We identified four diagnostic microsatellite loci that distinguish spotted owls (Strix occidental... more We identified four diagnostic microsatellite loci that distinguish spotted owls (Strix occidentalis), barred owls (Strix varia), F 1 hybrids and backcrosses. Thirty-four out of 52 loci tested (65.4%) successfully amplified, and four of these loci (11.8%) had allele sizes that did not overlap between spotted and barred owls. The probability of correctly identifying a backcross with these four loci is 0.875. Genotyping potential hybrid owls with these markers revealed that field identifications were often wrong. Given the difficulty of identifying hybrids in the field, these markers will be useful for hybrid identification, law enforcement and spotted owl conservation.
Avian activity in two South Carolina coastal habitats was monitored on a weekly basis over a thre... more Avian activity in two South Carolina coastal habitats was monitored on a weekly basis over a three year period in Charleston County, South Carolina. The Isle of Palms study site was saltmarsh habitat while the Breach Inlet area was a front-beach site adjacent to Isle of Palms. Individual species or ecological groups of species (e.g., gulls, shorebirds) were recorded as
Kin structure among founders can have a significant effect on subsequent population structure. He... more Kin structure among founders can have a significant effect on subsequent population structure. Here we use the correlation between DNA profile similarity and relatedness calculated from pedigrees to test hypotheses regarding kin structure among founders to the captive Guam rail (Rallus owstoni) population. Five different pedigrees were generated under the following hypotheses: (i) founders are unrelated; (ii) founders are unrelated except for same-nest chicks; (iii) founders from the same major site are siblings; (iv) founders from the same local site are siblings; and (v) founders are related as defined by a UPGMA cluster analysis of DNA similarity data. Relatedness values from pedigrees 1, 2 and 5 had the highest correlation with DNA similarity but the correlation between relatedness and similarity were not significantly different among pedigrees. Pedigree 5 resulted in the highest correlation overall when using only relatedness values that changed as a result of different founder hypotheses. Thus, founders were assigned relatedness based on pedigree 5 because it had the highest correlations with DNA similarity, was the most conservative approach, and incorporated all field data. The analyses indicated that estimating relatedness using DNA profiles remains problematic, therefore we compared mean kinship, a measure of genetic importance, with mean DNA profile similarity to determine if genetic importance among individuals could be determined via use of DNA profiles alone. The significant correlation suggests this method may provide more information about population structure than was previously thought. Thus, DNA profiles can provide a reasonable explanation for founder relatedness and mean DNA profile similarity may be helpful in determining relative genetic importance of individuals when detailed pedigrees are absent.
... variable (Ramsey and Schafer 1997). We thus backtransformed slope estimates to interpret how ... more ... variable (Ramsey and Schafer 1997). We thus backtransformed slope estimates to interpret how predicted median mean and maxi-mum abundances or densities changed per 1 ha increase in shorebird habitat. Site use For all ...
Tropical dry forests are the most threatened forest type in the world yet a paucity of research a... more Tropical dry forests are the most threatened forest type in the world yet a paucity of research about them stymies development of appropriate conservation actions. The Paranã River Basin has the most significant dry forest formations in the Cerrado biome of central Brazil and is threatened by intense land conversion to pastures and agriculture. We examined changes in Paranã River Basin deforestation rates and fragmentation across three time intervals that covered 31 yr using Landsat imagery. Our results indicated a 66.3 percent decrease in forest extent between 1977 and 2008, with an annual rate of forest cover change of 3.5 percent. Landscape metrics further indicated severe forest loss and fragmentation, resulting in an increase in the number of fragments and reduction in patch sizes. Forest fragments in flatlands have virtually disappeared and the only significant forest remnants are mostly found over limestone outcrops in the eastern part of the basin. If current patterns persist, we project that these forests will likely disappear within 25 yr. These patterns may be reversed with creation of protected areas and involvement of local people to preserve small fragments that can be managed for restoration.
Background: Identifying causal relationships in phylogeographic and landscape genetic investigati... more Background: Identifying causal relationships in phylogeographic and landscape genetic investigations is notoriously difficult, but can be facilitated by use of multispecies comparisons.
