title: Local-foreign dialect discrimination and responses to mixed-dialect duets in the North Island kokako

authors: Bradley, David William

subjects: Callaeas wilson

abstract: Social discrimination based on geographic variation in territorial signals is taxonomically widespread—most studies have found stronger reactions to local than to foreign signals. In birds with male-only song, this discrimination is thought to result in social exclusion and has been suggested as a behavioral barrier to interpopulation genetic exchange. However, little information exists on duetting species in this context, and nothing is known of how “mixed-dialect” pairs are perceived, despite their confirmed occurrence. We addressed these deficiencies using a duetting, endangered Passerine, the kōkako (Callaeas wilsoni). We used reciprocal stereo playback experiments between 2 fragmented populations to present duets from local and foreign dialects (Experiment 1). Additionally, we assessed responses to mixed-dialect pairs by synthesizing duets, a novel technique, to determine which sex contributes the most salient duet components (Experiment 2). Territorial pairs vocally responded to local duets with less delay, and produced more song phrases with a lower diversity, than they did in response to playback of foreign duets. Pairs responded to mixed-dialect duets with equal overall strength regardless of the sex of the local component. Responses to mixed and pure local duets were qualitatively similar. From an evolutionary perspective, this suggests that mixed-dialect pairs can successfully defend territories without social penalties, improving the likelihood of cross-dialect gene flow. These findings have particular importance for conservation efforts like translocation, which often involve individuals from multiple, culturally distinct populations.

text: Local-foreign dialect discrimination and responses to mixed-dialect duets in the North Island kokako Social discrimination based on geographic variation in territorial signals is taxonomically widespread—most studies have found stronger reactions to local than to foreign signals. In birds with male-only song, this discrimination is thought to result in social exclusion and has been suggested as a behavioral barrier to interpopulation genetic exchange. However, little information exists on duetting species in this context, and nothing is known of how “mixed-dialect” pairs are perceived, despite their confirmed occurrence. We addressed these deficiencies using a duetting, endangered Passerine, the kōkako (Callaeas wilsoni). We used reciprocal stereo playback experiments between 2 fragmented populations to present duets from local and foreign dialects (Experiment 1). Additionally, we assessed responses to mixed-dialect pairs by synthesizing duets, a novel technique, to determine which sex contributes the most salient duet components (Experiment 2). Territorial pairs vocally responded to local duets with less delay, and produced more song phrases with a lower diversity, than they did in response to playback of foreign duets. Pairs responded to mixed-dialect duets with equal overall strength regardless of the sex of the local component. Responses to mixed and pure local duets were qualitatively similar. From an evolutionary perspective, this suggests that mixed-dialect pairs can successfully defend territories without social penalties, improving the likelihood of cross-dialect gene flow. These findings have particular importance for conservation efforts like translocation, which often involve individuals from multiple, culturally distinct populations.

year: 2013

title: Life-history of Lake Horowhenua common smelt: analysis of otolith chemistry and vertebral counts

authors: Tana, Raymond

subjects: Lake Horowhenua

abstract: Lake Horowhenua is a coastal eutrophic lake on the west coast of the North Island. A recent survey of the lake found lower than expected fish diversity but comparatively abundant native fish populations, comprising mostly shortfin and longfin eels (Anguilla australis and A. dieffenbachii). A weir on the outlet of the lake was ifentified as a potential barrier to fish migrations, reducing fish diversity and abundance in the lake. However, large numbers of common smelt (Retropinna retropinna) were collected during this survey, indicating that the population was eighter successfully reproducing in the lake or diadromous, i.e., migrating from the sea. Previous studies have shown that lacustrine common smelt can be distinguished from diadromous populations by differences in counts of vertebrae and gill rakers, and otolith microchemistry. Horizons Regional Council requested that an analysis of smelt otoliths and relevant morphological characteristics be performed to ascertain if the Lake Horowhenua population was diadromous.

text: Life-history of Lake Horowhenua common smelt: analysis of otolith chemistry and vertebral counts Lake Horowhenua is a coastal eutrophic lake on the west coast of the North Island. A recent survey of the lake found lower than expected fish diversity but comparatively abundant native fish populations, comprising mostly shortfin and longfin eels (Anguilla australis and A. dieffenbachii). A weir on the outlet of the lake was ifentified as a potential barrier to fish migrations, reducing fish diversity and abundance in the lake. However, large numbers of common smelt (Retropinna retropinna) were collected during this survey, indicating that the population was eighter successfully reproducing in the lake or diadromous, i.e., migrating from the sea. Previous studies have shown that lacustrine common smelt can be distinguished from diadromous populations by differences in counts of vertebrae and gill rakers, and otolith microchemistry. Horizons Regional Council requested that an analysis of smelt otoliths and relevant morphological characteristics be performed to ascertain if the Lake Horowhenua population was diadromous.

year: 2013

title: Hoea a mai tōu waka – Claiming spaces for Māori tamariki and rangatahi in cognitive behaviour therapy

authors: Cargo, Tania

subjects: Maori

abstract: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective therapeutic intervention for a variety of psychological difficulties for children and youth (Barrett, Healey-Farrell, March, 2004; Stulemeijer, de Jong, Fiselier, Hoogveld, Bleijenberg, 2005; Butler, Chapman, Forman & Beck, 2006). However there is very little literature on its utility with indigenous children or youth, most of the literature has tended to look at “minority” populations and has focused on psychological outcomes (Weersing & Weisz, 2002; McNeil, Capage, Bennett, 2002).

text: Hoea a mai tōu waka – Claiming spaces for Māori tamariki and rangatahi in cognitive behaviour therapy Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective therapeutic intervention for a variety of psychological difficulties for children and youth (Barrett, Healey-Farrell, March, 2004; Stulemeijer, de Jong, Fiselier, Hoogveld, Bleijenberg, 2005; Butler, Chapman, Forman & Beck, 2006). However there is very little literature on its utility with indigenous children or youth, most of the literature has tended to look at “minority” populations and has focused on psychological outcomes (Weersing & Weisz, 2002; McNeil, Capage, Bennett, 2002).

year: 2008