KORI BUSTARD SSP 3 YEAR ACTION PLAN (2006, 2007, 2008)

 
1) COMMUNICATION & FUNDRAISING

• Finalize web page as the primary source for dissemination of information regarding kori bustard husbandry, conservation and educational programs.
• Continue fund raising efforts.

2) POPULATION MANAGEMENT

• Increase target size to 100 birds. Continue efforts to breed founders.
• Increase number of institutions participating in the SSP so that target size can be reached.
• Send genetically surplus stock to facilities already identified overseas.

3) CAPTIVE STUDIES & HUSBANDRY GOALS

• Identify factors necessary to get additional birds breeding. Complete hormonal research studies and publish results.
• Complete Veterinary section of husbandry manual. 
• Document growth and development of chicks (through weight gains, photographs, and plumage changes).
• Continue to document adult (primarily male) seasonal weight changes in five institutions: National Zoo, Dallas Zoo, and Birmingham Zoo (need two other institutions to participate in the study). Expand weighing study to include monthly weights of chicks from birth through three years.
• Refine adult diet as well as chick rearing diet to that more appropriate of an omnivorous bird.
• Continue sending naturally molted feathers to J. McLain for distribution to fly tiers to minimize harvesting of feathers from wild birds.

4) FIELD STUDIES

• Support field work and research where needed (e.g. Botswana, Namibia, East Africa).

5) EDUCATION

• Identify areas of kori bustards to highlight (e.g. research, unique characteristics, natural history, economic challenges, etc.)
• Develop and distribute kori bustard education packets to all institutions housing koris to include biofacts, photos, sample research equipment, etc.
• Develop content that could be used for signage at those institutions housing koris.
• Develop both formal and informal educational talks for use at exhibits.
• Consolidate and distribute all research data to zoos including ways to adapt the data for educational purposes.
• Promote and support in-situ and field education and training regarding the kori bustard and its habitat.
• Train any institutions and educational staff interested in developing kori educational program(s).

Kori Bustard SSP Management Group

                Sara Hallager, Coordinator
                Smithsonian's National Zoo
                            
                James Ballance, Vice Chair
                Zoo Atlanta
                            
                Donna Bear-Hull
                Jacksonville Zoo
                
                Chris Brown
                Dallas Zoo
                
                Mike Mace
                San Diego Wild Animal Park
                
                Jeff Sailer
                Central Park Zoo



Institution Representatives