Scale-appropriate, foundational datasets are necessary for ecological analyses of the rocky inter... more Scale-appropriate, foundational datasets are necessary for ecological analyses of the rocky intertidal ecosystem. We used terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to characterize and quantify the rocky intertidal zone topography at a western U.S. coastal site (Rabbit Rock, Oregon) to support ecological research relating to potential climate-induced changes in distribution and abundance of intertidal invertebrates and a largebodied shorebird, the Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani). Alternate available data (e.g., aerial photography, airborne LIDAR) proved inadequate or infeasible for development of a topographic surface model inclusive of intertidal area from Mean Lower Low Water to Mean Higher High Water tidal elevation. Our TLS-derived topographic surface model competently supported development of an invertebrate distribution model relative to tidal elevation and topography. Using the developed model, we estimated current and future aerial extent of the intertidal zone and potential foraging habitat for Black Oystercatcher in our study area. Intertidal zone area decreased from 7,194 m 2 to 6,409 m 2 and 3,070 m 2 with 1 and 2 m sea-level rise, respectively. Surprisingly, due to the configuration of site substrate, potential foraging habitat for Black Oystercatcher increased from 5,658 to 5,903 m 2 with 1 m sea-level rise, but declined to 3,068 m 2 with 2 m sealevel rise. Our results demonstrate the utility of TLS for ecological research in the rocky intertidal zone. They further illustrate that climate change effects on ecological conditions may vary considerably depending on local configurations.
En nh ha an nc ce em me en nt t a an nd d R Re ec co ov ve er ry y i in n B Br ri it ti is sh h C... more En nh ha an nc ce em me en nt t a an nd d R Re ec co ov ve er ry y i in n B Br ri it ti is sh h C Co ol lu um mb bi ia a P Pr ro op po os se ed d F Fi iv ve e--Y Ye ea ar r A
En nh ha an nc ce em me en nt t a an nd d R Re ec co ov ve er ry y i in n B Br ri it ti is sh h C... more En nh ha an nc ce em me en nt t a an nd d R Re ec co ov ve er ry y i in n B Br ri it ti is sh h C Co ol lu um mb bi ia a P Pr ro op po os se ed d F Fi iv ve e--Y Ye ea ar r A
We studied the relationship between microclimate and nest-site selection in the Pohnpei Micronesi... more We studied the relationship between microclimate and nest-site selection in the Pohnpei Micronesian Kingfisher (Todiramphus cinnamominus reichenbachii ) which excavates nest cavities from the mudlike nest structures of arboreal termites (Nasutitermes sp.) or termitaria. Mean daily high temperatures at termitaria were cooler and daily low temperatures were warmer than at random sites in the forest. Results also indicate that termitaria provided insulation from temperature extremes, and that temperatures inside termitaria were within the thermoneutral zone of Micronesian Kingfishers more often than those outside. No differences were identified in temperatures at sites where nest termitaria and nonnest termitaria occurred or among the insulation properties of used and unused termitaria. These results suggest that although termitaria provide insulation from thermal extremes and a metabolically less stressful microclimate, kingfishers did not select from among available termitaria based on their thermal properties. Our findings are relevant to conservation efforts for the critically endangered Guam Micronesian Kingfisher (T. c. cinnamominus) which is extinct in the wild and exists only as a captive population. Captive breeding facilities should provide aviaries with daily ambient temperatures ranging from 22.06 C to 28.05 C to reduce microclimate-associated metabolic stress and to replicate microclimates used by wild Micronesian Kingfishers.
The 14 papers in this monograph represent the first broad-based evaluation of avian subspecies in... more The 14 papers in this monograph represent the first broad-based evaluation of avian subspecies in decades and one of few, if any, multifaceted treatments of subspecies for any taxon. As such, there are multiple points of agreement and disagreement. most authors consider the concept of subspecies a valid taxonomic category for units below the species level. All authors point to the need to reexamine taxa with modern methods to confirm their identity as subspecies. All authors also agree that the best approach to recognizing a subspecies is to include multiple characters (e.g., an mtdNA study alone will not suffice). however, issues regarding the reconciliation of data sets in which we expect evolutionary rates to differ, how various methods are implemented and compared, and the statistical analyses used have not been resolved. We conclude by calling for renewed interest in examining avian subspecies that have not had modern approaches applied to their classification. each species evaluated will add to an improved understanding of avian diversity and its generation and will be a significant contribution to conservation.
Migration is the regular seasonal movement of animals from one place to another, often from a bre... more Migration is the regular seasonal movement of animals from one place to another, often from a breeding site to a nonbreeding site and back. Because the act of migration makes it difficult to follow individuals and populations year round, our understanding of the ecology and evolution of migrating organisms, particularly birds, has been severely impeded. Exciting new advances in satellite telemetry, genetic analyses and stable isotope chemistry are now making it possible to determine the population and geographical origin of individual birds. Here, we review these new approaches and consider the relevance of understanding migratory connectivity to ecological, evolutionary and conservation issues.
Waterfowl (Anseriformes) and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are the most common wild vectors of inf... more Waterfowl (Anseriformes) and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are the most common wild vectors of influenza A viruses. Due to their migratory behavior, some may transmit disease over long distances. Migratory connectivity studies can link breeding and nonbreeding grounds while illustrating potential interactions among populations that may spread diseases. We investigated Dunlin (Calidris alpina), a shorebird with a subspecies (C. a. arcticola) that migrates from nonbreeding areas endemic to avian influenza in eastern Asia to breeding grounds in northern Alaska. Using microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA, we illustrate genetic structure among six subspecies: C. a. arcticola,C. a. pacifica,C. a. hudsonia,C. a. sakhalina,C. a. kistchinski, and C. a. actites. We demonstrate that mitochondrial DNA can help distinguish C. a. arcticola on the Asian nonbreeding grounds with >70% accuracy depending on their relative abundance, indicating that genetics can help determine whether C. a. arctico...
We describe new methods for quantifying specific in-situ activities of wildlife, in this case the... more We describe new methods for quantifying specific in-situ activities of wildlife, in this case the endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). These methods extract information from hundreds of thousands of temporally continuous and spatially explicit satellite telemetry reports. Visual observations and ground-based telemetry can provide behavioral data, although the information is often spatially and temporally limited and sample sizes can be small for wideranging species. Automated satellite telemetry offers continuous position reporting and unbiased spatial coverage, but to date has lacked thematic content such as the time, place, and duration of particular activities. Procedures developed for this study use a combination of models and geographic information systems (GIS) to identify condor transit flight, perching, roosting, and nesting activity based only on hourly telemetry position reports. This approach combines the temporal and spatial advantages of automated telemetry with increased thematic quality from activity models. The analytical methods were applied to 340,694 satellite-based position records from 51 California condors which were collected from June 2005 to April 2012. We identified 31,268 extended perch locations and an additional 15,483 overnight roost locations by translating basic location, speed, and time data into characterizations of bird activities. This approach correctly identified nine of the ten known nest sites occupied by condors outfitted with telemetry transmitters based only on the telemetry data. The spatial locations of these activities were mapped using GIS. This represents a significant advantage over simple location and movement data normally associated with wildlife telemetry, and is applicable to a wide range of species. considered a flagship endangered species, representing a considerable range of conservation challenges, and serves as an example of how science, captive breeding, reintroductions, and intensive management can save a species from the brink of extinction . The condor is also a good candidate for investigating how we might mine satellite telemetry data for additional information useful for applied conservation because: (1) a large number of individuals in the population are outfitted with satellite telemetry, (2) condors use a wide variety of habitats and range over large areas, and (3) the population is expanding, meaning that it will be useful to managers if we can identify where condors are performing specific activities (e.g., nesting, perching, roosting).
To provide information for managing the captive population of endangered Guam Micronesian kingfis... more To provide information for managing the captive population of endangered Guam Micronesian kingfishers (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina), four biologically relevant thermal metrics were compared among captive facilities on the United States mainland and habitats used by wild Micronesian kingfishers on the island of Pohnpei (H. c. reichenbachii), Federated States of Micronesia. Additionally, aviaries where kingfishers laid eggs were compared to those in which birds did not attempt to breed. Compared to aviaries, habitats used by wild Pohnpei kingfishers had 3.21C higher daily maximum and minimum temperatures and the proportion of time when temperatures were in the birds' thermoneutral zone was 45% greater. No differences were found in the magnitude of temperature fluctuation in captive and wild environments. In captive environments in which birds bred, daily maximum temperatures were 2.11C higher and temperatures were within the thermoneutral zone 25% more often than in the aviaries where the kingfishers did not breed. No differences were found in the magnitude of temperature fluctuation or the daily minimum temperature. Results suggest that the thermal environment has the potential to influence reproduction, and that consideration should be given to increasing temperatures in captive breeding facilities to improve propagation of the endangered Micronesian kingfisher.
