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Dunham NT, Koester DC, Dierenfeld ES, Rimbach R, Pontzer H. Balancing the scales: Preliminary investigation of total energy expenditure and daily metabolizable energy intake in Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270570. [PMID: 35759501 PMCID: PMC9236236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) is an endangered arboreal marsupial native to Papua New Guinea. Detailed field studies of its behavior and ecology are scarce due largely to its occupation of remote cloud forests and cryptic nature. Although this species has been in human care since the 1950s, much of its biology is still unknown. The current ex situ population is not sustainable due to health and reproductive problems, believed to stem largely from issues with diet and obesity. To better assess potential discrepancies between energy requirements and energy intake, we sought to 1) quantify total energy expenditure (TEE) of two zoo-housed Matschie’s tree kangaroos (body mass = 9.0–9.7 kg) on a diet composed largely of leafy browse; 2) quantify food and macronutrient intake, apparent dry matter macronutrient digestibility, and metabolizable energy (ME) intake over a 14-month period; and 3) test for seasonal changes in ME intake due to seasonal differences in the varieties of leafy browse offered. Using the doubly labeled water method, we determined TEE for the female (288 kcal day -1) and male (411 kcal day -1). Resulting mean TEE was well below the expected value for marsupials and macropods (i.e., ~60% of the expected value based on body mass). The mean calculated ME intakes for the female and male were 307 kcal day-1 and 454 kcal day-1, respectively. There were significant seasonal differences in ME intakes, driven by reduced intake in the autumn. These results demonstrate that Matschie’s tree kangaroos can be maintained at healthy body weights and conditions on fiber-rich and browse-heavy diets. Our findings contribute important insights into tree kangaroo energetics and physiology and can be applied to help reformulate the diet of Matschie’s tree kangaroos at captive facilities to improve population health and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah T. Dunham
- Division of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Diana C. Koester
- Division of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Ellen S. Dierenfeld
- Ellen S. Dierenfeld, LLC, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Rimbach
- Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Herman Pontzer
- Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
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2
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Environmental Enrichment Factors Associated with the Activity Level of Bottlenose Dolphins under Professional Care. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment can be used to improve the welfare of dolphins in zoos and aquariums. Bottlenose dolphins under professional care are typically provided with a range of enrichment that has a variety of features and levels of complexity at various frequencies. In the present study, a subset of data from a larger study entitled “Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums” (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study) was used to examine the relationship between activity level and enrichment buoyancy as well as enrichment provisioning schedules. Survey data were collected from accredited zoos and aquariums related to the types of enrichment provided to the dolphins and the frequency and duration they were supplied. Non-invasive bio-logging devices were used to record the dolphin kinematics one day per week over the course of two five-week data collection periods. Activity level related positively with the total duration of time non-stationary enrichment was provided. In addition, providing a larger number of enrichment types each between 26% and 50% of the days in a month (i.e., rotating many different types of enrichment across days on a moderate schedule) was positively related to activity level. Activity level was negatively related to the number of times sinking enrichment was provided. Understanding how the temporal schedule and features of various types of enrichment are related to activity levels will aid in developing progressively more effective enrichment programs.
