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Winship KA, Jones BL. Acoustic Monitoring of Professionally Managed Marine Mammals for Health and Welfare Insights. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2124. [PMID: 37443922 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132124] [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: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Research evaluating marine mammal welfare and opportunities for advancements in the care of species housed in a professional facility have rapidly increased in the past decade. While topics, such as comfortable housing, adequate social opportunities, stimulating enrichment, and a high standard of medical care, have continued to receive attention from managers and scientists, there is a lack of established acoustic consideration for monitoring the welfare of these animals. Marine mammals rely on sound production and reception for navigation and communication. Regulations governing anthropogenic sound production in our oceans have been put in place by many countries around the world, largely based on the results of research with managed and trained animals, due to the potential negative impacts that unrestricted noise can have on marine mammals. However, there has not been an established best practice for the acoustic welfare monitoring of marine mammals in professional care. By monitoring animal hearing and vocal behavior, a more holistic view of animal welfare can be achieved through the early detection of anthropogenic sound sources, the acoustic behavior of the animals, and even the features of the calls. In this review, the practice of monitoring cetacean acoustic welfare through behavioral hearing tests and auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), passive acoustic monitoring, such as the Welfare Acoustic Monitoring System (WAMS), as well as ideas for using advanced technologies for utilizing vocal biomarkers of health are introduced and reviewed as opportunities for integration into marine mammal welfare plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley A Winship
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Dr., Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Brittany L Jones
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Dr., Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
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2
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Stryjek R, Modlinska K. Pre-exposure via wire-mesh partition reduces intraspecific aggression in male, wild-type Norway rats. Anim Welf 2022. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.31.2.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
There are instances when animals are introduced and expected to live alongside unfamiliar conspecifics within zoos, laboratories and wildlife sanctuaries. These pairings of unfamiliar animals may result in stress, trauma, or even death, in addition to reduced confidence in data resulting
from these subjects. For species that communicate relatedness, sex, social status, and emotional state through olfactory cues (eg pheromones), one means of counteracting aggression may involve a period of partial separation — where animals are close enough to become acquainted —
while a permeable barrier maintains separation. For our study, we evaluated the use of a novel, autoclavable, wire-mesh partition to separate potential aggressors. We tested different pairs of 24 wild-type male Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), previously kept in social isolation for
seven days. Each control pair were merged directly into one cage, while pairs from the experimental groups underwent three pre-exposure sessions that lasted two to four days. We used continuous video recordings to assess five common threat displays: lateral threat, keep down, upright posture,
chase, and clinch attack. We used two types of bedding: new (unscented) bedding and recently used bedding that conveyed scents from both merged rats. We found that rats subjected to pre-exposure demonstrated lower aggression levels across three of the five metrics (lateral threats, upright
postures, and keep downs). We conclude that permeable partitions show promise as a humane mechanism to mix new individuals into preexisting colonies. Further research may explore whether partitions could be helpful with other species that communicate social information by pheromones or direct
visual inspection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Stryjek
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - K Modlinska
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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An Investigation of Ovarian and Adrenal Hormone Activity in Post-Ovulatory Cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070809. [PMID: 35405799 PMCID: PMC8996957 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070809] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cheetahs have been the subject of reproductive study for over 35 years, yet steroid hormone activity remains poorly described after ovulation. Our objective was to examine and compare fecal progestagen (fPM), estrogen (fEM), and glucocorticoid (fGM) metabolite concentrations post-ovulation in pregnant and non-pregnant animals to better understand female physiology (1) during successful pregnancy, (2) surrounding frequent non-pregnant luteal phases, and (3) after artificial insemination (AI) to improve the low success rate. Secondarily, the authors also validated a urinary progestagen metabolite assay, allowing pregnancy detection with minimal sample collection. Fecal samples were collected from 12 females for ≥2 weeks prior to breeding/hormone injection (the PRE period) through 92 days post-breeding/injection. Samples were assessed for hormone concentrations using established enzyme immunoassays. Urine samples were collected for 13 weeks from 6 females after natural breeding or AI. There were no differences among groups in fGM, but in pregnant females, concentrations were higher (p < 0.01) in the last trimester than any other time. For pregnant females that gave birth to singletons, fGM was higher (p = 0.0205), but fEM tended to be lower (p = 0.0626) than those with multi-cub litters. Our results provide insight into the physiological events surrounding natural and artificially stimulated luteal activity in the cheetah.
