references
A strategic plan for kea conservation
Kemp, J (DOC), Orr-Walker, T (KCT); Roberts, LG (KCT and Unitec), Adams, NJ (KCT and Unitec) A collaboration between Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Kea Conservation Trust (KCT)
Our vision: that the colours and call of the kea, kaitiaki of our southern mountains, will forever enrich the peoples and landscapes of the majestic Te Wai Pounamu. A population of wild kea is desired for its intrinsic value, its cultural value, its contribution to global biodiversity, ecosystem services (particularly seed dispersal), for people to encounter kea in the wild, and for people to study and appreciate the unique behaviour and ecology of the species. The kea population is part of New Zealand’s ecological integrity. As such, a new strategic plan for kea conservation, presently in draft form, is being developed by the KCT and DOC. The strategy outlines current knowledge on kea status and threats, and provides a list of priority areas for threat mitigation, research, advocacy and community engagement. The document will provide a basis to direct funding and establish stakeholder partnerships to enable delivery of the priority actions for kea conservation. Required actions towards developing a national threat mitigation/recovery plan are identified. Action is required to determine and monitor population structure size; identify and quantify threats to the kea population; devise, test and evaluate threat mitigation. This strategy is intended to be the first source of information for persons wishing to know the currently agreed directions, in which kea population research and conservation management are proceeding. It is envisaged that project plans for discrete pieces of work will be generated over the years based on this strategy. DOC South Island conservancies have provided vital operational funding for up to 3 years to enable the KCT to action this document. A long-term funding commitment provides stability and consistency of delivery across years. As part of this strategy we will also look to increase our community partnerships and funding to ensure on-going work to secure the future survival of kea in the wild and their best management in captivity.
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Photo: Corey Mosen