So what happens if you're the successful bidder and there are no chicks being hand reared next year? Hix
Any reports on the other (now potential) kakapo breeding colony island? ALL: Mind the auction for the 2013 season in Invercargill!!!
kakapo isn't the only experience being auctioned: Trips with government department auctioned - Yahoo! New Zealand News
This article says that there are 126 kakapo left in the world. How do the experts feel about the long term prognosis for the species? Is there a target number at which the species would be considered "safe"?
in 1995 there were only 51 kakapo so 126 is a huge increase, especially for such a slow-breeding bird. Here's the "plan for the future" page on the kakapo recovery site: A Plan for the Future | Kakapo Recovery Programme The (very) long-term plan is to get kakapo back breeding on the mainland again. EDIT: here's another good page, outlining the history of kakapo numbers from the 1970s to today: http://www.kakaporecovery.org.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=169
Sirocco will be at the Maungatautari sanctuary from mid-August for six weeks. They will be doing tours so it might be my chance to finally see a Kakapo!
coincidentally, the Maungatautari Ecological Island project is likely to be the first mainland site where kakapo will be test-released (at first with males only). It is basically a mountain surrounded by a predator-proof fence.
it'll be a while away yet, and the chance of seeing them will be slim even if they do night tours (they won't be humanised meet-and-greet birds like Sirocco).
bookings now available: Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust $45 per adult, 18th August to 26th September, four viewings per evening. This will apparently be Sirocco's only public viewing anywhere this year.
Looking at that website, Maungatautari Eco Island looks like a fantastic place to visit. I'm surprised it doesn't already have a gallery on ZooChat. Must make sure I spend a day or two at this place when I next tour the North Island. Hix
Not good news for a breeding season this year. COLD SPRING AFFECTS KAKAPO BREEDING | Kakapo Recovery Programme
No Kakapo Chicks this Year No point making a new thread for this season sadly. Story here: Kakapo: No Stork Coming For Rare Native Parrot | Stuff.co.nz
Sirocco will be back at Zealandia this year, 22 July to 3 September, if anyone wants to fly over. (Better book now though! Only NZ$39.50 for the encounter). Meet Sirocco | Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience Also: http://www.visitzealandia.com/sirocco-seeks-escort-prize-draw/