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Huang X, Li G, Zhang G, Li Z, Zhao L, Zhu M, Xiang Q, Liu X, Tian M, Zhang H, Buesching CD, Liu D. Friend or foe? Using eye-tracking technology to investigate the visual discrimination ability of giant pandas. Curr Zool 2024; 70:430-439. [PMID: 39176058 PMCID: PMC11336681 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The role that visual discriminative ability plays among giant pandas in social communication and individual discrimination has received less attention than olfactory and auditory modalities. Here, we used an eye-tracker technology to investigate pupil fixation patterns for 8 captive male giant pandas Ailuropoda melanoleuca. We paired images (N = 26) of conspecifics against: 1) sympatric predators (gray wolves and tigers), and non-threatening sympatric species (golden pheasant, golden snub-nosed monkey, takin, and red panda), 2) conspecifics with atypical fur coloration (albino and brown), and 3) zookeepers/non-zookeepers wearing either work uniform or plain clothing. For each session, we tracked the panda's pupil movements and measured pupil first fixation point (FFP), fixation latency, total fixation count (TFC), and duration (TFD) of attention to each image. Overall, pandas exhibited similar attention (FFPs and TFCs) to images of predators and non-threatening sympatric species. Images of golden pheasant, snub-nosed monkey, and tiger received less attention (TFD) than images of conspecifics, whereas images of takin and red panda received more attention, suggesting a greater alertness to habitat or food competitors than to potential predators. Pandas' TFCs were greater for images of black-white conspecifics than for albino or brown phenotypes, implying that familiar color elicited more interest. Pandas reacted differently to images of men versus women. For images of women only, pandas gave more attention (TFC) to familiar combinations (uniformed zookeepers and plain-clothed non-zookeepers), consistent with the familiarity hypothesis. That pandas can use visual perception to discriminate intra-specifically and inter-specifically, including details of human appearance, has applications for panda conservation and captive husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Huang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Guo Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Sichuan 623004, China
| | - Guiquan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Sichuan 623004, China
| | - Zixiang Li
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Mengdie Zhu
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Qinghua Xiang
- School of Computer and Information Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technology, Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Mei Tian
- School of Computer and Information Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Sichuan 623004, China
| | - Christina D Buesching
- Department of Biology, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Dingzhen Liu
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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LaDue CA, Snyder RJ. Asian elephants distinguish sexual status and identity of unfamiliar elephants using urinary odours. Biol Lett 2023; 19:20230491. [PMID: 38115746 PMCID: PMC10731322 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0491] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the ubiquity of odours in mammals, few studies have documented the natural olfactory abilities of many 'non-model' species such as the Asian elephant. As Asian elephants are endangered, we may apply odours to more effectively manage threatened populations. We implemented a habituation-discrimination paradigm for the first time in Asian elephants to test the ability of elephants to discriminate between unfamiliar male elephant urine, hypothesizing that elephants would successfully distinguish non-musth from musth urine and also distinguish identity between two closely related individuals. We conducted two bioassay series, exposing three female and three male zoo-housed elephants to the same urine sample (non-musth urine in the first series, and urine from an unfamiliar individual in the second) over 5 days. On the sixth day, we simultaneously presented each elephant with a novel sample (either musth urine or urine from a second unfamiliar individual) alongside the habituated urine sample, comparing rates of chemosensory response to each sample to indicate discrimination. All elephants successfully discriminated non-musth from musth urine, and also urine from two unfamiliar half-brothers. Our results further demonstrate the remarkable olfactory abilities of elephants with promising implications for conservation and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase A. LaDue
- Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Snyder
- Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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3
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Lemm JM, Martin MS. Social opportunities and mate preference improve breeding success in Caribbean iguanas. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20877. [PMID: 38012257 PMCID: PMC10682467 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conservation breeding of West Indian rock iguanas (Cyclura) has met with limited success historically. Many facilities witness high levels of aggression and mate incompatibility resulting in failed breeding introductions which often require animals to be separated. This may be due, in part, to lack of knowledge of how mate familiarity and preference affect reproductive outcomes in these species. We investigated whether social exposure during the pre-breeding season influenced copulation success, egg production, and breeding behaviors. Additionally, we examined whether mate preference, as determined by pre-mating dichotomous choice tests, increased these reproductive outcomes. Female rock iguanas that were socialized with males prior to breeding opportunities copulated with familiar males for longer periods of time than females that were not socialized. Socialization opportunities did not alter male reproductive success measurements or breeding behavior. Female rock iguanas introduced for mating to their preferred partners had a higher probability of successful copulations, higher average number of copulations, and less resting behavior during introductions than females mated to non-preferred males. Male mate preference had no effect on reproductive success measurements during mating introductions. These results indicate that socializing animals and providing mate choice opportunities increase breeding success of rock iguanas under managed care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Lemm
- Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA, 92027, USA.
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Gandia KM, Kessler SE, Buchanan-Smith HM. Latitudinal and zoo specific zeitgebers influence circadian and circannual rhythmicity of behavior in captive giant pandas ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Front Psychol 2023; 14:1188566. [PMID: 37790222 PMCID: PMC10543212 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1188566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The circadian clock influences many aspects of animal welfare including metabolism, breeding, and behavior. In most species, circadian clocks are internal clocks regulated by external environmental cues called zeitgebers. The most common zeitgebers are light/dark cycles, food, and temperature. However, within captive environments, animals can be housed at latitudes with different light/dark cycles than their natural habitat and most other zeitgebers are controlled by humans. The effects that modified zeitgebers have on captive animals' circadian and circannual rhythmicity is largely unknown. To explore this and potential welfare implications, we measured and analyzed observational behavioral data of zoo-housed giant pandas for one year utilizing live camera footage from six zoos across the world. The worldwide distribution of the zoos gives us the unique opportunity to investigate how housing giant pandas within and outside of their natural latitudinal range can affect circadian rhythmicity and behavior. Methods Focal sampling was completed for 11 giant pandas each month for 12 consecutive months to gain an estimate of one circannual cycle. Within each month, we estimated one daylight or 24 h cycle of activity/behavior by conducting 10-min observation sessions systemically each hour the pandas were visible. Results Zero-inflated negative binomial mixture models found that latitude is associated with activity levels, with pandas housed outside of their natural latitudinal range displaying less activity than those within their latitudinal range. Amount of daylight, temperature minimum, and temperature range were also associated with activity cycles, potentially acting as zeitgebers. An association between sexual-related and stereotypic behavioral cycles was found, with the circannual cycles fluctuating in synchrony throughout several points in a year. Discussion These results indicate that changes to common zeitgebers and environmental conditions can influence circadian and circannual cycles. The widespread evolution of circadian rhythms suggests an adaptive advantage to possessing one in an environment with cyclical changes, allowing species to anticipate changes in their environment and respond accordingly. Therefore, although animals are highly adaptive, creating a captive environment that mimics the environmental conditions for which the animal has evolved can encourage naturalistic cycles that ultimately aid in promoting positive welfare states and increasing chances of successful breeding and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine M. Gandia
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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Zhang MY, Zhang XH, Wang XY, Liu YL, An JH, Wang DH, Cai ZG, Hou R. Intestinal acetic acid regulates the synthesis of sex pheromones in captive giant pandas. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1234676. [PMID: 37692393 PMCID: PMC10485365 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1234676] [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] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As a typical solitary animal, adult giant pandas rely on chemical signals (sex pheromones) to transmit reproductive information during oestrous. Although researchers have confirmed that the gut microbiota is related to the emission and reception of sex pheromones, there is no clear correlation between the gut microbes and the synthesis of sex pheromone of giant pandas, that is, which gut microbes and microbial metabolites are participate in the synthesis of giant panda's sex pheromone. As a mirror of gut microbiota, fecal microbiota can reflect the composition of gut microbiota and its interaction with host to some extent. The purpose of this study is to explore how the gut microbes affect the synthesis of sex pheromones in captive giant pandas by combining analysis of the fecal microbiome and metabolomics. The results of correlation and microbial function analysis show that intestinal microorganisms such as Veillonellaceae and Lactobacillilaceae are associated with the synthesis of short chain fatty acid (acetic acid) and volatile ester metabolites, such as 1-butanol, 3-methyl, acetate, acetic acid, hexyl ester and 3-hexen-1-ol, acetate, (Z). In summary, based on this study, we believe that volatile metabolites such as fecal acetate participate in the process of mate preference of captive giant pandas and affect their expression of natural mating behavior. The possible mechanism is that the gut microbes can promote the synthesis of key chemical signaling substances in perianal glands through mediated intermediate fecal metabolites, thus affecting the normal information exchange between giant pandas individuals. The results of this study have greatly enriched our understanding of gut microbes regulating the synthesis of sex pheromones in giant pandas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-yue Zhang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-hui Zhang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue-ying Wang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-liang Liu
