Kākāpō population reaches 325 after a strong breeding season

DOC announced on 1 September that the kākāpō population had reached 325. The milestone includes 90 chicks from the breeding season, counted once the youngest had reached 150 days old.

A bigger population, not a finished recovery

DOC contrasts the new total with the 51 birds alive when the recovery programme began in 1995. That change is worth recognising, while keeping the scale of the challenge in view: kākāpō remain critically endangered.

Why habitat still matters

DOC identifies suitable predator-free habitat as an ongoing need for the growing population. More birds bring practical questions about where they can live and how they can continue to be protected.

For people who spend time outdoors, it’s a useful example of why conservation is about whole places as well as an individual species. A successful breeding season is one part of a much longer effort.

Following the next chapter

Use DOC’s recovery updates for later counts and habitat decisions. We won’t assume that a possible future breeding season or a new site is confirmed before the programme announces it.

If you’d like to help locally, ask a conservation group which work is needed and what training is involved. A population milestone is a good prompt to get interested, without promising access to the birds themselves.

Sources and current details

Conservation news. Sources checked 26 September 2026. Announcement dated 2026-09-01.

• Official source