All About the Kea - Conservation, Intelligence, and Public Opinion by Claire

On January 07, our study abroad group visited the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch, New Zealand. The reserve houses 13 Kea, a species of endangered Alpine Parrots native to the mountains of New Zealand’s South Island. Our guide Beth explained to us that Kea are very smart and curious birds. They are considered to have the same level of intelligence as a three- to seven-year-old child and are known for using tools in the wild. Due to the birds’ intelligence and curiosity, they have previously been considered pests as they were a threat to New Zealand farmer’s sheep. From the 1860’s to the 1970’s, the New Zealand government placed a bounty on Kea. This led to massive declines in Kea populations. In 1986, Kea were granted full protection and it is now illegal to harm Kea in any capacity.

One example of the parrots’ intelligence in action is Bruce, one of the Kea located at the Reserve. When Bruce was found, he was missing his entire top mandible. This meant he could not hunt how other Kea naturally would. However, Bruce learned a new way to hunt and eat with the bone in his tongue. Bruce even uses pebbles as a tool to clean himself instead of his beak. Over time, Bruce has been found to use stones of similar sizes and shapes, which is an interesting example of pattern recognition. Beth explained that multiple studies have also shown the Kea’s ability to understand delayed gratification, and individuals opt to refuse a treat in the present so both they and a partner can have a treat in the future.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and other groups across New Zealand are interested in saving the Kea populations for the preservation of native species, but I was curious about what sentiment the general public held around the Kea. Beth explained to me that much of the public still considers Kea pests, due to their destructive nature. The birds are known to destroy the plastic and rubber on cars because they want to access any food contained inside. Beth told me that recently, the animal hospital located near the reserve received a Kea that had been intentionally shot but is expected to make a full recovery. While there are fines and consequences for harming Kea, the process of proving and convicting someone of harming the birds is difficult.

 The Kea Bird at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch