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Potel H, Niatou Singa FS, Cipolletta C, Neba Fuh T, Bardino G, Konyal E, Strampelli P, Henschel P, Masi S. Lethal combats in the forest among wild western gorillas. iScience 2024; 27:109437. [PMID: 38523787 PMCID: PMC10960106 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Lethal intergroup encounters occur in many species because of sexual selection. While documented in mountain gorillas, they are absent in western gorillas as, instead, it is predicted by their higher feeding (frugivory) and mate competition (single-vs. multi-male groups). We investigate whether the injuries on three dead silverbacks and one adult female from four groups of western gorillas in the Central African Republic, resulted from interactions with gorillas or leopards. We identified two distinct injury patterns caused by gorillas (isolated lacerations, round wounds) and leopards (punctures clustered on head/neck) by analyzing injuries caused by mountain gorillas and leopards to gorillas and non-gorilla species, respectively. The western gorilla injury pattern is similar to that of mountain gorillas suggesting that lethal encounters occur, albeit infrequently, as predicted by sexual selection in a one-male society. While sexual dimorphism and polygynous sociality favored the evolution of violent encounters, multiple males in groups may influence their frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Potel
- Ecoanthropologie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Musée de l’Homme, Paris, France
| | | | - Chloé Cipolletta
- Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, World Wide Fund for Nature, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | - Terence Neba Fuh
- Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, World Wide Fund for Nature, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | - Giulia Bardino
- Ecoanthropologie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Musée de l’Homme, Paris, France
- “La Sapienza” University, Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuel Konyal
- Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, World Wide Fund for Nature, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | | | | | - Shelly Masi
- Ecoanthropologie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Musée de l’Homme, Paris, France
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2
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Wilson VAD, Masilkova M. Does the primate face cue personality? PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 6:e7. [PMID: 38107779 PMCID: PMC10725780 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2023.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
When looking at others, primates primarily focus on the face - detecting the face first and looking at it longer than other parts of the body. This is because primate faces, even without expression, convey trait information crucial for navigating social relationships. Recent studies on primates, including humans, have linked facial features, specifically facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR), to rank and Dominance-related personality traits, suggesting these links' potential role in social decisions. However, studies on the association between dominance and fWHR report contradictory results in humans and variable patterns in nonhuman primates. It is also not clear whether and how nonhuman primates perceive different facial cues to personality traits and whether these may have evolved as social signals. This review summarises the variable facial-personality links, their underlying proximate and evolutionary mechanisms and their perception across primates. We emphasise the importance of employing comparative research, including various primate species and human populations, to disentangle phylogeny from socio-ecological drivers and to understand the selection pressures driving the facial-personality links in humans. Finally, we encourage researchers to move away from single facial measures and towards holistic measures and to complement perception studies using neuroscientific methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa A D Wilson
- Department of Comparative Cognition, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Department of Comparative Language Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Masilkova
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Brown ER, Laman TG, Kane EE, Harwell FS, Susanto TW, Knott CD. Application of a parallel laser apparatus to measure forearms and flanges of wild Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii). Am J Primatol 2022; 84:e23445. [PMID: 36245358 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We constructed a parallel laser photogrammetry apparatus constructed from commercially available parts, and measured forearm lengths and flange widths of 16 wild Bornean orangutans. Our objectives were to validate our method and apparatus, discuss issues encountered, and construct preliminary growth curves. For adult males, we also compared flange width to forearm length as a way to investigate the relationship between body size and flange development. We used a camera cage around a DSLR camera, on top of which we attached two parallel green lasers. We estimated error with repeatability, accuracy, and interobserver reliability measures, and measured forearm lengths in three different ways to see which was most consistent. The longest forearm measure was the most repeatable (CV = 1.64%), and was similar to flange repeatability (3.50%). Accuracy measurements of a known object were high (error = 0.25%), and Interobserver discrepancy low (3.74%). Laser spacing increased with distance to the subject, but we corrected for this using calibration photos after each session. We transparently discuss the issues we encountered with the aim that this accessible method can help expand the use of laser photogrammetry. Preliminary measurements show that male flange widths and forearm length do not reliably increase in tandem, and that female growth plateaus at around the age at first birth (15 years old). We conclude with suggested improvements to the apparatus and method to ensure the lasers remain parallel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella R Brown
- Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.,Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Timothy G Laman
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erin E Kane
- Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.,Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Faye S Harwell
- Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.,Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tri W Susanto
- Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.,Biology Faculty, Universitas Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Cheryl D Knott
- Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.,Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Redaelli L, Galimberti F, Sanvito S. Phenotype constrains the vocal tract in the most dimorphic mammal, the southern elephant seal. CAN J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The study of mammal acoustic communication was revolutionized by the application of the source-filter theory, originally developed for human speech. The theory states that the vocal tract is constrained by body anatomy and, therefore, creates a structural link between phenotype and acoustic formants, providing a basis for honest signalling. The phenotype-formants link was validated in many species, but the phenotype-vocal tract link was rarely assessed. We used 2D videogrammetry to estimate the vocal tract length of wild southern elephant seal males (Mirounga leonina Linnaeus, 1758) during their normal vocalization behaviour. We showed that: 1) the vocal tract can be measured non-invasively in a wild large mammal; 2) the vocal tract depends on the structural phenotype (age, body length, and skull size); 3) the nasal tract is more related to the structural phenotype than the buccal tract; 4) the dependence on size, and body length in particular, is stronger than the dependence on age. All together, the phenotypic constraint on vocal tract provides the anatomical basis for honest signalling in elephant seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Redaelli
- Università degli Studi di Milano, 9304, Dipartimento di Scienze Naturali, Milano, Italy, 20122
| | - Filippo Galimberti
- Elephant Seal Research Group, 263286, Sea Lion Island, FALKLAND, Falkland Islands [Malvinas]
| | - Simona Sanvito
- Elephant Seal Research Group, 263286, Sea Lion Island, FALKLAND, Falkland Islands [Malvinas]
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5
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Richardson JL, Levy EJ, Ranjithkumar R, Yang H, Monson E, Cronin A, Galbany J, Robbins MM, Alberts SC, Reeves ME, McFarlin SC. Automated, high-throughput image calibration for parallel-laser photogrammetry. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-021-00174-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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6
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Zuleger AM, Holland R, Kühl HS. Deriving observation distances for camera trap distance sampling. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annika M. Zuleger
- Institute of Biology Martin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | | | - Hjalmar S. Kühl
