New research led by University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka shows some bird species may be taking advantage of natural geothermal “health spas”.
Published in the journal Ornithology, the research found some bird species seem to seek out and preen in the sulphurous steam of geothermal areas, likely to rid themselves of pathogens and parasites.
Professor Crid Fraser
Senior author Professor Crid Fraser, of the Department of Marine Science, says at a time when birds are carrying disease agents around the world, it is important to know how they manage pathogens.
“Our research indicates that birds might be cleansing themselves of some parasites or pathogens using geothermal areas – which is pretty cool, and shows wildlife are not always helpless in the face of threats.”
Professor Fraser first saw penguins and seabirds basking in volcanic steam in Antarctica.
“That struck me as odd, as they’re cold-adapted species that shouldn’t want to hang out in a sauna.
“I wondered if they might be using the sulphurous steam for health, because sulphur is a powerful insecticide and fungicide often used by farmers to treat parasites and fungal infections on animals and plants.”
To test this hypothesis, two undergraduate students spent their summer break observing the behaviour of five bird species in geothermal and non-geothermal areas around Rotorua.
They recorded behavioural data from 334 bird observations for about 3,000 minutes over several weeks, and found some birds, including black swans and gulls, spent much more time preening themselves when in geothermal areas.
Lead author and student Rani Cousens says that by ruffling their feathers, the birds may be hoping the sulphur-rich gases will permeate and enhance parasite removal.
Professor Fraser says the results are preliminary and more research is needed.
“Even so, this is exciting evidence that birds do use these areas, and they seem to be using them for some sort of grooming.
“We have long considered geothermal areas to be good for human health but there isn’t a whole lot of evidence, yet, supporting their benefits.
“If wildlife are using the areas for health, too, that’s an interesting similarity.”
The research was carried out in collaboration with local ecologists from Te Arawa, the Department of Conservation, and Wildlands.
Publication:
Are birds using geothermal areas to help remove parasites?
Rani Cousens, Dion Watts, Troy Makan, William Shaw, Ian Kusabs, Bruce C. Robertson and Ceridwen I. Fraser
Ornithology