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3
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Kozlowski CP, Bauman KL, Franklin AD, Sahrmann JM, Gartner M, Baskir E, Hanna S, LaMattina K, Seyfried A, Powell DM. Glucocorticoid Production, Activity Levels, And Personality Traits Of Fennec Foxes ( Vulpes zerda) Managed For Different Roles In Zoos. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2021:1-18. [PMID: 34634950 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1980725] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations, activity, and personality were assessed for 35 fennec foxes (Vulpes zerda) to determine whether animals managed as ambassadors differed from exhibit or off-exhibit animals. A FGM assay, pedometer, and personality assessment tool were validated. Then, fecal samples and movement data were collected during winter and summer periods. Handling was recorded, and the personality of each fox was evaluated. Generalized linear mixed models assessed the relationships between FGM concentrations, activity, personality, handling, sex, season, rearing type, and role. FGM concentrations did not differ in relation to role or handling. Foxes were most active at night; the time of peak activity did not vary with role or handling. Foxes were more active in winter; males were more active than females, and ambassador foxes were more active than off-exhibit animals. Hand-reared foxes were more sociable, and, at one institution, ambassador foxes were more sociable than foxes in other roles. These results suggest that management for ambassador programs is not associated with changes in glucocorticoid production or circadian patterns but may increase activity and be associated with greater sociability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne P Kozlowski
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Karen L Bauman
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ashley D Franklin
- Association of Zoos and Aquarium Reproductive Management Center, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Mo, USA
| | - John M Sahrmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo, USA
| | | | - Eli Baskir
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sheri Hanna
- Exotic Endeavors, Santa Rosa Valley, CA, USA
| | | | | | - David M Powell
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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4
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Freeman PT, Anderson EL, Allen KB, O'Connell-Rodwell CE. Age-based variation in calf independence, social behavior and play in a captive population of African elephant calves. Zoo Biol 2021; 40:376-385. [PMID: 34077576 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21629] [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: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
African elephant calves are highly social and their behavioral development depends heavily on interactions with other elephants. Evaluating early social behaviors offers important information that can inform management decisions and maximize individual- and population-level welfare. We use data collected from the population of elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, CA to evaluate developmental trajectories of spatial independence and social behavior in nine elephant calves across a range of ages. As calves aged, the probability of being further from mothers also increased. Tactile interactions were common among calves, with all individuals either initiating or receiving physical touches from other elephants in a large proportion of focal scans. While the probability of initiating tactile interactions tended to decline with increases in calf age, the probability of receiving tactile interactions from other elephants remained invariant with regard to this variable. The social play was also common, occurring in a fifth of all focal scans. While there was evidence that social play tended to decline with increases in calf age, results suggest additional factors may be useful in characterizing patterns in play behavior at the individual level. Calves most frequently engaged in play with individuals of similar age but showed substantial variation in play partner choice. Results of this study suggest that maintaining groups of elephants in captivity with diverse age structure positively contribute to their healthy social development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Caitlin E O'Connell-Rodwell
- Utopia Scientific, San Diego, California, USA.,Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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5
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Burger AL, Hartig J, Dierkes PW. Biological and environmental factors as sources of variation in nocturnal behavior of giraffe. Zoo Biol 2021; 40:171-181. [PMID: 33666286 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Upon a drastic decline of the giraffe population in the wild, conservation efforts and therefore the role of zoos have become more important than ever. With their unique opportunities, zoos provide excellent conditions to study animal behavior, expanding the knowledge about the giraffe's behavior repertoire and their ability to adapt. This study therefore examined the nocturnal behavior of 63 giraffe living in 13 different EAZA zoos across Germany and the Netherlands. Giraffe were observed and videos recorded via infrared sensitive cameras during the winter seasons 2015-2018. The observation period spanned nightly from 17:00 to 7:00. Thus, 198 nights, with a total of 2772 h were recorded and analyzed. Linear mixed models were then used to assess potential biological and environmental factors influencing behavior during the dark phase. Results show that individual variables such as age, subspecies and motherhood determined nocturnal activity and sleep behavior most. Among the variables studied, husbandry conditions and environmental factors complying with EAZA standards had no influence on the giraffe's nocturnal behavior. By combining nocturnal activity analyses and an assessment of potential influencing factors, our findings present a holistic approach to a better understanding of captive giraffe behavior and allow for management implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lena Burger
- Bioscience Education and Zoo Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Johannes Hartig
- Department of Educational Quality and Evaluation, DIPF, Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Paul W Dierkes
- Bioscience Education and Zoo Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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6
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Kim S, Jeong J, Seo SG, Im S, Lee WY, Jin SH. Remote Recognition of Moving Behaviors for Captive Harbor Seals Using a Smart-Patch System via Bluetooth Communication. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:267. [PMID: 33806662 PMCID: PMC7999431 DOI: 10.3390/mi12030267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Animal telemetry has been recognized as a core platform for exploring animal species due to future opportunities in terms of its contribution toward marine fisheries and living resources. Herein, biologging systems with pressure sensors are successfully implemented via open-source hardware platforms, followed by immediate application to captive harbor seals (HS). Remotely captured output voltage signals in real-time mode via Bluetooth communication were reproducibly and reliably recorded on the basis of hours using a smartphone built with data capturing software with graphic user interface (GUI). Output voltages, corresponding to typical behaviors on the captive HS, such as stopping (A), rolling (B), flapping (C), and sliding (D), are clearly obtained, and their analytical interpretation on captured electrical signals are fully validated via a comparison study with consecutively captured images for each motion of the HS. Thus, the biologging system with low cost and light weight, which is fully compatible with a conventional smartphone, is expected to potentially contribute toward future anthology of seal animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungyeob Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (S.K.); (J.J.); (S.G.S.)
| | - Jinheon Jeong
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (S.K.); (J.J.); (S.G.S.)
| | - Seung Gi Seo
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (S.K.); (J.J.); (S.G.S.)
| | - Sehyeok Im
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 21990, Korea;
| | - Won Young Lee
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 21990, Korea;
| | - Sung Hun Jin
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea; (S.K.); (J.J.); (S.G.S.)
