Zoo Biology最新文献

{"title":"Sex determination by ultrasonography prior to artificial breeding of the pufferfish Arothron manilensis (Tetraodontiformes, Tetraodontidae).","authors":"Hiroyuki Doi, Shoki Murakami, Kazuyuki Momota, Hiroshi Obata, Harumi Sakai","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21822","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21822","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial breeding was induced in the pufferfish Arothron manilensis following ultrasonographic sex determination. Hormonal treatment of mature male and female specimens followed the collection (and measurement) of fully developed eggs by cannulation. Fertilized eggs (0.85 ± 0.02 mm diameter) were spherical, demersal and individually adhesive. Hatching occurred 5 days after fertilization, larvae being 2.23 ± 0.15 mm in total length and 2.08 ± 0.14 mm in notochord length. The larvae had all died within 14 days of hatching. To improve artificial breeding techniques for A. manilensis, it is necessary to determine more appropriate timing for hormone injection, as well as feeding nutrient-enhanced SS type Brachionus sp. to newly hatched larvae.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"287-291"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139643043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex identification of birds in Taipei Zoo.","authors":"Cheng-Wei Liu, Hsuan-Yi Hou, Hsin-I Hsieh, Nian-Hong Jang-Liaw","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21828","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21828","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As a conservation and breeding institution for birds, Taipei Zoo plays an important role in restoring endangered species. As approximately half of all bird species are monomorphic, precisely confirming the sex of individuals is critical for the management of ex-situ conservation breeding populations, as well as for understanding the sex ratio of those in the wild. Generally, PCR is used more reliably for sex determination versus traditional methods such as plumage, behavior or hormone levels. Nevertheless, the various primer sets and annealing temperatures vary between species, and so inaccurate sexing can occasionally happen due to inadequate PCR conditions. To reduce the probability of misidentification, and to establish a PCR condition database for sex determination across the diverse range of avian taxa, we tested multiple primer sets and annealing temperatures for amplification of the bird sex-specific gene fragments (CHD1) for each captive or rescued avian species held at Taipei Zoo since 2014. A total of 162 species across 22 orders were tested using one or two primer sets. One hundred and fifty-five species were successfully sexed by the primer set 2550F/2718R and the success rate of sex typing reached over 90% of species tested in each order. Most species have suitable PCR annealing temperatures between 45°C and 55°C, and the species in the same avian taxa showed similar results in temperature. This indicates that it is possible to select the annealing temperature of other species in the same family when the species had not been tested before. We expect this study will improve the success rate of identifying sex by using applicable PCR conditions and reduce the time for searching references every time before attempts to PCR sex birds.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"268-275"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140120825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on population management in AZA.","authors":"Rachel A Bladow, Kendra A Strohmayer, Hana K Johnstone, Kristine Schad Eebes, Candice L Dorsey, John E Andrews","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21825","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21825","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities closed to the public. Resulting cost-saving and safety measures led some facilities to temporarily cease or reduce animal breeding and/or transfers. We surveyed AZA facilities and Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Coordinators for AZA's cooperative population management programs to evaluate how widespread these decisions were, if impacts varied by taxa, and how the AZA community navigated related challenges during the pandemic. We found that 60% of responding facilities did not suspend breeding and 22% did not suspend transfers. About 50% of responding zoos increased their reliance on ground transportation to move animals, while aquariums reported no change to transportation methods. SSP Coordinators reported the main reason why breeding decreased, regardless of taxa, was due to canceled or delayed transfers. The reasons transfers decreased differed by taxa, such as limited financial resources and lack of access to air transportation. The majority of respondents for both surveys stated transfers were the greatest challenge they faced. To address this, facilities utilized alternative transportation methods and worked closely with nearby zoos and aquariums for the movement of animals, while SSP Coordinators issued alternative transfer recommendations. If another pandemic or other widespread facility closure occurs, our research highlights the importance of communication, collaboration, and flexibility to fulfill breeding and transfer recommendations to maintain sustainable zoo and aquarium populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"255-267"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139906609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and termites (Blattodea: Termitoidae) in the diet of wild white‐bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) in forest‐savanna habitats of Cameroon","authors":"Ghislain F. Difouo, Franklin T. Simo, Sévilor Kekeunou, Oscar R. Fokou, Lyiong Giscard Ndoh, David Olson","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21834","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21834","url":null,"abstract":"The white‐bellied pangolin <jats:italic>Phataginus tricuspis</jats:italic> (Rafinesque 1821) is a semiarboreal species occurring in tropical sub‐Saharan Africa. It is the world's most trafficked African pangolin species based on volumes recorded in seizures. Reintroduction of confiscated live pangolins and ex‐situ rearing are being explored worldwide as a conservation action. However, the husbandry of seized animals is challenging as the diet of the white‐bellied pangolin is poorly known and little studied. We analyzed the stomach contents of dead white‐bellied pangolins from two forest‐savanna protected areas. Stomach content samples from 13 white‐bellied pangolin specimens contained ~165,000 Arthropoda, mostly Hymenoptera (60.34%) and Blattodea (39.66%). Overall, we identified 39 termite and 105 ant species consumed as prey by pangolins. Individual pangolins examined had fed on a maximum of 31 ant species and 13 termite species. The termite and ant species richness varied significantly across the pangolins' last consumed meal. We recorded 24 ant genera dominated by <jats:italic>Crematogaster</jats:italic> (relative importance [RI] = 17.28). Out of 18 termite genera recorded, the genus <jats:italic>Pseudacanthotermes</jats:italic> (RI = 17.21) was the most important prey. Ten ant species were preferentially eaten by white‐bellied pangolin, with <jats:italic>Crematogaster acis</jats:italic> being the most common prey species. Four species of termite were most frequently eaten with <jats:italic>Pseudacanthotermes militaris</jats:italic> being the most abundant. The mean abundance of ants and termites varied among pangolin individuals. The season did not influence the mean abundance of termites eaten by pangolin individuals. However, ant abundance in stomach contents was significantly higher in the dry season. An improved understanding of pangolin feeding behavior and prey selection may help inform conservation husbandry efforts. For example, nutritional analysis of the food eaten by wild pangolins can guide the development of nutritional diets for captive pangolins.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":"163 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140834560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Keeper effect: Animals are more active in the presence of their caretakers","authors":"Eridia Pacheco, Bethany L. Krebs, Jason V. Watters","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21833","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21833","url":null,"abstract":"Zookeepers are the primary caretakers of animals, providing daily care through frequent and close interactions. From the animal's perspective, most of these daily interactions are likely to have positive outcomes. With consistent and reliable interactions, a human–animal relationship is expected to develop. Our aim of this study was to investigate if the presence of the primary keeper in the public viewing area of zoo exhibits impacts the behavior of animals. We observed the behavior of 15 individuals of six species in the presence and absence of their primary keeper. Overall, we observed animals being more active in their keeper's presence than when the keeper was not present. When we considered if the keeper was nearby around times of offered opportunities to animals (e.g., feeding, enrichment, and training), our results showed that animals were equally as active when the keeper was present before an opportunity and when no opportunity was offered. These equal activity levels imply that the keeper is a cue for a forthcoming event to the animals, which reflects anticipatory behavior. Overall, we demonstrate that keeper presence is an environmental context in which animals behave differently than in keeper absence.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":"55 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140602136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Venous blood gas and lactate values in adult giraffe trained for voluntary jugular phlebotomy","authors":"Jordan Elias Cole, Liza Dadone, Sangeeta Rao, Priya Bapodra‐Villaverde, Amy Schilz, Matthew Johnston","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21831","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21831","url":null,"abstract":"Blood gas analyses have previously been performed for giraffe under anesthesia and with physical restraint in a chute; however, reference values for giraffe that are trained to participate in venipuncture without chemical or physical restraint have not previously been described. Using a point‐of‐care blood gas and lactate analyzer and 20 giraffe trained for voluntary phlebotomy, values were determined for venous blood gasses and plasma lactate concentration. Ninety‐five percent confidence in the mean values for venous pH (7.34–7.46), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>; 28.5–37.8 mmHg), partial pressure of oxygen (PO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>; 56–102 mmHg), bicarbonate (HCO<jats:sub>3</jats:sub><jats:sup>−</jats:sup>; 18.9–21.0 mmol/L), base excess (BE; −6.0 to −3.6 mmol/L), total carbon dioxide (TCO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>; 19.9–22.0 mmol/L), and lactate (0.32–0.56 mmol/L) were calculated. This is the first report on venous blood gas analysis values for giraffe without chemical or physical restraint. These data will provide a reference for clinical interpretation of venous blood gas and lactate values in giraffe and demonstrate some of the potential diagnostic benefits to training giraffe and other zoo species for voluntary medical procedures.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140582218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Behavior of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs post-den emergence at the Detroit Zoo.","authors":"Kylen N Gartland, Mary Humbyrd, Tami Brightrall, Betsie Meister, Grace Fuller","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21814","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21814","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the wild, female polar bears (Ursus maritimus) with cubs may spend extended periods of time within the den following initial emergence. As a result, studying behavioral development of cubs at the denning site has been difficult and unreliable. Although care staff at zoological institutions have easier access to animals, every effort is made to minimize intrusions to maternal groups, which presents research limitations. Detroit Zoological Society staff used audio-equipped cameras installed in behind-the-scenes spaces to conduct approximately 9 weeks of monitoring on two female polar bear cubs of the same litter, one of whom (Laerke) was hand-reared while the other (Astra) was mother-reared. Monitoring spanned ages 14-24 weeks and consisted of 12, 5-min focal observations per observation day timed to evenly cover the entire 24-h day. Using generalized linear mixed models, we examined relationships between behavior and time of day, hour, and age. We also conducted descriptive analyses and used these to draw comparisons between the two cubs where appropriate. Despite different rearing environments, both cubs had highly comparable patterns of inactive, locomotory, and independent play behaviors. Astra generally decreased time spent nursing and in proximity to Suka as she aged. Data presented here represent a continuation of previous neonatal observations conducted on Astra, adding