Kea also under threat from exotics

[Kifaru Bwana]

Through camera trapping of nest sites it has been discovered not just kakariki are at risk from stoats and other small introduced predators ...

The highly adaptive kea is also under attack ...!

Link: Wildlife Extra News - Shocking images: possums and stoats eat kea chicks

 

[Fossa dude]

Are you saying that if a kea is smuggled in US or Europe it will adapt to its new climate.
If so its a pretty big deal.

Fossa dude

 

[FBBird]

I understand Keas are completely cold hardy in the UK, and at least the more temperate parts of the US. No need to smuggle them, there is already a well established captive breeding stiock.

 

[Pertinax]

I understand Keas are completely cold hardy in the UK, and at least the more temperate parts of the US. No need to smuggle them, there is already a well established captive breeding stiock.

The mountainous areas of New Zealand's South Island, where Keas live, is pretty similar in climate to Scotland, though perhaps colder and maybe drier.

 

[Pygathrix]

Are you saying that if a kea is smuggled in US or Europe it will adapt to its new climate.
If so its a pretty big deal.Fossa dude

That's not what the report is saying. Introduced animals in New Zealand such as stoats and possums are known to predate smaller birds, but this new evidence shows that keas, previously thought to be large and aggressive enough not to be seriously affected, are also at risk.

 

[Shamwari Voice]

Those attacks sound so horrible.

Hopefully this will lead to tighter control of introduced predators in NZ.

 

[Pertinax]

Hopefully this will lead to tighter control of introduced predators in NZ.

Some of the introduced species are beyond control I think- particularly in upland areas such as Keas live in.

 

[FBBird]

Keas also under threat

I seem to remember reading that wild Keas would not bite when grabbed by hand; don't know how true this is, but would lend credence to the suggestion that they have no defence against ground predators at the nest.