Monitoring adrenal activity can provide insight into an animal’s physiological state and can be assessed non-invasively via excreta (e.g. bird droppings). However, before this technique can be used, it needs to be validated for each species. In this study, we biologically validated an assay for monitoring adrenocortical activity via faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) in little penguins ( Eudyptula minor ). The validation incorporated a pre-scheduled husbandry event that is potentially stressful (annual veterinary health check). Four penguins were randomly selected a priori and immediately following their veterinary examination, they were transferred to off-display housing to facilitate individual collection of droppings over the following five days. All penguins exhibited a peak in FGM concentrations within 24 h of the start of the health check and on average FGM concentrations increased six-fold above an individual’s mean baseline value. This validated FGM assay provides a valuable addition to the suite of tools available to monitor little penguins in zoos and in the wild.
{"title":"Validation of an assay to measure glucocorticoid metabolites in the droppings of little penguins (Eudyptula minor)","authors":"Sally L. Sherwen, K. Fanson","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.135","url":null,"abstract":"Monitoring adrenal activity can provide insight into an animal’s physiological state and can be assessed non-invasively via excreta (e.g. bird droppings). However, before this technique can be used, it needs to be validated for each species. In this study, we biologically validated an assay for monitoring adrenocortical activity via faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) in little penguins ( Eudyptula minor ). The validation incorporated a pre-scheduled husbandry event that is potentially stressful (annual veterinary health check). Four penguins were randomly selected a priori and immediately following their veterinary examination, they were transferred to off-display housing to facilitate individual collection of droppings over the following five days. All penguins exhibited a peak in FGM concentrations within 24 h of the start of the health check and on average FGM concentrations increased six-fold above an individual’s mean baseline value. This validated FGM assay provides a valuable addition to the suite of tools available to monitor little penguins in zoos and in the wild.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"134-136"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68100773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Based on sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes, we report on a screening of 11 presumed Nile crocodiles from various European zoos, of which five (from four facilities) turned out to be western Nile crocodiles, Crocodylus suchus , the recently resurrected name applied to the western genetic lineage of Crocodylus niloticus sensu lato . We also provide evidence for a pure species-level genetic background of six additional Crocodylus mindorensis from a European zoo facility, a species that is known to hybridise with Crocodylus porosus . Our results are based on a limited number of genetic markers and thus might miss backcrossed hybrid specimens, but they provide an important basis for the establishment of conservation breeding programmes, already in place for C. mindorensis and contemplated for C. suchus . We found evidence for possible genetic admixture between C. suchus and C. niloticus in a specimen found in Lebanon, possibly representing a released captive-bred hybrid. We reiterate the need for such basic genetic screening especially in morphologically cryptic and poorly studied species in the context of ex-situ conservation breeding, to avoid erroneous species identification and overlooking of unknown evolutionary lineages.
{"title":"The necessity of genetic screening for proper management of captive crocodile populations based on the examples of Crocodylus suchus and C. mindorensis","authors":"T. Ziegler, Susanne Hauswaldt, M. Vences","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.106","url":null,"abstract":"Based on sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes, we report on a screening of 11 presumed Nile crocodiles from various European zoos, of which five (from four facilities) turned out to be western Nile crocodiles, Crocodylus suchus , the recently resurrected name applied to the western genetic lineage of Crocodylus niloticus sensu lato . We also provide evidence for a pure species-level genetic background of six additional Crocodylus mindorensis from a European zoo facility, a species that is known to hybridise with Crocodylus porosus . Our results are based on a limited number of genetic markers and thus might miss backcrossed hybrid specimens, but they provide an important basis for the establishment of conservation breeding programmes, already in place for C. mindorensis and contemplated for C. suchus . We found evidence for possible genetic admixture between C. suchus and C. niloticus in a specimen found in Lebanon, possibly representing a released captive-bred hybrid. We reiterate the need for such basic genetic screening especially in morphologically cryptic and poorly studied species in the context of ex-situ conservation breeding, to avoid erroneous species identification and overlooking of unknown evolutionary lineages.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"123-127"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68101106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pacing behaviour is complex and identifying the motivational basis for pacing and designing an effective remedial strategy can be challenging. Details of the behaviour may provide insight into the motivational basis of behaviour and should be carefully examined. A long-term observational study of pacing by a female Malayan sun bear ( Helarctos malayanus ) was conducted to gather detailed information on the pacing behaviour and guide husbandry changes. Full-day behaviour observations were conducted (n=60; mean duration=5.9 hrs/observation). Pacing data were recorded using continuous sampling methodology with all-occurrences recording of events before and after pacing bouts. Solitary behaviour and social interaction between the focal female and a male and female exhibit partner were recorded using instantaneous sampling and all-occurrences methodologies, respectively. All pacing bouts occurred between tunnels to off-exhibit indoor holding areas, bouts were short in duration and variable, and pacing often began after the male bear entered a shift tunnel. Social interactions between the two females were frequently agonistic. Based on these findings, the non-focal female bear was removed from the group and the focal female and male were given access to indoor holding areas on most days. The focal female only paced once when provided access to indoor holding. When the bears did not have off-exhibit access, pacing characteristics appeared similar to bouts before modifications but pacing no longer appear to be influenced by the male’s behaviour. Our detailed analysis of pacing by the female sun bear provided insight regarding motivation, the need for husbandry changes, and evaluation of those changes.
