The Challenges of Being Small

Dr Greg Sherley, MNZM, Associate, Future Partners International Development, Wellington, New Zealand

Small size comes with many challenges, among them proportionately greater heat loss, because small-bodied species have overly large surface areas relative to their small body size and, consequently, a higher unit rate of energy consumption than larger-bodied species. Small bodies also have less capacity to store energy, so small birds need to hunt for food nearly constantly to maintain themselves. These challenges are magnified when breeding, a time of increased energy expenditure. In this talk, Dr Sherley will discuss how the rifleman/titipounamu, New Zealand’s smallest bird, has evolved to cope with these challenges.

​Nature Talks is a series of bi-monthly talks offered by three local environmental groups—Birds New Zealand (Whanganui Region), the Whanganui branch of Forest & Bird, and the Wanganui Botanical Group—in conjunction with the Whanganui Regional Museum. The topics all relate to New Zealand’s environment, natural history and conservation. The talks are typically held on the third Tuesday of every second month.

Entrance is free, although to help cover costs, a koha is always appreciated from those who can afford it.

For more information contact Peter Frost (06 343 1648). Email pghfrost@xtra.co.nz

Feature image: A male Rifleman/Tītipounamu, New Zealand’s smallest bird species. Image credit: Paul Gibson – www.upics.co.nz