Flightless Kakapo Parrots Experience Breeding Boom in New Zealand Due to Abundant Fruit Supply

Kathmandu. New Zealand's rare flightless parrot, the Kakapo, is excited about breeding this year due to a very good fruit production. The Kakapo, whose population has increased from 50 to over 200 following three decades of conservation efforts, has shown its romance and reproductive activity due to the plentiful availability of fruit. Conservationists are hoping for a record number of chicks this year, signaling a push back against the species' risk of extinction.

Kakapos primarily inhabit three remote, predator-free islands off the southern coast of New Zealand. Although the wild environment on these islands is secure, the presence of humans and other animal predators sometimes creates challenges. During each breeding season, male Kakapos attract female Kakapos by emitting deep calls known as 'booms' from bowls dug into the ground.

Females lay four eggs, each success requiring sufficient food resources. This year, 23-year-old Kakapo 'Raukura' laid three eggs, two of which are fertile. The eggs are incubated, sometimes being replaced with dummy eggs if necessary, and each bird is tracked using a small backpack and tracker.

The Kakapo's breeding process is unique and somewhat complex; it only occurs every two to four years, and successful breeding requires direct or active management by conservationists. Thus, the opportunity for population growth in each breeding season is limited. Conservationists work to secure genetic diversity on each island, monitor every activity of the birds during the breeding season, and assist in the safe birth of new chicks.

The physical characteristics of the Kakapo are also unusual. Adult Kakapos can weigh over three kilograms. Their green, yellow, and black patterned plumage blends with the light filtering through the forest, helping them hide. This makes the Kakapo difficult to spot and allows it to evade predators. They can live for 60 to 80 years. Conservationist Deidre Vercoe said, "We don't have the Eiffel Tower or the Pyramids, but we have the Kakapo and the Kiwi. Saving these birds is our real duty."

The lifestyle of these parrots is also monitored via livestream. During this year's breeding season, the breeding activity in Kakapo Raukura's underground nest, where she laid her eggs, was shown live. Conservationists carefully monitor every egg and intervene if necessary to ensure the safety of the newborn chicks.

Over the last three decades, New Zealand conservationists have undertaken the challenging task of quadrupling the Kakapo population. Direct or active management has been implemented during the breeding season to secure the genetic diversity of the birds on each island. Efforts like these are ensuring the survival of the Kakapo for future generations.

This year's bumper berry harvest played a significant role in making the Kakapo breeding successful. Conservationists are increasing the species' chances of survival by precisely monitoring the birds' lifestyle, romance, and breeding process. For the citizens of New Zealand, native birds like the Kakapo and Kiwi are symbols of national pride, and saving them is considered the country's true duty."