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7
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Allan BM, Nimmo DG, Arnould JPY, Martin JK, Ritchie EG. The secret life of possums: data loggers reveal the movement ecology of an arboreal mammal. J Mammal 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Blake M Allan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Melbourne Burwood Campus, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John P Y Arnould
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Melbourne Burwood Campus, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer K Martin
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Melbourne Burwood Campus, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Wireless inertial measurement of head kinematics in freely-moving rats. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35689. [PMID: 27767085 PMCID: PMC5073323 DOI: 10.1038/srep35689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While miniature inertial sensors offer a promising means for precisely detecting, quantifying and classifying animal behaviors, versatile inertial sensing devices adapted for small, freely-moving laboratory animals are still lacking. We developed a standalone and cost-effective platform for performing high-rate wireless inertial measurements of head movements in rats. Our system is designed to enable real-time bidirectional communication between the headborne inertial sensing device and third party systems, which can be used for precise data timestamping and low-latency motion-triggered applications. We illustrate the usefulness of our system in diverse experimental situations. We show that our system can be used for precisely quantifying motor responses evoked by external stimuli, for characterizing head kinematics during normal behavior and for monitoring head posture under normal and pathological conditions obtained using unilateral vestibular lesions. We also introduce and validate a novel method for automatically quantifying behavioral freezing during Pavlovian fear conditioning experiments, which offers superior performance in terms of precision, temporal resolution and efficiency. Thus, this system precisely acquires movement information in freely-moving animals, and can enable objective and quantitative behavioral scoring methods in a wide variety of experimental situations.
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9
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Soltis J, King L, Vollrath F, Douglas-Hamilton I. Accelerometers and simple algorithms identify activity budgets and body orientation in African elephants Loxodonta africana. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2016. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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10
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Morfeld KA, Meehan CL, Hogan JN, Brown JL. Assessment of Body Condition in African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) Elephants in North American Zoos and Management Practices Associated with High Body Condition Scores. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155146. [PMID: 27415629 PMCID: PMC4944958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity has a negative effect on health and welfare of many species, and has been speculated to be a problem for zoo elephants. To address this concern, we assessed the body condition of 240 elephants housed in North American zoos based on a set of standardized photographs using a 5-point Body Condition Score index (1 = thinnest; 5 = fattest). A multi-variable regression analysis was then used to determine how demographic, management, housing, and social factors were associated with an elevated body condition score in 132 African (Loxodonta africana) and 108 Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants. The highest BCS of 5, suggestive of obesity, was observed in 34% of zoo elephants. In both species, the majority of elephants had elevated BCS, with 74% in the BCS 4 (40%) and 5 (34%) categories. Only 22% of elephants had BCS 3, and less than 5% of the population was assigned the lowest BCS categories (BCS 1 and 2). The strongest multi-variable model demonstrated that staff-directed walking exercise of 14 hours or more per week and highly unpredictable feeding schedules were associated with decreased risk of BCS 4 or 5, while increased diversity in feeding methods and being female was associated with increased risk of BCS 4 or 5. Our data suggest that high body condition is prevalent among North American zoo elephants, and management strategies that help prevent and mitigate obesity may lead to improvements in welfare of zoo elephants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A. Morfeld
- Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Janine L. Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
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11
