Browsing by Author "Richardson, Kate Mackinnon"

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    Dispersal : the effects of phenotype and habitat selection in reintroduced populations : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Conservation Biology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Richardson, Kate Mackinnon
    Dispersal is a complex behaviour, recognised as the primary mechanism by which gene flow occurs. In the field of reintroduction biology, dispersal can influence reintroduction success both positively and negatively, yet the mechanisms underpinning dispersal in reintroduced populations are not well understood. Extensive literature is now available on the proximate forces driving natal dispersal, and in this thesis I draw on this field to inform our understanding of dispersal processes in reintroduced populations. It is widely accepted that both internal state (phenotype) and the external environment have multi-causal effects on natal dispersal patterns across three recognised phases of movement (departure, exploration, settlement), but the relationship to post-release dispersal is less well understood. I use reintroduced populations of an endangered passerine, the hihi (stitchbird, Notiomystis cincta), to answer specific research questions regarding the proximate factors driving both postrelease and natal dispersal in this species. I first examine phenotypic variation in behavioural traits (personality) in my study species, in particular the effects of early natal nutrition on the expression of personality, and the influences on subsequent survival and dispersal. I find complex relationships between natal nutrition and personality that are sex-specific, and that “bold” individuals have higher survival probabilities. I find evidence for a relationship between personality and natal dispersal patterns in one study population, but not in another. I then examine the influence of internal state (personality, early natal nutrition and degree of inbreeding) on post-release dispersal of newly translocated hihi at two sites, and find that all these factors affect dispersal behaviour in the initial post-release and exploration phases. I then examine the role of the external environment on both natal and post-release dispersal using species distribution models. There is a strong social effect in habitat selection of natal dispersers, but no detectable social effect in habitat selection of post-release dispersers, and evidence for use of physical characteristics of the environment in habitat selection at both stages. Finally, I discuss the wider implications of dispersal to reintroduction biology. I advocate for careful consideration of proposed release sites, and an integrated landscape approach within reintroduction planning.
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    Reintroducing hihi (Notiomystis cincta) to the New Zealand mainland : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Ecology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2009) Richardson, Kate Mackinnon
    This thesis investigated the potential for establishing a self-sustaining population of an endangered forest bird, the hihi (Notiomystis cincta) on the New Zealand mainland, and the factors that may influence this. Previous reintroduction attempts, mostly to offshore islands, have met with limited success, or been dependent on ongoing management. However, future conservation measures for hihi aim to reintroduce populations to the mature forest found on the mainland that hihi may be best adapted to. Such reintroductions come with new challenges for hihi conservation. The first reintroduction of hihi to this environment occurred with two releases of hihi from Tiritiri Matangi Island to “Ark in the Park”, a predator-controlled site in Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges, in February and June 2007. This study reports on the survival and dispersal of hihi following these releases, using radio transmitters for post-release monitoring, and also gives information on the vulnerability of hihi to predators, and foraging behaviour at this site. In terms of survivorship, birds released in February had higher apparent survival than those released in June, but this may have been due to higher dispersal in June. Birds released under a “delayed-release” strategy had lower long-term survival than those released immediately. There was some evidence that transmitters may have had an impact on dispersal and behaviour, but there was no evidence that transmitters reduced survival. Individuals in better condition were more likely to disperse further in the first week postrelease, but it was not possible to examine the relationship between condition and survival. Clutch size and hatching date were the two most influential factors found to affect individual condition in juvenile hihi from Tiritiri Matangi Island. It may be possible to use this information when selecting individuals for future translocations, but the impact on the source population should first be investigated, as well as the relationship between condition and survival. The failure of previous hihi reintroductions has in part been attributed to a lack of diversity of natural food in regenerating forest, and all successfully reintroduced populations to date rely on supplementary food. However, little is known about how the diet of hihi changes at different life stages, between the sexes, by season and in different habitats. In this study, such information was provided for the first time for hihi using stable isotope analysis. I found evidence for dietary shifts across different life stages (nestling, fledgling, juvenile and adult), between the sexes, and in different habitats (regenerating forest vs mature forest), and I showed that diet may be one of the proximate factors influencing individual condition.