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Kakapo are flightless parrots, particularly vulnerable to predators, and currently critically endangered. Their numbers have been decimated since first the Maori, then Europeans, settled in New Zealand. Settlement meant the birds were easily hunted, and exotic predatory species were introduced. However, efforts by various groups have gone a long way towards helping the kakapo and, while it is still critically endangered, its outlook is a bit more positive.
The birds are now protected by law, and to help preserve the species, the Kakapo Recovery Programme has been put into place. The Kakapo Recovery Programme is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) which, under the "Wildlife Act 1953", has responsibility for caring for native species.
Because of predation by cats, dogs, stoats and kiore (polynesian rats), the remaining birds have been moved to offshore islands Under the Kakapo Recovery Programme. In 2014, they are now found only on Anchor Island, Codfish Island (Whenua Hou) and Little Barrier Island (Hauturu). These islands are essentially made up of thick bushland which is closest to the kakapo native habitat.
In addition, the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, a major conservation group in New Zealand, not only actively promotes and assists the Kakapo Recovery Programme, but it also administers funds via the Threatened Species Trust.
Then there is the influential company Rio Tinto Alcan New Zealand Limited (RTANZ) which has committed to helping save the kakapo by working in partnership with both the Department of Conservation and the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.
In 1995, there were only 51 kakapo left. Thanks to the Kakapo Recovery Programme, the population in 2013 had reached 131. There are full time staff permanently enduring the primitive, cold conditions of the islands in order to help protect and preserve the birds.
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Why do we need to conserve the kakapo?
ways to help conserve the kakapo
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.
The kakapo eats certain things and does this contribute to the animals endangeredment?
The Kakapo is already endangered but because of what it eats does not effect the Kakapo in being more endangered - Farzana Neshi Hossain
What is being done to help water shortages?
nothing is being done to help
Which action would benefit the Kakapo the most?
the best action that would benefit the kakapo is to make donations to organizations that are trying to help it.
The kakapo is an endangered what?
The kakapo is an endangered bird. Native to New Zealand, it is an unusual bird, being the world's only flightless parrot.
What is being done to help the Island Fox?
nothing is being done
What adaptations would be useful for a kakapo bird to have?
being able to fly
How are the kakapos parrots being helped?
The Kakapo Recovery Program is helping by breeding and feeding Kakapo birds. You can read more by following the related link below.
Do kakapo have big wings?
Despite being flightless, kakapo have large wingspans for their size. Male kakapo average 62-64 cm in length and have a wingspan of about 90 cm. Females are about 55-58 cm in length and have a wingspan of about 84 cm.
What is the weight of the Kakapo?
The kakapo is not the heaviest bird in the world; it is the heaviest parrot and also the world's only flightless parrot. Its bone and muscle structure are different to that of other birds, and this is one of the reasons why it is unable to fly.
When was Kakapo created?
Kakapo was created in 1845.