to the minimal body of knowledge currently available on first year polar bear cub development. We also report successful mitigation of stereotypic behavior in Laerke. Further studies of captive maternal groups can provide insight into this critical developmental stage, supporting both captive-based breeding efforts and in situ conservation efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"149-163"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139425619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First successful artificial insemination of the endangered Louisiana pinesnake, Pituophis ruthveni.","authors":"Beth M Roberts, Mark R Sandfoss, Tonia S Schwartz, Alexis Lindsey, Kristin M Hinkson, Steven B Reichling","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21817","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21817","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Louisiana pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni) is considered one of the rarest snakes in North America and was federally listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2018. Captive breeding and reintroduction of zoo-bred hatchlings has been successful, however, limited founders in the captive population and the inability to bring new, wild genes into the captive colony presents a major concern for the conservation of this species. The use of artificial insemination (AI) was first applied to snakes in the 1980s but further development of the technique has since received little attention. Our goal was to develop a method of AI for use in breeding Louisiana pinesnakes to facilitate gene flow from wild to captive populations. We inseminated two captive Louisiana pinesnakes with semen collected from one donor male, novel to both females. Timing of AI occurred following the emergence of females from brumation, and when large, distinct follicles were detected using digital palpation. Females were inseminated four and five times over a period of 14 and 19 days, respectively, using fresh and 2-day refrigerator stored semen. One female laid seven eggs, which resulted in four fertile eggs and two viable hatchlings, while the second female produced three fertile of seven eggs laid but no viable hatchlings. Genetic analyses confirmed the donor male was the sire of hatchlings. This is the first successful AI of an endangered snake species and provides a framework for the use and optimization of assisted reproductive technologies for use in conservation breeding programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"178-182"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139486506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Husbandry conditions of spotted ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei, Chimaeriformes) in aquaria for successful embryonic development and long-term survival of juveniles.","authors":"Fidji Berio, Raphaël Charron, Jean-Marie Dagouret, Florent De Gasperis, Aurore Éon, Emmanuel Meunier, Morrigane Simonet, Nathalie Verschraegen, Nicolas Hirel","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21813","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21813","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The spotted ratfish Hydrolagus colliei is the most common holocephalan species exhibited in aquaria worldwide for introducing deep-sea environments and raising awareness of their conservation. However, little is known about the biology of H. colliei. Current practices in aquaria allow long-term survival of sexually mature H. colliei specimens; however, this species struggles to complete a reproductive cycle in captivity mostly because embryos do not reach the hatchling stage. The aquarists of Planet Ocean Montpellier (POM, France) have bred H. colliei for 15 years and recorded parameters suitable for this species' successful embryonic and post-embryonic development. POM aquarists now regularly record egg-laying events of H. colliei and use four tanks to incubate eggs and raise neonates, late hatchlings, early and intermediate juveniles, subadults, and sexually mature specimens. In this work we provide the first long-term biometric data on H. colliei from the hatchling to the subadult stage. We also report the biotic and abiotic parameters sufficient to breed H. colliei in aquaria. We finally describe the methods used to facilitate individual monitoring of specimens along the ontogeny and several pathologies identified in this species, their putative causes, and the corresponding treatments. This work highlights the importance of ex situ research and points to the valuable outcomes of collaborative efforts between aquaria and academia in deciphering the biology of species whose study in the wild remains challenging.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"188-198"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139049429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Visitor engagement with zoo staff and interpretive demonstrations increases visitor stay time in two free-flight aviaries.","authors":"Cassandra E M Lyon, Andrew C Alba, Amy Burgess, Chelsea J Weibel, Dave Miller, Christina Alligood, Gina M Ferrie","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21812","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21812","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding how visitors spend time in zoo exhibits is important as zoological facilities work to enhance visitor experience and conservation education outcomes. We explored a variety of factors we hypothesized would influence visitor stay times in two aviaries at Disney's Animal Kingdom®. Within these aviaries, visitors could utilize educational materials, listen to staff-led demonstrations, or talks, view animal training sessions, or speak directly with animal care or education staff. We observed visitors and recorded the opportunities they utilized in the exhibit. Visitors to either aviary who conversed with exhibit-specific staff stayed between 67% and 89% longer than visitors who did not. In addition, visitors who used a bird guide while in either aviary stayed between 59% and 82% longer than those who did not. Those who listened to an animal care talk or engaged with a staff-led demonstration stayed between 50% and 68% longer than those who did not have the option to participate in such activities. This study provides insight into how exhibit offerings can influence visitor behavior. Implementing strategies used in this study to increase visitors' time in an exhibit may enhance visitor experience and improve learning outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"136-148"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138831938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}