The Beautiful Kakapo
The Kakapo is a large, nocturnal, flightless parrot found in New Zealand. Unfortunately they have almost died out and are being introduced to nearby islands free of rats and dogs. The kakapos’ feathers are soft and green, barred with black on its back, and pale yellow-green feathers on it’s belly. Beneath these it also has an unusually soft layer of downy feathers. The males are larger and more brightly coloured than the females. It has an owlish face (it’s Latin name Strigops habroptilus means owl-like) with 'whiskers', and a large ivory/pale blue beak.
Where does it live?
Before white man settled on New Zealand in the late 1700’s, the kakapo was spread across both of the islands of New Zealand. But because they cannot fly, introduced species such as the cat and the dog reduced it to just two small islands: Codfish Island and Anchor Island, both in Southwest Fjordland National Park. Kakapos may also be transferred to surrounding islands, such as Maud island.