We identified four diagnostic microsatellite loci that distinguish spotted owls (Strix occidental... more We identified four diagnostic microsatellite loci that distinguish spotted owls (Strix occidentalis), barred owls (Strix varia), F 1 hybrids and backcrosses. Thirty-four out of 52 loci tested (65.4%) successfully amplified, and four of these loci (11.8%) had allele sizes that did not overlap between spotted and barred owls. The probability of correctly identifying a backcross with these four loci is 0.875. Genotyping potential hybrid owls with these markers revealed that field identifications were often wrong. Given the difficulty of identifying hybrids in the field, these markers will be useful for hybrid identification, law enforcement and spotted owl conservation.
Avian activity in two South Carolina coastal habitats was monitored on a weekly basis over a thre... more Avian activity in two South Carolina coastal habitats was monitored on a weekly basis over a three year period in Charleston County, South Carolina. The Isle of Palms study site was saltmarsh habitat while the Breach Inlet area was a front-beach site adjacent to Isle of Palms. Individual species or ecological groups of species (e.g., gulls, shorebirds) were recorded as
Kin structure among founders can have a significant effect on subsequent population structure. He... more Kin structure among founders can have a significant effect on subsequent population structure. Here we use the correlation between DNA profile similarity and relatedness calculated from pedigrees to test hypotheses regarding kin structure among founders to the captive Guam rail (Rallus owstoni) population. Five different pedigrees were generated under the following hypotheses: (i) founders are unrelated; (ii) founders are unrelated except for same-nest chicks; (iii) founders from the same major site are siblings; (iv) founders from the same local site are siblings; and (v) founders are related as defined by a UPGMA cluster analysis of DNA similarity data. Relatedness values from pedigrees 1, 2 and 5 had the highest correlation with DNA similarity but the correlation between relatedness and similarity were not significantly different among pedigrees. Pedigree 5 resulted in the highest correlation overall when using only relatedness values that changed as a result of different founder hypotheses. Thus, founders were assigned relatedness based on pedigree 5 because it had the highest correlations with DNA similarity, was the most conservative approach, and incorporated all field data. The analyses indicated that estimating relatedness using DNA profiles remains problematic, therefore we compared mean kinship, a measure of genetic importance, with mean DNA profile similarity to determine if genetic importance among individuals could be determined via use of DNA profiles alone. The significant correlation suggests this method may provide more information about population structure than was previously thought. Thus, DNA profiles can provide a reasonable explanation for founder relatedness and mean DNA profile similarity may be helpful in determining relative genetic importance of individuals when detailed pedigrees are absent.
... variable (Ramsey and Schafer 1997). We thus backtransformed slope estimates to interpret how ... more ... variable (Ramsey and Schafer 1997). We thus backtransformed slope estimates to interpret how predicted median mean and maxi-mum abundances or densities changed per 1 ha increase in shorebird habitat. Site use For all ...
Tropical dry forests are the most threatened forest type in the world yet a paucity of research a... more Tropical dry forests are the most threatened forest type in the world yet a paucity of research about them stymies development of appropriate conservation actions. The Paranã River Basin has the most significant dry forest formations in the Cerrado biome of central Brazil and is threatened by intense land conversion to pastures and agriculture. We examined changes in Paranã River Basin deforestation rates and fragmentation across three time intervals that covered 31 yr using Landsat imagery. Our results indicated a 66.3 percent decrease in forest extent between 1977 and 2008, with an annual rate of forest cover change of 3.5 percent. Landscape metrics further indicated severe forest loss and fragmentation, resulting in an increase in the number of fragments and reduction in patch sizes. Forest fragments in flatlands have virtually disappeared and the only significant forest remnants are mostly found over limestone outcrops in the eastern part of the basin. If current patterns persist, we project that these forests will likely disappear within 25 yr. These patterns may be reversed with creation of protected areas and involvement of local people to preserve small fragments that can be managed for restoration.
Background: Identifying causal relationships in phylogeographic and landscape genetic investigati... more Background: Identifying causal relationships in phylogeographic and landscape genetic investigations is notoriously difficult, but can be facilitated by use of multispecies comparisons.
