Society Quarterly April 2009 Issue 1

Zoological Society of Auckland

“I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority.” Elwyn Brooks White, Essays of E.B. White, 1977

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Africa Night

2009

We would like to thank all the staff and volunteers that made the eve-ning so enjoyable. We would also like to thank those who attended and gave money to support conser-vation.

Year on year the support for Africa Night impresses us, as does the commitment of the keepers and volunteers that help to run the event. This year was no exception with over 50 people passionate about conservation turning up to enjoy an evening of education, encounters and entertainment, as well as some traditional African cuisine. The old elephant house created the perfect setting for a fascinating look into the life and work of a safari tour guide and professional photographer. Claire Vial held the audience spell bound with tales of her animal encounters and a slide show of some of Africa’s most iconic species, as well as a few that were less well know but just as stunning. The auction and dinner raised over $4,200 with the star attraction being one of Ka-shin’s own artworks. This fantastic contribution will no doubt be put to good use in both local and international conservation initiatives and we hope to keep you up-dated. We had a great time organising and running the event and were pleased to hear that the ZSA members and general public that attended had a wonderful time too. From the pictures, which were kindly sent to us by Kaylene Wilson, it looks like the animals got one or two treats too! We hope that you will join us again in 2010 for a little bit of Africa in Auckland.

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Tena koutou katoa. Well, this is my first president’s report for the Zoological Society

of Auckland. As previously reported, the new constitution and membership scheme

was ratified at the AGM, the changes to the new constitution have been lodged at the

Society’s Office and the name change is official. Alongside this, the new membership

scheme has come into effect and we hope that you will all continue to support the

new society and its efforts. If you don’t need to renew your membership please pass

on the membership form (on the back page) to anyone you think may be interested.

The long awaited website is now in its final trial phase and we

hope to have the ‘testbed’ pages available very soon.

February kicked started the seminar year with a passionate and

detailed look at Cheetah and their advocacy/use in zoos by Lau-

ren Booth, an Auckland Zoo zookeeper. Lauren provided a

wonderful pictorial account of her time at Cheetah Outreach in

South Africa, and their conservation achievements. I’m always

very keen to hear about the exploits and travels of zoo-keeping

staff since they often experience conservation at the front line –

both in-situ and ex-situ. It’s even more personally rewarding when they are ex-

students of mine!! Thanks Lauren for a great evening.

Lauren Booth and “her” Cheetah cubs

The seminar given by Julian Fitter was very well attended and we packed the Zoo’s Grasslands lecture theatre. His intriguing seminar on Darwin, his journey to the Galapagos and writing of the theory of evolution provided a multifaceted look at how and why this history changing concept developed. Julian provided an insight into Dar-win’s family life, early experiences, his thoughts, writings and beliefs. Julian also provided some very clear examples of the biological evi-dence put forward by Charles Darwin to support his assertions of natural selection. The seminar was very well received and all who attended had a chance to meet and greet Julian over tea and bikkies after the talk. I’d like to take this opportunity to again thank Julian for what was a very exciting and thought provoking talk, one that I hope sets a scene for many of the seminars to come. Julian is the author or co-author of a number of books including New Zealand Wildlife, Wildlife of Galapagos and Albatross (see pictures). Finally, I hope that we see you all at the next seminar, which I shall shamelessly advertise even though it’s me talking.

Best regards,

Lorne

PRESIDENT’S REPORT—APRIL 2009

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Have you ever wondered what birds say with their feathers? Although feathers are used to keep birds warm, and also for flight, scientists have shown that they can signal much more than many people suspect. In the bird world males of numerous species have little input into chick rearing. As such females have to be able to judge how good a male is just by looking at him. The peacock’s huge tail is very attractive, but it also makes him a good target for predators. A male that has lived with a big tail despite it making flying difficult, and eaten enough to grow one, must be carrying some good genes, or so the females think. Colour can also be a good indication of health. Internal parasites, such as worms, have an impact on the energy available to create colour proteins. This means that dull feathers represent a bird with a high parasite load. These birds make poorer parents and chicks often don’t survive to fledging or end up with parasites themselves. So male and female birds can avoid mating with parasitised individuals simply by looking at the feathers.