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Holdgate MR, Meehan CL, Hogan JN, Miller LJ, Soltis J, Andrews J, Shepherdson DJ. Walking Behavior of Zoo Elephants: Associations between GPS-Measured Daily Walking Distances and Environmental Factors, Social Factors, and Welfare Indicators. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150331. [PMID: 27414411 PMCID: PMC4944962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Research with humans and other animals suggests that walking benefits physical health. Perhaps because these links have been demonstrated in other species, it has been suggested that walking is important to elephant welfare, and that zoo elephant exhibits should be designed to allow for more walking. Our study is the first to address this suggestion empirically by measuring the mean daily walking distance of elephants in North American zoos, determining the factors that are associated with variations in walking distance, and testing for associations between walking and welfare indicators. We used anklets equipped with GPS data loggers to measure outdoor daily walking distance in 56 adult female African (n = 33) and Asian (n = 23) elephants housed in 30 North American zoos. We collected 259 days of data and determined associations between distance walked and social, housing, management, and demographic factors. Elephants walked an average of 5.3 km/day with no significant difference between species. In our multivariable model, more diverse feeding regimens were correlated with increased walking, and elephants who were fed on a temporally unpredictable feeding schedule walked 1.29 km/day more than elephants fed on a predictable schedule. Distance walked was also positively correlated with an increase in the number of social groupings and negatively correlated with age. We found a small but significant negative correlation between distance walked and nighttime Space Experience, but no other associations between walking distances and exhibit size were found. Finally, distance walked was not related to health or behavioral outcomes including foot health, joint health, body condition, and the performance of stereotypic behavior, suggesting that more research is necessary to determine explicitly how differences in walking may impact elephant welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Holdgate
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Conservation Research Division, Oregon Zoo, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Lance J. Miller
- Chicago Zoological Society—Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Joseph Soltis
- Department of Education & Science, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jeff Andrews
- Zoological Operations, Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - David J. Shepherdson
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Conservation Research Division, Oregon Zoo, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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12
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Dalton HA, Wood BJ, Dickey JP, Torrey S. Validation of HOBO Pendant ® data loggers for automated step detection in two age classes of male turkeys: growers and finishers. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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13
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Siegford JM, Berezowski J, Biswas SK, Daigle CL, Gebhardt-Henrich SG, Hernandez CE, Thurner S, Toscano MJ. Assessing Activity and Location of Individual Laying Hens in Large Groups Using Modern Technology. Animals (Basel) 2016; 6:E10. [PMID: 26848693 PMCID: PMC4773737 DOI: 10.3390/ani6020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tracking individual animals within large groups is increasingly possible, offering an exciting opportunity to researchers. Whereas previously only relatively indistinguishable groups of individual animals could be observed and combined into pen level data, we can now focus on individual actors within these large groups and track their activities across time and space with minimal intervention and disturbance. The development is particularly relevant to the poultry industry as, due to a shift away from battery cages, flock sizes are increasingly becoming larger and environments more complex. Many efforts have been made to track individual bird behavior and activity in large groups using a variety of methodologies with variable success. Of the technologies in use, each has associated benefits and detriments, which can make the approach more or less suitable for certain environments and experiments. Within this article, we have divided several tracking systems that are currently available into two major categories (radio frequency identification and radio signal strength) and review the strengths and weaknesses of each, as well as environments or conditions for which they may be most suitable. We also describe related topics including types of analysis for the data and concerns with selecting focal birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Siegford
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Group, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 474 S. Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - John Berezowski
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Fakultät, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, Liebefeld CH-3097, Switzerland.
| | - Subir K Biswas
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, 428 S. Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Courtney L Daigle
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A & M University, Room 133 Kleberg, 2471 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Sabine G Gebhardt-Henrich
- Center for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, Burgerweg 22, Zollikofen CH-3052, Switzerland.
| | - Carlos E Hernandez
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7024, Uppsala SE-750 07, Sweden.
| | - Stefan Thurner
- Bavarian State Research Centre for Agriculture, Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Animal Husbandry, Voettingerstrasse 36, Freising 85354, Germany.
| | - Michael J Toscano
- Center for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits (ZTHZ), Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, Burgerweg 22, Zollikofen CH-3052, Switzerland.
