Female-Male and Female-Female Social Interactions of Captive Kept Capercaillie (Tetrao Urogallus) and Its Consequences in Planning Breeding Programs

摘要

The Capercaillie is one of the most endangered bird species in many European countries. To prevent further population decline, breeding centers where birds are bred and later released into the wild were established. However, in many Capercaillie breeding stations, reproductive success is limited due to low fertility and problems with incubation behavior by females. Reasons for these problems are usually multidimensional, including misunderstanding Capercaillie behavior in the breeding environment. Research was conducted in Capercaillie breeding centers where birds were monitored 24 h/day by cameras. We observed that females preferred to mate with males with a longer tooting activity, but when males became too insistent and started to chase the females, they avoided contact. Even when the density of females was only one bird per 132 m , nesting site competition occurred. In 67% of the nests, female intruder’s presence could be observed. Interactions between females were mainly antagonistic, and while none of the birds were harmed, this caused egg damage and nest abandonment. Nesting site competition in captive Capercaillie is high and may lead to antagonistic interaction between females, consequently lowering breeding success. Our research showed also that mate preference of males by females could be predicted by observing the male’s tooting activity.