Husbandry Guidelines for Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides (Aves: Podargidae) Joshua Snow (335286791) 23/02/2008 Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond Captive Animals Certificate III – RUV30204 Lecturer: Graeme Phipps, Jacki Salkeld, Brad Walker DISCLAIMER The following document contains guidelines, for the care of Tawny Frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) in captivity based on scientific research of wild animals and experience of captive husbandry. The author of the following guidelines and cannot be, and are not, legally, financially or in any other way, responsible for the application of techniques described within this document. When undertaking any procedures or techniques outlined in this document, it is up to individual workers to assess the unique circumstances of their situation, apply common sense, and subsequently apply any procedures or techniques at their own risk. In all cases, the reader of this document are cautioned not to use this handbook as an exact step-by-step guide, but rather as a starting reference point for further work. 2 | Page OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS In captivity the Tawny Frogmouth is generally a very placid bird and can be categorised as Low Risk\Innocuous. However in certain circumstances they may become unafraid of humans and even aggressive at feeding times, swooping at and attempting to bite a keepers head. The beak of a Tawny Frogmouth is broad and has quite a powerful bite. Furthermore the tip of the beak curves down to a sharp point which could break the skin if one is bitten. The greatest danger would be if an aggressive bird were to attack the face of a keeper. This could result in eye damage however it is very rare for a Tawny Frogmouth to display such extreme aggressive behaviour. Many Tawny Frogmouths in captivity require hand feeding. This is due to the fact that Tawny Frogmouths in the wild often use their camouflage and sit still waiting for food to come to them. However in some instances they can be seen hunting flying insects that have been attracted by artificial light sources. The necessity of hand feeding can present risks to the feeder especially if the bird displays aggressive behaviour. Precautions can be taken such as the wearing of leather gloves to prevent a miss directed bite from injuring the keeper. For more aggressive Tawny Frogmouth individuals which fly at the keeper, conditioning can be employed. Such techniques can be as simple as gently picking up the bird off the ground after it has swooped and placing it back on the perch before feeding. In this way after a short period of time the bird will learn that feeding will only take place when it is sitting on its perch. 3 | Page TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................................. 9 1.1 ASMP CATEGORY .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 1.2 IUCN CATEGORY ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9 1.3 EA CATEGORY ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 1.4 NZ AND PNG CATEGORIES AND LEGISLATION ............................................................................................................................ 9 1.5 WILD POPULATION MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................................................................. 9 1.6 SPECIES COORDINATOR ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 1.7 STUDBOOK HOLDER ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9 2 TAXONOMY................................................................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 NOMENCLATURE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 10 2.2 SUBSPECIES ................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 2.3 RECENT SYNONYMS .................................................................................................................................................................... 10 2.4 OTHER COMMON NAMES............................................................................................................................................................ 10 3 NATURAL HISTORY .................................................................................................................................................... 12 3.1 MORPHOMETRICS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13 3.1.1 Mass and Basic Body Measurements ....................................................................................................................................... 13 3.1.2 Sexual Dimorphism ........................................................................................................................................................................... 14 3.1.3 Distinguishing Features .................................................................................................................................................................. 14 3.2 DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT .................................................................................................................................................... 15 3.3 CONSERVATION STATUS ............................................................................................................................................................. 16 3.4 LONGEVITY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 3.4.1 In the Wild ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 3.4.2 In Captivity ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 16 3.4.3 Techniques Used to Determine Age in Adults ...................................................................................................................... 17 4 HOUSING REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................................................... 18 4.1 EXHIBIT/ENCLOSURE DESIGN ................................................................................................................................................... 18 4 | Page 4.2 HOLDING AREA DESIGN ............................................................................................................................................................. 19 4.3 SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................................................... 19 4.4 POSITION OF ENCLOSURES ......................................................................................................................................................... 19 4.5 WEATHER PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................................................. 20 4.6 TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................................ 21 4.7 SUBSTRATE .................................................................................................................................................................................. 22 4.8 NEST BOXES AND/OR BEDDING MATERIAL .............................................................................................................................. 22 4.9 ENCLOSURE FURNISHINGS.......................................................................................................................................................... 22 5 GENERAL HUSBANDRY .............................................................................................................................................. 24 5.1 HYGIENE AND CLEANING ............................................................................................................................................................ 24 5.2 RECORD KEEPING ....................................................................................................................................................................... 24 5.3 METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION