1
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de Visser M, Prins E, Bosse M, Crooijmans R, Ter Meulen T. Maximum longevity and juvenile mortality in zoo-housed mangabeys. Zoo Biol 2022; 41:522-532. [PMID: 35365901 PMCID: PMC10084074 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21690] [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: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the biology of grey-cheeked and black crested mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena and Lophocebus aterrimus, respectively). As these primates face threats in the wild, well-monitored zoo-housed populations with up to date registries are becoming increasingly valuable to acquire species knowledge and to support conservation efforts. We used international studbooks to extract demographic and genetic information on 519 mangabeys to investigate how life history and parent-related variables influence maximum longevity and juvenile mortality. Generalized linear mixed models, as well as survival analyses, were applied. Results showed that females lived significantly longer than males, which is not uncommon in primates. Furthermore, our results indicated that the maximum longevity is lower for individuals living in European zoos versus individuals from North American zoos, which may be due to a combination of environmental differences and potential founder effects. We also show that the maternal maximum longevity is positively related to the maximum longevity of the offspring, which may be explained by the inheritance of "good genes". However, the age of the mother at the moment of birth was negatively related to the maximum longevity of the offspring, which contradicts literature that states that, in primates, more experienced and thus older mothers will raise their offspring better than less experienced mothers. Instead, it is more likely that an "optimal age range" exists for breeding mothers. Our study provides insights into the population biology of captive mangabeys and may be helpful for identifying future research priorities to optimize primate health and welfare directly ex situ, and indirectly in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon de Visser
- Wageningen University & Research, Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,GaiaZOO, Kerkrade, The Netherlands.,Evolution & Biodiversity, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mirte Bosse
- Wageningen University & Research, Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Crooijmans
- Wageningen University & Research, Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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2
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Scherer L, Bingaman Lackey L, Clauss M, Gries K, Hagan D, Lawrenz A, Müller DWH, Roller M, Schiffmann C, Oerke AK. The historical development of zoo elephant survivorship. Zoo Biol 2022; 42:328-338. [PMID: 36074074 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In the discussion about zoo elephant husbandry, the report of Clubb et al. (2008, Science 322: 1649) that zoo elephants had a "compromised survivorship" compared to certain non-zoo populations is a grave argument, and was possibly one of the triggers of a large variety of investigations into zoo elephant welfare, and changes in zoo elephant management. A side observation of that report was that whereas survivorship in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) improved since 1960, this was not the case in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). We used historical data (based on the Species360 database) to revisit this aspect, including recent developments since 2008. Assessing the North American and European populations from 1910 until today, there were significant improvements of adult (≥10 years) survivorship in both species. For the period from 1960 until today, survivorship improvement was significant for African elephants and close to a significant improvement in Asian elephants; Asian elephants generally had a higher survivorship than Africans. Juvenile (<10 years) survivorship did not change significantly since 1960 and was higher in African elephants, most likely due to the effect of elephant herpes virus on Asian elephants. Current zoo elephant survivorship is higher than some, and lower than some other non-zoo populations. We discuss that in our view, the shape of the survivorship curve, and its change over time, are more relevant than comparisons with specific populations. Zoo elephant survivorship should be monitored continuously, and the expectation of a continuous trend towards improvement should be met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Scherer
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marcus Clauss
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - David Hagan
- Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ann-Kathrin Oerke
- European Elephant Service, Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Goettingen, Germany
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3
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Che-Castaldo J, Havercamp K, Watanuki K, Matsuzawa T, Hirata S, Ross SR. Comparative survival analyses among captive chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes) in America and Japan. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11913. [PMID: 34447626 PMCID: PMC8364750 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed, long-term datasets on the life histories of long-lived species such as great apes are necessary to understand their survival patterns but are relatively rare. Such information requires prolonged and consistent record-keeping over many generations, so for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), this equates to many decades of input. As life history variables can be altered by differences in environmental influences (whether natural or artificial), there is substantial value to being able to compare across populations. Here, we present the first comparative analysis of life history data for two ex situ chimpanzee populations residing in North America (1975–2020; n = 730) and Japan (1980–2020; n = 660). Overall, survival patterns were similar between regions, and the median life expectancy from birth is estimated at 35.7 (95% CI = [32.4–40.0]) years for females and 30.1 (27.3–34.3) years for males across both populations. Females who survive to their first birthday are estimated to survive 42.4 (40.0–46.3) years and males 35.5 (32.6–38.0) years. We found that birth type (wild-born or captive-born) did not influence survival patterns in either population, but there were differential effects of sex on longevity. In the America population, males had higher mortality rates than females, whereas in the Japan population we found no differences between the sexes. First year mortality did not differ between populations for males (18–20%), but for females it was lower in America (15%) compared to Japan (25%). Survival patterns of chimpanzees in the present study will be useful for future investigation into potential causes of regional differences and cross-species comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Che-Castaldo
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Conservation & Science Department, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | | | | | - Tetsuro Matsuzawa
- Chubu Gakuin University, Gifu, Japan.,Division of the Humanities and Social Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Satoshi Hirata
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Kumamoto Sanctuary, Kyoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Stephen R Ross
- Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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4
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Fernandez EJ, Upchurch B, Hawkes NC. Public Feeding Interactions as Enrichment for Three Zoo-Housed Elephants. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061689. [PMID: 34204020 PMCID: PMC8229577 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Human–animal interactions are an important focus of modern animal welfare research. A subset of this interest includes animal–visitor interactions that occur in zoos. One understudied aspect of animal–visitor interactions involves public feedings, where visitors can directly feed the zoo animals. We examined the effects of public feedings compared with nonpublic feed days on the general activity of three zoo-housed elephants. In addition, we examined the general activity of the elephants in the months prior to public feedings, as well as their general activity on public feed days before, during, and after a public feeding. Public feedings were effective at increasing social activity and decreasing stereotypies for two of the elephants when compared with nonpublic feed days. Additionally, all three elephants showed increased foraging and decreased inactivity following a public feeding. Our results suggest that public feedings can be an effective form of environmental enrichment for zoo-housed elephants. Abstract The past few decades have seen increased interest in studies examining the welfare of elephants and animal–visitor interactions. One understudied area for both pursuits is the impact of public feeding interactions. Our study examined the effects of public feedings on the general activity of three zoo-housed elephants. Prior to public feedings, we developed and assessed a 21-behavior ethogram split into six classes of behavior. Comparisons between the elephants demonstrated that only one of the elephants engaged in stereotypies with regularity (>30%), and that the stereotypies occurred in place of most foraging. During public feedings, we compared the general activity of each elephant independently and across both public feeding and nonpublic feeding days, as well as the general activity before, during, and after a public feeding. Public feedings increased social activity and decreased stereotypies when compared with nonpublic feeding days for two of the elephants. In addition, all three elephants showed increased foraging and decreased inactivity in the period after a public feeding session. These results demonstrate that public feedings can be a useful tool for enriching the welfare of zoo-housed elephants and are among the first sets of data to demonstrate positive welfare outcomes associated with public feedings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo J. Fernandez
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-206-765-7350
| | - Bruce Upchurch
- Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA 98103, USA; (B.U.); (N.C.H.)
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5
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Yu Z, Seim I, Yin M, Tian R, Sun D, Ren W, Yang G, Xu S. Comparative analyses of aging-related genes in long-lived mammals provide insights into natural longevity. Innovation (N Y) 2021; 2:100108. [PMID: 34557758 PMCID: PMC8454735 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2021.100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Extreme longevity has evolved multiple times during the evolution of mammals, yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely underexplored. Here, we compared the evolution of 115 aging-related genes in 11 long-lived species and 25 mammals with non-increased lifespan (control group) in the hopes of better understanding the common molecular mechanisms behind longevity. We identified 16 unique positively selected genes and 23 rapidly evolving genes in long-lived species, which included nine genes involved in regulating lifespan through the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway and 11 genes highly enriched in immune-response-related pathways, suggesting that the IIS pathway and immune response play a particularly important role in exceptional mammalian longevity. Interestingly, 11 genes related to cancer progression, including four positively selected genes and seven genes with convergent amino acid changes, were shared by two or more long-lived lineages, indicating that long-lived mammals might have evolved convergent or similar mechanisms of cancer resistance that extended their lifespan. This suggestion was further corroborated by our identification of 12 robust candidates for longevity-related genes closely related to cancer. Evolution analyses of 115 aging-related genes exploring natural longevity in mammals Positively selected genes & rapidly evolved genes enriched in IIS and immune pathways Convergent mutations in genes associated with cancer in long-lived species Evolution of longevity through cancer resistance in long-lived mammals
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenpeng Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Inge Seim
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.,Integrative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.,School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mengxin Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ran Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Di Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenhua Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
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6
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Himschoot EA, Wenker ES, Reed EG, Sampson J, Power ML. Macronutrient composition of milk from two captive African elephant (Loxodonta africana) cows. Zoo Biol 2021; 40:192-200. [PMID: 33705586 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21599] [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: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We assayed 31 milk samples collected from two African elephant cows housed at the Indianapolis Zoo across lactation (birth to calf age 973 days) for macronutrient composition (water, fat, protein, sugar, gross energy [GE], ash, calcium, and phosphorus). All assays were performed at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park Nutrition Laboratory, Washington, DC (SNZP) using standard methods developed at SNZP. Milk constituents are expressed on a weight-per-weight basis (%) and as a proportion each constituent contributes to milk energy. Calf weights were recorded, and growth rate calculated. The macronutrient composition of the African elephant milk samples was compared to previously published results for Asian elephants using analysis of covariance. African elephant milk is similar to Asian elephant milk, being moderately high in fat and energy and low in sugar. The mean values across lactation (excluding colostrum; n = 28) are 5.6 ± 0.3% crude protein, 3.1 ± 0.3% sugar, 13.0 ± 1.0% fat, and GE of 1.63 ± 0.10 kcal/g. Milk composition did not differ between cows. Milk composition significantly changed over lactation; fat and protein increased, and sugar decreased with calf age, comparable to previously reported data for African and Asian elephant milk. The proportion of milk energy from fat increased and that from sugar decreased over lactation, but the energy from protein was relatively constant. Protein contributed a higher proportion of energy to African elephant milk compared to Asian elephant milk (20.6% vs. 17.0%, p = .001). Despite this, calf growth rate was similar between the species, with the calves in this study gaining about 0.8 kg/day for the first 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Himschoot
- Nutrition Laboratory, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Wenker
- Nutrition Laboratory, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Eda G Reed
- Nutrition Laboratory, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Michael L Power
- Nutrition Laboratory, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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7
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Lynsdale CL, Mon NO, Franco Dos Santos DJ, Aung HH, Nyein UK, Htut W, Childs D, Lummaa V. Demographic and reproductive associations with nematode infection in a long-lived mammal. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9214. [PMID: 32513991 PMCID: PMC7280280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66075-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection by macroparasites, such as nematodes, varies within vertebrate host systems; elevated infection is commonly observed in juveniles and males, and, for females, with different reproductive states. However, while such patterns are widely recognized in short-lived model systems, how they apply to long-lived hosts is comparatively understudied. Here, we investigated how infection varies with host age, sex, and female reproduction in a semi-captive population of individually marked Asian elephants Elephas maximus. We carried out 1,977 faecal egg counts (FECs) across five years to estimate nematode loads for 324 hosts. Infection patterns followed an established age-infection curve, whereby calves (5 years) exhibited the highest FECs and adults (45 years) the lowest. However, males and females had similar FECs across their long lifespan, despite distinct differences in life-history strategy and clear sexual dimorphism. Additionally, although mothers invest two years in pregnancy and a further three to five years into lactation, nematode load did not vary with four different measures of female reproduction. Our results provide a much-needed insight into the host-parasite dynamics of a long-lived host; determining host-specific associations with infection in such systems is important for broadening our knowledge of parasite ecology and provides practical applications for wildlife medicine and management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nay Oo Mon
- Department of Animal Science, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Myanmar
| | | | - Htoo Htoo Aung
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - U Kyaw Nyein
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Dylan Childs
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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8
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Kido N, Tanaka S, Omiya T, Kamite Y, Sawada K, Komatsu Y, Shoji Y, Senzaki M, Hanzawa S, Ando M, Suto I. Emotion estimation using a wearable heart rate monitoring device in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) during veterinary clinical procedures. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:856-860. [PMID: 32307341 PMCID: PMC7324812 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.19-0637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatal accidents in captive elephants occasionally occur because humans are unable to
gauge elephants’ emotions solely by their behavior. The intellectual capacity of elephants
makes them capable of understanding circumstantial changes and associated emotions,
allowing them to react accordingly. Physiological markers, such as heart rate variability,
may be effective in determining an elephant’s emotional state. In this study, a wearable
heart rate monitor was used to determine the emotional state of a female Indian captive
elephant (Elephas maximus indicus). The average heart rate was higher
when the elephant underwent painful treatment than when it underwent non-painful
treatment. In addition, the heart rate increased both before and after the treatment,
which included radiography and blood collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhide Kido
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
| | - Sohei Tanaka
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
| | - Tomoko Omiya
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
| | - Yuko Kamite
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
| | - Kohei Sawada
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
| | - Yoko Komatsu
- Toyobo STC Co., Ltd., 2-2-8, Doujimahama, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0004, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Shoji
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
| | - Masaru Senzaki
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
| | - Sayuri Hanzawa
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
| | - Masato Ando
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
| | - Ikko Suto
- Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, 5-15-1, Kamariya higashi, Kanazawa ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0014, Japan
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9
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Social structure and demography of a remnant Asian elephant Elephas maximus population and the implications for survival. ORYX 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605319000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe Asian elephant Elephas maximus is at risk of extinction as a result of anthropogenic pressures, and remaining populations are often small and fragmented remnants, occupying a fraction of the species' former range. Once widely distributed across China, only a maximum of 245 elephants are estimated to survive across seven small populations. We assessed the Asian elephant population in Nangunhe National Nature Reserve in Lincang Prefecture, China, using camera traps during May–July 2017, to estimate the population size and structure of this genetically important population. Although detection probability was low (0.31), we estimated a total population size of c. 20 individuals, and an effective density of 0.39 elephants per km2. Social structure indicated a strong sex ratio bias towards females, with only one adult male detected within the population. Most of the elephants associated as one herd but three adult females remained separate from the herd throughout the trapping period. These results highlight the fragility of remnant elephant populations such as Nangunhe and we suggest options such as a managed metapopulation approach for their continued survival in China and more widely.
