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
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2015
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Massey University
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Abstract
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.
Description
Listed in 2016 Dean's List of Exceptional Theses
Chapter 6 published as: Richardson, K. M., Ebrahimi, M., Lovegrove, T. G., & Parker, K. A. (2015). Considering dispersal in reintroduction and restoration planning. In Hayward, M. W., Moro, D. & Seddon, P. J. (Eds.), Advances in reintroduction biology of Australian and New Zealand fauna (pp. 59-72). Clayton South, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing
Chapter 6 published as: Richardson, K. M., Ebrahimi, M., Lovegrove, T. G., & Parker, K. A. (2015). Considering dispersal in reintroduction and restoration planning. In Hayward, M. W., Moro, D. & Seddon, P. J. (Eds.), Advances in reintroduction biology of Australian and New Zealand fauna (pp. 59-72). Clayton South, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing
Keywords
Wildlife reintroduction, Stitchbird, Notiomystis cincta, Hihi, Conservation, Habitat, Maungatautari, Dispersal, New Zealand, Dean's List of Exceptional Theses