Introduction: Ajax the kea dog -- 1. Life before Ajax (Introducing the kea) -- 2. Catching the kea bug (A misunderstood bird) -- 3. Meeting Ajax -- 4. Learning the ropes (The Conservation Dogs Programme) -- 5. Ajax takes the test (Threats to kea) -- 6. Kea: meet Ajax -- 7. Trackers and transmitters -- 8. Keeping an eye on kea -- Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Parks -- 9. Dog tucker -- 10. Just another day at the office (Kea intelligence) -- 11. The risks of the job -- 12. Ajax goes on holiday -- 13. A new job for Ajax? Appendix 1: About the Kea Conservation Trust -- Appendix 2: Ways you can help kea -- Appendix 3: Resolving conflict with kea.
Summary:
"Ajax is a working dog trained to sniff out the nests of endangered kea in remote parts of the South Island. His trainer, Corey Mosen, then places cameras in and around the nests to monitor the kea and any predators that might attack them. Together, Corey and Ajax traverse the steep high country throughout the South Island searching out kea nests. Their part in the kea conservation effort is essential and both Ajax and Corey can rightly be called conservation heroes. This heart-warming story describes how Ajax was trained to be one of the very few kea detection dogs in the world and tells of his various escapades in the unpredictable wilds of the back-country, including flying in helicopters, working in blizzards, escaping from angry wasps and sleeping out in the bitter cold. The strong connection between Ajax and Corey has proved vital to their survival and the important work that they do. Ajax is slowing down now and soon his high-country days will be over"--Back cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.