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10
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Fuller J, Ferchaud A, Laporte M, Le Luyer J, Davis TB, Côté SD, Bernatchez L. Absence of founder effect and evidence for adaptive divergence in a recently introduced insular population of white‐tailed deer (
Odocoileus virginianus
). Mol Ecol 2019; 29:86-104. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Fuller
- Département de Biologie Université Laval Québec QC Canada
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Research Chair in Integrated Management of the Resources of Anticosti Island and Centre d'Études Nordiques (CEN) Québec QC Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative des Systèmes (IBIS) Université Laval Québec QC Canada
| | - Anne‐Laure Ferchaud
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative des Systèmes (IBIS) Université Laval Québec QC Canada
| | - Martin Laporte
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative des Systèmes (IBIS) Université Laval Québec QC Canada
| | - Jérémy Le Luyer
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative des Systèmes (IBIS) Université Laval Québec QC Canada
| | | | - Steeve D. Côté
- Département de Biologie Université Laval Québec QC Canada
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Research Chair in Integrated Management of the Resources of Anticosti Island and Centre d'Études Nordiques (CEN) Québec QC Canada
| | - Louis Bernatchez
- Département de Biologie Université Laval Québec QC Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative des Systèmes (IBIS) Université Laval Québec QC Canada
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11
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Gabriela Jimenez A. "The Same Thing That Makes You Live Can Kill You in the End": Exploring the Effects of Growth Rates and Longevity on Cellular Metabolic Rates and Oxidative Stress in Mammals and Birds. Integr Comp Biol 2019; 58:544-558. [PMID: 29982421 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icy090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
All aerobic organisms are subjected to metabolic by-products known as reactive species (RS). RS can wreak havoc on macromolecules by structurally altering proteins and inducing mutations in DNA, among other deleterious effects. To combat accumulating damage, organisms have an antioxidant system to sequester RS before they cause cellular damage. The balance between RS production, antioxidant defences, and accumulated cellular damage is termed oxidative stress. Physiological ecologists, gerontologists, and metabolic biochemists have turned their attention to whether oxidative stress is the principal, generalized mechanism that mediates and limits longevity, growth rates, and other life-history trade-offs in animals, as may be the case in mammals and birds. At the crux of this theory lies the regulation and activities of the mitochondria with respect to the organism and its metabolic rate. At the whole-animal level, evolutionary theory suggests that developmental trajectories and growth rates can shape the onset and rate of aging. Mitochondrial function is important for aging since it is the main source of energy in cells, and the main source of RS. Altering oxidative stress levels, either increase in oxidative damage or reduction in antioxidants, has proven to also decrease growth rates, which implies that oxidative stress is a cost of, as well as a constraint on, growth. Yet, in nature, many animals exhibit fast growth rates that lead to higher loads of oxidative stress, which are often linked to shorter lifespans. In this article, I summarize the latest findings on whole-animal life history trade-offs, such as growth rates and longevity, and how these can be affected by mitochondrial cellular metabolism, and oxidative stress.
