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The South Island takahē is scientifically classified as *Porphyrio hochstetteri* and is the largest living member of the rail family.
Answer: True
The South Island takahē, scientifically designated as *Porphyrio hochstetteri*, is indeed the largest extant species within the rail family (Rallidae).
Adolf Bernhard Meyer proposed that the South Island takahē specimen in Dresden was identical to the North Island species.
Answer: False
Adolf Bernhard Meyer examined a South Island takahē specimen and concluded that its significant skeletal differences warranted classification as a distinct species, separate from the North Island form.
Genetic studies have confirmed that the North Island and South Island takahē are distinct species within the genus *Porphyrio*.
Answer: True
Subsequent genetic analyses have substantiated the distinction between the North Island and South Island takahē, confirming their status as separate species within the genus *Porphyrio*.
A 2024 genetic analysis suggested the North Island and South Island takahē evolved from entirely different ancestral colonizers of New Zealand.
Answer: False
A 2024 genetic analysis indicated that the North Island and South Island takahē are each other's closest relatives, likely descending from a single ancestral colonizer, with their divergence estimated between 4 and 1.5 million years ago.
The South Island takahē belongs to the Order Gruiformes and the Family Rallidae.
Answer: True
The scientific classification places the South Island takahē within the Order Gruiformes and the Family Rallidae.
The genus name *Porphyrio* is derived from a Greek word meaning 'purple', referencing the bird's plumage.
Answer: True
The genus name *Porphyrio* originates from the Greek term 'porphyreos', meaning purple, likely alluding to the iridescent purple hues found in the plumage of species within this genus.
What is the scientific name of the South Island takahē, and what family does it belong to?
Answer: Porphyrio hochstetteri, Family Rallidae
The South Island takahē is scientifically classified as *Porphyrio hochstetteri* and belongs to the Family Rallidae.
Adolf Bernhard Meyer classified the South Island takahē as a separate species based on:
Answer: Significant skeletal differences from the North Island specimen
Adolf Bernhard Meyer's examination of a specimen revealed significant skeletal differences between the North Island and South Island takahē, leading him to classify the South Island form as a distinct species.
Recent genetic studies have placed the takahē species within which genus?
Answer: Porphyrio
Contemporary genetic research has reclassified the takahē species within the genus *Porphyrio*, reflecting their evolutionary relationships.
According to a 2024 genetic analysis, when is the estimated split between the North Island and South Island takahē species likely to have occurred?
Answer: Between 4 and 1.5 million years ago
A genetic analysis published in 2024 suggests that the divergence between the North Island and South Island takahē species occurred approximately between 4 and 1.5 million years ago.
The name 'takahē' is derived from the Māori verb 'takahi', which means 'to fly swiftly'.
Answer: False
The Māori name 'takahē' originates from the verb 'takahi', which signifies 'to stamp' or 'to trample', rather than 'to fly swiftly'.
The South Island takahē is a large, flightless bird with short legs, a massive bill, and wings sometimes used for climbing.
Answer: True
The South Island takahē is characterized by its large, flightless stature, short, robust legs, a substantial bill, and wings that are occasionally employed for aiding ascent on slopes.
Adult South Island takahē have iridescent dark blue plumage, a scarlet frontal shield, carmine beaks, and scarlet legs.
Answer: True
The adult plumage of the South Island takahē is predominantly iridescent dark blue, complemented by a striking scarlet frontal shield, a carmine-colored beak, and scarlet legs.
Juvenile takahē are born with bright blue down and develop red legs as they mature.
Answer: False
Juvenile takahē chicks are born with black down, not bright blue. Their legs are initially brown, and their bills are dark, gradually turning red as they mature.
The South Island takahē's contact call is a loud 'clowp' sound, easily distinguishable from the weka's call.
Answer: False
While the takahē produces a loud 'clowp' call, its resonant contact call is described as being confusable with the call of the weka, meaning it is not easily distinguishable.
The South Island takahē primarily inhabits alpine grasslands and feeds on grasses, shoots, and insects.
Answer: True
The typical habitat for the South Island takahē consists of alpine grasslands, where its diet comprises grasses, shoots, and insects.
There is no recorded instance of a South Island takahē exhibiting predatory behavior towards other birds.
Answer: False
Contrary to the statement, there is at least one recorded instance of a South Island takahē feeding on a paradise duckling, indicating the species can exhibit predatory behavior.
South Island takahē are typically monogamous, build nests under bushes, and lay one to three buff-colored eggs.
Answer: True
The breeding behavior of the South Island takahē involves monogamous pairs constructing nests under dense vegetation and typically laying one to three buff-colored eggs.
The South Island takahē uses its wings primarily for sustained flight over long distances.
Answer: False
Although possessing wings, the South Island takahē is flightless; these wings are occasionally utilized as aids for climbing steep terrain rather than for flight.
