New Zealand kea parrots are about to become extinct

This is the only alpine parrot species in the world that is threatened with extinction in New Zealand where the population is declining.

The kea parrot is the only mountain parrot in the world and is also one of the most intelligent birds in the world because of its mischievous and natural nature.

This bird is also considered a pet by many New Zealanders and occurs in the mountains of the South Island in 3.5 million hectares of habitat.

Conservationists began to worry when the natural population of Kea parrots was estimated to only be between 1,000 and 5,000 individuals.

Recent studies by the Kea Parrot Conservation Foundation show that two-thirds of bird species never go through the hatching stage because their nests are close to the ground and are constantly occupied by weasels, rats, and other insects. carnivores. The New Zealand government predicts kea parrots will become extinct by 2050.

Tamsin Orr-Walker, Director of the Kea Parrot Conservation Foundation, said: “The kea is one of New Zealand’s unique birds and one of its beloved birds. One of the adorable features of the Kea parrot is that it is one of the wild species that is always looking for people. This is very rare and their mischievous nature has caused Kea parrots to get into a lot of trouble because human contact is affecting their existence.”

Orr-Walker said that threats to kea parrots include foreign species, toxins from factories and interactions with humans.

This expert warns that it is difficult to prevent poisons because there are thousands of buildings surrounding the southern island area and can poison kea parrots. As a result, this bird will encounter many disasters such as brain damage and death.

Josh Kemp, an expert on kea parrots at the New Zealand Conservation Center, affirmed: “We can educate people on how to treat kea parrots and protect the environment, but it is very difficult to prevent them. prevent toxins. And we cannot save kea parrots at this time, they will become extinct soon.”

It is estimated that 150,000 Kea parrots have been killed since 1860 due to conflicts with shepherds. The New Zealand Conservation Center and the Kea Parrot Conservation Foundation continue to record intentional deaths of Kea parrots every year (due to being shot, beaten or poisoned) despite this being a species of parrot. protected object.

“Conservation education efforts have been made in New Zealand to love and appreciate kea parrots, but if kea parrots are affecting people’s financial interests then they are We still hear about the deaths of Kea parrots.

Even though it belongs to the group of protected animals, Kea parrots are still treated in two ways: by those who love the precious parrot and by those who are in the habit of building villas in high mountain areas. , attacked Kea parrot nests and robbed them of food.

“Conservation education efforts have been made in New Zealand to love and appreciate kea parrots, but if kea parrots are affecting people’s financial interests then they are We still hear about the deaths of Kea parrots.