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Fielding HR, Fernandes KA, Amulya VR, Belgayer D, Misquita A, Kenny R, Gibson AD, Gamble L, Bronsvoort BMDC, Mellanby RJ, Mazeri S. Capturing free-roaming dogs for sterilisation: A multi-site study in Goa, India. Prev Vet Med 2023; 218:105996. [PMID: 37595388 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105996] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Sterilisation and rabies vaccination programs seek to manage free-roaming domestic dog (Canis familiaris) populations with the aim to reduce inter-species disease transmission and conflicts. As effective, permanent, remotely-administered options are not yet available for sterilisation, and oral vaccination is not yet commonly used; free-roaming dogs are typically captured for these interventions. There is a paucity of information describing how dog capture rates change over time within defined areas following repeated capture efforts. This data is needed to allow efficient dog capture programmes to be developed. Using spatial co-ordinates of dog capture, we characterise where dogs are more likely to be captured in six catch-sterilise-release campaigns, in Goa state, India. Combining capture numbers with population survey data collected in five sites, we document the increasing difficulty of catching entire (non-sterilised) dogs as sterilisation coverage increases and demonstrate how this leads to increased unit costs. Accounting for the extra resources required to capture dogs when sterilisation coverage is high will improve estimation of the resources required to manage free-roaming dog populations and assist in planning the most efficient intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Fielding
- The Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - K A Fernandes
- Worldwide Veterinary Service, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V R Amulya
- Worldwide Veterinary Service, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D Belgayer
- Worldwide Veterinary Service, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Misquita
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Goa and The Goa Veterinary Association, Pashusamwardhan Bhavan, Patto, Panaji 403401, Goa, India
| | - R Kenny
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Goa and The Goa Veterinary Association, Pashusamwardhan Bhavan, Patto, Panaji 403401, Goa, India
| | - A D Gibson
- Worldwide Veterinary Service, 4 Castle Street, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5PZ, UK
| | - L Gamble
- Worldwide Veterinary Service, 4 Castle Street, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5PZ, UK
| | - B M de C Bronsvoort
- The Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - R J Mellanby
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - S Mazeri
- The Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
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2
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Collins SM, Hendrix JG, Webber QMR, Boyle SP, Kingdon KA, Blackmore RJ, d'Entremont KJN, Hogg J, Ibáñez JP, Kennah JL, Lamarre J, Mejías M, Newediuk L, Richards C, Schwedak K, Wijekulathilake C, Turner JW. Bibliometric investigation of the integration of animal personality in conservation contexts. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14021. [PMID: 36285603 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14021] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Consistent individual differences in behavior, commonly termed animal personality, are a widespread phenomenon across taxa that have important consequences for fitness, natural selection, and trophic interactions. Animal personality research may prove useful in several conservation contexts, but which contexts remains to be determined. We conducted a structured literature review of 654 studies identified by combining search terms for animal personality and various conservation subfields. We scored the relevance of personality and conservation issues for each study to identify which studies meaningfully integrated the 2 fields as opposed to surface-level connections or vague allusions. We found a taxonomic bias toward mammals (29% of all studies). Very few amphibian or reptile studies applied personality research to conservation issues (6% each). Climate change (21%), invasive species (15%), and captive breeding and reintroduction (13%) were the most abundant conservation subfields that occurred in our search, though a substantial proportion of these papers weakly integrated conservation and animal personality (climate change 54%, invasive species 51%, captive breeding and reintroduction 40%). Based on our results, we recommend that researchers strive for consistent and broadly applicable terminology when describing consistent behavioral differences to minimize confusion and improve the searchability of research. We identify several gaps in the literature that appear to be promising and fruitful avenues for future research, such as disease transmission as a function of sociability or exploration as a driver of space use in protected areas. Practitioners can begin informing future conservation efforts with knowledge gained from animal personality research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney M Collins
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jack G Hendrix
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Quinn M R Webber
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Sean P Boyle
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Katrien A Kingdon
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Robert J Blackmore
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Kyle J N d'Entremont
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jennifer Hogg
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Juan P Ibáñez
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Joanie L Kennah
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jessika Lamarre
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Miguel Mejías
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Levi Newediuk
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Cerren Richards
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Katrina Schwedak
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Chirathi Wijekulathilake
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Departments of Biology and Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Julie W Turner
