Omar El Sayed - World Editor

New Zealand’s critically endangered kakapo, a large, flightless parrot known for its nocturnal habits and distinctive moss-green plumage, is experiencing a surge in breeding activity, raising hopes for a record-breaking season. The unusual breeding boom is linked to a particularly abundant harvest of rimu berries, a key food source for the species, triggering a rare and welcome reproductive response.

The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), once widespread across New Zealand, was brought to the brink of extinction by introduced predators such as stoats, cats, and rats. Intensive conservation efforts, including predator-free island sanctuaries and supplementary feeding, have been crucial in stabilizing the population. As of late February 2026, the Department of Conservation (DOC) is closely monitoring nesting sites across several islands, anticipating a significant increase in chick numbers. This breeding success is a vital step in the ongoing recovery of this unique and vulnerable species.

Rimu Berry Abundance Drives Breeding

The kakapo’s breeding cycle is heavily influenced by the availability of rimu berries. These trees mast – meaning they produce a large crop of seeds – only every three to five years. According to DOC officials, the current rimu berry crop is exceptional, providing the energy reserves necessary for female kakapo to lay multiple clutches of eggs. “This is a really exciting time for kakapo recovery,” a DOC spokesperson stated. “The abundance of rimu berries has created ideal conditions for breeding, and we’re seeing a much higher nesting rate than in recent years.”

Kakapo breeding is characterized by a unique lek mating system, where males gather in designated display areas and compete for the attention of females. These leks involve elaborate booming calls and visual displays, attracting females from considerable distances. The increased food availability not only supports egg production but also enhances the males’ ability to maintain their displays, increasing their chances of attracting a mate.

Conservation Efforts and Challenges

The kakapo recovery program is a collaborative effort involving the New Zealand Department of Conservation, the Kakapo Recovery Group, and numerous volunteers. The program focuses on intensive monitoring, predator control, supplementary feeding, and assisted breeding techniques. All surviving kakapo are individually numbered and tracked, allowing researchers to monitor their movements, breeding success, and overall health. As of February 2026, there are 247 known living kakapo, according to the Department of Conservation.

Despite the current positive outlook, the kakapo remains highly vulnerable. The small population size limits genetic diversity, making the species susceptible to disease and environmental changes. Continued predator control is essential, as even a single stoat can decimate a nesting site. Climate change also poses a threat, potentially disrupting the timing of rimu berry mast events and impacting the kakapo’s breeding cycle.

Landslide Search Continues in New Zealand

In a separate event in New Zealand, a search operation is underway for six people presumed dead following a landslide in the East Coast region. The Connecticut Post reports that the search is expected to take days due to the instability of the land. This event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters in New Zealand’s diverse and often rugged terrain.

The success of the kakapo breeding season offers a rare moment of optimism for conservation efforts in New Zealand. Though, the ongoing challenges of predator control, genetic diversity, and climate change underscore the need for continued vigilance and investment in protecting this remarkable species. The next few months will be critical as conservationists monitor the development of the chicks and work to ensure their survival.

Share your thoughts on this encouraging news for kakapo conservation in the comments below, and please share this article to aid raise awareness about this incredible species.

The United Nations has found evidence suggesting genocide was committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during their takeover of El Fasher, North Darfur, in late October 2025. A report released Thursday by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan details atrocities committed during and after the 18-month siege of the city, concluding that the RSF’s actions and inferred intent, “present indications pointing to genocide.”

The report identifies at least three underlying acts of genocide: “killing members of a protected ethnic group; causing serious bodily and mental harm; and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the group’s physical destruction in whole or in part.” Mohamed Chande Othman, Chair of the mission, stated that the “scale, coordination, and public endorsement of the operation by senior RSF leadership demonstrate that the crimes committed in and around El Fasher were not random excesses of war,” but rather “formed part of a planned and organized operation that bears the defining characteristics of genocide.”

The RSF offensive to capture El Fasher, the Sudanese army’s last stronghold in Darfur, resulted in the deaths of at least 6,000 people over a three-day period, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The UN report detailed mass killings, summary executions, sexual violence, abductions for ransom, torture, and disappearances, often motivated by ethnicity. The RSF and allied Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, overran the city on October 26, following the prolonged siege.

