Conservationist names 100th kakapo 

November 2009

A well-known New Zealand conservationist has been given the honour of naming the 100th kakapo.

Long-standing kakapo worker and conservation pioneer Don Merton chose the name Te Atapo, meaning “the Dawn: After the Night” because of its significance to the recovery effort.

He said the name came to him immediately.

“The 100th kakapo symbolises the dawning of new hope – a brighter future after an unprecedented dark episode in kakapo history,” he said.

There were just 51 known kakapo in 1995. Today, thanks to the ongoing conservation efforts of dedicated people like Don Merton, the number is 124.

Kakapo recovery manager Deidre Vercoe said Mr Merton’s expeditions into Fiordland and Stewart Island in the 1970s and 80s to search for kakapo and his drive to rescue and establish them on predator free islands averted their extinction and was instrumental to the species recovery.

“His capture in 1975 of Richard Henry, the only known surviving Fiordland kakapo, has helped ensure the birds’ survival by increasing the seriously depleted gene pool. The population would not be where it is now if it wasn’t for Don and all his hard work.”

Through the name, Mr Merton also acknowledges the crucial contributions made by the many people behind the recovery programme and in particular his wife Margaret whose second name is Dawn.

“The 100th bird symbolises a very significant milestone in the ongoing struggle spanning more than a century of literally blood, sweat and tears by countless dedicated individuals to save one of New Zealand’s – and the world’s - most remarkable and iconic birds,” he said.

The 100th kakapo hatched during this year’s outstanding breeding season which produced 33 chicks.

Ms Vercoe said the 33 chicks were doing really well and have been busy giving their new island home a once over.

“They are settling in really nicely. They are now totally independent and have been exploring the islands thoroughly.”

Twenty-three chicks were put on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, just off Stewart Island, while Anchor Island in Fiordland, is home to 10.

ENDS