New Zealand Welcomes a Record 90 Kakapo Chicks, Helping the World's Chunkiest Parrot Species Rebound From the Brink of Extinction

A record 90 chicks have been added to New Zealand’s kakapo population this year, raising hopes that the critically endangered parrots can bounce back from the brink of extinction. These hefty birds are flightless, although some lighter females can glide across short distances. Instead, the chunky creatures rely on their powerful claws and strong legs to climb trees and waddle around on the ground.

Individual kakapo—which have mottled, bright green plumage—can live between 60 and 90 years. However, the species as a whole has suffered a steep population decline because of hunting starting in the 13th century, as well as the introduction of predators like rats, cats and stoats, a type of weasel. The birds’ nocturnal habits help them avoid some predators, but their distinctive, sweet-smelling odor can make them easy prey.

Habitat loss, disease and reproductive issues have also hampered the species. The population plummeted to 51 birds—just 20 of them females—in 1995. But thanks to concerted recovery efforts that started in the 1980s, the species has slowly been making a comeback.

On September 1, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation shared the latest tally: 325 kakapo individuals. That’s a “significant milestone” because the last time the parrots’ population topped 300 individuals may have been as long as 75 years ago, Vercoe says in the statement. It’s a big deal because Kakapo don’t breed annually.

They typically reproduce every two to four years, when rimu trees—a tall evergreen native to New Zealand—produce abundant red fruits. This year, the trees sprouted one of their best crops in decades, which prompted the baby boom. Officials say 79 females nested this year, laying a total of 258 eggs.

More than half of them never hatched. Some chicks that did emerge died soon after. But nearly one-third of the eggs produced chicks that survived to the 150-day-old mark, when a baby has fledged and is considered independent.