Why is the Kererū so important? 🔊

They are known to get drunk on berries, fall out of trees, and hang around humans, but Kererū have become something of a New Zealand icon. They are also the only bird left in New Zealand that can distribute large seeds, and their disappearance would be a disaster for New Zealand’s native forests. Rachel Simpson spoke to Victoria University lecturer Stephen Hartley about why the Kererū is so important and the Great Kererū Count, the largest citizen science project in New Zealand.

Stephen Hartley is the Director of the Centre of Biodiversity & Restoration Ecology at Victoria University. He is an expert in conservation biology and ecological restoration.

Podcast:

This interview originally aired on 95bFM’s weekly news and current affairs show The Wire. For more stories like this, click here.

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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guest and not necessarily the views of The Big Q. 

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