Nocturnal behavior in a group of unchained female African elephants

The chaining of elephants at night is a common management strategy in zoos, yet the costs and benefits of such a strategy are relatively unknown. A study of three unchained female African elephants was undertaken to document their nocturnal behavior. The subjects were observed between the hours of 1800 and 0800 for 10 weeks in the summer of 1992 (total of 172 hr) and 14 weeks in the summer of 1994 (total of 153 hr). Scan data were collected every 5 min to gather information on activity budgets, social proximity, and space utilization. All‐occurrence data were collected on social and non‐social behaviors. In each year of the study, the subjects spent equivalent amounts of time eating, lying, standing, and walking. Additionally, subjects spent half of their time within one body length of another animal and utilized all three available enclosures. Social and non‐social behaviors were frequent, and these data plus the activity profiles reveal the animals generally were most active between the hours of 1800 and 2400 and 0600 and 0700. The findings suggest that the use of no restraints is currently an effective strategy for this elephant group. The high activity levels observed during many of the early evening hours suggest that zoos could permit increased activity and social interactions by extending the hours when the elephants are unchained. Zoo Biol 18:101–109, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Environmental influences on stereotypy and the activity budget of Indian leopards (Panthera pardus) in four zoos in Southern India

To eliminate abnormal behaviors in leopards (Panthera pardus), such as stereotypic pacing, by utilizing environmental enrichment techniques, a proper understanding of their behavior in captive environments is required. Hence there is a need for animal welfare studies in Indian zoos. The activity budgets of 16 leopards were recorded across four southern Indian zoos: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, and the Guindy Children's Park. Of the 16 study animals, 14 were studied on‐exhibit on zoo holidays as well as on days with visitors present, and all 16 individuals were studied off‐exhibit on other days with visitors present. The 11 behaviors recorded were categorized into active, resting, and stereotypic behaviors. Leopards exhibited higher levels of activity in the on‐exhibit enclosures on days with no visitors. Feeding time influenced the behavioral repertoire of all 14 leopards studied on‐exhibit. Lower proportions of resting were exhibited during the hours before feeding. The proportion of active behaviors differed significantly across zoos. Stereotypic pacing levels were not influenced by the presence of visitors or by feeding time, but was significantly influenced by enclosure features. Higher levels of stereotypic pacing were exhibited in off‐exhibit than on‐exhibit enclosures. Our study shows that the behavior of captive leopards is influenced by enclosure type, feeding regime, and the presence of visitors. Zoo Biol 21:585–595, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The influence of feeding,enrichment, and seasonal context on the behavior of Pacific Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)

Though some research exists concerning general behavior and activity patterns of Walruses in zoos or aquariums, less is known about how these patterns change in response to various environmental and temporal contexts. This study presents two studies assessing behavioral changes in relation to feeding period, object enrichment (OE), and season in a social group of four Pacific Walruses at the New York Aquarium. Study 1 examined behavior in relation to feeding context (nonfeed, prefeed, postfeed); data were collected over a three‐week period, resulting in 47 observation sessions for each feeding context. Study 2 examined behavior in relation to OE and season; data were collected in two phases resulting in 12 enrichment and 9 no‐enrichment (NE) observation sessions (Phase 1), and 21 enrichment and 18 NE observation sessions (Phase 2). Study 1 showed that after feeding, oral behavior increased while social behavior and total swim frequency decreased. In Study 2, both swim frequency and social behavior were found to interact with OE and phase, while oral behavior remained constant across all conditions. As in the wild, both studies found all animals to be swimming the majority of the time. Though every animal spent much of its swim time engaged in an Individual Swimming Pattern (ISP), both studies showed that the proportion of ISP (in relation to total time swimming) remained stable across all contexts, suggesting a potential functional role of the ISPs. These results are discussed in light of the ongoing debate over the role of stereotypies in welfare assessment. Zoo Biol 29:397–404, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

