Kea, Bird of Paradox: The Evolution and Behavior of a New Zealand Parrot by Judy

Description: Kea, Bird of Paradox by Judy Diamond, Alan B. Bond An account of the keas story from historical and contemporary perspectives, based on the authors years of field work. FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description The kea, a crow-sized parrot that lives in the rugged mountains of New Zealand, is considered by some a playful comic and by others a vicious killer. Its true character is a mystery that biologists have debated for more than a century. Judy Diamond and Alan Bond have written a comprehensive account of the keas contradictory nature, and their conclusions cast new light on the origins of behavioral flexibility and the problem of species survival in human environments everywhere.New Zealands geological remoteness has made the country home to a bizarre assemblage of plants and animals that are wholly unlike anything found elsewhere. Keas are native only to the South Island, breeding high in the rigorous, unforgiving environment of the Southern Alps. Bold, curious, and ingeniously destructive, keas have a complex social system that includes extensive play behavior. 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.Diamond and Bond present the keas story from historical and contemporary perspectives and include observations from their years of field work. A comparison of the keas behavior and ecology with that of its closest relative, the kaka of New Zealands lowland rain forests, yields insights into the origins of the keas extraordinary adaptability. The authors conclude that the keas high level of sociality is a key factor in the flexible lifestyle that probably evolved in response to the alpine habitats unreliable food resources and has allowed the bird to survive the extermination of much of its original ecosystem. But adaptability has its limits, as the authors make clear when describing present-day interactions between keas and humans and the attempts to achieve a peaceful coexistence. Author Biography Judy Diamond is Associate Professor and Assistant Director for Public Programs at the University of Nebraska State Museum. Alan B. Bond is Research Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska. Review "The book, a serious scientific study, is often as playful as its endangered subject."--"A Little Night Reading," "Sunday times(UK) Long Description The kea, a crow-sized parrot that lives in the rugged mountains of New Zealand, is considered by some a playful comic and by others a vicious killer. Its true character is a mystery that biologists have debated for more than a century. Judy Diamond and Alan Bond have written a comprehensive account of the keas contradictory nature, and their conclusions cast new light on the origins of behavioral flexibility and the problem of species survival in human environments everywhere. New Zealands geological remoteness has made the country home to a bizarre assemblage of plants and animals that are wholly unlike anything found elsewhere. Keas are native only to the South Island, breeding high in the rigorous, unforgiving environment of the Southern Alps. Bold, curious, and ingeniously destructive, keas have a complex social system that includes extensive play behavior. 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. Diamond and Bond present the keas story from historical and contemporary perspectives and include observations from their years of field work. A comparison of the keas behavior and ecology with that of its closest relative, the kaka of New Zealands lowland rain forests, yields insights into the origins of the keas extraordinary adaptability. The authors conclude that the keas high level of sociality is a key factor in the flexible lifestyle that probably evolved in response to the alpine habitats unreliable food resources and has allowed the bird to survive the extermination of much of its original ecosystem. But adaptability has its limits, as the authors make clear when describing present-day interactions between keas and humans and the attempts to achieve a peaceful coexistence. Details ISBN0520213394 Author Alan B. Bond Short Title KEA BIRD OF PARADOX Publisher University of California Press Language English ISBN-10 0520213394 ISBN-13 9780520213395 Media Book Format Hardcover Year 1999 Imprint University of California Press Subtitle The Evolution and Behavior of a New Zealand Parrot Country of Publication United States Pages 244 Place of Publication Berkerley DOI 10.1604/9780520213395 UK Release Date 1999-01-10 AU Release Date 1999-01-10 NZ Release Date 1999-01-10 US Release Date 1999-01-10 Publication Date 1999-01-10 DEWEY 598.71150993 Illustrations 28 b&w illustrations, 3 maps, and 14 tables. Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:159685093;

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