The various behaviors of four Amur tigers in captivity were investigated in March from 1998 to 2001 in Harbin Zoo. The results showed that the behavior could be divided into 5 major types: moving, resting, sleeping, e...The various behaviors of four Amur tigers in captivity were investigated in March from 1998 to 2001 in Harbin Zoo. The results showed that the behavior could be divided into 5 major types: moving, resting, sleeping, eating and other behaviors (including drinking, urinating, grooming, playing, standing). Of all behavioral models, sleeping and moving behaviors alone accounted for 75.18% and were two major behavioral models of all behaviors. Resting, eating and other behaviors accounted for 24.82%. Apart from eating, one male and two female individuals have similar peak periods of 4 major behaviors (one peak period in the daytime, and one peak period at night), similar to that of wild Amur tiger. However, one female individual have two clear peak periods at night.展开更多
Background: Bringing free-living animals into captivity subjects them to the stress of both capture and captivity, leading to the alteration of normal physiological processes and behaviors through activation of the hy...Background: Bringing free-living animals into captivity subjects them to the stress of both capture and captivity, leading to the alteration of normal physiological processes and behaviors through activation of the hypothalamic– pituitary–adrenal axis. In free-living birds, although elevated plasma corticosterone (CORT) is an important adaptation regulating physiological and behavioral responses during the process of capture and captivity stress, little information is currently available on the effects of such stress on plasma metabolite levels. Methods: We examined the effects of immediate capture and 24-h captivity on body mass, body condition, plasma CORT, and metabolite levels including glucose (Glu), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), uric acid (UA), in breeding Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus). Results: CORT and Glu levels were increased significantly by the stress of capture, whereas TC and UA levels decreased. Body mass, body condition declined notably after 24 h in captivity, but CORT, Glu, and UA levels increased. Furthermore, male sparrows had lower TG levels after both capture and captivity than those of females. The relationships between plasma CORT and metabolite levels varied between sexes. Conclusions: Our results revealed that the metabolic status of Eurasian Tree Sparrows could be dramatically altered by capture and captivity. Monitoring the dynamic effects of both capture and captivity on plasma CORT, metabolite levels in a free-living bird contributes to a better understanding of the stress-induced pathways involved in sexdependent energy mobilization.展开更多
Studies of metabolic variation in birds have involved both wild and captive individuals, but few studies have investi- gated whether captivity directly influences metabolic rates, despite such variation potentially co...Studies of metabolic variation in birds have involved both wild and captive individuals, but few studies have investi- gated whether captivity directly influences metabolic rates, despite such variation potentially confounding conclusions regarding how metabolic rates respond to the conditions under study. In addition, whether short-term captivity influences metabolic rate re- peatability in birds is currently uninvestigated. In this study, we measured Msum （maximal cold-induced metabolic rates） in sum- mer acclimatized American goldfinches Spinus tristis directly after capture from wild populations, after approximately 2 weeks of indoor captivity （Captive 1）, and again after an additional 1-2 weeks of captivity （Captive 2）. M~ increased significantly （16.9%） following the initial captive period, but remained stable thereafter. Body mass （Mb） also increased significantly （9.2%） during the initial captive period but remained stable thereafter, suggesting that muscle growth and/or remodeling of body composition pro- duced the observed metabolic variation. Mb and Msum were not significantly repeatable between wild and Captive 1 birds, but were significantly repeatable between Captive 1 and Captive 2 groups. These data suggest that caution must be exercised when extrapolating metabolic rates from short-term captive to wild populations. In addition, Msum was a repeatable trait for birds under conditions where mean metabolic rates remained stable, but Msum repeatability disappeared during acclimation to conditions pro- moting phenotypically flexible metabolic responses. This suggests that the capacity for phenotypic flexibility varies among indi- viduals, and such variation could have fitness consequences展开更多
The breeding process, management norms and reproduction measures of African gray were briefly introduced, and the problems in breed-ing environment and reproduction process were put forward, so as to provide a referen...The breeding process, management norms and reproduction measures of African gray were briefly introduced, and the problems in breed-ing environment and reproduction process were put forward, so as to provide a reference for captive breeding of African gray.展开更多
