What behavior is important behavior? A systematic review of how wild and zoo-housed animals differ in their time-activity budgets

Frontiers in Ethology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 4

Published: Jan. 29, 2025

Natural behavior performance in captive animals is traditionally utilized as a metric to establish welfare states, with an increase natural associated positive welfare. Captive environments, including zoos strive replicate ecologically relevant environments that promote species-specific, adaptive performance. However, spatial restrictions and complex habitats required by some species create various challenges for zoo staff implement management husbandry practices achieve this. Some struggle adapt cope increased abnormal which may reduce Other captivity novel ways, demonstrating flexibility their patterns without compromising research indicating behavioral sparse. The main aim of this review was categorize being fully behaviorally flexible, partially or inflexible. Effect sizes (Hedges’ g) were calculated compare categories the wild zoo, grouped taxonomic Order (Testudines, Primates, Artiodactyla, Psittaciformes Carnivora) ecological traits determine level flexibility. also analyzed behaviors suggestive good absent species. Despite variation across all groups, consistently highest animals, reproductive foraging most often compromised. Overall, complete suggested Testudines (potentially result from temperature maintain homeostasis), completely migratory who are exposed heterogenous landscapes when traveling long distances, specific primate, ring-tailed lemur ( Lemur catta ) potentially improve resource access due terrestrial nature. All other groups evaluated demonstrated partial inflexibility. Abnormal prevalence reduced these suggests inability captivity. This necessitates more focused investigations identify environmental features aspects managed can meet species’ needs zoo.

Language: Английский

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Utilizing vocalizations to gain insight into the affective states of non-human mammals

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Feb. 16, 2024

This review discusses how welfare scientists can examine vocalizations to gain insight into the affective states of individual animals. In recent years, researchers working in professionally managed settings have recognized value monitoring types, rates, and acoustic structures calls, which may reflect various aspects welfare. Fortunately, technological advances field bioacoustics allow for vocal activity be recorded with microphones, hydrophones, animal-attached devices (e.g., collars), as well automated call recognition. We consider behavior used an indicator state, particular interest valence emotions. While most studies investigated produced negative contexts experiencing pain, social isolation, environmental disturbances), we highlight that express positive states. For instance, some species produce while foraging, playing, engaging grooming, or interacting affiliatively conspecifics. provides overview evidence exists construct validity indicators state non-human mammals. Furthermore, discuss non-invasive methods utilized investigate behavior, potential limitations this line research. future, should attempt identify reliable, valid species-specific calls emotional valence, possible by adopting a dimensional approach. The approach considers both arousal comparing emitted contexts. Ultimately, tracked continuously detect shifts status evaluate impact animal transfers, introductions, changes husbandry routine environment. encourage expand their toolkits combining other behavioral measures physiological biomarkers.

Language: Английский

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Comparison of animal welfare assessment tools and methodologies: need for an effective approach for captive elephants in Asia

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: March 12, 2024

Welfare is a fundamental aspect of animal management and conservation. In light growing public awareness welfare concerns about captive elephants, there an urgent need for comprehensive, globally coordinated efforts Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) that participate in religious, logging, or tourist activities range countries where the majority reside, issues have been identified but not addressed. This review provides comparative analysis available assessment tools. Each offers distinct features allow institutions to select criteria specific needs resources. Most are applied general assessments, although some tailored particular species, including elephants. The tools span diverse formats, from digital primarily paper-based assessments. Assessments operate at individual institutional levels across multiple domains. Methodologies rely on keeper ratings expert evaluations, incorporate numerical scoring Likert scales grading, encompass inputs behaviors, health, physiological indicators. For camp one challenge were developed zoos, which may application non-zoological settings. Digital methodologies such as face logistical challenges when venues. As with any tool, reliability, validity, repeatability essential must address unique We propose holistic, context-specific, evidence-based, practical tool be ensure high elephant standards facilities throughout Asia.

Language: Английский

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Validating a Mixed Qualitative Behavioral Assessment for Adult Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) I: Baseline Monitoring

American Journal of Primatology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 87(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Traditional qualitative behavioral assessments (QBAs) employ a unique whole‐animal approach to measure animal welfare with focus on affective elements. QBAs require comprehensive validation including reliability across multiple raters, subjects, and institutions, as well consistency other validated assessment measures. In 2016, the Detroit Zoological Society developed began internally validating Gorilla Behavioral Assessment Tool (GBAT), followed by internal applications of revised GBAT in 2021. This study continues these efforts through multi‐institutional application baseline conditions. Five zoological institutions participated this study, creating population 15 adult male western lowland gorillas ( gorilla ) more than 40 staff. Care staff collected fecal samples from each gorilla, two institution completed for daily. Three five focal data. We calculated inter‐rater using Gwet's AC 2 , establishing near‐perfect all tested items. found no significant variation between institutions. used data glucocorticoid metabolites construct validation. A combination Spearman's correlations generalized linear mixed models demonstrated statistically relationships seven 12 items established Integration physical indicators alongside alters traditional QBA into what we propose or M‐QBA. Our work demonstrates how an M‐QBA allows implications broader research applications.

