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Seo A, Ueda Y, Tanida H. Population Dynamics of Community Cats Living in a Tourist Area of Onomichi City, Japan, before and after the Trap-Test-Vaccinate-Alter-Return-Monitor Event. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:153-167. [PMID: 33856958 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1901226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The community cat program (CCP) was recommended by the Ministry of the Environment to reduce cats in local animal shelters and improve stray cat welfare in Japan. It is a non-lethal control measure with stray cats cared for as free-roaming cats for their lifetime in the community, while Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) or Trap-Test-Vaccinate-Alter-Return-Monitor (TTVARM) activities are carried out. In the CCP, community cat colonies are hypothesized to be closed and static populations. However, it remains unknown whether the cats stay in the colonies, without migration of non-neutered cats following TNR/TTVARM events. We examined the population dynamics of cats before and after a TTVARM event using route censuses (107 days), fixed-point observations, and GPS-tracking in a tourist area in Onomichi. Eleven out of the 30 cats remained in the CCP areas, whereas 13 non-neutered cats immigrated into the CCP areas, within a year, suggesting the CCP program has limited efficacy. Besides, the program cannot support the lifetime management of the cats due rapid turnover of cats. Our results reject the CCP hypothesis, so that the program neither restricts cat breeding nor enhances cat welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aira Seo
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Ueda
- Animal Management and Welfare Guidance Division, Hiroshima Prefectural Animal Management and Welfare Center, Mihara, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hajime Tanida
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Seasonal Movement Patterns of Urban Domestic Cats Living on the Edge in an African City. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061013. [PMID: 36978554 PMCID: PMC10044403 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats (Felis catus) are amongst the most destructive invasive vertebrates globally, depredating billions of native animals annually. The size and seasonal variation of their geographical “footprint” is key to understanding their effects on wildlife, particularly if they live near conservation areas. Here we report the first GPS-tracking studies of free-roaming owned cats in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. A total of 23 cats was tracked (14 cats in summer, 9 in winter) using miniature (22 g) GPS locators in 2010–2011. In summer, all cats living on the urban-edge (UE: n = 7) made extensive use of protected areas, while only one of seven urban (U) cats (>150 m from the edge) did so. In winter two of four UE and two of five U cats entered protected areas. Home ranges (95% kernel density estimates) were significantly larger in summer (3.00 ± 1.23 ha) than winter (0.87 ± 0.25 ha) and cats ventured further from their homes in summer (maximum 849 m) than in winter (max 298 m). The predation risk posed by caracal (Caracal caracal) may limit the time cats spend in protected areas, but our results suggest that cat buffers around conservation areas should be at least ~600 m wide to reduce impacts to native fauna.
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Lennox RJ, Dahlmo LS, Ford AT, Sortland LK, Vogel EF, Vollset KW. Predation research with electronic tagging. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wlb3.01045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Lennox
- Norwegian Inst. for Nature Research Trondheim Norway
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Laboratory for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Bergen Norway
| | - Lotte S. Dahlmo
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Laboratory for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Bergen Norway
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Bergen Bergen Norway
| | - Adam T. Ford
- Univ. of British Columbia Okanagan Kelowna BC Canada
| | - Lene K. Sortland
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Laboratory for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Bergen Norway
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Bergen Bergen Norway
| | - Emma F. Vogel
- UiT − The Arctic Univ. of Norway, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics Tromsø Norway
| | - Knut Wiik Vollset
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Laboratory for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Bergen Norway
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4
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Gruber T. An ethical assessment of the use of old and new methods to study sociality in wild animals. Methods Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thibaud Gruber
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences & Swiss Center for Affective Sciences University of Geneva Geneva Switzerland
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Movement Patterns of Roaming Companion Cats in Denmark—A Study Based on GPS Tracking. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141748. [PMID: 35883297 PMCID: PMC9311815 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the roaming patterns of companion cats in Denmark. The movements of 97 cats with outdoor access were traced for about seven days using GPS tracking. Data on the cats were gathered from their owners. The median time cats spent away from their homes was 5 h per day (IQR: 2.5 to 8.8 h), median daily distance moved was 2.4 km (IQR: 1.3 to 3.7 km), and median for 95% BBKDE home range was 5 ha (IQR: 2.9 to 8.5 ha). Cats above seven years of age spent less time away from home, were less active and had a smaller home range than younger cats. Cats with access to nature areas spent more time away from home, were more active and had larger home ranges. Intact male cats spent more time away from home than neutered cats and had larger home ranges as well. Finally, rainfall had an impact on the distance moved by cats: on days without rainfall the cats moved 3.6 km on average (95% CI: 2.8; 4.5 km); and on days with heavy rainfall the cats moved 2.4 km on average (95% CI: 1.6; 3.5 km).
