Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #RegentHoneyeaters
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Preserving natural behaviours can be as important as other considerations like genetic diversity when planning a #ConservationBreeding program. Naivety to predators is one of the biggest challenges when releasing animals into the wild. #ScienceWeek 
Taronga’s #ConservationBehaviour Lab works with keepers & partners to ensure species like #RegentHoneyeaters display behaviours needed to survive in the wild - such as identifying & responding to predators. Mixing in a multispecies aviary is one approach frontiersin.org/articles/10.33…
To understand if Taronga-bred #RegentHoneyeaters recognise wild predators like currawongs, we’re showing them predator models (& controls!). Safe exposure to danger allows us to see how they’ll respond when released. If needed, we'll teach them what a predator looks like
Taronga is also reminding #RegentHoneyeaters how to tweet! Their song has been changing, perhaps due to small fragmented populations &reduced opportunity to learn from adults. Taronga keepers began playing songs to juvenile birds to teach them the right ones to sing. #ScienceWeek
Results are showing that #RegentHoneyeaters that were tutored to sing, either directly by adult birds or by virtual tutoring, had a better chance of surviving in the wild.
We’re now working with researchers at ANU to understand how best to teach birds to sing and why song is important to survival theguardian.com/australia-news…
The #RegentHoneyeater is one of Australia’s most #CriticallyEndangered birds. There are <350 birds left in the wild. For >20y, Taronga has been #ConservationBreeding an insurance population. Since 2008, >300 birds have been released to bolster wild populations. #ScienceWeek
#RegentHoneyeaters are in decline due to threats from #habitatloss and degradation. #Drought, #bushfire, competition, and now even the precariously small size of the remaining population all pose risks to the species’ survival.
Our team of #RegentHoneyeater keepers are experts in #ConservationBreeding these amazing birds. Here specialist keeper Kara Stevens explains our progress at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
