The “biggest, fattest and most flightless parrots in the world” were nearly extinct in their native New Zealand and are still considered critically endangered. Now, for the first time in 40 years, New Zealand’s most extraordinary birds are returning to the mainland. Her return is considered a milestone.
Four male kakapos were taken from Codfish Island off the South Island to the North Island’s Waikato region on Wednesday, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said. The chubby and the world’s only flightless and night parrots are “one of the most iconic and rarest species” in the country, the conservation agency wrote.
“Close like a dog, playful like a kitten”
The name is composed of the Maori words “kaka” (parrot) and “po” (night). British zoologist Mark Carwardine once wrote that the kakapo is the “largest, fattest, most flightless parrot in the world”, adding: “It is as affectionate as a dog and as playful as a kitten, and it can puff itself up with air, until…to assume the size and shape of a soccer ball.”
Introduced Predators: Kakapos on the brink of extinction
Rats, martens, cats and other animals brought in by settlers had pushed them to the brink of extinction. In 1995, only 51 kakapos were counted, says DOC expert Deidre Vercoe. But decades of efforts by the authority in partnership with the Maori have paid off: the population has doubled since 2016 and will grow to 252 by 2022. “Until now, kakapos have only been able to survive on a few predator-free offshore islands, so it’s a huge achievement for everyone involved that they are now returning to the mainland,” Vercoe said.
Is there a future for the chubby birds?
Because there used to be no mammals in New Zealand, the birds didn’t have to adapt to these enemies: they live on the forest floor, lay their eggs there, can’t fly – and haven’t developed any defense strategies. Now the animal rights activists must find out whether the parrots can also thrive in a fenced reserve after their move. For visitors, meanwhile, it will be almost impossible to spot the animals because they are “masters of camouflage,” explains Vercoe.
“Being able to hear their unmistakable tree calls in the Waikato region for the first time in generations is an important milestone,” the expert said. Kakapos let out deep grunts. And something unique: the moss green parrots smell of flowers and honey.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