The Bar-Tailed Godwit. Female feath-ering may show parasite infestation

The male peacock uses his feathers as a display for females

Racing Turtles? - Surely Not This isn’t as sinister as it seems. An American research team have attached transmit-ters to 11 Leatherback Turtles to see which one gets back to the warm Caribbean breeding waters the quickest, from the cold feeding grounds off Canada – a distance of around 6000 kilometres. Amazingly, each turtle is sponsored; some by famous bands such as R.E.M. and Pearl Jam. Dubbed the ‘Great Turtle Race’ there is more science to this than meets the eye. Much is yet unknown about the wonderful spe-cies, the largest turtle species alive today. “The tags give us an accurate depiction of their migration routes, distances, averages speeds, depth of diving … the race is cool

ZOOLOGY IN THE NEWS

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An hypothesis to explain the linkage between kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) breeding and the mast fruiting of their food trees Andrew E. Fidler, Stephen B. Lawrence and Kenneth P. McNatty Abstract. An important goal in the intensive conserva-tion management of New Zealand’s critically endan-gered nocturnal parrot, kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), is to increase the frequency of breeding attempts. Kakapo breeding does not occur annually but rather correlates with 3–5-year cycles in ‘mast’ seeding/fruiting of kakapo food plants, most notably podocarps such as rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum). Here we advance a hypo-thetical mechanism for the linking of kakapo breeding

with such ‘mast’ seeding/fruiting. The essence of the hypothesis is that exposure to low levels of dietary phytochemicals may, in combination with hepatic gene ‘memory’, sensitise egg yolk protein genes, expressed in female kakapo livers, to oestrogens derived from developing ovarian follicles. Only in those years when the egg yolk pro-tein genes have been sufficiently ‘pre-sensitised’ by dietary chemicals do kakapo ovarian follicles develop to ovulation and egg-laying occurs. While speculative, this hypothesis is both physiologically and evolutionarily plausible and suggests both fu-ture research directions and relatively simple interventions that may afford conserva-tion workers some influence over kakapo breeding frequency.

http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/kakapo.htm

and everything, but this is data that can be used.” says Robert MacDonald, a Dalhousie University student who was part of the field research team which attached satel-lite transmitters to the animals off the waters of Nova Sco-tia last July. With an evolutionary history stretching back some 100 million years, these marine giants are now en-dangered due to fishing bykill, egg harvesting and coastal development amongst others. The race officially kicked off April 16, and finishes in two weeks’ time. You can follow the competitors’ progress on a r ace map upda ted da i l y a t h t tp : / /www.greatturtlerace.org. Dalhousie University (2009, April 23). Researchers Fire The Starting Gun For The Great Turtle Race. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 27, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com- /releases/2009/04/090418081508.htm

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Scientists discover new genus off New Zealand Coast German scientists have discovered a new genus of Kinoryncha in the deep sea off the Eastern coast of New Zealand. This worm-like creature, although small, is important to the ocean ecology and has the rather fearsome name of “mud dragon”

Do prawns, crayfish and crabs feel pain? This review article below appeared in the latest RSPCA Australia Animal Welfare Science Update, Issue 24, April 2009. Some interesting thought provoking informa-tion.

A review of pain and stress in crustaceans The ability of crustaceans to experience pain remains contentious, despite the consid-erable body of work on crustacean welfare, behaviour and physiology. The authors of this review collate this data to provide a convincing argument for the presence of pain and stress responses in crustaceans. They suggest that the welfare indicators used in vertebrates have analogies in crustaceans and can there-fore be used to test for the presence of pain or stress. Criteria include a central nerv-ous system, physiological responses to noxious stimuli (e.g. elevated levels of crusta-cean hyperglycaemic hormone, a cortisol analogue), the presence of opioid receptors and demonstrated cognitive ability (e.g. the ability of a hermit crab to choose between two shells). Behavioural indices include protective motor responses (e.g. grooming an injury) and exhibited tradeoffs that indicate behaviour is voluntary and not reflex (i.e. a response to a noxious stimulus is influenced by other factors such as the presence of food). In light of the body of work available to suggest that crustaceans do experience pain and stress, many husbandry practices in the commercial crustacean food industry are highly questionable. The authors briefly touch on practices such as trawling, claw immobilisation during transport, live boiling and claw removal. In the latter procedure, claws are twisted off and the crabs are returned to the sea. This practice is touted as sustainable since crabs are known to autotomise (cast off) limbs in some circumstances. However, the sustainability of this practice is questionable as the fitness of the declawed crabs is considerably compromised. Declawing has been shown to elicit a stress response that is even higher when the crabs are returned to the sea to compete with fitter conspecifics. The authors conclude that analogous physiological systems and behavioural re-sponses in crustaceans demonstrate their ability to experience pain and stress. While more research is needed, our current understanding suggests that commercial hus-bandry practices may pose welfare concerns. Elwood, R.W, Barr, S. and Patterson, L. (2009) Pain and stress in crustaceans? Ap-plied Animal Behaviour Science In Press.

