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A Strategic Plan for Kea Conservation – one year on
Tamsin Orr-Walker
The new strategic plan for kea conservation, a collaboration between Department of Conservation (DOC) and the KCT, outlines current knowledge on kea status and threats, and provides a list of priority areas for threat mitigation, research, advocacy and community engagement. As part of this strategy, a project list has also been developed to ensure focused actioning of all key objectives. These aim to ensure that: 1) population size, trends, dynamics and genetics are understood; 2) the kea population is actively managed; and 3) positive public perception and awareness of kea is increased. This list not only ensures that the KCT and DOC focus on an agreed set of priorities, but also enables other organisations and communities to likewise direct efforts to enable real conservation benefits for this endangered species. So what in the strategic plan was achieved this year? Our first aim was addressed via our population and nest monitoring projects, both of which were
extended into two new areas – the Kaikoura Mountains during the summer survey and Otira during our nest monitoring, bringing the total number of sites surveyed to five. In addition, remote acoustic recorders were trialled at our two summer sites, in an attempt to find an alternative cost-effective method of monitoring. If the results prove positive these trials will be extended across the coming year. Our management projects (Aim 2) continue to prove highly complex. These include directed predator control at monitored nest sites in Nelson Lakes (where a 50% increase in fledglings and nesting females was recorded for the first time) and screening of potential surface repellents to prevent kea interacting with human objects (with the aim of decreasing both conflict, and kea accessing ground based traps). Mitigation of conflict proved challenging; however a conflicts and deaths recording form has now been developed and made available to stakeholders, while a community conflicts programme is in the process of being developed (and funding secured). In regards the captive
population of kea, discussions focusing on increasing husbandry standards are ongoing with DOC and captive holders. Finally, those projects aimed at increasing positive perception of kea included our 2013 Winter Advocacy Tour, development of new signage at Arthur’s Pass, support of those communities and stakeholders involved in driving their own kea conservation initiatives, and engaging with residents and businesses experiencing conflict. So one year on and we are well and truly utilising the strategic plan for what it was designed for – directed conservation of kea. However this plan may yet be in jeopardy. The recent DOC restructuring has resulted in the dissolution of the five South Island DOC conservancies – the initial supporters and funders of the strategic plan. We are now looking to the broader community and partnerships within it to help us continue this programme to ensure that kea conservation priorities continue to be met and the species is protected for the future.
on the endangered kea. Additionally, a new sign has been installed in Arthur’s Pass village and Deaths Corner to make sure people who are there to appreciate the kea know how to look after them too. Hadley Vaughan, Senior Brand Manager for Dulux New Zealand, says the company is proud to have helped the kea nest monitoring programme spread its wings.
“The kea is one of our most colourful characters. We’re really proud to be contributing to the survival of this iconic bird,” he said. With the continued support of Dulux, the 2014 nest monitoring season will be initiated by the end of June. Kea Conservation Trust’s Chair Tamsin Orr-Walker says that the partnership with Dulux has helped provide a sense of security around 5