A remarkable comeback for Kea

There have been some exciting sightings at The Remarkables this winter, with kea once again making appearances around the ski field.

Adding to the excitement, many of the birds seen have been young, unbanded kea, suggesting a new generation may be exploring the area.

For many, seeing kea at The Remarkables is a welcome sign that these iconic alpine parrots are once again becoming part of the landscape. Their growing presence reflects years of dedicated conservation work to create a safer habitat for native wildlife.

NZSki's Remarkables team has invested heavily in predator control across the ski field, installing traps targeting possums and rodents to help create a safer environment for native wildlife. Southern Lakes Sanctuary has also been working alongside the team on feral cat and stoat control in the alpine zone, helping to reduce threats to vulnerable native species.

While predator control is often a long-term commitment with results that can take years to become visible, these recent kea sightings offer an encouraging reminder of what's possible when organisations work together towards a common goal.

Anyone heading up The Remarkables this season can also contribute to kea conservation by recording sightings through the Kea Survey App, a citizen science project run by the Kea Conservation Trust and the Department of Conservation. Every sighting helps build a better picture of kea populations and supports ongoing efforts to protect this nationally endangered species.

And if you're lucky enough to encounter a kea, remember to admire them from a distance and never feed them. Keeping kea wild is one of the best ways we can help ensure their future in our alpine landscapes.

Photo: QueenstownNZ.co.nz