Rare nocturnal parrots in New Zealand are breeding for the first time in 4 years - here's why
Live Science • • world
Key Points:
- The critically endangered, flightless kākāpō parrot in New Zealand is breeding for the first time in four years, triggered by the mass fruiting of the native rimu tree.
- Kākāpō numbers have increased from 51 individuals 30 years ago to 236 today, with 83 breeding females monitored via radio transmitters.
- The 2026 breeding season may produce the most chicks recorded, but conservation efforts prioritize creating healthy, self-sustaining populations over just increasing chick numbers.
- To encourage natural behaviors, the recovery team plans to reduce human interference by allowing more eggs to hatch in nests and limiting nest interactions, addressing past issues of birds imprinting on humans.
- Male kākāpō
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