Versuch einer ökologischen Verbreitungsanalyse beim australischen Zebrafinken,Taeniopygia guttata castanotis (Gould)

Summary

Geographical distribution and annual periodicity of the Australian Zebra Finch(Taeniopygia guttata castanotis) are determined mainly by temperature and precipitation. Low temperatures are the limiting factors in the eastern and southern, rich and long-lasting rainfalls in the northern parts of the continent. A special situation exists in southwestern Australia as well as in the western parts of South Australia: here, the temporal relation between rainfall and low temperatures seems to be essential in limiting breeding success and thus limiting geographical distribution, too. In all regions with summer rains the Zebra Finch is able to exist at lower mean temperatures than it does in regions with winter rains only. A minor limiting factor is the existence of dense woodland which is strictly avoided by the species.

Man has influenced geographical districution of the Zebra Finch favourably (by clearing woodland, constructing bores and cattle-troughs, releasing cage-birds) and unfavourably (by introducing superior species of birds).

The breeding season of the species is influenced merely by rainfall in the northern and central parts of Australia, merely by temperature in the eastern and southern parts and — as mentioned — by the connection of low temperatures and rainfall in the southwestern parts.