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
- Department of Primatology Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig Germany
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7
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Malalaharivony HS, Kappeler PM, Fichtel C. Infant Development and Maternal Care in Wild Verreaux’s Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi). INT J PRIMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-021-00255-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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8
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Malalaharivony HS, Fichtel C, Heistermann M, Kappeler PM. Maternal stress effects on infant development in wild Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Maternal effects mediated by nutrients or specific endocrine states of the mother can affect infant development. Specifically, pre- and postnatal maternal stress associated with elevated glucocorticoid (GC) output is known to influence the phenotype of the offspring, including their physical and behavioral development. These developmental processes, however, remain relatively poorly studied in wild vertebrates, including primates with their relatively slow life histories. Here, we investigated the effects of maternal stress, assessed by fecal glucocorticoid output, on infant development in wild Verreaux’s sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi), a group-living Malagasy primate. In a first step, we investigated factors predicting maternal fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations, how they impact infants’ physical and behavioral development during the first 6 months of postnatal life as well as early survival during the first 1.5 years of postnatal life. We collected fecal samples of mothers for hormone assays and behavioral data of 12 infants from two birth cohorts, for which we also assessed growth rates. Maternal fGCM concentrations were higher during the late prenatal but lower during the postnatal period compared to the early/mid prenatal period and were higher during periods of low rainfall. Infants of mothers with higher prenatal fGCM concentrations exhibited faster growth rates and were more explorative in terms of independent foraging and play. Infants of mothers with high pre- and postnatal fGCM concentrations were carried less and spent more time in nipple contact. Time mothers spent carrying infants predicted infant survival: infants that were more carried had lower survival, suggesting that they were likely in poorer condition and had to be cared for longer. Thus, the physical and behavioral development of these young primates were impacted by variation in maternal fGCM concentrations during the first 6 months of their lives, presumably as an adaptive response to living in a highly seasonal, but unpredictable environment.
Significance statement
The early development of infants can be impacted by variation in maternal condition. These maternal effects can be mediated by maternal stress (glucocorticoid hormones) and are known to have downstream consequences for behavior, physiology, survival, and reproductive success well into adulthood. However, the direction of the effects of maternal physiological GC output on offspring development is highly variable, even within the same species. We contribute comparative data on maternal stress effects on infant development in a Critically Endangered primate from Madagascar. We describe variation in maternal glucocorticoid output as a function of ecological and reproductive factors and show that patterns of infant growth, behavioral development, and early survival are predicted by maternal glucocorticoids. Our study demonstrates how mothers can influence offspring fitness in response to challenging environmental conditions.
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9
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SIERS SHANER. Allometric Regression of Snake Body Length from Head Image Measurements. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- SHANE R. SIERS
- USDA Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center 233 Pangelinan Way Barrigada Guam 96913 USA
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10
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Malo JE, Mata C. Web databases of feather photographs are useful tools for avian morphometry studies. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7677-7684. [PMID: 34188843 PMCID: PMC8216968 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Wing area, wing loading, and aspect ratio are key variables for studies of avian comparative ecology, despite the complexity of measuring wing characteristics in living and museum specimens. The systematic databases of feather photographs available on the Internet may offer an alternative way of obtaining such morphometric data. Here, we evaluate whether measurements of scanned feathers from web photograph databases may offer reliable estimates of avian morphometry.Published data on wing area were obtained for 317 bird species and feather measurements from web photograph databases for 225 of them. A variable termed "lift generation area," a proxy for wing area, was calculated for each species on the basis of the mean length of the five distal secondary feathers and wingspan data from literature. The fit between this proposed variable and data extracted from the literature was examined by correlation, employing linear regression to explore the lack of fit among species."Lift generation area" proved to be highly informative as a proxy for wing area for the study species as a whole (R 2 > .98). Discrepancies observed between species were strongly negatively associated with the size of the original sample used to calculate wing area (p = .001) and, to a lesser extent, with bird size (p = .023), but not with aspect ratio. It was also found that the mean value of the mismatch between "lift generation area" and wing area (13.1%) among the study species as a whole was of similar magnitude to that found between sources of bibliographic wing area data for the 64 species for which two published estimates of this variable were available (15.3%).We conclude that measurements made from feather photograph databases are reliable for use in studies of avian comparative ecology, enabling the inclusion of biomechanical parameters of many more species than featured at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan E. Malo
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG‐UAM)Departamento de EcologíaFacultad de CienciasUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC‐UAM)Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Cristina Mata
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG‐UAM)Departamento de EcologíaFacultad de CienciasUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC‐UAM)Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
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11
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Leeds A, Boyer D, Ross SR, Lukas KE. Patterns of wounding in mixed-sex social groups of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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12
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Waltenberger L, Rebay-Salisbury K, Mitteroecker P. Three-dimensional surface scanning methods in osteology: A topographical and geometric morphometric comparison. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2021; 174:846-858. [PMID: 33410519 PMCID: PMC8048833 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Three‐dimensional (3D) data collected by structured light scanners, photogrammetry, and computed tomography (CT) scans are increasingly combined in joint analyses, even though the scanning techniques and reconstruction software differ considerably. The aim of the present study was to compare the quality and accuracy of surface models and landmark data obtained from modern clinical CT scanning, 3D structured light scanner, photogrammetry, and MicroScribe digitizer. Material and methods We tested 13 different photogrammetric software tools and compared surface models obtained by different methods for four articulated human pelves in a topographical analysis. We also measured a set of 219 landmarks and semilandmarks twice on every surface as well as directly on the dry bones with a MicroScribe digitizer. Results Only one photogrammetric software package yielded surface models of the complete pelves that could be used for further analysis. Despite the complex pelvic anatomy, all three methods (CT scanning, 3D structured light scanning, photogrammetry) yielded similar surface representations with average deviations among the surface models between 100 and 200 μm. A geometric morphometric analysis of the measured landmarks showed that the different scanning methods yielded similar shape variables, but data acquisition via MicroScribe digitizer was most prone to error. Discussion We demonstrated that three‐dimensional models obtained by different methods can be combined in a single analysis. Photogrammetry proved to be a cheap, quick, and accurate method to generate 3D surface models at useful resolutions, but photogrammetry software packages differ enormously in quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Waltenberger
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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13