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Bruce T, Williams SE, Amin R, L'Hotellier F, Hirsch BT. Laying low: Rugged lowland rainforest preferred by feral cats in the Australian Wet Tropics. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9105. [PMID: 35845357 PMCID: PMC9277418 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9105] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive mesopredators are responsible for the decline of many species of native mammals worldwide. Feral cats have been causally linked to multiple extinctions of Australian mammals since European colonization. While feral cats are found throughout Australia, most research has been undertaken in arid habitats, thus there is a limited understanding of feral cat distribution, abundance, and ecology in Australian tropical rainforests. We carried out camera-trapping surveys at 108 locations across seven study sites, spanning 200 km in the Australian Wet Tropics. Single-species occupancy analysis was implemented to investigate how environmental factors influence feral cat distribution. Feral cats were detected at a rate of 5.09 photographs/100 days, 11 times higher than previously recorded in the Australian Wet Tropics. The main environmental factors influencing feral cat occupancy were a positive association with terrain ruggedness, a negative association with elevation, and a higher affinity for rainforest than eucalypt forest. These findings were consistent with other studies on feral cat ecology but differed from similar surveys in Australia. Increasingly harsh and consistently wet weather conditions at higher elevations, and improved shelter in topographically complex habitats may drive cat preference for lowland rainforest. Feral cats were positively associated with roads, supporting the theory that roads facilitate access and colonization of feral cats within more remote parts of the rainforest. Higher elevation rainforests with no roads could act as refugia for native prey species within the critical weight range. Regular monitoring of existing roads should be implemented to monitor feral cats, and new linear infrastructure should be limited to prevent encroachment into these areas. This is pertinent as climate change modeling suggests that habitats at higher elevations will become similar to lower elevations, potentially making the environment more suitable for feral cat populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Bruce
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Stephen E Williams
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | | | | | - Ben T Hirsch
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Panama Panama
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Home Range and Activity Patterns of Free-Ranging Cats: A Case Study from a Chinese University Campus. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091141. [PMID: 35565567 PMCID: PMC9103849 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study, we used collar-mounted sensors to determine the home range size of free-ranging cats on a Chinese university campus. Twenty-nine adult cats (fifteen males and fourteen females) were tracked via attached GPS units from October 2018 to June 2020. Throughout the study, home range sizes ranged from 0.56 to 19.83 ha at 95% KDE for all cats. The home range of free-ranging cats is affected by the breeding status and sex; for example, male cats tend to have a larger home range size in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season, and in the breeding season, male cats generally have a larger home range than females. In the study of activity patterns, we provided the activity steps of free-ranging cats at different times of the day, and the mean (±SE) number of steps a cat takes per day was 19,863.96 ± 1627.21. The results show that free-ranging cats have more intense activities at twilight and relatively lower activity intensity in the afternoon. Our study provided a case study of the home range and activity patterns of free-ranging cats living on a Chinese university campus, and provided theoretical support for the management and conservation implications of free-ranging cats in cities. Abstract Human activities and the available resources influence the home range and activity patterns of free-ranging cats. Our objective in this study was to determine sex and breeding season vs. non-breeding season home range size, as well as activity patterns for unowned free-ranging cats at a university campus in China. Twenty-nine adult cats (fifteen males and fourteen females) were tracked with attached GPS units from October 2018 to June 2020. We considered the effects of sex and breeding status on the home range size of free-ranging cats. Male cats had larger home ranges (95% KDE: 12.60 ± 2.61 ha) than female cats (95% KDE: 5.02 ± 1.34 ha) in the breeding season. There was a seasonal effect on the home range size of male cats; for example, during the non-breeding season, the home range (95% KDE: 6.68 ± 1.22 ha) was smaller than that during the breeding season (95% KDE: 12.60 ± 2.61 ha), while female cats tended to have larger home ranges in the non-breeding season (95% KDE: 7.73 ± 2.77 ha) than in the breeding season (95% KDE: 5.02 ± 1.34 ha). We used the number of activity steps to measure the activity intensity of cats to explore their activity patterns. The mean (±SE) number of steps a cat takes per day was 19,863.96 ± 1627.21. There were two peak periods of activity in a day, 6:00–10:00 and 17:00–21:00. Our study provided a case study of the home range and activity patterns of free-ranging cats living on a Chinese university campus, and the results show that the home range of free-ranging cats is affected by the breeding status and sex, and free-ranging cats have more intense activities at twilight and relatively lower activity intensity in the afternoon. The results provided theoretical support for the management and conservation implications of free-ranging cats in cities.