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12
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Che-Castaldo JP, Byrne A, Perišin K, Faust LJ. Sex-specific median life expectancies from ex situ populations for 330 animal species. Sci Data 2019; 6:190019. [PMID: 30778256 PMCID: PMC6484356 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2019.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We present life expectancy estimates for hundreds of vertebrate species based on carefully vetted studbook data from North American zoos and aquariums. These data include sex-specific median life expectancies as well as sample size and 95% confidence limits for each estimate. Existing longevity data for animals primarily consist of maximum lifespan values, which are single observations rather than statistically derived estimates of longevity. Moreover, all of our estimates are based on the same type of data and calculated using consistent, standardized methods. To derive these estimates, we conducted Kaplan-Meier survival analyses using individual-level demographic data (i.e., records of birth and mortality events) from studbook records for each ex situ population. Our species set represents a range of vertebrate taxa (primarily mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles) and diverse life histories. This dataset will have broad utility, not only for informing comparative demographic and life history studies, but also more broadly for any research or conservation application that requires sex- or species-specific life expectancy information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy P. Che-Castaldo
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park
Zoo, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy Byrne
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park
Zoo, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Perišin
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park
Zoo, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lisa J. Faust
- Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Lincoln Park
Zoo, Chicago, IL, USA
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13
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Veasey JS. In pursuit of peak animal welfare; the need to prioritize the meaningful over the measurable. Zoo Biol 2017; 36:413-425. [PMID: 29193216 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the diversity of animal welfare definitions, most recognise the centrality of the feelings of animals which are currently impossible to measure directly. As a result, animal welfare assessment is heavily reliant upon the indirect measurement of factors that either affect what animals feel, or are effected by how they feel. Physiological and health orientated measures have emerged as popular metrics for assessing welfare because they are quantifiable, can effect and be affected by how animals feel and have merits regardless of their relationship to the feelings of animals. However, their popularity in animal welfare assessment has led to them having a disproportionate influence on animal management to the detriment of animal welfare in numerous instances. Here, the case is made that a tension exists between management that prioritizes aspects of care reflecting popular animal welfare metrics such as those relating to physical health, and management that emphasizes psychological wellbeing. By re-examining the relative merits of physical and psychological priorities in animal management, an alternate animal welfare paradigm emerges less tied to traditional welfare metrics. This paradigm theorizes about the possibility for an optimal animal welfare state to exist where managed animal populations provided essential psychological outlets but protected from key physical stressors routinely experienced in the wild, might experience higher levels of welfare than wild populations would routinely experience. The proposition that optimal animal welfare could theoretically be achieved in well managed and well designed captive environments challenges a widely held ethical perspective that captivity is inherently bad for animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake S Veasey
- Care for the Rare c/o, School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, United Kingdom
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Jimenez AG. Physiological underpinnings in life-history trade-offs in man’s most popular selection experiment: the dog. J Comp Physiol B 2016; 186:813-27. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-016-1002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Boyle SA, Roberts B, Pope BM, Blake MR, Leavelle SE, Marshall JJ, Smith A, Hadicke A, Falcone JF, Knott K, Kouba AJ. Assessment of Flooring Renovations on African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Behavior and Glucocorticoid Response. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141009. [PMID: 26535582 PMCID: PMC4633053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants can experience foot pathologies and arthritis. As a preventative measure against these pathologies and to alleviate the potential discomfort due to concrete substrates, some zoological institutions have renovated elephant housing to increase the amount of natural or shock-absorbent substrates. The objective of this study was to compare behavioral (diurnal and nocturnal) and glucorticoid (e.g., serum cortisol) responses of three female African elephants before, during, and after renovation to their indoor housing floor to assess whether renovations had short-term effects on the elephants' behavior and stress physiology. Behavioral data were collected using scan-sampling methods, and activity budgets were constructed for each of the three elephants. In addition, the duration of all lying rest activities were recorded. Weekly serum cortisol concentrations were determined with enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Overall, eating was the most prevalent behavior exhibited outdoors during the day, while resting (either in a lying or standing position) were most common during the indoor, nocturnal periods. Although variation existed among the three elephants, all three females spent significantly more time walking and less time eating during the day after the completion of the renovations. The extent to which the three elephants exhibited nocturnal lying rest behavior varied among the elephants, with the oldest elephant exhibiting the least amount (an average of 13.2 ± 2.8% of the nightly behavioral scans) compared to the two younger elephants (an average of 34.5 ± 2.1% and 56.6 ± 2.8% of the nightly behavioral scans). There was a significant increase in lying rest behavior for one elephant and standing rest for a second elephant following renovations. Baseline cortisol concentrations prior to renovations were 3.0 ± 0.4 ng/ml, 4.5 ± 0.5 ng/ml, and 4.9 ± 0.5 ng/ml for the three elephants. Cortisol concentrations remained baseline for two of the elephants throughout and after the renovation period, while one elephant that was pregnant had elevated cortisol during construction. Cortisol concentrations for the pregnant elephant remained higher than baseline once she was introduced to the new flooring and allowed back into the building, but these values were closer to the cortisol concentrations before renovations than during construction. Our findings demonstrate that individual elephants can vary in their behavioral and physiological responses to exhibit modifications. Given that the elephants walked more during the day, two of the three elephants had an increase in rest behavior during the night, and there were minimal changes in cortisol response after the flooring renovations, we conclude that the flooring renovations overall had a positive impact on animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Boyle