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Smith AF, Bongi P, Ciuti S. Remote, non‐invasive photogrammetry for measuring physical traits in wildlife. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. F. Smith
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Frankfurt Zoological Society Frankfurt Germany
| | - P. Bongi
- Ambito Territoriale di Caccia Massa Massa‐Carrara Italy
| | - S. Ciuti
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
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14
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Cui S, Chen D, Sun J, Chu H, Li C, Jiang Z. A simple use of camera traps for photogrammetric estimation of wild animal traits. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Cui
- College of Forestry Shanxi Agricultural University Taigu Shanxi China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - D. Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - J. Sun
- Kanas National Nature Reserve Buerjin Xinjiang China
| | - H. Chu
- College of Resources and Environment Sciences Xinjiang University Urumqi Xinjiang China
- Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve Altay Xinjiang China
| | - C. Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Z. Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
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15
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Aleixo F, O’Callaghan SA, Ducla Soares L, Nunes P, Prieto R. AragoJ: A free, open‐source software to aid single camera photogrammetry studies. Methods Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luís Ducla Soares
- Instituto de Telecomunicações Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE‐IUL) Lisbon Portugal
| | - Paulo Nunes
- Instituto de Telecomunicações Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE‐IUL) Lisbon Portugal
| | - Rui Prieto
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre Lisbon Portugal
- OKEANOS and IMAR Centre at the University of the Azores Ponta Delgada Portugal
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16
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Tsuboi M, Kopperud BT, Syrowatka C, Grabowski M, Voje KL, Pélabon C, Hansen TF. Measuring Complex Morphological Traits with 3D Photogrammetry: A Case Study with Deer Antlers. Evol Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-020-09496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe increasing availability of 3D-imaging technology provides new opportunities for measuring morphology. Photogrammetry enables easy 3D-data acquisition compared to conventional methods and here we assess its accuracy for measuring the size of deer antlers, a complex morphological structure. Using a proprietary photogrammetry software, we generated 3D images of antlers for 92 individuals from 29 species of cervids that vary widely in antler size and shape and used these to measure antler volume. By repeating the process, we found that the relative error averaged 8.5% of object size. Errors in converting arbitrary voxel units into real volumetric units accounted for 70% of the measurement variance and can therefore be reduced by replicating the conversion. We applied the method to clay models of known volume and found no indication of bias. The estimation was robust against variation in imaging device, distance and operator, but approximately 40 images per specimen were necessary to achieve good precision. We used the method to show that conventional measures of main-beam length are relatively poor estimators of antler volume. Using loose antlers of known weight, we also showed that the volume may be a relatively poor predictor of antler weight due to variation in bone density across species. We conclude that photogrammetry can be an efficient and accurate tool for measuring antlers, and likely many other complex morphological traits.
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17
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Huffman MA, Kumara R, Kawamoto Y, Jayaweera PM, Bardi M, Nahallage CAD. What makes a long tail short? Testing Allen's rule in the toque macaques of Sri Lanka. Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23113. [PMID: 32096278 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Allen's rule (1877) predicts ecogeographical anatomical variation in appendage proportions as a function of body temperature regulation. This phenomenon has been tested in a variety of animal species. In macaques, relative tail length (RTL) is one of the most frequently measured appendages to test Allen's rule. These studies have relied on museum specimens or the invasive and time-consuming capturing of free-ranging individuals. To augment sample size and lessen these logistical limitations, we designed and validated a novel noninvasive technique using digitalized photographs processed using LibreCAD, an open-source 2D-computer-aided design (CAD) application. This was used to generate pixelated measurements to calculate an RTL equivalent, the Tail to Trunk Index (TTI) = (tail [tail base to anterior tip] pixel count/trunk [neck to tail base] pixel count). The TTI of 259 adult free-ranging toque macaques (Macaca sinica) from 36 locations between 7 and 2,087 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.) was used in the analysis. Samples were collected from all three putative subspecies (M. s. sinica, aurifrons, and opisthomelas), at locations representing all altitudinal climatic zones where they are naturally distributed. These data were used to test whether toque macaque tail length variation across elevation follows Allen's rule, predicting that RTL decreases with increasing elevation and lower temperature. Our results strongly supported this prediction. There was also a statistically significant, negative correlation between elevation and annual average temperature. The best predictor for the TTI index was elevation. Significant subspecies differences in RTL are linked in part to their ecological and altitudinal niche separation, but overall the variation is seen as the species' adaptation to climate. The method developed for the quick morphometric assessment of relative body proportions, applicable for use on unhabituated free-ranging animals, widens the range of materials available for research studying morphological characteristics and their evolution in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Huffman
- Department of Ecology and Social Behavior, Primate Research Institute, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Raveendra Kumara
- Department of Anthropology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Yoshi Kawamoto
- Laboratory of Wildlife Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Human Evolution Modeling Research, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Prasad M Jayaweera
- Department of Computer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Massimo Bardi
- Department of Psychology, Randolph-Mason College, Ashland, Virginia
| | - Charmalie A D Nahallage
- Department of Anthropology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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18
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Faster growth corresponds with shallower linear hypoplastic defects in great ape canines. J Hum Evol 2019; 137:102691. [PMID: 31704354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.102691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Deeper or more 'severe' linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) defects are hypothesized to reflect more severe stress during development, but it is not yet clear how depth is influenced by intrinsic enamel growth patterns. Recent work documented inter- and intraspecific differences in LEH defect depth in extant great apes, with mountain gorillas having shallower defects than other taxa, and females having deeper defects than males. Here, we assess the correspondence of inter- and intraspecific defect depth and intrinsic aspects of enamel growth: enamel extension rates, outer enamel striae of Retzius angles, and linear enamel thickness. Thin sections of great ape canines (n = 40) from Gorilla beringei beringei, Gorilla gorilla gorilla, Pan troglodytes, and Pongo spp. were analyzed. Enamel extension rates were calculated within deciles of enamel-dentine junction length. Linear enamel thickness and the angle of intersection between striae of Retzius and the outer enamel surface were measured in the imbricational enamel. Mountain gorillas have faster enamel extension rates and shallower striae angles than the other taxa examined. Mountain gorillas have thinner imbricational enamel than western lowland gorillas and orangutans, but not chimpanzees. In the combined-taxon sample, females exhibit larger striae angles and thicker imbricational enamel than males. Enamel extension rates are highly negatively correlated with striae angles and LEH defect depth. Enamel growth variation corresponds with documented inter- and intraspecific differences in LEH defect depth in great ape canines. Mountain gorillas have shallower striae angles and faster extension rates than other taxa, which might explain their shallow LEH defect morphology and the underestimation of their LEH prevalence in previous studies. These results suggest that stressors of similar magnitude and timing might produce defects of different depths in one species or sex vs. another, which has implications for interpretations of stress histories in hominins with variable enamel growth patterns.