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun-hui An
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong-hui Wang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-gang Cai
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, China
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Gandia KM, Herrelko ES, Kessler SE, Buchanan-Smith HM. Understanding Circadian and Circannual Behavioral Cycles of Captive Giant Pandas ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Can Help to Promote Good Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2401. [PMID: 37570210 PMCID: PMC10417524 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152401] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian and circannual cycles of behavior regulate many aspects of welfare including metabolism, breeding, and behavioral interactions. In this study, we aim to demonstrate how systematically determining circadian and circannual cycles can provide insight into animals' needs and be part of an evidence-based approach to welfare assessment. We measured and analyzed the observational behavioral data of 13 zoo-housed giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), across life stages and between sexes, each month for one year using live camera footage from six zoos across the world. Our results indicate that life stage was associated with changes in overall activity, feeding, locomotion, and pacing, and that sex influenced scent anointing and anogenital rubbing. Overall, the circadian rhythms showed three peaks of activity, including a nocturnal peak, as seen in wild giant pandas. We also found associations between sexual-related, stereotypical/abnormal, and feeding behavior, which are possibly linked to the timing of migration of wild pandas, and elucidated the relationship between a mother and cub, finding that they concentrate maternal behaviors to mainly after closing hours. Understanding these cycle patterns can aid animal care staff in predicting changing needs throughout the day, year, and life cycle and preemptively provide for those needs to best avoid welfare concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine M. Gandia
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Elizabeth S. Herrelko
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC 20008, USA
| | - Sharon E. Kessler
- Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
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7
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Elwell EJ, Vaglio S. The Scent Enriched Primate. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101617. [PMID: 37238047 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101617] [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] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoos worldwide play an important role in both in situ and ex situ conservation via efforts such as providing breeding programmes and reintroductions into the wild. Zoo populations are crucial as a buffer against extinction. However, a mismatch between the wild and zoo environments can lead to psychological as well as physiological health issues, such as stress, boredom, diabetes, and obesity. These problems, in turn, can impact the reproductive success of individuals. Consequently, some primate species have reduced breeding success when housed in zoos compared to their wild counterparts. To prevent the onset of behavioural, physiological, and cognitive negative effects and to continually improve the welfare of their animals, zoos widely implement different types of environmental enrichment. There are many forms enrichment can take, such as feeding, puzzles and training, but sensory enrichments, including implementing the use of scents, are currently understudied. Scent enrichments are less utilized despite multiple research studies showing that they may have positive effects on welfare for zoo-housed animal species, including non-human primates. Despite being traditionally considered to be microsmatic, various lines of evidence suggest that olfaction plays a larger role in primates than previously thought. This review therefore focuses on scent-based enrichment and the specifics of captive primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Elwell
- Animal Behaviour & Wildlife Conservation Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Stefano Vaglio
- Animal Behaviour & Wildlife Conservation Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- University College-The Castle, Durham University, Durham DH1 3RW, UK
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Alverson DP, Martin MS, Hebebrand CT, Greggor AL, Masuda B, Swaisgood RR. Designing a mate choice program: Tactics trialed and lessons learned with the critically endangered honeycreeper, 'akikiki (
Oreomystis bairdi
). CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
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Rose PE, Riley LM. Expanding the role of the future zoo: Wellbeing should become the fifth aim for modern zoos. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1018722. [PMID: 36337505 PMCID: PMC9631926 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1018722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoos and aquariums have an enormous global reach and hence an ability to craft meaningful conservation action for threatened species, implement educational strategies to encourage human engagement, development and behavior change, and conduct scientific research to enhance the husbandry, roles and impacts of the living collection. The recreational role of the zoo is also vast- people enjoy visiting the zoo and this is often a shared experience amongst family and friends. Evaluating how the zoo influences this "captive audience" and extending its reach to include a compassionate approach to animals and people can further enhance the mission, value, and relevance of their work. The modern zoo's current aims-Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation-provide useful foundations for the activities that zoos conduct at a local and national level. However, to improve sustainability of their actions and outcomes, we feel that Wellbeing should become the fifth aim of the modern zoo for the future- both from an animal perspective (ensuring that populations are managed according to prevailing behavioral needs) and from a human perspective (enhancing access to nature, promoting planetary friendly behavior changes and ways of living, and advancing the wellbeing of the zoo's workforce). This paper provides discussion and review of how Wellbeing is already a substantial part of what zoos work on as well as posing the idea of altering the Recreation aim of the zoo to one of Engagement, which potentially is more measurable and therefore can allow zoo researchers and managers further options for the collection of evidence on the local and global reach of their zoo's aims. Education, Engagement, Conservation, Research and Wellbeing provide a more complete picture of the roles of the modern zoo for the animals (both in situ and ex situ), human visitors and workforce, and to society more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- WWT, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa M. Riley
- Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom
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10
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Abstract
Abstract
Complex sexual signals spanning multiple sensory modalities may be common in nature, yet few studies have explored how combinations of phenotypic traits influence male attractiveness and mating success. Here, we investigate whether combinations of multiple male phenotypic traits (both within and across sensory modalities) predict male mating and fertilization success in the critically endangered southern corroboree frog, Pseudophryne corroboree. We conducted breeding trials in a standardized captive environment where females were given the opportunity to choose between multiple males over the duration of the breeding season. For each male, we measured multiple call traits, aspects of coloration, body size, and age. We found that complex interactions between multiple traits best predicted male mating and fertilization success. In general, males with lower call frequency, lower call rate, and shorter call duration had the highest mating and fertilization success. Fertilization success was additionally linked to male body size and age. These findings suggest that female P. corroboree select mates based on a suite of acoustic traits, adding to a growing body of evidence that females use multiple traits to assess male quality. Our results also suggest that females may combine information from multiple signals non-additively. Moreover, our results imply that females gain direct fertility benefits from their mate choice decisions. We argue that understanding female mate choice based on various signals across multiple sensory modalities has important implications for the integration of mate choice into conservation breeding programs and needs to be considered when developing behavior-based captive breeding strategies.
Significance statement
Sexual signals are often highly complex, yet we know little about how multiple signal components both within and across various sensory modalities predict male mating success. We investigated whether combinations of multiple phenotypic traits (within and across sensory modalities) predicted male breeding success in threatened corroboree frogs. We conducted captive breeding trials in a homogeneous environment, where females could choose between multiple males over the duration of a single breeding season. We found that interactions between multiple male traits predicted mating and fertilization success. Males with lower call frequency, call rate, and duration had higher mating success. Fertilization success was also linked to acoustic signals, body size, and age. Understanding mate choice for multiple traits further elucidates the complexity of female mate choice. This study is one of the first to consider the conservation implications of multimodal signaling in mate choice.
