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Audio and VideoThis page provides readers with kea audio and links to video and nest camera footage.
Predation of Kea by Stoats and Possums - DOCA kea research project on the West Coast has come up with graphic evidence of stoats and possums killing and eating New Zealand's rare native parrot. The Department of Conservation (DOC) said that of the 11 kea nests installed with cameras, stoats killed chicks in two of them. They said the footage captured made for grim viewing. Although DOC staff were aware possums raided the nests of smaller birds, the video footage captured is their first proof that the pests kill kea. "The possum predation is surprising," admitted Barrett, who described an instance in which a possum pulled a juvenile kea out to the entrance of its nest and ate it in front of the camera. The research has confirmed many conservationists' worst fears.Forest & Bird said the evidence shows vigilance is needed with pest control, with up to 50% of nests on the West Coast lost.
NB: It is important to remember that stoats and possums are only doing what is natural. In their native habitats in which they evolved, both species are important contributors to their respective ecosystems. Unfortunately both stoats and possums were introduced into New Zealand by humans in the 1800’s for the purposes of controlling another introduced species, rabbits (in the case of stoats) or for what was considered a potentially lucrative fur trade (possums). As introduced predators and browsers, they cause enormous damage to our endemic species. Finding a humane and effective form of control is paramount if our endemics are to survive.
BBC Programme - Kea The Smartest Parrot?This three part series is narrated by David Attenborough and shows some excellent footage of innovative kea working out puzzles both in the wild and captivity.
Part One
Part Three
Video
Here is a wonderful segment taken from the BBC series and accessed from Youtube of the Kea at its most ingenious.
Hamilton Zoo Nest Camera Video
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