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Gray PC, Bierlich KC, Mantell SA, Friedlaender AS, Goldbogen JA, Johnston DW. Drones and convolutional neural networks facilitate automated and accurate cetacean species identification and photogrammetry. Methods Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C. Gray
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory Beaufort North Carolina
| | - Kevin C. Bierlich
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory Beaufort North Carolina
| | - Sydney A. Mantell
- Department of Biology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Ari S. Friedlaender
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Santa Cruz Santa Cruz California
| | - Jeremy A. Goldbogen
- Department of Biology, Hopkins Marine Station Stanford University Monterey California
| | - David W. Johnston
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory Beaufort North Carolina
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20
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Stepanek J, Claunch NM, Frazier JA, Moore IT, Vernasco BJ, Escallón C, Taylor EN. Corticosterone and Color Change in Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus helleri). HERPETOLOGICA 2019. [DOI: 10.1655/d-18-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Stepanek
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| | - Natalie M. Claunch
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| | - Julius A. Frazier
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
| | - Ignacio T. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ben J. Vernasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Camilo Escallón
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Emily N. Taylor
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
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21
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“Nose-metrics” of wild southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) males using image analysis and geometric morphometrics. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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22
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Dunham NT, McNamara A, Shapiro L, Hieronymus T, Young JW. A user's guide for the quantitative analysis of substrate characteristics and locomotor kinematics in free‐ranging primates. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 167:569-584. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Noah T. Dunham
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Allison McNamara
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Liza Shapiro
- Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | - Tobin Hieronymus
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
| | - Jesse W. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown Ohio
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23
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Breuer T, Manguette M, Groenenberg M. Gorilla
Gorilla
spp conservation – from zoos to the field and back: examples from the Mbeli Bai Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/izy.12181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Breuer
- Global Conservation Program Wildlife Conservation Society 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx New York 10460 USA
| | - M. Manguette
- Department of Primatology Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Deutscher Platz 6 04103 Leipzig Germany
- Mbeli Bai Study Nouabalé‐Ndoki National Park Wildlife Conservation Society B.P. 14537 Brazzaville Congo
| | - M. Groenenberg
- Mbeli Bai Study Nouabalé‐Ndoki National Park Wildlife Conservation Society B.P. 14537 Brazzaville Congo
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24
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Smith RJ. The continuing misuse of null hypothesis significance testing in biological anthropology. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 166:236-245. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Smith
- Department of Anthropology; Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis MO, 63130
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25
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Breuer T, Robbins AM, Robbins MM. Sexual coercion and courtship by male western gorillas. Primates 2016; 57:29-38. [PMID: 26483073 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-015-0496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sexual coercion and courtship are possible explanations for why male primates may direct agonistic behavior towards females. If so, then in species where females exhibit mate choice by transferring between males: (a) females who are not lactating (potential migrants) should receive more agonistic behavior than other females, (b) males should exhibit more agonistic behavior towards females during intergroup encounters than when no rival males are nearby, and (c) males should show more herding behavior when their group contains potential migrant females. We tested those hypotheses in a population of approximately 150 western gorillas at Mbeli Bai, northern Congo. We also tested whether difference in male phenotypic traits influenced their rates of agonistic behavior towards females. Of the 332 observed cases of male agonistic behavior towards females, 29% represented feeding competition, 7 % involved interventions in conflicts between females, and the remaining 64 % were considered potential evidence of sexual coercion and/or courtship. After excluding the cases of feeding competition and intervention, a multivariate analysis indicated that potential migrant females received agonistic behavior at a statistically significantly higher rate than other adult females. Females also received agonistic behavior at a significantly higher rate during intergroup encounters than at other times. Herding occurred during 22% of the 292 dyadic interunit encounters, and was significantly more likely to occur when the group contained a potential migrant female, but was not influenced by the number of adult females or the type of group encountered. Males with shorter body lengths had significantly higher rates of aggression, but phenotypic traits were not significantly correlated with herding. Collectively, our results are consistent with sexual coercion and/or courtship as an explanation for male-to-female agonistic behavior, but we are unable to distinguish between those two male mating strategies. Both types of behavior are likely due to a combination of perceived risks of female transfer and opportunity to advertise protector ability.
