New Zealand Parrots

The New Zealand parrot family, Strigopidae, includes both living and extinct genera such as Nestor, Strigops, and the fossils Nelepsittacus and possibly Heracles. Living members like the kea, kākā, and kākāpō are native to New Zealand with the Norfolk kākā and Chatham kākā now extinct. Human activity, habitat loss, and the introduction of invasive species and predators have contributed to the decline and endangerment of these unique birds. The family Strigopidae is thought to have diverged from other parrots around 82 million years ago when New Zealand separated from Gondwana. Presently, the kākāpō, kea, and kākā face various threats including predation by introduced mammals and habitat destruction, leading to significant conservation efforts including breeding programs, especially for the critically endangered kākāpō. These birds hold cultural importance for the Māori people, being used for food, feathers, and in traditional clothing and weapons.