references
1 APRIL 2014 – 31 MARCH 2015 T H E H I G H S A N D LOW S I N B R I E F
Here is a brief snapshot of the ‘best of’ and the ‘worst of’ kea events for our 2014/15 year...
Our second year of kea repellent trials were initiated at a Wakatipu high country sheep station at the beginning of June on a flock of 601 sheep, 255 of which were sprayed with a bird repellent.
APRIL – MAY
Kea conflict issues again became the topic of conversation in Motueka during May with 4 kea causing issues at a bed and breakfast. KCT Secretary Peter Fraser spoke to an enthusiastic bunch of young kea supporters at Willowbank School in Auckland and received $700 raised by the children during their mufti day. Enviro lead teacher Sarah Blong explained that the students had voted to help kea as they “were fascinated by the keas intelligence and cheekiness.” Great effort everyone! Donations received: $12,470.16
Notabilis
ESTOR
Newsletter of the Kea Conservation Trust
This issue… Do our zoos meet the conservation challenge? Ajax – The making of a kea dog Do kea use tools?
Research
2013 Winter Advocacy Tour 2014 Summer Survey 2013 Nest monitoring
Our 7th Winter Advocacy Tour, entitled “Conflicts: impacts and solutions” (funded by Dulux and DOC) ran for a total of 10 days in late June. A total of 11 public and 3 school talks as well as numerous DOC meetings were held from Nelson to Invercargill with some great ideas and discussions being generated throughout. Thanks to all of our lovely hosts who provided talk venues and accommodation. Your generosity and inclusiveness was much appreciated!
JUNE – JULY
Also…
Our annual magazine, Nestor notabilis, was printed at the end of June just in time for our annual winter tour. Thanks to our wonderful publishers, Paradigm Associates Ltd, and to our sponsors, Dulux. Also a big thanks to our seven external contributors who sent articles and images from as far away as the United States and also to our hardworking editor (and administrator), Kay. A great team effort yet again!
Matukituki Charitable Trust Kea in North American Zoos The Battle for our Birds The Mischievous Kea – Queenstown’s new brew
Interactive Exhibit at Cincinnati Zoo
June 2014 : Vol 8
www.keaconservation.co.nz
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Two conflict issues reported in June – one at an Arthur’s Pass ski-field, and the other in Motueka – kept us on our toes. Our nest monitoring project got underway at the end of July with Corey and Tom heading out into the mountains (just in time for the snow!)
Donations received: $11,501.47
Our brand new conflicts coordinator, Andrea Goodman, joined the KCT team in August (thanks to funding from Cincinnati Zoo) and immediately got thrown in the deep end with 5 conflict reports in Motueka/Nelson! As part of the new Conflicts Resolution programme, a new kea proofing online search application went live on our website in September.
AUGUST – SEPTEMBER
Additionally a new diversionary activity frame (kea playground) was developed and donated by Chris of The Works, Metal Fabrication in Otira as a possible method of keeping kea occupied during conflict situations. An additional frame was also ordered for use as a supplementary feeding/diversionary area to monitor kea during the 1080 drops planned later in the year at Nelson Lakes. The Nelson Lakes nest protection programme received a boost with an additional 35 possum traps purchased for the beginning of the nesting season. This work is made possible through the efforts of the Watson brothers’ 21 Peaks in 21 Days, a generous anonymous donation, Destination Nelson Lakes and Friends of Rotoiti donations.
Photo: Kay Davidson
The DOC CCPF funding for the KCT’s Strategic Plan for Kea Conservation and conflicts response programme was celebrated ($90,000 over 2 years) at the Wobbly Kea in Arthur’s Pass in September. KCT personnel (Tamsin, Kay and Tom) attended the ministerial visit which was attended by a large portion of the Arthur’s Pass community. Donations received: $28,478.10
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Photo: Alana McKay