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Wildlife Division, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Brandl HB, Pruessner JC, Farine DR. The social transmission of stress in animal collectives. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20212158. [PMID: 35538776 PMCID: PMC9091854 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The stress systems are powerful mediators between the organism's systemic dynamic equilibrium and changes in its environment beyond the level of anticipated fluctuations. Over- or under-activation of the stress systems' responses can impact an animal's health, survival and reproductive success. While physiological stress responses and their influence on behaviour and performance are well understood at the individual level, it remains largely unknown whether-and how-stressed individuals can affect the stress systems of other group members, and consequently their collective behaviour. Stressed individuals could directly signal the presence of a stressor (e.g. via an alarm call or pheromones), or an acute or chronic activation of the stress systems could be perceived by others (as an indirect cue) and spread via social contagion. Such social transmission of stress responses could then amplify the effects of stressors by impacting social interactions, social dynamics and the collective performance of groups. As the neuroendocrine pathways of the stress response are highly conserved among vertebrates, transmission of physiological stress states could be more widespread among non-human animals than previously thought. We therefore suggest that identifying the extent to which stress transmission modulates animal collectives represents an important research avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanja B. Brandl
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Collective Behaviour, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jens C. Pruessner
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Damien R. Farine
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Collective Behaviour, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
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Hammer TL, Bize P, Saraux C, Gineste B, Robin J, Groscolas R, Viblanc VA. Repeatability of alert and flight initiation distances in king penguins: Effects of colony, approach speed, and weather. Ethology 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracey L. Hammer
- CNRS Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien UMR 7178 University of Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Pierre Bize
- School of Biological Sciences University of Aberdeen Aberdeen UK
| | - Claire Saraux
- CNRS Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien UMR 7178 University of Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Benoit Gineste
- CNRS Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien UMR 7178 University of Strasbourg Strasbourg France
- IPEV – Institut Polaire Français Paul‐Émile‐Victor Plouzané France
| | - Jean‐Patrice Robin
- CNRS Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien UMR 7178 University of Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - René Groscolas
- CNRS Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien UMR 7178 University of Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Vincent A. Viblanc
- CNRS Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien UMR 7178 University of Strasbourg Strasbourg France
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Colombelli-Négrel D, Katsis AC. Little penguins are more aggressive on islands that experience greater unregulated human disturbance. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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6
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Chiew SJ, Butler KL, Fanson KV, Eyre S, Coleman GJ, Sherwen SL, Melfi V, Hemsworth PH. Effects of the presence of zoo visitors on zoo-housed little penguins (Eudyptula minor). NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2021.1896560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. Chiew
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kym L. Butler
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Biometrics Team, Agriculture Victoria Research, Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions, Hamilton, Australia
| | - Kerry V. Fanson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Simon Eyre
- Department of Animal Science and Care, Wellington Zoo, Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Grahame J. Coleman
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sally L. Sherwen
- Department of Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Australia
| | - Vicky Melfi
- Animal & Agriculture Research Centre, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK
| | - Paul H. Hemsworth
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentration as a Tool for Assessing Impacts of Interventions in Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). BIRDS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/birds2010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is currently unknown if current guidelines for collecting and interpreting blood corticosterone in flying birds can be extrapolated to penguins. It is also difficult to collect blood quickly without causing stress to a penguin. Therefore, immunoreactive fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGCMs) may be the most practical and minimally invasive way of monitoring the stress levels of penguins. This study investigated the reliability of FGCMs for monitoring stress levels in captive Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) at Jurong Bird Park, Singapore. Humboldt Penguin feces were randomly sampled and pooled from the exhibit for 2 months. The penguins were restrained and transported on three separate occasions to simulate stressful events. The feces were analyzed using an enzyme immunoassay to measure corticosterone levels. There were significant increases lasting 3 to 7 days in the FGCM levels after a stressful event. This method was then used to test whether accelerometer vests used for behavior quantification caused stress responses in these birds. There was no significant difference in FGCMs between time periods with and without the accelerometer vests. The results indicated that FGCMs can be an accurate indication of capture-, restraint-, and transport-related stress in Humboldt Penguins, and that accelerometer vests do not appear to cause stress.
