Success: Endangered Kakapo Parrot Sees Population Boom

Target: Department of Conservation Kakapo Operations Manager, Deidre Vercoe

Goal: Applaud the New Zealand Department of Conservation for creating a boom in the endangered Kakapo parrot population.

The endangered Kakapo parrot will be adding 37 new members to the species as a new litter of chicks have been born this year under the care and supervision of the New Zealand Department of Conservation. The boom in population numbers for this unusual bird comes after increased efforts to promote conservation education surrounding the parrot such as this petition.

Found only on one island in New Zealand, the Kakapo parrot, the heaviest parrot in the world, is an awkward, brightly colored, endangered flightless bird. Because of their lack of ability to avoid predators, the bird was almost driven to extinction immediately after the island was colonized. The Kakapo was hunted for consumption by the Maori, the Europeans, and predator species not indigenous to the island that were brought by later settlers, such as weasels.

In 1980, a recovery program was created that relocated the remaining birds to an island uninhabited by the species’ natural predators. Since this time, only 120 have been in existence, until now. For the first time since the species has been relocated, the organization has seen an incredible breeding season for the Kakapo. Sign the petition below to praise the New Zealand Department of Conservation for caring for the well-being of the Kakapo population and encourage them to continue investing resources and time into this cause.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Vercoe,

The Kakapo population has been threatened for decades as the public has ignored the security of these animals. The New Zealand Department of Conservation is working to ensure this species can flourish and population numbers can rise to levels that do not place the bird on the endangered species list. This year, your efforts have culminated in the exciting birth of 37 new Kakapo chicks, increasing the world population of Kakapo parrots to 160.

The birth of these 37 new chicks provides an almost 30 percent increase to the Kakapo population. Without your care, organization, and supervision, these birds would surely be extinct. I would like to praise you for securing the successful breeding of the Kakapo parrot in a larger effort to save these birds altogether.

Thank you for attempting to revive the species by protecting these animals and educating the public about Kakapo conservation. I applaud you and hope you will continue your efforts saving the Kakapo parrot.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Dianne Mason