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Douglas JM, Paul-Murphy J, Stelow E, Sanchez-Migallon Guzman D, Udaltsova I. Personality Characteristics Predictive of Social Pairing Outcome in Orange-Winged Amazon Parrots ( Amazona amazonica). J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024; 27:386-407. [PMID: 37830222 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2023.2268522] [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] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Most wild parrot species live in flocks, enriched by the environment and conspecific interactions. Captive parrots often live individually and are prone to behavioral maladaptation. If captive parrots and their behavior become intolerable, they are commonly relinquished to rescue organizations. This study aims to create parrot personality assessments for use by rescuers adding newly acquired parrots to shared environments. The study involved 20 orange-winged Amazon parrots (10 M, 10 F). Observers familiar with each bird scored its personality and analyses determined three sets of personalities: Social, Guarded, and Nervous Each parrot was paired with its 10 heterosexual counterparts and its interactions monitored remotely and captured on video. Pairing trials occurred over 72 hours in a specially designed pairing structure. Parrot personality could predict pairing success. Social-Guarded and Social-Nervous were more successfully paired, with individuals maintaining a close distance to one another and displaying increased rest-stretch behavior. Time of day influenced success with Social-Nervous pairs successful at all times of day, Social-Social pairs in the AM, and Guarded-Guarded pairs in the PM period. The study results suggest that rescues can use personality assessment and specific behaviors during cohabitation to predict OWA novel pairing outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie M Douglas
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Stelow
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Irina Udaltsova
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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2
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Fernández-Lázaro G, Latorre R, Fontanillas Pérez JC, Barja I. Reaction to Novel Objects and Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Levels in Two Species of Nocturnal Geckos. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3384. [PMID: 37958139 PMCID: PMC10649715 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213384] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many reptiles are maintained in captivity and heavily traded, although welfare measures for many species are not well established and are under-researched compared to other animals. In this study, we focused on two of these species: crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) and leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius). To better interpret their behavior in captivity, the individual reaction to novel objects and the fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels were measured in an attempt to identify the potential correlation between them. Also, we explored if some characteristic of the objects (e.g., color, shape, or smell) resulted in being more attractive to some species and/or individuals. Equivalent responses to different objects were not obtained for all the geckos, the behavioral response being highly individual and context-dependent, although modulated by the species. Individuals which manipulated earlier and interacted longer with novel objects showed lower basal fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) levels. Differences according to the species suggested that crested geckos have significantly greater and more variable FCM levels than leopard geckos. Our results can help to understand the reaction of geckos to novelty and have the potential to serve in their welfare assessment, although more studies are needed to proper establish welfare protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Fernández-Lázaro
- Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Didáctica de las Ciencias Experimentales, Sociales y Matemáticas, Facultad de Educación, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Latorre
- Departamento de Ingeniería Informática, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Isabel Barja
- Eco- and Ethophysiology Lab, Departamento de Biología, Unidad de Zoología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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3
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Roe JH, Chavez MS, Hudson AE. Ecological and Fitness Correlates of Personality in a Long-lived Terrestrial Turtle. HERPETOLOGICA 2023; 79:9-21. [PMID: 38009091 PMCID: PMC10673623 DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-22-00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
An individual's behavioral tendencies (i.e., personality or temperament) can influence its interactions with the environment and thus have important ecological and evolutionary consequences for animal populations. Boldness, defined as an individual's tendency to engage in risk-taking activities, is a phenotypically variable trait linked with numerous behavioral and fitness outcomes in free-ranging animals. We examined variation and repeatability of boldness and other behavioral characteristics in two wild Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) populations using radiotelemetry, and assessed fitness correlates of boldness over multiple years. We observed large amounts of among-individual variation and within-individual consistency (i.e., repeatability) of boldness as measured by their head emergence latency following a standardized confinement assay. Individuals were also consistent in several in-field behaviors including movement rate, home range size, and date of emergence from overwintering refuges. Individuals with shorter head emergence latencies (i.e., bolder turtles) had larger home ranges, emerged earlier from overwintering dormancy, and experienced moderately lower survival compared with shy individuals. Boldness did not affect time spent within the thermal preference range, somatic growth rates, or the frequency of mating or same-sex aggressive encounters. Boldness and its effects on in-field behaviors differed between sexes and populations, and the relationship between boldness and survival was temporally variable. Our results suggest possible intrinsic behavioral types in T. c. carolina and highlight the importance of long-term and multipopulation studies when examining ecological and evolutionary processes that shape personality phenotypes in turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Roe
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Pembroke, Pembroke, NC 28372, USA
| | - Maria S. Chavez
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Pembroke, Pembroke, NC 28372, USA
| | - Abbie E. Hudson
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Pembroke, Pembroke, NC 28372, USA
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Horváth E, Martvoňová M, Danko S, Havaš P, Kaňuch P, Uhrin M. Distribution range and population viability of Emys orbicularis in Slovakia: a review with conservation implications. NATURE CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.44.69644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is the only native freshwater turtle species in Slovakia. Due to watercourse regulations in the middle of the 20th century, its range became fragmented and, currently, there are only two isolated populations. From a total of 1,236 historical records in Slovakia, most observations (782 records) came from the area of the Tajba National Nature Reserve (NNR). Three of the population viability analysis models (‘baseline’, ‘catastrophe’, ‘nest protection during a catastrophe’) indicated the extinction of the population in Tajba, with the highest probability of extinction occurring during a catastrophic event (probability of extinction 1.00). We also evaluated information about the activity patterns of seven radio-tracked individuals and about the number of destroyed nests from the area. During the period 2017–2021, we recorded only two turtles leaving the aquatic habitat of Tajba. An alarming fact is the massive number of destroyed nests found in the area during the study period (Tajba 524; Poľany 56). Our results indicate that the population in the Tajba NNR require immediate application of management steps to ensure its long-term survival.
