Present Study

A research project, based at Macquarie University in Sydney, was initiated in March 2002. It focuses on the role of learning in the behavioural development of megapodes, using the Australian Brush-turkey as a model species. These birds are exceptional in that they have no chance to learn from their parents, and this raises many questions, for example how they recognise conspecifics. This project is aimed at revealing the mechanisms that form the basis for a megapode chick’s perception of its environment. It also focuses on the role of learning in the development of social behaviour.

First results have been published recently (see "publications"). Please click on the following links to view how journalists have reported about this work:

In "Nature"

In "Science online", or the print version of "Science"

In the "Journal of Experimental Biology"

In "ABC online" (click here for pdf)

In April 2005, the robot turkeys used in these studies on species recognition have also been featured in the ABC TV show "Catalyst". Click here to view the ABC webpage that contains the transcript for this TV production.

In addition, the project concentrates on revealing the effects of different incubation temperatures on the sex and behaviour of Brush-turkey chicks. Interestingly, more females hatch, when eggs are incubated at higher temperatures, and more males hatch at lower temperatures. This is the first time such an effect of incubation temperature on sex ratios has been reported for any birds! Click here to download the publication, and view the following links to see how the press has reported about this result:

In the "New Scientist Magazine"

In "ABC online"

Ann Göth also works closely together with wildlife managers from the New South Wales National Parks organisation. The aim of this project is to find strategies for dealing with Brush-turkeys in suburban areas, where these birds increasingly move into peoples' backyards and - with their intensive raking activity in the breeding season - frequently destroy whole gardens. Please click here to view a more detailed description of this project.

A PhD study, from 1998 to 2001, concentrated on the development of Australian Brush-turkey chicks both in captivity and in the wild (Title: "Survival, habitat selectivity and behavioural development in the Australian Brush-turkey"). Field research included radio-tracking and measurements of ecological parameters important for the survival of the birds (habitat selectivity, dispersal parameters, survival estimates). Laboratory work consisted of controlled experiments on the behavioural ecology and development of the animals. Please follow the link to the left to view the publications that arose from this work.

 

A Brush-turkey chick that has just reached the surface of the incubation mound after digging itself through 60 cm of soil.

Text and Photos: Ann Göth; Design: Uwe Vogel
Last updated July 2005