The KEA: a New Zealand problem
The kea (Nestor notabilis) 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 (when someone else's tent is being shredded, or pack being raided), 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. Written in 1907, The Kea: a New Zealand problem including a full description of this very interesting bird, its habitat and ways together with a discussion of the theories advanced to explain its sheep-killing propensities summarises kea behaviour and the evidence from the 19th century that kea engaged in predatory behaviour towards sheep. (Summary by Gail Timmerman-Vaughan)
Genre(s): *Non-fiction, Animals, Nature
Language: English
| Section | Chapter | Reader | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play 00 | Dedication and Author's Note | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:04:57 |
| Play 01 | Chapter I. The kea country | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:16:20 |
| Play 02 | Chapter II. Description | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:08:07 |
| Play 03 | Chapter III. Haunts and habits | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:16:36 |
| Play 04 | Chapter IV. Nesting | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:21:22 |
| Play 05 | Chapter V. At play | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:19:19 |
| Play 06 | Chapter VI. Early records | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:19:33 |
| Play 07 | Chapter VII. The sheep killer | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:24:01 |
| Play 08 | Chapter VIII. Getting into bad habits | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:13:54 |
| Play 09 | Chapter IX. Kidney theory | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:12:20 |
| Play 10 | Chapter X. Time of attack | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:04:27 |
| Play 11 | Chapter XI. The damage done | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:09:15 |
| Play 12 | Chapter XII. Kea hunting | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:20:33 |
| Play 13 | Chapter XIII. Distribution | Gail Timmerman Vaughan |
00:21:36 |