24/10/2022
Kea – Nestor Notabilis
New Zealand’s native alpine parrot
Named by Māori for the sound of its call, the kea (Nestor notabilis) is endemic to the Southern Alps of New Zealand. These sociable and highly intelligent birds are well adapted to their harsh environment.
Unfortunately, the traits that kea developed for survival, their curiosity and intelligence, have resulted in them being exposed to a range of threats and challenges which have dramatically reduced their numbers. With fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining in the wild, kea are now listed as Threatened - Nationally Endangered; the second-highest threat level in New Zealand.
National Kaitiaki and Taonga
Kea are considered taonga (treasure) to Maori. They were considered kaitiaki (guardians) of the mountains for the Waitaha Maori during their search for Pounamu (greenstone). Maori gave the name kea, describing the sound of its call. Its species name Nestor is from Greek mythology. Nestor was said to be a wise old counsellor to the Greeks at Troy. Notabilis (latin), means, ‘that worthy of note’.
Courtesy of the Kea Conservation Trust
