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Carotenoids, colour and conservation in an endangered passerine, the hihi or stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) |
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| Authors: | J G Ewen P Surai R Stradi A P Møller B Vittorio R Griffiths & D P Armstrong |
| Institution: | Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK; Lipid and Antioxidant Group, Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Avian Science Research Centre, Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive, Ayr, UK; Dipartimento di Chimica Organica, Universitàdegli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; Laboratoire de Parasitologie Evolutive, UniversitéPierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; Warkworth Area Office, Department of Conservation, Auckland, New Zealand; Wildlife Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand |
| Abstract: | Carotenoids are essential dietary components utilized not only in pigmentation but also as immuno-stimulants and antioxidants. Reduced availability can have consequences on individual health and survival, thus making carotenoids a good indicator of environmental stress. We compared carotenoid profiles and plumage colour characteristics of an endangered passerine species in New Zealand, between its remnant island source population and two reintroduced island populations. Circulating carotenoids were predominantly lutein (mean of 82.2%) and zeaxanthin (mean of 14.8%), and these were the major carotenoids present as yellow pigments in the males' plumage. There were clear differences in total carotenoid concentrations and plumage colour among the three populations. Circulating carotenoid concentration was significantly higher in one of the reintroduced populations, and the yellow plumage of males was significantly higher in both reintroduced populations in comparison with the remnant population (reflected as a significant increase in hue). Understanding how these differences arise may be of importance to this species given the health benefits carotenoids impart and our ability to select plant species containing these compounds or artificially supplement them. |
| Keywords: | plumage colour carotenoids antioxidant bird conservation |