5/8/2023 0 Comments Shoebill stork flying![]() Monophyly of the taxon (Scopidae + (Balaenicipitidae + Steganopodes)) is better supported by morphological evidence than monophyly of the taxon (Procellariiformes + (Phaethontidae + Steganopodes)) which was established by Cracraft (1985). Derived characters which support the resulting phylogeny are discussed. A cladistic analysis of 54 anatomical characters resulted in monophyly of the taxon (Scopidae + (Balaenicipitidae + Steganopodes (sensu Cracraft 1985))) and showed both Ciconiiformes and Pelecaniformes to be polyphyletic. The phylogenetic affinities between the shoebill (Balaenicipitidae) and pelecaniform and ciconiiform birds are analysed. The chronologies of this hatching as well as other significant experiences are detailed in this article. This chick was parent reared with careful monitoring by staff. On 26 December 2009, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, FL, USA, became the first wildlife institution in North America to hatch a Shoebill chick and just the second institution worldwide. These chicks were hand reared and are still surviving at the time of writing. The first two hatched in July 2008 at Pairi Daiza (formerly Parc Paradisio) in Belgium. To date, only three Shoebill chicks are known to have been hatched in captivity. Successful propagation of species with high conservation value is dependent upon understanding the natural history and conservation needs of the taxon, providing appropriate husbandry, and optimizing health and nutrition. The Shoebill population in captivity consists of only 40 birds at 16 wildlife institutions worldwide. The Shoebill Single Species Action Plan is currently in review and may better define the number of Shoebills remaining in the wild. The Shoebill Balaeniceps rex is categorized as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and past estimates of the wild population range from 5000 to fewer than 10 000 birds. This study provides useful information for effective conservation management, by showing the importance of catfish as prey for Bangweulu Shoebills, the possible increased prey capture during the breeding season, and indicating the importance of the two habitat types: floating vegetation and flooded grassland (capture rates 0.10 and 0.29 prey h−1, respectively). Despite small sample sizes (n = 17.7 h during the breeding season), we found an indication that the proportion of successful strikes was higher during the breeding season (five of seven strikes successful) compared to non-breeding (16 of 70 strikes successful). were the most common prey caught (71% of prey in 170.1 h observed). They caught on average one prey every 8.3 h and catfish Clarias spp. Shoebills spent 85% of their time engaged in low-energy activities, mainly by standing still and preening. Behaviours associated with foraging were standing, walking and flying. In this study we quantified and explored Shoebill foraging behaviour across habitat types and seasons through behavioural observations in the Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Populations are believed to be declining throughout their range and knowledge about their ecology, behaviour and distribution is vital for their effective conservation. Shoebills (Balaeniceps rex) are endemic to large, well-vegetated wetlands in central-eastern Africa. While adopting an aviary strategy for housing all ‘flying’ birds may result in a reduction in the number of species at a zoo, and could affect both institutional and regional collection plans, we believe it is a necessary step in order to provide the optimal conditions for the care and well-being of the birds that are already in zoological institutions. By lowering the barriers in the way of building appropriate aviaries, it is hoped that this type of housing will become the option of choice in future master plans. Zoos may be able to avoid expensive mistakes and optimize their possibilities by sharing information on aspects such as costs, visitor viewing, suitable materials and design features. This information-sharing resource is in development and will be a tool for exchanging knowledge and experiences in designing and constructing aviaries, and selecting the best aviary for the species in question and for the geographic location. The development of the Aviary Database Project is explained. Reasons for holding birds in aviaries, including education and visitor experience, breeding, behaviour, predation, veterinary issues, avoidance of invasive species and hybridization, welfare and enrichment, and reductions in costs, are discussed. There is a trend in zoos to provide more naturalistic enclosures for animals in which they can carry out natural behaviours and, for most birds, an aviary presents the best opportunities to achieve this. ![]()
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