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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · 5d

Sad to report that we've lost another #kakapo, and a particularly significant one. Solstice was the last kākāpō rediscovered, found on Rakiura in 1997. She died on the weekend as a result of complications from the #disease cloacitis. There are now 237 kākāpō left. #conservation #parrots #birds

An adult female kākāpō in an underground nest next to three eggs. Credit: Andrew Digby

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Sep 2

We’re getting ready for a very large #kakapo breeding season this summer - and hoping avian influenza doesn’t arrive at the same time… 🤞🏻 #conservation #birds #parrots #disease
www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Saving the world’s fattest parrot: can we vaccinate our rarest species before bird flu gets to them?

Trial in only continent untouched by avian flu suggests jabs will be key to survival as migration season approaches

www.theguardian.com

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Aug 29

Likely to be old age - nothing else clear from necropsy.

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Aug 29

We aren’t able to vaccinate until HPAI is here, or very close to it. We don’t want to vaccinate too early to ensure optimal protection, and also due to restrictions on use of the vaccine.

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Aug 24

The #kakapo population has dropped to 238. Adult female Lisa was found dead on Anchor Island recently, and two of the 2019 cohort, Tūmanako and Whakakini, have not been since since then and so have been removed from the official count. #conservation #parrots #birds

A juvenile kākāpō on the forest floor during the day time. Credit: Andrew Digby

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Aug 7

Thanks Sally. We have had public displays of chicks when they were hand-reared on the mainland (including Invercargill in 2016 and 2019), although we're trying hard to keep as many in nests as possible. We only hand-rear when absolutely necessary.

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Aug 7

This is one of the best shows about #kakapo I've ever heard. Well worth 20 mins of your time. Lots of kākāpō facts and endearingly entertaining. Well done Henry! #conservation

podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/e...

Episode 4 — Kākāpō and Aardvarks

Podcast Episode · Inside Henry's Head · 01/08/2025 · 26m

https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/episode-4-kākāpō-and-aardvarks/id1778990665?i=1000720220264

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Jul 25

Huge news! Having spent a while studying #kiwi pukupuku, this got me very excited. Finding a remnant mainland population of LSK is probably more significant than finding more #kakapo. Huge respect to those involved and particularly the hunter who found them.
www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-r...

Shock kiwi rediscovery delights conservation world

Kiwi pukupuku/little spotted kiwi have been rediscovered in the wild on mainland Aotearoa for the first time in 50 years, shocking and delighting conservationists.

www.doc.govt.nz

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Jul 25

Huge thanks to the team at Dunedin Wildlife Hospital for their wonderful care and dedication in doing all they could to save Kuihi.

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Jul 25

We've lost female #kakapo Kuihi, who was euthanised at Dunedin Wildlife Hospital following weight loss and diagnosis of severe abdominal abnormalities. A reliable (foster) mother, she'll be sorely missed, especially in breeding seasons. There are 241 kākāpō left. #conservation #parrots

A female kākāpō with a small chick on a nest. Credit: Andrew Digby

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Jul 16

Next stop, #kakapo! We’re also working with @dnature.bsky.social to use qPCR in the upcoming 2026 kākāpō breeding season. We’re hoping to use a simple bill swab to sex chicks at a very young age on the islands, so we can prioritise their care as soon as possible. #conservation #genetics

A kākāpō chick in a person's palm. Credit: Andrew Digby

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Jul 16

Knowing the sex of #takahe chicks as soon as possible is important for efficient breeding management. With a new rapid #qPCR sex test developed by @dnature.bsky.social , we can now determine the sex of up to 48 chicks in less an hour in the field. A game changer! #conservation #genetics

A takahē chick being held in a person's hands. Credit: Andrew Digby

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Jul 14

The new transmitter draws less power, is better integrated with our data networks, can be turned on and off remotely, and can be adjusted more easily. Plus it's cheaper! It's part of our efforts to make #kakapo conservation less intensive and more efficient. #conservation #parrots #birds

A kākāpō chick wearing a transmitter on the forest floor at night. Credit: Andrew Digby

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Jul 14

Every #kakapo wears a transmitter, and changing them has been a huge job every year. But this will no longer be an annual job, thanks to #technology wizardry from the DOC Electronics Team who have made a new version. #conservation #conservationtech Pic: Bryony Hitchcock

A transmitter on the back of a kākāpō. Credit: Bryony Hitchcock.

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Jul 14

Our team have been working hard changing transmitters on all ~90 #kakapo on Whenua Hou, including Vori. Catching kākāpō can be tricky - especially since they often roost up trees. #conservation #parrots Pic: Maddy WhittakerA

A kākāpō up a tree during the day, in dappled sunlight. Credit: Maddy Whittaker.

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Andrew Digby @digs.bsky.social · Jul 2

Let me explain! #kakapo have been very intensively managed for the last 30 yrs - without this they’d be much closer to extinction. But as the population grows we can’t keep this up - and we want kākāpō to live more naturally. So we’re gradually stepping back with our interventions.

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