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Being a flightless parrot, the kakapo finds its food on the ground or by climbing trees. Their feet are designed as all parrots' feet are - with two sharp claws facing forwards and two facing backwards, which enables it to climb trees, even though it cannot fly. It is often a ground feeder, finding fruits, seeds, roots, stems, leaves, nectar and fungi. Kakapo eat certain fruits such as that of the rimu and kahikatea and the seeds of manuka and leatherwood. They eat the shoots of the shrub Dracophyllum. In the warmer months they drink rata nectar, while in winter they feed on sun orchid bulbs.
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∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBeing a flightless parrot, the kakapo finds its food on the ground or by climbing trees. Its feet are designed as all parrots' feet are - with two sharp claws facing forwards and two facing backwards, which enables it to climb trees, even though it cannot fly. It is often a ground feeder, finding fruits, seeds, roots, stems, leaves, nectar and fungi.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoThe kakapo is a parrot, so it is equipped with a sharp, curved beak for cracking open seeds and nuts and rummaging for roots and fungi, and a wide, thick tongue for feeding on nectar.
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What hunts kakapo?
The kakapo is hunted by introduced predators such as stoats and cats. Feral cats decimated their population on Stewart Island. Dogs hunt and kill them, but do not eat them, while the kiore, or polynesian rat, hunt the chicks.
How can a kakapo use its camouflage to survive in its environment?
Animals use camouflage to either help them hide from predators, or to help them sneak up on prey unexpectedly. In the case of the kakapo, being a flightless, nocturnal parrot with very few ways to defend itself, it needs to remain hidden from predators. The kakapo's feathers are mottled green and yellow, which have similar colouring to leaves in the kakapo's habitat and allow the kakapo to blend in with its environment. When a kakapo senses a predator, its first instinct is to freeze. This, coupled with the bird's green colouring, renders it almost invisible to many predators, especially humans, who used to hunt the kakapo for food.
When was Kakapo created?
Kakapo was created in 1845.
Why do kakapo have green feathers?
Kakapo are not the only birds with green feathers. Peacocks have green amongst feathers, as do many species of parrot besides the kakapo. In the case of the kakapo, being a flightless, nocturnal parrot with very few defensive mechanisms, it needs to remain unseen. Therefore, camouflage is one of its most effective defences, and the reason why its feathers are mottled green and yellow. The green feathers have similar colouring to leaves in the kakapo's habitat and allow the kakapo to blend in with its environment. When a kakapo senses a predator, its first instinct is to freeze. This, coupled with the bird's green colouring, renders it almost invisible to many predators, especially humans, who used to hunt the kakapo for food.
Is a kakapo used in any way by a man?
No. Humans did once hunt these birds, as they were considered to be very tasty, and were easy to catch. No doubt their feathers were also used to adorn clothing. However, kakapo are now protected by law and may not be harmed or used in any way.
Why do we need to conserve the kakapo?
ways to help conserve the kakapo
Are kakapo nocturnal?
Yes. Kakapo are nocturnal, an unusual trait in a parrot.
What is causing kakapo population to decline?
Kakapo numbers are increasing. Since the Kakapo Recovery Programme came into effect and kakapo have been moved to three protected islands off the southern coast of New Zealand, kakapo numbers have doubled from a critical 65 to around 130.
Can kakapo fight?
Yes. Kakapo can and do fight. Young kakapo engage in play-fighting, while mature males will fight over their territory.
What does the word kakapo mean in English?
Kakapo is a Maori word meaning "night parrot". This is because the kakapo is the world's only nocturnal parrot.
What is a kakapo's maori name?
Kakapo is the Maori name. It means "night parrot".
Where does the kakapo originate from?
The kakapo originates from New Zealand. It is the world's only flightless parrot.