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8
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Link between past threatening experience and future neophobic behaviour depends on physiological stress responsiveness. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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9
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Chiew SJ, Butler KL, Sherwen SL, Coleman GJ, Melfi V, Burns A, Hemsworth PH. Effect of Covering a Visitor Viewing Area Window on the Behaviour of Zoo-Housed Little Penguins ( Eudyptula minor). Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071224. [PMID: 32708420 PMCID: PMC7401515 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Penguins are a common zoo-housed species and have been shown to display behaviours indicative of fear such as huddling, vigilance and avoidance towards zoo visitors. However, this evidence has been obtained from a single public zoo in Melbourne, Australia. Therefore, we investigated the effect of covering a visitor viewing area window on fear behaviour of zoo-housed little penguins at another zoo in Sydney, Australia. Covering one out of four visitor viewing area windows reduced the number of visitors and the occurrence of potentially threatening visitor behaviours at this window such as banging on the window, loud vocalisations and sudden movement. When the viewing window was covered, the number of penguins visible and preening in the water increased and the number of penguins vigilant near this viewing window reduced. Also, the adjacent corner area, which was not visible to visitors, was found to be a preferred area for the penguins whether the viewing window was uncovered or covered. While there were limited effects, the reduced presence, reduced preening in the water and increased vigilance by penguins near the viewing window when this window was uncovered, together with the general preference for the corner area, provides evidence of some avoidance of visitors. These results suggest that visual contact with visitors and/or other types of visitor contact, such as visitor-induced sounds and vibrations, may be fear-provoking for zoo-housed little penguins. Therefore, these results suggest that penguins in zoos may benefit from modifications to the enclosure that may ameliorate penguin fear responses to visitors such as one-way viewing glass, barriers reducing close visitor contact and areas for penguins to retreat. Abstract Studies on the effects of visitors on zoo animals have shown mixed findings and as a result, the manner in which visitors affect zoo animals remains unclear for many species, including a rarely studied taxa such as penguins. Penguins are a common zoo-housed species and have been shown to display huddling, vigilance and avoidance towards zoo visitors which can be indicative of fear. Here, we examined the effects of covering one visitor viewing area window, out of four, on little penguin (Eudyptula minor) behaviours that may be indicative of fear. Two treatments were randomly imposed on different days: (1) The main visitor viewing area window, where most visitor-penguin interactions occurred, was uncovered (‘Main window uncovered’) and (2) The main visitor viewing area window was covered (‘Main window covered’). Penguin numbers and behaviour were recorded near the main visitor viewing area window and the three other visitor viewing area windows, as well as one area not visible to visitors (‘Corner’ area). Furthermore, visitor numbers and visitor behaviour were recorded at all four visitor viewing area windows. Covering the main visitor viewing area window reduced the proportion of visitors present at this window by about 85% (p < 0.001) and reduced potentially threatening visitor behaviours at this window such as tactile contact with the window, loud vocalisations and sudden movement (p < 0.05). When the main visitor viewing area window was covered, the proportion of penguins present increased by about 25% (p < 0.05), the proportion of visible penguins preening in the water increased by about 180% (p < 0.05) and the proportion of visible penguins vigilant decreased by about 70% (p < 0.05) in the area near this main window. A preference for the Corner area was also found whereby 59% and 49% of penguins were present in this area when the main window was uncovered and covered, respectively. These results provide limited evidence that the little penguins in this exhibit showed an aversion to the area near the main visitor viewing area window when it was uncovered based on the increased avoidance and vigilance and decreased preening in the water in this area. This suggests visitors may be fear-provoking for these little penguins. However, it is unclear whether visual contact with visitors per se or other aspects of visitor contact, such as visitor-induced sounds and vibrations, were responsible for this apparent aversion when this window was uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. Chiew
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (K.L.B.); (G.J.C.); (P.H.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-433-713-022
| | - Kym L. Butler
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (K.L.B.); (G.J.C.); (P.H.H.)
