What kind of bird is the kakapo? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. New Zealand is home to many flightless birds. It is known to be the only flightless parrot in the world and a very rare animal. It’s a very interesting animal, so I’ll explain it to you.
What is a kakapo? About basic status
The Kakapo is a bird that belongs to the Owl-parrot subfamily, the Owl-parrot subfamily. The scientific name is Strigops habroptilus. It is the only flightless parrot in the world and is a type of nocturnal parrot that is endemic to New Zealand. The total length is about 60cm and the weight is 3-4kg. The list below provides basic information. There are often special features such as videos and news. Since it is a popular animal, you can often find pictures of it online.
| Japanese（和名） | カカポ |
| English（英名） | Kakapo |
| scientific name(学名) | Strigops habroptilus |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Psittaciformes、Strigopidae、Strigops 鳥綱、オウム目、フクロウオウム科、フクロウオウム属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED |
| Length（全長） | 60cm |
| Weight（体重） | 3-4kg |
Even though it’s an owl parrot, it can’t fly.
The kakapo is a member of the parrot family, but cannot fly. The ancestors of the kakapo could fly, but since there were no carnivores in New Zealand, it is thought that they lost the need to escape, adapted to life on land, and stopped flying. “Kakapo” is a word spoken by Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. “Kakapo” means “night parrot”.
About the Kakapo habitat
The Kakapo is endemic to New Zealand and cannot be found anywhere else.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The Kakapo has a very fat appearance. Wings can only be used to balance and support the body when jumping. Its whole body is green with moss-green wings with black stripes on its back, which blend in with the vegetation and provide camouflage. It has a flat face that resembles that of an owl, which is why it is called the owl parrot.
What is your personality like?
The Kakapo has a gentle personality and will run away or crouch down if it senses danger, which makes it very cute. Some people keep them because they are not wary and have a friendly personality.
What is the ecology of the kakapo?
Kakapo live on large plants, leaves and fruits. Among them, his favorite food is the red fruit of a tree called rimu''. Kakapo are the only species in the world to use a breeding method called lek. Males slowly gather in an arena called alek” to court and charm females, competing to mate with them. Females choose a male to mate with based on the male’s display performance. Females lay one to four eggs at a time. The lifespan is about 60 years. Adult birds live almost a long time.
What is the kakapo’s natural enemy?
Kakapo originally lived in a world without carnivores. However, Europeans introduced animals such as dogs and cats, and carnivores became a threat. The abundant kakapo were preyed on due to their small size.
Is the kakapo an endangered species?
The kakapo is currently listed as an endangered species. In New Zealand, its conservation status remains at risk, as ranked by the Department of Conservation as ‘nationally critical’. The reasons may be as follows. The kakapo population has been reduced to 252 individuals. New conservation programs are now being implemented successfully throughout society.
hunting by humans
Hunting by humans is a problem. The Maori hunted the kakapo for food and used its skin and feathers as cloaks. Modern Europeans cleared vast tracts of land, reducing the kakapo’s habitat. As a result, their population has decreased significantly.
carnivores are introduced
Foxes, dogs, cats, and other animals were introduced by Europeans. Due to these presences, many native species, including the kakapo, were heavily predated and declined dramatically. Most of the Kakapo in mainland New Zealand have become extinct, including in Auckland.
Conservation efforts
In 1894, the New Zealand government planned and established Resolution Island in Fiordland as a nature reserve. They began capturing kakapo and kiwi and moving them from the mainland to Resolution Island, where they have no natural predators. Over 200 kakapo were relocated to Resolution Island. By protecting them on the island, they can be kept from becoming extinct. Reports of wild animals being predated have decreased considerably.
Can you keep a kakapo?
Because the kakapo population has decreased dramatically, they are strictly managed and extremely difficult for the general public to keep.
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