{"title":"Social and environmental influences on pacing in a female Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus).","authors":"J. Rog, K. Lukas, Jason D Wark","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.148","url":null,"abstract":"Pacing behaviour is complex and identifying the motivational basis for pacing and designing an effective remedial strategy can be challenging. Details of the behaviour may provide insight into the motivational basis of behaviour and should be carefully examined. A long-term observational study of pacing by a female Malayan sun bear ( Helarctos malayanus ) was conducted to gather detailed information on the pacing behaviour and guide husbandry changes. Full-day behaviour observations were conducted (n=60; mean duration=5.9 hrs/observation). Pacing data were recorded using continuous sampling methodology with all-occurrences recording of events before and after pacing bouts. Solitary behaviour and social interaction between the focal female and a male and female exhibit partner were recorded using instantaneous sampling and all-occurrences methodologies, respectively. All pacing bouts occurred between tunnels to off-exhibit indoor holding areas, bouts were short in duration and variable, and pacing often began after the male bear entered a shift tunnel. Social interactions between the two females were frequently agonistic. Based on these findings, the non-focal female bear was removed from the group and the focal female and male were given access to indoor holding areas on most days. The focal female only paced once when provided access to indoor holding. When the bears did not have off-exhibit access, pacing characteristics appeared similar to bouts before modifications but pacing no longer appear to be influenced by the male’s behaviour. Our detailed analysis of pacing by the female sun bear provided insight regarding motivation, the need for husbandry changes, and evaluation of those changes.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"151-156"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68102386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. J. Maya-Soriano, M. T. Abelló, H. Fernández-Bellon, M. Martín, J. Vidal, C. Salvador, M. López‐Béjar
The drill ( Mandrillus leucophaeus ) is listed as endangered by the IUCN and its population is decreasing due to habitat loss and human activity. The European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) aims to consolidate a self-sustaining ex-situ population, and there is a need to develop appropriate assisted reproductive technologies (ART) that could help to increase breeding rates and/or genetic variability, or at least preserve sexual cells for the future. In 2006, a new breeding male drill arrived at Barcelona Zoo but was unable to mate appropriately with females during oestrus. Several attempts at sperm cell recovery by electro-ejaculation were performed on the breeding male in order to ascertain his fertility, while female oestrous cycles were visually monitored every month. In all, five electro-ejaculation and artificial insemination (AI) attempts were undertaken. Good samples of sperm were gathered and preserved, but the optimal moment for insemination needs more investigation, as no female got pregnant. To our knowledge, this is the first report of attempted AI in drills under anaesthesia and provides some valuable information for the future development of ART in endangered cercopithecids.