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Bird Repellent development to prevent ingestion of 1080 baits by kea

(Nestor notabilis)

(funded by T-GEAR and DoC)

Research utilizing the captive kea population The main justification for holding kea in captivity is for advocacy and research to directly benefit the species in the wild. This is clearly stated in the goals and objectives of the captive manage-ment plan (s 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3.4) as written in the Kea Captive Manage-ment and Husbandry Manual (Pullar, 1996). Research into development of appropriate bait repellents to repel kea from ingesting 1080 baits in the wild is therefore an important project that should be supported by all holders of kea to fulfil holder requirements. Kea are a fully protected species, and can only be held in captivity with a per-mit issued by DoC. Any experimental work carried out on the captive popula-tion must be passed through an animal ethics committee (AEC) and as such all care must be taken to ensure the birds mental and physical well-being dur-ing the trials. In addition, the majority of birds are on constant public display and as such any experimental design must take into account public relations and perception. Bird repellent research The Kea Conservation Trust in conjunction with De-partment of Conservation is investigating bird repel-lents which may be used to prevent kea ingesting 1080 toxic baits during aerial pest control drops.

In this section, we will highlight current zoology/conservation based research projects in New Zealand that may be of interest to our members. In this issue, the research showcases an excellent example of collaboration between an NGO (e.g. Trust), DoC and the zoo industry. A great example of ex-situ con-servation research providing essential resources and answers to solve an in-situ problem.

www.stop1080.co.nz

Tamsin Orr-Walker

RESEARCH—HERE AND NOW

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The toxin 1080 has been used in New Zealand since the mid 1950s by the Animal Health Board (AHB) to manage pest brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) populations which are an important vector in the spread of bovine tuberculosis in cattle. In addition Department of Conservation (DoC) use 1080 to control a range of introduced pest species inclusive of three Rattus spp and possums, which negatively impact on native flora and fauna. By-kill of non-target native species by 1080 has been widely recognised, however, the benefits of using aerial 1080 are still considered to outweigh the costs (Spurr, 1991). The potential for by-kill of kea in particular was recognised as early as 1964 when carcasses were recovered after aerial 1080 operations containing residues of 1080 toxin (Douglas 1967; Spurr, 1979).

A recent preliminary assessment by the Department of Conservation of kea by-kill on the West Coast of the South Island, found substantial mortality. A total of 29 kea were radio tagged over three distinct sites, each subjected to aerial drops of 1080 as part of a pest control programme. The Franz / Fox area re-ported seven out of 17 kea dead through ingestion of 1080 cereal baits but no deaths in birds in the Arawhata Valley (n=10) or Hohonu Range (n=2) (Kemp & van Klink, 2008). Several factors were iden-tified as possibly contributing to the high rate of deaths at Franz / Fox including habituation of kea to human foods, use of non-toxic pre-feed and / or pro-longed fine conditions post drop (ibid). These factors are not logistically easy to control for.

Bird repellents have been demonstrated to deter a range of bird species from ingesting seeds and / or baits (Avery, 2003; Day et al, 2000, 2004; Arkion Life Sciences, 2006, Clapperton et al, 2005) and may provide a solution to limit kea by-kill during aerial poisoning operations. However any repellent which is used to prevent non-target by-kill must not repel the target species, namely rats and possums.

