Kākāpō Population Surges as Australia Prepares for Pacific Forum Amid China Tensions > 월드뉴스

The population of the kākāpō, the world's heaviest parrot, has surpassed 300 birds for the first time in 75 years, following a record breeding season triggered by the mass fruiting of a native New Zealand tree. On September 1, 90 chicks were officially added to the population, bringing the total to 325, marking a record high since recovery efforts began. Deidre Vercoe, the conservation department's kākāpō recovery operations manager, noted that the last time the population likely exceeded 300 birds was 75 years ago. After a four-year gap between breeding seasons, the increase is seen as a significant achievement. The kākāpō, which is nocturnal and flightless, faced severe population declines due to introduced predators. A recovery program initiated in 1995 began with just 51 birds and has since navigated challenges such as genetic diversity and infertility. The kākāpō breeds every two to four years, primarily when native rimu trees produce large quantities of berries, leading to slow repopulation. This year’s breeding season was prompted by an abundant harvest of rimu berries. The kākāpō can live between 60 and 80 years and weigh up to 4 kg. The next breeding season is anticipated as early as 2028.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed concerns regarding China's "bullying" tactics against Palau on the eve of the Pacific Islands Forum. On Monday night, a Chinese envoy warned of "consequences" if Taiwan officials, invited to the forum, attended. Albanese deflected questions about whether the tensions were a distraction, stating he was focused on members of the Pacific family and the scheduled meetings. He emphasized his role as Australia’s spokesperson and the importance of the Pacific Islands Forum. In other news, SBS secured the broadcasting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, ensuring the event will once again be available to Australian audiences for free. The 2030 World Cup, which marks the competition’s 100th anniversary, will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. SBS managing director Jane Palfreyman expressed pride in retaining these rights, highlighting the event’s role in uniting diverse Australian communities. Additionally, a vaccination program has commenced to protect the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot from the H5 bird flu, with veterinarians vaccinating 350 captive birds as part of efforts to bolster the wild population, which currently ranges between 90 and 100 individuals.