Can you own a kea parrot?
Due to the bird’s protected status, in order to have a Kea in captivity, a stringent permit system is in place. Today, there are only 65 birds held captive by around 20 permit holders, primarily as insurance against the sudden disappearance of the species in their natural habitat of the mountainous regions.
How many kea parrots are left?
Only around 3,000-7,000 of their number continue to live in the wilds of New Zealand, according to Canberra’s Department of Conservation.
Why is the kea an unusual parrot?
The kea is the world’s only alpine parrot. Its omnivorous diet includes carrion, but consists mainly of roots, leaves, berries, nectar, and insects. Now uncommon, the kea was once killed for bounty due to concerns by the sheep-farming community that it attacked livestock, especially sheep.
Is the kea the only alpine parrot?
The kea is considered the only alpine parrot in the world. But scientists analysing DNA sequencing and fossil records have found kea were once present in other parts of the country. The news is something of a knock to the kea’s internationally unique “alpine parrot” status.
Do KEAS migrate?
Keas are fairly hardy birds and once acclimatized they can tolerate a range of temperatures. There does tend to be a seasonal migration to warmer altitudes in the wild, though some birds will permanently live above the snow line in Alpine regions.
What is the life span of a kea?
Breeding and life expectancy In captivity some parrot species can live to 80 or older, but the oldest known age for a wild kea is 20 years.
What does the kea eat?
Kea are omnivorous and eat a wide range of plant and animal food:
- Tree and plant material like leaves, nectar, fruit, roots and seeds.
- Bugs and larvae that they dig out of the ground or rotten logs.
- Other animals, including baby birds of other species like shearwaters, or scavenge deer and sheep carcasses.
What nasty habit is the kea parrot known for?
They are notorious for their habit of using their powerful beaks to tear apart gear and equipment they might find in our South Island forestry sites. They are protected under the Wildlife Act. With proper management, foresters can prevent harm to both the kea, and their own forest equipment.
Does kea live snow?
What is being done to protect the kea?
Battle for our Birds protects kea and other native species from predators. There is now a code of practice for aerial 1080 in kea habitat that is followed by all such operations being carried out on Public Conservation Land.
Can Kea parrots talk?
Although kea are not known to “talk” like some other parrots, they’re considered to be as smart as a four-year-old child and have intelligence similar to primates. They are able to solve logic puzzles and enjoy a good challenge.