Smart ideas that are saving a species
Creativity is helping save one of New Zealand’s most endangered birds. Through dedicated conservation efforts, New Zealanders are working to bring the kākāpō, our endemic, charismatic, and nocturnal flightless parrot, back from the brink of extinction.
Smart Eggs
Sometimes it’s safer if kākāpō eggs are incubated and hatched away from the nest. In these cases, the real egg is switched for either a dummy egg or a 3D-printed smart egg which mimics the sounds that would come from a real egg as it nears hatching. The smart egg triggers the kākāpō mums to get ready for their new arrival, which gives the chicks a better chance of survival when they’re safely hatched and brought back to the nest.
Smart Transmitters
Keeping an eye on a shy nocturnal bird was proving tricky, so the Kākāpō Recovery Programme solved the problem with experimental activity-tracking smart transmitters. They’re worn by every bird and connect with data networks to remotely monitor their activity. The system provides daily online reports and can even show which kākāpō have mated, who with, and how long for; there’s no such thing as privacy if you’re endangered!
Smart Feeders
Each kākāpō has its own special feeder, which is programmed to open only for that bird which makes sure each kākāpō gets its own rations. This allows the Department of Conservation to manage the bird’s weight, so they are in peak physical condition for breeding. Did you know if females are too light, they don't produce any chicks and if they're too heavy, they produce too many males! This is a weighty responsibility to get right when the kākāpō’s total population count is less than 250.
Smarty-Pants Spokes-Bird
Sirocco is a charismatic kākāpō and a national treasure, serving as New Zealand’s official ambassador for the endangered species. His charm and global popularity make him a powerful voice for kākāpō conservation.
Known online as @Spokesbird, Sirocco is one of bird-kind’s biggest influencers, with thousands of followers worldwide. His fame helps drive online adoption programmes that raise vital funds for the species’ recovery, while the Department of Conservation cleverly uses his online presence to boost awareness.
Looking for somewhere that uses smarts to help save their world? We know a place.
Find out more about the Kākāpō Recovery Programme.
Image Source: Dr Andrew Digby, Science Advisor, Department of Conservation.
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