Between June 2005 and February 2006, focal sampling and all occurrence behavior recording were used to quantify the behavioral patterns of captive female alpine musk deer （Moschus sifanicus） at Xinglongshan Musk Dee...Between June 2005 and February 2006, focal sampling and all occurrence behavior recording were used to quantify the behavioral patterns of captive female alpine musk deer （Moschus sifanicus） at Xinglongshan Musk Deer Farm, Gansu Province, China. Copulation success was used to differentiate individuals into two groups （successful and unsuccessful） and to provide a basis for behavioral comparisons, throughout both mating （rut） and non mating seasons. The results indicated significant differences between the behavior patterns of successful and unsuccessful females; however, the reproductive season played an important environmental factor. Pooling results across reproductive seasons, successfully copulating females showed significantly higher frequencies of vigilance and lower frequency of feeding behavior as compared with unsuccessfully copulating females. In the non-mating season, unsuccessfully copulating females had higher frequency of self-directed behavior, environment sniffing, and were less aggressive than successful copulating females. Furthermore, females who were successful at copulating also demonstrated tail-pasting behavior; however, this only occurred during the rut season. The results of this study can improve management practices for musk deer farms through increasing mating success and reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, variation in behavior may also be used as a predictor of copulation success and reproductive potential, whereby females can be grouped and separated according to their reproductive history and past reproduction success.展开更多
Captivity of wild animals and restriction of their movement can lead to stress, resulting in suppressed immune response and reduced disease resistance ability. Wild animals in zoological gardens can predominately affe...Captivity of wild animals and restriction of their movement can lead to stress, resulting in suppressed immune response and reduced disease resistance ability. Wild animals in zoological gardens can predominately affected by various gastro-intestinal parasites. This study was therefore, conducted to determine occurrence, identify types and assess seasonal variation of gastrointestinal parasites in captive animals at the Zoological garden of Haramaya University. The study involved a retrospective investigation of zoo records and fecal examinations. Twenty two fecal samples were collected in December, 2013 from all the animals in the garden and examined using concentration and fecal culture techniques. Sampling was repeated after four months in April, 2014 to assess seasonal variations of the parasites. The result from the retrospective study showed death of 21 animals in the last five years. Fecal examination confirmed presence of gastrointestinal parasites with an overall mean prevalence rate of 73.8%. A total of 9 parasite taxa were identified of which 6 (66.67%) and 4 (33.33%) were helminths and protozoa respectively. No Cestode and Trematode species were recovered. <i>Trichuris spp.</i>, <i>Toxocara spp.</i>, <i>Strongyloides spp.</i>, <i>Toxascaris leonine</i>, <i>Passalurus ambiguous</i> and <i>Ascaridia spp.</i> were the helminth parasites observed in the garden. <i>Entamoeba spp.</i>, <i>Isospora spp.</i> and <i>Eimeria spp.</i> were the protozoan parasites encountered. No remarkable seasonal variation in parasitic infection was noticed in the garden. The study revealed occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in the zoological garden, most of which are zoonotic and hence future studies are needed to determine risks of cross-transmission.展开更多
The duck-billed platypus(Ornithorhynchus anatinus)is currently listed as near-threatened.A key part of the conservation strategy for this species is its captive maintenance;however,captive animals often have dysbiotic...The duck-billed platypus(Ornithorhynchus anatinus)is currently listed as near-threatened.A key part of the conservation strategy for this species is its captive maintenance;however,captive animals often have dysbiotic gut bacterial microbiomes.Here,for the first time,we characterize the gut microbiome of wild platypus via fecal samples using high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and identify microbial biomarkers of captivity in this species.At the phylum level,Firmicutes(50.4%)predominated among all platypuses,followed by Proteobacteria(28.7%),Fusobacteria(13.4%),and Bacteroidota(6.9%),with 21“core”bacteria identified.Captive individuals did not differ in their microbialα-diversity compared to wild platypus but had significantly different community composition(β-diversity)and exhibited higher abundances of Enterococcus,which are potential pathogenic bacteria.Four taxa were identified as biomarkers of wild platypus,including Rickettsiella,Epulopiscium,Clostridium,and Cetobacterium.This contrast in gut microbiome composition between wild and captive platypus is an essential insight for guiding conservation management,as the rewilding of captive animal microbiomes is a new and emerging tool to improve captive animal health,maximize captive breeding efforts,and give reintroduced or translocated animals the best chance of survival.展开更多
