Critically endangered species of birds present communication problems, National University of Australia (Photo: Breeding / Murray Chambers)
Species bird Anthoshera phragia Is classified as “Critically Endangered” by Environment, Energy and Science Group (EES) from the government of New South Wales, Australia. The specialty bird of the southeastern part of the country has been the subject of a recent study, according to which it is losing its “musical culture” due to declining population of the species.
Led by Ross Kratz of the National University of Australia, the investigation took place in places where there are still a fair number of Australian songwriters and in areas where they are rare. In areas most populated by these animals, men sing rich and complex songs. In the second scenario, the songs are considered simple or incorrect.
“The inability of threatened birds to know how to sing properly seriously affects their communication skills,” says Crate On a note. He also noted that the problem may contribute to further reduction in population. Anthoshera phragia. “It is known that a ‘sexy’ song increases the chances of breeding birds singing, because women avoid men who sing unusual songs”, he explains.
The study was published in the journal on Wednesday (17) Proceedings of the Royal Society BIt is estimated that about 12% of Australian birds sing songs of other species. “This lack of ability to communicate with species is unprecedented in wild animals”, says researcher Dejan Stojanovic. He says that it is now possible to accept birds Anthoshera phragia They are so rare that some young men will not find an older man to teach them to sing properly.
In addition, researchers found that birds born in captivity sing songs that are completely different from those that live in freedom. This divergence makes captive birds less attractive and has less reproductive success when released into the wild. “For this reason, we have developed, from audio recordings, a new strategy to teach young captive birds to sing similar to wild ones”, says Crate.
The team at the National University of Australia believes the study’s findings are important for the conservation of this species. “The loss of music culture is a clear indication that the bird Anthoshera phragia Are on the verge of extinction. “And we still need to learn a lot about how to help them,” he concludes.
