From the lab to the wild: how can captive studies aid the conservation of kea (Nestor notabilis)?

In recent years, increasingly interdisciplinary exchanges have demonstrated how scientific knowledge of captive cognition and behaviour can prove valuable for informing conservation efforts for endangered species. New Zealand's endemic mountain parrot, the kea (Nestor notabilis), has shown ape-like performance across a range of cognitive tasks, yet there have been few attempts to use captive studies to inform the conservation of this endangered species. Here, we outline how some of the studies on the behaviour and cognition of kea could provide valuable insights and guide changes in policies and strategies for their conservation. Further, we highlight areas where further research is required to bridge the gap between captive studies and practical applications in the wild.

Automated summary

The endemic mountain parrot of New Zealand, the kea, has demonstrated ape-like cognitive performance, yet there have been few attempts to utilize captive studies to inform the conservation of this endangered species. Studies on the behaviour and cognition of kea could offer valuable insights for guiding changes in policies and strategies for their conservation, however further research is needed to bridge the gap between captive studies and practical applications in the wild.