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Beth Roberts
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Brittany M. Pope
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Margaret R. Blake
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Stephen E. Leavelle
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jennifer J. Marshall
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Andrew Smith
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Amanda Hadicke
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Josephine F. Falcone
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Katrina Knott
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Andrew J. Kouba
- Conservation and Research Department, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
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Robeck TR, Willis K, Scarpuzzi MR, O’Brien JK. Comparisons of life-history parameters between free-ranging and captive killer whale ( Orcinus orca) populations for application toward species management. J Mammal 2015; 96:1055-1070. [PMID: 26937049 PMCID: PMC4668992 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Data collected on life-history parameters of known-age animals from the northern (NR) and southern resident (SR) killer whales (Orcinus orca) of the eastern North Pacific were compared with life-history traits of killer whales located at SeaWorld (SEA) facilities. For captive-born SEA animals, mean age and body length at 1st estrus was 7.5 years and 483.7cm, respectively. Estimated mean age at 1st conception was different (P < 0.001) for the combined data from both northern and southern resident (NSR) free-ranging populations (12.1 years) compared to SEA (9.8 years), as was the estimated mean age at 1st observed calf (SEA: 11.1 years, NSR: 14.2 years, P < 0.001). Average calf survival rate to 2 years of age for SEA animals (0.966) was significantly greater (P = 0.04) than that for SR (0.799). Annual survival rate (ASR) for SEA increased over approximately 15-year increments with rates in the most recent period (2000-2015 ASR: 0.976) improved (P < 0.05) over the first 2 periods of captivity (1965-1985: 0.906; 1985-2000: 0.941). The SR (0.966) and NR ASR (0.977) were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than that of SEA until 2000, after which there were no inter-population differences. Based on ASR, median and average life expectancy were 28.8 and 41.6 years (SEA: 2000-2015), 20.1 and 29.0 years (SR), and 29.3 and 42.3 years (NR), respectively. The ASR for animals born at SEA (0.979) was higher (P = 0.02) than that of wild-caught SEA animals (0.944) with a median and average life expectancy of 33.1 and 47.7 years, respectively. These data present evidence for similar life-history parameters of free-ranging and captive killer whale populations and the reproductive potential and survivorship patterns established herein have application for use in future research concerning the overall health of both populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Willis
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (TRR, JKO)
- Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA (KW)
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (MRS)
| | - Michael R. Scarpuzzi
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (TRR, JKO)
- Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA (KW)
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (MRS)
| | - Justine K. O’Brien
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (TRR, JKO)
- Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA (KW)
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (MRS)
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Life expectancy and longevity of varanid lizards (Reptilia:Squamata:Varanidae) in North American zoos. Zoo Biol 2014; 34:139-52. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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18
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Mumby HS, Courtiol A, Mar KU, Lummaa V. Climatic variation and age-specific survival in Asian elephants from Myanmar. Ecology 2013; 94:1131-41. [DOI: 10.1890/12-0834.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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19
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Shelmidine N, McAloose D, McCann C. Survival Patterns and Mortality in the North American Population of Silvered Leaf Monkeys (Trachypithecus cristatus). Zoo Biol 2013; 32:177-88. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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20
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Hutchins M, Thompson SD. Zoo and aquarium research: priority setting for the coming decades. Zoo Biol 2012; 27:488-97. [PMID: 19360642 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Scientific study within contemporary zoos and aquariums has developed ad hoc as an extremely broad, academically oriented mixture of basic and applied research spanning a wide array of concepts and disciplines. Several papers have considered prioritization of present or future research efforts within disciplines, but only a few have touched on prioritization across institutions, disciplines, and species. This lack of prioritization across institutions and disciplines is surprising given the growing interdependence of zoos and aquariums to maintain populations through exchange of animals, standardization of animal care procedures, and maintenance of self-sustaining populations. The purpose of this paper is to explore prioritization of scientific research, and support of that prioritized research, within and among the professionally managed zoo and aquarium members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Zoo Biol 27:488-497, 2008. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Charvet CJ, Finlay BL. Embracing covariation in brain evolution: large brains, extended development, and flexible primate social systems. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2012; 195:71-87. [PMID: 22230623 PMCID: PMC3327164 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53860-4.00004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Brain size, body size, developmental length, life span, costs of raising offspring, behavioral complexity, and social structures are correlated in mammals due to intrinsic life-history requirements. Dissecting variation and direction of causation in this web of relationships often draw attention away from the factors that correlate with basic life parameters. We consider the "social brain hypothesis," which postulates that overall brain and the isocortex are selectively enlarged to confer social abilities in primates, as an example of this enterprise and pitfalls. We consider patterns of brain scaling, modularity, flexibility of brain organization, the "leverage," and direction of selection on proposed dimensions. We conclude that the evidence supporting selective changes in isocortex or brain size for the isolated ability to manage social relationships is poor. Strong covariation in size and developmental duration coupled with flexible brains allow organisms to adapt in variable social and ecological environments across the life span and in evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine J Charvet
- Behavioral and Evolutionary Neuroscience Group, Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, USA.