The pūkeko is a species that arrived in New Zealand from Australia only a few hundred years ago, after the takahē had already established.
Answer: True
The pūkeko, a close relative of the takahē, is known to have arrived in New Zealand from Australia relatively recently, subsequent to the establishment of the takahē populations.
The South Island takahē's primary food source consists of the soft lower parts of tussock grass stalks like *Chionochloa*.
Answer: True
The diet of the South Island takahē predominantly includes the tender basal portions of alpine tussock grasses, such as those found in *Chionochloa* species.
Which physical characteristic is NOT typical of the adult South Island takahē?
Answer: Long, slender beak
Adult South Island takahē are characterized by iridescent dark blue plumage, a scarlet frontal shield, and short, strong legs. They possess a massive bill, not a long, slender one.
What are the distinctive colors of the adult South Island takahē's legs and beak?
Answer: Legs are scarlet, beak is carmine
Adult South Island takahē exhibit scarlet legs and a carmine-colored beak, which contrasts with their predominantly dark blue and iridescent plumage.
How do juvenile takahē chicks differ significantly in appearance from adults?
Answer: They are covered in black down with dark legs and bills.
Juvenile takahē chicks are distinguished by their covering of black down, dark legs, and dark bills, contrasting with the vibrant plumage, scarlet legs, and carmine bill of the adults.
Which of the following is a known vocalization of the South Island takahē?
Answer: A loud 'clowp' call
The South Island takahē is known to produce a loud 'clowp' call, among other vocalizations such as a 'womph' and a resonant deep contact call.
What is the typical habitat of the South Island takahē?
Answer: Alpine grasslands
The South Island takahē primarily inhabits alpine grasslands, which provide suitable foraging grounds and environmental conditions for the species.
The observation of a takahē feeding on a paradise duckling suggests:
Answer: The species can exhibit predatory behavior, though it's not common.
The observation of a takahē consuming a duckling indicates that, while primarily herbivorous, the species is capable of predatory behavior, a trait also noted in its relative, the pūkeko.
What is the typical clutch size for the South Island takahē?
Answer: 1-3 eggs
The typical clutch size for the South Island takahē consists of one to three buff-colored eggs.
The South Island takahē is related to which other bird species commonly found in New Zealand?
Answer: Pūkeko
The South Island takahē is closely related to the Australasian swamphen, which is commonly known in New Zealand as the pūkeko.
Extensive hunting by both Māori and early European settlers, along with habitat loss, contributed to the decline of the takahē population.
Answer: True
Historical records indicate that significant population decline was driven by factors including over-hunting by both indigenous peoples and European settlers, coupled with substantial habitat loss.
The South Island takahē was first scientifically described in 1850 based on a living specimen captured by sealers.
Answer: False
The initial scientific description occurred in 1847 based on fossil evidence. While a living specimen was captured in 1850, confirming the species was not extinct, this was not the first scientific description.
Geoffrey Orbell rediscovered living South Island takahē in 1948 in an isolated valley within the Murchison Mountains.
Answer: True
The rediscovery of living South Island takahē in 1948, a pivotal moment for the species' conservation, is credited to Geoffrey Orbell, who found them in a remote valley in the Murchison Mountains.
Factors contributing to the takahē's near extinction include habitat loss, introduced predators, and competition from red deer.
Answer: True
The severe decline of the takahē population is attributed to a confluence of factors, including habitat degradation, predation by introduced species, and competition for resources with introduced red deer.
Climate change and Polynesian settlement are not believed to have impacted the takahē population before European arrival.
Answer: False
It is postulated that climate changes in the post-glacial era modified the takahē's habitat, and Polynesian settlement, including hunting and the introduction of predators, also contributed to population decline prior to European arrival.
After 1898, no authenticated specimens of the South Island takahē were found, leading to its consideration extinct despite possible sightings.
Answer: True
Following the last authenticated specimen collection in 1898, the species was widely considered extinct due to the lack of further evidence, despite anecdotal reports of sightings.
The rediscovery of the South Island takahē in 1948 proved that the species was extinct, leading to increased conservation efforts.
Answer: False
The rediscovery of the South Island takahē in 1948 was significant precisely because it proved the species was *not* extinct, thereby galvanizing conservation efforts.
Which factors significantly contributed to the decline of the takahē population historically?
Answer: Over-hunting by humans and introduced predators, plus habitat loss
The historical decline of the takahē population was primarily driven by extensive over-hunting by both indigenous and European peoples, coupled with significant habitat loss and the impact of introduced predators.
When was the South Island takahē first scientifically described by Europeans, and what was the initial basis for this description?
Answer: 1847, based on fossil bones discovered in South Taranaki
The initial scientific description of the South Island takahē by Europeans occurred in 1847, utilizing fossil bones discovered in South Taranaki as the basis for classification.
Who is credited with the rediscovery of living South Island takahē in the 20th century?
Answer: Geoffrey Orbell
The rediscovery of living South Island takahē in 1948 is credited to Geoffrey Orbell, a significant event that confirmed the species' survival.
What role did climate change play in the takahē's decline before European arrival?
Answer: It modified alpine grassland zones suitable for the species.
Pre-European climate changes are theorized to have altered the alpine grassland zones, which are the primary habitat for the takahē, thereby contributing to a decline in the species' population.
As of 2016, the South Island takahē's conservation status was upgraded from Nationally Vulnerable to Nationally Critical.
Answer: False
In 2016, the conservation status was actually downgraded from Nationally Critical to Nationally Vulnerable, reflecting a positive trend in conservation efforts and population stabilization.
The current population of South Island takahē is estimated to be around 500 individuals, with an annual growth rate of approximately 8 percent.
Answer: True
Current estimates from 2023 place the South Island takahē population at approximately 500 individuals, exhibiting a notable annual growth rate of around 8 percent.
Several takahē have been accidentally killed by hunters mistaking them for pūkeko, particularly in culling operations.
Answer: True
Incidents have occurred where hunters, engaged in culling operations for pūkeko, have accidentally killed takahē due to misidentification.
An original long-term goal for the takahē recovery program was to establish a self-sustaining population exceeding 1000 individuals.
Answer: False
An original long-term objective for the takahē recovery program was to establish a self-sustaining population of approximately 500 individuals, not exceeding 1000.
The South Island takahē population has shown a positive trend, increasing significantly between 2013 and 2023.
Answer: True
The population of the South Island takahē has demonstrated a positive trend, exhibiting significant increases between 2013 and 2023.
The 'K-selected' nature of the takahē, characterized by slow reproduction and long maturation, makes it resilient to inbreeding depression.
Answer: False
The 'K-selected' life history traits of the takahē, including slow reproduction and long maturation, combined with a drastically reduced range, actually make the species highly vulnerable to inbreeding depression, not resilient.
The downgrade of the takahē's conservation status in 2016 from Nationally Critical to Nationally Vulnerable signifies a worsening population trend.
Answer: False
A downgrade in conservation status from Nationally Critical to Nationally Vulnerable, as occurred in 2016, signifies an improvement in the species' status and a positive trend, indicating population stabilization or recovery.
Inbreeding depression is a minor concern for the takahē due to its rapid reproduction rate.
Answer: False
Inbreeding depression is a significant concern for the takahē, primarily due to its 'K-selected' life history traits, which include slow reproduction and long maturation periods, making it vulnerable rather than resilient.
In what year was the South Island takahē's conservation status downgraded from Nationally Critical to Nationally Vulnerable?
Answer: 2016
In 2016, the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) downgraded the conservation status of the South Island takahē from Nationally Critical to Nationally Vulnerable.
What is the estimated current population of South Island takahē as of 2023?
Answer: Around 500 individuals
As of 2023, the estimated population size for the South Island takahē is approximately 500 individuals.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor contributing to the takahē's endangerment?
Answer: Habitat fragmentation due to urban development
While factors such as competition from red deer, predation by stoats, and inbreeding depression have contributed to the takahē's endangerment, habitat fragmentation due to urban development is not explicitly listed as a primary cause in the provided source material.
What percentage of the total population was lost in the 2015 incident where hunters accidentally killed takahē?
Answer: Approximately 5%
In 2015, an incident involving hunters mistakenly killing takahē resulted in the loss of four individuals, which represented approximately 5% of the total population at that time.
What was the target population size for a self-sustaining South Island takahē population?
Answer: 500 individuals
An original long-term objective for the takahē recovery program was to achieve a self-sustaining population size of at least 500 individuals.
How did the takahē population trend between 2013 and 2017?
Answer: Increased from 263 to 347
Between 2013 and 2017, the South Island takahē population demonstrated a positive trend, increasing from approximately 263 individuals to 347 individuals.
What does the 'K-selected' characteristic imply about the takahē's life history?
Answer: Slow reproduction, long maturation, and long lifespan
A 'K-selected' life history strategy, as observed in the takahē, implies traits such as slow reproduction, a long maturation period, and a long lifespan, which contrasts with 'r-selected' species characterized by rapid reproduction.
Which of the following is a primary threat to the South Island takahē in its natural habitat?
Answer: Competition with introduced red deer
Competition with introduced red deer for food resources is identified as a primary threat to the South Island takahē within its natural alpine grassland habitat.
The South Island takahē is currently found only in its original rediscovery location in the Murchison Mountains.
Answer: False
While the Murchison Mountains remain a key location, small populations of South Island takahē have also been successfully translocated to several predator-free offshore islands.
