Thanks to new conservation technologies, the Critically Endangered Kākāpō has had a record-breaking breeding season.

Conservationists and parrot lovers worldwide delighted in the renewed breeding success of the Critically Endangered Kākāpō thanks to novel methods in 3D-printing technology. Now, we can rejoice once more! A recent update indicates this year has continued to be a record-breaking year for Kākāpō breeding and is proving to be one of the longest breeding seasons in recent years.  

Not only is this breeding season unusually long, it started early, too. Andrew Digby, a science adviser on DOC’s Kakapo’s Recovery Program commented on the thrilling development:  

It’s been going on for a long time…we had our first mating before Christmas, the first chick hatched on the January 30^th, the earliest a chick had ever hatched.” 

In fact, more than 70 chicks have been born so far this season. Though not all will survive into adulthood, there is sure to be a substantial population increase for the Kākāpō. Exciting news, given Kākāpō populations were diminished drastically by the introduction of invasive stoats and feral cats in the 19^th century.  

The young chicks are being trained by conservation staff to acquire better coordination skills and Digby says they will be inquisitively exploring the dedicated island sanctuaries in New Zealand in no time:  

Those sorts of skills and the balance and learning how to cope with the New Zealand bush is quite a big skill. When they’re at this stage…they look pretty cute, they’re like bumbling puppies at the moment.” 

This is a huge win for conservation efforts in New Zealand. This new development demonstrates what is possible for endangered species all over the world.

Source: GMA News Online
Featured Photo: A portrait photo of a Kākāpō Credit: Frank Wouters