Zur Ethologie des Waldrapps (Geronticus eremita L.) : Beobachtungen in Volieren und im Freiland (Türkei, Marokko).

Dissertation

368, [18] Bl. : Ill., graph. Darst.

Universität Innsbruck, Institut für Zoologie
Begutachter: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ellen Thaler-Kottek, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Reinhard Dallinger
Alpenzoo Innsbruck

Abstract:

The behaviour of the Bald Ibis or Waldrapp Ibis (Geronticus eremita L.) is described from observations in aviaries and in the field during the years 1984 - 1990. Proofs of former occurrence in Central Europe exist in some regions of Switzerland, Germany and Austria. No later than at the beginning of the 17th century the Waldrapp Inis disappeared from Central Europe. The morphological development is presented in detail, based on two hand raised birds. The development of social, aggressive and feeding behaviour is shown. Fright, curiosity and play behaviour are discussed. The fledglings keep close contact to their parents a long period after having left nest. Aggressive interactions lead to a rather stable hierarchy in the juvenile group. The situation in the wild and the reasons for the decline are discussed. Biotic and abiotic factors of the breeding areas are studied. I was interest in diet, feeding strategy and choice of feeding areas of Turkish and Moroccan birds. Another part of this thesis deals with the description of flight and flight formations. Daily and annual periodicities of the Alpenzoo stock and the wild populations are compared. Nesting criteria are analysed. The vocal inventory of nestlings and adults consist mainly of simple calls. The three main call- types of the adult birds are characterized by the chrup- (croop-)call of greeting ceremonies and threat behaviour varies individually and serves for individual recognition.

pegoraro-biblio