What is the outlook for the kakapo?

Answer 1

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, figures 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.