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Choeur A, Faulquier L, Orlowski S, Dijoux J, Potin G, Bureau S, Guilhaumon F, Le Corre M. Impacts and management of unowned and owned cats at a seabird colony on Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean). Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02774-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wilbur SM, Deane CE, Breed GA, Buck CL, Williams C, Barnes BM. Survival estimates of free-living arctic ground squirrels: effects of sex and biologging. CAN J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hibernation is associated with long lifespan: on average, hibernating mammals live 15% longer than non-hibernators of equivalent mass. We investigated how survival varies with sex, season, and the deployment of biologgers in arctic ground squirrels [Urocitellus parryii (Richardson, 1825)], a widely-distributed northern hibernator. The duration of hibernation in arctic ground squirrels differs markedly by sex: females hibernate 30% longer each year than males, a behavioural trait that could positively affect female survival. Additionally, males engage in aggressive territorial and food cache defense in spring and fall, which may decrease survival in this sex. From 13 years of mark-recapture data, we estimated apparent survival of arctic ground squirrels in Arctic Alaska using Cormack-Jolly-Seber models in Program MARK. We found that females had higher annual survival ["φ" ̂Fannual = 0.753 (0.469; 0.913 C.I.)] than males ["φ" ̂Mannual = 0.546 (0.416; 0.670)], with a maximum observed lifespan (10 years) that exceeded that of males (six years). We also show that biologger use and implantation did not significantly impact survival. Quantifying basic arctic ground squirrel demographics from this well-studied population illustrates how sex-specific hibernation parameters may influence lifespan differences in male and female arctic ground squirrels and provides support for the safety of biologging devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Wilbur
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, 11414, Institute of Arctic Biology, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
- Translational Genomics Research Institute Flagstaff, 525768, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
| | - Cody E. Deane
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, 11414, Institute of Arctic Biology, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
| | - Greg A Breed
- University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Biology and Wildlife, 124480, Institute of Arctic Biology, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
| | - C. Loren Buck
- Northern Arizona University, 3356, Biological Sciences, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
| | - Cory Williams
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, 11414, Institute of Arctic Biology, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
| | - Brian M. Barnes
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, 11414, Institute of Arctic Biology, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
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Cecchetti M, Crowley SL, Wilson‐Aggarwal J, Nelli L, McDonald RA. Spatial behavior of domestic cats and the effects of outdoor access restrictions and interventions to reduce predation of wildlife. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cecchetti
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - Sarah L. Crowley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | | | - Luca Nelli
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
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Tracking Devices for Pets: Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092721. [PMID: 34573686 PMCID: PMC8465301 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092721] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To increase the probability of reunions occurring between owners and lost pets, tracking devices are applied to pets. The pet’s position is determined by satellites (e.g., GPS) and transmitted by radio frequencies (RFs) to a mobile phone. In this study, the health risks from exposure to radio frequencies emitted by radios, TVs, mobile networks, indoor devices (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth), mobile phones, and in the use of such tracking devices were investigated. The radiation exposure was found to be well below international limit values, which means that adverse health effects are unlikely to occur. The risk of high exposure of pets is mainly caused by indoor RF-emitting devices, such as WLAN devices. This exposure can be limited through a reduction in the exposure time and an increase in the distance between the animal and the RF-emitting device. Even though the exposure of pets to total radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) levels was found to be below the limit values—and, therefore, not a health risk—recommendations are given for the use of tracking devices and to limit the exposure to indoor devices. Abstract Every year, approximately 3% of cats and dogs are lost. In addition to passive methods for identifying pets, radiofrequency tracking devices (TDs) are available. These TDs can track a pet’s geographic position, which is transmitted by radio frequencies. The health risk to the animals from continuous exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) was reviewed. Fourteen out of twenty-one commercially available TDs use 2G, 3G, or 4G mobile networks, and the others work with public frequencies, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc. The exposure of pets to RF-EMFs was assessed, including ambient exposure (radios, TVs, and base stations of mobile networks), exposure from indoor devices (DECT, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.), and the exposure from TDs. The exposure levels of the three areas were found to be distinctly below the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) reference levels, which assure far-reaching protection from adverse health effects. The highest uncertainty regarding the exposure of pets was related to that caused by indoor RF-emitting devices using WLAN and DECT. This exposure can be limited considerably through a reduction in the exposure time and an increase in the distance between the animal and the RF-emitting device. Even though the total RF-EMF exposure level experienced by pets was found to be below the reference limits, recommendations were derived to reduce potential risks from exposure to TDs and indoor devices.
