The Economic Times

In 1987, conservationists brought 2 male owls to Norfolk Island for its last surviving female; their descendants later rebuilt the population, but inbreeding still limits recovery

Norfolk Island owls were saved from extinction by a bold conservation effort in 1987. Two male owls were introduced to breed with the last remaining female. This rescue prevented extinction, but the population now suffers from severe inbreeding. Conservationists focus on providing optimal nesting conditions for the existing birds. The species still requires ongoing intervention for its long-term survival.