What is being done?

Not all hope is lost- some plans are already in place to save and nurture the remaining Kea. “A Strategic Plan for Kea Conservation” by T. Orr-Walker, J. Kemp, and L.G. Roberts discusses the potential plans for the conservation of Kea and what would need to be done in order to successfully and sustainably support a growing population of Kea. Genetics and trends in data must first be understood and predicted, and then identifying and managing the threats found, as well as increasing perception and education will allow the Kea to prosper once more. As awareness of the bird increases, the drive to conserve and care about the organism does as well.

Kea are not yet at the point of endangerment where they would have to be captively bred or artificially inseminated to increase population. It is illegal to keep these birds as pets, although the Auckland Zoo in New Zealand does house multiple Kea and hosts events throughout the day and week to educate and give way to curiosity and love of the pesky avian species. Through the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund, Auckland Zoo supports the conservation efforts of the Kea Conservation Trust.

This video is about a dog that is saving Keas. His name is Ajax and he is a highly-trained border collie who helps locate the endangered kea and their nests. This dog sniffs out nests in order for them to be monitered by his owner and other scientists. The purpose of monitoring the nests is to protect these birds from pests and other threats.