National Kea and Kaka Databases

Forest and Bird, Volume 21, Issue 4, 1 November 1990, Page 46

National Kea and Kaka Databases

Last year a request for information on sightings of kea and kaka was made through Forest & Bird magazine, with the intention of establishing a long term database looking at species distribution and status. Since then I have received a range of sightings and this information has been put on to computer. Some of the main areas I have received sightings for so far are: North Island kaka: Whangarei, Hunua, Urewera, Pureora, Kaimanawas, Tongariro. South Island kaka: generally lower altitude valleys from Mt Richmond, Nelson Lakes, Victorias, Paparoas, Arthur’s Pass, Western Alps, South Westland, Fiordland. Kea: generally higher altitude ranges from Mt Richmond, Nelson Lakes, Victorias, Paparoas, Arthur's Pass, Remarkables, Mt Aspiring, Fiordland. It is impossible to say whether either species is increasing or decreasing in distribution or abundance with one year’s information. The data I have so far is sparse and tends to reflect the popularity of recreational areas. Also kea and kaka tend to vary between being very conspicuous to being quite secretive, making it difficult to say how many there are, particularly in the short term. I hope that by receiving sightings over successive years any trends will become apparent. Please report any sightings of kea or kaka to me, stating accurate location (map reference preferable), altitude, date and time, number of birds. Send sightings to: Michael Wakelin, Science and Research Division, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10-420, Wellington.