Scale-appropriate, foundational datasets are necessary for ecological analyses of the rocky inter... more Scale-appropriate, foundational datasets are necessary for ecological analyses of the rocky intertidal ecosystem. We used terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to characterize and quantify the rocky intertidal zone topography at a western U.S. coastal site (Rabbit Rock, Oregon) to support ecological research relating to potential climate-induced changes in distribution and abundance of intertidal invertebrates and a largebodied shorebird, the Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani). Alternate available data (e.g., aerial photography, airborne LIDAR) proved inadequate or infeasible for development of a topographic surface model inclusive of intertidal area from Mean Lower Low Water to Mean Higher High Water tidal elevation. Our TLS-derived topographic surface model competently supported development of an invertebrate distribution model relative to tidal elevation and topography. Using the developed model, we estimated current and future aerial extent of the intertidal zone and potential foraging habitat for Black Oystercatcher in our study area. Intertidal zone area decreased from 7,194 m 2 to 6,409 m 2 and 3,070 m 2 with 1 and 2 m sea-level rise, respectively. Surprisingly, due to the configuration of site substrate, potential foraging habitat for Black Oystercatcher increased from 5,658 to 5,903 m 2 with 1 m sea-level rise, but declined to 3,068 m 2 with 2 m sealevel rise. Our results demonstrate the utility of TLS for ecological research in the rocky intertidal zone. They further illustrate that climate change effects on ecological conditions may vary considerably depending on local configurations.
En nh ha an nc ce em me en nt t a an nd d R Re ec co ov ve er ry y i in n B Br ri it ti is sh h C... more En nh ha an nc ce em me en nt t a an nd d R Re ec co ov ve er ry y i in n B Br ri it ti is sh h C Co ol lu um mb bi ia a P Pr ro op po os se ed d F Fi iv ve e--Y Ye ea ar r A
En nh ha an nc ce em me en nt t a an nd d R Re ec co ov ve er ry y i in n B Br ri it ti is sh h C... more En nh ha an nc ce em me en nt t a an nd d R Re ec co ov ve er ry y i in n B Br ri it ti is sh h C Co ol lu um mb bi ia a P Pr ro op po os se ed d F Fi iv ve e--Y Ye ea ar r A
We studied the relationship between microclimate and nest-site selection in the Pohnpei Micronesi... more We studied the relationship between microclimate and nest-site selection in the Pohnpei Micronesian Kingfisher (Todiramphus cinnamominus reichenbachii ) which excavates nest cavities from the mudlike nest structures of arboreal termites (Nasutitermes sp.) or termitaria. Mean daily high temperatures at termitaria were cooler and daily low temperatures were warmer than at random sites in the forest. Results also indicate that termitaria provided insulation from temperature extremes, and that temperatures inside termitaria were within the thermoneutral zone of Micronesian Kingfishers more often than those outside. No differences were identified in temperatures at sites where nest termitaria and nonnest termitaria occurred or among the insulation properties of used and unused termitaria. These results suggest that although termitaria provide insulation from thermal extremes and a metabolically less stressful microclimate, kingfishers did not select from among available termitaria based on their thermal properties. Our findings are relevant to conservation efforts for the critically endangered Guam Micronesian Kingfisher (T. c. cinnamominus) which is extinct in the wild and exists only as a captive population. Captive breeding facilities should provide aviaries with daily ambient temperatures ranging from 22.06 C to 28.05 C to reduce microclimate-associated metabolic stress and to replicate microclimates used by wild Micronesian Kingfishers.
The 14 papers in this monograph represent the first broad-based evaluation of avian subspecies in... more The 14 papers in this monograph represent the first broad-based evaluation of avian subspecies in decades and one of few, if any, multifaceted treatments of subspecies for any taxon. As such, there are multiple points of agreement and disagreement. most authors consider the concept of subspecies a valid taxonomic category for units below the species level. All authors point to the need to reexamine taxa with modern methods to confirm their identity as subspecies. All authors also agree that the best approach to recognizing a subspecies is to include multiple characters (e.g., an mtdNA study alone will not suffice). however, issues regarding the reconciliation of data sets in which we expect evolutionary rates to differ, how various methods are implemented and compared, and the statistical analyses used have not been resolved. We conclude by calling for renewed interest in examining avian subspecies that have not had modern approaches applied to their classification. each species evaluated will add to an improved understanding of avian diversity and its generation and will be a significant contribution to conservation.
