Kākāpō Population Tops 300 After Record Breeding

The population of the critically endangered kākāpō parrot has surpassed 300 birds for the first time in 75 years. A record number of chicks were officially added to the count on September 1, 2026, bringing the total to 325, according to New Zealand's Department of Conservation.

Deidre Vercoe, the department's kākāpō recovery operations manager, confirmed the milestone. The last time the population is thought to have exceeded 300 birds may have been as long as 75 years ago. The increase follows a four-year gap between breeding seasons.

A Species Brought Back from the Brink

Kākāpō are the world's only nocturnal and flightless parrot. They were once abundant across New Zealand. Their numbers crashed following the introduction of predators like cats and stoats. By the 1900s, they were nearly extinct.

A dedicated recovery program began in 1995. It started with just 51 birds. The program has since faced significant challenges, including issues with genetic diversity, infertility, and poor chick hatching rates. All surviving kākāpō now live in three breeding populations on predator-free islands off New Zealand's South Island.

The Rimu Tree's Crucial Role

The species' repopulation is inherently slow. Kākāpō breed only every two to four years. This cycle is triggered by the mass fruiting, or masting, of the native rimu tree. This year, after a four-year wait, a bountiful rimu berry harvest prompted the record breeding event.

Vercoe highlighted the progress. In the early years of recovery, it took 16 years to produce that many chicks. The success marks a dramatic acceleration for the conservation program.

The Life and Rituals of a Unique Parrot

Kākāpō are remarkable birds. They are thought to live between 60 and 80 years and can weigh up to 4 kilograms. They have also gained a public following. More than 100,000 people recently tuned in to a live stream of a kākāpō tending her nest.

Their mating rituals are unusual. Males gather in an arena known as a lek. There, they produce a deep, booming sound from air sacs in their chests while sitting in dug-out bowls in the ground. So, while we'll take a moment to stop and reflect on this remarkable year, we're already looking ahead to 2028 and preparing for what could come next, Vercoe said.

The team continues its work on the predator-free island sanctuaries, guarding the future of the world's heaviest parrot.