This project ultimately aims to determine the effectiveness of anthraquinone (Avipel®) and d-pulegone as a repellent for kea. To ensure that these aims are met, this study will test the efficacy of bird repellents on captive kea to dissuade kea ingesting cereal pellets. Testing of rats and possums will also be carried out to ensure that field efficacy of 1080 baiting is not compromised by the bird repellent. Tamsin Orr-Walker Kea Conservation Tust Chair and Project Coordinator

Corey Mosen

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Hi everyone,

We are looking for staff to work either or both Saturday and Sunday at Wild Zone. If you know anyone that is interested please ask them to send a CV to my email address or contact me on the numbers below.

We are looking for someone with the following competencies and personal attributes.

• Experience in retail and a strong interest in selling, achieving goals, merchandising, interacting with visitors

• Outgoing, friendly personality

• Committed to high standards of customer service

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Motivated, enthusiastic, reliable and committed

• The ability and initiative to make things happen

• Strong desire to keep things clean, neat, and organised

• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm under stressful situa-tions

• Requires some physical ability to lift and carry boxes and stock shelves

Many thanks,

Dee Harris , Retail Manager Wild Zone Gift Shop Auckland Zoological Park Phone: +64 9 360 3800 Ext 3861 Mobile: +64 274 190 300

In future editions of the ZSA Newsletter, it is hoped that we will provide some break-ing news from zoos around the country and even across Australasia. Equally, we would like to feature articles from peoples experiences at zoos, so if you have some-thing to share (rpreferably with photos) please send the article ready for print to mfarnworth@unitec.ac.nz We look forward to your input.

NEWS FROM THE ZOOS

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Behind the Scenes

WHEN 10th May 2009

DAY Sunday TIME 1.15pm

MEETING POINT Information Centre Auckland Zoo

STRICTLY FINANCIAL MEMBERS ONLY Sorry no guests DUE TO LACK OF SPACE NUMBERS WILL BE LIMITED.

PHONE JEAN 483 8593 to book for this event

For our May Behind the Scenes we will be having an up-close and personal meeting with our lions and also conditions permitting a special feeding with the giraffe. Meet at the Information Centre promptly at 1.15pm after a 10-minute wait we will make our way down to meet the keeper at the Lions.

Did you know? • Lions live in a pride • The females do most of the

hunting • The males are large and have

a mane, but the females are really the ones in charge.

• When males mature they have to leave the pride but their sisters can stay.

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TIME

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Grasslands Room, Auckland Zoo. Meet 6:25 pm sharp at Auckland Zoo front gate of Motions Road, W. Springs.

COST (per seminar)

ZSA Members and Auckland Zoo Staff - Free Auckland Zoo Volunteers, OAP and tertiary students on presentation of Student ID

card - $5.00 General Entry - $ 10.00

(Door fee provides donation for work of the Zoological Society of Auckland)

SEMINAR PROGRAMME:

Illustrated presentations on zoology, natural sciences and conservation related topics, with opportunity to ask ques-tions and to talk afterwards over light refreshments. Dura-tion: 40 minutes to 1 hour.

21 May Dr Lorne Roberts “Enrichment in Zoological Parks”

18 June Mark Farnworth “Animal Behaviour” 16 July Prof Richard Faull “The Marvels of the

Human Brain” 20 Aug. Ben Barr & Dylan van Winkel “New

Zealand Lizards” 17 Sept. Jeremy Corfield “Kiwi” 15 Oct. to be announced 19 Nov. Keith Woodley “Miranda and Godwit

Migration”

MORE EXCITING SEMINARS FOR 2009

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ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AUCKLAND INC

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FORM

(Please circle one) NEW RENEWAL Membership number:

NAME

ADDRESS

HOME PHONE

MOBILE PHONE

EMAIL

Date Of Birth

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP (Please Circle One)

ADULT $50 SENIOR $30 JUNIOR $30 STUDENT $30

AREA OF INTERESTS

SIGNED DATE

Payments by direct credit to 01 0102 0063336 00 please use your name for reference

Payments by cheque made payable to Auckland Zoological Society and posted to

C Liggins, PO Box 31945, Milford 0741, Auckland

All application forms must be posted to the above address, emailed to cliggins@xtra.co.nz or faxed to 09 476 5963