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Kaláb O, Musiolek D, Rusnok P, Hurtik P, Tomis M, Kočárek P. Estimating the effect of tracking tag weight on insect movement using video analysis: A case study with a flightless orthopteran. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255117. [PMID: 34293059 PMCID: PMC8297838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe an inexpensive and rapid method of using video analysis and identity tracking to measure the effects of tag weight on insect movement. In a laboratory experiment, we assessed the tag weight and associated context-dependent effects on movement, choosing temperature as a factor known to affect insect movement and behavior. We recorded the movements of groups of flightless adult crickets Gryllus locorojo (Orthoptera:Gryllidae) as affected by no tag (control); by light, medium, or heavy tags (198.7, 549.2, and 758.6 mg, respectively); and by low, intermediate, or high temperatures (19.5, 24.0, and 28.3°C, respectively). Each individual in each group was weighed before recording and was recorded for 3 consecutive days. The mean (± SD) tag mass expressed as a percentage of body mass before the first recording was 26.8 ± 3.7% with light tags, 72 ± 11.2% with medium tags, and 101.9 ± 13.5% with heavy tags. We found that the influence of tag weight strongly depended on temperature, and that the negative effects on movement generally increased with tag weight. At the low temperature, nearly all movement properties were negatively influenced. At the intermediate and high temperatures, the light and medium tags did not affect any of the movement properties. The continuous 3-day tag load reduced the average movement speed only for crickets with heavy tags. Based on our results, we recommend that researchers consider or investigate the possible effects of tags before conducting any experiment with tags in order to avoid obtaining biased results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oto Kaláb
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - David Musiolek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Rusnok
- Institute for Research and Applications of Fuzzy Modeling, Centre of Excellence IT4Innovations, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Petr Hurtik
- Institute for Research and Applications of Fuzzy Modeling, Centre of Excellence IT4Innovations, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Martin Tomis
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Petr Kočárek
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
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New Online Resource on the 3Rs Principles of Animal Research for Wildlife Biologists, Ecologists, and Conservation Managers. CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/conservation1020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Earth’s biodiversity is in crisis. Without radical action to conserve habitats, the current rate of species extinction is predicted to accelerate even further. Efficient species conservation requires planning, management, and continuous biodiversity monitoring through wildlife research. Conservation biology was built on the utilitarian principle, where the well-being of species, populations, and ecosystems is given priority over the well-being of individual animals. However, this tenet has been increasingly under discussion and it has been argued that wildlife researchers need to safeguard the welfare of the individual animals traditionally subjected to invasive or lethal research procedures. The 3Rs principles of animal use (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) have become the cornerstone of ethical scientific conduct that could minimize the potential negative impact of research practices. One of the obvious strategies to implement the 3Rs in wildlife studies is to use non-invasive or non-lethal research methods. However, in contrast to toxicological or pharmacological research on laboratory animal models, up to now no 3Rs databases or online resources designed specifically for wildlife biologists, ecologists, and conservation managers have been available. To aid the implementation of the 3Rs principles into research on wildlife, I developed an online resource whose structure is outlined in this paper. The website contains a curated database of peer-reviewed articles that have implemented non-invasive or non-lethal research methods that could be used as a guideline for future studies.
