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The Kakapo (Ka-kuh-poh) is a very intriguing and delightful bird. Although, many of their physical features and habits are nothing like any other bird. The quote “birds of a feather, flock together” doesn’t really apply in this particular situation.
This flightless creature is found in the forests of New Zealand. They are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. Some people perceive them as an owl, due to this behavior and their owl-like face. And yet, they are actually a parrot! In fact, they are the fattest parrot in the world, weighing 4.4 – 8.8 lbs!
As you might guess, this hefty bird is flightless. Instead of soaring through the sky to get from one place to another, they run or frolic on the forest ground.
Kakapos are herbivores, mostly eating seeds, nuts, fruits, and flowers. Their favorite snack comes from a Rumi tree and can be rather arduous to retreat due to their inability to fly. They slowly and carefully climb using their beak and feet to pull themselves up little by little. Watch this video to see it in action… a little harder than going to the fridge, eh?
Anyone that meets a Kakapo falls in love almost immediately. They are humorous, sweet and rather loud. When startled, they will freeze in hopes that their green and yellow feathers will blend in with the surrounding forest. Which works well unless a predator is close. Though they might be visibly hidden, their musty-sweet odor is hard to miss.
On average Kakapos live 58 years but can live up to 98 years old! The oldest Kakapo parrot to date was 120 years old! What would you do with all that time?!
Kakapos are a critically endangered species, due to fungal infection, predators, genetic inbreeding, and infertility.
Recently the Kakapo population has decreased due to a fungal infection called Aspergillosis. It comes from spores in their environment that when inhaled can cause severe/fatal issues that are difficult to treat unless under intensive care.
Besides treating this infection the main focus of conservationists has been the breeding programs. This species typically breeds every four years. Which makes increasing the population rather challenging. But when breeding season does come around it is a performance and long process that takes place.
About every four years the male Kakapo Parrots travel and perform a song and dance that can last up to eight hours just to find their perfect mate! Have you ever danced for eight hours straight?! Wowza!
But why every four years? Breeding season begins when their favorite fruit is ripe. This fruit from the Rumi tree is full of good nutrition for babies, giving them better chances of survival.
Through much hard work, the New Zealand Department of Conservation announced that the first time in 70 years the population has reached 213! What a cause for a celebration! And if you need a good laugh watch this video of a Kakapos performance and song.
The New Zealand Department of Conservation is working to increase the population of Kakapo Parrots through their Kakapo Recovery program. This program combines the efforts of scientists, rangers, volunteers, and donors to protect the critically endangered Kakapo. Click here to learn more about their work!
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