Kea Conservation Trust

About Us

 

 

Kea Conservation Trust – Inspiring communities to protect kea, the world’s only mountain parrot.

Named by Maori for the sound of its call, the kea (Nestor notabilis) is endemic to the Southern Alps of New Zealand and is the world’s only mountain parrot. These sociable and highly intelligent birds are well adapted to their harsh environment. Unfortunately, the traits that kea developed for survival, their curiosity and omnivorous appetite, have created conflict with humans over the last 150 years. Persecution and predation have sorely depleted numbers and, with only a few thousand birds remaining, the kea is a Nationally Endangered species.

Kea are a unique and endangered parrot (psittacine) species endemic to the Southern Alps of New Zealand. They are one of three parrot species which evolved in isolation over millions of years, playing an important role as alpine seed distributors and ‘cleaners’ and are highly valued as one of the most intelligent bird species in the world.

To ensure that kea are optimally managed and protected it is necessary to understand the species natural habitat,  lifecycle and behaviour in the wild, their interactions with people and  the range of threats impacting on them. Additionally, understanding best practice management of kea in captivity is also necessary to ensure the captive population provides positive education and encounter opportunities to inspire new generations to care for kea in the wild.

Kea are New Zealand’s alpine treasures. At the Kea Conservation Trust we work in collaboration with others, to preserve and protect these unique birds, both in their natural habitat and in captivity. To make this vision of a sustainable future for kea a reality however, we need your support!

The Kea Conservation Trust would like to acknowledge the commitment of our sponsors, members, supporters and volunteers to the cause of conservation and best practice captive management of Kea in New Zealand. As a registered charitable trust, we rely on your support, to ensure kea are protected for the future.

Kea are a unique and endangered parrot (psittacine) species endemic to the Southern Alps of New Zealand. They are one of three parrot species which evolved in isolation over millions of years, playing an important role as alpine seed distributors and ‘cleaners’ and are highly valued as one of the most intelligent bird species in the world.

 

To ensure that kea are optimally managed and protected it is necessary to understand the species natural habitat,  lifecycle and behaviour in the wild, their interactions with people and  the range of threats impacting on them. Additionally, understanding best practice management of kea in captivity is also necessary to ensure the captive population provides positive education and encounter opportunities to inspire new generations to care for kea in the wild.

Kea are New Zealand’s alpine treasures. At the Kea Conservation Trust we work in collaboration with others, to preserve and protect these unique birds, both in their natural habitat and in captivity. To make this vision of a sustainable future for kea a reality however, we need your support!

The Kea Conservation Trust would like to acknowledge the commitment of our sponsors, members, supporters and volunteers to the cause of conservation and best practice captive management of Kea in New Zealand. As a registered charitable trust, we rely on your support, to ensure kea are protected for the future.