Norfolk Island Kākā (Nestor productus)
Posted on 31 December, 1825 in Extinct
Year Last Seen:
1825-1854
Comments:
This species was known from Norfolk and Phillip Island, but was likely Extinct by the mid 1800s. Habitat clearance and hunting are thought to have been the major drivers.
Habitat:
It inhabited rocks and treetops, and was seen feeding on blossoms.
Causes:
It was reportedly tame, and hence heavily hunted for food by convicts and early settlers and easily trapped as a pet.
Distribution:
Nestor productus was endemic to Norfolk Island (to Australia) and adjacent Phillip Island, Australia. It became extinct in the wild in the mid-19th century on Norfolk Island, and possibly a little later on Phillip Island. The last known living bird was in captivity in London in 1851 (Garnett et al. 2011). At least seven specimens exist (Forshaw and Cooper 1989).