丰容对圈养雌性岩羊活动时间分配的影响

为了探究环境丰容和食物丰容对岩羊行为和活动节律的影响,于2017年3月—7月,以上海动物园的5只雌性岩羊(Pseudois nayaur)为研究对象,设计环境丰容和食物丰容试验,利用瞬时扫描法对岩羊进行行为学观察,分析岩羊丰容前后昼间行为的变化。结果表明:经过环境丰容,岩羊的运动行为和反刍行为显著增加,卧息行为和其他行为显著减少,取食行为无明显变化。在环境丰容基础上,开展食物丰容后,运动行为明显减少,取食行为明显增加。卧息行为有所减少、反刍行为和其他行为有所增加,但变化均不明显。丰容后岩羊的昼间活动节律也发生了变化。取食行为呈现2个高峰期(8:00—11:00和15:00—18:00),取食行为普遍提高;运动行为在13:30—17:30时段较丰容前提前一个小时左右发生;卧息行为有相似的波动规律,但丰容后其昼间发生频次在16:00之前均降低;反刍行为波动最大,呈现出明显的2个高峰期(6:00—9:00和10:00—15:00)。试验表明,在进行环境和食物丰容后,岩羊的活动增加,优化了时间分配,福利状况得到了有效改善。     

基于不同分析和取样方法研究褪黑激素对育成期母貂行为分配的影响

本文基于不同分析和取样方法研究褪黑激素对育成期母貂行为分配的影响。从貂场中随机选取当年出生的6只未埋植褪黑激素、6只埋植褪黑激素的美国短毛黑母貂。采用高清摄像头分别在埋植褪黑激素后的第30天（Ⅰ期）、第60天（Ⅱ期）、第75天（Ⅲ期）记录所有水貂的行为。埋植褪黑激素对水貂行为分配的影响,混合线性模型（mixed linear model,MLM）和广义线性混合模型（generalized linear mixed model,GLMM）对于水貂的位置、采食、修饰、异常和饮水行为的分析结果不同,广义线性混合模型的分析结果更符合褪黑激素已知的作用效果;瞬时取样间隔≤1.5 min时,水貂的所有行为比例与连续取样无显著差异（P>0.05）。由此可以推断,广义线性混合模型更适合无法正态化的实验数据的分析;采用瞬时扫描取样法研究水貂行为分配,扫描时间间隔以1.5 min为宜。     

Effect of felid activity on zoo visitor interest

The extent to which the presence of zoo visitors influences animal behavior, and the ways in which animal activity influences visitor interest and perception, are of great interest to zoological parks. Visitors have been variously characterized as being enriching for zoo animals, as being stressors, and generally as influencing behavior in measurable ways. Most studies have focused on primates, and have assumed a “visitor effect” paradigm (i.e., visitors influence animal behavior). Here we present findings from a study of a nonprimate group (felids), and examine the “visitor attraction” model, which assumes that visitors are attracted to active animals. We assessed visitor interest and number at seven cat exhibits at the Brookfield Zoo during the spring and summer of 2002. Data were collected during 1‐min scans of each exhibit at 10‐min intervals. The results indicate that visitor presence per se did not influence cat activity, and that visitor interest was generally greater when cats were active. Various species differences may be explained by visitor familiarity with the species, variations in exhibit design, and species‐specific activity budgets. We conclude that the visitor attraction model may be more appropriate for taxa, such as large cats, that tend naturally to be largely inactive and to respond little (if at all) to visitor disturbances or efforts to engage. The relationship must be viewed as bidirectional: visitors influence animal behavior, and animal behavior influences visitor interest. However, the strength and primary direction of this relationship is likely taxon‐specific. We suggest that a visitor attraction model may be more appropriate not only for felids, but for other taxa with similar behavioral patterns and responses as well. Zoo Biol 22:587–599, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A Case Study of Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) Husbandry Practice Across 10 Zoological Collections

The Malayan, or Asian, tapir (Tapirus indicus) has a diminishing wild population and is becoming more common in captivity as zoos attempt to manage sustainable ex situ populations. Tapirs can be relatively easy to maintain and breed, but captive animals appear to suffer from reduced activity budgets, obesity, and poor public image. A questionnaire‐based survey was designed and sent specifically to 10 collections around the world that exhibit Malayan tapirs, with the aim of assessing husbandry regimes to determine prevalence of standardized practices as well as highlighting any key differences, and to showcase good practice, thus providing information beneficial to those maintaining this species in their zoo. Twenty‐five animals were included in the survey from collections across four continents. The research's major conclusions show differing dietary make‐up, with a lack of forage provision, contrasting with a diverse array of enrichment protocols used. Significant differences were noted between zoos for total amount of food offered (P = 0.000) as well as ratios of forage to concentrate pellet offered (P = 0.004). Comparing food offered to male and female tapirs with published requirements for an “average” of either gender shows not all zoos providing the amount suggested in husbandry guidelines. Intelligently designed and original enrichment was provided to all animals but differences between zoos were noted in the application and “usefulness” of enrichment for individual tapir. Overall, animals are benefiting from enrichment but welfare could be further improved via consistent feeding of ad libitum forage and regular use of browse as a constituent part of daily rations. Zoo Biol. 32:347–356, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