- Biometrics Team, Agriculture Victoria Research, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia
| | - Sally L. Sherwen
- Department of Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Grahame J. Coleman
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (K.L.B.); (G.J.C.); (P.H.H.)
| | - Vicky Melfi
- Department of Animal and Agriculture, Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK;
| | - Alicia Burns
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia;
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paul H. Hemsworth
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (K.L.B.); (G.J.C.); (P.H.H.)
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10
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Agnew P, Houston DM. Tourism and little penguins: a comparative study of survival and reproductive parameters. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextTourism operations that provide the opportunity for wildlife viewing can support conservation management through public education, habitat protection, population management, research activities and revenue generation. However, alongside these potential benefits there can be negative effects on the species that include the possibility of reduced breeding success, survival and, subsequently, population growth.
AimWe sought to establish whether a tourism operation affected little penguins Eudyptula minor by comparing reproductive and survival parameters of two managed populations in Oamaru, New Zealand. One population was the focus of a tourism operation, whereas the other (located nearby) did not provide any public access. The tourism operation implemented strategies to reduce human disturbance, including the reduction of noise, light and movement from visitors during viewing, and by ensuring that visitors were restricted to designated viewing areas.
MethodsNesting boxes were installed at both colonies that facilitated weekly monitoring of the populations. The monitoring program (1993–2017) included weekly checks of every nesting box in the colony for the presence of eggs, chicks and adults. Chicks were weighed before fledging, and both fledglings and breeding adults were individually marked.
Key resultsLay dates, breeding success, chick fledge mass and survival rates were not measurably different between the two populations, indicating that there was little evidence of negative effects on the penguins at the tourist site.
ConclusionsThe slight differences observed between the colonies during the time series were attributed to environmental damage sustained at the non-tourist site and a difference in the proportion of un-monitored nest sites available to the penguins when the study was initiated.
ImplicationsNotwithstanding the present findings, long-term and consistent monitoring of wildlife populations facing increasing pressure from tourism is essential to ensure effects are detected and that management procedures implemented to reduce potential effects.
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11
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Vernasco BJ, Horton BM, Ryder TB, Moore IT. Sampling baseline androgens in free-living passerines: Methodological considerations and solutions. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 273:202-208. [PMID: 30056137 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Obtaining baseline hormone samples can be challenging because circulating hormone levels often change rapidly due to the acute stress of capture. Although field protocols are established for accurately sampling baseline glucocorticoid concentrations, fewer studies have examined how common sampling techniques affect androgens levels. Indeed, many studies focused on understanding the functional significance of baseline androgen levels use sampling methods known to activate the endocrine responses to stress. To understand how different field sampling protocols affect plasma androgen levels, we measured the androgen response to two types of capture stressors in a free-living tropical bird, the wire-tailed manakin (Pipra filicauda). First, we subjected males to a standardized capture and restraint protocol lasting either 15 or 30 min. Second, males were passively captured in nets that were filmed (to establish exact duration of time between capture and blood sampling) and checked every 30 min. The first study showed that circulating plasma androgen levels decreased significantly following both 15 and 30 min of restraint in a cloth bag, with a trend for the 30 min samples to be lower than the 15 min samples. Further, the change in androgen levels was dependent on an individual's initial androgen levels, with the individuals with the highest initial levels registering the largest declines. The results of the second study suggest that hanging in a mist net for extended periods of time also leads to a decrease in circulating androgen levels, but this effect was weaker than that of capture and restraint in a cloth bag. Our findings demonstrate that, overall, circulating androgen levels decrease in response to common sampling techniques; a finding that has important implications for studies measuring baseline androgen levels in free-living birds. Future studies should prioritize sampling individuals immediately upon removal from the mist net, as handling and restraint have a strong negative effect on circulating androgen levels. When constant monitoring of the mist net is not possible, investigators should use video cameras to record the amount of time an individual spends in the net prior to blood sampling and then statistically control for the effect of this variable in analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Vernasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Brent M Horton
- Department of Biology, Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551, USA
| | - T Brandt Ryder
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ignacio T Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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12
