World’s only alpine parrot may have moved to the mountains to avoid people

Intelligent and mischievous, New Zealand's kea were once present in other parts of the country, research has found, and adaptability could help them survive habitat loss

New Zealand's rare, highly endangered alpine parrots may have headed for the mountains to avoid people - and researchers say their adaptability could help them survive the climate crisis.

The kea is considered the only alpine parrot in the world. But scientists analysing DNA sequencing and fossil records have found kea were once present in other parts of the country.