Behavioral profiles of the captive juvenile whooping crane as an indicator of post-release survival

Kreger, M. D.; Hatfield, J. S.; Estevez, I.; Gee, G.F.; Clugston, D.A.

Abstract:

Predation by bobcats (Lynx rufus) is the major cause of mortality in captive-reared whooping cranes (Grus americana) released into the wild to establish a nonmigratory flock in Florida. This study investigated whether rearing methods (parent-rearing, hand-rearing, or hand-rearing with exercise) of cranes, and behaviors observed in birds either before or shortly after release in the wild, are associated with survival after release. Rearing methods did not affect survival first year post-release, which was 55 ? 8% in 2 yr (1999 and 2000). Logistic regression revealed, however, that foraging bouts (+), walking bouts (-), and body weight (-) before release, and nonvigilant bouts (-) after release were significantly associated with survival. These results suggest that post-release survival of whooping cranes might be increased by rearing techniques that promote foraging.

Genre:

Article

ProdID:

5224504

Citation Author:

Kreger, M. D.; Hatfield, J. S.; Estevez, I.; Gee, G.F.; Clugston, D.A.

Citation Contributing Office:

Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Citation Datum:

Citation Day:

Citation Edition:

Citation Editor:

Citation End Page:

Citation Issue:

Citation Keywords:

Citation Language:

English

Citation Larger Work Title:

Zoo Biology

Citation LatN:

Citation LatS:

Citation LonE:

Citation LonW:

Citation Month:

Citation No Pagination:

Citation Number Of Pages:

Citation Online Only Flag:

Citation Phsyical Description:

11-24

Citation Projection:

Citation Public Comments:

6443_Kreger.pdf

Citation Publisher:

Citation Series:

Citation Series Code:

Citation Series Number:

Citation Search Results Text:

Behavioral profiles of the captive juvenile whooping crane as an indicator of post-release survival; 2006; Article; Journal; Zoo Biology; Kreger, M. D.; Hatfield, J. S.; Estevez, I.; Gee, G.F.; Clugston, D.A.