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Carroll G, Harcourt R, Pitcher BJ, Slip D, Jonsen I. Recent prey capture experience and dynamic habitat quality mediate short-term foraging site fidelity in a seabird. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.0788. [PMID: 30051866 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Foraging site fidelity allows animals to increase their efficiency by returning to profitable feeding areas. However, the mechanisms underpinning why animals 'stay' or 'switch' sites have rarely been investigated. Here, we explore how habitat quality and prior prey capture experience influence short-term site fidelity by the little penguin (Eudyptula minor). Using 88 consecutive foraging trips by 20 brooding penguins, we found that site fidelity was higher after foraging trips where environmental conditions were favourable, and after trips where prey capture success was high. When penguins exhibited lower site fidelity, the number of prey captures relative to the previous trip increased, suggesting that switches in foraging location were an adaptive strategy in response to low prey capture rates. Penguins foraged closer to where other penguins foraged on the same day than they did to the location of their own previous foraging site, and caught more prey when they foraged close together. This suggests that penguins aggregated flexibly when prey was abundant and accessible. Our results illustrate how foraging predators can integrate information about prior experience with contemporary information such as social cues. This gives insight into how animals combine information adaptively to exploit changing prey distribution in a dynamic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Carroll
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Herring Rd, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia .,Institute of Marine Science, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Robert Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Herring Rd, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Pitcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Herring Rd, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradley's Head Rd, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
| | - David Slip
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradley's Head Rd, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
| | - Ian Jonsen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Herring Rd, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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13
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Carroll G, Cox M, Harcourt R, Pitcher BJ, Slip D, Jonsen I. Hierarchical influences of prey distribution on patterns of prey capture by a marine predator. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Carroll
- Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University North Ryde2109 NSW Australia
| | - Martin Cox
- Australian Antarctic Division 203 Channel Hwy Kingston TAS Australia
| | - Robert Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University North Ryde2109 NSW Australia
| | - Benjamin J. Pitcher
- Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University North Ryde2109 NSW Australia
| | - David Slip
- Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University North Ryde2109 NSW Australia
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia Bradley's Head Rd Mosman2088 NSW Australia
| | - Ian Jonsen
- Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University North Ryde2109 NSW Australia
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14
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Cooke SJ, Hultine KR, Rummer JL, Franklin CE. Reflections and progress in conservation physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 5:cow071. [PMID: 28070332 PMCID: PMC5215126 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON,CanadaK1S 5B6
- Corresponding author:Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, CanadaK1S 5B6. Tel: +1 613 867 6711.
| | - Kevin R. Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| | - Jodie L. Rummer
- ARC Centre for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Craig E. Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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15
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Chilvers BL, Finlayson G, Candy EJ, Sriram A, Morgan KJ, Cockrem JF. Corticosterone stress hormone responses in oil rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated little penguins. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 113:312-315. [PMID: 27726937 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Whether oiled wildlife should be rehabilitated during an oil spill is internationally debated. Research on little penguins (LP, Eudyptula minor) rehabilitated and released back into a cleaned environment after the New Zealand C/V Rena grounding oil spill in 2011 found the rehabilitation process was effective at treating and reversing the negative effects of oil-contamination on penguin post-release survival, productivity and diving behaviour. Here we investigated the acute corticosterone stress response of LPs to determine if responses of rehabilitated birds differed from those of "control" birds. Corticosterone responses of LPs two years after an oil spill did not differ between rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated penguins. These results show that the rehabilitation process for LP did not affect their long-term physiological responses to humans. This indicates that wildlife can be rehabilitated and returned to the wild with similar human tolerance levels to non-rehabilitated birds and an absence of habituation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Chilvers
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - G Finlayson
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - E J Candy
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - A Sriram
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K J Morgan
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J F Cockrem
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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