Scientists have come to the aid of the kakapo, the world’s rarest parrot, by creating a goodness-filled pellet to ease dietary deficiencies on its island home.
There are only 86 kakapos left on four islands off the tips of New Zealand’s South Island. They were taken there from the mainland to escape the numerous predators man brought with him.
At one time, the kakapo was found throughout New Zealand but by 1976, only about 80 birds were left.
Extinction was on the cards before the birds were moved, but the food on its new homes lacked elements enabling females to lay large clutches.
Graham Madge, a species expert at the RSPB, said: “We now have a medicine that could save the kakapo but the fact remains that one in eight birds is still facing extinction, largely because of man.
“Sticking plasters and pills have a role but we must not wait until species get sick before we help - the waiting list is already too long. Instead, we should be preventing declines with early health checks and acting immediately on what they tell us.”
More on the kakapo here
And the Times report here