Published in: Science Authors: Bonnet et al (there are 40!) Abstract: The rate of adaptive evolution, the contribution of selection to genetic changes that increase mean fitness, is determined by the additive genetic variance in individual relative fitness. To date, there are few robust estimates of this parameter for natural populations, and it is therefore […]
Posted in:
The hihi, it turns out, is a bit of a character. Once found all over the North Island, deforestation, disease, and the introduction of predators led to its eventual exclusion to Te Hauturu-o-toi/ Little Barrier Island. There are now seven wild populations of hihi across New Zealand, with estimates of upwards of 2000 across the […]
We are very happy to share that Caitlin has submitted her PHD. This is a truly global PHD effort with a focus on hihi dietary variation. It included field study on multiple hihi populations (Tiritiri Matangi, Rotokare, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi and Zealandia) and even some sites where we hope to see hihi in the future […]
Published in: Evolutionary Ecology Authors: Alexis Rutschmann, Pierre de Villemereuil, Patricia Brekke, John G. Ewen, Neil Anderson and Anna W. Santure Abstract: In heterogeneous habitats, individuals sharing a larger part of their home-range are also likely to live in a very similar environment. This ‘common environment’ effect can generate phenotypic similarities between neighbours and lead to the […]
Hihi were first introduced into Zealandia in 2005 with 60 birds translocated from Tiri Tiri Matangi Island. Since then they have bred successfully every year and this week the 1000th hihi hatched at Zealandia was issued with its unique combination of coloured leg bands. The hihi/stitchbird is a small forest-dwelling passerine endemic to New Zealand. […]
Older and wiser? Age differences in foraging and learning by an endangered passerine Published in: Behavioural Processes Authors: Victoria R. Franks & Rose Thorogood Abstract: Birds use cues when foraging to help relocate food resources, but natural environments provide many potential cues and choosing which to use may depend on previous experience. Young animals […]
Older and wiser? Age differences in foraging and learning by an endangered passerine Published in: Behavioural Processes Authors: Victoria R. Franks & Rose Thorogood Abstract: Birds use cues when foraging to help relocate food resources, but natural environments provide many potential cues and choosing which to use may depend on previous experience. Young animals […]
Radio interview available from the Radio New Zealand National at: http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/thiswayup/audio/201770281/birds-hihi-stitchbird Hugh Robertson from the Department of Conservation and author of the Field Guide to Birds of New Zealand is interviewed by Simon Morton on the This Way Up show, Radio New Zealand National. In this interview Hugh and Simon are visiting Zealandia in Wellington […]