Management of the kakapo today is being guided by the Kakapo Recovery Plan. The current plan runs from 2006-2016, and outlines four key goals for the species.
1. Maximise recruitment in the kakapo population.
2. Minimise the loss of genetic diversity in the kakapo population
3. Secure, restore or maintain sufficient habitat to accommodate the expected increase in the kakapo population.
4. Maintain public awareness and stakeholder support for kakapo conservation.
Ultimately, the Kakapo Recovery Plan has a vision for the species:
“To restore the mauri (life-force) of kakapo by having at least 150 adult females.”
Today, kakapo are being kept on three islands - Codfish Island (Whenua Hou) off Stewart Island, Anchor Island in Dusky Sound, Fiordland and Little Barrier Island (Hauturu), all of which are free of predators.
In 1998, the Department of Conservation undertook a major rat eradication project on Codfish Island (Whenua Hou) and, in 2001, completed a stoat eradication on Anchor Island. This means that both are suitable as long-term sanctuaries for kakapo.
However, there is presently no large predator-free island capable of holding more than 100 kakapo, where the birds might be able to look after themselves. The lack of such a sanctuary could become an obstacle if kakapo breeding continues successfully.
So, in the future, a suitable large island needs to be selected and cleared of introduced predators.
Ultimately, a distant dream is to be able to reintroduce kakapo to the mainland.