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26
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Muñoz-Muñoz F, Quinto-Sánchez M, González-José R. Photogrammetry: a useful tool for three-dimensional morphometric analysis of small mammals. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Muñoz-Muñoz
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia; Facultat de Biociències; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Spain
| | - Mirsha Quinto-Sánchez
- Centro Nacional Patagónico; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Puerto Madryn Argentina
| | - Rolando González-José
- Centro Nacional Patagónico; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Puerto Madryn Argentina
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27
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Maréchal L, Semple S, Majolo B, MacLarnon A. Assessing the Effects of Tourist Provisioning on the Health of Wild Barbary Macaques in Morocco. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155920. [PMID: 27203861 PMCID: PMC4874683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Feeding wildlife is a very popular tourist activity, largely because it facilitates the close observation of animals in their natural habitat. Such provisioning may benefit animals by improving their survival and reproductive success, especially during periods of natural food shortage. However, provisioning by tourists may also have negative impacts on the health of the animals involved; to date such impacts are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of tourist provisioning on the health of wild adult Barbary macaques, Macaca sylvanus, in Morocco. We compared health measures between a heavily provisioned group and a group that received negligible food from tourists and, in the former group, we also assessed health measures in relation to the intensity of provisioning. We used a broad range of non-invasive health measures relating to birth rate and survival, disease and injury risk, body size and condition, and physiological stress. Our findings indicate that feeding by tourists may overall have negative impacts on the health of Barbary macaques, being linked in particular to larger body size, elevated stress levels and more alopecia. Finally, we propose a framework to help consider the potential costs and benefits of provisioning, which may facilitate future research and management decisions on whether-and how much-provisioning is acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laëtitia Maréchal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Semple
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ann MacLarnon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
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28
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Behringer V, Stevens JMG, Kivell TL, Neufuss J, Boesch C, Hohmann G. Within arm's reach: Measuring forearm length to assess growth patterns in captive bonobos and chimpanzees. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2016; 161:37-43. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Behringer
- Department of Primatology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Jeroen M. G. Stevens
- Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp; Centre for Research and Conservation; K. Astridplein Antwerp Belgium
| | - Tracy L. Kivell
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, Animal Postcranial Evolutionary Lab, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent; Marlowe Building Canterbury Kent UK
- Department of Human Evolution; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Johanna Neufuss
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, Animal Postcranial Evolutionary Lab, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent; Marlowe Building Canterbury Kent UK
| | - Christophe Boesch
- Department of Primatology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - Gottfried Hohmann
- Department of Primatology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
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29
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Lu A, Bergman TJ, McCann C, Stinespring-Harris A, Beehner JC. Growth trajectories in wild geladas (Theropithecus gelada). Am J Primatol 2016; 78:707-19. [PMID: 26950523 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Life history and socioecological factors have been linked to species-specific patterns of growth across female vertebrates. For example, greater maternal investment in offspring has been associated with more discrete periods of growth and reproduction. However, in primates it has been difficult to test such hypotheses because very few studies have obtained growth measurements from wild populations. Here we utilize a promising noninvasive photogrammetric method-parallel lasers-to examine shoulder-rump (SR) growth in a wild primate, the gelada (Theropithecus gelada, Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia). In this species, a graminivorous diet coupled with high extrinsic infant mortality risk suggests that maternal investment in neonates is low. Therefore, in contrast with other closely related papionins, we expected female geladas to exhibit less discrete periods of growth and reproduction. For both sexes, we compared size-for-age patterns (N = 154 females; N = 110 males) and changes in growth velocity relative to major life history milestones. Female geladas finished 88.5% of SR growth by first sexual swelling, and 97.2% by first reproduction, reaching adult body size by 7.72 years of age. Compared to closely related papionins, gelada females finished more growth by first reproduction, despite producing relatively small, and presumably "cheap," neonates. Male geladas finished 85.4% of growth at dispersal, and 96.0% at estimated first birth. Contrary to other polygynous primates, males are larger than females because they grow for a longer period of time (not because they grow faster), surpassing females around 6 years of age when female growth slows. Our results demonstrate that parallel lasers are an easy and promising new method that can be used to construct comprehensive life history perspectives that were once out of reach for wild populations. Am. J. Primatol. 78:707-719, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Lu
- Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Thore J Bergman
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Colleen McCann
- Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York.,New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York
| | | | - Jacinta C Beehner
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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30
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Chapman SN, Mumby HS, Crawley JAH, Mar KU, Htut W, Thura Soe A, Aung HH, Lummaa V. How Big Is It Really? Assessing the Efficacy of Indirect Estimates of Body Size in Asian Elephants. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150533. [PMID: 26938085 PMCID: PMC4777392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on an organism’s body size is pivotal in understanding its life history and fitness, as well as helping inform conservation measures. However, for many species, particularly large-bodied wild animals, taking accurate body size measurements can be a challenge. Various means to estimate body size have been employed, from more direct methods such as using photogrammetry to obtain height or length measurements, to indirect prediction of weight using other body morphometrics or even the size of dung boli. It is often unclear how accurate these measures are because they cannot be compared to objective measures. Here, we investigate how well existing estimation equations predict the actual body weight of Asian elephants Elephas maximus, using body measurements (height, chest girth, length, foot circumference and neck circumference) taken directly from a large population of semi-captive animals in Myanmar (n = 404). We then define new and better fitting formulas to predict body weight in Myanmar elephants from these readily available measures. We also investigate whether the important parameters height and chest girth can be estimated from photographs (n = 151). Our results show considerable variation in the ability of existing estimation equations to predict weight, and that the equations proposed in this paper predict weight better in almost all circumstances. We also find that measurements from standardised photographs reflect body height and chest girth after applying minor adjustments. Our results have implications for size estimation of large wild animals in the field, as well as for management in captive settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N. Chapman
- Department of Animal and Plant Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah S. Mumby
- Department of Animal and Plant Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Jennie A. H. Crawley
- Department of Animal and Plant Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Khyne U. Mar
- Department of Animal and Plant Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Extraction Department, Ministry for Environmental Conservation and Forestry, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aung Thura Soe
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Extraction Department, Ministry for Environmental Conservation and Forestry, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Htoo Htoo Aung
