The Journey of the Kakapo
The history of the Kakapo is a story of drama, despair, and hope. A ground-dwelling parrot that lived on the isolated landmass of New Zealand for thousands of years, the Kakapo evolved into one of the world's most remarkable birds.
But with human colonization and the introduction of predators such as stoats, cats, rats, and dogs, the species plummeted towards extinction. By 1995, there were only 50 known Kakapo surviving, on a handful of small island sanctuaries.
Today, with a world population of 120 and a comprehensive Kakapo Recovery Programme underway, the Kakapo is on its first tentative steps to recovery.
History of the Kakapo
| Date | Kakapo History |
|---|---|
| Pre-human | Abundant throughout New Zealand |
| 1800s | Found in central North Island and forested areas of South Island |
| 1894 | Government initiates efforts to save Kakapo |
| 1950s-1970s | Population declines significantly due to introduced predators |
| 1980s | Intensive conservation efforts begin, including translocations to predator-free islands |
| 1995 | Only 50 Kakapo known to survive |
| 2002 | Phenomenal breeding event results in 24 chicks added to the population |
| 2020 | World population reaches 120 individuals |