KEA: a New Zealand problem

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By Listen TheBook Posted on Jun 1, 2023

In Category - *Non-fiction, Nature, Animals

Authors: George Reginald Marriner In Year : 1909

Book Language: English

Audiobook: KEA: a New Zealand problem

Dedication and Author's Note
Chapter I. The kea country
Chapter II. Description
Chapter III. Haunts and habits
Chapter IV. Nesting
Chapter V. At play
Chapter VI. Early records
Chapter VII. The sheep killer
Chapter VIII. Getting into bad habits
Chapter IX. Kidney theory
Chapter X. Time of attack
Chapter XI. The damage done
Chapter XII. Kea hunting
Chapter XIII. Distribution

The kea (Nestor notabilis) is the world's only alpine parrot, and is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. Although this large parrot is beloved of modern-day New Zealanders for its cheeky intelligence and mischievous behaviour (when someone else's tent is being shredded, or pack being raided), it has not always been so loved, and is currently classified as an endangered species. Its decline began in the 19th century, with the arrival of European settlers, their sheep, and the payment of rich rewards to bounty hunters for kea beaks. Written in 1907, The Kea: a New Zealand problem including a full description of this very interesting bird, its habitat and ways together with a discussion of the theories advanced to explain its sheep-killing propensities summarises kea behaviour and the evidence from the 19th century that kea engaged in predatory behaviour towards sheep. (Summary by Gail Timmerman-Vaughan)