Kakapos are one of the world’s rarest parrots. They are critically endangered, with a population of around 130 individuals living on just four off-shore islands in New Zealand. They are flightless, nocturnal and long lived. They are also the world’s heaviest parrot.
Kakapos have powerful legs and claws which make them good climbers. They are also able to walk long distances in search of mates or food. They have moss-green upperparts and greenish-yellow underparts, with brown and yellow mottling to the feathers which gives excellent camouflage against the forest floor.
These unusual parrots used to be found across much of New Zealand, but they were almost wiped out by the mid 20th century. This was due to the clearing of forests, hunting and most significantly, the rapid spread of introduced predators such as rats, stoats, dogs and cats. These killed not just adult birds, but also the chicks and eggs. As Kakapos breed only once every three to five years, this relentless attack left the species on the brink of extinction.
Over the past 30 years the last surviving parrots have been moved onto islands free of predators and an intensive conservation and species recovery programme introduced. The Kakapo is now making its first tentative steps towards recovery.
Kakapo skins and feathers were used by Maori to make dress-capes and cloaks.
Kakapo (Strigops habroptila)
Collection Information
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