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Urine Metabolomics Reveals the Effects of Confined Environment on Mating Choice in Adult Male Giant Pandas. Physiol Behav 2022; 249:113744. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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McLennan EA, Belov K, Hogg CJ, Grueber CE. How much is enough? Sampling intensity influences estimates of reproductive variance in an introduced population. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e02462. [PMID: 34614257 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Conservation introductions to islands and fenced enclosures are increasing as in situ mitigations fail to keep pace with population declines. Few studies consider the potential loss of genetic diversity and increased inbreeding if released individuals breed disproportionately. As funding is limited and post-release monitoring expensive for conservation programs, understanding how sampling effort influences estimates of reproductive variance is useful. To investigate this relationship, we used a well-studied population of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) introduced to Maria Island, Tasmania, Australia. Pedigree reconstruction based on molecular data revealed high variance in number of offspring per breeder and high proportions of unsuccessful individuals. Computational subsampling of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of observed offspring resulted in inaccurate estimates of reproductive variance compared to the pedigree reconstructed with all sampled individuals. With decreased sampling effort, the proportion of inferred unsuccessful individuals was overestimated and the variance in number of offspring per breeder was underestimated. To accurately estimate reproductive variance, we recommend sampling as many individuals as logistically possible during the early stages of population establishment. Further, we recommend careful selection of colonizing individuals as they may be disproportionately represented in subsequent generations. Within the conservation management context, our results highlight important considerations for sample collection and post-release monitoring during population establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth A McLennan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Catherine E Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global, PO BOX 120551, San Diego, California, 92112, USA
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13
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Li MF, Swaisgood RR, Owen MA, Zhang H, Zhang G, Qiu J, Martin MS. Consequences of nescient mating: artificial insemination increases cub rejection in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Sorci G, Lesobre L, Vuarin P, Levêque G, Saint Jalme M, Lacroix F, Hingrat Y. Enforced monoandry over generations induces a reduction of female investment into reproduction in a promiscuous bird. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2773-2783. [PMID: 34950228 PMCID: PMC8674888 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While uncovering the costs and benefits of polyandry has attracted considerable attention, assessing the net effect of sexual selection on population fitness requires the experimental manipulation of female mating over generations, which is usually only achievable in laboratory populations of arthropods. However, knowing if sexual selection improves or impairs the expression of life-history traits is key for the management of captive populations of endangered species, which are mostly long-lived birds and mammals. It might therefore be questionable to extrapolate the results gathered on laboratory populations of insects to infer the net effect of sexual selection on populations of endangered species. Here, we used a longitudinal dataset that has been collected on a long-lived bird, the houbara bustard, kept in a conservation breeding program, to investigate the effect of enforced monoandry on female investment into reproduction. In captivity, female houbara bustards are artificially inseminated with sperm collected from a single male (enforced monoandry), or sequentially inseminated with semen of different males (polyandry), allowing postcopulatory sexual selection to operate. We identified female lines that were produced either by monoandrous or polyandrous inseminations over three generations, and we compared reproductive investment of females from the two mating system groups. We found that females in the polyandrous lines had higher investment into reproduction as they laid more eggs per season and produced heavier hatchlings. Higher reproductive investment into reproduction in the polyandrous lines did not result from inherited differences from females initially included in the two mating system groups. These results show that removal of sexual selection can alter reproductive investment after only few generations, potentially hindering population fitness and the success of conservation breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Sorci
- BiogéosciencesUMR 6282 CNRSUniversité de Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéDijonFrance
| | - Loïc Lesobre
- Reneco International Wildlife Consultants LLCAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Pauline Vuarin
- BiogéosciencesUMR 6282 CNRSUniversité de Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéDijonFrance
- Reneco International Wildlife Consultants LLCAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
- Present address:
Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive ‐ UMR CNRS 5558Université Claude Bernard Lyon 116 rue Raphaël Dubois69622Villeurbanne CedexFrance
| | | | - Michel Saint Jalme
- Centre d’Ecologie et des Sciences de la ConservationUMR 7204 MNHN CNRS‐UPMCMuseum National d'Histoire NaturelleParisFrance
| | - Frédéric Lacroix
- Reneco International Wildlife Consultants LLCAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Yves Hingrat
- Reneco International Wildlife Consultants LLCAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
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15
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Kelleher SR, Silla AJ, Hertel AG, Dingemanse NJ, Byrne PG. Mate Preference Plasticity in a Critically Endangered Frog: Implications for Conservation Breeding. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.748104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in female mate preferences for male traits remains poorly understood (both among and within females), despite having important evolutionary and conservation implications, particularly for captive breeding. Here, we investigate female mate preferences for male advertisement call frequency, and determine whether preferences vary over repeated trials, in the critically endangered southern corroboree frog, Pseudophryne corroboree. We conducted a series of phonotaxis trials in a six-speaker arena where naïve, captive-bred, virgin females were offered a choice between low, average and high frequency male advertisement calls, with a subset of females tested repeatedly. In the first trial, we found no evidence for a population-level preference for call frequency, but females spent less time in the low call zone than expected by chance. However, our results showed that female mate preferences changed over sequential trials. Females spent significantly more time in the low frequency call zone in the third trial compared to the first trial, and, in the last trial, females exhibited a significant population-level preference for low frequency calls. Subsequently, repeatability estimates of female preferences were low and did not significantly deviate from zero. Our results indicate that female P. corroboree mate preferences can exhibit temporal variation, and suggest that females are more attracted to low call frequencies after repeated exposure. These findings imply that female P. corroboree may become choosier over time, and highlight the potential for mate preferences to exhibit phenotypic plasticity within a single reproductive cycle. Overall, these findings provide the first information on mate preferences in P. corroboree, and emphasize the importance of considering individual variation in mate choice studies. From a conservation perspective, knowledge of individual variation in female mate preferences may be used to conduct behavioral manipulations in captivity that facilitate the breeding of genetically valuable individuals, and improve the success of conservation breeding programs.
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Ciminelli G, Martin MS, Swaisgood RR, Zhang G, Guo L, Owen MA. Social distancing: High population density increases cub rejection and decreases maternal care in the giant panda. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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17
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Auld HL, Jacobson DP, Rhodes AC, Banks MA. Differences in Mate Pairings of Hatchery- and Natural-Origin Coho Salmon Inferred from Offspring Genotypes. Integr Org Biol 2021; 3:obab020. [PMID: 34409260 PMCID: PMC8363981 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obab020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive breeding can affect how sexual selection acts on subsequent generations. One context where this is important is in fish hatcheries. In many salmon hatcheries, spawning is controlled artificially and offspring are reared in captivity before release into the wild. While previous studies have suggested that hatchery- and natural-origin fish may make different mate choice decisions, it remains to be determined how hatchery fish may be making different mate choice decisions compared with natural-origin fish at a genetic level. Using genotyping-by-sequencing, we identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with variation in mate pairings from a natural context involving hatchery- and natural-origin coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). In both natural-origin and hatchery mate pairs, we observed more SNPs with negative assortment than positive assortment. However, only 3% of the negative assortment SNPs were shared between the two mating groups, and 1% of the positive assortment SNPs were shared between the two mating groups, indicating divergence in mating cues between wild and hatchery-raised salmon. These findings shed light on mate choice in general and may have important implications in the conservation management of species as well as for improving other captive breeding scenarios. There remains much to discover about mate choice in salmon and research described here reflects our intent to test the potential of ongoing advances in population genomics to develop new hatchery practices that may improve the performance of hatchery offspring, lessening the differences and thus potential impacts upon wild stocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Auld
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - D P Jacobson
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - A C Rhodes
- Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - M A Banks
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Is Animal Welfare an Internationally Understood Concept in the Zoo World? Thematic Analysis of Two Regional Groups of Zoo Staff. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072059. [PMID: 34359187 PMCID: PMC8300246 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In order to ensure we do not speak at cross-purposes, common understandings and definitions are useful. However, there is no universal definition of animal welfare. Structured interviews with a sample of European and Chinese zoo staff aimed to explore their perceptions and understanding of the term ‘animal welfare’, and the use of animal welfare frameworks in a zoological context. Thematic analysis demonstrated that all interviewees used similar descriptors when discussing animal welfare including describing animal feelings and emotions. Animal welfare frameworks were considered useful across both regions. However, different frameworks were suggested by interviewees in Europe to those in China. Chinese zoo staff expressed the importance of leadership in animal welfare in Chinese zoos. These findings suggest a common understanding of the concept of animal welfare, and the usefulness of animal welfare frameworks across geographically and culturally diverse regions. Abstract Universal frameworks for zoo animal welfare have been suggested. However, there is little evidence of a cross-cultural understanding of zoo animal welfare. This paper reports themes emerging from a qualitative study of international (European and Chinese) zoo professionals on zoo animal welfare issues. Structured telephone interviews were conducted with eight Chinese and eight European zoo staff, covering aspects of zoological animal welfare, conservation and zoological husbandry practices. These qualitative data were thematically analysed, and key themes generated. This paper describes three themes relating to ‘What is animal welfare’ ‘Animal welfare frameworks’ and ‘The human element in animal welfare’. This analysis indicates that the concept of animal welfare has cultural equivalence across Europe and between Europe and China, and that zoo staff are familiar with welfare frameworks. In China, a need for senior leadership and motivating staff to improve animal welfare emerged.