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Extraction Department, Ministry for Environmental Conservation and Forestry, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014, Turku, Finland
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31
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Weaned age variation in the Virunga mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei): influential factors. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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32
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Berghänel A, Schülke O, Ostner J. Locomotor play drives motor skill acquisition at the expense of growth: A life history trade-off. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2015; 1:e1500451. [PMID: 26601237 PMCID: PMC4643810 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1500451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The developmental costs and benefits of early locomotor play are a puzzling topic in biology, psychology, and health sciences. Evolutionary theory predicts that energy-intensive behavior such as play can only evolve if there are considerable benefits. Prominent theories propose that locomotor play is (i) low cost, using surplus energy remaining after growth and maintenance, and (ii) beneficial because it trains motor skills. However, both theories are largely untested. Studying wild Assamese macaques, we combined behavioral observations of locomotor play and motor skill acquisition with quantitative measures of natural food availability and individual growth rates measured noninvasively via photogrammetry. Our results show that investments in locomotor play were indeed beneficial by accelerating motor skill acquisition but carried sizable costs in terms of reduced growth. Even under moderate natural energy restriction, investment in locomotor play accounted for up to 50% of variance in growth, which strongly contradicts the current theory that locomotor play only uses surplus energy remaining after growth and maintenance. Male immatures played more, acquired motor skills faster, and grew less than female immatures, leading to persisting size differences until the age of female maturity. Hence, depending on skill requirements, investment in play can take ontogenetic priority over physical development unconstrained by costs of play with consequences for life history, which strongly highlights the ontogenetic and evolutionary importance of play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Berghänel
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Schülke
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia Ostner
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Research Group Primate Social Evolution, German Primate Center, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Leurs G, O'Connell CP, Andreotti S, Rutzen M, Vonk Noordegraaf H. Risks and advantages of using surface laser photogrammetry on free-ranging marine organisms: a case study on white sharks Carcharodon carcharias. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2015; 86:1713-1728. [PMID: 25903107 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study employed a non-lethal measurement tool, which combined an existing photo-identification technique with a surface, parallel laser photogrammetry technique, to accurately estimate the size of free-ranging white sharks Carcharodon carcharias. Findings confirmed the hypothesis that surface laser photogrammetry is more accurate than crew-based estimations that utilized a shark cage of known size as a reference tool. Furthermore, field implementation also revealed that the photographer's angle of reference and the shark's body curvature could greatly influence technique accuracy, exposing two limitations. The findings showed minor inconsistencies with previous studies that examined pre-caudal to total length ratios of dead specimens. This study suggests that surface laser photogrammetry can successfully increase length estimation accuracy and illustrates the potential utility of this technique for growth and stock assessments on free-ranging marine organisms, which will lead to an improvement of the adaptive management of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Leurs
- Applied Biology, HAS University of Applied Sciences, 's-Hertogenbosch, 5200 MA, The Netherlands
| | - C P O'Connell
- School of Marine Science and Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, New Bedford, MA 02740, U.S.A
- O'Seas Conservation Foundation, Bronx, NY 10463, U.S.A
| | - S Andreotti
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - M Rutzen
- Shark Diving Unlimited, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai 7220, South Africa
| | - H Vonk Noordegraaf
- Applied Biology, HAS University of Applied Sciences, 's-Hertogenbosch, 5200 MA, The Netherlands
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34
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Barrickman NL, Schreier AL, Glander KE. Testing parallel laser image scaling for remotely measuring body dimensions on mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata). Am J Primatol 2015; 77:823-32. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kenneth E. Glander
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology; Duke University; Durham North Carolina
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35
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Weisgerber JN, Medill SA, McLoughlin PD. Parallel-laser photogrammetry to estimate body size in free-ranging mammals. WILDLIFE SOC B 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan N. Weisgerber
- Department of Biology; University of Saskatchewan; 112 Science Place, Saskatoon SK S7N 5E2 Canada
| | - Sarah A. Medill
- Department of Biology; University of Saskatchewan; 112 Science Place, Saskatoon SK S7N 5E2 Canada
| | - Philip D. McLoughlin
- Department of Biology; University of Saskatchewan; 112 Science Place, Saskatoon SK S7N 5E2 Canada
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36
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Rayadin Y, Spehar SN. Body mass of wild Bornean orangutans living in human-dominated landscapes: Implications for understanding their ecology and conservation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2015; 157:339-46. [PMID: 25682922 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Body mass is a key determinant of a species' ecology, including locomotion, foraging strategies, and energetics. Accurate information on the body mass of wild primates allows us to develop explanatory models for relationships among body size, ecology, and behavior and is crucial for reconstructing the ecology and behavior of fossil primates and hominins. Information on body mass can also provide indirect information on health and can be an important tool for conservation in the context of increasingly widespread habitat disturbance. This study reports body mass data recorded for wild Northeast Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus morio) during relocation efforts in forestry and oil palm plantations in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The average mass of flanged adult males (n = 12, 74 ± 9.78 kg) and adult females (n = 7, 35.29 ± 7.32 kg) from this study were 13.6% and 9% lower, respectively, than the only other published wild Bornean orangutan body mass measurements, but the range of weights for both males and females was larger for this study. This pattern could be due to sampling error, data collection differences, or the influence of habitat disturbance, specifically a lack of access to resources, on individual health. When necessary relocations present the opportunity, we encourage researchers to prioritize the collection of body size data for the purposes of understanding ecology but also as an indirect means of monitoring population viability. As primate habitat becomes increasingly fragmented and altered by humans such data will become critical to our ability to make informed conservation decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaya Rayadin
- Ecology and Conservation Center for Tropical Studies (ECOSITROP), Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.,Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Forestry Faculty of Mulawarman University, Samarinda, 75123, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
| | - Stephanie N Spehar
- Anthropology Program, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI, 54901, USA