{"title":"Reproductive assessment and preliminary evaluation of assisted reproductive technologies in drills (Mandrillus leucophaeus)","authors":"M. J. Maya-Soriano, M. T. Abelló, H. Fernández-Bellon, M. Martín, J. Vidal, C. Salvador, M. López‐Béjar","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.65","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.65","url":null,"abstract":"The drill ( Mandrillus leucophaeus ) is listed as endangered by the IUCN and its population is decreasing due to habitat loss and human activity. The European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) aims to consolidate a self-sustaining ex-situ population, and there is a need to develop appropriate assisted reproductive technologies (ART) that could help to increase breeding rates and/or genetic variability, or at least preserve sexual cells for the future. In 2006, a new breeding male drill arrived at Barcelona Zoo but was unable to mate appropriately with females during oestrus. Several attempts at sperm cell recovery by electro-ejaculation were performed on the breeding male in order to ascertain his fertility, while female oestrous cycles were visually monitored every month. In all, five electro-ejaculation and artificial insemination (AI) attempts were undertaken. Good samples of sperm were gathered and preserved, but the optimal moment for insemination needs more investigation, as no female got pregnant. To our knowledge, this is the first report of attempted AI in drills under anaesthesia and provides some valuable information for the future development of ART in endangered cercopithecids.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"116-122"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68102022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Rendle, B. Tapley, M. Perkins, Gabriela B Bittencourt-Silva, D. Gower, M. Wilkinson
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd ) is the causative agent of the disease amphibian chytridiomycosis, one of the factors driving amphibian population declines. Bd infections are treatable in at least some cases, but in the Gymnophiona has been little reported, and restricted to heat treatment in the form of increased environmental temperature. We report the successful treatment of Bd infection in the terrestrial African caecilian Geotrypetes seraphini and the prophylactic treatment of the aquatic neotropical caecilian Potomotyphlus kaupii , using 30 minute immersions in a 0.01% solution of the antifungal itraconazole over a period of 11 days. Previously only recorded in wild African Gymnophiona, our report of Bd in P. kaupii is not only the first record of infection in a wild aquatic caecilian but also in a caecilian of neotropical origin. To improve our understanding of the impact of Bd on caecilians, Bd isolates should be obtained from wild caecilians in order to ascertain what lineages of Bd infect this order. In addition, more wild individuals should be subjected to Bd diagnostic surveys, including in Asia where caecilians have not yet been subject to such surveys.
{"title":"Itraconazole treatment of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) infection in captive caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona) and the first case of Bd in a wild neotropical caecilian","authors":"M. Rendle, B. Tapley, M. Perkins, Gabriela B Bittencourt-Silva, D. Gower, M. Wilkinson","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.112","url":null,"abstract":"Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd ) is the causative agent of the disease amphibian chytridiomycosis, one of the factors driving amphibian population declines. Bd infections are treatable in at least some cases, but in the Gymnophiona has been little reported, and restricted to heat treatment in the form of increased environmental temperature. We report the successful treatment of Bd infection in the terrestrial African caecilian Geotrypetes seraphini and the prophylactic treatment of the aquatic neotropical caecilian Potomotyphlus kaupii , using 30 minute immersions in a 0.01% solution of the antifungal itraconazole over a period of 11 days. Previously only recorded in wild African Gymnophiona, our report of Bd in P. kaupii is not only the first record of infection in a wild aquatic caecilian but also in a caecilian of neotropical origin. To improve our understanding of the impact of Bd on caecilians, Bd isolates should be obtained from wild caecilians in order to ascertain what lineages of Bd infect this order. In addition, more wild individuals should be subjected to Bd diagnostic surveys, including in Asia where caecilians have not yet been subject to such surveys.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"137-140"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68101216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In 2009 an online survey was sent out to various zoos across Europe and Israel to gather information concerning the health status and management of captive white rhinoceroses ( Ceratotherium s. simum ). The goals of the online survey were to understand (1) the occurrence of disease in different organ systems, (2) the role of different management systems in disease incidents and (3) the effect of age and sex on the disease occurrence. Of 70 institutions contacted, 45 responded to the survey. The answers were analysed and baseline information concerning management and health in the various captive settings was collated. The analysis shows that some organ systems (skin, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract) are more affected by disease issues than others. The study also shows that veterinarians are still reluctant to sedate or anaesthetizse rhinos in order to make a diagnosis. This results in the long-term and repeated use of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based solely on visual examination of the animal. This approach can potentially mask disease progression and lead to a significant worsening of the initial problem and ultimately to death.