Illegal hunting and trafficking of wildlife and their derivatives extort unprecedented population decline of relatively many species pushing them towards extinction.Notwithstanding contemporary counteracting intervent...Illegal hunting and trafficking of wildlife and their derivatives extort unprecedented population decline of relatively many species pushing them towards extinction.Notwithstanding contemporary counteracting interventions at international,regional,national and local levels,wildlife farming is advocated as an alternative approach to minimize pressure on wild populations.For wildlife farming to be an effective conservation tool,the integration of wildlife forensics is inevitable to allow distinction between captive-bred and wild-caught species.To this end,we analyzed methylation rates of skeletal muscle samples(pectoralis major,triceps brachii,gastrocnemius,biceps femoris,and neck muscles)from 60 captive-bred and 30 wild-caught Common Pheasant.A total of 13,507 differentially methylated regions were identified between five wild-caught and five captive-bred individuals through whole-genome methylation sequencing(WGBS).Based on the selected five methylation sites,LOC116231076,LOC116242223,ATAD2B,EGFL6,and HS2ST,quantitative detection technique was developed using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting curve(MS-HRM)to measure methylation rates.The results showed significant differences in methylation rates at all differential sites between wild-caught and captive-bred individuals(|t|=0.67–33.10,P=0.000–0.042).The discrimination accuracy rate of each locus was highest in the gastrocnemius muscle and lowest in the neck muscle.The discrimination accuracy rate on LOC116231076,LOC116242223,ATAD2B,EGFL6,and HS2ST methylation sites for gastrocnemius muscle was 64.98%,100.00%,68.54%,63.79%,and 63.70%,respectively;and for neck muscle it was 67.42%,68.06%,83.61%,65.04%,and68.85%,respectively.The united discrimination accuracy rate of the five loci were 100.00%for gastrocnemius muscle,99.78%for biceps femoris muscle,97.52%for pectoralis major muscle,93.96%for triceps brachii muscle,and 91.63%for neck muscle,respectively.The panel also revealed excellent repeatability,reproducibility,sensitivity and universality to mammals and avian species.This study establishes an effective,accurate and low-cost identification technology for the identification of wild and farmed Common Pheasant,and also provides a reference for the development of identification methods for other species.展开更多
Captive model tests are one of the most common methods to calculate the maneuvering hydrodynamic coefficients and characteristics of surface and underwater vehicles.Considerable attention must be paid to selecting and...Captive model tests are one of the most common methods to calculate the maneuvering hydrodynamic coefficients and characteristics of surface and underwater vehicles.Considerable attention must be paid to selecting and designing the most suitable laboratory equipment for towing tanks.A computational fluid dynamics(CFD)-based method is implemented to determine the loads acting on the towing facility of the submarine model.A reversed topology is also used to ensure the appropriateness of the load cells in the developed method.In this study,the numerical simulations were evaluated using the experimental results of the SUBOFF benchmark submarine model of the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency.The maximum and minimum loads acting on the 2.5-meter submarine model were measured by determining the body’s lightest and heaviest maneuvering test scenarios.In addition to having sufficient endurance against high loads,the precision in measuring the light load was also investigated.The horizontal planar motion mechanism(HPMM)facilities in the National Iranian Marine Laboratory were developed by locating the load cells inside the submarine model.The results were presented as a case study.A numerical-based method was developed to obtain the appropriate load measurement facilities.Load cells of HPMM test basins can be selected by following the two-way procedure presented in this study.展开更多
A healthy population of captive Amur tigers might assist recovery of the wild population in Northeast China if individuals were properly prepared and considered suitable for release in the wild.We analyzed the breedin...A healthy population of captive Amur tigers might assist recovery of the wild population in Northeast China if individuals were properly prepared and considered suitable for release in the wild.We analyzed the breeding records of 68 female Amur tigers from 1995 to 2010 in the Hengdaohezi Felid Breeding Center of China and compared the reproductive parameters of this population to wild female Amur tigers.We found that the reproductive parameters of the captive population(the age of first parturition,length of gestation and litter survival rate)were not significantly different from those of wild Amur tigers.Differences in birth date and litter size between wild and captive populations may be caused by management protocols for the captive population or insufficient field data from the wild population.Reproductive parameters of females giving birth after losing a litter were similar to parameters of females that did not lose a litter,except for birth date.These results provide no indication of major problems in using captive females for a breeding program for release of cubs into the wild,but additional information is still needed to assess their suitability.展开更多
