Story: Extinctions

Monitoring kākāpō (1st of 2)

Monitoring kākāpō

Kākāpō are ground-dwelling parrots unique to New Zealand that were once widespread. Following the introduction of predators such as rats, ferrets and cats, the species seemed doomed to extinction. In 2006 there were only 86 remaining birds, all on predator-free islands in southern New Zealand. By 2022 there were 216 adult kākāpō.

This photograph, taken in the early 1980s, shows a radio transmitter being attached to a kākāpō named Tawbert, so he could be tracked. Tawbert was one of the last known kākāpō in Fiordland, where none have been seen since 1987.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10058005

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How to cite this page:

Richard Holdaway, 'Extinctions - New Zealand extinctions since human arrival', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13662/monitoring-kakapo (accessed 17 April 2024)

Story by Richard Holdaway, published 24 Sep 2007