Breeding biology of the critically endangered Malherbe's parakeet on Maud Island, New Zealand, following the release of captive-bred individuals

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Ortiz-Catedral ◽  
Jonathan C. Kearvell ◽  
Mark E. Hauber ◽  
Dianne H. Brunton
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Small Islands ◽  
Austral Spring ◽  
Nesting Sites

We studied a population of the critically endangered Malherbe’s parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi), following the release of 62 captive-bred individuals on Maud Island, New Zealand, to identify and characterise nesting sites in a novel island environment. Previous work on Malherbe’s parakeets consisted of limited observations on remnant mainland populations. The age of breeding pairs on Maud Island was 7.2 ± 4.7 months and included both captive-bred individuals of the first release flock and individuals hatched on Maud Island within a year of the first release. Nests were found in hollows of mamaku (Cyathea medullaris), vacant nests of sacred kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus), a hole in the ground and a hollow in a kohekohe (Disoxylum spectabile). Active nests were found in the austral spring, summer and autumn. Clutch size was 5 eggs. The fledging of three Malherbe’s parakeets was confirmed for one nest 43 days after hatching. Observations of newly fledged individuals around the island indicate that at least seven successful nesting attempts occurred. Consistent with other studies in Cyanoramphus parakeets, our results suggest that availability of nesting sites on small islands may not be a limiting factor for the establishment of additional populations of Malherbe’s parakeets via captive breeding and translocation. The formation of breeding pairs at an early age, the use of diverse nesting sites in regenerating vegetation, and the evidence of successful breeding shortly after release on an island represent encouraging prospects for the conservation of New Zealand’s rarest parakeet.

Breeding biology of the Critically Endangered Tahiti MonarchPomarea nigra, a bird with a low productivity

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAROLINE BLANVILLAIN ◽  
THOMAS GHESTEMME ◽  
TEHANI WITHERS ◽  
MARK O’BRIEN
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
French Polynesia ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Tropical Island ◽  
Island Endemics ◽  
Nest Activity ◽  
Considerable Length ◽  
One Year

SummaryWe studied the breeding biology of Tahiti MonarchPomarea nigra, a ‘Critically Endangered’ forest bird endemic to Tahiti (French Polynesia). Nest activity was monitored from 1998 to 2002, and again from 2008 to 2015. During these 12 years, only 2–13 breeding pairs per year produced hatchlings. Egg-laying occurred all year, but usually increased between August and January, peaking around November. Of the 200 nests monitored, 33 (16%) were abandoned shortly after construction, 71 had an egg laid immediately after the nest were completed (34 %) and 96 nests (46 %) had a pre-incubation phase of 18.9 ± 1.9 days (3–62 days;n= 47 nests), during which the birds visited the nest on an irregular basis. Half (49 of 96) of these nests were abandoned before an egg was laid, with incubation subsequently commencing at the remaining nests (n= 47). Although both sexes incubated for an average of 13.6 ± 0.3 days (range 13–15), the female usually spent more time incubating than the male. Only one young per nest was ever observed. The average nestling phase was 15.5 ± 0.7 days (range 13 to 20 days). Parents continue to feed the young after fledging for 74 ± 4.7 days (range 42–174). As with many tropical island endemics, the Tahiti Monarch has low reproductive productivity as indicated by the fact that: 1) only 56% of pairs attempt to lay an egg in any one year, 2) most pairs attempt only one brood per year and 3) the considerable length of the nesting and fledging phases. Because of its low productivity, maximising the reproductive success of the Tahiti Monarch is essential to secure its recovery.

Extreme rainfall-related clutch size variation in the Critically Endangered Raso Lark Alauda razae of the arid Cape Verde islands

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. de L. BROOKE
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Size Variation ◽  
Extreme Rainfall ◽  
Cape Verde ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Cape Verde Islands ◽  
Rainy Period ◽  
Island Endemic

SummaryThe Raso Lark Alauda razae is a single island endemic confined to the island of Raso in the Cape Verde islands. It has been studied via short (11–20 day), similarly-timed visits every year from 2001 to 2017. These November/December visits have occurred towards the end of the main rainy period (August–October) in the Cape Verdes. Average clutch size ranged from zero (no nests found) to 3.57 in different years and was strongly correlated with rainfall in the three months preceding the year’s visit, but not with population size, which varied 25-fold during the study period. Since the nomadic pursuit of rain is not an option for the Raso Lark, the species adjusts clutch size according to conditions prevailing on Raso.

Breeding biology of the Kakapo Strigops habroptilus on Stewart Island, New Zealand

Ibis ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 134 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. POWLESLAND ◽  
B. D. LLOYD ◽  
H. A. BEST ◽  
D. V. MERTON
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Breeding Biology

Comparison of breeding biology aspects of Fluvicola nengeta (Aves: Tyrannidae) between two nesting sites

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 225-235
Author(s):  
Tatiane Lima da Silva ◽  
Rísia Brígida Gonçalves Cabral ◽  
Lucas de Assis Silva Andrade ◽  
Noemia Falcão Nogueira ◽  
Mariana de Souza Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Nesting Sites

Woodhen

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford Frith
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Lord Howe Island ◽  
Captive Breeding Programme ◽  
History Of ◽  
Constant Potential

This book tells the fascinating success story of saving the flightless Woodhen of Lord Howe Island. This unique large rail, an iconic and highly endangered Australian bird, was at the very brink of extinction with just 15 individuals found in 1980, when bold and risky actions were taken to save it. The book begins with the discovery and ecology of Lord Howe Island. It then details the history of the Woodhen, its place among the rails and their evolution of flightlessness, the planning, implementation and trials, tribulations and successes of the captive breeding programme and the way in which the wild population recovered. The ecology, behaviour and breeding biology of this unique flightless island rail are also discussed. The text is accompanied by numerous photographs and drawings. This is a story of survival, yet the bird remains highly endangered as it is under constant potential threat, which could tip it over the brink and to extinction. The Woodhen provides gripping insights into the potential for both losing and saving vertebrate species. Winner of a 2014 Whitley Awards Certificate of Commendation for Historical Zoology.