2009年，一项在线调查被发送到欧洲和以色列的各个动物园，以收集有关圈养白犀牛(Ceratotherium s. simum)的健康状况和管理的信息。在线调查的目的是了解(1)疾病在不同器官系统的发生，(2)不同管理系统在疾病事件中的作用，(3)年龄和性别对疾病发生的影响。在我们联系的70家机构中，有45家做出了回应。对答案进行了分析，并整理了各种圈养环境中有关管理和健康的基线信息。分析表明，一些器官系统(皮肤、胃肠道和生殖道)比其他器官系统更容易受到疾病问题的影响。该研究还表明，兽医仍然不愿意为了做出诊断而对犀牛进行镇静或麻醉。这导致长期反复使用抗生素和非甾体抗炎药，仅根据动物的视觉检查。这种方法可能潜在地掩盖疾病进展，导致最初问题的严重恶化，最终导致死亡。
{"title":"Health and health management of captive white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum): results from an online survey","authors":"A. Posautz, F. Knauer, C. Walzer","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.91","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.91","url":null,"abstract":"In 2009 an online survey was sent out to various zoos across Europe and Israel to gather information concerning the health status and management of captive white rhinoceroses ( Ceratotherium s. simum ). The goals of the online survey were to understand (1) the occurrence of disease in different organ systems, (2) the role of different management systems in disease incidents and (3) the effect of age and sex on the disease occurrence. Of 70 institutions contacted, 45 responded to the survey. The answers were analysed and baseline information concerning management and health in the various captive settings was collated. The analysis shows that some organ systems (skin, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract) are more affected by disease issues than others. The study also shows that veterinarians are still reluctant to sedate or anaesthetizse rhinos in order to make a diagnosis. This results in the long-term and repeated use of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based solely on visual examination of the animal. This approach can potentially mask disease progression and lead to a significant worsening of the initial problem and ultimately to death.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"128-133"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68102109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The common European cuttlefish ( Sepia officinalis ) is frequently found in public aquaria in Europe. These remarkable creatures make fantastic display animals due to their rapid colour/texture/behaviour changes associated with feeding or camouflage. They possess extremely fragile bodies and soft tissues, adaptations thought to have evolved to evade predators, and in captivity cuttlefish can damage easily when startled or fleeing perceived threats and these injuries rarely heal, can cause permanent damage and even death. Knowing the signals which typically occur before damaging behaviours can reduce such incidents and therefore dramatically improve their welfare. Another aspect of captive animal welfare is providing suitable enrichment. Cuttlefish are adept at revealing how they feel about their present circumstances through deimatic displays, threat signals and defensive behaviours. Here, based on approximately two thousand hours of observations a very detailed welfare-focused behaviour table, a table summarising tank requirements/enrichment in cephalopods and an example care sheet derived from the observations are presented. This paper provides the resources to determine and prevent behaviours likely to precede damaging behaviours. Collating behaviours and sharing them with aquarists can be a valuable tool in preventing injuries and assessing wellbeing in captive animals.
{"title":"Behavioural indicators of welfare exhibited by the common European cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)","authors":"Gavan M Cooke, Belinda M. Tonkins","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I4.142","url":null,"abstract":"The common European cuttlefish ( Sepia officinalis ) is frequently found in public aquaria in Europe. These remarkable creatures make fantastic display animals due to their rapid colour/texture/behaviour changes associated with feeding or camouflage. They possess extremely fragile bodies and soft tissues, adaptations thought to have evolved to evade predators, and in captivity cuttlefish can damage easily when startled or fleeing perceived threats and these injuries rarely heal, can cause permanent damage and even death. Knowing the signals which typically occur before damaging behaviours can reduce such incidents and therefore dramatically improve their welfare. Another aspect of captive animal welfare is providing suitable enrichment. Cuttlefish are adept at revealing how they feel about their present circumstances through deimatic displays, threat signals and defensive behaviours. Here, based on approximately two thousand hours of observations a very detailed welfare-focused behaviour table, a table summarising tank requirements/enrichment in cephalopods and an example care sheet derived from the observations are presented. This paper provides the resources to determine and prevent behaviours likely to precede damaging behaviours. Collating behaviours and sharing them with aquarists can be a valuable tool in preventing injuries and assessing wellbeing in captive animals.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"157-162"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68102086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Despite the fact that nearly all captive polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) are recommended for breeding, very few cubs are born each year and the rate of neonatal mortality is high. Animal caretakers tend to rely on anecdotal reports regarding reproductive events, such as timing of parturition, litter size and cub survival. To objectively document trends in polar bear reproduction during their tenure in North American zoos, this analysis utilised 99 years of records in the Polar Bear Studbook to characterise patterns in reproduction and cub survival. Factors evaluated included latitude, year of birth, parental demographics (age, origin (captive-born or wild-caught) and litter size), sex, survival, litter size and litter order. Between 1912 and 2010, 697 individuals (456 litters) were born at latitudes ranging from 25.90 to 52.94 oN. The average number of litters produced per year was 4.60 ± 0.51 with a range of zero to 18. The polar bear birth season lasted 106 days with mean and median birth dates of 29 November. Litter size was unaffected by any of the variables analysed: 52.7% of litters were singletons, 44.9% were twins and 2.4% were triplets. Older sires produced a higher proportion of male offspring than younger sires (P < 0.05). More than half of all individuals died prior to 30 days of age and 30.4% reached adulthood (four years). Cubs of captive-born parents lived longer than those of wild-caught parents (P < 0.05). Individuals born in litters of multiples were more likely to die as neonates than those born as singletons (P < 0.01) and individuals born to multiparous dams lived longer than those born to primiparous dams (P < 0.02). This study represents the largest analysis of captive polar bear reproduction conducted to date and may serve as a reference for individuals involved in the management and care of captive polar bears.
