Ancient droppings may help save kakapo parrots from extinction

Preserved droppings may help find new food sources and habitats for the kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), a critically endangered bird native to New Zealand.

These large flightless parrots are like the pandas of the avian world, says Alexander Boast of Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research in New Zealand. “They’re very adorable and very difficult to get to breed,” he says.

The mossy green birds used to live all over New Zealand, but their populations were …