DNA sexing of weka (Gallirallus australis)

Dale, Arnja; Robertson, Bruce C.

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Date
2006
Citation:
Dale, A., and Robertson, B. (2006). DNA sexing of weka (Gallirallus australis). Nortonis. 53 : 375-381.
Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/2273
Abstract
Sexing morphometric birds is problematic, yet it is necessary for the conservation management of many such species, including the endangered weka (Gallirallus australis), a large fl ightless rail endemic to New Zealand. Weka are visually monomorphic and until now have only been sexed using behavioural and morphometric techniques (Beauchamp et al. 1999). Behavioural sexing is complicated as both male and female weka share the responsibility of nest building, egg incubation, and chick rearing. Likewise polygamy has been reported in weka (Guthrie-Smith 1914; Beauchamp 1986) as have same sex pair bonding in captivity (D. Emmerson, pers. comm.) and also in wild populations (A.J. Beauchamp, pers. comm.) ...
Keywords:
sexing, morphometric birds, New Zealand, conservation management, birds, weka (Gallirallus australis)
ANZSRC Field of Research:
050211 Wildlife and Habitat Management
Copyright Holder:
© The Ornithological Society of New Zealand, Inc.
Available Online at:
http://osnz.org.nz/
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