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22
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Young AM, Hobson EA, Lackey LB, Wright TF. Survival on the ark: life history trends in captive parrots. Anim Conserv 2011; 15:28-53. [PMID: 22389582 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2011.00477.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Members of the order Psittaciformes (parrots and cockatoos) are among the most long-lived and endangered avian species. Comprehensive data on lifespan and breeding are critical to setting conservation priorities, parameterizing population viability models, and managing captive and wild populations. To meet these needs, we analyzed 83, 212 life history records of captive birds from the International Species Information System and calculated lifespan and breeding parameters for 260 species of parrots (71% of extant species). Species varied widely in lifespan, with larger species generally living longer than smaller ones. The highest maximum lifespan recorded was 92 years in Cacatua moluccensis, but only 11 other species had a maximum lifespan over 50 years. Our data indicate that while some captive individuals are capable of reaching extraordinary ages, median lifespans are generally shorter than widely assumed, albeit with some increase seen in birds presently held in zoos. Species that lived longer and bred later in life tended to be more threatened according to IUCN classifications. We documented several individuals of multiple species that were able to breed for more than two decades, but the majority of clades examined had much shorter active reproduction periods. Post-breeding periods were surprisingly long and in many cases surpassed the duration of active breeding. Our results demonstrate the value of the ISIS database to estimate life history data for an at-risk taxon that is difficult to study in the wild, and provide life history data that is crucial for predictive modeling of future species endangerment and proactively managing captive populations of parrots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Young
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
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23
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Bercovitch FB, Andrews J. Developmental milestones among African elephant calves on their first day of life. Zoo Biol 2010; 29:120-6. [PMID: 20391464 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A recurrent issue confronted by zoos is the extent to which animals living ex situ have life history profiles representative of those living in situ. The lengthy lifespan of African elephants hinders collecting proper comparative data, but enough information has been published to conduct preliminary analyses comparing the developmental profile of zoo and wild African elephants on their first day of life. We show that calves born in a zoo stand and walk on their own for the first time at the same age as those born in the wild. Calves born in the zoo take a little longer until first successful nursing, but the difference in age between wild and zoo is not statistically significant. Male and female calves born in zoos develop at the same pace, with data insufficient to compare with wild-born calves. We conclude maternal parity has an effect on the age of first nursing, but not on first standing or walking, because the initiation of suckling requires coordination between two animals. We suggest that available evidence indicates that calves born in the wild and in zoos develop at comparable rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred B Bercovitch
- Center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, Escondido, California 92027, USA.
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24
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Mason GJ, Veasey JS. What do population-level welfare indices suggest about the well-being of zoo elephants? Zoo Biol 2010; 29:256-73. [PMID: 20140956 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To assess zoo elephants' welfare using objective population-level indices, we sought data from zoos and other protected populations (potential "benchmarks") on variables affected by poor well-being. Such data were available on fecundity, potential fertility, stillbirths, infant mortality, adult survivorship, and stereotypic behavior. Most of these can also be affected by factors unrelated to well-being; therefore, for each, we analyzed the potential role of these other factors. Population-level comparisons generally indicate poor reproduction, and poor infant and adult survivorship in zoos compared with benchmark populations (with some differences between zoo regions and over time). Stereotypic behavior also occurs in c. 60% of zoo elephants; as the population-level welfare index least open to alternative interpretations, this represents the strongest evidence that well-being is/has been widely compromised. Poor well-being is a parsimonious explanation for the diverse range of population-level effects seen, but to test this hypothesis properly, data are now needed on, for example, potential confounds that can affect these indices (to partition out effects of factors unrelated to well-being), and causes of the observed temporal effects, and differences between species and zoo regions. Regardless of whether such additional data implicate poor well-being, our findings suggest that elephant management has generally been sub-optimal. We also discuss the selection and utilization of benchmark data, as a useful future approach for evaluating such issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia J Mason
- Canada Research Chair in Animal Welfare, Animal Science Department, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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25
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Müller DWH, Lackey LB, Streich WJ, Hatt JM, Clauss M. Relevance of management and feeding regimens on life expectancy in captive deer. Am J Vet Res 2010; 71:275-80. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.71.3.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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26
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Vanstreels RET, Teixeira RHF, Camargo LC, Nunes ALV, Matushima ER. Impacts of animal traffic on the Brazilian Amazon parrots (Amazona species) collection of the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoological Park, Brazil, 1986-2007. Zoo Biol 2010; 29:600-14. [PMID: 20069544 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Eleven species of Amazon parrots (genus Amazona) are known to occur in Brazil, and nest poaching and illegal traffic pose serious conservation threats to these species. When the illegal owners realize these animals are incompatible with their expectations and lifestyle, or when the police arrests traders and owners, these trafficked animals are often considered unfit for release and sent to local zoos and captive breeders. A retrospective survey of animal and necropsy records from 1986 to 2007 was used to evaluate the impacts of animal traffic on the population composition and mortality patterns of Amazon parrots at the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoological Park, Sorocaba, Brazil. Data were obtained for 374 Amazon parrots of ten Brazilian species, and there was evidence that the studied population could be split into two major groups: a majority belonging to the Amazona aestiva species and a minority belonging to the remaining species. In comparison, the animals of the first group were more frequently admitted from traffic-related origins (98 vs. 75%), had a shorter lifespan (median 301 days vs. 848 days) and a higher mortality within the first year postadmission (54 vs. 37%), were less likely to receive expensive treatments, and were more frequently housed off-exhibit. On an average, parrots were found to have a short postadmission lifespan (median 356 days), with 92.5% of the birds dying within their first five years in captivity. The paper discusses the difficult dilemmas these incoming traffic-related animals pose to zoo management and official anti-traffic policies.
