Sire who helped save rare species breathes his last

Richard Henry was the World's oldest Kakapo. Photo / DoC

A kakapo that played a key role in the recovery of the species from only 49 birds has died aged about 80.

Named Richard Henry after the pioneering Fiordland caretaker of kakapo and kiwi, the bird died of natural causes.

Department of Conservation scientist Ron Moorhouse said the bird was found in Fiordland in 1975 when kakapo were believed to be extinct.

His contribution was fathering three chicks, who are now adults.

He also brought genetic diversity to a breeding programme when a group of other birds were found on Stewart Island.

Moving from phases of discovery and rescue to intensive management of the species, the programme has in 20 years produced 121 kakapo.

"He has not bred since 1999 and had been showing signs of age, including blindness in one eye, slow moving and wrinkles," said Mr Moorhouse.

A sample of the bird's DNA has been preserved.

His age was a conservative estimate, said Mr Moorhouse.

An adult when found, he could have hatched in 1930 or even 1900 - in which case he would have been 100 years old and New Zealand's oldest bird.

As for his namesake, Richard Henry, he transferred 700 kakapo to an island sanctuary in Fiordland from 1894 to 1908, when he resigned on the discovery of the kakapo's great enemy, the stoat.

Mr Henry died in 1929, after further service as a ranger at the Kapiti Island sanctuary.