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Smith JE, Pinter-Wollman N. Observing the unwatchable: Integrating automated sensing, naturalistic observations and animal social network analysis in the age of big data. J Anim Ecol 2020; 90:62-75. [PMID: 33020914 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the 4.5 decades since Altmann (1974) published her seminal paper on the methods for the observational study of behaviour, automated detection and analysis of social interaction networks have fundamentally transformed the ways that ecologists study social behaviour. Methodological developments for collecting data remotely on social behaviour involve indirect inference of associations, direct recordings of interactions and machine vision. These recent technological advances are improving the scale and resolution with which we can dissect interactions among animals. They are also revealing new intricacies of animal social interactions at spatial and temporal resolutions as well as in ecological contexts that have been hidden from humans, making the unwatchable seeable. We first outline how these technological applications are permitting researchers to collect exquisitely detailed information with little observer bias. We further recognize new emerging challenges from these new reality-mining approaches. While technological advances in automating data collection and its analysis are moving at an unprecedented rate, we urge ecologists to thoughtfully combine these new tools with classic behavioural and ecological monitoring methods to place our understanding of animal social networks within fundamental biological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noa Pinter-Wollman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Twining JP, Montgomery WI, Reid N, Marks N, Tosh DG, Scantlebury DM. All forests are not equal: population demographics and denning behaviour of a recovering small carnivore in human modified landscapes. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Twining
- J. P. Twining (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0881-9665) ✉ , W. I. Montgomery, N. Reid, N. Marks and D. M. Scantlebury, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's Univ., Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - W. Ian Montgomery
- J. P. Twining (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0881-9665) ✉ , W. I. Montgomery, N. Reid, N. Marks and D. M. Scantlebury, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's Univ., Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Neil Reid
- J. P. Twining (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0881-9665) ✉ , W. I. Montgomery, N. Reid, N. Marks and D. M. Scantlebury, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's Univ., Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Nikki Marks
- J. P. Twining (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0881-9665) ✉ , W. I. Montgomery, N. Reid, N. Marks and D. M. Scantlebury, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's Univ., Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - David G. Tosh
- D. G. Tosh, National Museums Northern Ireland, Cultra, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - D. Mike Scantlebury
- J. P. Twining (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0881-9665) ✉ , W. I. Montgomery, N. Reid, N. Marks and D. M. Scantlebury, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's Univ., Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK
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Seymour CL, Simmons RE, Morling F, George ST, Peters K, O’Riain MJ. Caught on camera: The impacts of urban domestic cats on wild prey in an African city and neighbouring protected areas. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Soulsbury CD, Gray HE, Smith LM, Braithwaite V, Cotter SC, Elwood RW, Wilkinson A, Collins LM. The welfare and ethics of research involving wild animals: A primer. Methods Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen E. Gray
- Faculty of Biological Sciences University of Leeds Leeds UK
| | | | | | | | - Robert W. Elwood
- School of Biological Sciences Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | - Anna Wilkinson
- School of Life Sciences University of Lincoln Lincoln UK
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Dore KM, Hansen MF, Klegarth AR, Fichtel C, Koch F, Springer A, Kappeler P, Parga JA, Humle T, Colin C, Raballand E, Huang ZP, Qi XG, Di Fiore A, Link A, Stevenson PR, Stark DJ, Tan N, Gallagher CA, Anderson CJ, Campbell CJ, Kenyon M, Pebsworth P, Sprague D, Jones-Engel L, Fuentes A. Review of GPS collar deployments and performance on nonhuman primates. Primates 2020; 61:373-387. [PMID: 31965380 PMCID: PMC8118416 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-020-00793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, GPS collars have emerged as powerful tools for the study of nonhuman primate (hereafter, "primate") movement ecology. As the size and cost of GPS collars have decreased and performance has improved, it is timely to review the use and success of GPS collar deployments on primates to date. Here we compile data on deployments and performance of GPS collars by brand and examine how these relate to characteristics of the primate species and field contexts in which they were deployed. The compiled results of 179 GPS collar deployments across 17 species by 16 research teams show these technologies can provide advantages, particularly in adding to the quality, quantity, and temporal span of data collection. However, aspects of this technology still require substantial improvement in order to make deployment on many primate species pragmatic economically. In particular, current limitations regarding battery lifespan relative to collar weight, the efficacy of remote drop-off mechanisms, and the ability to remotely retrieve data need to be addressed before the technology is likely to be widely adopted. Moreover, despite the increasing utility of GPS collars in the field, they remain substantially more expensive than VHF collars and tracking via handheld GPS units, and cost considerations of GPS collars may limit sample sizes and thereby the strength of inferences. Still, the overall high quality and quantity of data obtained, combined with the reduced need for on-the-ground tracking by field personnel, may help defray the high equipment cost. We argue that primatologists armed with the information in this review have much to gain from the recent, substantial improvements in GPS collar technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry M Dore
