One of the world’s rarest parakeets has seen its numbers surge thanks to a pair of super breeders now responsible for more than 10 percent of the total population. The New Zealand native kakariki karaka – or orange-fronted parakeet – is critically endangered and has twice been declared extinct, only to be rediscovered. There are around 450 of the birds left, mainly in sanctuaries and predator-free islands but also in wild populations. Parents Nacho and Trixie were paired up in 2024 at the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in Christchurch and have since produced 55 chicks, including 33 this year alone. Wildlife manager Leigh Percasky praised “super-mum” Trixie. “The breeding season has ended and yet she’s still producing eggs and raising chicks,” Percasky said. Read more‘It’s blue!’: Scientists discover new deep-sea octopus near Galapagos Islands “Ideally we’d prefer her to stop so she can have a rest, but she shows no signs of that with another seven chicks in her most recent clutch. “Nacho also deserves credit as he’s responsible for finding food for both Trixie and …