Where are kakapo found in the wild?
The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is exclusively found in the wild on the remote islands of New Zealand. Specifically, they can be found on predator-free islands including Codfish Island (Whenua Hou), Anchor Island (Pukete), Little Barrier Island (Hauturu), and Maud Island (Te Hoiere i te Mokoiroa) in the Fiordland region. Historically, kakapo were found throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand, but due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and hunting, their populations declined drastically to the point of near extinction. In order to protect and conserve this critically endangered species, extensive conservation efforts are made, including intensive management and monitoring programs on the above-mentioned islands.