提出了滤过型固相萃取柱净化-超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法同时测定鸡蛋中全氟丁酸、全氟戊酸、全氟己酸、全氟庚酸、全氟辛酸、全氟壬酸、全氟癸酸、全氟十一酸、全氟十二酸、全氟十三酸、全氟十四酸、全氟丁烷磺酸、全氟己烷磺酸、全氟...提出了滤过型固相萃取柱净化-超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法同时测定鸡蛋中全氟丁酸、全氟戊酸、全氟己酸、全氟庚酸、全氟辛酸、全氟壬酸、全氟癸酸、全氟十一酸、全氟十二酸、全氟十三酸、全氟十四酸、全氟丁烷磺酸、全氟己烷磺酸、全氟庚烷磺酸、全氟辛烷磺酸等15种全氟化合物含量的方法。鸡蛋样品(2 g)中加入0.1 mL 20.0μg·L^(-1)同位素内标混合溶液,经10 mL 80%(体积分数)乙腈溶液振荡和超声提取后,离心;分取5 mL滤液,直接过滤过型Captive EMR-Lipid柱净化,收集流出液,氮吹至近干,加入500μL甲醇复溶,经涡旋、离心处理后测定。采用Agilent Eclipse Plus C_(18)RRHD色谱柱(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.8μm)分离,以不同体积比的2 mmol·L^(-1)乙酸铵溶液和甲醇的混合溶液梯度洗脱,在电喷雾离子源负离子扫描模式下,以多反应监测模式检测,同位素内标法定量。结果表明:15种全氟化合物标准曲线的线性范围均为0.125~20.0μg·L^(-1),测定下限(10S/N)为0.05~0.16μg·kg^(-1);在0.500,4.00,16.0μg·kg^(-1)加标浓度水平下,15种目标物的回收率为78.0%~111%,测定值的相对标准偏差(n=6)为0.87%~14%。展开更多
In social groups,competition for individual advantage is balanced with cooperation,for the collective benefit.Selection against aggression has favored cooperation and non-aggressive competitive strategies.Because soci...In social groups,competition for individual advantage is balanced with cooperation,for the collective benefit.Selection against aggression has favored cooperation and non-aggressive competitive strategies.Because social play is a behavioral system that fluctuates between cooperation and competition,selection against aggression might have especially influenced this behavior.African savannah elephants(Loxodonta africana)are a low aggressive species,therefore suitable to investigate this aspect.We collected all occurrences observational audio-video data on social play,aggression/threats,and affiliation on an African elephant colony housed in a 25-ha open space at Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno(Cantabria,Spain)and composed of 4 family groups(3 immature males,3 immature females,and 7 adult females)and 2 adult males.Anticipating the influence of reduced aggression,we found that social play decreased with age,persisting in adults,and that it was highest in males.Social play was associated with affiliation(informing cooperation).Indeed,individuals that were central in the social play network were also central in the affiliation network.For immature subjects,we found a correlation between social play and affiliation sociomatrices.However,such correlation was absent in adults and social play mostly occurred between families.Despite the limitations related to dealing with a small captive group,this study largely supports the idea that the features of social play in African savannah elephants may be related to low aggression.This investigation hints toward a non-purely cooperative use of play,possibly as a non-aggressive interaction that accommodates different levels of cooperation and competition.展开更多
In July 2006, the diurnal activity rhythms of 13 heads of captive Qinling golden takin were observed in Shaanxi Provincial Centre for the Breeding and Conservation of Rare Wildlife （SPCBCRW） at daylight （from 9：00...In July 2006, the diurnal activity rhythms of 13 heads of captive Qinling golden takin were observed in Shaanxi Provincial Centre for the Breeding and Conservation of Rare Wildlife （SPCBCRW） at daylight （from 9：00 am to 4：00 pm in July）. The behavioral ethnogram was identified through observation at the sampling site, with the behaviors of golden takin recorded at 5 min interval using instantaneous scannable sampling method. The results indicated that the resting of golden takin took an important part in the daylight activities. Meanwhile, drinking and urinating and defecating were 1.92 and 0.54 and 0.92 times per head per day. Ambient temperature had a strong effect on the diurnal activity rhythms of golden takin. The diurnal activity rhymes were affected by ages of the animals effectively, which was expressed through differentiation of the time budgets. Moreover, different individuals in the same population showed some non-synchronously activity rhythms.展开更多
Recent genome studies indicate that tree shrew is in the order or a closest sister of primates,and thus may be one of the best animals to model human diseases.In this paper,we report on a social defeat model of depres...Recent genome studies indicate that tree shrew is in the order or a closest sister of primates,and thus may be one of the best animals to model human diseases.In this paper,we report on a social defeat model of depression in tree shrew（Tupaia belangeri chinensis）.Two male tree shrews were housed in a pair-cage consisting of two independent cages separated by a wire mesh partition with a door connecting the two cages.After one week adaptation,the connecting door was opened and a brief fighting occurs between the two male tree shrews and this social conflict session consisted of 1 h direct conflict（fighting） and 23 h indirect influence（e.g.smell,visual cues） per day for 21 days.The defeated tree shrew was considered the subordinate.Compared with na？