The fact-finding mission found that the 18-month siege deliberately imposed conditions of life – deprivation of food, water, medical care, and humanitarian assistance – calculated to destroy non-Arab communities, particularly the Zaghawa and Fur communities. Identity-based targeting linked to ethnicity, gender, and perceived political affiliation was a central element of the RSF operation.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that the “wanton violations” perpetrated by the RSF and allied Arab militia “underscore that persistent impunity fuels continued cycles of violence.” The RSF has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations.

The report warns that without decisive measures to advance accountability and protection of civilians, “the risk of further genocidal violence remains acute.” The mission’s findings align with a pattern of RSF conduct across Darfur, suggesting that a radical shift in the global response to RSF crimes is necessary to prevent further atrocities.

The report recommends the immediate endorsement by the UN Security Council of a civilian protection mission and enforcement and expansion of the UN arms embargo from Darfur to the whole of Sudan. It as well calls for increased scrutiny of external support for the RSF, specifically mentioning the United Arab Emirates’ ongoing military support and suggesting a UN investigation into potential complicity in the crimes.

The findings are scheduled to be discussed at a meeting in Geneva on February 26. The report also calls for UN member states to advance accountability through targeted sanctions, support for the International Criminal Court, and the pursuit of universal jurisdiction cases, supported by confidential dossiers the FFM is preparing on individual perpetrators.

As smart televisions become increasingly integrated into daily life, concerns are mounting regarding the extent of data collection occurring behind the scenes. Although offering convenience and a wide array of streaming options, these devices are also capable of gathering significant amounts of user information, raising privacy questions for consumers. The debate centers on what data is being collected, how it’s being used and what steps individuals can take to protect their privacy.

The proliferation of smart TVs, equipped with voice assistants and internet connectivity, has created modern avenues for data harvesting. Beyond viewing habits, these devices can potentially collect information about user demographics, search queries, and even ambient sounds in the room. A 2025 report by Forbes highlighted the continued growth of data collection across various online platforms, including smart home devices, emphasizing the need for greater user awareness and control [2]. This data is often used for targeted advertising, but the potential for broader applications – and potential misuse – is fueling the privacy debate.

Consumer Reports recently published guidance on how to mitigate some of this data collection [1]. The report details steps users can take to limit tracking, including adjusting privacy settings within the TV’s operating system, disabling voice assistant features when not in use, and being mindful of the permissions granted to apps installed on the device. These settings can often be found within the TV’s menu, typically under sections labeled “Privacy,” “Security,” or “Terms of Service.”

One major area of concern revolves around the use of Automatic Content Recognition (ACR). ACR technology allows TV manufacturers and streaming services to identify what content is being watched, even when using external devices like cable boxes or gaming consoles. This data is valuable for advertising purposes and content recommendations, but privacy advocates argue that it’s collected without sufficient transparency or user consent. Private Internet Access notes that Google, a major player in the smart TV market, is actively collecting user data, and provides steps to limit this tracking [4].

The issue extends beyond individual TV manufacturers. Google’s 4,000-word privacy policy, as noted in a 2019 New York Times opinion piece, illustrates the complexity of data collection practices across the tech landscape [5]. The policy details the vast amount of information Google collects through its various services, including smart TVs, and how that data is used. Understanding these policies, though often lengthy and complex, is crucial for informed decision-making.

Securing the data processed by these devices is also becoming a priority, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into smart TV functionality. Palo Alto Networks recently discussed the importance of AI runtime protection at Google Cloud Next, highlighting the need to secure AI applications against potential threats [3]. Here’s particularly relevant as smart TVs increasingly rely on AI for features like voice control and personalized recommendations.

The debate over smart TV privacy is likely to intensify as the technology continues to evolve. Legislators and regulators are beginning to pay closer attention to data collection practices, and consumer advocacy groups are pushing for stronger privacy protections. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has set a precedent for data privacy rights, and similar regulations may be considered in other regions.

Looking ahead, consumers should remain vigilant about their privacy settings and be proactive in limiting data collection. Manufacturers and service providers have a responsibility to be transparent about their data practices and provide users with meaningful control over their information. The ongoing development of AI runtime protection and other security measures will also be critical in safeguarding user data in the future.

What steps will consumers take to protect their privacy in the face of increasing data collection? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone concerned about smart TV data practices.