nature-and-biodiversity: The Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is one of the world’s most endanger
nature-and-biodiversity:The Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is one of the world’s most endangered bird species. Once one of the most common birds of New Zealand, the kakapo was vulnerable to human predation due to its inability to fly and its tendency to remain motionless when approached by people. Furthermore, the birds were preyed upon by the rats, cats, dogs, and weasels that humans had brought with them to the New Zealand islands. Due to increased fear for the kakapo’s survival, the Kakapo Recovery Programme was established in 1995. Starting with the last 65 individuals, the success of the program has led to the current kakapo population of 147 birds. Although still listed as “Critically Endangered”, it is highly likely that the kakapo would be now be extinct if it wasn’t for the efforts of the Kakapo Recovery Programme. Visit HERE to learn more about the Kakapo Recovery Programme and how you can help ensure the survival of this amazing species. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 -- source link