New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic and endangered birds, including the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. A day and a half of presentations at the second Kea Summit in November 2019 revealed many threats to this endangered bird, including predation by stoats, ferrets, and cats; lead intoxication; and public feeding. The birds’ curiosity and rapier-sharp bills can wreak havoc on buildings as well as the vehicles and other property of tourists, researchers, and locals, leading to conflicts between humans and the birds. Because these threats are driving ongoing population decline, the kea is considered endangered by the IUCN Red List.

The Kea Conservation Trust brought together New Zealand Department of Conservation staff, researchers, veterinarians, Māori, hunters, foresters, farmers, social scientists, zoos, authors, and educators. Impressive efforts to collect kea population and health data, treat sick and injured birds, and take action to mitigate the human-kea conflicts are being made through the combined efforts of this broad group of stakeholders.

Addressing these conflicts through a community education and engagement strategy was the topic of a workshop facilitated by Richard Jakob-Hoff, on behalf of CPSG Australasia and organized by Zoo and Aquarium Association representatives Todd Jenkinson and Maigan Thompson.

Session participants identified human behaviors that contribute to conflict to develop key messages and methods of delivery drawing on social science principles. This led to some interesting insights, such as the fact that environmental lead is a health hazard to people as well as kea (who chew lead nails and roof flashings). A public health approach could therefore benefit both kea and humans. These and other workshop results will provide a basis for the development of a consistent, evidence-based education and advocacy strategy for all engaged in kea conservation.