Critically endangered New Zealand parakeet gets lifeline from randy pair

Nacho – part of a breeding pair of the rare New Zealand kakariki karaka parakeets – has produced 55 chicks in two years, more than 10% of the total population of the critically endangered bird. © Leigh Percasky, AFP via The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust

A critically endangered New Zealand parakeet known as kakariki karaka has seen its numbers surge thanks to a pair of super breeders now responsible for more than 10 percent of the total population. Parents Nacho and Trixie were paired up in 2024 at the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in Christchurch and have since produced 55 chicks, including 33 this year alone.

One of the world's rarest parakeets has seen its numbers surge thanks to a pair of super breeders now responsible for more than 10 percent of the total population.