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Hendier A, Chatelain C, Du Pasquier P, Paris M, Ouattara K, Koné I, Croll D, Zuberbühler K. A new method to determine the diet of pygmy hippopotamus in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. Afr J Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Hendier
- Institute of Biology University of Neuchâtel Neuchâtel Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) Abidjan Ivory Coast
| | - Cyrille Chatelain
- Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de la ville de Genève Geneva Switzerland
| | | | - Monique Paris
- Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM) Edinburgh UK
- Mammal Research Institute Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | - Karim Ouattara
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) Abidjan Ivory Coast
- Université Félix Houphouët‐Boigny Abidjan Ivory Coast
| | - Inza Koné
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) Abidjan Ivory Coast
| | - Daniel Croll
- Institute of Biology University of Neuchâtel Neuchâtel Switzerland
| | - Klaus Zuberbühler
- Institute of Biology University of Neuchâtel Neuchâtel Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) Abidjan Ivory Coast
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience University of St Andrews St Andrews UK
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Gaps in Live Inter-Observer Reliability Testing of Animal Behavior: A Retrospective Analysis and Path Forward. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg2020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Observational behavior research is an important activity for zoos and aquariums, often being conducted to provide insights into welfare and guide management decisions. This research relies on standardized protocols to ensure consistent data collection. Inter-observer reliability, where untrained observers are tested against the behavior identifications of an expert observer, represent a critical internal validation process. Recent software advances have made reliability testing easier and more accessible, but there is limited guidance on what constitutes a strong reliability test. In this study, we reviewed historic reliability test data from Lincoln Park Zoo’s on-going behavior monitoring program. Six representative species were chosen that included 645 live pairwise reliability tests conducted across 163 total project observers. We identified that observers were being tested on only approximately 25% of the behaviors listed and defined in the species ethograms. Observers did encounter a greater percent of the ethogram with successive reliability tests, but this gap remained large. While inactive behaviors were well-represented during reliability tests, social and other non-maintenance solitary behaviors (e.g., exploratory, scent marking, play, etc.) did not frequently occur during tests. While the ultimate implications of these gaps in testing are unclear, these results highlight the risks of live reliability testing as an inherently non-standardized process. We suggest several approaches to help address these limitations, including refining ethograms, reconsidering criteria, and supplementing live training with video. We hope this self-critique encourages others to critically examine their methods, enhance the quality of their behavioral data, and ultimately, strengthen conclusions drawn about animal behavior and welfare.
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Flacke GL, Schwarzenberger F, Penfold LM, Walker SL, Martin GB, Millar RP, Paris MCJ. Characterizing the reproductive biology of the female pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) through non-invasive endocrine monitoring. Theriogenology 2017; 102:126-138. [PMID: 28759835 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) is endangered in the wild and very little is known about its reproductive biology. In zoological facilities, this species experiences a number of reproductive issues that complicate breeding management, including a high rate of stillbirths and failure of many pairs to reproduce. We conducted a comprehensive study to evaluate reproductive cycles and pregnancy in this species using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for fecal hormone metabolite analysis. Fresh fecal samples were collected twice weekly for a one to three year period from 36 female pygmy hippos housed at 24 zoological institutions. Samples were analyzed in three separate laboratories. Three progestogen metabolite EIAs (Pg-diol: 5β-pregnane-3α,20α-diol 3HS:BSA; PdG: pregnanediol-3-glucuronide R13904; mono-P4: Quidel clone 425) and three estrogen metabolite EIAs (E2a: estradiol-17β-OH 17-HS:BSA; E2b: estradiol 17β R0008; E2c: estradiol 17β R4972) accurately reflected reproductive events. Average estrous cycle length was 31.8 ± 7.4 days based on estrogen metabolite peaks and 30.9 ± 7.3 days based on nadir to nadir progestogen metabolite concentrations. Cyclical patterns in both estrogen and progestogen metabolites were detected throughout the year, indicating a lack of seasonality. Estrogen metabolite peaks were also observed during pregnancy and lactation, suggesting that follicular development occurs during both reproductive states. Pregnancy was most reliably demonstrated by elevation in progestogen metabolites (Pg-diol or PdG) in the second half of gestation. Average gestation length based on breeding to calving date was 203 ± 4 days for 15 pregnancies. This comprehensive overview of the reproductive biology of the female pygmy hippo provides valuable data for guiding long-term breeding management for this endangered species and serves as a baseline for future studies addressing the potential influence of social structure, diet, body condition, and other husbandry factors on estrous cycling and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella L Flacke
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, Australia; Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM), Edinburgh EH3 6AT, United Kingdom.
| | - Franz Schwarzenberger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni Vienna), Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Linda M Penfold
- South East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation (SEZARC), 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, USA
| | | | - Graeme B Martin
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Robert Peter Millar
- Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM), Edinburgh EH3 6AT, United Kingdom; Mammal Research Institute and Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Pretoria 0084, South Africa; Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Monique C J Paris
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, Australia; Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM), Edinburgh EH3 6AT, United Kingdom; Mammal Research Institute and Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Pretoria 0084, South Africa; College of Public Health, Veterinary and Medical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
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Flacke GL, Tomkins JL, Black R, Steck B. Demographics of polycystic kidney disease and captive population viability in pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis). Zoo Biol 2017; 36:136-151. [PMID: 28198143 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) was previously diagnosed at necropsy in several pygmy hippopotami (Choeropsis liberiensis) from the Smithsonian National Zoo and Zoo Basel, suggesting a threat to the long-term viability of the captive population. We determined the incidence and demographics of PKD in the captive population historically; we tested if the condition is linked to pedigree; we investigated mode of inheritance; we examined effects of PKD on longevity; we conducted survival analysis; and we examined long-term population viability. Thirty-seven percent of 149 necropsied adult pygmy hippos were affected by PKD, and it was more common in females, controlling for the overall female-biased sex-ratio. Prevalence increased significantly with age, but most hippos were beyond their reproductive prime before developing clinical signs; thus fecundity was likely unaffected. PKD was linked to pedigree and may exhibit X-linked dominance, but further research is needed to definitively establish the mode of inheritance. PKD did not affect longevity, overall or within any age class. There was no significant correlation between inbreeding coefficient (F) and PKD, and the prevalence in wild-caught and captive-born animals was similar. Longevity for both captive-born and inbred hippos (F > 0) was significantly shorter than longevity for their wild-caught and non-inbred counterparts. Demographic projections indicated the extant population will likely experience a slow increase over time, provided there are no space constraints. We conclude that although PKD is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in pygmy hippos, the condition is not a primary concern for overall viability of the captive population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella L Flacke
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Joseph L Tomkins
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia.,Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Robert Black
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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Flacke GL, Tkalčić S, Steck B, Warren K, Martin GB. A retrospective analysis of mortality in captive pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis
) from 1912 to 2014. Zoo Biol 2016; 35:556-569. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella L. Flacke
- School of Animal Biology; University of Western Australia; Crawley Australia
| | - Suzana Tkalčić
- Western University of Health Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Pomona California
| | | | - Kristin Warren
- College of Veterinary Medicine; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Murdoch Australia
| | - Graeme B. Martin
- School of Animal Biology; University of Western Australia; Crawley Australia
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