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Jadejaroen J, Hamada Y, Kawamoto Y, Malaivijitnond S. Use of photogrammetry as a means to assess hybrids of rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and long-tailed (M. fascicularis) macaques. Primates 2014; 56:77-88. [DOI: 10.1007/s10329-014-0450-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Meise K, Mueller B, Zein B, Trillmich F. Applicability of single-camera photogrammetry to determine body dimensions of pinnipeds: Galapagos sea lions as an example. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101197. [PMID: 24987983 PMCID: PMC4079256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphological features correlate with many life history traits and are therefore of high interest to behavioral and evolutionary biologists. Photogrammetry provides a useful tool to collect morphological data from species for which measurements are otherwise difficult to obtain. This method reduces disturbance and avoids capture stress. Using the Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) as a model system, we tested the applicability of single-camera photogrammetry in combination with laser distance measurement to estimate morphological traits which may vary with an animal's body position. We assessed whether linear morphological traits estimated by photogrammetry can be used to estimate body length and mass. We show that accurate estimates of body length (males: ±2.0%, females: ±2.6%) and reliable estimates of body mass are possible (males: ±6.8%, females: 14.5%). Furthermore, we developed correction factors that allow the use of animal photos that diverge somewhat from a flat-out position. The product of estimated body length and girth produced sufficiently reliable estimates of mass to categorize individuals into 10 kg-classes of body mass. Data of individuals repeatedly photographed within one season suggested relatively low measurement errors (body length: 2.9%, body mass: 8.1%). In order to develop accurate sex- and age-specific correction factors, a sufficient number of individuals from both sexes and from all desired age classes have to be captured for baseline measurements. Given proper validation, this method provides an excellent opportunity to collect morphological data for large numbers of individuals with minimal disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Meise
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Birte Mueller
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Beate Zein
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Fritz Trillmich
- Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
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Willisch C, Marreros N, Neuhaus P. Long-distance photogrammetric trait estimation in free-ranging animals: A new approach. Mamm Biol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2013.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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40
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Boulton RA, Ross C. Measuring facial symmetry in the wild: a case study in Olive Baboons (Papio anubis). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1495-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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41
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Allen WL, Higham JP. Analyzing visual signals as visual scenes. Am J Primatol 2013; 75:664-82. [PMID: 23440880 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The study of visual signal design is gaining momentum as techniques for studying signals become more sophisticated and more freely available. In this paper we discuss methods for analyzing the color and form of visual signals, for integrating signal components into visual scenes, and for producing visual signal stimuli for use in psychophysical experiments. Our recommended methods aim to be rigorous, detailed, quantitative, objective, and where possible based on the perceptual representation of the intended signal receiver(s). As methods for analyzing signal color and luminance have been outlined in previous publications we focus on analyzing form information by discussing how statistical shape analysis (SSA) methods can be used to analyze signal shape, and spatial filtering to analyze repetitive patterns. We also suggest the use of vector-based approaches for integrating multiple signal components. In our opinion elliptical Fourier analysis (EFA) is the most promising technique for shape quantification but we await the results of empirical comparison of techniques and the development of new shape analysis methods based on the cognitive and perceptual representations of receivers. Our manuscript should serve as an introductory guide to those interested in measuring visual signals, and while our examples focus on primate signals, the methods are applicable to quantifying visual signals in most taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Allen
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA.
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42
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Breuer T, Robbins AM, Boesch C, Robbins MM. Phenotypic correlates of male reproductive success in western gorillas. J Hum Evol 2012; 62:466-72. [PMID: 22386152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sexual selection is thought to drive the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits that increase male reproductive success. Despite a large degree of sexual dimorphism among haplorhine primates, phenotypic traits that may influence the reproductive success of males are largely unstudied due to long life spans and the difficulties in quantifying such traits non-invasively. Here we employ digital photogrammetry of body length and crest size, as well as ranking of the gluteal muscle size, to test whether these sexually dimorphic traits are associated with long-term measures of male reproductive success in western gorillas. Among 19 adult male gorillas monitored for up to 12.5 years, we found that all three phenotypic traits were positively correlated with the average number of mates per male, but only crest size and gluteal muscle size were significantly correlated with offspring survival and the annual rate of siring offspring that survive to weaning age. We discuss why such sexually dimorphic traits might be under ongoing selection in gorillas and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Breuer
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
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43
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A photogrammetric method to evaluate nutritional status without capture in habituated free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata): a pilot study. Primates 2011; 53:7-11. [DOI: 10.1007/s10329-011-0280-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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44
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Rohner CA, Richardson AJ, Marshall AD, Weeks SJ, Pierce SJ. How large is the world's largest fish? Measuring whale sharks Rhincodon typus with laser photogrammetry. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2011; 78:378-385. [PMID: 21235570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02861.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Laser photogrammetry was found to be a promising new cost-effective technique for measuring free-swimming whale sharks Rhincodon typus. Photogrammetric measurements were more precise than visual size estimates by experienced researchers, with results from the two methods differing by 9· 8 ± 1· 1% (mean ±s.e.). A new metric of total length and the length between the fifth gill and first dorsal fin (r² = 0· 93) is proposed to facilitate easy, accurate length measurements of whale sharks in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Rohner
- Marine Megafauna Foundation, Praia do Tofo, Mozambique Centre for Spatial Environmental Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia.
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45
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Hutchinson J, Fletcher A. Using behavior to determine immature life-stages in captive western gorillas. Am J Primatol 2010; 72:492-501. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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46
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Breuer T, Hockemba MBN, Olejniczak C, Parnell RJ, Stokes EJ. Physical maturation, life-history classes and age estimates of free-ranging western gorillas--insights from Mbeli Bai, Republic of Congo. Am J Primatol 2009; 71:106-19. [PMID: 19003901 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Physical maturation and life-history parameters are seen as evolutionary adaptations to different ecological and social conditions. Comparison of life-history patterns of closely related species living in diverse environments helps to evaluate the validity of these assumptions but empirical data are lacking. The two gorilla species exhibit substantial differences in their environment, which allows investigation into the role of increased frugivory in shaping western gorilla life histories. We present behavioral and morphological data on western gorilla physical maturation and life-history parameters from a 12.5-year study at Mbeli Bai, a forest clearing in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in northern Congo. We assign photographs of known individuals to different life-history classes and propose new age boundaries for life-history classes in western gorillas, which can be used and tested at other western gorilla research sites. Our results show that western gorillas are weaned at a later age compared with mountain gorillas and indicate slower physical maturation of immatures. These findings support the risk-aversion hypothesis for more frugivorous species. However, our methods need to be applied and tested with other gorilla populations. The slow life histories of western gorillas could have major consequences for social structure, mortality patterns and population growth rates that will affect recovery from population crashes of this critically endangered species. We emphasize that long-term studies can provide crucial demographic and life-history data that improve our understanding of life-history evolution and adaptation and help to refine conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Breuer
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany.