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Zhang MY, Zhang XH, Zhang P, Liu YL, An JH, Wang DH, Cai ZG, Hou R. Natural reproductive performance is associated with captive management in adult male giant pandas. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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20
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Meta-analytic evidence that animals rarely avoid inbreeding. Nat Ecol Evol 2021; 5:949-964. [PMID: 33941905 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01453-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Animals are usually expected to avoid mating with relatives (kin avoidance) as incestuous mating can lead to the expression of inbreeding depression. Yet, theoretical models predict that unbiased mating with regards to kinship should be common, and that under some conditions, the inclusive fitness benefits associated with inbreeding can even lead to a preference for mating with kin. This mismatch between empirical and theoretical expectations generates uncertainty as to the prevalence of inbreeding avoidance in animals. Here, we synthesized 677 effect sizes from 139 experimental studies of mate choice for kin versus non-kin in diploid animals, representing 40 years of research, using a meta-analytical approach. Our meta-analysis revealed little support for the widely held view that animals avoid mating with kin, despite clear evidence of publication bias. Instead, unbiased mating with regards to kinship appears widespread across animals and experimental conditions. The significance of a variety of moderators was explored using meta-regressions, revealing that the degree of relatedness and prior experience with kin explained some variation in the effect sizes. Yet, we found no difference in kin avoidance between males and females, choice and no-choice experiments, mated and virgin animals or between humans and animals. Our findings highlight the need to rethink the widely held view that inbreeding avoidance is a given in experimental studies.
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21
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Greggor AL, Berger-Tal O, Swaisgood RR, Cooke SJ, DeVault TL, Fernández-Juricic E, Gienapp A, Hall S, Hostetter C, Owen MA, Rankin S, Ruppert KA, Swaddle JP, Blumstein DT. Using Change Models to Envision Better Applications of Animal Behavior Research in Conservation Management and Beyond. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.653056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While most animal behavior researchers have mastered the process of knowledge creation, generating knowledge that can readily be applied requires a different set of skills. The process and timeframe of fundamental scientific knowledge production is often not relevant to those who might apply it, such as conservation or wildlife managers. Additionally, the complex challenges that policy makers, managers and practitioners face are often not adequately communicated to and among scientists. This mutual disconnect in discourse, relationships, common terms, and practices is especially apparent when animal behavior researchers seek to have applied impact. We argue that bridging the complex implementation gap in animal behavior requires a formalized vision for change. We turn to change model theory, a tool commonly used in other fields for identifying the links between actions and outcomes necessary for enacting large-scale change. We focus on the subfield of conservation behavior with a change model that outlines specific ways to improve collaboration and coordination between animal behavior science and conservation practice. We present this targeted change model, review each strategy the model outlines, and highlight pressing actions that people from various career stages and backgrounds can take. We encourage researchers to further the alignment of science with management needs by developing the proper communication mechanisms for improved cultural exchange and plan future change model efforts directly targeting managers. Beyond the conservation behavior change model we present, we also discuss the broad applicability of change models to enhance the application of academic research to other fields. Fundamental science researchers are increasingly required to show impact of their work on society; the change model process we describe here can enable further impact.
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22
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Zhang MY, Zhang XH, Ayala J, Hou R. Effects of Different Nursing Methods on the Behavioral Response of Adult Captive Giant Pandas ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030626. [PMID: 33653013 PMCID: PMC7996746 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Throughout the life history of giant pandas, we have found that captive and wild giant pandas have significantly different parenting experiences. To summarize the breeding history of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding over the past 30 years, we found that the parenting experience is related to the natural mating ability of captive male giant pandas. However, there are few studies on the effects of different nursing methods on the behavioral expression of captive giant pandas, mainly focusing on the behavioral development of captive giant panda cubs, but the effects on the behavioral adaptive expression and stress of adult females have not been reported. From the perspective of adult female giant pandas in the nursery period, this experiment attempts to clarify whether different nursing methods in the cub-rearing period will affect the behavioral adaptive expression of the dams. We aim to understand whether confinement mode may cause stress problems in adult captive giant pandas, and provide a scientific basis for improving the design parameters of nursery pens and improving the welfare level of captive giant pandas. Based on the current results, we find that, in the current captive environment, singleton and parent rearing are kinds of nursing methods that are in accordance with the characteristics of the natural nursing of giant pandas and have little effect on the mother–cub relationship and welfare of captive adult female giant pandas. Abstracts Nursing protocols in giant panda conservation breeding programs often strongly deviate from the natural cub-rearing behaviors observed in situ, potentially affecting the expression of species-typical behavior in both dams and cubs. To evaluate the effects of different nursing methods on the behavioral expression of captive adult female giant pandas, it is necessary to understand such effects due to unnatural human interference to improve the welfare of giant pandas in captive breeding conditions. In this study, we selected nine captive adult female giant pandas managed with different nursing methods as the research objects. Behavioral observations were performed during the early nursing period (1–90 d). Compared with the artificially assisted nursing method, captive adult female giant pandas who adopted the singleton and parent nursing method exhibited a significantly longer time engaged in mother–cub interaction behavior and invested a significantly smaller portion of their daily time budget on pacing and railing-directed behavior in the three months postpartum. However, no significant differences in the percentage of time exhibiting maternal behaviors were noted between the different nursing methods. In conclusion, in the current captive environment, singleton and parent rearing was a kind of nursing method that matched natural cub-rearing characteristics and was less stressful for captive adult giant pandas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yue Zhang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China; (X.-H.Z.); (J.A.)
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu 610081, China
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610081, China
- Correspondence: (M.-Y.Z.); (R.H.); Tel.: +86-137-6689-3611 (M.-Y.Z.); +86-180-0054-8759 (R.H.)
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China; (X.-H.Z.); (J.A.)
| | - James Ayala
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China; (X.-H.Z.); (J.A.)
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China; (X.-H.Z.); (J.A.)
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu 610081, China
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610081, China
- Correspondence: (M.-Y.Z.); (R.H.); Tel.: +86-137-6689-3611 (M.-Y.Z.); +86-180-0054-8759 (R.H.)