To hunt or not to hunt? A feeding enrichment experiment with captive large felids

It is often difficult to promote the successful performance of feeding behaviors in zoos, especially for carnivores. Feeding enrichment provides these opportunities and often improves behavioral indications of an animal's well‐being and the experience of the zoo visitor. The effectiveness of two different feeding enrichment techniques was evaluated on five subjects in two species of felids: African lions and Sumatran tigers. The activity budgets of each cat were compared before, during, and after enrichment, focusing on activity levels, frequency and variety of feeding behaviors, and occurrence of stereotypic behaviors. The presentation of live fish increased the variety and frequency of feeding behaviors, while presentation of horse leg bones increased the frequency of these behaviors. Fish reduced the tigers' stereotypic behavior from 60% of scans to 30% of scans on the day of presentation, and this change was maintained for 2 days following enrichment. Bone presentation also reduced stereotypic behavior and increased nonstereotypic activity in both species. Both of these techniques appear to have sustained effects on behavior lasting at least 2 days after presentation, which may indicate their ability to alter the animals' underlying activity patterns. Zoo Biol 22:189–198, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Observation time and sampling intervals for measuring behavior and interactions of chimpanzees in the wild

This study examined two problems in the measurement of chimpanzee behavior: (1) comparability among data sets varying in length of total observation time; and (2) the longest interval for scoring reliable numbers of sample points with instantaneous sampling (this required procedures for evaluating the chi-square statistics of the sampled data). During a 4.5-month field study conducted at the Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania, one adult male was observed as a focal animal for about 300 hr with continuous recording. His behavior was classified into five categories. Data sets varying in total time were prepared by extraction from the raw data. Comparability among the data sets was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficients and Kendall's coefficients of concordance calculated from two kinds of measures obtained from the raw and simulated data sets: (a) the percentages of time spent by the focal animal in each behavior category; and (b) those of the time spent by adult males in his proximity. The results revealed that observation time of 25 hr was the critical length for scoring the above measures reliably. Sample points for the focal animal's behavior categories and for adult males in his proximity were simulated with intervals of various lengths for data sets differing in total time. The longest interval was measured by comparing the simulated scores with confidence limits calculated for the number of sample points to be scored with the respective intervals. It was found that the interval for sampling should be set at 3 min or shorter, and that chi-square statistics calculated from the data sampled with such an interval should be evaluated after their modification into the values to be obtained from the data sampled with a 5-min interval. These results may not be directly applicable to studies dealing with other behavior categories, other age/sex classes of focal animals, etc. However, the above problems should be examined widely in studies attempting to measure animal behavior, and the methods employed in this study are applicable to such studies.     

Behavioral classification of low‐frequency acceleration and temperature data from a free‐ranging small mammal

The miniaturization and affordability of new technology is driving a biologging revolution in wildlife ecology with use of animal‐borne data logging devices. Among many new biologging technologies, accelerometers are emerging as key tools for continuously recording animal behavior. Yet a critical, but under‐acknowledged consideration in biologging is the trade‐off between sampling rate and sampling duration, created by battery‐ (or memory‐) related sampling constraints. This is especially acute among small animals, causing most researchers to sample at high rates for very limited durations. Here, we show that high accuracy in behavioral classification is achievable when pairing low‐frequency acceleration recordings with temperature. We conducted 84 hr of direct behavioral observations on 67 free‐ranging red squirrels (200–300 g) that were fitted with accelerometers (2 g) recording tri‐axial acceleration and temperature at 1 Hz. We then used a random forest algorithm and a manually created decision tree, with variable sampling window lengths, to associate observed behavior with logger recorded acceleration and temperature. Finally, we assessed the accuracy of these different classifications using an additional 60 hr of behavioral observations, not used in the initial classification. The accuracy of the manually created decision tree classification using observational data varied from 70.6% to 91.6% depending on the complexity of the tree, with increasing accuracy as complexity decreased. Short duration behavior like running had lower accuracy than long‐duration behavior like feeding. The random forest algorithm offered similarly high overall accuracy, but the manual decision tree afforded the flexibility to create a hierarchical tree, and to adjust sampling window length for behavioral states with varying durations. Low frequency biologging of acceleration and temperature allows accurate behavioral classification of small animals over multi‐month sampling durations. Nevertheless, low sampling rates impose several important limitations, especially related to assessing the classification accuracy of short duration behavior.     