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Masi S, Cipolletta C, Robbins MM. Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) change their activity patterns in response to frugivory. Am J Primatol 2009; 71:91-100. [PMID: 19021124 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The most important environmental factor explaining interspecies variation in ecology and sociality of the great apes is likely to be variation in resource availability. Relatively little is known about the activity patterns of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), which inhabit a dramatically different environment from the well-studied mountain gorillas (G. beringei beringei). This study aims to provide a detailed quantification of western lowland gorillas' activity budgets using direct observations on one habituated group in Bai Hokou, Central African Republic. We examined how activity patterns of both sexes are shaped by seasonal frugivory. Activity was recorded with 5-min instantaneous sampling between December 2004 and December 2005. During the high-frugivory period the gorillas spent less time feeding and more time traveling than during the low-frugivory period. The silverback spent less time feeding but more time resting than both females and immatures, which likely results from a combination of social and physiological factors. When compared with mountain gorillas, western lowland gorillas spend more time feeding (67 vs. 55%) and traveling (12 vs. 6.5%), but less time resting (21 vs. 34%) and engaging in social/other activities (0.5 vs. 3.6%). This disparity in activity budgets of western lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas may be explained by the more frugivorous diet and the greater dispersion of food resources experienced by western lowland gorillas. Like other apes, western lowland gorillas change their activity patterns in response to changes in the diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly Masi
- Animal and Human Biology Department, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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48
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Rothman JM, Chapman CA, Twinomugisha D, Wasserman MD, Lambert JE, Goldberg TL. Measuring physical traits of primates remotely: the use of parallel lasers. Am J Primatol 2009; 70:1191-5. [PMID: 18767123 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Physical traits, such as body size, and processes like growth can be used as indices of primate health and can add to our understanding of life history and behavior. Accurately measuring physical traits in the wild can be challenging because capture is difficult, disrupts animals, and may cause injury. To measure physical traits of arboreal primates remotely, we adapted a parallel laser technique that has been used with terrestrial and marine mammals. Two parallel lasers separated by a known distance (4 cm) and mounted onto a digital camera are projected onto an animal. When a photograph is taken, the laser projections on the target provide a scale bar. We validated the technique for measuring the physical traits of identifiable red colobus monkeys (Procolobus rufomitratus) in Kibale National Park, Uganda. First, we photographed the tails of monkeys with laser projections and compared these with measurements previously obtained when the animals were captured. Second, we manually measured the distance between two markers placed on tree branches at similar heights to those used by monkeys, and compared them with the measurements obtained through digital photographs of the markers with parallel laser projections. The mean tail length of the monkeys via manual measurements was 63.3+/-4.4 cm, and via remote measurements was 63.0+/-4.1 cm. The mean distance between the markers on tree branches via manual measurements was 13.8+/-3.59 cm, and via remote measurements was 13.9+/-3.58 cm. The mean error using parallel lasers was 1.7% in both cases. Although the needed precision will depend on the question asked, our results suggest that sufficiently precise measurements of physical traits or substrates of arboreal primates can be obtained remotely using parallel lasers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Rothman
- McGill School of Environment, McGill University, Montreal, Que., Canada.
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49
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Berg W, Jolly A, Rambeloarivony H, Andrianome V, Rasamimanana H. A scoring system for coat and tail condition in ringtailed lemurs, Lemur catta. Am J Primatol 2009; 71:183-90. [PMID: 19142988 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Coat condition can be influenced by a wide variety of disorders and thus provides a useful tool for noninvasive health and welfare assessments in wild and captive animals. Using Lemur catta as an exemplar, we offer a 6-step scoring system for coat and tail condition, ranging from perfectly fluffy to half or more of body and tail being hairless. The categories are described in detail and illustrated with sample pictures from a wild population in Berenty Reserve, Madagascar. Furthermore, we elaborate on intermediate conditions and discoloration of fur. Coat condition scoring allows the comparison between years, seasons, and the effect of toxin, disease or stress. Although this system was developed for wild L. catta, we believe it can also be of value for other species. We recommend scoring coat condition in healthy wild mammal populations to give a baseline on yearly and seasonal variations vs. deteriorating health conditions or pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Berg
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, Hamburg, Germany.
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50
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Rowe LE, Dawson SM. Laser photogrammetry to determine dorsal fin size in a population of bottlenose dolphins from Doubtful Sound, New Zealand. AUST J ZOOL 2008. [DOI: 10.1071/zo08051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Laser photogrammetry (also known as laser-metrics) can provide valuable morphological data but the measurement error associated with the technique has not been quantified. Here laser-metrics were used to measure the dorsal fins of an entire resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Doubtful Sound, New Zealand. Dorsal fin base length, height and surface area were measured from dorsal fin photographs. Sources of measurement error were estimated by repeatedly measuring multiple photographs of dorsal fins of known individuals. Measurement error accounted for less than 6% of the total variation in dorsal fin base length and height, indicating that the technique was repeatable. Adults were the only age-class to express sexual dimorphism, with males significantly larger than females in all measurements. The relationship between dorsal fin height and base length was significantly different between male and female adults: dorsal fins of males were proportionately taller. Laser photogrammetry is an inexpensive and non-invasive measurement technique that can provide valuable size data when used in conjunction with routine dorsal fin photo-identification studies.
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