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
| | - Malene F Hansen
- Research and Conservation, Copenhagen Zoo, 2000, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Animal Behaviour Group. Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amy R Klegarth
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, 230 Raitt Hall, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Claudia Fichtel
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Flávia Koch
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joyce A Parga
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Tatyana Humle
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Christelle Colin
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Estelle Raballand
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Zhi-Pang Huang
- Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, 671003, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Qi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xian, 710069, Shanxi, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xian, 710069, Shaanxi, China
| | - Anthony Di Fiore
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Andrés Link
- Department of Biological Science, University of Los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Pablo R Stevenson
- Department of Biological Science, University of Los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Danica J Stark
- Danau Girang Field Centre, c/o Sabah Wildlife Department, 88100, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Organisms and Environment Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Noeleen Tan
- Singapore National Parks Board, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christa A Gallagher
- Department of Biomedical Science, Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - C Jane Anderson
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Christina J Campbell
- Department of Anthropology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, 91330, USA
| | - Marina Kenyon
- Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre, Tan Phu, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
| | - Paula Pebsworth
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
- National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore, India
| | - David Sprague
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, 305-8604, Japan
| | - Lisa Jones-Engel
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, 230 Raitt Hall, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Agustín Fuentes
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, 648 Flanner Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46656, USA
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Buil JMM, Peckre LR, Dörge M, Fichtel C, Kappeler PM, Scherberger H. Remotely releasable collar mechanism for medium-sized mammals: an affordable technology to avoid multiple captures. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen M. M. Buil
- J. M. M. Buil, M. Dörge and H. Scherberger (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6593-2800) ✉ , Neurobiology Laboratory, German Primate Center GmbH – Leibniz Inst. for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany. HS also at: Johann-Friedrich-Bl
| | - Louise R. Peckre
- L. R. Peckre (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0065-8529), C. Fichtel (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8346-2168)P. M. Kappeler, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center GmbH – Leibniz Inst. for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Dörge
- J. M. M. Buil, M. Dörge and H. Scherberger (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6593-2800) ✉ , Neurobiology Laboratory, German Primate Center GmbH – Leibniz Inst. for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany. HS also at: Johann-Friedrich-Bl
| | - Claudia Fichtel
- L. R. Peckre (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0065-8529), C. Fichtel (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8346-2168)P. M. Kappeler, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center GmbH – Leibniz Inst. for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Peter M. Kappeler
- L. R. Peckre (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0065-8529), C. Fichtel (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8346-2168)P. M. Kappeler, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center GmbH – Leibniz Inst. for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Scherberger
- J. M. M. Buil, M. Dörge and H. Scherberger (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6593-2800) ✉ , Neurobiology Laboratory, German Primate Center GmbH – Leibniz Inst. for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany. HS also at: Johann-Friedrich-Bl
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Bruce SJ, Zito S, Gates MC, Aguilar G, Walker JK, Goldwater N, Dale A. Predation and Risk Behaviors of Free-Roaming Owned Cats in Auckland, New Zealand via the Use of Animal-Borne Cameras. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:205. [PMID: 31312639 PMCID: PMC6614195 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming cats are at increased risk of injuring themselves as well as other domestic and fauna species, yet relatively little is known about the frequency at which risk and predation behaviors occur in a typical day. In this study, cat risk, and predation behavioral information was collected using animal-borne video cameras and global positioning system (GPS) units that were attached to break-free cat collars. The observation period was one to three consecutive days for 37 convenience sampled free-roaming owned cats in Auckland, New Zealand. Video footage was manually reviewed and all predation and risk behavior events were recorded. These included stalking, pursuing, and seizing prey as well as altercations with other cats, ingesting harmful substances, and venturing into hazardous locations such as roads and storm drains. During the observation period, 23 of the 37 cats (62.2%) engaged in a total of 121 predation events. Of these, 40 resulted in successful prey capture with 18 of the 40 captures involving New Zealand native fauna species. Invertebrates were the most common taxa preyed upon (n = 55; 46%), followed by skinks (n = 8; 7%). No mammalian, avian or amphibian prey were captured and no cat took prey back to their residence. A total of 326 risk behaviors were observed for 32 out of the 37 cats (86.5%) with the most common being cats venturing onto the road (n = 132; 41%). Younger cats (aged 1-6 six years) engaged in significantly more predation and risk behaviors than older cats (aged 7 years and above). Sex, breed, number of cats in a household, and geographic location were not found to be predictors of cats' participation in predation or risk behaviors. Given the high frequency of predation and risk behaviors in free-roaming owned cats, it may be beneficial to educate owners about strategies to minimize risk such as housing them indoors, containing them to their properties or monitoring their time spent outdoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Bruce