ve animals,subordinate tree shrews at the final week of social conflict session showed alterations in body weight,locomotion,avoidance behavior and urinary cortisol levels.Remarkably,these alterations persisted for over two weeks.We also report on a novel captive conditioning model of learning and memory in tree shrew.An automatic trapping cage was placed in a small closed room with a freely-moving tree shrew.For the first four trials,the tree shrew was not trapped when it entered the cage and ate the bait apple,but it was trapped and kept in the cage for 1 h on the fifth trial.Latency was defined as the time between release of the tree shrew and when it entered the captive cage.Latencies during the five trials indicated adaptation.A test trial 24 h later was used to measure whether the one-trial trapping during the fifth trial could form captive memory.Tree shrews showed much longer trapping latencies in the test trial than the adaptation trials.The N-methyl-d-aspartate（NMDA） receptor antagonist MK-801（0.2 mg/kg,i.p.）,known to prevent the formation of memory,did not affect latencies in the adaptation trails,but did block captive memory as it led to much shorter trapping latencies compared to saline treatment in the test trial.These results demonstrate a chronic social defeat model of depression and a novel one-trial captive conditioning model for learning and memory in tree shrews,which are important for mechanism studies of depression,learning,memory,and preclinical evaluation for new antidepressants.展开更多
Pangolins are among the most critically endangered animals due to widespread poaching and worldwide trafficking. Captive breeding is considered to be one way to protect them and increase the sizes of their populations...Pangolins are among the most critically endangered animals due to widespread poaching and worldwide trafficking. Captive breeding is considered to be one way to protect them and increase the sizes of their populations. However, comparative studies of captive and wild pangolins in the context of gut microbiota are rare. Here, the gut microbiome of captive and confiscated-rescued wild pangolins is compared, and the effects of different periods of captivity and captivity with and without antibiotic treatment are considered.We show that different diets and periods of captivity, as well as the application of antibiotic therapy, can alter gut community composition and abundance in pangolins. Compared to wild pangolins, captive pangolins have an increased capacity for chitin and cellulose/hemicellulose degradation, fatty acid metabolism, and short-chain fatty acid synthesis, but a reduced ability to metabolize exogenous substances. In addition to increasing the ability of the gut microbiota to metabolize nutrients in captivity, captive breeding imposes some risks for survival by resulting in a greater abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in captive pangolins than in wild pangolins. Our study is important for the development of guidelines for pangolin conservation, including health assessment, disease prevention, and rehabilitation of wild pangolin populations.展开更多
基金This paper was supported by the National Forestry Bureau (97-27).
文摘The various behaviors of four Amur tigers in captivity were investigated in March from 1998 to 2001 in Harbin Zoo. The results showed that the behavior could be divided into 5 major types: moving, resting, sleeping, eating and other behaviors (including drinking, urinating, grooming, playing, standing). Of all behavioral models, sleeping and moving behaviors alone accounted for 75.18% and were two major behavioral models of all behaviors. Resting, eating and other behaviors accounted for 24.82%. Apart from eating, one male and two female individuals have similar peak periods of 4 major behaviors (one peak period in the daytime, and one peak period at night), similar to that of wild Amur tiger. However, one female individual have two clear peak periods at night.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,31672292)the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(C2017205059)+1 种基金the foundation of China Scholarship Council(201408130068) to D.Lithe NSFC(31770445)to Y.Wu,the NSFC(31372201)to X.Gao
文摘Background: Bringing free-living animals into captivity subjects them to the stress of both capture and captivity, leading to the alteration of normal physiological processes and behaviors through activation of the hypothalamic– pituitary–adrenal axis. In free-living birds, although elevated plasma corticosterone (CORT) is an important adaptation regulating physiological and behavioral responses during the process of capture and captivity stress, little information is currently available on the effects of such stress on plasma metabolite levels. Methods: We examined the effects of immediate capture and 24-h captivity on body mass, body condition, plasma CORT, and metabolite levels including glucose (Glu), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), uric acid (UA), in breeding Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus). Results: CORT and Glu levels were increased significantly by the stress of capture, whereas TC and UA levels decreased. Body mass, body condition declined notably after 24 h in captivity, but CORT, Glu, and UA levels increased. Furthermore, male sparrows had lower TG levels after both capture and captivity than those of females. The relationships between plasma CORT and metabolite levels varied between sexes. Conclusions: Our results revealed that the metabolic status of Eurasian Tree Sparrows could be dramatically altered by capture and captivity. Monitoring the dynamic effects of both capture and captivity on plasma CORT, metabolite levels in a free-living bird contributes to a better understanding of the stress-induced pathways involved in sexdependent energy mobilization.
