Kakapo chicks hatch, boost numbers
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 2:34 
Kakapo chick - Source: Department of ConservationThe first kakapo chicks of the season have hatched with three new arrivals bringing the total population of the critically endangered parrot to 123.
The trio are now being looked after by their mums - or foster mum - in nests.
Department of Conservation Kakapo ranger Jo Ledington said all the chicks were doing well, and another was expected within the next two or three days.
"We're all happy and excited, but we're obviously monitoring them closely at the moment," said Ledington.
Ledington says although the first days are the most high-risk, the chicks are being looked after in the nest, which is positive.
"Chicks raised in the nest usually do much better than hand raised birds - they gain weight faster and usually have less health issues. So we're just helping out by popping heat pads over the chicks when mum goes out for a while," she said.
It is hoped 11 eggs will hatch this season, this is lower than past seasons because of the low number of rimu fruit available for the birds to eat.
The current aim of the Kakapo Recovery programme is to reach a sustainable population of 150 females.
Strigops habroptilus - Kakapo | in Conservation