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Urrutia A, Martínez-Byer S, Szenczi P, Hudson R, Bánszegi O. Stable individual differences in vocalisation and motor activity during acute stress in the domestic cat. Behav Processes 2019; 165:58-65. [PMID: 31132445 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2019.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The behavioural assessment of individual animals in stressful situations should consider measures which are consistent across repeated testing, and therefore truly representative of an individual's behaviour. Here we report a study conducted on 40 neutered adult cats (Felis silvestris catus) of both sexes, originating from two animal shelters in Mexico and Hungary. We recorded the responses of the cats to repeated brief confinement trials that mimicked a common situation (confinement in a pet carrier). This test was repeated three times, leaving one week between trials, to assess short-term repeatability. Stable inter-individual differences in two behavioural measures, the number of separation calls and the duration of motor activity, were found, although the inter-individual differences in vocalisation were more pronounced than they were for motor activity. Additionally, the overall number of vocalisations emitted remained stable despite repeated testing, whereas motor activity tended to decrease week to week. There was a negative effect of age on vocalisation rate, and no effect of sex on either behaviour. No correlation between the two behavioural measures was found. We suggest that, in adult cats, vocalisation may be more reliable than motor activity as a behavioural measure of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Urrutia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, CP 04510, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio A, 1er Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, CP 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Sandra Martínez-Byer
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, CP 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Péter Szenczi
- Cátedras CONACyT, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Mexico City, Mexico; Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico; Unidad Psicopatología y Desarrollo, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Robyn Hudson
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, CP 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Oxána Bánszegi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 70228, CP 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Koester DC, Freeman EW, Wildt DE, Terrell KA, Franklin AD, Meeks K, Crosier AE. Group management influences reproductive function of the male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:496-508. [PMID: 26388294 DOI: 10.1071/rd15138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the free-ranging cheetah is generally socially solitary, as many as 60% of males live in same-sex (usually sibling) coalitions. Under ex situ conditions, the cheetah experiences low reproductive success with only ~18% of males having ever produced young. Most male cheetahs (85%) are managed in captivity in coalitions, but with no data on the influence of social grouping on reproductive parameters. We examined the influence of singleton versus coalition management on various male cheetah physiological traits, including ejaculate quality and gonadal and adrenal hormone metabolite concentrations. We also assessed behaviour within coalitions for evidence of social hierarchy through initiation of interactions with group mates and relatedness to physiological traits. Ejaculate quality (including total motile and structurally normal spermatozoa per ejaculate) and androgen concentration profiles were higher (P<0.05) in coalition compared with singleton males. These results support the conclusion that testis function in the cheetah, specifically related to the development of normal, motile spermatozoa and androgen production, is influenced by management with same-sex conspecifics. The findings have implications for ex situ conservation breeding programs by suggesting that reproductive quality can be enhanced through group maintenance of cheetah males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Koester
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Freeman
- New Century College, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - David E Wildt
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Kimberly A Terrell
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Ashley D Franklin
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Karen Meeks
- White Oak Conservation Center, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, USA
| | - Adrienne E Crosier
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
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Gillman SJ, Ziegler-Meeks K, Eager C, Tenhundfeld TA, Shaffstall W, Stearns MJ, Crosier AE. Impact of mimicking natural dispersion on breeding success of captive North American Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Zoo Biol 2017; 36:332-340. [PMID: 28901642 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21377] [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: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines the effects of transfer away from natal facility and littermate presence on cheetah breeding success in the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) population. Transfer and breeding history data for captive males and females were gathered from seven and four AZA SSP breeding facilities, respectively, to identify factors influencing breeding success. The results indicate that transfer history (p = 0.032), age at transfer (p = 0.013), and female littermate presence/absence (p = 0.04) was associated with breeding success, with females transferred away from their natal facility before sexual maturity and without littermates present accounting for the highest breeding success. Keeping males at their natal facility and/or removing them from their coalitions did not negatively affect their breeding success. Males appeared to demonstrate the same fecundity regardless of transfer history or coalition status, indicating that dispersal away from natal environment was not as critical for the breeding success of males compared with female cheetahs. These results highlight the significance of moving females away from their natal environment, as would occur in the wild, and separating them from their female littermates for optimization of breeding success in the ex situ population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carol Eager
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | | | | | - Adrienne E Crosier
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Center for Species Survival, Front Royal, Virginia
