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Truax J, Vonk J, Meri E, Troxell-Smith SM. Aquarium Visitors Catch Some Rays: Rays Are More Active in the Presence of More Visitors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3526. [PMID: 38003144 PMCID: PMC10668762 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223526] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are a constant in the lives of captive animals, but the effects of human-animal interactions vary. Research on the welfare impacts of human-animal interactions focus predominantly on mammals, whereas fish have been overlooked. To address this lack of research, we assessed the impacts of aquarium visitors on the behaviors of ten members of four elasmobranch species: an Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina), four southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus), two blue-spotted maskrays (Neotrygon kuhlii), and three fiddler rays (Trygonorrhina dumerilii). The rays engaged in a significantly higher proportion of active behaviors and a lower proportion of inactive behaviors when visitor density levels were high; however, there were no significant changes for negative or social behaviors. Individual analyses indicated that all three fiddler rays and one of the southern stingrays' active behaviors differed across visitor density levels, whereas there was no association between active behavior and visitor density levels for the other rays. Further research is needed to determine whether this pattern is an adaptive or maladaptive response to visitors, but this research provides much needed initial data on activity budgets within elasmobranch species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn Truax
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (J.T.); (J.V.)
| | - Jennifer Vonk
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (J.T.); (J.V.)
| | - Eness Meri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA;
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2
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George AJ, Rose PE. Wing condition does not negatively impact time budget, enclosure usage, or social bonds in a flock of both full-winged and flight-restrained greater flamingos. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:766-779. [PMID: 37350422 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Zoo management techniques for captive birds, such as flight restraint and enclosure type, may affect behavioral performance and are consequently worthy of investigation. Flamingos are amongst the most popular of zoo-housed birds and, as such, research into their captive management and associated behavioral responses are widely applicable to many thousands of individuals. As a highly social species, understanding social bonds and behavior of the individual bird and the flock overall can help inform decisions that support husbandry and population management. In this project, 41 greater flamingos at Bristol Zoo Gardens were observed for 49 days across spring and summer 2013 to assess the following: (i) social associations within the flock, (ii) overall activity patterns, and (iii) distribution of time within specific enclosure zones for both full-winged and flight-restrained birds living in the same enclosure. Results showed that pinioning interacted with age in regard to flamingo time-activity patterns, but wing condition did not significantly influence association patterns, performance of social interactions, or performance of breeding behavior. Social network analysis revealed that associations were nonrandom and flamingos, of either wing condition, displayed different roles within the network. Birds of similar age formed the strongest bonds. Enclosure usage was not even, suggesting that the flamingos favored specific areas of the enclosure during the observation period. This study showed that wing condition does not affect flamingo behavior, social bonds, or space use, and that age and sex have more of an overall influence on what flamingos do, and with whom they chose to do it. Further research should extend this study into other, larger captive flocks to further refine behavioral measures of welfare for these popular zoo birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J George
- Bridgwater & Taunton College, Cannington Campus, Bridgwater, UK
| | - Paul E Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psycholog, University of Exeter, Devon, UK
- WWT, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, UK
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3
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Spiezio C, Galardi EG, Sandri C, Regaiolli B. Do not disturb: Visitors' effect on the behavior and welfare of female and male big cats in zoos. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:744-756. [PMID: 37283487 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The effect of visitor presence on animal behavior needs to be evaluated to ensure the welfare and improve the husbandry of the individuals in zoos. This study aims to assess the effect of visitor presence on the behavior and welfare of pairs of Amur tiger, snow leopard, and Eurasian lynx at Parco Natura Viva, Italy. The study was made of two periods: the baseline, in which the zoo was closed, and the visitor presence period, in which the zoo was opened. Per period and per subject 12 30-min observations were done. Continuous focal animal sampling method was used to collect behavior duration of the big cats. The main results of the study highlighted that, when visitors were present, all felids except for the female lynx were significantly more inactive than in the baseline. Moreover, despite interindividual and inter-species variability in the significance level of findings, natural behaviors such as attentive behavior, exploration/marking, locomotion, and positive social interactions were performed more in the baseline than in the visitor presence period. Finally, when visitors were present, as the studied subjects experienced daily longer exposure to visitors, inactivity increased whereas individual species-typical behaviors (e.g., locomotion) and positive social interactions decreased. Thus, visitors seem to partially alter the behavioral time-budgets of the study big cats, increasing inactivity and decreasing the performance of species-specific behavior, at least in some individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Spiezio
- Research & Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park, Bussolengo, Italy
| | - Elena Giulia Galardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Camillo Sandri
- Research & Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park, Bussolengo, Italy
- DISTAL, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Regaiolli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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4
