With fewer than 150 kākāpō left in New Zealand, the Department of Conservation is looking for a saxophonist to get the critically endangered birds into the breeding mood with some romantic music.
Kākāpō's only breed every three years and they need certain conditions to breed in.
Ecologist Andrew Digby who's on a secret island studying the kākāpō and managing their breeding, told TVNZ1's Breakfast today that kākāpō "infertility is really high, only about half of the eggs they lay actually hatch".
"One of the main problems is they have genetically become quite inbred, because they've got down to such a small number. We think it is mainly genetic problems that cause those infertility issues."
To assist with the breeding process one of the innovations Department of Conservation (DOC) is helping to fund is the Smart Egg, which is a 3D printed egg that helps with the incubation process.
But the Smart Eggs are only useful after breeding starts which is why DOC also want to provide them with "saxy saxophone" music to get them in the mood.
It's well-known that the saxophone is the most romantic instrument. Even though the effect of the saxophone on kākāpō is not yet scientifically proven, DOC thinks it is worth trying.
They're on the hunt for a saxophonist to help with their breeding. The successful applicant will hit the studio to professionally record a piece of music and receive a $1000 Rockshop voucher.
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