Kea
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The second wave of human settlement brought a bonus to the Kea. While the Kaka declined as the bush was felled and burned, the Kea population exploded with the advent of European settlement of the high country during 1840s and 50s. When sheep began to die in snowfields, Keas rediscovered a lucrative livelihood as scavengers and even attacked live sheep. Numbers increased dramatically. This ability to tolerate massive environmental change and make the most of new opportunities sets the Kea apart from nearly every other island species. | The second wave of human settlement brought a bonus to the Kea. While the Kaka declined as the bush was felled and burned, the Kea population exploded with the advent of European settlement of the high country during 1840s and 50s. When sheep began to die in snowfields, Keas rediscovered a lucrative livelihood as scavengers and even attacked live sheep. Numbers increased dramatically. This ability to tolerate massive environmental change and make the most of new opportunities sets the Kea apart from nearly every other island species. | ||
| - | This ability to adapt and survive arises out of the Kea’s social organization and its propensity to play. Like coyotes, crows and humans, Keas are “open–program” animals with an unusual ability to learn and to create new solutions to whatever problems they encounter. Exploring and manipulating the objects in their environment, Keas were selected primarily for individual rather than social learning. In essence keas were selected to play, since only through play could the requisite level of flexibility be achieved. Its boldness, destructiveness and curiosity are aspects of play, scientists say. | + | This ability to adapt and survive arises out of the Kea’s social organization and its propensity to play. Like coyotes, crows and humans, Keas are “open–program” animals with an unusual ability to learn and to create new solutions to whatever problems they encounter. Exploring and manipulating the objects in their environment, Keas were selected primarily for individual rather than social learning. In essence keas were selected to play, since only through play could the requisite level of flexibility be achieved. Its boldness, destructiveness and curiosity are aspects of play, scientists say.[http://www.nzbirds.com/birds/kea.html]" |
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| - | '''Found in [http:// | + | '''Found in [http://hivewire3d.com/songbird-remix-threatened-endangered-extinct-3.html Songbird ReMix Threatened, Endangered, Extinct 3]''' |
