World's heaviest parrot, the kākāpō, exceeds 300 in population after 75 years

Thanks to a record breeding season in New Zealand, the population of the critically endangered kākāpō, the world's heaviest parrot, has surpassed the 300 mark for the first time in 75 years, rising to 325.

Record Breeding Season and New Chicks

A significant threshold has been crossed in conservation efforts for the critically endangered kākāpō species in New Zealand, with the population achieving a historical record.

With ninety chicks officially added, the total population reached the figure of 325, marking the highest level since rescue efforts began.

Historical Population Increase and Statements

Deidre Vercoe, operations manager for the Department of Conservation's kākāpō recovery operations, stated that the population may have last exceeded the 300 mark 75 years ago.

Noting that there is a four-year gap between breeding seasons, officials expressed their satisfaction with the population's growth following the long intervening period.

Characteristics of the Species and Historical Background

Holding the distinction of being the world's only nocturnal and flightless parrot species, kākāpōs once lived quite widely across New Zealand.

However, with the introduction of predators such as cats and stoats to the islands, the population experienced a sharp decline, and the species came very close to complete extinction in the 1900s.

Recovery Program and Future Prospects

A dedicated recovery program established in 1995 began its work with only 51 surviving birds, and the point reached today is considered a major success.

Breeding depending on the abundant fruit production of native rimu trees, models for these birds indicate that the next breeding season could take place no earlier than 2028.