land conversion.

New Zealand’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme employs predator control, supplementary feeding, artificial incubation, health screening, telemetry and genetic management. Numbers are increasing but require sustained, intensive effort.