Fact file
- At least 150,000 kea were killed between 1860 and 1970, when the Government paid a bounty for kea beaks in a bid to stop the birds attacking sheep..
- Kea numbers are estimated at between 3000-7000
- Modern threats include predation, lead poisoning and conflict with humans, including being hit by cars and electrocuted by equipment
- Kea have been known to live for over 50 years in captivity