Distressed Animal Behaviors and Some Recommendations for Improvements at the Kuala Lumpur Zoo,Malaysia

The artificial living conditions of captive animals present numerous challenges for animal caretakers. In this study I explored abnormal behaviors in certain caged animals at the Kuala Lumpur Zoo. Findings obtained from observations of animals and interviews of the zoo staff are followed by recommendations: including the development of standards and manuals, licensing of zoos and animals, and increased budgets from governments or alternative sources. Such interventions should bring considerable improvements in animal welfare at the zoos in the region.     

Distressed animal behaviors and some recommendations for improvements at the Kuala Lumpur Zoo, Malaysia

The artificial living conditions of captive animals present numerous challenges for animal caretakers. In this study I explored abnormal behaviors in certain caged animals at the Kuala Lumpur Zoo. Findings obtained from observations of animals and interviews of the zoo staff are followed by recommendations: including the development of standards and manuals, licensing of zoos and animals, and increased budgets from governments or alternative sources. Such interventions should bring considerable improvements in animal welfare at the zoos in the region.     

Seasonal Variation in the Activity Patterns and Time Budgets of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trachypithecus francoisi</Emphasis> in the Nonggang Nature Reserve,China

Activity patterns and time budgets are 2 important aspects of animal behavior that researchers use to investigate ecological influences on individual behavior. We collected data on activity patterns and time budgets in 1 group of François’ langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) from August 2003 to July 2004 in the Nonggang Nature Reserve, Guangxi Province, China, via instantaneous scan sampling method with 15-min intervals. The diurnal activity pattern of François’ langurs showed morning and afternoon feeding peaks, with a midday resting peak. Seasonal change was apparent in the activity pattern: 2 significant feeding peaks occurred in the dry season and only 1 significant feeding peak in the rainy season. The group spent an average of 51.5% of the daytime resting. Feeding and moving accounted on average for 23.1% and 17.3% of the activity budget, respectively. Subjects spent little time on social activities, averaging 2% for grooming and 5.5% for playing. Their time budgets showed significant seasonal variation: they spent a greater proportion of time on feeding and less time on resting and grooming in the dry season than in the rainy season. They also differed among different sex-age classes: immatures spent more time playing, whereas adults devoted more time to resting, feeding, and grooming. Correlations between time budgets and food items or food availability clearly indicated that François’ langurs might adopt an energy-maximizing strategy when preferred foods were scarce in the dry season.     

Ape behavior in two alternating environments: comparing exhibit and short‐term holding areas

In many facilities, primates are voluntarily transferred between different enclosures on a daily basis to facilitate animal husbandry and exhibit maintenance. This procedure is particularly relevant in the management of great apes living in zoos, where the requirements of functional management must be balanced with the desire to maintain enriching and naturalistic exhibit enclosures that benefit ape residents and attract the visiting public. In these settings, examinations of ape behavior and welfare typically focus exclusively on activity in the primary exhibit area. However, physical, social and sensory experiences unique to each area may shape different patterns of behavior. In the current study, zoo‐living chimpanzees and gorillas were moved each day from exhibit areas to off‐exhibit holding areas for a short duration as a part of regular management procedures. Behavioral data indicated species‐specific reactions to the holding area, including increased aggression and self‐directed behavior by chimpanzees and increased activity and prosocial behavior among gorilla subjects. Both species showed more feeding‐foraging behavior while in the exhibit enclosure. Results suggest that holding areas may not meet all behavior needs of captive great apes and demonstrate the importance of including all components of the captive enclosure in comprehensive analyses of great ape behavior and welfare. Am. J. Primatol. 72:951–959, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effects of attached data‐loggers on the activity budgets of captive Humboldt penguins