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Grueber CE, Peel E, Wright B, Hogg CJ, Belov K. A Tasmanian devil breeding program to support wild recovery. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1296-1304. [PMID: 32172782 DOI: 10.1071/rd18152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tasmanian devils are threatened in the wild by devil facial tumour disease: a transmissible cancer with a high fatality rate. In response, the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (STDP) established an 'insurance population' to enable the preservation of genetic diversity and natural behaviours of devils. This breeding program includes a range of institutions and facilities, from zoo-based intensive enclosures to larger, more natural environments, and a strategic approach has been required to capture and maintain genetic diversity, natural behaviours and to ensure reproductive success. Laboratory-based research, particularly genetics, in tandem with adaptive management has helped the STDP reach its goals, and has directly contributed to the conservation of the species in the wild. Here we review this work and show that the Tasmanian devil breeding program is a powerful example of how genetic research can be used to understand and improve reproductive success in a threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Grueber
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - E Peel
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - B Wright
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - C J Hogg
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - K Belov
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Farquharson KA, Hogg CJ, Belov K, Grueber CE. Deciphering genetic mate choice: Not so simple in group-housed conservation breeding programs. Evol Appl 2020; 13:2179-2189. [PMID: 33005217 PMCID: PMC7513713 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Incorporating mate choice into conservation breeding programs can improve reproduction and the retention of natural behaviors. However, different types of genetic-based mate choice can have varied consequences for genetic diversity management. As a result, it is important to examine mechanisms of mate choice in captivity to assess its costs and benefits. Most research in this area has focused on experimental pairing trials; however, this resource-intensive approach is not always feasible in captive settings and can interfere with other management constraints. We used generalized linear mixed models and permutation approaches to investigate overall breeding success in group-housed Tasmanian devils at three nonmutually exclusive mate choice hypotheses: (a) advantage of heterozygous individuals, (b) advantage of dissimilar mates, and (c) optimum genetic distance, using both 1,948 genome-wide SNPs and 12 MHC-linked microsatellites. The managed devil insurance population is the largest such breeding program in Australia and is known to have high variance in reproductive success. We found that nongenetic factors such as age were the best predictors of breeding success in a competitive breeding scenario, with younger females and older males being more successful. We found no evidence of mate choice under the hypotheses tested. Mate choice varies among species and across environments, so we advocate for more studies in realistic captive management contexts as experimental or wild studies may not apply. Conservation managers must weigh up the need to wait for adequate sample sizes to detect mate choice with the risk that genetic changes may occur during this time in captivity. Our study shows that examining and integrating mate choice into the captive management of species housed in realistic, semi-natural group-based contexts may be more difficult than previously considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Farquharson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Catherine E Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global San Diego USA
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25
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Saragusty J, Ajmone-Marsan P, Sampino S, Modlinski JA. Reproductive biotechnology and critically endangered species: Merging in vitro gametogenesis with inner cell mass transfer. Theriogenology 2020; 155:176-184. [PMID: 32702562 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
A fifth of mammalian species face the risk of extinction. A variety of stresses, and lack of sufficient resources and political endorsement, mean thousands of further extinctions in the coming years. Once a species has declined to a mere few individuals, in situ efforts seem insufficient to prevent its extinction. Here we propose a roadmap to overcome some of the current roadblocks and facilitate rejuvenation of such critically endangered species. We suggest combining two advanced assisted reproductive technologies to accomplish this task. The first is the generation of gametes from induced pluripotent stem cells, already demonstrated in mice. The second is to 'trick' the immunological system of abundant species' surrogate mothers into believing it carries conceptus of its own species. This can be achieved by transferring the inner cell mass (ICM) of the endangered species into a trophoblastic vesicle derived from the foster mother's species. Such synthesis of reproductive biotechnologies, in association with in situ habitat conservation and societal changes, holds the potential to restore diversity and accelerate the production of animals in the most endangered species on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Saragusty
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Paolo Ajmone-Marsan
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition - DIANA, Nutrigenomics and Proteomics Research Center - PRONUTRIGEN, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Silvestre Sampino
- Department of Experimental Embryology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
| | - Jacek A Modlinski
- Department of Experimental Embryology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
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26
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You're Just My Type: Mate Choice and Behavioral Types. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:823-833. [PMID: 32451175 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Consistent individual differences in behavior [i.e., behavioral types (BTs)], are common across the animal kingdom. Consistency can make behavior an adaptive trait for mate choice decisions. Here, we present a conceptual framework to explain how and why females might evaluate a male's BT before mating. Because BTs are consistent across time or context, a male's BT can be a reliable indicator of his potential to provide direct benefits. Heritable BTs can enable informed mate choice via indirect benefits. Many key issues regarding patterns of mate choice, including sensory biases, context dependence, and assortative mating apply to BT-dependent mate choice. Understanding the relationship between BTs and mate choice may offer insights into patterns of variation and consistency common in behavioral traits.
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27
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Understanding Temporal Social Dynamics in Zoo Animal Management: An Elephant Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050882. [PMID: 32438626 PMCID: PMC7278397 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoo animal management procedures which lead to changes to social groups can cause disruption in social hierarchies and the temporary breakdown of social relationships. Animals have different roles in social networks. Understanding individual positions in social networks is important for effective management and ensuring positive welfare for all animals. Using elephants as a case study, the aim of this research was to investigate temporal social dynamics in zoo animals. Behavioural data were collected between January 2016 and February 2017 from 10 African and 22 Asian elephants housed at seven zoos and safari parks in the UK and Ireland. Social interactions were defined as positive physical, positive non-physical, negative physical or negative non-physical. Social network analysis explored social relationships including the fluidity of networks over time and dyadic reciprocity. Social interaction networks were found to be fluid but did not follow a seasonal pattern. Positive interaction networks tended to include the entire social group whereas negative interactions were restricted to specific individuals. Unbalanced ties were observed within dyads, suggesting potential inequalities in relationships. This could impact on individual experiences and welfare. This research highlights subtle temporal dynamics in zoo elephants with the potential for species-level differences. Similar temporal dynamics may also be present in other socially housed zoo species. This research thus provides evidence for the importance of understanding the social networks of zoo animals over longer periods of time. Understanding social networks enables pro-active and evidence-based management approaches. Further research should seek to identify the minimum sampling efforts for social networks in a range of species, to enable the implementation of regular monitoring of social networks and thus improve the welfare of social species under human care.
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28
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Martin MS, Owen M, Wintle NJP, Zhang G, Zhang H, Swaisgood RR. Stereotypic behaviour predicts reproductive performance and litter sex ratio in giant pandas. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7263. [PMID: 32350317 PMCID: PMC7190838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63763-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Breeding and welfare problems confront many conservation breeding programs. Stereotypies-repetitive, unvarying, functionless behaviours -are common abnormal behaviours that often arise in suboptimal conditions. While the role of stereotypies in welfare assessment is well studied, few investigations address the relationship between stereotypic behaviour and reproduction. We examined the correlation between stereotypic behaviour and reproductive performance in 101 giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). High stereotyping males copulated more and produced more cubs, suggesting that highly sexually motivated males were prone to stereotypy but also had high reproductive competence. Female stereotypies were negatively associated with all reproductive measures closely tied to behavioural competence: high stereotyping females were less likely to copulate, less likely to mother-rear cubs, and-probably a result of poor maternal care-had lower cub survival. However, females that exhibited stereotypies were more likely to produce a cub, suggesting stereotypies are tied to behavioural but not physiological competence. High stereotyping female pandas also displayed strong and consistent bias toward production of female offspring while paternal relationship to sex allocation was the reverse. These results are consistent with stress-mediated sex allocation theory. Our findings raise concern about differential reproductive success among high and low stereotyping pandas, and possible genetic adaptation to captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan S Martin
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, California, 92027, USA.,PDXWildlife, 9233 SW Brier Pl., Portland, OR, 97219, USA
| | - Megan Owen
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, California, 92027, USA
| | | | - Guiquan Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, P.R. China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong, Sichuan, 623006, P.R. China
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, California, 92027, USA.
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29
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Wilson AE, Sparks DL, Knott KK, Willard S, Brown A. Simultaneous choice bioassays accompanied by physiological changes identify civetone and decanoic acid as pheromone candidates for giant pandas. Zoo Biol 2020; 39:176-185. [PMID: 31919913 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21532] [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] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Chemicals present in urine are thought to play an important role in mate identification in the solitary giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). During the breeding season, females will deposit chemical signals to advertise sexual receptivity to potential mates. The goal of this study was to determine if specific volatile compounds found in female urine could be considered as pheromones that elicit behavioral and physiological responses in males. Experimental simultaneous choice trials were conducted with captive male giant pandas (n = 3) housed at Memphis Zoo, San Diego Zoo, and Zoo Atlanta. Octanoic acid, 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde, decanoic acid, and civetone were selected as stimuli because previous studies reported their elevation in urine during the breeding season. Male interest was determined by a behavioral preference toward these volatile compounds diluted in synthetic urine compared with nontreated synthetic urine. Male urine samples were collected 1 week prior, during, and 1 week after the experimental period to assess changes in urinary semiochemical composition and urinary androgen concentrations. No significant differences in investigation response (p = .395) or flehmen response (p = .600) were found when stimuli were compared; however, decanoic acid and civetone elicited a behavioral preference over the control (response ratio > 0.5). The relative abundance of 16 compounds identified in male urine was significantly elevated (p < .05) above baseline values after the males were exposed to the stimuli. Androgen levels were significantly elevated (p < .05) in one male after exposure to 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde, decanoic acid, and civetone. These data suggested that civetone and decanoic acid in female urine may motivate sexual responses in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey E Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi.,Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Darrell L Sparks
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi.,Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory, Mississippi State University, Mississippi
| | - Katrina K Knott
- Resource Science Division, Missouri Department of Conservation, Aquatic Systems and Environmental Health Unit, Central Regional Office and Conservation Research Center, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Scott Willard
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi
| | - Ashli Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi.,Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory, Mississippi State University, Mississippi
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Goymann
- Abteilung für Verhaltensneurobiologie Max‐Planck‐Institut für Ornithologie Seewiesen Germany
| | - Martin Küblbeck
- Abteilung für Verhaltensneurobiologie Max‐Planck‐Institut für Ornithologie Seewiesen Germany
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31
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Williams E, Carter A, Hall C, Bremner-Harrison S. Social Interactions in Zoo-Housed Elephants: Factors Affecting Social Relationships. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E747. [PMID: 31569551 PMCID: PMC6826554 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Elephants have complex social systems that are predominantly driven by ecological factors in situ. Within zoos, elephants are held in relatively static social groups and the factors observed driving social relationships in the wild are largely absent. Little research has investigated the effect of social group factors in zoos on elephant social interactions. The aim of this research was to establish whether there is a relationship between social group factors and social behaviour, in order to identify factors that make elephant herds more or less likely to be compatible. Results will facilitate recommendations for optimum social groupings for zoo elephants. Behavioural data quantifying social interactions were collected between January 2016 and February 2017 at seven UK and Irish zoos and safari parks from 10 African and 22 Asian elephants. Social interactions were split into four categories: positive physical, positive non-physical, negative physical and negative non-physical. Social interactions were related to age (positive physical higher and negative non-physical lower in calves than adults), personality (elephants with higher sociability scores engaged in more positive interactions and less negative interactions), presence of calves in the herd (herds with calves had more positive non-physical), relatedness to other elephants in the herd (positive non-physical were higher when relatives were in the group and negative non-physical were higher between unrelated elephants) and species (Asian elephants engaged in more positive non-physical than African elephants). A greater understanding of factors that may contribute to the success of zoo-elephant social groups is important for individual and herd welfare as it will enable evidence-based decisions which have minimal impact on social structures to be executed. This knowledge will enable proactive management approaches to be undertaken and will thus be paramount in ensuring optimal welfare for elephant herds moving forwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Williams
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK.