文摘Studies of metabolic variation in birds have involved both wild and captive individuals, but few studies have investi- gated whether captivity directly influences metabolic rates, despite such variation potentially confounding conclusions regarding how metabolic rates respond to the conditions under study. In addition, whether short-term captivity influences metabolic rate re- peatability in birds is currently uninvestigated. In this study, we measured Msum （maximal cold-induced metabolic rates） in sum- mer acclimatized American goldfinches Spinus tristis directly after capture from wild populations, after approximately 2 weeks of indoor captivity （Captive 1）, and again after an additional 1-2 weeks of captivity （Captive 2）. M~ increased significantly （16.9%） following the initial captive period, but remained stable thereafter. Body mass （Mb） also increased significantly （9.2%） during the initial captive period but remained stable thereafter, suggesting that muscle growth and/or remodeling of body composition pro- duced the observed metabolic variation. Mb and Msum were not significantly repeatable between wild and Captive 1 birds, but were significantly repeatable between Captive 1 and Captive 2 groups. These data suggest that caution must be exercised when extrapolating metabolic rates from short-term captive to wild populations. In addition, Msum was a repeatable trait for birds under conditions where mean metabolic rates remained stable, but Msum repeatability disappeared during acclimation to conditions pro- moting phenotypically flexible metabolic responses. This suggests that the capacity for phenotypic flexibility varies among indi- viduals, and such variation could have fitness consequences
文摘The breeding process, management norms and reproduction measures of African gray were briefly introduced, and the problems in breed-ing environment and reproduction process were put forward, so as to provide a reference for captive breeding of African gray.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30500060, 30640023,30770286)China Post-doctoral Foundation(2005038431)+1 种基金Shanghai Post-doctoral Scientific Pro-gram of China (2005038294)the 985 Research Projects (CUN 985-03-03) of the Central University for Nationalities of China
文摘Between June 2005 and February 2006, focal sampling and all occurrence behavior recording were used to quantify the behavioral patterns of captive female alpine musk deer （Moschus sifanicus） at Xinglongshan Musk Deer Farm, Gansu Province, China. Copulation success was used to differentiate individuals into two groups （successful and unsuccessful） and to provide a basis for behavioral comparisons, throughout both mating （rut） and non mating seasons. The results indicated significant differences between the behavior patterns of successful and unsuccessful females; however, the reproductive season played an important environmental factor. Pooling results across reproductive seasons, successfully copulating females showed significantly higher frequencies of vigilance and lower frequency of feeding behavior as compared with unsuccessfully copulating females. In the non-mating season, unsuccessfully copulating females had higher frequency of self-directed behavior, environment sniffing, and were less aggressive than successful copulating females. Furthermore, females who were successful at copulating also demonstrated tail-pasting behavior; however, this only occurred during the rut season. The results of this study can improve management practices for musk deer farms through increasing mating success and reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, variation in behavior may also be used as a predictor of copulation success and reproductive potential, whereby females can be grouped and separated according to their reproductive history and past reproduction success.
文摘Captivity of wild animals and restriction of their movement can lead to stress, resulting in suppressed immune response and reduced disease resistance ability. Wild animals in zoological gardens can predominately affected by various gastro-intestinal parasites. This study was therefore, conducted to determine occurrence, identify types and assess seasonal variation of gastrointestinal parasites in captive animals at the Zoological garden of Haramaya University. The study involved a retrospective investigation of zoo records and fecal examinations. Twenty two fecal samples were collected in December, 2013 from all the animals in the garden and examined using concentration and fecal culture techniques. Sampling was repeated after four months in April, 2014 to assess seasonal variations of the parasites. The result from the retrospective study showed death of 21 animals in the last five years. Fecal examination confirmed presence of gastrointestinal parasites with an overall mean prevalence rate of 73.8%. A total of 9 parasite taxa were identified of which 6 (66.67%) and 4 (33.33%) were helminths and protozoa respectively. No Cestode and Trematode species were recovered. <i>Trichuris spp.</i>, <i>Toxocara spp.</i>, <i>Strongyloides spp.</i>, <i>Toxascaris leonine</i>, <i>Passalurus ambiguous</i> and <i>Ascaridia spp.</i> were the helminth parasites observed in the garden. <i>Entamoeba spp.</i>, <i>Isospora spp.</i> and <i>Eimeria spp.</i> were the protozoan parasites encountered. No remarkable seasonal variation in parasitic infection was noticed in the garden. The study revealed occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in the zoological garden, most of which are zoonotic and hence future studies are needed to determine risks of cross-transmission.
