Story perspectives
Kakapo population hits 325, surpassing 300 for first time
9/1/2026
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Story summary
- New Zealand conservation reports the kakapo population reached 325 birds on 1 September, surpassing 300 for the first time in 75 years.
- A record breeding season added ninety chicks, the most in recent history.
- Massive fruiting of native rimu trees triggered breeding after a four-year pause.
- Female Awarua-A3, the youngest chick, hatched on 30 March.
- Models indicate the next breeding season could start as early as 2028.
