First Kakapo Chick of the Season Hatches on Anchor Island Amidst Record Rimu Fruiting

On the secluded shores of Pukenui, also known as Anchor Island, a significant milestone has been reached with the arrival of the first kakapo chick of the current breeding season. This auspicious event took place on Valentine's Day, bringing a sense of hope to conservationists as the chick was welcomed by its foster mother, Yasmin. The timing of this birth is no coincidence; it is viewed as a direct result of a rare biological phenomenon involving the mass fruiting of rimu trees (Dacrydium cupressinum). This abundance of fruit served as the primary catalyst for the birds' reproductive behavior, which was first observed by rangers in late December 2025.

Scientific monitoring conducted toward the end of 2025 revealed an extraordinary level of fruit development on the rimu trees, a signal that these unique parrots rely on before beginning their complex courtship rituals. Experts are predicting that the 2026 season will see record-breaking levels of rimu productivity, with fruit set estimated at 50% to 60% across the three primary island sanctuaries used for breeding. Since the inception of the Kakapo Recovery Program in 1995, the project has never entered a breeding cycle with such a high number of females at reproductive age, marking a pivotal moment in the species' history.

Before this latest hatching, the global population of the kakapo stood at 236 individuals. This figure represents a remarkable turnaround from the dire situation in 1995, when the population plummeted to a historic low of just 51 birds. Because kakapo typically only breed every two to four years in synchronization with the rimu fruiting cycles, intensive management is required to ensure the survival of every chick. Previous successful years, specifically 2019 and 2022, saw the population reach a peak of 252 birds, underscoring the vital importance of these high-yield seasons for maintaining genetic health and overall numbers.

To maximize the survival rates of the offspring, the Department of Conservation (DOC) employs sophisticated management strategies, including the use of foster parenting. The biological mother of the new chick, a female named Tiwiri, successfully produced four fertile eggs during this cycle. However, to optimize the chances of success, the DOC team chose Yasmin to act as the foster parent for this particular hatching. This practice of egg swapping is a priority for the DOC, especially when a single mother produces multiple viable eggs, as it helps distribute the workload and ensures a broader range of genetic diversity among the surviving fledglings. Furthermore, every individual in the population is fitted with a radio transmitter, allowing for constant and precise monitoring of their movements and health.

The kakapo holds the title of the world's heaviest parrot and is a unique, flightless, nocturnal species that was once found throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand. Their numbers were decimated following the arrival of human settlers and the subsequent introduction of invasive predators like feral cats and stoats. Although conservation efforts began as early as 1894, the species remained on the brink of extinction for over a century. Today, these birds are confined to strictly managed, predator-free offshore islands, including Pukenui/Anchor Island, Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, and Hauturu-o-Toi, also known as Little Barrier Island.

This current breeding season, fueled by what experts call a rimu "mega-mast," has the potential to produce a record number of chicks. This surge provides a unique opportunity for the Department of Conservation to test less intrusive management techniques, such as remote monitoring technologies, which are essential for the long-term sustainability of the species. Deirdre Vercoe, the DOC's Kakapo Recovery Operations Manager, described the first hatching as a momentous occasion for the entire team. However, she also noted that the program's success brings new logistical hurdles, specifically the urgent need for additional predator-free habitats to accommodate the expanding population.

The ongoing protection of the kakapo is a collaborative effort involving the DOC, corporate partners like Meridian Energy, and the Ngāi Tahu iwi. For the Māori people, the kakapo is considered a taonga, or a sacred treasure, and this cultural connection remains a cornerstone of the recovery strategy. As the 2026 season progresses, the focus remains on balancing intensive intervention with the goal of eventually allowing these extraordinary birds to thrive with minimal human interference in their natural island strongholds.