Part 3/10:
One of the last sanctuaries for the Kakapo is Codfish Island, or Whenua Hou, a 14-square-kilometre haven devoid of introduced animal predators. Here, scientists and conservationists work tirelessly to safeguard the remaining population of the Kakapo, a task made challenging due to the bird’s unique characteristics and behavior.
Led by biologist Deidre Vercoe of the Department of Conservation’s Kakapo recovery group, efforts are focused on monitoring the health of the Kakapo population. Given their critically low numbers, an outbreak of disease could spell disaster for the species.