Researchers study spread of parrot disease

DEVASTATING EFFECTS: A healthy red-fronted parakeet provides sharp contrast to a bird severely affected by the beak and feather virus.Researchers at Auckland Zoo are trying to understand a virus that is affecting native parrots and spreading through the country.

Beak and feather disease was found in kakariki parrots in 2008 and this year has turned up in the South Island for the first time.

The virus seemed to be confined to introduced parrots until it appeared four years ago in the Hauraki Gulf.

In January, it appeared in Fiordland in a second species of kakariki, which is also known as the New Zealand parakeet.

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LO-V against the odds at ZEALANDIA

Aroha and Bill close-up – photo by Judi Lapsley MillerA young kākā chick runt at ZEALANDIA - once presumed so close to death his nest-minders had a body bag ready for him - has delighted conservationists at the ecosanctuary by hanging on to life - with some sisterly help from his nestmates!

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Keep watch for native parrots

JASON OXENHAM PLANTING FOOD: Nor-west residents are encouraged to plant trees to help kaka thrive in their natural environment.

Auckland - Follow the progress of the entertaining kaka by checking out the new Facebook page of KakaWatchNZ.

Nor-west residents can help the large parrot by planting puriri trees in frost-free areas for a year-round food supply and for cavity nest holes in the future. Other native flowering or fruiting trees are also good food sources.

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New Zealand's Parrots Evolved Early in Gondwana Split

Better than a garden gnome. Photo: DuncanNew Zealand's unique parrots are believed to have evolved from a common ancestor of the Psittacidae parrots more than 80 million years ago.

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Investigations into "kaka problem"

NAUGHTY NEIGHBOUR: Researchers are looking for ways to manage conflict between birds, residents and business owners. Image by Duncan

Researchers hope a study of Wellington's kaka and feral pigeon populations will shed light on the sometimes tense relationship between people and wildlife in urban areas.

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