(Nestor notabilis) Husbandry Manual - Kea Conservation Trust

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16 Although not considered carrion feeders, kea are opportunistic and have been observed feeding off the carcasses of rabbits, possums and deer which have been killed on the roads, through pest poisoning programmes and/or hunting (Walmsley, pers. comm., 2009; Maloney, pers. comm., 2009; Kemp & van Klink, 2009). Kea may have played a role in cleaning up carcasses prior to human arrival. 3.8 Threats in the wild The main threats to kea are intentional and unintentional human induced deaths, predation by introduced species and reduced availability of natural foods (Elliott & Kemp, in press; Kemp & van Klink, 2009; Grant, 1993; and Temple, 1996). Ongoing research continues to highlight the often widespread incidence of these pressures. 3.8.1 Human Induced threats Intentional Kea underwent extensive historical persecution in a government bounty which reduced the population by an estimated 150,000 individuals (Temple, 1978; Temple 1996) from 1860 – 1971. Kea gained partial protection in 1970 and full protection in 1986 under the Wildlife Act (1952). Persecution of kea still occurs throughout the species’ range. Intentional poisoning and/or shooting of kea continues to be reported in the media (NZ Herald, 2008; McDonnell, 2009) although prosecutions are rare. Smuggling of kea for the international black market has also been documented in the past and as with other unique New Zealand species, remains a concern (Diamond & Bond, 1999). Kea were persecuted for their attacks on sheep in high country areas. Unknown artist 1882. Photo credit: Alexander Turnbull library Kea Conservation Trust Final 25/11/2010
17 Unintentional Human made toxins identified as having potentially widespread and extensive impacts on kea include lead (McLelland, 2009) and 1080 (Kemp & van Klink, 2009). Both toxins have been used throughout kea habitat over an extended period of time and are now known to directly impact the health and survival of kea populations throughout the species’ range. Lead, predominantly in the form of lead flashing and nail heads, has been used extensively throughout the landscape since the late 1800’s – 1990’s and still exists in substantial quantities in old mining areas, public and private high country dwellings inclusive of ski fields, tramping huts and sheep stations. 1080 has also been used widely by DoC and the Animal Health Board (AHB) throughout New Zealand since the 1950’s for control of introduced pest species and in particular brushtail possums as they are a vector for bovine TB. Research is currently being conducted by the KCT and DOC into preventing 1080 poisoning with initial positive results and subsequent changes in 1080 drop protocols. Investigations into the extent of lead throughout Conservation estate is currently being undertaken by the NZ Royal Society (supervised by Unitec, NZ). Other human induced causes of death include vehicle incidents, accidental capture in possum traps and ingestion of other pest control poisons, and ingestion of human foods toxic to kea (e.g. chocolate). 3.8.2 Predation Predation by introduced predators such as rats, stoats and possums, has historically been considered a lesser issue to kea than many other New Zealand endemics (Elliott and Kemp, 2004). Kea ground nest and are therefore potentially as vulnerable to predation as their close relative the kaka, although nesting success has previously been found to significantly increase above 600mtrs (Elliott and Kemp, 1999). However, with evidence of predators moving higher into alpine areas, possibly due to changing climatic conditions, this threat may be increasing. Possum remains and fresh scat have being found in or around kea nest sites over 1000m (KCT, unpublished report 2009). Possums may not only directly predate on nesting kea and/or their chicks, they may also compete for available nest sites and natural food sources. Kea Conservation Trust Final 25/11/2010
Page 1 and 2: 1 Kea (Nestor notabilis) Husbandry
Page 3 and 4: 3 Prepared by Tamsin Orr-Walker Kea
Page 5 and 6: 5 4.2 Enrichment...................
Page 7 and 8: 7 9.6 Appendix 6 - Example of diet
Page 9 and 10: 9 (www.keaconservation.co.nz). Reso
Page 11 and 12: 11 Fig 2: ZAA member organisation f
Page 13 and 14: 13 3.3 Distribution, habitat and ho
Page 15: 15 Historical burn-off of high coun
Page 19 and 20: 19 minimum welfare guidelines for c
Page 21 and 22: 21 Limited access enclosures are us
Page 23 and 24: 23 over a 2 month period. Kea terri
Page 25 and 26: 25 Mesh must be of a strength which
Page 27 and 28: 27 Running water - a water feature
Page 29 and 30: 29 would also provide an opportunit
Page 31 and 32: 31 • Ambient Air Temperature: Kea
Page 33 and 34: 33 • A minimum of 1 undercover sh
Page 35 and 36: 35 displays) and encounters with li
Page 37 and 38: 37 Although no comprehensive daily
Page 39 and 40: 39 • Tactile big clump of straw,
Page 41 and 42: 41 4.3 Training and conditioning 4.
Page 43 and 44: 43 • Training can also be used as
Page 45 and 46: 45 There have been cases when new k
Page 47 and 48: 47 irritation associated with these
Page 49 and 50: 49 Signs and Symptoms Symptoms rang
Page 51 and 52: 51 Prevention and Treatment Daily c
Page 53 and 54: 53 Attention: Maurice Alley/Brett G
Page 55 and 56: 55 Transport boxes should be wiped
Page 57 and 58: 57 4.5.7 Handling/physical restrain
Page 59 and 60: 59 • Other Solanum species includ
Page 61 and 62: 61 4.6.5 Seasonal/breeding changes
Page 63 and 64: 63 functionally extinct in the wild
Page 65 and 66: 65 4.7.2 Forming new breeding pairs
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67 directed to do so by the Captive
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69 5.0 IDENTIFICATION 5.1 Introduct
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71 female roles (i.e. females have
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73 6.0 RECORD KEEPING (Adapted from
Page 75 and 76:
75 7.0 Acknowledgments I would like
Page 77 and 78:
77 Elliott, G. & Kemp, J. 2004. Eff
Page 79 and 80:
79 Woolcock, D. 2000. Husbandry and
Page 81 and 82:
81 9.1 Appendix 1- Internal Audit D
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83 /environment standards General D
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85 4.1.8 Multi species exhibit (mul
Page 87 and 88:
87 4.2.2 Behavioural needs 4.2.3 Be
Page 89 and 90:
89 4.4 Social Structure General 4.4
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91 4.5.4 Treatments and veterinary
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93 4.6.4 Presentation of food 4.6.5
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95 recommendation to breed and numb
Page 97 and 98:
97 Annual Report and Recommendation
Page 99 and 100:
99 9.2 Appendix 2 - Important Links
Page 101 and 102:
101 9.4 Appendix 4 - Massey Univers
Page 103 and 104:
103 9.6 Appendix 6 - Example of die
Page 105:
105 Adult kea have been observed ta
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(Nestor notabilis) Husbandry Manual - Kea Conservation Trust

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