Key Takeaways:
- Kea, New Zealand’s native bird, has been found to be more intelligent than cockatoos in a study comparing the two species
- The study tested the emotion of "surprise" in kea and cockatoos by giving them less desirable food than they were led to expect
- Kea were found to be able to recognize and respond to surprises, while cockatoos did not react
- The Kea Conservation Trust is working to protect the endangered kea population from threats such as lead poisoning
- New Zealanders can help the kea population by reporting sightings and not teaching bad behavior to the birds
Introduction to Kea Intelligence
Researchers at Austria’s University of Vienna conducted a study to compare the intelligence of kea and cockatoos, with a focus on the emotion of "surprise". The study involved testing how the birds would react to being given less desirable food than they were led to expect. The results showed that kea were able to recognize and respond to surprises, while cockatoos did not react. This study has reaffirmed the intelligence of kea, with Dr. Laura Young, a conservationist at the Kea Conservation Trust, stating that kea are "pretty clever" and "about the cleverest species I know of".
The Study’s Findings
The study involved showing kea and cockatoos a peanut, but then giving them a piece of apple instead. The kea that were shown the peanut but given the apple appeared surprised and disappointed, searching for the peanut. In contrast, the cockatoos did not react to the bait and switch. This suggests that kea are able to form expectations and recognize when those expectations are not met, which is a key aspect of intelligence. Dr. Young noted that kea are able to work together and learn from each other, which is also a sign of their intelligence.
Real-World Examples of Kea Intelligence
Dr. Young has worked with kea for about 15 years and has seen their remarkable behavior firsthand. One example she cited was when kea were found to be dragging road cones onto the road, causing traffic to stop. This behavior was discovered when cameras were set up to investigate the cause of the traffic congestion. Dr. Young believes that the kea were likely doing this for fun, and that it is an example of their curious and playful nature. This behavior also highlights the kea’s ability to problem-solve and adapt to their environment.
Threats to Kea Population
Despite their intelligence, the kea population is still endangered and faces several threats. One of the main threats is lead poisoning, which can occur when kea ingest lead from hut nails and flashings, or from eating the carcasses of animals that have been shot with lead ammunition. The Kea Conservation Trust has been working to remove lead head nails and flashings from buildings in villages where kea hang out, and has also been advocating for the use of non-lead ammunition in government culling programs. Dr. Young noted that these efforts have been a "huge win" for the kea population.
How to Help the Kea Population
New Zealanders can help the kea population by reporting sightings to the Kea Conservation Trust’s kea database. This helps the trust to track the kea population and identify areas where they are most active. Dr. Young also emphasized the importance of not teaching bad behavior to kea, such as feeding them or leaving gear out. This can encourage kea to become dependent on humans and lead to a range of problems, including aggression and nest raiding. By taking these simple steps, New Zealanders can help to protect the kea population and ensure the long-term survival of this intelligent and iconic species.
Conclusion
The study on kea intelligence has provided further evidence of the remarkable cognitive abilities of these birds. The Kea Conservation Trust is working hard to protect the kea population from threats such as lead poisoning, and New Zealanders can play an important role in helping to conserve this species. By reporting sightings, not teaching bad behavior, and supporting conservation efforts, we can help to ensure the long-term survival of the kea. As Dr. Young noted, kea are "pretty clever" and deserve our respect and protection. By working together, we can help to protect this iconic species and preserve its place in New Zealand’s natural heritage.