基金funded by an Environmental Microbiology Researcher Initiative Grant(to Ashley M.Dungan)。
文摘The duck-billed platypus(Ornithorhynchus anatinus)is currently listed as near-threatened.A key part of the conservation strategy for this species is its captive maintenance;however,captive animals often have dysbiotic gut bacterial microbiomes.Here,for the first time,we characterize the gut microbiome of wild platypus via fecal samples using high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and identify microbial biomarkers of captivity in this species.At the phylum level,Firmicutes(50.4%)predominated among all platypuses,followed by Proteobacteria(28.7%),Fusobacteria(13.4%),and Bacteroidota(6.9%),with 21“core”bacteria identified.Captive individuals did not differ in their microbialα-diversity compared to wild platypus but had significantly different community composition(β-diversity)and exhibited higher abundances of Enterococcus,which are potential pathogenic bacteria.Four taxa were identified as biomarkers of wild platypus,including Rickettsiella,Epulopiscium,Clostridium,and Cetobacterium.This contrast in gut microbiome composition between wild and captive platypus is an essential insight for guiding conservation management,as the rewilding of captive animal microbiomes is a new and emerging tool to improve captive animal health,maximize captive breeding efforts,and give reintroduced or translocated animals the best chance of survival.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2572020DR10)Project on the Investigation,Supervision and Industry Regulation of Rare and Endangered Species(2024)。
文摘Illegal hunting and trafficking of wildlife and their derivatives extort unprecedented population decline of relatively many species pushing them towards extinction.Notwithstanding contemporary counteracting interventions at international,regional,national and local levels,wildlife farming is advocated as an alternative approach to minimize pressure on wild populations.For wildlife farming to be an effective conservation tool,the integration of wildlife forensics is inevitable to allow distinction between captive-bred and wild-caught species.To this end,we analyzed methylation rates of skeletal muscle samples(pectoralis major,triceps brachii,gastrocnemius,biceps femoris,and neck muscles)from 60 captive-bred and 30 wild-caught Common Pheasant.A total of 13,507 differentially methylated regions were identified between five wild-caught and five captive-bred individuals through whole-genome methylation sequencing(WGBS).Based on the selected five methylation sites,LOC116231076,LOC116242223,ATAD2B,EGFL6,and HS2ST,quantitative detection technique was developed using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting curve(MS-HRM)to measure methylation rates.The results showed significant differences in methylation rates at all differential sites between wild-caught and captive-bred individuals(|t|=0.67–33.10,P=0.000–0.042).The discrimination accuracy rate of each locus was highest in the gastrocnemius muscle and lowest in the neck muscle.The discrimination accuracy rate on LOC116231076,LOC116242223,ATAD2B,EGFL6,and HS2ST methylation sites for gastrocnemius muscle was 64.98%,100.00%,68.54%,63.79%,and 63.70%,respectively;and for neck muscle it was 67.42%,68.06%,83.61%,65.04%,and68.85%,respectively.The united discrimination accuracy rate of the five loci were 100.00%for gastrocnemius muscle,99.78%for biceps femoris muscle,97.52%for pectoralis major muscle,93.96%for triceps brachii muscle,and 91.63%for neck muscle,respectively.The panel also revealed excellent repeatability,reproducibility,sensitivity and universality to mammals and avian species.This study establishes an effective,accurate and low-cost identification technology for the identification of wild and farmed Common Pheasant,and also provides a reference for the development of identification methods for other species.