| | - Anne Carter
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK.
| | - Carol Hall
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK.
| | - Samantha Bremner-Harrison
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK.
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32
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Day J, Gooley RM, Hogg CJ, Belov K, Whittington CM, Grueber CE. MHC-associated mate choice under competitive conditions in captive versus wild Tasmanian devils. Behav Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractMate choice contributes to driving evolutionary processes when animals choose breeding partners that confer genetic advantages to offspring, such as increased immunocompetence. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important group of immunological molecules, as MHC antigens bind and present foreign peptides to T-cells. Recent studies suggest that mates may be selected based on their MHC profile, leading to an association between an individual’s MHC diversity and their breeding success. In conservation, it may be important to consider mate choice in captive breeding programs, as this mechanism may improve reproductive rates. We investigated the reproductive success of Tasmanian devils in a group housing facility to determine whether increased MHC-based heterozygosity led individuals to secure more mating partners and produce more offspring. We also compared the breeding success of captive females to a wild devil population. MHC diversity was quantified using 12 MHC-linked microsatellite markers, including 11 previously characterized markers and one newly identified marker. Our analyses revealed that there was no relationship between MHC-linked heterozygosity and reproductive success either in captivity or the wild. The results of this study suggest that, for Tasmanian devils, MHC-based heterozygosity does not produce greater breeding success and that no specific changes to current captive management strategies are required with respect to preserving MHC diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Day
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca M Gooley
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia, Mosman, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Camilla M Whittington
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine E Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA, USA
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33
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Zhu Y, Wan QH, Zhang HM, Fang SG. Reproductive Strategy Inferred from Major Histocompatibility Complex-Based Inter-Individual, Sperm-Egg, and Mother-Fetus Recognitions in Giant Pandas ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Cells 2019; 8:cells8030257. [PMID: 30893784 PMCID: PMC6468540 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Few major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-based mate choice studies include all MHC genes at the inter-individual, sperm-egg, and mother-fetus recognition levels. We tested three hypotheses of female mate choice in a 17-year study of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) while using ten functional MHC loci (four MHC class I loci: Aime-C, Aime-F, Aime-I, and Aime-L; six MHC class II loci: Aime-DRA, Aime-DRB3, Aime-DQA1, Aime-DQA2, Aime-DQB1, and Aime-DQB2); five super haplotypes (SuHa, SuHaI, SuHaII, DQ, and DR); and, seven microsatellites. We found female choice for heterozygosity at Aime-C, Aime-I, and DQ and for disassortative mate choice at Aime-C, DQ, and DR at the inter-individual recognition level. High mating success occurred in MHC-dissimilar mating pairs. No significant results were found based on any microsatellite parameters, suggesting that MHCs were the mate choice target and there were no signs of inbreeding avoidance. Our results indicate Aime-DQA1- and Aime-DQA2-associated disassortative selection at the sperm-egg recognition level and a possible Aime-C- and Aime-I-associated assortative maternal immune tolerance mechanism. The MHC genes were of differential importance at the different recognition levels, so all of the functional MHC genes should be included when studying MHC-dependent reproductive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Qiu-Hong Wan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - He-Min Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, No. 98 Tongjiang Road, Dujiangyan 611800, China.
| | - Sheng-Guo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Seasonal and reproductive variation in chemical constituents of scent signals in wild giant pandas. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2019; 62:648-660. [PMID: 30671887 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Seasonally reproducing animals show many behavioral and physiological changes during the mating period, including increased signaling for intrasexual competition and mate attraction. We collected 102 anogenital gland secretions (AGS) from marking trees in Foping Nature Reserve, and used gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyze these chemical composition. Of these marks, all but one were from males, confirmed with DNA analysis. We found that several chemical constituents, especially volatile compounds, is present only during the mating season and that the relative abundance of many compounds changed as a function of breeding season, whereas nonvolatile compounds were lower in the mating season. This seasonal variation in chemical composition of AGS most likely plays an important role in governing giant panda reproduction, including mate location, attraction, and male-male competition. The chemical properties of many of these putative chemosignals-such as volatility and longevity-are suggestive of these roles, and undoubtedly contribute to successful reproduction for this species with a characteristically sophisticated chemical communication system. We also found a number of important differences between the chemical constituents of AGS from wild pandas and those found in previous studies with captive pandas, suggesting that inappropriate chemosignal composition may contribute to poor reproductive success in captive breeding programs.
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Comprehensive Breeding Techniques for the Giant Panda. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:275-308. [PMID: 31471801 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The dramatic growth of the captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) population exemplifies how the application of scientific findings to animal care and reproductive management can improve conservation breeding outcomes. Detailed behavioral studies of giant panda estrus, pregnancy and cub rearing have demonstrated the importance of husbandry management that supports natural reproductive behavior to enhance breeding success. Natural breeding has been valuably augmented by the development of assisted reproductive techniques founded through detailed studies of the reproductive physiology of the giant panda and outlining fundamental information about reproductive seasonality, male fertility and characterization of the estrous cycle. The resultant holistic understanding of giant panda reproduction has improved reproductive success in the captive population to such an extent that it is now self-sustaining and provides surplus animals for reintroduction. Despite these significant advances, there are knowledge gaps and remaining challenges to be addressed. Pregnancy detection remains the single biggest challenge when determining if natural mating or assisted breeding have been successful. Because pregnancy can only be determined in the few weeks prior to parturition, there are gaps in understanding and detecting delayed implantation and early embryonic loss. Additionally, dynamic management practices and standard of care for reproductive assistance needs to be developed. Only large breeding centers in China have the ability to promote normal reproductive behaviors and allow mate choice for the giant panda. These challenges need to be addressed in the near future in order to maintain a self-sustaining, genetically diverse and behaviorally competent captive population. This chapter documents the development of successful giant panda managed breeding programs by focusing on three key areas, (1) the development of science-driven reproductive techniques to improve fecundity in a species where the mating system was poorly understood, (2) how targeted research and adaptive management of social settings surrounding estrus and breeding improved reproductive success, and (3) insights and solutions to challenges faced across the program's history with future directions for research.
