Animal extinction is a serious problem. From the disappearance of large predators such as Siberian tigers, to the reduction in numbers of spectacular birds such as peregrine falcons, species disappearance is a worldwide dilemma.
In North America, passenger pigeons were once so widespread that they could blacken the sky. Unfortunately this species was hunted into extinction. However, a number of endangered species have been successfully returned in significant numbers to the natural world. Two famous examples of this are the American buffalo and the bald eagle.
The Southern Hemisphere has its own particular problems and a number of species are in serious danger of extinction. In New Zealand, the Kakapo Parrot is one such example. Once plentiful in New Zealand, the Kakapo has been reduced to less than 100 birds. A major effort has been undertaken to protect the Kakapo Parrot, and Sy Montgomery has written a powerful account of the attempt to save this species. It is entitled, "Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot."
The Kakapo Parrot is the heaviest parrot in the world, weighing up to 9 pounds. The Kakapo has an owl-like face and is not able to fly. They nest on the ground, and go out each night to feed on grasses, plants, seeds and berries. Before colonization, New Zealand did not have any land predators, but feral cats, weasels and other small animals were unwittingly introduced into the country. The slow-moving parrot had no defense against these predators.
Within 100 years, the population of Kakapos had dropped from thousands to less than 100. Seeking to save the breed, the government of New Zealand moved a small number of the remaining Kakapos to an isolated isle named Codfish Island.
A group of intrepid volunteers and forest rangers have worked to protect the few remaining Kakapos. These assistants use electronic antennas, and trek through the tropical rainforest and jungle to plot the life cycle of remaining Kakapos.
Especially important to the success of the restoration project is the need for all baby chicks to survive. Through night and day, rain and cold, this dedicated group works to ensure the fledglings’ survival.
What are the results of this concerted effort? Have the Kakapos increased in number? Why is it so important to preserve the natural world? What threatened animal would you like to see off the endangered list? What happens when animal needs conflict with human needs? Who decides the outcome? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out "Kakapo Rescue" by Sy Montgomery.
The writing in this book is excellent, and the accompanying photographs are outstanding. It won the prestigious Sibert Award for Nonfiction in 2011. The story of the massive reduction in the numbers of this important bird is tragic and needs to be told.
However, one difficulty I have with this book is the author’s tendency to elevate animal rights to a near human level. While it is important to recognize the value of conserving animal species and creating parks to allow these animals to thrive, animals will never have the value of humans. Equilibrium needs to be developed in which the biological world is not degraded, but human rights are still understood to be primary. It is not always easy to achieve this balance.
Having said that, I hope you read this fine book about the dedicated effort being made for the Kakapo Parrot.
