Circadian and ultradian activity rhythms in manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in captivity |
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| Authors: | Victoria Eugenia Holguin-Medina John Fontenele-Araujo Víctor Manuel Alcaraz-Romero Jose Francisco Cortes Jairo Muñoz-Delgado |
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| Institution: | 1. Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Luis Castelazo Ayala s/n. Col. Industrial ánimas C.P. 91190 Xalapa, Mexico;2. Laboratorio de Cronoecología y Etología Humana, Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente Mu?iz, Av. México Xochimilco 101, San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan C.P. 14370, Mexicovictoriaeholguinmedina@gmail.com;4. Departamento de fisiología. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, CEP 59078-970 Natal/RN, Brazil;5. Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Manantiales Sn, San Cristobal, Xalapa 2000, C.P. 91097 Xalapa, México;6. Departamento de Apoyo Académico, Dirección de Ense?anza, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente Mu?iz, Av. México Xochimilco 101, San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan C.P. 14370, Mexico;7. Laboratorio de Cronoecología y Etología Humana, Dirección de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente Mu?iz, Av. México Xochimilco 101, San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan C.P. 14370, Mexico |
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| Abstract: | In this study, we show temporal organization of activity patterns in larger temporal series recording. The objective of this study was to determine the temporal pattern of the rest-activity rhythm in manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in captivity. Activity recordings were programmed from August 2010 to September 2011 with actimetry devices, and behavior recordings were conducted in dry and rainy seasons. We showed that the marine manatee presents a complex temporal organization, in which the rest-activity rhythm comprises several frequencies with a predominant circadian component and multiple ultradian components. Our results indicate that the animals were more active during the day with respect to the night. The temporal organization of this cycle entails multiple frequencies that include ultradian rhythms, which may be expressions generated by physiological needs, such as food availability and thermoregulatory requirements. These patterns should be taken into consideration for future studies of biological rhythms in manatee. |
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| Keywords: | marine mammals actimetry rest-activity activity patterns behavior |
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