references
Kea visiting the diversionary frame at the St Arnaud site
on the gym and maintain the cameras we set up to see if our friends visited. Visit they did! However, the frame was not up long enough to see if it made a difference. The crew have since moved to another site, and so far, I have not heard whether kea have made their presence felt. To date, my main ‘clients’ have been forestry companies spread around the top of the South Island. Most have environmental protocols in place, which makes my job a lot easier. One of the interesting things I see in this job is that altitude is no barrier to having kea visit. While it is always expected that kea may be present at high altitudes, I am regularly hearing of kea visiting properties right down at sea level. Once people realise this is natural for kea – they don’t just live in the
mountains – there is almost a visible shift in their expectations. We are so lucky on the Mainland to have these birds. It is surprising how many people are not aware they are only found in the South Island. Armed with a little knowledge of these clowns, and exposing their vulnerable side too – that they are ground nesters – there may be less than 5000 left, they are susceptible to lead poisoning – leaves most people staunch advocates of our kea. Only last week I had a call from a forestry company needing help with a sick kea at their site. The crew was really worried. They had picked it up and moved it out of harm’s way. This same company has had a rough time with kea, so their behaviour really touched me. I think if people are having issues with kea, the best thing is to get
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on to it as soon as possible. The Kea Conservation Trust, with support from the Department of Conservation, does not advocate the translocation of troublesome kea. Instead, together we can look at areas where we can minimise damage and try to discourage kea hanging around. Sometimes it may be a really simple solution that can make a huge difference. We are here to help. If you have any issues with kea, please get in touch with us at info@keaconservation. co.nz. Alternatively, visit our website’s Home page (www. keaconservation.co.nz) and report a conflict! And if you are in need of an idea to kea proof your properties (or have a great idea of your own!) please visit our kea proofing page (also found at the bottom of our Home page).
Photos: Mat Goodman