Deer control measures, such as hunting by helicopter, have been implemented in Fiordland National Park to improve takahē habitat.
Answer: True
To mitigate the negative impact of red deer competition on takahē habitat, Fiordland National Park has employed deer control measures, including aerial hunting, facilitating vegetation recovery.
Following the takahē's rediscovery, conservationists universally agreed that captive breeding and relocation were the only viable options.
Answer: False
There was considerable debate among conservationists post-rediscovery; not all agreed universally on captive breeding and relocation, with some advocating for minimal intervention.
The Burwood Takahē Breeding Centre used hand-held puppets playing adult calls to prevent human imprinting on chicks.
Answer: True
At the Burwood Takahē Breeding Centre, hand-held puppets emitting adult calls were employed as a technique to prevent chicks from imprinting on human caregivers.
Translocating takahē to predator-free islands is a strategy primarily aimed at increasing tourism revenue.
Answer: False
The primary objective of translocating takahē to predator-free islands is to provide secure habitats for population recovery and growth, not to generate tourism revenue.
The current island metapopulation strategy faces challenges due to islands potentially reaching carrying capacity, risking reduced growth and inbreeding.
Answer: True
The successful establishment of takahē on islands presents a challenge as these populations may approach carrying capacity, potentially leading to diminished growth rates and increased risks of inbreeding.
Human intervention, such as removing infertile eggs and captive rearing, has been necessary due to the takahē's naturally high breeding success rate.
Answer: False
Human intervention, including captive rearing and nest management, is necessary because the takahē exhibits a naturally low wild breeding success rate, not a high one.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages the Takahē Recovery Programme, focusing on island populations and captive breeding.
Answer: True
The New Zealand Department of Conservation oversees the Takahē Recovery Programme, with key strategies including the management of island populations and the operation of captive breeding initiatives.
Fibreglass replicas and puppets were used in breeding programs to encourage chicks to imprint on human caregivers.
Answer: False
Fibreglass replicas and puppets were utilized in breeding programs not to encourage imprinting on humans, but specifically to prevent it, ensuring the chicks would develop appropriate social behaviors for integration into wild or sanctuary populations.
Managed takahē populations, with interventions like captive rearing, show lower reproductive output compared to unmanaged populations.
Answer: False
Managed takahē populations, benefiting from interventions such as captive rearing, demonstrate higher reproductive output than their unmanaged counterparts.
The takahē population on offshore islands is reported to be below carrying capacity, allowing for continued population growth.
Answer: False
Current reports indicate that the takahē population on offshore islands is approaching or has reached its carrying capacity, which may impede continued growth and introduce other challenges.
The Takahē Recovery Programme aims to ensure the species' long-term survival through various management strategies.
Answer: True
The overarching objective of the Takahē Recovery Programme is to secure the long-term viability of the species through comprehensive management interventions.
Besides its rediscovery location, where else have small populations of South Island takahē been successfully translocated?
Answer: To predator-free offshore islands
Following their rediscovery, South Island takahē populations have been successfully translocated to several predator-free offshore islands, providing crucial safe havens for the species.
Conservation measures in Fiordland National Park have focused on controlling which introduced species to improve takahē habitat?
Answer: Red deer
Conservation efforts in Fiordland National Park have specifically targeted the control of introduced red deer, as their competition for food resources significantly impacted the takahē's habitat and survival.
What was the debate among conservationists regarding takahē conservation after their rediscovery?
Answer: Whether to intervene minimally or pursue captive breeding and relocation
Following the rediscovery of the takahē, a significant debate emerged among conservationists concerning the appropriate approach: some advocated for minimal intervention, while others argued for active measures such as captive breeding and translocation to ensure the species' survival.
Why were hand-held puppets and fibreglass replicas used at the Burwood Takahē Breeding Centre?
Answer: To prevent chicks from imprinting on humans
Hand-held puppets and fibreglass replicas were employed at the Burwood Takahē Breeding Centre to prevent the young chicks from imprinting on human caregivers, a crucial step for their eventual integration into wild or sanctuary environments.
What challenge does the current success of translocating takahē to islands present?
Answer: The islands are becoming overpopulated, potentially reaching carrying capacity.
The successful translocation of takahē to predator-free islands has led to a challenge where these populations may be approaching or have reached their carrying capacity, potentially impacting future growth and increasing the risk of inbreeding.
Human intervention like captive rearing is necessary for takahē because:
Answer: Wild breeding success rates are naturally low.
Captive rearing and other forms of human intervention are necessary for the takahē due to their naturally low success rate in wild breeding, making these measures crucial for boosting population numbers.
What is the primary goal of the Takahē Recovery Programme?
Answer: To establish a large, self-sustaining population of takahē
The primary objective of the Takahē Recovery Programme is to ensure the long-term viability of the species by establishing a large, self-sustaining population through various management strategies.