Kakapo Breeding Season Begins After Four-Year Hiatus

New Zealand's critically endangered kakapo, a flightless parrot, has commenced its breeding season for the first time in four years, as confirmed by the Department of Conservation. Currently, only 236 kakapos remain, distributed across three isolated populations on remote southern islands. Among these, 83 are breeding-age females, leading conservationists to anticipate a potentially record-breaking number of hatchlings this season. Deirdre Vercoe, the kakapo recovery operations manager, expressed optimism, stating, “It’s always exciting when the breeding season officially begins, but this year it feels especially long-awaited after such a big gap since the last season in 2022.”

Rare New Zealand parrot breeds again after four years, biggest season in decades expectedThe Straits TimesA rare parrot that doesn't fly has started breeding for the first time in four years

The Kakapo Recovery Programme was initiated in 1995 by the Department of Conservation in collaboration with the Ngai Tahu Maori tribe, starting with a mere 51 kakapos at the brink of extinction. Over the years, the population has fluctuated, reaching 252 individuals by 2022, although 16 birds have died in the last four years. This current breeding season marks the 13th in the past 30 years, with kakapos breeding every two to four years.

A rare parrot that doesn't fly has started breeding for the first time in four yearsThe Straits TimesRare New Zealand parrot breeds again after four years, biggest season in decades expected

The primary aim of the Kakapo Recovery Programme extends beyond merely increasing the population. Conservationists are focused on establishing sustainable and self-sufficient kakapo populations that can thrive with minimal human intervention. Vercoe emphasized the importance of creating healthy populations, stating, “We want to create healthy, self-sustaining populations of kakapo that are thriving, not just surviving.” Tane Davis, a representative of the Ngai Tahu tribe, expressed hope that kakapos could one day repopulate much of New Zealand's South Island.

A rare parrot that doesn't fly has started breeding for the first time in four years

As the breeding season progresses, ecologists are preparing for what could be the most successful season in terms of hatchlings since the programme's inception. The first chicks are expected to hatch in mid-February, with mating activities anticipated to continue over the next month.

Rare New Zealand parrot breeds again after four years, biggest season in decades expected

While the recovery programme has seen successes, some critics argue that the reliance on intensive management may not be sustainable in the long term. They advocate for a more hands-off approach to allow natural selection processes to play a role in the species' recovery.

The Straits Times

• “It’s always exciting when the breeding season officially begins, but this year it feels especially long-awaited after such a big gap since the last season in 2022,” — Deirdre Vercoe, Kakapo Recovery Operations Manager

The Straits Times

• “We want to create healthy, self-sustaining populations of kakapo that are thriving, not just surviving.” — Deirdre Vercoe, Kakapo Recovery Operations Manager

The Straits Times

• “Ngai-Tahu tribal representative Tane Davies said he hoped that in the future kakapo could once again inhabit much of New Zealand's South Island.” — Tane Davis, Ngai Tahu Representative

A rare parrot that doesn't fly has started breeding for the first time in four years

The kakapo's breeding season represents a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to revive this unique species, highlighting both the challenges and successes of conservation initiatives in New Zealand.

The Straits Times