New Zealand’s Endangered Kakapo Parrot Gets a Big Population Boost

Kakapo parrot chick "Hinemoa-2-A" is fitted with a transmitter in this undated social media photo obtained April 18, 2019, in an undisclosed location in New Zealand. (Department of Conservation New Zealand/ via Reuters)
Kakapo parrot chick "Hinemoa-2-A" is fitted with a transmitter in this undated social media photo obtained April 18, 2019, in an undisclosed location in New Zealand. (Department of Conservation New Zealand/ via Reuters)
TT

New Zealand’s Endangered Kakapo Parrot Gets a Big Population Boost

Kakapo parrot chick "Hinemoa-2-A" is fitted with a transmitter in this undated social media photo obtained April 18, 2019, in an undisclosed location in New Zealand. (Department of Conservation New Zealand/ via Reuters)
Kakapo parrot chick "Hinemoa-2-A" is fitted with a transmitter in this undated social media photo obtained April 18, 2019, in an undisclosed location in New Zealand. (Department of Conservation New Zealand/ via Reuters)

The population of New Zealand's kakapo, an endangered flightless parrot, has increased 25% in the last year to 252 birds following a good breeding season and success with artificial insemination, the conservation department said Tuesday.

The kakapo have been nearly wiped out by introduced predators such as stoats as the birds cannot fly. The problem has been exacerbated by inbreeding, very low fertility - only 50% of eggs are fertilized - and as they only breed every two or three years when native rimu trees fruit.

The population of the kakapo, which is the world’s heaviest parrot, is now at its highest number since the 1970s.

"There were just 86 kakapo when I first started working as a kakapo ranger in 2002. That number was scary. Having a breeding season with 55 chicks feels like a very positive step," said Deidre Vercoe, operational manager for the kakapo recovery program.

The program was established in 1995. It is a collaboration between the New Zealand conservation department and Maori tribe Ngai Tahu and uses volunteers to help with activities like monitoring the nests to keep them out of trouble. Some birds have had to be rescued after getting stuck in the mud or after their legs were caught in trees.

Vercoe said in an email that much of the success this season was due to the amount of fruit on rimu trees.

Success with artificial insemination this season was also key. Eight surviving chicks were born from artificial insemination, compared to just five in the decade to 2019.

"Using artificial insemination has meant that some males, who had not yet naturally fathered chicks, are still represented in the future gene pool," said Vercoe.

"Artificial insemination can also help to increase fertility of the eggs laid."



Endangered Species Return to Natural Habitat at Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Reserve

 The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the second largest royal reserve in the Kingdom - SPA
The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the second largest royal reserve in the Kingdom - SPA
TT

Endangered Species Return to Natural Habitat at Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Reserve

 The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the second largest royal reserve in the Kingdom - SPA
The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the second largest royal reserve in the Kingdom - SPA

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with the National Center for Wildlife, reintroduced endangered species by releasing 30 Arabian oryx, 10 Arabian gazelles, 50 sand gazelles, and five red-necked ostriches into their natural habitats.
According to SPA, the initiative is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, restoring ecological balance within the reserve by enhancing the role of the species in their ecosystems, and raising environmental awareness, highlighting the authority's commitment to protecting endangered species.
Through its various programs, the authority seeks to increase community awareness of wildlife, support biodiversity protection, and create a sustainable environment for wildlife reproduction and conservation.
Covering an area of 91,500 square kilometers, the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the second largest royal reserve in the Kingdom. It is home to various wildlife and plant species, making it an ideal destination for hiking, wilderness adventures, camping, and sustainable hunting.