'KEA: a New Zealand problem' Summary

The kea 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, 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. This book, written in 1907, summarises kea behaviour and the evidence from the 19th century that kea engaged in predatory behaviour towards sheep.