Population estimates of Kea in Arthur's Pass National Park | Notornis and Birds New Zealand

[摘要] The population dynamics of a local group of Kea (Nestor notabilis) was studied at a refuse dump in Arthur's Pass National Park over the course of three successive summers. The mean number of birds that foraged at the dump during the summer was estimated as 20 juveniles, 10 subadults, and 36 adults. An average of 11% of these birds were females. The number of adults was quite stable across years. The total population of Kea in this area was estimated to be between 88 and 119, or in the order of 0.018 to 0.040 birds per hectare. Mortality did not exceed 16-20% per year for adult and subadult birds, but it was probably higher for younger birds. Male juveniles all appeared to disperse from the area within the first two years; female juveniles, on the other hand, were frequently resighted in subsequent seasons. This difference in behaviour was statistically significant. The abundance of fledglings suggested that as few as 10% of adult males may breed in any given year.

[学科分类] 动物科学

[关键词] beach patrol;New Zealand;recoveries;seabirds;Sterna