New Zealand to reduce lead poisoning of unique mountain parrot
WELLINGTON, Oct. 12– New Zealand plans to reduce lead poisoning of Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot and an endemic species to New Zealand, Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan said on Tuesday. According to New Zealand Kea Conservation, Kea are a unique and endangered parrot endemic to the Southern Alps of New Zealand. With fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining…
WELLINGTON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) — New Zealand plans to reduce lead poisoning of Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot and an endemic species to New Zealand, Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan said on Tuesday.
According to New Zealand Kea Conservation, Kea are a unique and endangered parrot endemic to the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Kea are highly adaptive and are considered to be one of the most intelligent bird species in the world.
But 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 the 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.
“Lead poisoning is a serious threat to this charismatic and cheeky mountain parrot. Unfortunately it is attracted to the sweet tasting but toxic metal, commonly used in building materials prior to the 1990s, and the effects can be devastating,” Allan said.
Blood testing of hundreds of Kea has shown many have concerning levels of lead, which accumulates over time and can affect their behaviour and cause them to become sick and die. However, Kea with high blood lead levels can be successfully treated using the chelation therapy at vet or wildlife clinics.
The New Zealand government is going to allocate a funding of 950,000 NZD (658,700 U.S. dollars) to recruit people from local areas by the COVID-affected tourism sector to do the work.
Work will involve removing lead from private dwellings and replacing it with non-toxic alternatives, working with property owners in areas throughout the South Island of New Zealand. The project is scheduled to kick off at Arthurs Pass village, a natural habitat to Kea in the South Island of the country this spring. Enditem