Kakapo chicks relocate to maximise survival

April 14, 2008

Seven kakapo chicks that hatched just over two weeks ago on Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) have today been transferred to specialised facilities in Nelson to ensure their survival, Conservation Minister, Steve Chadwick announced today.

“I am thrilled with this season’s kakapo breeding success. The safe arrival of these chicks brings the total kakapo population to 92 and is testament to the dedication of the Department of Conservation in ensuring that these ancient and critically endangered birds continue to survive,” Steve Chadwick said.

Kakapo are an ancient species of nocturnal, flightless parrot, once found right throughout New Zealand, but due to human impacts and predation by a range of introduced mammals, kakapo are now threatened with extinction.

The chicks are being hand-raised to optimise their survival chances.  Kakapo mothers depend on ripe rimu fruit on which to feed their young, however this season the fruit on Whenua Hou did not ripen.  Hand-raising has been carried out successfully in past breeding seasons, and hand-raised birds comprise 20% of the surviving kakapo population.

"The Kakapo Recovery Programme is internationally recognised successful model of endangered species conservation.

“The Programme is an excellent example of business, the public and a government department working hand in hand, through the partnership of Rio Tinto Alcan NZ Ltd, Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society and the Department of Conservation.

“I also want to thank the many volunteers for their support and work in helping the recovery of New Zealand's most endangered bird. It is a reflection of the value that New Zealanders place on our natural heritage, to see the determination and dedication of the wide range of volunteers who are living in rather challenging conditions to enable these tiny chicks to survive.

“The Labour-led government is committed to the recovery of our endangered native species, and this intensive conservation effort is recognised worldwide as a flagship example of species recovery.”

Kakapo last bred in 2005 when four chicks were produced, but the record year was in 2002 with 24 chicks.