The Social Organization and Potential Mating Bonds Observed in a Captive Non-Breeding Flock of Caribbean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber)
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Authors
Lee, Jenica Joplin
Issue Date
2008
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The intriguing social behavior and stubborn breeding patterns of the friendly flamingo
has been a mystery that has been under investigation since the 1970's. Understanding
why captive flamingo flocks do not readily reproduce has been part of a wider
conservation concern for many years and has been a topic of concern for the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums. A self-sustaining captive flock is essential to reduce the number
of birds removed from natural wild flocks; thus the reproductive success of captive flocks
is vital to the health and livelihood of flocks in the wild. The social behaviors of a non-breeding
captive flock could exhibit dynamic differences then either a breeding or wild
flamingo flock. This study observes the social nature of a flamingo flock consisting of
sixteen individuals on exhibit at the Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach,
Florida. The information concentrates on the interactions, whether affiliated, aggressive
or non-specific towards nearby neighbors in addition to group displays, to gain an
understanding of the intraspecific behaviors being exhibited within this flock. This could
give clues to the dynamic differences of behavioral organization within a non-breeding
flock. There was special interest in the formation of trio-bonds, same sex bonds and same
sex trios in this flock of flamingos, which differs greatly from the standard pair-bonds
formed by most wild breeding flocks and the explanation for this type of interaction is
explored. Flamingo locations in the exhibit we also recorded for this flock of flamingos,
for future planning of the exhibit if offspring were to be produced. Information from this
study will hopefully benefit the assessment of enrichment needed to persuade this flock
of flamingos to breed in upcoming years.
Description
v, 28 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.