Deidre Vercoe

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Kākāpō population hits 75-year high after record breeding season

As of September 2026: Overseeing the program after the record 2026 breeding season

New Zealand's kākāpō population hit 325 birds on September 1, 2026—the first time the world's heaviest parrot has topped 300 in roughly 75 years. The jump came from a record breeding season: 90 chicks survived to independence and joined the official count.

Updated Sep 3

Notable Quotes

It's also a significant milestone for the species, as the last time the population is thought to have exceeded 300 birds may have been as long as 75 years ago. — Deidre Vercoe, DOC media release, September 2026

from Kākāpō population hits 75-year high after record breeding season · Updated Sep 3

Our modelling indicates there may be only a two-year gap between breeding seasons this time round. — Deidre Vercoe, DOC media release, September 2026

from Kākāpō population hits 75-year high after record breeding season · Updated Sep 3