Migration is the regular seasonal movement of animals from one place to another, often from a bre... more Migration is the regular seasonal movement of animals from one place to another, often from a breeding site to a nonbreeding site and back. Because the act of migration makes it difficult to follow individuals and populations year round, our understanding of the ecology and evolution of migrating organisms, particularly birds, has been severely impeded. Exciting new advances in satellite telemetry, genetic analyses and stable isotope chemistry are now making it possible to determine the population and geographical origin of individual birds. Here, we review these new approaches and consider the relevance of understanding migratory connectivity to ecological, evolutionary and conservation issues.
Waterfowl (Anseriformes) and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are the most common wild vectors of inf... more Waterfowl (Anseriformes) and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are the most common wild vectors of influenza A viruses. Due to their migratory behavior, some may transmit disease over long distances. Migratory connectivity studies can link breeding and nonbreeding grounds while illustrating potential interactions among populations that may spread diseases. We investigated Dunlin (Calidris alpina), a shorebird with a subspecies (C. a. arcticola) that migrates from nonbreeding areas endemic to avian influenza in eastern Asia to breeding grounds in northern Alaska. Using microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA, we illustrate genetic structure among six subspecies: C. a. arcticola,C. a. pacifica,C. a. hudsonia,C. a. sakhalina,C. a. kistchinski, and C. a. actites. We demonstrate that mitochondrial DNA can help distinguish C. a. arcticola on the Asian nonbreeding grounds with >70% accuracy depending on their relative abundance, indicating that genetics can help determine whether C. a. arctico...
We describe new methods for quantifying specific in-situ activities of wildlife, in this case the... more We describe new methods for quantifying specific in-situ activities of wildlife, in this case the endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). These methods extract information from hundreds of thousands of temporally continuous and spatially explicit satellite telemetry reports. Visual observations and ground-based telemetry can provide behavioral data, although the information is often spatially and temporally limited and sample sizes can be small for wideranging species. Automated satellite telemetry offers continuous position reporting and unbiased spatial coverage, but to date has lacked thematic content such as the time, place, and duration of particular activities. Procedures developed for this study use a combination of models and geographic information systems (GIS) to identify condor transit flight, perching, roosting, and nesting activity based only on hourly telemetry position reports. This approach combines the temporal and spatial advantages of automated telemetry with increased thematic quality from activity models. The analytical methods were applied to 340,694 satellite-based position records from 51 California condors which were collected from June 2005 to April 2012. We identified 31,268 extended perch locations and an additional 15,483 overnight roost locations by translating basic location, speed, and time data into characterizations of bird activities. This approach correctly identified nine of the ten known nest sites occupied by condors outfitted with telemetry transmitters based only on the telemetry data. The spatial locations of these activities were mapped using GIS. This represents a significant advantage over simple location and movement data normally associated with wildlife telemetry, and is applicable to a wide range of species. considered a flagship endangered species, representing a considerable range of conservation challenges, and serves as an example of how science, captive breeding, reintroductions, and intensive management can save a species from the brink of extinction . The condor is also a good candidate for investigating how we might mine satellite telemetry data for additional information useful for applied conservation because: (1) a large number of individuals in the population are outfitted with satellite telemetry, (2) condors use a wide variety of habitats and range over large areas, and (3) the population is expanding, meaning that it will be useful to managers if we can identify where condors are performing specific activities (e.g., nesting, perching, roosting).
To provide information for managing the captive population of endangered Guam Micronesian kingfis... more To provide information for managing the captive population of endangered Guam Micronesian kingfishers (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina), four biologically relevant thermal metrics were compared among captive facilities on the United States mainland and habitats used by wild Micronesian kingfishers on the island of Pohnpei (H. c. reichenbachii), Federated States of Micronesia. Additionally, aviaries where kingfishers laid eggs were compared to those in which birds did not attempt to breed. Compared to aviaries, habitats used by wild Pohnpei kingfishers had 3.21C higher daily maximum and minimum temperatures and the proportion of time when temperatures were in the birds' thermoneutral zone was 45% greater. No differences were found in the magnitude of temperature fluctuation in captive and wild environments. In captive environments in which birds bred, daily maximum temperatures were 2.11C higher and temperatures were within the thermoneutral zone 25% more often than in the aviaries where the kingfishers did not breed. No differences were found in the magnitude of temperature fluctuation or the daily minimum temperature. Results suggest that the thermal environment has the potential to influence reproduction, and that consideration should be given to increasing temperatures in captive breeding facilities to improve propagation of the endangered Micronesian kingfisher.
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Papers by Susan Haig