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The Kakapo sometimes known as the Owl Parrot is a species of large, nocturnal, ground-dwelling parrot, native to New Zealand.
Unlike most parrots, Kakapos are flightless, with strong legs adapted for climbing trees. They are the only flightless parrot in the world. They use their wings for balance rather than flight. They can grow up to 64cm long and have a finely blotched yellow-green plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in the dense forests where they reside. This, along with their nocturnal habits, helps them avoid predators.
Kakapos have a distinct facial disc, owl-style forward-facing eyes with close discs of specially-textured feathers, a large grey beak, short legs, large blue feet, somewhat short wings and a short tail.
Naturally, Kakapos have a one of the longest lifespans among parrots. They can live up to 100 years. They have a slow reproductive rate, with the females only breeding every two to four years.
The Kakapo population is critically endangered. The population of the specie has declined drastically over the years, due to habitat destruction, introduced predators like rats, stoats and cats, including hunting.
The total known population of the specie is 247, as of 2023. The few living individuals are confined to four small New Zealand islands, all of which are clear of predators.
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