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Rose SJ, Allen D, Noble D, Clarke JA. Quantitative analysis of vocalizations of captive Sumatran tigers ( Panthera tigris sumatrae). BIOACOUSTICS 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2016.1272003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shanna J. Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Drew Allen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dan Noble
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Clarke
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- School of Biodiversity Conservation, Unity College, Unity, ME, USA
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Hubel TY, Shotton J, Wilshin SD, Horgan J, Klein R, McKenna R, Wilson AM. Cheetah Reunion - The Challenge of Finding Your Friends Again. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166864. [PMID: 27926915 PMCID: PMC5142782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals navigate their environment using a variety of senses and strategies. This multiplicity enables them to respond to different navigational requirements resulting from habitat, scale and purpose. One of the challenges social animals face is how to reunite after periods of separation. We explore a variety of possible mechanisms used to reunite the members of a cheetah coalition dispersed within a large area after prolonged separation. Using GPS data from three cheetahs reuniting after weeks of separation, we determined that 1) the likelihood of purely coincidental reunion is miniscule 2) the reunion occurred in an area not normally frequented 3) with very little time spent in the region in advance of the reunion. We therefore propose that timely encounter of scent markings where paths cross is the most likely mechanism used to aid the reunion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Y. Hubel
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
- * E-mail: (TYH)
| | - Justine Shotton
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Simon D. Wilshin
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Jane Horgan
- Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Kgale Siding Park, Plot 1069-KO, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rebecca Klein
- Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Kgale Siding Park, Plot 1069-KO, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rick McKenna
- Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Kgale Siding Park, Plot 1069-KO, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Alan M. Wilson
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
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Smirnova DS, Volodin IA, Demina TS, Volodina EV. Acoustic Structure and Contextual Use of Calls by Captive Male and Female Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158546. [PMID: 27362643 PMCID: PMC4928801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vocal repertoire of captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and the specific role of meow vocalizations in communication of this species attract research interest about two dozen years. Here, we expand this research focus for the contextual use of call types, sex differences and individual differences at short and long terms. During 457 trials of acoustic recordings, we collected calls (n = 8120) and data on their contextual use for 13 adult cheetahs (6 males and 7 females) in four Russian zoos. The cheetah vocal repertoire comprised 7 call types produced in 8 behavioural contexts. Context-specific call types (chirr, growl, howl and hiss) were related to courting behaviour (chirr) or to aggressive behaviour (growl, howl and hiss). Other call types (chirp, purr and meow) were not context-specific. The values of acoustic variables differed between call types. The meow was the most often call type. Discriminant function analysis revealed a high potential of meows to encode individual identity and sex at short terms, however, the vocal individuality was unstable over years. We discuss the contextual use and acoustic variables of call types, the ratios of individual and sex differences in calls and the pathways of vocal ontogeny in the cheetah with relevant data on vocalization of other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya S. Smirnova
- Department of Animal Science, Russian State Agrarian University—Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya A. Volodin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Research Department, Moscow Zoo, Moscow, Russia
- * E-mail:
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Effects of Hand-Rearing on Reproductive Success in Captive Large Cats Panthera tigris altaica, Uncia uncia, Acinonyx jubatus and Neofelis nebulosa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155992. [PMID: 27214261 PMCID: PMC4877043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Species Survival Plans and European Endangered Species Programmes have been developed for several species of endangered felids in order to build up captive reserve populations and support their conservation in the wild. The Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), snow leopard (Uncia uncia), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) are managed in such ex situ conservation programmes. Many zoological institutions hand-rear offspring if rearing by the mother fails. Hand-rearing can cause behavioural problems, resulting in decreased copulation and lower breeding success in some species. In this study, studbook data subsets were examined: from 1901 to 2011; and 2000 to 2011. We analysed records from 4273 Siberian tigers, 2045 snow leopards, 3435 cheetahs, and 804 clouded leopards. We assessed the number of offspring produced, litter size, age at first reproduction, longevity, infant mortality and generational rearing of hand-reared versus parent-reared individuals. Hand-reared Siberian tigers (p<0.01; p = 0.0113), snow leopards (p<0.01), male cheetahs (p<0.01) and female clouded leopards (p<0.01) produced fewer offspring than parent-reared individuals. Hand-reared snow leopard breeding pairs had larger litters than parent-reared pairs (p = 0.0404). Hand-reared snow leopard females reproduced later in life (p<0.01). Hand-reared female Siberian tigers lived shorter lives, while hand-reared cheetahs lived longer (p<0.01; p = 0.0107). Infant mortality was higher in hand-reared snow leopards (p<0.01) and male cheetahs (p = 0.0395) in the 1901-2011 dataset and lower in hand-reared female Siberian tiger and male snow leopard cubs (p = 0.0404; p = 0.0349) in the 2000-2011 dataset. The rearing of the mother and subsequent rearing of offspring showed a significant relationship for all species (p<0.01 for Siberian tiger and snow leopard cubs; p<0.001 for cheetah and snow leopard cubs). Taking into account the limited carrying capacity of zoos, the results of this study highlight that careful consideration should be taken when deciding whether or not to hand-rear individuals that are part of Species Survival Plans and European Endangered Species Programmes.
