The Kaka Parrot in New Zealand: A Tale of Conservation Challenges and Triumphs

The Kaka parrot, a native and iconic bird species of New Zealand, tells a fascinating yet challenging story of survival.

With its vibrant plumage and engaging personality, the Kaka is a key player in New Zealand’s ecosystem, but its future is far from secure. Determining the population of the Kaka is no simple task, and the story of its population numbers sheds light on the challenges of conservation in New Zealand.

What is the National Kaka Population?

The national population of Kakas is a mystery. The difficulty in obtaining an accurate count of Kaka is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by conservationists in New Zealand. Kakas can be found in at least 23 different locations spread across the country, from the northern reaches of Northland to the southern expanse of Stewart Island. Despite numerous research efforts, the population numbers of Kakas vary widely. Estimates range from as low as 1,000 individuals to as high as 10,000, but no one can provide an exact number.

Some areas, like offshore islands and Wellington, have seen promising signs of growth. For example, Wellington is home to over 300 Kaka, a relatively high concentration due to the city’s successful pest control efforts. However, the rest of the country remains a mystery. Counting these birds involves complex methods such as bird transects, where researchers record all the birds seen in a specific area over a certain period. While these methods can give a rough estimate, they are far from precise. Additionally, there hasn’t been a nationwide survey of Kakas in the last 20 years, making it difficult to gauge the species' overall health.

Kakas are known to struggle in regions with high stoat populations, but beyond that, the challenges they face in different environments remain uncertain. Conservation efforts have traditionally focused on species at greater risk of extinction, as New Zealand is home to over 4,000 species of birds, lizards, insects, plants, and fish that are threatened or at risk. As a result, large-scale studies on Kakas have not been prioritized despite their significance.

No accurate data exists on the national Kaka population

Kaka on Kapiti: The Impact of Pest Species

The story of the Kaka on Kapiti Island is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact invasive species can have on native wildlife. Kapiti Island, a haven for native species, has been largely free of stoats, possums, and feral cats for several decades. However, one pest that has remained a problem is the Norway rat. Studies conducted on the island in the 1980s showed that these rats posed a serious threat to Kaka populations, with a shocking 23% of nests suffering from rat predation in 1988.

Rats compete with Kakas for resources and have a particularly detrimental effect on Kaka chicks. Their predation on Kaka nests and the food shortage they cause during poor years exacerbate the vulnerability of these birds. After the eradication of rats from Kapiti Island in the 1990s, the Kaka population began to thrive, but the earlier losses serve as a stark reminder of the species’ fragility.

The success of Kakas in Wellington, which boasts one of the best pest control programmes in the country, highlights the importance of urban pest management. If New Zealand hopes to see Kakas return to urban areas, it will require a concerted effort in pest control to create safe environments for these birds to flourish.

The Landsborough Valley: A Case Study in Kaka Conservation

In the rugged South Westland, the Landsborough Valley is another key area for Kaka conservation. This remote valley, nestled among New Zealand's highest peaks, was once a wildlife sanctuary so abundant in birdlife that early explorers didn't bother to bring food. But by the 1990s, the situation had drastically changed. Habitat destruction and predation had reduced the Kaka population to just 18 individuals.

Kakas, which are closely related to the endangered Kākāpō and the mountain-dwelling Kea, serve as important indicators of forest health. Their nesting habits, where females spend long periods exposed and vulnerable to predators, highlight the species’ reliance on healthy, predator-free environments. A healthy Kaka population often indicates a reduction in predator numbers, which is crucial for the overall wellbeing of New Zealand’s native ecosystems.

In recent years, the Kaka population in the Landsborough Valley has seen a remarkable recovery, with 116 individuals observed in recent surveys. This resurgence is largely due to ongoing pest control programmes, including the setting of traps every 200 meters along the valley slopes to minimize rat and stoat populations. Additionally, regular poisoning programmes have helped reduce the number of possums. The success of these efforts demonstrates the importance of sustained and strategic conservation measures.

It's not known what the maximum lifespan of a Kaka is.

The Lifespan of Kaka

Kaka, like many of New Zealand's native species, face numerous challenges in the wild, from habitat destruction to predation by invasive species. However, they are known to be relatively long-lived for birds. The maximum known lifespan of a Kaka is 42 years in captivity and 27 years in the wild. Unfortunately, due to the wide dispersal of fledglings and a lack of funding, tracking birds over the course of their lifespan is rarely achievable, particularly in populations that sit outside of major cities. It is suspected that most females don't live past their first decade in most instances due to predation by introduced predators, while males likely more commonly live into their second decade. Without predator control, it is suspected that some Kaka's lifespans may exceed 50 years.

Conclusion

The Kaka’s journey is one of hope and struggle, a reflection of the broader challenges facing New Zealand’s unique wildlife. While conservation efforts have seen some success, such as the resurgence of populations on Kapiti Island and in the Landsborough Valley, much work remains to be done. The Kaka’s future, like that of many native species, hinges on continued efforts to combat invasive pests and preserve their natural habitats. With the right support and strategic conservation, Kakas can continue to soar through New Zealand’s forests, adding their vibrant presence to the country’s rich biodiversity for decades to come.

Enjoy this style of writing? Why not check out the story on the impact of common pets in New Zealand. 

Support us by purchasing from our online store which allows us to devote more time to stories like this.