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Immune responses of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to commercial tetanus toxoid vaccine. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2009; 133:287-9. [PMID: 19720403 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Revised: 07/28/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although captive elephants are commonly vaccinated annually against tetanus using commercially available tetanus toxoid vaccines marketed for use in horses and livestock, no data exists to prove that tetanus toxoid vaccination produces measurable antibody titers in elephants. An ELISA test was created to measure antibody responses to tetanus toxoid vaccinations in 22 Asian elephants ranging in age from 24 to 56 years (mean age 39 years) over a 7-month period. All animals had been previously vaccinated with tetanus toxoid vaccine, with the last booster administered 4 years before the start of the study. The great majority of elephants had titers prior to booster vaccination, and following revaccination all elephants demonstrated anamnestic increases in titers, indicating that this species does respond to tetanus vaccination. Surprisingly older animals mounted a significantly higher response to revaccination than did younger animals.
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28
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Wich S, Shumaker R, Perkins L, de Vries H. Captive and wild orangutan (Pongosp.) survivorship: a comparison and the influence of management. Am J Primatol 2009; 71:680-6. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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29
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Nuss K, Warneke M. Life span, reproductive output, and reproductive opportunity in captive Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii). Zoo Biol 2009; 29:1-15. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Rees PA. The Sizes of Elephant Groups in Zoos: Implications for Elephant Welfare. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2008; 12:44-60. [DOI: 10.1080/10888700802536699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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31
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Lawson DP, Ogden J, Snyder RJ. Maximizing the contribution of science in zoos and aquariums: organizational models and perceptions. Zoo Biol 2008; 27:458-69. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Mace GM, Pelletier F. Commentary on Ricklefs & Cadena (2007): Reproductive investment and lifespan. Ecol Lett 2007; 10:872-4; discussion 874-5. [PMID: 17845286 DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2007.01097.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Georgina M Mace
- Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks SL7 5PY, UK.
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Hermes R, Göritz F, Streich W, Hildebrandt T. Assisted Reproduction in Female Rhinoceros and Elephants ? Current Status and Future Perspective. Reprod Domest Anim 2007; 42 Suppl 2:33-44. [PMID: 17688600 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00924.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, rhinoceroses and elephants became important icons in the saga of wildlife conservation. Recent surveys estimate the wild Asian (Elephas maximus) and African (Loxodonta africana) elephant populations to be, at most, 50 250 and 637 600 respectively. For the five rhinoceros species, black (Diceros bicornis), white (Ceratotherium simum), Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis), Javan (Rhinoceros sondaicus) and Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus Sumatrensis), the population estimates of 3610, 11 330, 2400, 60 and 300, respectively, are of even greater concern. Protected against habitat loss, poaching and left undisturbed, rhinoceros and elephants reproduce well in the wild. But small and decreasing populations make successful captive management of these taxa increasingly important. In captivity, however, most populations face possible 'extinction' because of historically poor reproductive performance. From the first descriptions of the reproductive anatomy and the oestrous cycle (Laws 1969; Kassam and Lasley 1981; Balke et al. 1988a,b; Plotka et al. 1988; Godfrey et al. 1991) to the present use of advanced assisted reproduction technologies, researchers have strive to understand the function and dysfunction of the reproductive biology of these charismatic species. This paper reviewed the current knowledge on rhinoceros and elephant reproduction biology, reproductive cycle, gestation, dystocia, reproductive pathology, oestrous induction and artificial insemination, sperm sexing, IVF and contraception, and how this knowledge is or might be used to aid species conservation for maximal reproductive efficiency and enhancement of genetic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hermes
- Department of Reproductive Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.
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HILDEBRANDT TB, GORITZ F, HERMES R, REID C, DEHNHARD M, BROWN JL. Aspects of the reproductive biology and breeding management of Asian and African elephants Elephas maximus and Loxodonta africana. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1090.2006.00020.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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36
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SUKUMAR R. A brief review of the status, distribution and biology of wild Asian elephants Elephas maximus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1090.2006.00001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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38
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Faust LJ, Thompson SD, Earnhardt JM. Is reversing the decline of Asian elephants in North American zoos possible? An individual-based modeling approach. Zoo Biol 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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40
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Elephant importation from range countries: ethical and practical considerations for accredited zoos. Zoo Biol 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.20102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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41
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Ultrasonography: an important tool in captive breeding management in elephants and rhinoceroses. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-005-0012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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