The irregular breeding cycle of the kākāpō is notably dependent on the fruiting of which specific native New Zealand tree?
Answer
The *rimu* tree
A significant limiting factor in the kākāpō's recovery is its slow and highly irregular breeding cycle. Unlike many bird species that can breed annually, the kākāpō's breeding activity is strongly linked to environmental cues, primarily the heavy fruiting (masting) of the native *rimu* tree. This tree fruits heavily only once every two to four years, meaning successful breeding opportunities for the kākāpō are infrequent, severely limiting the rate at which the population can recover even under intense management.
Related Questions
What is the most defining characteristic separating the kākāpō from Mammalia, concerning body covering?What unique distinction does the kākāpō hold among parrot species globally regarding locomotion?How do kākāpō chicks receive nourishment until they are mature enough to forage for themselves?Approximately how long ago did the kākāpō lineage diverge from other parrot groups based on genetic studies?What sensory reliance is unexpectedly acute in the nocturnal kākāpō for navigating its environment?Which skeletal feature of the kākāpō is specifically noted as being greatly reduced due to its inability to fly?The irregular breeding cycle of the kākāpō is notably dependent on the fruiting of which specific native New Zealand tree?Which group of introduced mammalian predators specifically exacerbates the conservation crisis for the flightless kākāpō?What is the coloration described for the kākāpō's plumage that provides excellent camouflage?Where do male kākāpō gather to perform displays intended to attract females during the breeding season?What distinctive behavioral trait, noted for foraging, suggests an ecological convergence with browsing mammals?