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Loader A, Rose P. Age-Related Change in the Association Choices of Two Species of Juvenile Flamingos. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2623. [PMID: 37627414 PMCID: PMC10451657 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162623] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Flamingos are colonial species commonly kept in zoos, well known for their bright plumage and elaborate courtship displays. This project aimed to determine the differences in flock position and association preferences of juvenile Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) and Caribbean Flamingos (P. ruber) housed in the same zoological collection. Little research has been conducted on the association preferences of juvenile flamingos, especially in captive flocks, and therefore this study collected data using photographs taken throughout 2014 and 2015 to further understand association patterns. Data were collected on the age category of each juvenile flamingo observed, the age of their nearest neighbour and their position within the flock, and the location within an enclosure zone at different times of the day. The results showed that Greater Flamingo juveniles mainly associated with individuals of their own age and were most likely positioned at the periphery of their flock significantly more of the time until approximately 24 months of age. Sub-adult Greater Flamingos spent significantly more time associating with adult flamingos at the centre of the flock. In contrast, data collected on Caribbean Flamingos indicated that juveniles did not segregate themselves from the adults as distinctively. Birds aged 13-24 months were observed significantly more at the centre of the flock and had more associations with adult flamingos, in a similar manner to that observed in Greater Flamingos. Due to population management needs, juvenile Caribbean Flamingos were removed from the flock at the start of 2015 and this may have influenced the association and location preferences of the remaining young flamingos. In conclusion, these results indicated that captive juvenile flamingos were often seen away from adult birds and that sub-adult flamingos returned to the heart of their natal flock to associate significantly more with other adult individuals, potentially preparing for mate selection and breeding. Captive enclosure should therefore be spacious enough to enable young flamingos to remove themselves from adult birds so that behavioural development can be unaffected by artificially high rates of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbie Loader
- University Centre Sparsholt, Sparsholt College Hampshire, Sparsholt, Winchester SO21 2NF, UK;
- Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP, UK
| | - Paul Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
- WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, UK
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Bandoli F, Mace J, Knight A. The Integrated Effect of Environmental Conditions and Human Presence on the Behaviour of a Pair of Zoo-Housed Asian Small-Clawed Otters. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2228. [PMID: 37444026 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132228] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoos and aquaria have the ethical responsibility to provide animals under their care with conditions that promote good welfare. This study evaluated the combined influence of human presence and environmental factors on the behaviour of zoo-housed Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus). Data collection was conducted on a pair hosted at Pistoia Zoo (Italy). Data were collected from July to September 2020 (over 14 days). We video-recorded the otters' behaviours, using the continuous focal animal sampling, obtaining 42 h of observation per subject. The otters displayed a wide array of species-specific behaviours. Compared to previous captive studies, the subjects engaged less in locomotion, food-related and affiliative behaviours, and more in vigilance. Human-animal interactions were limited, and mostly elicited neutral or positive responses, except for begging behaviours performed towards caregivers. Time of day and animal identity were the main significant predictors for behaviours. No effects of visitor presence or background noise were detected. Nonetheless, increasing enrichment use could stimulate food-related behaviours, and reduce vigilance and begging. This study confirms the importance of applying an integrated approach to analyse the complexity of otters' experiences, and provides insights to guide husbandry improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bandoli
- Giardino Zoologico di Pistoia, Via Pieve a Celle 160a, 51100 Pistoia, Italy
| | - Jenny Mace
- Centre for Animal Welfare, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester SO22 4NR, UK
| | - Andrew Knight
- Centre for Animal Welfare, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester SO22 4NR, UK
- School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
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Wark JD, Schook MW, Dennis PM, Lukas KE. Do zoo animals use off-exhibit areas to avoid noise? A case study exploring the influence of sound on the behavior, physiology, and space use of two pied tamarins (Saguinus bicolor). Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23421. [PMID: 35912801 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Noise can be a known stressor but our understanding of its effects on animals living in zoo environments remains limited. Although exposure to loud, chronic noise may be expected to negatively impact welfare, providing access to quiet areas to escape loud noise may buffer these negative effects. In this study, we explored the benefits of access to quiet, off-exhibit areas for animals living in a chronically loud sound environment. Two pied tamarins (Saguinus bicolor) living near a large waterfall feature that emitted loud, chronic noise were experimentally exposed to varying sound levels during 2-week treatment conditions. Baseline conditions (waterfall feature on and access to quiet, off-exhibit areas), were followed by a Quiet sound condition (waterfall off), a Loud sound condition (waterfall on and a speaker in the off-exhibit area playing volume-matched white noise), and a final Baseline condition. During Baseline conditions, sound levels were greater than 10 dBA higher in the exhibit than in the off-exhibit area (i.e., roughly twice as loud). The number of visitor groups present during behavior observations were consistent throughout the study. Both tamarins modified their space use during treatment conditions. Under Baseline conditions, both individuals showed frequent usage of quiet, off-exhibit areas. During the Quiet and Loud conditions, where sound levels were generally consistent across spaces, both individuals used off-exhibit areas less and their use of exhibit and off-exhibit areas was not significantly different than would be expected by chance, given the size of the areas. Additional behavioral changes were minimal. No significant differences in fecal glucocorticoid metabolites were observed. Although the monkeys in this study appeared to avoid noise, the overall impact on welfare appeared to be minimal considering the limited behavioral and hormonal changes observed. This study highlights the potential benefits of off-exhibit spaces as a quiet refuge from noise in the zoo environment.
