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Behavioural ethogram to inform ex-situ initiatives for a critically endangered bird – the case of the Plains-wanderer.

Behavioural ethogram to inform ex-situ initiatives for a critically endangered bird – the case of the Plains-wanderer.

Authors :
Van Sluys, Monique
Pauligk, Yvette
Burns, Alicia
O’Riordan, Mark
Matkovics, Richard
Hartnett, Chris
Pitcher, Benjamin J.
Source :
Frontiers in Conservation Science; 2024, p1-6, 6p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

A thorough understanding of behaviour is essential to a species recovery effort, not only to inform management and husbandry decisions, but critically, to ensure optimum survival of released animals and their offspring. The endangered Plainswanderer, endemic to Australia and the only extant member of its family, is a bird of great conservation significance. Despite their phylogenetic uniqueness and conservation status, very little is known about their basic behavioural ecology. As part of the National Recovery efforts, an ex-situ breeding program was established to create an insurance population with the aim of releasing zoobred birds into their natural range. Such programs provide unique opportunities to conduct detailed behavioural and ecological studies. However, such studies are dependent on a comprehensive understanding of basic behaviour and associated social interactions, as well as a common vocabulary across institutions when it comes to describing patterns of behaviour. Therefore, a detailed ethogram is a vital first step. Here we have collated initial behavioural observations and descriptions from three main breeding institutions to create a unified ethogram across sites, with the aim of facilitating future research endeavours. Ultimately a systematic understanding of behaviour will not only improve management and conservation initiatives, but also the understanding of adaptability to potential threats going forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2673611X
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Frontiers in Conservation Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
180639118
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2024.1457664