{"title":"Reproductive trends of captive polar bears in North American zoos: a historical analysis","authors":"E. Curry, S. Safayi, Randi Meyerson, T. Roth","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I3.133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I3.133","url":null,"abstract":"Despite the fact that nearly all captive polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) are recommended for breeding, very few cubs are born each year and the rate of neonatal mortality is high. Animal caretakers tend to rely on anecdotal reports regarding reproductive events, such as timing of parturition, litter size and cub survival. To objectively document trends in polar bear reproduction during their tenure in North American zoos, this analysis utilised 99 years of records in the Polar Bear Studbook to characterise patterns in reproduction and cub survival. Factors evaluated included latitude, year of birth, parental demographics (age, origin (captive-born or wild-caught) and litter size), sex, survival, litter size and litter order. Between 1912 and 2010, 697 individuals (456 litters) were born at latitudes ranging from 25.90 to 52.94 oN. The average number of litters produced per year was 4.60 ± 0.51 with a range of zero to 18. The polar bear birth season lasted 106 days with mean and median birth dates of 29 November. Litter size was unaffected by any of the variables analysed: 52.7% of litters were singletons, 44.9% were twins and 2.4% were triplets. Older sires produced a higher proportion of male offspring than younger sires (P < 0.05). More than half of all individuals died prior to 30 days of age and 30.4% reached adulthood (four years). Cubs of captive-born parents lived longer than those of wild-caught parents (P < 0.05). Individuals born in litters of multiples were more likely to die as neonates than those born as singletons (P < 0.01) and individuals born to multiparous dams lived longer than those born to primiparous dams (P < 0.02). This study represents the largest analysis of captive polar bear reproduction conducted to date and may serve as a reference for individuals involved in the management and care of captive polar bears.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"99-106"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68100791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E. J. Rode-Margono, M. Albers, W. Wirdateti, A. Abinawanto, K. Nekaris
Javan slow lorises (Primates: Nycticebus javanicus ) are heavily threatened by anthropogenic disturbance and the illegal animal trade, both of which may impact parasite loads. They are also venomous, which may have evolved to help reduce parasite burdens. We present analyses of faecal samples for evidence of gastrointestinal parasites and data based on ectoparasite inspections from wild Javan slow loris collected over a 13-month period. We sampled 21 N. javanicus for parasites at Cipaganti, Garut District, West Java, Indonesia. We found most individuals were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. We report hookworm ( Necator spp.) – eggs and adults; pinworms ( Lemuricola spp.) – eggs and adults; and Trichostrongylus – eggs and adults. We found evidence for only one ectoparasite infection in 61 captures, this being a rash on one adult male. Although we could not identify the parasite, it had close resemblance to a skin mite species. Prevalence and intensity of infections with Lemuricola spp. were not related to weather periods or sex, but showed a tendency of fewer infections in immature slow lorises. The role of slow loris venom in the defence of ecto- and endoparasites is discussed. We emphasise the importance of natural diet to ensure an appropriate immune reaction including venom sequestering in rescue centres. Lemuricola spp. have not been documented for any other slow loris species which emphasises the danger of not recognising taxonomic differences and geographical distribution in reintroduction planning.