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Bannister CC, Thomson AJC, Cuculescu-Santana M. Can colored object enrichment reduce the escape behavior of captive freshwater turtles? Zoo Biol 2021; 40:160-168. [PMID: 33544907 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The effect of environmental enrichment on the behavior and welfare in captivity of reptiles and of freshwater turtles in particular, which are popular aquarium and pet species, is very little studied compared to other taxa. We carried out a small scale case-study on the effect of colored object enrichment, with and without fish scent, on the behavior of a group of 15 cooters (Pseudemys sp.) and sliders (Trachemys scripta ssp.) on display at a public aquarium. The new enrichment aimed to reduce the escape behavior (interaction with transparent boundaries) and increase exploration and random swimming. We used simultaneous recording of behavior at whole group level and for focal individually-marked turtles. The escape behavior decreased on days with new enrichment before feeding at whole group level and for the focal turtles overall, in spite of the relatively low interest in the colored objects. Fish-scented objects attracted significantly more interest. Random swimming, enrichment focus, aggression and submission increased significantly, and basking decreased significantly at whole group level before feeding, with smaller differences after feeding. There were large differences between individual turtles with respect to activity budgets and changes in behavior on days with new enrichment, with both increases and decreases seen in escape behavior, aggression, and levels of activity. Our outcomes suggested that introducing new colored objects with food scent may be beneficial for reducing escape behavior in captive freshwater turtles. However, careful monitoring of effects at individual level and much larger scale investigations, including postenrichment periods, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum C Bannister
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Angus J C Thomson
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Cassola FM, Henaut Y, Cedeño-Vázquez JR, Méndez-de la Cruz FR, Morales-Vela B. Temperament and sexual behaviour in the Furrowed Wood Turtle Rhinoclemmys areolata. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244561. [PMID: 33378375 PMCID: PMC7773281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The variation in temperament among animals has consequences for evolution and ecology. One of the primary effects of consistent behavioral differences is on reproduction. In chelonians some authors have focused on the study of temperament using different methods. In our research our first aim was i) establish a methodology to determine the degree of boldness among individuals Rhinoclemmys areolata. Our second aim was to ii) determine the role boldness plays during reproduction, with emphasis on courtship and copulation, considering a) the interactions between males and females, and b) competition between males. We used 16 sexually mature individuals of each sex. Males were observed in four different situations and 17 behavioral traits were recorded. We selected 12 traits that allowed us distinguish between the bolder and the shier individuals and found that five behavioral traits were specific for bolder individuals and five others for shier individuals. In a second step, we observed a male in presence of a female and recorded courtship behaviors and breeding attempts. Bolder individuals did not display courtship behaviors and just attempted to copulate. Shier individuals displayed courtship behaviors and copulation attempts were rarely observed. Finally, in the simulations that compared two males in the presence of a female we noticed that bolder individuals displayed courtship behaviors while the shier ones simply ignored the female. Our results first allowed us to determine which methodology is the best to determine temperament in turtles. Secondly, temperament seems to be an important factor in modulating interaction between males and females. Bolder individuals have an advantage during competition and display courtship behaviours only if other males are present. Shier males displayed courtship behaviors and only try to copulate when no competitors were present. These two different temperament-dependant strategies are discussed in terms of ecology, evolution and management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yann Henaut
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Chetumal, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, México
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Fausto Roberto Méndez-de la Cruz
- Laboratorio de Herpetología, Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
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Roth TC, Rosier M, Krochmal AR, Clark L. A multi‐trait, field‐based examination of personality in a semi‐aquatic turtle. Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C. Roth
- Department of Psychology Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster PA USA
| | - Maxwell Rosier
- Department of Psychology Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster PA USA
- 18 Rose Lane PA USA
| | | | - Lisa Clark
- Department of Psychology Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster PA USA
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Pellitteri-Rosa D, Lazić M, Gazzola A, Vallortigara G. Righting behaviour in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis): relations between behavioural and morphological lateralization. Anim Cogn 2020; 23:989-998. [PMID: 32617750 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01406-y] [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: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Lateralization represents a key property of many behavioural traits, with the right and left sides of the brain providing different and integrative functions. Common ecological contexts where lateralization can be observed are foraging and predatory ones, where both visual and auditory lateralization may provide advantages such as faster response and increasing neural processing capacity. This is crucial in selecting a safe refuge during a predatory attack and may strongly affect the outcome of predator-prey interactions. For animals like turtles, a critical condition may occur when they are overturned on their own shell, which causes difficulties in breathing and thermoregulation, making them more vulnerable to predators. Therefore, the ability to right is a critical adaptive component related to survival in aquatic turtles, which has been observed to be lateralized. However, an overlooked feature of behavioural lateralization is its possible relationship with asymmetry in external morphology. Here we investigated this topic in freshwater European pond turtles Emys orbicularis, looking at a possible relation between lateralization in righting behaviour response and asymmetry in the shape of turtles' plastron and carapace. Righting performance (total time needed to completely turn) appeared to depend on shell shape. We found that none of the morphometric variables was related to a lateralization index calculated as the first side from which turtles tried to right. However, a strong negative correlation between the asymmetry index of plastron and the turning direction emerged, with more symmetric animals tending to turn to the right side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Pellitteri-Rosa
