The niche of the kakapo [Strigops habroptila] is New Zealand. Its niche used to be spread across the three main islands. Due to European setlement and the introduction of new species, it now is limited to the four predator free islands of Maud, Chalky (Te Kakahu), Codfish (Whenua Hou) and Anchor, where the populations are monitored closely.
The reason for the limited geographic range is the severe threat to the kakapo's continued existence. In fact, only 125 kakapo were found on the islands in April 2009. But implementers and enforcers of the Kakapo Recovery Plan haven't given up hope. In fact, the islands of Resolution and Secretary are being readied as additional kakapo habitats.
The kakapo are a flightless, heavy bird that oftentimes is a ground dweller. But the individual kakapo also is known to roost in the highest of tall trees. Either way, its diet tends to consist entirely of fruit, pollen, seeds, and tree sapwood. So its niche tends to be as a consumer, and therefore controller of plant density, in vegetated areas with plenty of ground cover and tall trees. At the same time, its niche also tends to be as a propagator, and contributor to plant density and diversity, through the spreading of seeds. These seeds may be spread by elimination or by the equivalent of 'crumbs' while eating.
The bird's name in Maori means 'night hunter'. Also called the owl parrot, that's exactly what the kakapo is. Hunting at night protects the bird from raptors.
But flightlessness and night hunting have been disservices with Polynesian and European colonization of the islands. Colonization has brought in predatory mammals. Predatory birds rely on sight. Predatory mammals rely on hearing and smell. It's the combination of loss in habitat to colonizers and of predation by colonizers' animals that have brought the kakapo to the threatened conservation status that the kakapo now holds.
Kakapo was created in 1845.
ways to help conserve the kakapo
Yes. Kakapo are nocturnal, an unusual trait in a parrot.
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.
Yes. Kakapo can and do fight. Young kakapo engage in play-fighting, while mature males will fight over their territory.
Kakapo is a Maori word meaning "night parrot". This is because the kakapo is the world's only nocturnal parrot.
Kakapo is the Maori name. It means "night parrot".
The kakapo originates from New Zealand. It is the world's only flightless parrot.
Kakapo have grey legs and feet, and their feet have pale soles.
The kakapo is a consumer. Unlike producers, its does not produce its own food.
Kakapo are birds. Therefore they do not have litters: they have clutches. Kakapo lay between one and four eggs once every two to three years.
Yes, but not very strong ones. In fact, Kakapo parrots are flightless!