Doctoral Thesis
Movement ecology of the three species of threatened black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris, Calyptorhynchus baudinii, Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) endemic to Western Australia: Implications for the species’ conservation management
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Murdoch University
2019
Abstract
Historically it has been difficult to gain information on the movement ecology of psittacine species in Australia. Using a novel double-tagging telemetry method, this research, aimed to: investigate regional differences in movement of the three black cockatoo species endemic to Western Australia; identify key roost and foraging sites for these species across regions; and estimate home range sizes for flocks in resident areas, using a combination of GPS and satellite PTT tags.
Tagged birds served as markers of flock movement once integrated into a wild flock of conspecifics, which was confirmed through means of behavioural change point analysis and field observations. Linear mixed models were used to determine differences in movement across regions, revisitation analysis was used to identify key habitat sites, and an auto-corrected Kernel density estimator was used to estimate the home ranges.
Results showed that key roosts sites for the three species predominantly occurred on public green space and private property. These were closely associated with foraging habitat which mainly occurred as remnant vegetation in the landscape or as nature reserves. Riparian zones and roadside vegetation were shown to play a crucial role as foraging habitat and in providing connective landscape structures. Daily movement distances differed both between and within regions depending on habitat matrix, resulting in varying home range sizes. These results suggest that movement for the three black cockatoo species is region specific, driven by food resources in the landscape. In addition, between species, movement varied as each species uses the landscape in different ways, depending on seasonal movements and ecological requirements.
This research has provided critical baseline data required to address knowledge gaps listed in Recovery Plans for these species of black cockatoo. Further research is now required to include these data in resource and habitat selection models to identify how the landscape matrix affects movement, which will facilitate adaptive habitat management and conservation plans for black cockatoos in Western Australia.
Details
- Title
- Movement ecology of the three species of threatened black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris, Calyptorhynchus baudinii, Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) endemic to Western Australia: Implications for the species’ conservation management
- Authors/Creators
- Sam Johan Eduard Rycken
- Contributors
- Jill Shephard (Supervisor)Kristin Warren (Supervisor)Lian Yeap (Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Identifiers
- 991005544755707891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Doctoral Thesis
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