(Nestor notabilis) Husbandry Manual - Kea Conservation Trust

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1000m (KCT, unpublished report 2009).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