Language: Английский

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Dolphin Pituitary Gland: Immunohistochemistry and Ultrastructural Cell Characterization Following a Novel Anatomical Dissection Protocol and Non-Invasive Imaging (MRI)

Animals, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(5), P. 735 - 735

Published: March 4, 2025

The pituitary gland regulates essential physiological processes in mammals. Despite its importance, research on anatomy and ultrastructure dolphins remains scarce. Using non-invasive imaging technology (MRI) a novel skull-opening dissection protocol, this study characterizes the dolphin through immunohistochemistry (IHC) transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A total of 47 pituitaries were collected from stranded common bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus). (Delphinus delphis), Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis). as well captive dolphins. MRI allowed visualization gland's spatial relationship with hypothalamus surrounding structures. modified extraction protocol ensured preservation adenohypophysis neurohypophysis for detailed analysis. Histological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural studies confirmed structural organization, identifying eight distinct adenohypophyseal cell types: corticotrophs (ACTH), somatotrophs (GH), gonadotrophs (FSH LH), lactotrophs (LTH), melanotrophs (MSH), thyrotrophs (TSH), follicular cells, capsular cells. This presents first immunolabelling cetacean characterization cells cetaceans, providing baseline data future research. By integrating multidisciplinary techniques, it advances understanding neuroendocrinology highlights broader implications health, welfare, conservation.

Language: Английский

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Editorial: Understanding rest-activity rhythms: uncovering factors shaping behavioural rhythms in diverse ecological contexts

Frontiers in Conservation Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6

Published: April 10, 2025

Language: Английский

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Dolphin-WET—Development of a Welfare Evaluation Tool for Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under Human Care

Animals, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(5), P. 701 - 701

Published: Feb. 23, 2024

Ensuring high standards of animal welfare is not only an ethical duty for zoos and aquariums, but it also essential to achieve their conservation, education, research goals. While some species, assessment frameworks are already in place, little has been done marine animals under human care. Responding this demand, the committee European Association Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) set up a group experts on science, cetacean biology, zoo medicine across Europe. Their objective was develop comprehensive tool evaluate bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), named Dolphin-WET. The encompasses 49 indicators that were either validated through peer review or management-based expertise. first its kind, Dolphin-WET species-specific provides holistic approach evaluating dolphin welfare. Inspired by Mellor’s Five Domains Model Welfare Quality®, hierarchical structure allows detailed assessments from overall down specific indicators. Through combining 37 animal-based 12 resource-based evaluated based two- three-level scoring, protocol offers evaluation individual dolphins. This regular internal monitoring targeted management, enabling caretakers address concerns effectively.

Language: Английский

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Do pairs exhibit similar behaviours? Evaluating inter-individual synchrony in activities of Magellanic penguins

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 106633 - 106633

Published: April 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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The Evolution of Zoos as Conservation Institutions: A Summary of the Transition from Menageries to Zoological Gardens and Parallel Improvement of Mammalian Welfare Management

Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 4(4), P. 648 - 664

Published: Sept. 22, 2023

Zoological institutions, which were once exclusively for entertainment, are now leaders of wildlife conservation. This centuries-long transition was punctuated by key milestones that reformed wild animal exploitation into a mission protection. Modern zoos perform ex situ activities to preserve natural resources, enabled the housing species. Zoo-managed animals facilitate new scientific knowledge, public education, and strategic breeding maintain genetic diversity. Prioritizing welfare management is advancement modern zoos, as it lessens stress improves quality life. Environments enriched with sensory stimuli promote naturalistic behaviors provide opportunities instinctual like foraging hunting. increases resiliency reducing boredom. However, such approaches only benefit when appropriately matched animal. Behavioral responses environmental cues reflect how experience their environment, properly documenting them informs decisions. Other advancements include enclosure designs, research initiatives, education programs, species-specific staff training, collaborative population among zoos. review chronicles shaped role zoological institutions in species habitat preservation. It also discusses continued evolution practices, fundamental information zoo employees stakeholders.

Language: Английский

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Cinereous Vulture ( Aegypius monachus ) Welfare Monitoring in a Breeding Center during the Breeding Season

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 18

Published: Sept. 30, 2024

One of the conservation measures globally near-threatened cinereous vulture is restoring populations via translocations, with some vultures originating from breeding centers. These centers need to have reproductive success, and securing good welfare levels should be a priority due negative implications compromised has on reproduction. Thus, assessing in essential. Remote methods preferred, such as behavior analysis use space using camera systems. The study's first objective was develop an activity budget that could used baseline for detecting irregularities. second determine if detect potential issues center. study developed standard captive population. Behavior irregularities were detected, improve enclosure its surroundings noticed. Altogether, proposed methodology results will contribute detection possible and, consequently, success species' conservation.

Language: Английский

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