During the last 3 months, transmitter changes have been the focus for our field team. These devices are a fundamental part of our work in managing the population. Kākāpō transmitters are changed once a year, and with a growing population, it’s a growing job! Each kākāpō needs to be found, captured and checked over thoroughly before receiving their new transmitter – which is worn on their back with a backpack style harness.

Just finding the birds can be a mission. Steep muddy tracks, even steeper off-track navigation, large packs that just don’t want to fit through the thick sometimes hedge-like bush. To find a bird roosting high up a tree can mean you need to do it all again another day.

Once a bird is in the hand, it’s often our only opportunity to see that bird for the year – so it’s vital to carry out thorough health checks, and our team takes this very seriously.

The team were deeply saddened by the loss of Blake, who died of heat stress after being handled to have his transmitter changed. In well over 20 years and 6500 recorded kākāpō captures, this was the first such death and has come as a shock to the team. We thank you for the flood of support that has come through as we ensure we learn what we can from this rare event.

A huge thank you to all of you out there who are committed to making a difference!

Merry Christmas from the kākāpō team!