Endangered Plains Wanderer Chicks Hatch at TWPZ

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 5, 2021 3:00 pm

A plains wanderer chick at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo has celebrated another success for the plains wanderer breeding program with four chicks hatching in two clutches during early December 2020.

“2020 was a really successful year for our Plains-wanderer conservation breeding program with four successful clutches hatching a total of 10 chicks for the year,” said Plains-wanderer keeper Stephanie Sim.

“The chicks that hatched in December are the second generation to be born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with the mothers of both clutches hatching here in Dubbo just last year in March 2020,” added Stephanie.

Plains wanderers can breed year round as long as conditions are favorable. Breeding tends to peak during spring and summer. On average 2-4 chicks are hatched per clutch. It takes just two months for the chicks to become independent of their parents.

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“Plains-wanderer are a naturally timid species and initiate a freeze response at any sign of disturbance so we monitor the rearing of the chicks via CCTV,” said Stephanie. “

We have been really happy with the growth and development of all four chicks to date, both dads are doing a great job raising and caring for their chicks.”

Once these chicks are fully grown they will be paired with other unrelated birds at Taronga Western Plains Zoo where they will breed.

“We are hopeful that the breeding success in 2020 will continue this year and grow the insurance population for this critically endangered species here in Dubbo”

A plains wanderer chick at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

As few as 500 Plains wanderers are thought to remain in the wild. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is working in partnership with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) Saving Our Species program, Taronga Zoo, Zoos Victoria, Zoos South Australia and Featherdale Wildlife Park on projects to save the species.

This includes establishing and maintaining an insurance population against extinction in the captivity and supporting the species in the wild.

The breeding project forms part of the National Recovery Plan for the species to establish a sustainable population to support the reintroduction of wild populations.

At Taronga Western Plains Zoo the plains wanderer is bred in 30 purpose built aviaries which are located in their 110 hectare sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation of native species.