A ship rat (Rattus rattus) polishes off a predated kakariki bird on its nest. The rat species is a notorious predator of native birds and their eggs. Photograph by Rod Morris / www.rodmorris.co.nz

New Zealand has an ambitious plan to wipe out invasive predators. Can the island country pull it off in time to save its iconic native birds?

This close-up shows why early settlers to New Zealand often called the birds “owl parrots.”

Kakapo Comeback

Photo Essay

11.14.2017

As New Zealand’s odd “owl parrot” plods toward recovery, its ultimate survival hinges on a nationwide effort to eradicate millions of invasive predators.

ABOUT

CONTACT

bioGraphic is powered by the California Academy of Sciences, a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth.

Eradication Nation

Kakapo Comeback

ABOUT

CONTACT