Wool follicle development in the New Zealand Romney and N type sheep. II. Follicle population density during foetal development

1958 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 138 ◽  
Author(s):  
SK Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
The Body ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Follicle Development ◽  
Primary Follicle ◽  
Foetal Development ◽  
Secondary Follicle ◽  
The Face

Quantitative aspects of follicle initiation and development have been studied in a series of N-type and New Zealand Romney foetuses. Density of the follicle population and ratios of secondary to primary follicles were examined on 13 positions of the body which covered the main wool-bearing areas, the face and head, and the limbs. Primary follicle development is initiated first on the head and limbs and throughout subsequent development these regions are most advanced. Primary follicle density reaches a maximum between 75 and 90 days of foetal age, after which it decreases as a result of skin growth. Secondary follicle initiation is more rapid on the wool-bearing areas of the body, and higher ratios of secondary to primary follicles are recorded from these regions. No real differences have been found between N-type and New Zealand Romney foetuses in population density of the different follicle types at any age or in the number of secondary follicles developed per primary follicle. The growth of larger primary fibres and follicles in N-type foetuses is not accompanied by, and does not result from, a lower density of primary follicles. There does not appear to be any marked relation between the decreasing density of primary follicles after 90 days of foetal age and the initiation of secondary follicle anlagen. This fact, and the absence of any differences in the number of secondary anlagen formed per primary follicle in N-types, suggest that crowding in N-types is not a limiting factor in the formation of secondary follicle anlagen.

Studies on the Ecology of the New Zealand Long-finned Eel, Anguilla dieffenbachii Gray

1952 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
AMR Burnet
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Mathematical Analysis ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Baited Traps ◽  
Anguilla Dieffenbachii

Experimental trapping of eels, using carrion-baited traps, was carried out on a number of rivers of various types throughout New Zealand. Where possible, a mathematical analysis has been applied to the trapping results and an estimate of the efficiency obtained. Total trappable population densities of between 30 and 1,368 lb./ac. Were found. An attempt has been made to correlate type of river with the population density. The amount of cover present is apparently the limiting factor. The baited trap takes very few eels of less than 24 in. long and is thus not a very efficient means of keeping a stream free from eels. The feeding habits of the eel are generalized and readily adaptable to most faunas. In most rivers trout occurred only infrequently in the stomach contents.

116 DEVELOPMENT OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE ENDANGERED MISSISSIPPI GOPHER FROG (RANA SEVOSA) AND SPERM TRANSFER FOR IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kouba ◽  
E. Willis ◽  
C. Vance ◽  
S. Hasenstab ◽  
S. Reichling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Leopard Frog ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Mississippi Gopher Frog

Species-specific differences in breeding strategies and physiology have limited the application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for critically endangered amphibians in captive assurance colonies. In 2006, the Memphis Zoo (MZ) initiated a program to develop ART for the critically endangered Mississippi gopher frog after natural breeding failed. Standard gamete collection and IVF developed by MZ for reproducing endangered toads such as the Wyoming or boreal toad were applied to the gopher frog with little success, especially hormonal therapy for sperm production. Using the leopard frog as a model species for Ranids, we tested the time and dose dependence of a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa) and hCG on sperm quantity and quality. Initial findings from the leopard frog study were critical in designing the study on gopher frogs. Our objectives were to (1) compare 2 different hormones administered intraperitoneal (500 IU hCG vs 15 μg LHRHa) or their combination on spermiation in gopher frogs; (2) develop in vivo oocyte maturation and ovulation protocols using LHRHa (15 μg) and hCG (500 IU); and (3) transfer this technology to another institution as proof of principle. In gopher frogs, 100 and 83% of the males produced sperm in response to the LHRHa and the combination treatment, respectively, whereas only 16% responded to hCG alone. Sperm concentration peaked at 1 h post-administration for all treatments, with the LHRH/hCG cocktail treatment producing the highest concentration of sperm (mean = 4.6 × 106 ± 1.2 × 106 sperm mL–1, n = 6). No differences in motility were observed between treatments (P > 0.05). For females, a series of priming hormones of hCG and LHRHa were given several months before an ovulatory hormone regimen resulting in ovulation by 100% of the females (n = 6), whereas animals not primed failed to ovulate (n = 4). These 3 separate priming and IVF trials conducted between 2008 and 2010 resulted in each female laying ∼2000 eggs, with an average fertilization rate of 76% for inseminated eggs and hundreds of tadpoles produced. These IVF tadpoles represent the first captive reproduction of gopher frogs and highlight how ART can be applied to conservation and genetic management of threatened species. Subsequently, we tested our IVF protocols on gopher frogs at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo using fresh (collected on site) and chilled, shipped sperm from MZ. We collected 6169 eggs from 9 hormone-primed females with all animals ovulating. A portion of the total eggs ovulated were inseminated, resulting in 2401 fertilized eggs (38.9% of total eggs collected) across 18 different male–female pairings leading to viable tadpoles. In addition, sperm transferred overnight from the MZ produced 202/441 fertilized eggs (46%). The transfer of this technology and production of endangered amphibians using chilled, shipped sperm from live animals is a conservation milestone that can be applied to other captive breeding programs.

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