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Schneiderová I, Zouhar J, Štefanská L, Bolfíková BČ, Lhota S, Brandl P. Vocal activity of lesser galagos (Galago spp.) at zoos. Zoo Biol 2016; 35:147-56. [PMID: 26741794 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Almost nothing is known about the natural vocal behavior of lesser galagos living in zoos. This is perhaps because they are usually kept in nocturnal exhibits separated from the visitors by a transparent and acoustically insulating glass barrier. The aim of the present study was therefore to fill this gap in knowledge of the vocal behavior of lesser galagos from zoos. This knowledge might be beneficial because the vocalizations of these small primates can be used for species determination. We performed a 10-day-long acoustic monitoring of vocal activity in each of seven various groups of Galago senegalensis and G. moholi living at four zoos. We quantitatively evaluated the occurrence of four loud vocalization types present in both species, including the most species-specific advertisement call. We found that qualitative as well as quantitative differences exist in the vocal behavior of the studied groups. We confirmed that the observed vocalization types can be collected from lesser galagos living at zoos, and the success can be increased by selecting larger and more diverse groups. We found two distinct patterns of diel vocal activity in the most vocally active groups. G. senegalensis groups were most vocally active at the beginning and at the end of their activity period, whereas one G. moholi group showed an opposite pattern. The latter is surprising, as it is generally accepted that lesser galagos emit advertisement calls especially at dawn and dusk, i.e., at the beginning and at the end of their diel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Schneiderová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zouhar
- Department of Econometrics, Faculty of Informatics and Statistics, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Štefanská
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Černá Bolfíková
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical Agrisciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Lhota
- Department of Husbandry and Ethology of Animals, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Ústí nad Labem Zoo, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Brandl
- Prague Zoological Garden, Prague, Czech Republic
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Chadwick CL, Rees PA, Stevens-Wood B. Captive-housed male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii) form naturalistic coalitions: measuring associations and calculating chance encounters. Zoo Biol 2013; 32:518-27. [PMID: 23813720 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cheetahs are known to reproduce poorly in captivity and research suggests that the reasons for this are behavioral, rather than physiological. In the wild, male cheetahs remain in stable groups, or coalitions, throughout their lifetime. Appropriate social group housing is important in enhancing welfare and reproductive success in captivity and this study examined the effect of changes in social group composition on the behavior of four male cheetahs: two siblings and two half siblings. During the study, the cheetahs were housed both in pairs and as a group of four, before one male was relocated. The remaining cheetahs were then housed in a trio. Affiliative behaviors were frequently shown within pairs and overt aggression was seldom observed. Association indices were calculated for each cheetah pair and corrected for chance encounters based on data generated from a Monte Carlo simulation. The indices showed that two coalitions existed before the relocated male departed. Following the relocation of one of the half siblings, the remaining cheetahs appeared to form a coalition of three, as the indices of association between the unrelated male and the siblings increased and allogrooming between unrelated individuals was observed. The findings of this study indicate that natural social groupings of male cheetahs can be successfully replicated in captivity, which could potentially improve the chances of reproductive success when they are introduced to female cheetahs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly L Chadwick
- Formerly School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, United Kingdom; Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, The Crescent, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
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13
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Jenny S, Schmid H. Effect of feeding boxes on the behavior of stereotyping amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) in the Zurich Zoo, Zurich, Switzerland. Zoo Biol 2002. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.10061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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14
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15
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16
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Boinski S, Gross TS, Davis JK. Terrestrial predator alarm vocalizations are a valid monitor of stress in captive brown capuchins (Cebus apella). Zoo Biol 1999. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2361(1999)18:4<295::aid-zoo4>3.0.co;2-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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