Anna Le Souef

The collection of baseline health data is an essential component of an endangered species conservation program. As for many wildlife species, there are minimal health data available for wild populations of the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris). In this study, 426 wild Carnaby’s cockatoo nestlings were sampled from nine breeding sites throughout the range of the species over an 11-year period. In addition to a physical examination, samples were collected to test for hematologic and biochemical parameters, psittacine beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), avian polyomavirus (APV), psittacine adenovirus, psittacine herpesvirus, Chlamydia, disease serology and endoparasites. Environmental sampling was performed to screen for BFDV and APV in nest hollows. Descriptive health data are presented for nestlings of this species, with BFDV, APV and Chlamydia infections reported. Reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical parameters are presented in three age groups, and factors affecting blood analytes and body condition index are discussed. This longitudinal dataset provides insights into health parameters for Carnaby’s cockatoo nestlings and a reference for future monitoring of breeding populations.

A wild male Carnaby's cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) was presented to a veterinary hospital after falling from a tree. The bird showed few clinical signs during the first days of hospitalization. On Day 4, the cockatoo showed excessive hemorrhage at a venipuncture site, epistaxis, and significant anemia (packed cell volume, 15%). The cockatoo was euthanized due to ongoing blood loss, weakness, and inappetence. Liver concentrations of brodifacoum (0.439 mg/kg wet weight) and difenacoum (0.033 mg/kg wet weight) had a total anticoagulant rodenticide concentration of 0.472 mg/kg wet weight and were above the threshold for toxicity for many avian species. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication has been identified in a wild Australian psittacine species.

Endotracheal tube breakage during extubation is a rare complication previously reported in domestic animals, but not in zoo animals. A 9-year-old, male lion was anaesthetised to investigate lethargy and inappetence. Following anaesthesia, the lion was transported to its night quarter, a dedicated enclosed area for recovery. The lion was secured within the night quarter, with all personnel separated from the lion by a metal mesh fence. The lion was positioned adjacent to the fence, allowing distant monitoring and access for extubation through the fence. The silicone endotracheal tube broke during extubation. No immediate signs of airway obstruction were observed. The lion was re-anaesthetised within the night quarter with intramuscular medetomidine and tiletamine/zolazepam administered using a pole syringe. Radiographs confirmed the presence of the broken distal endotracheal tube in the oesophagus, which was then manually retrieved with a mouth gag in place. The lion subsequently recovered with no complications.

Carnaby's Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) are in decline in SW Western Australia from several processes, including habitat loss and fragmentation. However, in recent years, a disease syndrome has also emerged as a significant population threat. Emerging diseases in wildlife have the potential for catastrophic effects on population numbers, especially if a species is experiencing existing pressure from other threatening processes. This article describes an investigation into a hindlimb paralysis syndrome that has occurred in the summer and autumn since 2012 in 84 wild Carnaby's Cockatoos. Recovery from the syndrome has been demonstrated in 21 of 33 cases when supportive therapy was applied. Although a definitive diagnosis has not been obtained, the hypothesized etiology is an organophosphate-induced delayed-onset neuropathy. The syndrome may indicate that interaction between the cockatoos and inland agricultural practices are affecting this migratory species in ways that are, so far, poorly understood.

Every year, over 250 endangered black cockatoos are hospitalized at the Perth Zoo Veterinary Department for illness and injuries, mostly related to vehicle strike. After hospital treatment, birds are returned to fitness at special black cockatoo rehabilitation centers. Social grouping and fitness for release are carefully managed by state wildlife officers before the birds are returned to the wild. Evaluating the success of this program has recently been made possible by the attachment of tiny satellite tracking devices to the tail feathers of released birds. This is the first time such technology has been used to gauge the success of a cockatoo rehabilitation program, and has revealed fascinating insights into the post-release behaviors and movements of these iconic birds.

Robust measurements of age are important for investigating ecological processes. In particular, seabirds, which form a major part of the coastal and marine ecosystems, may use and respond to their environment differently based on their age. This study aimed to determine whether pentosidine, a biological marker of age which was previously reliably used to age other avian species, could be used to age Bridled Terns (Onychoprion anaethetus) breeding on Penguin Island, Western Australia. It was found that patagial skin collagen-bound pentosidine cannot be used to determine the age of Bridled Terns because of low collagen levels in skin samples and that, overall, there was a low recapture rate of birds born on the island (less than 5% of the birds trapped in this study). Bridled Terns’ diet and life at sea may explain their low skin collagen levels, but some molecular adaptations and antioxidants from their diet may help them resist oxidative challenge. Hence, methods for ageing birds based on collagen content in skin samples may not be uniform across species. Furthermore, low recapture rates in this colony may indicate high levels of dispersal or mortality, which warrant further investigation.

