Have you heard about the kakapo? this rare animal it is a parrot who lives in New Zealand. Among the most interesting features, stand out the fact that it don't fly and present night habits, which explains the origin of its name, which in Maori means night parrot. Many say that its appearance resembles a giant parakeet, others relate it to a great owl.
The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) and the heaviest parrot species on the planet, reaching approximately 4 kg. In relation to its size, the bird measures about 60 cm, and females, in general, are smaller than males.
Its feathers are green with some black spots. The coloring of the feathers is a great form of defense for this animal, which can camouflageeasily into vegetation. Despite not knowing how to fly, the kakapo uses its wings to maintain balance as it jumps from tree to tree, walks and runs through the woods.
It is usually found solitary and reproduces approximately every two years. at the time of reproduction, males migrate to strategic locations, such as hills, inflate their bodies and emit a sound, which can be heard up to five kilometers away, in order to attract females. The kakapo's breeding period usually starts in the month of December.
This species is herbivore and feeds on different products, which vary according to the availability of each season. The kakapo can walk several kilometers in just a single night, and when it sees danger, it stays still. The nocturnal habit of this animal is a way to avoid predators. These parrots are solitary and have an impressive life expectancy. 90 years.
Kakapos were once abundant in New Zealand, but today they are in a very risky situation. Their numbers are believed to have dropped after the arrival of men in the places where they lived and the introduction of predators.
It is estimated that there are a little more than 100 individuals of this beautiful species of parrot in the wild. To try to save them from extinction, protected areas were created for them to live. Today this species is seen on only three predatory islands in New Zealand.
Important! In New Zealand there is a project that tries to save the kakapo from extinction. In this place, researchers and volunteers constantly fight to guarantee the reproduction and survival of the species. Click here and get to know the project's website Kakapo Recovery.
* Image credit: Wikimedia commons and Mnolf
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
