Ornithologists have completed the count following the last breeding season of kākāpō (Strigops habroptila)—large flightless parrots whose habitat is restricted to New Zealand, and the species is under threat of complete extinction.
During the 2025–2026 period, these birds laid 256 eggs, from which 105 chicks hatched. This figure is a record for all observations since 1977.
Specialists also determined that 90 young kākāpō born in 2025–2026 lived up to 150 days of age. Thanks to this data, the total population of the species has increased to 325 individuals.
These animals inhabit four islets along the coast of New Zealand, as well as a reserve located on Mount Maungatautari on the North Island.
According to a press release published by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, the kākāpō population was last estimated to have exceeded the mark of 300 individuals approximately 75 years ago.