The Department of Conservation is DNA-testing this season's kakapo chicks to find out which male kakapo are "studs" and which are "duds".
DoC Kakapo Recovery Team scientist Dr Graeme Elliott said he had a good idea of which birds mated this season but wanted to know for sure.
The paternity results willbe used to encourage more pairings of fertile birds to ensure genetic diversity and give the critically endangered native parrots the best chance of breeding. Canterbury University scientists will carry out the DNA work.
Last season's 24 chicks, born on Codfish Island near Stewart Island, boosted the world population of kakapo by 39 per cent, from 62 birds to 86.
Names announced for the youngsters - after a national competition - include Pearl, Te Kingi, Takitimu, Aparima, Aroha, Rakiura, Esperance, Palmer-san, Blake, and Al.
