Kākāpō population reaches record high of 213, despite mystery illness

Tuesday, 17 September 2019

Former conservation Minister Maggie Barry releasing kakapo onto Codfish Island.

For the first time in more than 70 years the kākāpō population is a record 213 birds, despite an outbreak of the respiratory fungal disease aspergillosis this year.

The cause of the illness is not yet known, but the birds are winning, and the bumper breeding season is being called an important milestone.

Kākāpō recovery group Ngāi Tahu representative Tane Davis said the success meant more kākāpō, and more demand for pest-free habitats.

The 2018-19 breeding season was the biggest on record.

'One day being in a position to return kākāpō to their wahi kainga, places like Rakiura, is the ultimate goal,' he said.

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DOC scanned and treated about 50 birds for aspergillosis this year.

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'Utilising technology, local and international experts along with having the ability to predict high mast for rimu seed and fruit has led to this outstanding achievement.'

Stella-3-B-2019, the youngest chick of the bumper 2018-19 breeding season turned 150 days old on Tuesday – the age at which all chicks are officially added to the adult population.

The 2018/19 breeding season was the biggest on record after a mast year lead to unprecedented amounts of rimu fruit.

A record 71 chicks have survived through to juvenile age – far surpassing the previous high of 32.

Davis said the breeding season had not been without challenges, particularly the aspergillosis.

The cause of the illness remained unclear, but was being investigated. In total, eight kākāpō died and DOC scanned and treated about 50 birds.

Davis said the fungal infection could be extremely deadly to birds and swept through the population living on predator-free Whenua Hou/Codfish Island.

'Thankfully, thanks to the swift action by a dedicated team from DOC, Auckland Zoo, Massey Wildbase, Dunedin Wildlife Hospital and Wellington Zoo, many of the 21 birds affected have so far survived.

'However, a recent death highlights that the disease remains an ongoing threat.'

Kākāpō are considered nationally critical.