Seven things you probably didn’t know about the kakapo
Monday, 8 August 2016
Kakapo – our lovable flightless, nocturnal, ground-dwelling parrot – is one of the rarest parrots in the world.
It is also critically endangered, which means our quirky native bird is at high risk of extinction.
It came very close to being extinct in the 1970s, but discoveries of hidden populations offered new hope.
Which is why conservation of this unique critter is essential. Here are seven things you probably didn't know about one of our unique treasures, kakapo.
ONE
There are 7 billion people on earth and less than 160 kakapo. Every single one has a name, there's even a list. Oh hey, Heather (she's a little shy.) Image: Neil Ratley/Fairfax NZ
TWO
The kakapo is the world's heaviest parrot – it can weigh in at up to 4kgs when fully mature. That's the size of a small dog or cat. Skraaarrk!
THREE
The kakapo is possibly the oldest living bird, as it can live for decades. Possibly even as long as 90 years – that's the same age as the Queen!
FOUR
It has a low-frequency mating boom that can travel several kilometres – it's like online dating for the eccentric birds. Listen to it here. (They also 'skraaarrk' and produce a nasal 'chinging' sound.)
FIVE
Sirocco, probably the most famous kakapo in the world, is known for 'mating' with zoologist Mark Carwardine's head while filming for television show Last Chance to See with Stephen Fry, who found the whole incident quite entertaining.
The spokes-parrot also has more than 186,000 followers on Facebook – that's more than Art and Matilda. Maybe Sirocco should be the next Bachelor? #siroccoforbachelornz
SIX
Freeze, don't move! Kakapo freeze when disturbed instead of more useful forms of defence. It was perfectly acceptable in pre-human New Zealand when their only predator was other birds, as their plumage would help blend into the dark green forest floor. But this defence is useless against introduced predators which hunt with smell, contributing to the decline in population.
SEVEN
Meridian Energy has partnered with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to support the Kakapo Recovery Programme. The partnership will help grow the population of kakapo, by helping fund research and develop conservation techniques. Meaning we should have more of this whimsical parrot to love in the coming years.
You can adopt or donate any amount to the Kakapo Recovery Programme here. Just $25 provides supplementary food for one kakapo for one month. Boom!