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, Auckland, New Zealand.,Research and Postgraduate Centre, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Zito
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M Carolyn Gates
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Glenn Aguilar
- Environmental and Animal Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Arnja Dale
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, Auckland, New Zealand
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22
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Home range and habitat use of feral cats in an urban mosaic in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Urban Ecosyst 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-018-0766-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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23
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Hanmer HJ, Thomas RL, Fellowes MDE. Urbanisation influences range size of the domestic cat (Felis catus): consequences for conservation. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/jux014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Kikillus KH, Chambers GK, Farnworth MJ, Hare KM. Research challenges and conservation implications for urban cat management in New Zealand. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/pc16022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, conservation efforts in New Zealand have moved from being concentrated in rural and isolated island locations, where exotic mammalian predators are often controlled, to begin to bring native fauna back to major cities. However, human–wildlife conflicts arise when conservation occurs in close proximity to cities. These are particularly intense when companion animals are involved either as potential predators or prey of high-value conservation animals. Within New Zealand, this conflict is particularly fraught around domestic cats (Felis catus) in the urban environment. Cats in New Zealand are recognised as major introduced predators of native fauna, but they also prey on small introduced predatory mammals. This dynamic causes much conflict between people with different attitudes towards animals; however, as yet, few studies have explored the role(s), either negative or positive, of urban cats in New Zealand. Here, we review current knowledge on domestic cats in urban New Zealand, identify gaps in knowledge and make suggestions for future research, which includes further social science research, citizen science-based research programs, market research, investigation into cat-management legislation, and more in-depth studies of cat diseases and zoonoses. These data are vital for informing the public and improving the management of urban cat populations, including mitigating conservation impacts. Urban ecologists will need to be versatile in the way they design and conduct experiments, exploiting multiple disciplines to both ensure scientific robustness, but also community and government support for uptake of results into management and legislation.
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25
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Hall CM, Bryant KA, Fontaine JB, Calver MC. Do collar-mounted predation deterrents restrict wandering in pet domestic cats? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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26
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McGregor H, Legge S, Jones ME, Johnson CN. Feral Cats Are Better Killers in Open Habitats, Revealed by Animal-Borne Video. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133915. [PMID: 26288224 PMCID: PMC4545751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the key gaps in understanding the impacts of predation by small mammalian predators on prey is how habitat structure affects the hunting success of small predators, such as feral cats. These effects are poorly understood due to the difficulty of observing actual hunting behaviours. We attached collar-mounted video cameras to feral cats living in a tropical savanna environment in northern Australia, and measured variation in hunting success among different microhabitats (open areas, dense grass and complex rocks). From 89 hours of footage, we recorded 101 hunting events, of which 32 were successful. Of these kills, 28% were not eaten. Hunting success was highly dependent on microhabitat structure surrounding prey, increasing from 17% in habitats with dense grass or complex rocks to 70% in open areas. This research shows that habitat structure has a profound influence on the impacts of small predators on their prey. This has broad implications for management of vegetation and disturbance processes (like fire and grazing) in areas where feral cats threaten native fauna. Maintaining complex vegetation cover can reduce predation rates of small prey species from feral cat predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh McGregor
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy; Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, PMB 925, Derby, Western Australia, 6728 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001 Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Legge
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy; Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, PMB 925, Derby, Western Australia, 6728 Australia
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001 Australia
| | - Christopher N. Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001 Australia
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