Tag : Endangered

Cambridge: Findings from a recent study looking at how neophobia, or the fear of new things, affects birds may be crucial in saving critically endangered species. The findings of the research were published in the journal 'Royal Society Open Science'. The study studied the behaviour of a rare bird called the Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi), of which there are fewer than 50 living in the wild. Led by Dr Rachael Miller of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), alongside colleagues from Cambridge University and the National University of Singapore, the study examined how 22 captive Bali myna birds responded to the presence of new objects and types of food, in addition to how well they tackled simple problem-solving tasks. The researchers believe that gathering this type of behavioural data can aid in new conservation strategies. Behavioural flexibility is crucial for an individual's adaptability and survival, and so pre-release training and identifying specific birds for release could help with the successful reintroduction of endangered species, such as the Bali myna, into the wild. The study was carried out over a six-week period at three UK zoological collections - Waddesdon Manor (National Trust/ Rothschild Foundation), Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens, and Birdworld - and the researchers found overall that birds took longer to touch familiar food when a novel item was present. Age was a key factor in the behaviour displayed, with adult birds proving to be more neophobic than juveniles. The researchers also discovered that the birds that quickly touched familiar food that was placed beside a new object were also the quickest to solve problem-solving tasks. This new study is part of a larger project led by Dr Miller, Lecturer in An ...