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14
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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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Graf PM, Wilson RP, Qasem L, Hackländer K, Rosell F. The Use of Acceleration to Code for Animal Behaviours; A Case Study in Free-Ranging Eurasian Beavers Castor fiber. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136751. [PMID: 26317623 PMCID: PMC4552556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent technological innovations have led to the development of miniature, accelerometer-containing electronic loggers which can be attached to free-living animals. Accelerometers provide information on both body posture and dynamism which can be used as descriptors to define behaviour. We deployed tri-axial accelerometer loggers on 12 free-ranging Eurasian beavers Castor fiber in the county of Telemark, Norway, and on four captive beavers (two Eurasian beavers and two North American beavers C. canadensis) to corroborate acceleration signals with observed behaviours. By using random forests for classifying behavioural patterns of beavers from accelerometry data, we were able to distinguish seven behaviours; standing, walking, swimming, feeding, grooming, diving and sleeping. We show how to apply the use of acceleration to determine behaviour, and emphasise the ease with which this non-invasive method can be implemented. Furthermore, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this, and the implementation of accelerometry on animals, illustrating limitations, suggestions and solutions. Ultimately, this approach may also serve as a template facilitating studies on other animals with similar locomotor modes and deliver new insights into hitherto unknown aspects of behavioural ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M. Graf
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Environmental Sciences, Telemark University College, Bø i Telemark, Norway
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Rory P. Wilson
- Swansea Moving Animal Research Team, Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Lama Qasem
- Swansea Moving Animal Research Team, Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Klaus Hackländer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Rosell
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Environmental Sciences, Telemark University College, Bø i Telemark, Norway
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Resheff YS, Rotics S, Harel R, Spiegel O, Nathan R. AcceleRater: a web application for supervised learning of behavioral modes from acceleration measurements. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2014; 2:27. [PMID: 25709835 PMCID: PMC4337760 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-014-0027-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of animal movement is experiencing rapid progress in recent years, forcefully driven by technological advancement. Biologgers with Acceleration (ACC) recordings are becoming increasingly popular in the fields of animal behavior and movement ecology, for estimating energy expenditure and identifying behavior, with prospects for other potential uses as well. Supervised learning of behavioral modes from acceleration data has shown promising results in many species, and for a diverse range of behaviors. However, broad implementation of this technique in movement ecology research has been limited due to technical difficulties and complicated analysis, deterring many practitioners from applying this approach. This highlights the need to develop a broadly applicable tool for classifying behavior from acceleration data. DESCRIPTION Here we present a free-access python-based web application called AcceleRater, for rapidly training, visualizing and using models for supervised learning of behavioral modes from ACC measurements. We introduce AcceleRater, and illustrate its successful application for classifying vulture behavioral modes from acceleration data obtained from free-ranging vultures. The seven models offered in the AcceleRater application achieved overall accuracy of between 77.68% (Decision Tree) and 84.84% (Artificial Neural Network), with a mean overall accuracy of 81.51% and standard deviation of 3.95%. Notably, variation in performance was larger between behavioral modes than between models. CONCLUSIONS AcceleRater provides the means to identify animal behavior, offering a user-friendly tool for ACC-based behavioral annotation, which will be dynamically upgraded and maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehezkel S Resheff
- />Movement Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- />Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel
| | - Shay Rotics
- />Movement Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roi Harel
- />Movement Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orr Spiegel
- />Movement Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- />Present address: Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Ran Nathan
- />Movement Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Horback KM, Miller LJ, Andrews J, Kuczaj SA, Anderson M. The effects of GPS collars on African elephant (Loxodonta africana) behavior at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2012.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Daigle CL, Banerjee D, Biswas S, Siegford JM. Noncaged laying hens remain unflappable while wearing body-mounted sensors: Levels of agonistic behaviors remain unchanged and resource use is not reduced after habituation. Poult Sci 2012; 91:2415-23. [PMID: 22991522 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2012-02300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Unique markings or body-mounted sensors facilitate data collection from individuals in large groups of similar-looking conspecifics but may have unintended consequences on behavior. A wireless sensor attached to the back of laying hens via a harness has been developed to monitor space use and activity. Prior to collecting experimental data, effects of the sensor on resource use and social interactions were assessed. Four rooms of 135 hens each were weighed and 10 hens/room were randomly fitted with sensors at 11 wk of age (0 d). Instantaneous scan samples recorded the number of hens (SEN: sensor-wearing hen, and NON: hen without sensor) using resources (feeder, water, nest box, perch) every 5 min over 24 h on -5 d, -4 d, -2 d, -1 d, 1 d, 2 d, 4 d, 8 d, and 16 d. Logistic regression determined that SEN feeder use was less on 1 d and 2 d and more on 16 d than NON feeder use. The SEN water use was reduced only on 1 d. The SEN nest box use increased on 1 d, 2 d, and 16 d. The SEN perched more on 1 d, 2 d, and 4 d, and less on 8 d. Initial resource use was affected by wearing a sensor, but by 16 d, all resources were used similarly or more by SEN than NON. No difference in BW was observed on 17 d, suggesting that long-term resource use was not affected. No differences were observed among the number of agonistic observations -5 d, 8 d, and 16 d. With the exception of SEN hens acting as aggressors toward NON hens, agonistic interaction types occurred close to expected proportions. These factors indicate that hens habituate to wearing sensors within 2 wk.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Daigle
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Soltis J, Wilson RP, Douglas-Hamilton I, Vollrath F, King LE, Savage A. Accelerometers in collars identify behavioral states in captive African elephants Loxodonta africana. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2012. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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