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36
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Greggor AL, Vicino GA, Swaisgood RR, Fidgett A, Brenner D, Kinney ME, Farabaugh S, Masuda B, Lamberski N. Animal Welfare in Conservation Breeding: Applications and Challenges. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:323. [PMID: 30631770 PMCID: PMC6315189 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare and conservation breeding have overlapping and compatible goals that are occasionally divergent. Efforts to improve enclosures, provide enriching experiences, and address behavioral and physical needs further the causes of animal welfare in all zoo settings. However, by mitigating stress, increasing behavioral competence, and enhancing reproduction, health, and survival, conservation breeding programs must also focus on preparing animals for release into the wild. Therefore, conservation breeding facilities must strike a balance of promoting high welfare, while minimizing the effects of captivity to increase population sustainability. As part of the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program, San Diego Zoo Global operates two captive breeding facilities that house a number of endangered Hawaiian bird species. At our facilities we aim to increase captive animal welfare through husbandry, nutrition, behavior-based enrichment, and integrated veterinary practices. These efforts help foster a captive environment that promotes the development of species-typical behaviors. By using the "Opportunities to Thrive" guiding principles, we outline an outcome-based welfare strategy, and detail some of the related management inputs, such as transitioning to parental rearing, and conducting veterinary exams remotely. Throughout we highlight our evidence-based approach for evaluating our practices, by monitoring welfare and the effectiveness of our inputs. Additionally we focus on some of the unique challenges associated with improving welfare in conservation breeding facilitates and outline concrete future steps for improving and evaluating welfare outcomes that also meet conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Greggor
- Department of Recovery Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA, United States
| | | | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Department of Recovery Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Susan Farabaugh
- Department of Recovery Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA, United States
| | - Bryce Masuda
- Department of Recovery Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA, United States
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37
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Settle RA, Ettling JA, Wanner MD, Schuette CD, Briggler JT, Mathis A. Quantitative Behavioral Analysis of First Successful Captive Breeding of Endangered Ozark Hellbenders. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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38
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Martin-Wintle MS, Wintle NJP, Díez-León M, Swaisgood RR, Asa CS. Improving the sustainability of ex situ populations with mate choice. Zoo Biol 2018; 38:119-132. [PMID: 30474268 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Many breeding programs managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plans® (SSPs) are not meeting goals for population size and genetic diversity due to failure of recommended pairs to breed successfully. According to AZA Population Management Center analyses, as many as 80% of recommended breeding pairs fail to produce young before the next breeding and transfer plan is issued. Determining reasons for failure and ensuring that a specific pairing produces offspring can be challenging. Mate incompatibility, one possible reason for failure, might be addressed by allowing mate choice. Although many SSP® coordinators and breeding managers, who implement breeding recommendations at their institutions, recognize the potential benefits of mate choice, examples and models for presenting and assessing choice are lacking. Here we review examples from birds, rodents, lagomorphs, marsupials, carnivores, fishes, and insects where mate choice has been incorporated. These examples provide strong evidence that free mate choice and mating with preferred partners increase a variety of reproductive success measurements when compared to assigned mate pairings. We suggest innovative housing and breeding arrangements for better incorporating mate choice into the management strategies for species held ex situ. Further, we discuss the fitness consequences and welfare implications of allowing choice. We advocate for a more systematic use of behavioral research in cooperative breeding programs. Behavioral management for mating can yield more successful programs, thus ensuring SSP® genetic and demographic goals are met, while simultaneously improving welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan S Martin-Wintle
- Recovery Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, California.,PDXWildlife, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - María Díez-León
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Recovery Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, California
| | - Cheryl S Asa
- AZA Reproductive Management Center, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri
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39
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Charlton BD, Martin-Wintle MS, Owen MA, Zhang H, Swaisgood RR. Vocal behaviour predicts mating success in giant pandas. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:181323. [PMID: 30473861 PMCID: PMC6227945 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Surprisingly little is known about how mammal vocal signals are used to achieve behavioural synchrony in the lead up to copulation. The ability to signal short-term fluctuations in arousal levels and behavioural intention is likely to be particularly important for synchronizing mating behaviour in asocial species, which must overcome their natural avoidance and aggressive tendencies to mate. Here, we examined vocal behaviour during breeding encounters in captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) to gain a greater understanding of how close-range vocal signalling mediates reproduction in this asocial, and conservation-dependent species. Our results revealed that the occurrence of different giant panda vocalizations and acoustic variation within these calls is predictive of successful encounters leading to copulation, as opposed to unsuccessful encounters that do not. In addition, key differences were detected between vocalizations produced during and just prior to copulation. These findings illustrate that vocal exchanges are crucial for achieving behavioural synchrony and signalling intention to mate in giant pandas, and could also provide a valuable tool for breeding programmes, helping conservation managers to assess the likelihood of breeding introductions leading to copulation or potentially injurious failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Charlton
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, California, CA 92027-7000, USA
| | - Meghan S. Martin-Wintle
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, California, CA 92027-7000, USA
- PDXWildlife, 9233 SW Brier Pl, Portland, OR 97219, USA
| | - Megan A. Owen
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, California, CA 92027-7000, USA
| | - Hemin Zhang
- China Research and Conservation Centre for the Giant Panda, Sichuan province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ronald R. Swaisgood
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, California, CA 92027-7000, USA
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40
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Charlton BD, Owen MA, Keating JL, Martin-Wintle MS, Zhang H, Swaisgood RR. Sound transmission in a bamboo forest and its implications for information transfer in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) bleats. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12754. [PMID: 30237569 PMCID: PMC6148275 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31155-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mammal vocalisations signal attributes about the caller that are important in a range of contexts, relatively few studies have investigated the transmission of specific types of information encoded in mammal calls. In this study we broadcast and re-recorded giant panda bleats in a bamboo plantation, to assess the stability of individuality and sex differences in these calls over distance, and determine how the acoustic structure of giant panda bleats degrades in this species’ typical environment. Our results indicate that vocal recognition of the caller’s identity and sex is not likely to be possible when the distance between the vocaliser and receiver exceeds 20 m and 10 m, respectively. Further analysis revealed that the F0 contour of bleats was subject to high structural degradation as it propagated through the bamboo canopy, making the measurement of mean F0 and F0 modulation characteristics highly unreliable at distances exceeding 10 m. The most stable acoustic features of bleats in the bamboo forest environment (lowest % variation) were the upper formants and overall formant spacing. The analysis of amplitude attenuation revealed that the fifth and sixth formant are more prone to decay than the other frequency components of bleats, however, the fifth formant still remained the most prominent and persistent frequency component over distance. Paired with previous studies, these results show that giant panda bleats have the potential to signal the caller’s identity at distances of up to 20 m and reliably transmit sex differences up to 10 m from the caller, and suggest that information encoded by F0 modulation in bleats could only be functionally relevant during close-range interactions in this species’ natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Charlton
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, California, CA, 92027-7000, USA.
