The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is a flightless, nocturnal parrot native to New Zealand. It is the world’s only flightless parrot and the heaviest parrot globally. Understanding its biology, including its diet, is a central focus for conservation efforts due to its endangered status.
The Kakapo’s Primary Diet
The kakapo is entirely herbivorous, consuming a diverse array of plant matter. Its diet includes leaves, stems, fruits, seeds, pollen, and even tree sapwood. Over 25 different plant species have been identified as kakapo food sources. The specific components of their diet vary significantly with the seasons, reflecting the availability of different plant parts.
A primary food source for kakapo is the fruit of the rimu tree (Dacrydium cupressinum), especially when abundant. During “mast” years, when rimu trees produce a heavy crop, kakapo may feed almost exclusively on this fruit. Other native plants in their diet include various ferns, mosses, and species like Hall’s totara. They also consume seeds from plants such as Gahnia and Cyathodes juniperina, and favor new plant growth, including roots and other underground parts.
Unique Feeding Adaptations
The kakapo possesses several adaptations for its specialized feeding habits. Its strong, broad beak grinds food finely, effectively reducing tough plant material. As they feed, kakapo often leave behind crescent-shaped wads of fiber, known as “chews.” These are indigestible fibers expelled after the bird extracts nutritious juices from plants.
Delicate, whisker-like feathers called rictal bristles around its beak may aid in foraging in the dark. These bristles are thought to act as tactile sensors, assisting the bird in navigating and locating food in low-light conditions. The kakapo’s beak and tongue are well-adapted for vigorous chewing, which helps break down coarse plant material before digestion. It also has a highly developed sense of smell, used to locate food at night, a rare trait among parrots.
Diet’s Role in Conservation
Understanding the kakapo’s dietary needs is central to its conservation management. The availability of specific, nutrient-rich food sources, especially rimu fruit, directly influences their breeding success. Kakapo breed only in years when rimu trees produce abundant fruit, which occurs irregularly, every two to five years. This reliance on seasonal fruiting underscores the importance of a healthy and diverse habitat.
Conservationists monitor the birds’ diet and natural food resources on their predator-free island sanctuaries. When natural food, especially rimu fruit, is scarce, supplementary food is provided. This ensures birds remain in good reproductive condition and supports breeding efforts. Supplementary feeding, often with formulated pellets, helps increase egg production and supports mothers in feeding their chicks during food shortfalls. Research refines these diets to provide the necessary nutritional profile for successful breeding and overall health.