The population of New Zealand’s critically endangered kākāpō parrot has exceeded 300 for the first time in around 75 years. Ninety chicks were officially added to the population on 1 September after a record breeding season, bringing the total to 325, according to The Guardian.

The breeding boom followed a four-year gap and was triggered by a bountiful crop of berries from the native rimu tree. Kākāpō breed only every two to four years, when the trees produce large quantities of fruit.

The kākāpō is the world’s only nocturnal, flightless parrot. It can weigh up to 4 kg and is thought to live for 60 to 80 years. Once widespread across New Zealand, the species was driven close to extinction after the introduction of predators such as cats and stoats. A recovery program established in 1995 began with just 51 birds. There are now three breeding populations on predator-free islands.

During mating season, males produce a distinctive deep booming sound while sitting in shallow bowls dug into the ground. The sound can travel up to 5 km. Conservationists are already preparing for the next breeding season, which modeling suggests could occur as soon as 2028.

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