Bumper Berry Harvest Sparks Rare Romantic Mood in Endangered Kakapo Parrots

• New Zealand's endangered, flightless Kakapo parrot population has grown from 50 to over 200 in three decades due to conservation efforts.
• A bumper crop of berries has prompted a rare mating enthusiasm, with hopes for a record number of chicks in February.
• Kakapo are large, nocturnal, and have a strong musky-fruity scent, which historically made them vulnerable to predators.
• Breeding occurs every 2-4 years, triggered by abundant fruit from rimu trees; males attract females with booming calls.
• Conservation involves relocating birds to predator-free islands, micro-managing breeding, and tracking each individual.