There’s a new #kakapo island! On Friday we released four males to Te Puka-Hereka/Coal Island, the southern-most island in Fiordland, with Ngāi Tahu and the Coal Island Trust. This is to help relieve the pressure for space on the main breeding islands. #conservation#parrots
Exciting times in the #kakapo world as we roll out our new transmitter design, with much longer battery life and smarter #technology, thanks to the brilliant DOC Electronics Team. Here’s site lead Petrus with 5 year old Ako. #conservation#parrots 📸 Dani Whitaker
Although #kakapo are flightless, they spend a lot of time off the ground. They use their large wings and strong feet and bill to good effect when climbing, and are frequently found high in the forest canopy. #conservation#parrots
#kakapo relied upon camouflage to avoid predators (which were birds, now extinct), so they freeze when threatened. Here’s Cyndy, frozen mid-step while walking along a log. #conservation#parrots
#kakapo camouflage isn’t too shabby. This is Cyndy today, not even trying: completely in the open, about 50cm from the camera. Find out more about kākāpō in the latest episode of the “Sounds of Science” podcast: https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/podcast/#conservation#parrots
Female #kakapo Kuihi during a transmitter change and health check on Whenua Hou today. We currently change transmitters every 1 - 1.5 years, but a new design in final stages of testing will last much longer and be easier to fit. #conservation#parrots#fieldwork.
Catching up with #kakapo Tuterakipaua on Anchor earlier this week for a health and transmitter harness check. At 2 years old, he’s one of 53 juveniles still alive from 55 fledged in 2022 - a good survival rate. #conservation#parrots
Two #kakapo are on their way back south after repeatedly escaping from Maungatautari fenced sanctuary. We’re working hard to understand how and why the kākāpō are getting out, and how to stop them! This week we’ll be testing new tracking tech. #conservation 📸 Dani Whitaker
We’ve removed 3 of the 10 #kakapo from Maungatautari to southern islands to reduce monitoring workload after Motupōhue escaped twice in quick succession. We’re committed to the trial at this new site, but with fewer birds for now. #conservation 📷: Peter Drury; Daniela Whitaker
And in other news: there’s one week left to adopt a #kakapo for delivery before Christmas. Adoptions close 10th Dec. It’s a great way to support #conservation of this critically endangered species. Thank you to everyone who’s helped so far! https://www.doc.govt.nz/adopt-a-kakapo
The #kakapo at Maungatautari are keeping us on our toes! Last week Manaaki was found outside of the fence and returned inside. We suspect he used a tree to jump the fence, so further tree trimming is underway and we’re closely monitoring all 10 birds in this new population. 📸 DOC. #conservation