KĀKĀPO

Strigops habroptilus

Strigops habroptilus

The kākāpo (Meaning ‘Night Parrot’ in Maori and commonly referred to as ‘World’s Fattest Parrot’) is a species of Parrot endemic to New Zealand. They are among the most endangered animals on the planet with less than 150 remaining. They are a green-yellow color to match the surrounding vegetation. Another iconic feature are the whisker-like feathers that surround the beak. They are the world’s only flightless parrot. The kakapo is a rather large parrot. An adult can measure 25 In (64 Cm) in length, and weight can vary from 0.95 to 4 kg (2 to 9 lb.) Their diet consists of berries, fruit, flowers and nuts. Their population decrease was caused mainly by Maori people who arrived about 700 years ago. They hunted the Kakapo for food and for its feathers which they made into cloaks. Since the Kakapo is flightless, the hunters caught easily it. The Maori also brought Polynesian Rats which eats the Kakapo’s eggs. European settlers brought stoats to control Rabbit populations, but are now a major threat to the Kakapo. Conservation efforts have been made since 1977. The Kakapo Recovery Program has transferred many of the birds to secluded Islands. In April 2019, a group of captive Kakapos laid over 200 eggs. Under close watch and protection, the Kakapo population may recover. To attract a mate, the male Kakapo sends out low frequency ‘booms.’ After about twenty of these calls, he suddenly switches to a high pitch call. He waits to see if a female heard his call. If not, he starts over again. Kakapo eggs hatch within 30 Days. The hatchlings have a thin layer of gray feathers and can barely walk.