The kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus), also known as the owl parrot, is a critically endangered species of large, nocturnal, flightless parrot endemic to New Zealand. It is one of the most unusual birds in the world due to its unique combination of traits.
Key Characteristics:
- Flightless: The kākāpō cannot fly, making it vulnerable to predators.
- Nocturnal: Active at night and sleeps during the day.
- Herbivorous: Feeds on native plants, seeds, fruits, and leaves.
- Large and heavy: It can weigh up to 4 kg (8.8 lbs), making it the world’s heaviest parrot.
- Lifespan: Can live over 90 years.
- Booming call: Males produce deep, resonant “booming” calls to attract females during mating season.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
- In the 1990s, the population was down to just 50 individuals, but thanks to intensive conservation efforts, the number has risen to around 250 (as of 2024).
- The entire population is managed and lives on predator-free islands such as Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) and Anchor Island.
Unique Facts:
- Kākāpō are lek breeders, meaning males display in specific areas to compete for female attention.
- Each bird is individually named and tracked.
- Featured in conservation programs such as New Zealand’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme.
Aquí tienes varias fotografías del kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus), el icónico loro terrestre de Nueva Zelanda.
Las imágenes muestran:
- Su plumaje verde moteado con amarillo, ideal para camuflarse en los bosques. birdfact.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14sci.news+14
- Su rostro con disco facial similar al de un búho y ojos frontales. en.wikipedia.org
- Su postura nocturna mientras trepa o se desplaza por el suelo. huffingtonpost.es
- Detalles de su textura única de plumas, suaves y esponjosas al no usarlas para el vuelo.