We investigated the phylogeography and subspecies classification of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) by assessing patterns of variation in mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA-CR) sequence and across fourteen nuclear microsatellite loci. The current consensus taxonomy of S. camelus names five subspecies based on morphology, geographic range, mtDNA restriction fragment length polymorphism and mtDNA-CR sequence analysis: S. c. camelus, S. c. syriacus, S. c. molybdephanes, S. c. massaicus and S. c. australis. We expanded a previous mtDNA dataset from 18 individual mtDNA-CR sequences to 123 sequences, including sequences from all five subspecies. Importantly, these additional sequences included 43 novel sequences of the red-necked ostrich, S. c. camelus, obtained from birds from Niger. Phylogeographic reconstruction of these sequences matches previous results, with three well-supported clades containing S. c. camelus/syriacus, S. c. molybdophanes, and S. c. massaicus/australis, respectively. The 14 microsatellite loci assessed for 119 individuals of four subspecies (all but S. c. syriacus) showed considerable variation, with an average of 13.4 (±2.0) alleles per locus and a mean observed heterozygosity of 55.7 (±5.3)%. These data revealed high levels of variation within most subspecies, and a structure analysis revealed strong separation between each of the four subspecies. The level of divergence across both marker types suggests the consideration of separate species status for S. c. molybdophanes, and perhaps also for S. c. camelus/syriacus. Both the mtDNA-CR and microsatellite analyzes also suggest that there has been no recent hybridization between the subspecies. These findings are of importance for management of the highly endangered red-necked subspecies (S. c. camelus) and may warrant its placement onto the IUCN red list of threatened animals.

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) is a popular avian resident of zoos and wild animal parks throughout North America and Europe. As this species' numbers continue to decline throughout its native African range, the need for its successful captive management becomes increasingly apparent. To this end, an understanding of the factors causing morbidity and mortality in the captive kori bustard population is critical. Here, the demographics, husbandry practices, and causes of morbidity and mortality of 94% of captive kori bustards (198 individuals) housed in zoos throughout the United States between 1988 and 2008 are described, and suggestions for captive management targets in this species are presented. The most common clinical and pathologic findings observed were lameness (48 cases), gastrointestinal parasitism (45 cases), and wing integumentary trauma (32 cases). Trauma was a very common cause of morbidity (135 cases) and was the most common cause of mortality (53 individuals, 40% of deceased animals). Considering the high prevalence of traumatic injury and death observed in this population, captive management of kori bustards should focus on developing strategies that minimize opportunity for injury. Priorities include preventing exposure to potentially hostile exhibit mates, decreasing stress associated with human interactions, and researching the effects of diet on skeletal development of young birds.

The kori bustard {Ardeotis kori), a large ground-dwelling bird found in southern and eastern Africa, is declining throughout its entire range. We present an ethogram of the kori bustard in which we describe 63 individual behaviors. These behaviors are grouped into ten categories: resting, comfort/maintenance, locomotion, ingestive/excretory, antagonistic, inter-specific response, sexual, maternal, vocalizations and miscellaneous. The precise descriptions of kori bustard behaviors presented here provide a standard that can be used for systematic and quantitative study of kori bustard behavior, both in the wild and in captivity. A greater understanding of kori bustard behavior can help improve breeding success of captive birds and aid future conservation efforts.

No abstract