Woodman, Constance Josiane (2021-05). Assessing New Methods for Psittacine Conservation at the Captive-Wild Interface. Doctoral Dissertation. Thesis uri icon

abstract

  • This dissertation overviews novel methods related to breed and release of parrots for conservation. Broadly, the document discusses research about the maintenance of captive breeding parrots, and the preparation of their offspring for release into the wild. A conclusion chapter identifies conflicts common to this type of conservation work and discusses ways to create research projects that avoid them. The maintenance chapter focuses on reducing the fear and chronic stress in captivity through the development and use of novel automated, computer tablet-based technology. The release preparation chapter overviews a method of training parrots to fly safely in wild areas that is derived from the parrot free-flight hobby community, using systematic exposure to outdoor environments. The conclusion is a reflection of lessons learned and relevant literature. Appendix material address the systems that protect released birds and validation of automated software. The interdisciplinary nature of this work, bridging captivity, wild, and human dimensions

publication date

  • May 2021