Kea Research Projects

The Kea Conservation Trust aims to direct funds into both captive(ex-situ) and wild (in-situ) research projects to support conservation and best managment practice of all Kea in New Zealand.

Captive based research on Kea focuses on ways in which to improve the overall physical and psychological health of the species. This may be through conducting research into species behaviour, health, best practice husbandry techniques and/or enclosure design.

Research into ways in which the advocacy potential of captive facilities can be increased is also highly important. Advocacy, helps raise awareness of a species, its habitat, and the issues surrounding them and, as such, is considered to be an important conservation tool.

Current and Ongoing Projects

For more information on the projects listed below, please visit the appropriate pages listed in the menu. 

Wild Kea Population Survey

• Winter Kea Survey (annually in July) 
• Summer Intensive Survey (annually in January)
• Ongoing Kea monitoring (all year)

1080 Repellents

Nest Monitoring

Removal of lead in kea habitat

 Captive Projects