Kakapo

Kakapo Facts

• This astounding avian most frequently goes by the simple common name of the Kakapo. It does have other alternate names, however. These alternate terms happen, in fact, to be more descriptive. They include the night parrot and the owl parrot.
• Professional researchers, though, typically refer to the amazing animal by its formal scientific name. That’s the tongue-twisiting term of the Strigops habroptilus. Regardless of which name one uses, though, it’s a truly fascinating work of Nature.
• The highly respected English researcher, Georege Robert Gray, made the first formal recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy deed he further accomplished due to his research, in the year 1845. 
• Regrettably, this truly remarkable bird now sadly finds itself facing serious threats to its continued existence as a species. Its greatest threats include habitat loss, climate change, and also non-indigenous predators, such as cats, ferrets, rats, and stoats.
• Due to these various depredations, the known population of the remarkable Kakapo only totaled 148 extant individuals, as of April 2018. For this reason, among others, the IUCN now lists the amazing bird species as Critically Endangered.

Related Species

                                            

              Emu                   Inaccessible Island Rail            Cassowary                        

Kakapo Physical Description

Perhaps the most notable fact about the truly impressive Kakapo, somewhat surprisingly, continues to be its physical size. That’s because this fascinaing animal ranks as rather small, compared to some of the other flightless birds throughout the world.

This avian resembles a rather rotund parrot. The species also presents a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism. The larger males average about 4.4 lb (2 kg) in weight. Meanwhile, the smaller, and slightly less rotund, females only average about 3.3 lb (1.5 kg).

In coloring, the Kakapo typically presents a striking combination of yellowish-green colors. This appears mottled with brownish gray or black on the upper side. The flank and breast also tend to have the same background colors, but the mottling consists of yellow.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Psittaciformes
• Family: Strigopidae
• Genus: Strigops
• Species: S. habroptila

Kakapo Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Unfortunately, the incredible Kakapo evolved as native solely to an extremely restricted habitat range. In fact, it only lives in what now comprises the island nation of New Zealand, near Australia. Currently, it only exists on three islands kept free of predators.

The tiny avian does, however, display impressive adaptability. That holds true because, in its native habitat, the avian inhabits a multitude of environments. These vary, of course, but often include forests, scrublands, grasslands, and also coastal areas.

Although it adapts well in regards to it range, it still maintains certain behavior patterns, though. As a result, the flightless bird primarily lives and feeds in a nocturnal manner. During the day it most commonly prefers to roost under various forms of cover.

Yet this wonder of evolution doesn’t let its grounded state slow it down, however. While the Kakapo remains incapable of light, it adapted into an extremely accomplished climber. The amazing creature uses this highly useful skill to find its food in the trees.

The impressive bird also differentiates itself from its fellows in yet one more manner. That’s due to the surprisng fact that, unlike most other birds, this species remains entirely herbivorous. It usually feeds on a variety of seeds, leaves, fruits, and stems.

Species Sharing Its Range

                                            

       Tuatara                      Dendrobium                  Bandicoot

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