references
snowbound, became easy targets for determined kea beaks. High sheep losses were attributed to kea, and by the 1870s a government bounty was initiated which resulted in an estimated 150,000 kea killed up until the early 1970s; this is generally believed to be the single greatest example of government initiated avicide of an endemic species worldwide. It is estimated that fewer than 5,000 individuals now remain across an area of 3.5 million hectares. Kea are nationally endangered (Robertson et al, 2012) and designated as ‘vulnerable, population decreasing’ (Birdlife International, 2013). Although now fully protected under the Wildlife Act, an unknown number are intentionally killed each year. Today, changes in land use and increasing human activity and access into high country areas result in kea coming into contact with more people and their property. For example, Fiordland National Park, one of NZ’s most pristine wilderness areas, and Arthur’s Pass, home to our most visible population of kea, host around 500,000 visitors annually (Statistics NZ, 2013). Property damage is reported each year by private landowners (including sheep farmers), tourists, tourist operators and workers, and it is recognised that many more conflict events are unreported as people deal with their concerns illegally. Recent legal methods of conflict resolution have included relocation of kea, or application for legal killing of nuisance kea (via a permit). Neither solution is considered effective, nor is it sustainable. For effective kea conservation efforts to be sustainable, resolution of human – kea conflict is a priority. However, to ensure success a concise plan which fosters community support is vital. HumanWildlife Conflict (HWC) is a global phenomenon which “occurs when the needs and behaviour of wildlife impact negatively on the goals of humans or when the goals of humans negatively impact the needs of wildlife.” (Madden, 2004). It is “as much a conflict between humans and wildlife as it is a conflict