Research Commons
      • Browse 
        • Communities & Collections
        • Titles
        • Authors
        • By Issue Date
        • Subjects
        • Types
        • Series
      • Help 
        • About
        • Collection Policy
        • OA Mandate Guidelines
        • Guidelines FAQ
        • Contact Us
      • My Account 
        • Sign In
        • Register
      View Item 
      •   Research Commons
      • University of Waikato Theses
      • Masters Degree Theses
      • View Item
      •   Research Commons
      • University of Waikato Theses
      • Masters Degree Theses
      • View Item
      JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

      Behaviour of Captive North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli)

      Davison, Katie Patricia Mary
      Thumbnail
      Files
      thesis.pdf
      2.574Mb
      Appendices.pdf
      Supplementary material, 2.289Mb
      Citation
      Export citation
      Davison, K. P. M. (2015). Behaviour of Captive North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) (Thesis, Master of Science (Research) (MSc(Research))). University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10289/9496
      Permanent Research Commons link: https://hdl.handle.net/10289/9496
      Abstract
      The behaviour of captive North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) in nocturnal displays and how different aspects of their enclosure and management might affect their behaviour has been studied. The most common behaviours expressed by all kiwi was feeding and sleeping/resting behaviour. Kiwi behaviour was compared from observational data collected at four kiwi facilities in New Zealand; identified as Kiwi House A, Kiwi House B, Kiwi House C and Kiwi House D. Kiwi husbandry (hutches and enrichment) and enclosure design (naturalistic and complex characteristics, size and lighting) varied between facilities. There is evidence to suggest that kiwi husbandry and enclosure design may have had an effect on the behaviour of the kiwi, as well as the kiwi viewing experience for the public. Disturbance sources (visitor-generated noise, visitor proximity, keeper disturbance and environmental disturbance) were observed to elicit abnormal behaviours (pacing, startle response) among the kiwi at Kiwi House A, Kiwi House B, and Kiwi House D. Results suggest abnormal behaviours can be minimised among the captive kiwi population by eliminating or reducing disturbance sources. The soundproofing qualities of the enclosure viewing windows at each facility were tested; the viewing window at Kiwi House C was the most effective in reducing sound. Kiwi House C also had the most soundproof enclosures due to the insulation material (Bondor Panel) used throughout the structure of the building. This research has resulted in more detailed information of captive kiwi and enclosures, as little information was available on the behaviour of captive kiwi. Furthermore, this research can provide reasoning for normal and abnormal behaviour demonstrated by the kiwi as well as give recommendations on how management of captive kiwi, enclosure design and structure might be improved in the future.
      Date
      2015
      Type
      Thesis
      Degree Name
      Master of Science (Research) (MSc(Research))
      Supervisors
      King, Carolyn M.
      Publisher
      University of Waikato
      Rights
      All items in Research Commons are provided for private study and research purposes and are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.
      Collections
      • Masters Degree Theses [2381]
      Show full item record  

      Usage

      Downloads, last 12 months
      75
       
       

      Usage Statistics

      For this itemFor all of Research Commons

      The University of Waikato - Te Whare Wānanga o WaikatoFeedback and RequestsCopyright and Legal Statement