{"title":"Gastrointestinal parasites and ectoparasites in wild Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus), and implications for captivity and animal rescue","authors":"E. J. Rode-Margono, M. Albers, W. Wirdateti, A. Abinawanto, K. Nekaris","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I3.86","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I3.86","url":null,"abstract":"Javan slow lorises (Primates: Nycticebus javanicus ) are heavily threatened by anthropogenic disturbance and the illegal animal trade, both of which may impact parasite loads. They are also venomous, which may have evolved to help reduce parasite burdens. We present analyses of faecal samples for evidence of gastrointestinal parasites and data based on ectoparasite inspections from wild Javan slow loris collected over a 13-month period. We sampled 21 N. javanicus for parasites at Cipaganti, Garut District, West Java, Indonesia. We found most individuals were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. We report hookworm ( Necator spp.) – eggs and adults; pinworms ( Lemuricola spp.) – eggs and adults; and Trichostrongylus – eggs and adults. We found evidence for only one ectoparasite infection in 61 captures, this being a rash on one adult male. Although we could not identify the parasite, it had close resemblance to a skin mite species. Prevalence and intensity of infections with Lemuricola spp. were not related to weather periods or sex, but showed a tendency of fewer infections in immature slow lorises. The role of slow loris venom in the defence of ecto- and endoparasites is discussed. We emphasise the importance of natural diet to ensure an appropriate immune reaction including venom sequestering in rescue centres. Lemuricola spp. have not been documented for any other slow loris species which emphasises the danger of not recognising taxonomic differences and geographical distribution in reintroduction planning.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"80-86"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68100909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Henningsen, B. Whitaker, K. Kight, D. Hess, C. Hadfield, Y. Zohar
Sand tiger sharks, Carcharias taurus , are commonly maintained in large public aquaria throughout the world, but limited success has been achieved in captive reproduction. Successful captive reproduction in this species has only been documented in four institutions to date. In this investigation, steroid hormone assays in male sand tiger sharks were compared before and after dosing with a GnRH antagonist (Antide; Bachem, Inc., Torrance, CA). Three male sand tiger sharks were sampled serially for 12 months. All three sharks received two microsphere-encapsulated doses of Antide (0.185 and 0.225 mg·kg -1 ), 69 days apart. Serum samples were assayed for concentrations of the steroid hormones 17β-oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, corticosterone, and the GnRH antagonist Antide via radioimmunoassay. The results obtained demonstrate cyclical patterns in the steroid profiles, and that mean Antide level peaked 33 and 27 days following each injection, respectively. Circulating Antide was detectable eight months after the final treatment. Contrary to the anticipated effect, however, concentrations of all five steroids increased immediately following initial administration of the antagonist. Although the lack of control subjects precludes solid conclusions regarding the effects of the antagonist upon steroid hormone levels, notable declines in the levels were observed concurrent with peak circulating Antide levels. Further, although we cannot attribute it to the antagonist, mean androgen levels declined more sharply following antagonist administration than those observed in a previous investigation in this group of male sharks. This is the first documented use of a GnRH antagonist in any chondrichthyan. Further research, including control subjects, is suggested to investigate the effects of the antagonist upon steroid hormones, reproductive cycles and behaviour.
{"title":"The use of a gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist in captive sand tiger sharks, Carcharias taurus, and the serum levels of the antagonist and reproductive steroid hormones","authors":"A. Henningsen, B. Whitaker, K. Kight, D. Hess, C. Hadfield, Y. Zohar","doi":"10.19227/JZAR.V3I3.120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.19227/JZAR.V3I3.120","url":null,"abstract":"Sand tiger sharks, Carcharias taurus , are commonly maintained in large public aquaria throughout the world, but limited success has been achieved in captive reproduction. Successful captive reproduction in this species has only been documented in four institutions to date. In this investigation, steroid hormone assays in male sand tiger sharks were compared before and after dosing with a GnRH antagonist (Antide; Bachem, Inc., Torrance, CA). Three male sand tiger sharks were sampled serially for 12 months. All three sharks received two microsphere-encapsulated doses of Antide (0.185 and 0.225 mg·kg -1 ), 69 days apart. Serum samples were assayed for concentrations of the steroid hormones 17β-oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, corticosterone, and the GnRH antagonist Antide via radioimmunoassay. The results obtained demonstrate cyclical patterns in the steroid profiles, and that mean Antide level peaked 33 and 27 days following each injection, respectively. Circulating Antide was detectable eight months after the final treatment. Contrary to the anticipated effect, however, concentrations of all five steroids increased immediately following initial administration of the antagonist. Although the lack of control subjects precludes solid conclusions regarding the effects of the antagonist upon steroid hormone levels, notable declines in the levels were observed concurrent with peak circulating Antide levels. Further, although we cannot attribute it to the antagonist, mean androgen levels declined more sharply following antagonist administration than those observed in a previous investigation in this group of male sharks. This is the first documented use of a GnRH antagonist in any chondrichthyan. Further research, including control subjects, is suggested to investigate the effects of the antagonist upon steroid hormones, reproductive cycles and behaviour.","PeriodicalId":56160,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"107-115"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2015-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"68098473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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