Although they can provide valuable information on at‐sea ecology, data‐loggers may adversely affect energetics, diving performance, and breeding success of equipped birds. With the aim of determining the effects of leg‐attached data‐loggers on the activity budgets of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) while on land, we equipped birds kept at the Landau Zoo, Landau, Germany, with such devices. We followed them during sample periods and recorded the occurrence and length of behaviors. Birds quickly habituated to the devices within 1 day of deployment, and mean rates of device‐pecking were low (0.7–1.7 pecks/hr), with device‐induced behaviors accounting for <1% of the mean daily activity budget. The method of device attachment appears behaviorally less stressful than the traditional tape‐based system in which devices are normally attached to the penguin's back. By facilitating the testing of newly developed data‐loggers on captive birds, or the development of methods for device attachment, zoos and aquaria may strengthen their role in animal conservation by helping research on free‐ranging animals. Zoo Biol 21:365–373, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effects of Temporal Sampling Patterns of All-occurrence Recording in Behavioural Studies: Many Short Sampling Periods Are Better than a Few Long Ones

All-occurrence recording is generally thought to yield unbiased results. However, its accuracy and power to detect real effects may depend on the temporal patterning of the observation periods. Although several studies evaluated the suitability of time-sampling methods (one-zero and instantaneous sampling), there has not been an evaluation of various temporal patterns of the ‘all-occurrence’ method to date. Here we present an empirical comparison of time-sampling and all-occurrence recording methods, based on a large data set, with special reference to various temporal patterns of all-occurrence recording. The three different sampling methods were imposed on raw data protocols. The scores, obtained by the use of each method and temporal pattern, were compared with true values from the corresponding continuous video recordings. The accuracy and power of each method was estimated by comparison of medians and magnitudes of effect (r_m), respectively. We were able to confirm results of earlier studies on the suitability of time-sampling methods (one-zero and instantaneous sampling), but we found that different temporal patterns of all-occurrence sampling yielded magnitudes of effect that differed from true value magnitudes. We conclude that behavioural studies may reveal different results, even when all conditions are the same, only because of power differences of different temporal pattern of the observation periods, for example 1 × 15 min versus 15 × 1 min. Recommendations are made about appropriate application of methods.     

A field test of the distance sampling method using Golden‐cheeked Warblers

ABSTRACT Criteria for delisting Golden‐cheeked Warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia) include protection of sufficient breeding habitat to ensure the continued existence of 1000 to 3000 singing males in each of eight recovery regions for ≥10 consecutive years. Hence, accurate abundance estimation is an integral component in the recovery of this species. I conducted a field test to determine if the distance sampling method provided unbiased abundance estimates for Golden‐cheeked Warblers and develop recommendations to improve the accuracy of estimates by minimizing the effects of violating this method's assumptions. To determine if observers could satisfy the assumptions that birds are detected at the point with certainty and at their initial locations, I compared point‐transect sampling estimates from 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐min time intervals to actual abundance determined by intensive territory monitoring. Point‐transect abundance estimates were 15%, 29%, 43%, and 59% greater than actual abundance (N= 156) for the 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐min intervals, respectively. Point‐transect sampling produced unbiased estimates of Golden‐cheeked Warbler abundance when counts were limited to 2 min (N= 154–207). Abundance estimates derived from point‐transect sampling were likely greater than actual abundance because observers did not satisfy the assumption that birds were detected at their initial locations due to the frequent movements and large territory sizes of male Golden‐cheeked Warblers. To minimize the effect of movement on abundance estimates, I recommend limiting counts of singing males to 2‐min per point. Counts for other species in similar habitats with similar behavior and movement patterns also should be limited to 2 min when unbiased estimates are important and conducting field tests of the point‐transect distance sampling method is not possible.     

Activity budget of inshore Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus): A critical evaluation of methods and comparison among other populations

Activity budgets are widely used to compare behavior patterns but sampling methods vary, rendering comparisons difficult. The two main methods used are instantaneous and continuous sampling. Their comparability was examined by applying them to data obtained from bottlenose dolphins in the Port River estuary, South Australia. They gave comparable results for activity budgets, but instantaneous sampling did not detect most of the behavioral events. Individual differences in behavior and/or follow duration influenced results. Variability in activity definitions and categories among studies makes comparative analysis difficult. Comparison of the Port River dolphin's activity budget with other inshore populations indicated the former spent more time feeding and resting, and less time traveling. The greater feeding time seemed to be due to small prey size rather than reduced abundance or unpredictable distribution. The reduced traveling time, possibly the result of low predation pressure and/or evenly distributed prey, gave them more time to rest. They traveled mostly at 2.5 kn or less, consistent with studies from other shallow areas. Most feeding was individual, probably on demersal species. Surface feeding incorporated physical barriers rather than cooperative behavior. Activity durations ranged from 2 s to 2.9 h, with mean durations varying from 7.8 to 22.9 min.