Wednesday, 30 June 2021, 10:26 am
Research on kea in the eastern South Island is revealing
new insights into the impact of stoats and feral cats on
this endangered endemic parrot.
Kea, a taonga species
for Ngāi Tahu, are found throughout South Island mountains
and forests and are in decline where threats from predators
are not managed.
A Department of Conservation (DOC)
five-year study aims to shed light on why kea populations
are declining faster on the eastern side of the Southern
Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana than on the west, to improve
predator management.
Researchers have monitored a
sample of 45 kea between Arthur’s Pass and Lewis Pass east
Research on rising kea deaths in the Southern Alps could help to improve future predator management.
The study has monitored 45 eastern kea between Arthur s Pass and Lewis Pass since 2019.
Photo: imagex/123RF
A Department of Conservation (DOC) five-year study aims to shed light on why kea populations on the eastern side of the alps are declining faster than on the west.
The survival rate is 60 percent for eastern kea compared to estimates of above 90 percent survival in the west.
The study has monitored 45 eastern kea between Arthur s Pass and Lewis Pass since 2019 mostly in areas where predators are not currently controlled.
Cats, stoats kill 40% of kea greystar.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from greystar.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
However, spokeswoman Sue Baird said while it was “filthy cold” on Tuesday, the district had sunshine and blue skies. “At this stage we are not aware of any potential problems but we are keeping a watching brief.” Further north in Banks Peninsula, farmers on higher ground were experiencing moderate snowfall. Little Akaloa farmer Tim Coop said around 10cm of snow had fallen by 9am around the top of the farm. “It’s not thick,” he said.
Stacy Squires/Stuff
Richard Vance and his children George, three, and Elina, six, enjoying the snow at Victoria Park in the Port Hills above Christchurch.
Akaroa, Chorlton, Duvauchelle, Le Bons Bay, Little Akaloa, Ngaio Point, Okains Bay, Robinsons Bay, Takamatua, Takamatua Bay, Fishermans Bay, Hickory Bay, Otanerito Bay and Paua Bay were among the affected areas. Most of these areas had lost power just before 8am and were expected to be restored about midday, according to the Orion website. As of 11am, all but around 600 customers had had their power restored. Orion spokeswoman Linda McGregor said there were reports of trees colliding with power lines across the network on Tuesday morning.
Stacy Squires/Stuff
Snow has coated the Port Hills in Christchurch, here dusting the car park at Victoria Park.