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7
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Goswami S, Tyagi PC, Malik PK, Gupta BK. Effects of enclosure complexity and visitor presence on the welfare of Asiatic lions. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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8
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What’s Black and White and Pink All Over? Lesser Flamingo Nocturnal Behaviour Captured by Remote Cameras. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3040046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of animal behaviour is important for the development of husbandry and management practices for zoo-housed species. Yet, data are typically only collected during daylight hours, aligning with human work schedules rather than animal activity patterns. To remedy this, 24 h data collection is needed. This study investigated the behaviour of a captive flock of lesser flamingos to understand temporal changes in their time-activity patterns. Two remote camera traps were placed around the birds’ outdoor enclosure and one within the indoor house. Counts of birds visible within specific enclosure zones were recorded from photographic data. Behaviour was defined as active or inactive, and modified Spread of Participation Index (SPI) was used to calculate enclosure zone occupancy. Results indicated that lesser flamingos are active overnight, and to a similar amount as in the daytime. Proportions of birds observed as active were significantly higher at later times of the day (i.e., dusk) when compared to the number of active birds in the morning. Enclosure usage was diverse and indoor and outdoor zones could be used by different numbers of birds at different times of the day. Variation in enclosure usage may indicate the changing needs of the flamingos when housed indoors overnight and when they have night-time access to an outdoor enclosure. This research has identified the need for further research into the nocturnal behaviour and space use of lesser flamingos and suggests the need for 24 h research in captive birds, and other zoo-held species, especially when species are locked indoors or face behavioural restriction overnight due to biosecurity measures surrounding zoonoses outbreaks, e.g., Avian Influenza.
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9
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Rose P, Reed A, Hurn S, Badman-King A, Rice T. Does the sound environment influence the behaviour of zoo-housed birds? A preliminary investigation of ten species across two zoos. Behav Processes 2022; 203:104763. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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10
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Krebs BL, Chudeau KR, Eschmann CL, Tu CW, Pacheco E, Watters JV. Space, time, and context drive anticipatory behavior: Considerations for understanding the behavior of animals in human care. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:972217. [PMID: 36148468 PMCID: PMC9485936 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.972217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-based measures reflecting the welfare state of individuals are critical for ensuring the well-being of animals under human care. Anticipatory behavior is one potential animal-based measure that has gained traction in recent years, as it is theorized to relate to animals' reward sensitivity. It is of particular interest as an assessment for animals living under human care, as the predictability of the captive environment lends itself to the development of this class of behaviors. Animals are likely to exhibit anticipation in locations related to the anticipated event, often in temporally predictable time frames, and before specific contexts they experience in their day-to-day management. In this sense and under certain circumstances, anticipatory behaviors are likely to drive observed behavioral or space use patterns of animals under human care. Drawing conclusions from such data without identifying anticipation may result in misleading conclusions. Here we discuss how space, time, and context are related to patterns of anticipatory behaviors in animals under human care, how unidentified anticipation may alter conclusions regarding animal behavior or welfare under certain circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L. Krebs
- Animal Wellness Department, San Francisco Zoological Society, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bethany L. Krebs
| | - Karli R. Chudeau
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Caitlin L. Eschmann
- Animal Wellness Department, San Francisco Zoological Society, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Celina W. Tu
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eridia Pacheco
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jason V. Watters
- Animal Wellness Department, San Francisco Zoological Society, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
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11
