Kakapo show rare mating activity after bumper berry harvest

A strong rimu fruiting has triggered a rare kakapo breeding season in New Zealand, and conservation staff are monitoring nests including a livestreamed underground nest where eggs were incubated off-site.

The kakapo, a nocturnal flightless parrot native to New Zealand, has entered a rare breeding season after a bumper crop of its preferred rimu berries. The species was once nearly extinct but conservation work over three decades has increased the population from roughly 50 to more than 200. The birds live on three remote, predator-free islands and are closely monitored by the Department of Conservation. A livestreamed underground nest has given the public a rare view of a female named Rakiura and her eggs. Key facts: - Kakapo breed only in years with large rimu fruitings, typically every two to four years. - Male kakapo display from dug-out ground bowls using deep booms and shorter "chings" to attract females. - Rakiura, a 23-year-old female on Whenua Hou, laid three eggs, two of which were reported fertile; eggs were temporarily replaced with false eggs while the real eggs were incubated indoors. - A technician returned a near-hatching egg to the nest and staff said a second real egg is expected to be added within days. - Conservationists relocated kakapo to three predator-free offshore islands, monitor each bird with a tracker, and manage pairings to protect genetic diversity. Summary: Conservationists hope the strong rimu crop will produce a record number of kakapo chicks in February. Staff reported returning a near-hatching egg to a livestreamed nest and expect another real egg to be added within days, while monitoring, incubation and managed pairings continue.