Baudin's cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus baudinii, is a threatened forest black cockatoo species, endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. In this study we fitted tail-mounted satellite transmitters to two female Baudin's cockatoos that had undergone treatment and rehabilitation at Perth Zoo and Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre to investigate the feasibility of satellite tracking this species. Both birds were released in Kelmscott, Perth, into an area frequently visited by a flock of wild Baudin's cockatoos. Both telemetry units provided reliable datasets, with one bird moving ∼250km south from the release site. The success of this trial opens the way to address key objectives in the Forest Black Cockatoo Recovery Plan, including: postrelease survival of rehabilitated birds, flock movement, habitat use, and the identification of critical feeding and breeding habitat. Most importantly, it demonstrates that satellite transmitters can be successfully used to locate and track forest black cockatoo species, which are otherwise difficult to monitor.

CASE HISTORY: An adult female Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) from a threatened species breeding programme presented due to a prolonged gestation period and distended abdomen.

CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The gecko was in lean body condition with an irregularly shaped, firm mass in the coelomic cavity. Radiographically there was a diffuse radio-opacity within the coelomic cavity with cranial displacement of the right lung field. Ultrasonography revealed a round homogenous abdominal mass of medium echogenicity with an echogenic capsule. Haematology showed a leucocytosis with a moderate left shift in heterophils and toxic changes. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed to remove two ovarian granulomas and Salmonella enterica subspecies houtenae (IV) was cultured from the ovarian tissue. The gecko recovered well from the surgery, regained weight and remained in good health 3 years following the surgery.

DIAGNOSIS: Pre-ovulatory stasis and ovarian granulomas associated with infection with Salmonella enterica subsp. houtenae.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The surgery described in this case resulted in recovery of the gecko, which despite its loss of reproductive capability is of value as an education animal. This is the first report of pre-ovulatory stasis and ovarian granulomas associated with infection with Salmonella enterica in a Duvaucel's gecko and is also the first reported case of pre-ovulatory stasis in a viviparous lizard species. The case adds to knowledge regarding potential reproductive pathology in lizards, which is particularly important information for managers of captive lizard breeding programmes.

The veterinary records of three species of free-living, endangered black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.; n5565) admitted to the Perth Zoo Veterinary Hospital in Western Australia during a 10-yr period (2000–09) were analyzed to determine the effect of clinical presentation and treatment on survival to release. The most-common reason for admission was trauma (at least 76.7%of cases), and trauma was also the most-frequent finding on necropsy examination (80.1% of cases). Anemia and paralysis-paresis were significant factors determining the decreased likelihood of survival of cockatoos undergoing rehabilitation. Human activities, in particular vehicle strike, were significant causes of morbidity and mortality in free-living black cockatoo populations.

Context Studying interactions between a wildlife species and its spatial environment can enable a deeper understanding of its ecology. Studies of spatial ecology are generally undertaken by attaching tracking devices to selected individuals and following their movements. Highly mobile species, such as black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus spp.), that occupy habitats with patchy resources are ideal candidates. The powerful beak and chewing habits of black cockatoos make it difficult to successfully attach tracking devices to them. Aims We developed a safe technique for attaching tracking devices to black cockatoos and assessed the impact of the tracking devices, as well as their performance in relation to battery life, retention time and accuracy of location fixes. Methods We describe a technique for attaching Telonics (Mesa, AZ, USA) Argos Avian Transmitter TAV 2617 tracking devices to the two central tail feathers of black cockatoos. Key results Of 26 tracking devices fitted (24 to Carnaby's cockatoos, C. latirostris; two to Baudin's cockatoos, C. baudinii), 20 exhibited longer retention time than the nominal battery life. One tracking device was chewed until it was non-functional before release and two were presumed chewed after release because their tracking devices failed prematurely. There was no evidence that the tracking devices inhibited the flight capability of cockatoos. The performance of the Argos tracking devices exceeded expectations with regard to retention times, battery life and overall accuracy of location fixes. The tracking devices enabled detection of instances of rapid long-distance movements, including one bird that travelled 70km between night roosts while migrating. Most study birds (68%) remained within 50km of their release sites while monitored. Conclusion The tracking devices were a suitable choice for black cockatoos and for the purpose of this study. They posed minimal snag risk, were of suitable dimensions for tail attachment and they enabled data to be collected even if birds dispersed long distances. The main limitations that must be considered when assessing their suitability for future research projects are the errors associated with location fixes, limited retention time in relation to moulting of tail feathers and limited battery life. Implications The development of a method for successfully attaching tracking devices to black cockatoos opens the possibility to study aspects of the ecology of black cockatoos and other highly mobile species that was not previously possible.