Critically endangered Kākāpō population hits 75-year high in New Zealand

The population of a critically endangered parrot found only in New Zealand has reached a 75-year high. Kākāpō, the world’s only nocturnal and flightless parrot, were common across New Zealand until invasive cats and stoats pushed them to the brink of extinction in the 1900s.

A recovery programme launched in 1995 on the South Island, where predator-free habitats have been created. At the time, the population was just 51, but this week it was revealed that 90 chicks had been born this year, pushing the population to a recovery-era high of 325 birds.

“There is still a long road of recovery ahead, but 90 chicks in a single season is a record,” said Deidre Vercoe from the New Zealand department for conservation. “In the early years of recovery, it took 16 years to produce that many chicks. It’s a significant milestone for the species.”