references
1 apriL 2012 – 31 marCh 2013 T h e h i g h s a n d Low s i n b r i e f
Edited by Tamsin Orr-Walker, Kea Conservation Trust
Helen Schofield (owner/operator and vet of Franklin Wildlife Zoo and Sanctuary) died tragically on 25 April whilst tending one of the many animals in her care, Mila the African elephant. Helen was a strong advocate for kea and worked closely with the KCT to further kea conservation. The Arthur’s Pass Community project survey was completed with results providing an insight into people’s understanding and perception of kea and the species impact on the residents and businesses in the area.
a p r i L – m ay
Initial results of kea repellent sprayed on 203 merino sheep at a high country station in Queenstown showed low incidence of kea strike in a high risk area. In an interesting development, an untreated flock located below our test flock was heavily struck by kea resulting in several dozen sheep deaths.
A flock of 22 kea, 20 of which were juveniles, was photographed at Temple Basin in Arthur’s Pass. Mt Hutt skifield, located 65km away as the crow flies, recorded a flock of 20 kea 10 days earlier; possibly the same flock doing the rounds of the ski fields. A kea was killed by a stone wielding school student at Porter Heights ski area at the start of the ski season. To ensure that this didn’t happen again, the school pledged to initiate a school-wide project on kea as part of a conservation education programme. Additionally, the student involved will give a presentation on kea to the school, and assist local DOC staff with a project during Conservation Week in September. Donations received: $12,046.30
The KCT received the DOC West Coast award in Hokitika for ‘research and advocacy programme that benefits kea populations on the West Coast’. The KCT was also invited to New Zealand author Craig Smith’s book launch for Kaha the Kea attended by over 400 West Coast children. Craig also donated $1000 from the first sales of his book to the KCT. The work of the KCT also featured on Radio NZ with Jim Mora highlighting the upcoming kea surface repellent trials aimed to prevent kea accessing traps and bait stations and other human property. Donations received: $1,570
au g u s T – s e p T e m b e r
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Photo: Tamsin Orr-Walker
J u n e – J u Ly
Photo: Paul van Klink
The KCT’s annual Winter Advocacy Tour resulted in a record 21 talks delivered to an audience of 790 people around the South Island. The theme of the talks, entitled ‘Working together for Kea’, focused on how communities working together can achieve positive conservation results for kea.