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Clark FE, Dunn JC. From Soundwave to Soundscape: A Guide to Acoustic Research in Captive Animal Environments. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:889117. [PMID: 35782565 PMCID: PMC9244380 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.889117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sound is a complex feature of all environments, but captive animals' soundscapes (acoustic scenes) have been studied far less than those of wild animals. Furthermore, research across farms, laboratories, pet shelters, and zoos tends to focus on just one aspect of environmental sound measurement: its pressure level or intensity (in decibels). We review the state of the art of captive animal acoustic research and contrast this to the wild, highlighting new opportunities for the former to learn from the latter. We begin with a primer on sound, aimed at captive researchers and animal caregivers with an interest (rather than specific expertise) in acoustics. Then, we summarize animal acoustic research broadly split into measuring sound from animals, or their environment. We guide readers from soundwave to soundscape and through the burgeoning field of conservation technology, which offers new methods to capture multiple features of complex, gestalt soundscapes. Our review ends with suggestions for future research, and a practical guide to sound measurement in captive environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay E. Clark
- Behavioural Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Fay E. Clark
| | - Jacob C. Dunn
- Behavioural Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Biological Anthropology, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Bird Welfare in Zoos and Aquariums: General Insights across Industries. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is a priority across accredited zoological institutions; however, historically, research has been prioritized for mammals. Bird-focused studies accounted for less than 10% of welfare research in zoos and aquariums over the last ten years. Due to the lack of scientific publications on bird welfare, zoo scientists and animal practitioners can look to other industries such as agriculture, laboratories, and companion animal research for insight. This qualitative review highlights findings across industries to inform animal care staff and scientists on the welfare needs of birds within zoos and aquariums. Specifically, the review includes an overview of research on different topics and a summary of key findings across nine resources that affect bird welfare. We also highlight areas where additional research is necessary. Future welfare research in zoos and aquariums should prioritize studies that consider a diversity of bird species across topics and work to identify animal-based measures with empirical evidence. Moving forward, research from other industries can help develop innovative research on bird welfare within zoos and aquariums.
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13
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Do Birds of a Feather Always Flock Together? Assessing Differences in Group and Individual Zoo Enclosure Usage by Comparing Commonly Available Methods. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Data on zoo enclosure usage provide meaningful evaluation of husbandry and welfare but for social species, group-level data may not capture individual occupancy preferences. Determining zone occupancy using group data may give an inaccurate assessment of enclosure suitability for each individual. We compared three formulae (traditional and modified Spread of Participation Index and Electivity Index) to determine how estimations of space usage compare between individuals and their group overall. Two flamingo flocks at two zoos were sampled with enclosures separated into discrete zones. Counts of where each bird in the flock was located at each minute of sampling were compared against the number of minutes that randomly selected individual flamingos spent in each zone. Overall, there was little difference in preferred zone occupancy when flock data were compared to individual data. Group data suggested that flamingos were more consistent in their enclosure usage, with individual data showing wider overall usage of enclosures. Individual Electivity Index (EI) values suggested zone underuse whereas group EI suggested zone overuse. As a proxy for welfare measurement, we recommend both group-level and individual monitoring of space use to provide a complete picture of how individuals within a social group occupy their space and choose where to be.
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Exploring the Effect of the COVID-19 Zoo Closure Period on Flamingo Behaviour and Enclosure Use at Two Institutions. BIRDS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/birds3010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Visitors can influence the behaviour of zoo animals through their auditory and visual presence, with mixed findings of negative, neutral, and positive effects on welfare. This study opportunistically utilised the UK-wide COVID-19 period of zoo closure to investigate the activity and enclosure usage of Greater (Phoenicopterus roseus) and Chilean (P. chilensis) Flamingos housed at two zoos. Flamingo behaviour at both sites was observed during the last week of a three-month closure period and the immediate reopening of the zoos. Photographic data were collected at three timepoints during each observation day. Negative binomial GLMMs compared the behaviour observed during zoo closure to the behaviour observed during zoo reopening, whilst accounting for climatic variables and time of day. Spearman’s correlation identified relationships between behaviour with the number of visitors and weather. Greater Flamingos were not influenced by the reintroduction of visitors to the zoo setting. Chilean Flamingos showed an increase in inactivity and decrease in movement and feeding when the zoo reopened. These possible behavioural responses are better explained by the influence of temperature on the behaviour of Chilean Flamingos and by the correlation between temperature and visitor number, rather than a direct consequence of visitor presence. This research details the multifactorial nature of any potential anthropogenic effects on zoo animal behaviour and highlights the importance of considering environmental variables alongside the measurement of visitor presence or absence.