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Marko Lazić
- Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig (ZFMK), Adenauerallee 160, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Gazzola
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Vallortigara
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, P.zza Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
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Carlson BE, Tetzlaff SJ. Long‐term behavioral repeatability in wild adult and captive juvenile turtles (
Terrapene carolina
): Implications for personality development. Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sasha J. Tetzlaff
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana Illinois
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Allard S, Fuller G, Torgerson-White L, Starking MD, Yoder-Nowak T. Personality in Zoo-Hatched Blanding's Turtles Affects Behavior and Survival After Reintroduction Into the Wild. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2324. [PMID: 31681114 PMCID: PMC6813202 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Reintroduction programs in which captive-bred or reared animals are released into natural habitats are considered a key approach for conservation; however, success rates have generally been low. Accounting for factors that enable individual animals to have a greater chance of survival can not only improve overall conservation outcomes but can also impact the welfare of the individual animals involved. One such factor may be individual personality, and personality research is a growing field. We designed a project to ascertain the presence of personality traits in Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a species of special concern in the state of Michigan, and to assess potential links between traits and post-release success. As hypothesized, the Blanding's turtles in this study displayed behavioral responses to modified open field tests indicative of distinct personality traits: exploration, boldness, and aggression. Additionally, the personality traits were correlated differently with survival and behavior patterns when the turtles were released into the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. More exploratory turtles had higher survival rates, while neither boldness nor aggression was related to survival. Exploratory turtles were also more likely to travel longer distances after release. The use of muskrat dens was related to increased survival, and both bolder and more exploratory turtles made higher use of this feature. Exploratory and aggressive turtles were found basking outside of water more often, while bold turtles were more likely to be found at the water surface. Both these basking behaviors may increase the risk of predation and may be reflective of a trade-off between the risk and behaviors related to physiological health. Understanding how personality affects behavior and survival post-release can be a critical tool for improving reintroduction success. Zoo animal welfare scientists and practitioners can implement approaches that improve the welfare of individuals within the context of conservation initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Allard
- Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Grace Fuller
- Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Lauri Torgerson-White
- Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Melissa D Starking
- Department of Biology, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI, United States
| | - Teresa Yoder-Nowak
- Department of Biology, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI, United States
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12
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Zhang W, Niu C, Liu Y, Storey KB. Positive or negative? The shell alters the relationship among behavioral defense strategy, energy metabolic levels and antioxidant capacity in freshwater turtles. Front Zool 2019; 16:3. [PMID: 30809267 PMCID: PMC6375210 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-019-0301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The relationships among energy metabolic levels, behavioral and other physiological traits help to determine the trade-off of energy allocation between different traits and the evolution of life-history driven by natural selection. However, these relationships may be distinctive in selected animal taxa because of their unique traits. In the present study, the relationships among energy metabolic levels, behavioral defense strategies, and antioxidant capacity were explored in three freshwater turtle species with different shell morphologies, by assessing responses to attack, righting time, shell morphology, whole-organism metabolic rates, tissue metabolic enzyme activities and antioxidant levels. Results The Chinese three-keeled pond turtles, Chinemys reevesii, showed a passive defense strategy, relatively larger shells, a higher resting metabolic rate (RMR) and higher antioxidant levels compared to the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina, or the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. These latter two species both showed an active defense strategy, a higher factorial aerobic scope and better muscle anaerobic metabolic capacity but relatively smaller shells, lower RMR and antioxidant capacity. Conclusion Our results indicate a negative relationship between RMR and activity levels in behavioral defense strategies along small-big shell continuum among the three turtle species. We also found a positive relationship between antioxidant capacity and energy metabolism but a negative one between antioxidant capacity and activity levels in defense strategies. The present study indicated a role of turtle shell in forming unique relationship between energy metabolic levels and behaviors in freshwater turtle taxa and a possible trade-off between the maintenance of physiological homeostasis and activity levels in energy allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Zhang
- 1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China.,2State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102 People's Republic of China
| | - Cuijuan Niu
- 1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Yukun Liu
- 1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- 3Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
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