| | - Megan A Owen
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, California, CA, 92027-7000, USA
| | - Jennifer L Keating
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, California, CA, 92027-7000, USA
| | | | - Hemin Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujianyan, Sichuan, China
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, California, CA, 92027-7000, USA
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41
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Yu L, Nie Y, Yan L, Hu Y, Wei F. No evidence for MHC-based mate choice in wild giant pandas. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8642-8651. [PMID: 30271533 PMCID: PMC6157678 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex genes (MHC), a gene cluster that controls the immune response to parasites, are regarded as an important determinant of mate choice. However, MHC-based mate choice studies are especially rare for endangered animals. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), a flagship species, has suffered habitat loss and fragmentation. We investigated the genetic variation of three MHC class II loci, including DRB1, DQA1, and DQA2, for 19 mating-pairs and 11 parent-pairs of wild giant pandas based on long-term field behavior observations and genetic samples. We tested four hypotheses of mate choice based on this MHC variation. We found no supporting evidence for the MHC-based heterosis, genetic diversity, genetic compatibility and "good gene" hypotheses. These results suggest that giant pandas may not use MHC-based signals to select mating partners, probably because limited mating opportunities or female-biased natal dispersal restricts selection for MHC-based mate choice, acknowledging the caveat of the small sample size often encountered in endangered animal studies. Our study provides insight into the mate choice mechanisms of wild giant pandas and highlights the need to increase the connectivity and facilitate dispersal among fragmented populations and habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yonggang Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and GeneticsChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Li Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yibo Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and GeneticsChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Fuwen Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and GeneticsChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
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42
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Brandies PA, Grueber CE, Ivy JA, Hogg CJ, Belov K. Disentangling the mechanisms of mate choice in a captive koala population. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5438. [PMID: 30155356 PMCID: PMC6108315 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful captive breeding programs are crucial to the long-term survival of many threatened species. However, pair incompatibility (breeding failure) limits sustainability of many captive populations. Understanding whether the drivers of this incompatibility are behavioral, genetic, or a combination of both, is crucial to improving breeding programs. We used 28 years of pairing data from the San Diego Zoo koala colony, plus genetic analyses using both major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked and non-MHC-linked microsatellite markers, to show that both genetic and non-genetic factors can influence mating success. Male age was reconfirmed to be a contributing factor to the likelihood of a koala pair copulating. This trend could also be related to a pair's age difference, which was highly correlated with male age in our dataset. Familiarity was reconfirmed to increase the probability of a successful copulation. Our data provided evidence that females select mates based on MHC and genome-wide similarity. Male heterozygosity at MHC class II loci was associated with both pre- and post-copulatory female choice. Genome-wide similarity, and similarity at the MHC class II DAB locus, were also associated with female choice at the post-copulatory level. Finally, certain MHC-linked alleles were associated with either increased or decreased mating success. We predict that utilizing a variety of behavioral and MHC-dependent mate choice mechanisms improves female fitness through increased reproductive success. This study highlights the complexity of mate choice mechanisms in a species, and the importance of ascertaining mate choice mechanisms to improve the success of captive breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parice A. Brandies
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine E. Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Carolyn J. Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Gore AC, Holley AM, Crews D. Mate choice, sexual selection, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Horm Behav 2018; 101:3-12. [PMID: 28888817 PMCID: PMC5845777 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Humans have disproportionately affected the habitat and survival of species through environmental contamination. Important among these anthropogenic influences is the proliferation of organic chemicals, some of which perturb hormone systems, the latter referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are widespread in the environment and affect all levels of reproduction, including development of reproductive organs, hormone release and regulation through the life cycle, the development of secondary sexual characteristics, and the maturation and maintenance of adult physiology and behavior. However, what is not well-known is how the confluence of EDC actions on the manifestation of morphological and behavioral sexual traits influences mate choice, a process that requires the reciprocal evaluation of and/or acceptance of a sexual partner. Moreover, the outcomes of EDC-induced perturbations are likely to influence sexual selection; yet this has rarely been directly tested. Here, we provide background on the development and manifestation of sexual traits, reproductive competence, and the neurobiology of sexual behavior, and evidence for their perturbation by EDCs. Selection acts on individuals, with the consequences manifest in populations, and we discuss the implications for EDC contamination of these processes, and the future of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, USA.
| | - Amanda M Holley
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, USA; Department of Integrative Biology, College of Natural Sciences, USA
| | - David Crews
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Natural Sciences, USA.
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44
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Coelho FEA, Bruinjé AC, Costa GC. Ethogram With the Description of a New Behavioral Display for the Striped Lava Lizard, Tropidurus semitaeniatus. SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-17-00101.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Eduardo Alves Coelho
- Laboratory of Biogeography, Macroecology and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Andre Carreira Bruinjé
- Laboratory of Biogeography, Macroecology and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Gabriel C. Costa
- Department of Biology, Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery, AL 36124, United States of America
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Swaisgood RR, Martin-Wintle MS, Owen MA, Zhou X, Zhang H. Developmental stability of foraging behavior: evaluating suitability of captive giant pandas for translocation. Anim Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. R. Swaisgood
- Recovery Ecology; Institute for Conservation Research; San Diego Zoo Global; San Diego CA USA
| | - M. S. Martin-Wintle
- Recovery Ecology; Institute for Conservation Research; San Diego Zoo Global; San Diego CA USA
- PDXWildlife; Portland OR USA
| | - M. A. Owen
- Recovery Ecology; Institute for Conservation Research; San Diego Zoo Global; San Diego CA USA
| | - X. Zhou
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda; Wolong Sichuan China
| | - H. Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda; Wolong Sichuan China
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46
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Miller LJ, Ivy JA, Vicino GA, Schork IG. Impacts of natural history and exhibit factors on carnivore welfare. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2018; 22:188-196. [PMID: 29621889 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2018.1455582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
To improve the welfare of nonhuman animals under professional care, zoological institutions are continuously utilizing new methods to identify factors that lead to optimal welfare. Comparative methods have historically been used in the field of evolutionary biology but are increasingly being applied in the field of animal welfare. In the current study, data were obtained from direct behavioral observation and institutional records representing 80 individual animals from 34 different species of the order Carnivora. Data were examined to determine if a variety of natural history and animal management factors impacted the welfare of animals in zoological institutions. Output variables indicating welfare status included behavioral diversity, pacing, offspring production, and infant mortality. Results suggested that generalist species have higher behavioral diversity and offspring production in zoos compared with their specialist counterparts. In addition, increased minimum distance from the public decreased pacing and increased offspring production, while increased maximum distance from the public and large enclosure size decreased infant mortality. These results have implications for future exhibit design or renovation, as well as management practices and priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance J Miller
- a San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Behavioral Ecology , Escondido , CA , USA
| | - Jamie A Ivy
- b Department of Life Sciences , San Diego Zoo Global , San Diego , CA , USA
| | - Greg A Vicino
- b Department of Life Sciences , San Diego Zoo Global , San Diego , CA , USA
| | - Ivana G Schork
- c School of Environmental and Life Sciences , University of Salford , Salford , United Kingdom
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Miller JM, Quinzin MC, Scheibe EH, Ciofi C, Villalva F, Tapia W, Caccone A. Genetic Pedigree Analysis of the Pilot Breeding Program for the Rediscovered Galapagos Giant Tortoise from Floreana Island. J Hered 2018; 109:620-630. [DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esy010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Miller
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Maud C Quinzin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Elizabeth H Scheibe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Claudio Ciofi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Fredy Villalva
- Galapagos Galapagos National Park Directorate, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
| | - Washington Tapia
- Galapagos Galapagos National Park Directorate, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
- Galapagos Conservancy, Fairfax, VA
| | - Adalgisa Caccone
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
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Gooley RM, Hogg CJ, Belov K, Grueber CE. The effects of group versus intensive housing on the retention of genetic diversity in insurance populations. BMC ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-017-0026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Hartnett CM, Parrott ML, Mulder RA, Coulson G, Magrath MJ. Opportunity for female mate choice improves reproductive outcomes in the conservation breeding program of the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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50
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Noer CL, Balsby TJS, Anistoroaei R, Stelvig M, Dabelsteen T. Mate choice screening in captive solitary carnivores: The role of male behavior and cues on mate preference and paternity in females of a model species, American mink (Neovison vison). Zoo Biol 2017; 36:367-381. [PMID: 29105815 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Mate choice studies suggest that choosy females benefit from increased fecundity, litter size, and offspring survival. Thus, providing females with the opportunity to choose among potential mates, deemed genetically suitable based on studbook data, might improve breeding management in production and zoo animals and thereby the sustainability of captive populations. Investigating mate preference via odor from potential mates before animal transfer is a proposed strategy for incorporating mate choice into breeding management. In this study, we test whether olfactory cues and signals from males can be used to assess and measure female mate preference in American mink. Eighteen females were subjected to a 4-day stimulus test in which females showed a preference for one of two males' urine and feces. Subsequently, each female was subjected to a 10-day mate preference test involving the same two males of the first test. Paternity tests revealed that 13 females had offspring, which could be assigned to only one male, suggesting that these females performed a mate choice. In nine of these females preference during the stimulus test was directed toward the male that fathered their offspring. Our results suggest that even though there was a preference difference in scent stimulus trials from potential mates this preference was not predictive of eventual mate preference or paternity. Other factors such as aspects of male behavior seem to play a role, when the mates are introduced. Our study supports that mate preference and mate choice are complex matters influenced by multiple cues and signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lehmkuhl Noer
- Research and Conservation, Copenhagen Zoo, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology Group, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | | | - Razvan Anistoroaei
- Section of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Stelvig
- Research and Conservation, Copenhagen Zoo, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Torben Dabelsteen
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology Group, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
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