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Principal Component Analysis as a novel method for the assessment of the enclosure use patterns of captive Livingstone’s fruit bats (Pteropus livingstonii). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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16
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Conducting Behavioural Research in the Zoo: A Guide to Ten Important Methods, Concepts and Theories. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg2030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioural research in zoos is commonplace and is used in the diagnosis and treatment of potential husbandry and management challenges. Robust methods that allow valid data collection and analysis constitute an evidence-based approach to animal care. Understanding behaviour is essential to improving animal management, and behavioural research is therefore popular, with a wide choice of behavioural methodologies and theories available. This review outlines ten methodological approaches, concepts or theories essential to zoo science that are based around behavioural observation. This list is not exhaustive but aims to define and describe key areas of consideration when planning and implementing a zoo-based behavioural project. We discuss the application of well-established methods (the construction of ethograms, use of time–activity patterns and measurement of space/enclosure use) as well as evaluating newer or less-widely applied analytical techniques, such as behavioural diversity indices, social networks analysis and Qualitative Behavioural Assessment. We also consider the importance of fundamental research methods, the application of pure science to understand and interpret zoo animal behaviour (with a review of a Tinbergian approach) and consideration of meta-analyses. The integration of observational techniques into experiments that aim to identify the cause and effect of behavioural performance is then explored, and we examine the assimilation of behavioural methods used in studies of environmental enrichment. By systematically studying animal behaviour, we can attempt to understand the welfare of individual animals in captivity, and here we present an example of our reviewed approaches to this area of zoo science. Combining multiple methodologies can lead to a greater understanding of behaviour and welfare, creating robust research, progressing husbandry and advancing conservation strategies. Collaborations between zoological collections and academic researchers (e.g., in Higher Education Institutions) can further refine and enhance the validity of research and husbandry practice alike.
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17
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Boultwood J, O’Brien M, Rose P. Bold Frogs or Shy Toads? How Did the COVID-19 Closure of Zoological Organisations Affect Amphibian Activity? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071982. [PMID: 34359109 PMCID: PMC8300174 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The visitor effect describes how zoo animals respond to the presence of visitors to their enclosures in a positive, negative or neutral manner. The period of enforced closure of zoos due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 (and subsequent reopening later that year) allowed for the effect of visitor presence to be evaluated on several species of amphibian. Results have shown that amphibian visibility (i.e., likelihood to be on show in their enclosure) is potentially influenced by the presence of people, and therefore, enclosure layout, collection planning and amphibian husbandry should consider how to minimize any negative influences of the viewing public. Abstract Amphibians are an understudied group in the zoo-focussed literature. Whilst commonly housed in specialist exhibits and of real conservation value due to the global extinction crisis, amphibian welfare is not often investigated empirically in zoo settings. The limited research that is available suggests that enclosure design (structure, planting and naturalistic theming) has a positive impact on the time that amphibians will be on show to visitors. However, the categorisation of any “visitor effect” (i.e., influences of visitor presence on amphibian activity and time on display) is hard to find. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of zoological organisations in the UK for several months from March 2020, with gradual re-openings from the summer into autumn and winter. This event provided a unique opportunity to study the effect of the lack of visitors, the presence of essential zoo staff only, the wider return of organisational staff, and then the return of visitors over a prolonged period. This project at WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre assessed the number of individuals of six species of amphibian—common toad (Bufo bufo), common frog (Rana temporaria), smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae), golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) and golden poison dart frog (Phyllobates terribilis)—visible to observers under different conditions. All amphibians were housed in a purpose-built indoor exhibit of individual enclosures and were recorded when visible (as a proportion of the total population of the enclosure) during closure, the return of extra centre staff and visitor periods. The results showed species-specific differences in visibility, with some species of amphibian being more likely to be on view when the presence of people at their enclosure was less likely or in smaller numbers. Such differences are likely related to the specific camouflage or anti-predation tactics in these focal species. Further study to quantify amphibian sensitivity to, and perception of, environmental change caused by public presence (e.g., light levels and sound) would be useful welfare-themed research extensions. Our results can help inform husbandry, collection planning and amphibian enclosure design to reduce any noticeable visitor effects, and provide a useful benchmark for further, more complex, welfare assessment measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Boultwood
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, UK; (J.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Michelle O’Brien
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, UK; (J.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Paul Rose
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, UK; (J.B.); (M.O.)
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, Washington Singer, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
- Correspondence:
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