Released on: October 6, 2008, 10:14 pm

Press Release Author: lynthomas

Industry: Agriculture

Press Release Summary: Rogue killer parrot keeps high-country sheep farmers
defensive, as they are unable to do anything about it in New Zealand.


Press Release Body: New Zealand is known globally for its breath taking scenery and
safety in the bush. A place where you can wander happily, without the fear of some
dangerous species lurking in the shadows. Now however, there's a deadly killer
lurking in the shadow of the majestic Southern Alps.

Ross Ivey, the owner of a 20,000 ha high-country sheep station, next to the Mt Cook
national park, keeps a sharp look out as he rides across his property. A rogue
Killer Parrot is on the loose. One that has a preference for live food. Recently
Ross found one of his sheep dead from blood poisoning. The rogue kea had picked
through the skin of the sheep and eaten a kidney.

Only one of the few alpine parrots in the world, the kea was granted protection in
1986, as only 1000 – 5000 still live in the high-country Alps, of the South Island
of New Zealand. "Kea attacks have long been a part of high-country life for the
farmers", said Federated Farmers high country spokesman, Donald Aubrey.

Keas have often been described as 'cheeky', being extremely mischievous and
inquisitive by nature. Tests showed the birds are capable of solving simple puzzles,
such as pulling or moving objects, so as to get to food. They have been seen to work
as a team, in order to arrive at a common objective.

Keas have frequently been seen to pick the rubber seal from around windshields of
parked cars. They are believed to be the most intelligent of the bird species.

Farmers can no longer protect their flocks of sheep, by shooting rogue keas.
Understanding this, the Killer Parrot squawks in loud raucous delight. It now has
its own private pantry. Acres and acres of wonderful live-meals-on-the-hoof.

Some have made the suggestion that the solution to the feathered dilemma, is to
seize the Killer Parrot and reposition it. Ross says, "With the intelligence of the
Killer Parrot and the ruggedness of the terrain, it is more than likely the kea will
find its way back to its living stock of food, no matter how far away it is moved".

Ross and the other high-country farmers are doomed to having to live with the
problem. They and must keep a watchful eye on their flocks until such time as the
problem can be solved without endangering the species.

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