Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #conservationbehaviour
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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
Another flagship and large collaborative #ConservationBreeding project that Taronga is involved in concerns the #CriticallyEndangered #PlainsWanderer, a bird that few people have probably heard of and even fewer have seen. #ScienceWeek
The #PlainsWanderer has no living close relative, which places it top of the @EDGEofExistence list. Remnant populations of this small ground-dwelling bird are mostly in Victoria, eastern South Australia and in the western Riverina region of NSW.
Though excellently camouflaged, #PlainsWanderer are just the right size to be eaten by invasive foxes. Taronga is working with @ZoosVictoria to establish an insurance population & recently built a #ConservationBreeing facility at Taronga Western Plains Zoo #sanctuary, #Dubbo.