文摘Captive model tests are one of the most common methods to calculate the maneuvering hydrodynamic coefficients and characteristics of surface and underwater vehicles.Considerable attention must be paid to selecting and designing the most suitable laboratory equipment for towing tanks.A computational fluid dynamics(CFD)-based method is implemented to determine the loads acting on the towing facility of the submarine model.A reversed topology is also used to ensure the appropriateness of the load cells in the developed method.In this study,the numerical simulations were evaluated using the experimental results of the SUBOFF benchmark submarine model of the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency.The maximum and minimum loads acting on the 2.5-meter submarine model were measured by determining the body’s lightest and heaviest maneuvering test scenarios.In addition to having sufficient endurance against high loads,the precision in measuring the light load was also investigated.The horizontal planar motion mechanism(HPMM)facilities in the National Iranian Marine Laboratory were developed by locating the load cells inside the submarine model.The results were presented as a case study.A numerical-based method was developed to obtain the appropriate load measurement facilities.Load cells of HPMM test basins can be selected by following the two-way procedure presented in this study.
基金We are grateful for support provided through the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China(2572014EA06 and 2572014AA14),the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC31272336,31572285)and the"Study on Resource Survey Technology for Tiger and Amur Leopard Population"and"Standard of Tiger and Amur Leopard Population and Habitat Survey and Data Summarization"(State Forestry Administration).
文摘A healthy population of captive Amur tigers might assist recovery of the wild population in Northeast China if individuals were properly prepared and considered suitable for release in the wild.We analyzed the breeding records of 68 female Amur tigers from 1995 to 2010 in the Hengdaohezi Felid Breeding Center of China and compared the reproductive parameters of this population to wild female Amur tigers.We found that the reproductive parameters of the captive population(the age of first parturition,length of gestation and litter survival rate)were not significantly different from those of wild Amur tigers.Differences in birth date and litter size between wild and captive populations may be caused by management protocols for the captive population or insufficient field data from the wild population.Reproductive parameters of females giving birth after losing a litter were similar to parameters of females that did not lose a litter,except for birth date.These results provide no indication of major problems in using captive females for a breeding program for release of cubs into the wild,but additional information is still needed to assess their suitability.
文摘提出了滤过型固相萃取柱净化-超高效液相色谱-串联质谱法同时测定鸡蛋中全氟丁酸、全氟戊酸、全氟己酸、全氟庚酸、全氟辛酸、全氟壬酸、全氟癸酸、全氟十一酸、全氟十二酸、全氟十三酸、全氟十四酸、全氟丁烷磺酸、全氟己烷磺酸、全氟庚烷磺酸、全氟辛烷磺酸等15种全氟化合物含量的方法。鸡蛋样品(2 g)中加入0.1 mL 20.0μg·L^(-1)同位素内标混合溶液,经10 mL 80%(体积分数)乙腈溶液振荡和超声提取后,离心;分取5 mL滤液,直接过滤过型Captive EMR-Lipid柱净化,收集流出液,氮吹至近干,加入500μL甲醇复溶,经涡旋、离心处理后测定。采用Agilent Eclipse Plus C_(18)RRHD色谱柱(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.8μm)分离,以不同体积比的2 mmol·L^(-1)乙酸铵溶液和甲醇的混合溶液梯度洗脱,在电喷雾离子源负离子扫描模式下,以多反应监测模式检测,同位素内标法定量。结果表明:15种全氟化合物标准曲线的线性范围均为0.125~20.0μg·L^(-1),测定下限(10S/N)为0.05~0.16μg·kg^(-1);在0.500,4.00,16.0μg·kg^(-1)加标浓度水平下,15种目标物的回收率为78.0%~111%,测定值的相对标准偏差(n=6)为0.87%~14%。
基金Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology(DBIOS),University of Torino,Italy(Grant No.NORI_RILO_22_01).
文摘In social groups,competition for individual advantage is balanced with cooperation,for the collective benefit.Selection against aggression has favored cooperation and non-aggressive competitive strategies.Because social play is a behavioral system that fluctuates between cooperation and competition,selection against aggression might have especially influenced this behavior.African savannah elephants(Loxodonta africana)are a low aggressive species,therefore suitable to investigate this aspect.We collected all occurrences observational audio-video data on social play,aggression/threats,and affiliation on an African elephant colony housed in a 25-ha open space at Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno(Cantabria,Spain)and composed of 4 family groups(3 immature males,3 immature females,and 7 adult females)and 2 adult males.Anticipating the influence of reduced aggression,we found that social play decreased with age,persisting in adults,and that it was highest in males.Social play was associated with affiliation(informing cooperation).Indeed,individuals that were central in the social play network were also central in the affiliation network.For immature subjects,we found a correlation between social play and affiliation sociomatrices.However,such correlation was absent in adults and social play mostly occurred between families.Despite the limitations related to dealing with a small captive group,this study largely supports the idea that the features of social play in African savannah elephants may be related to low aggression.This investigation hints toward a non-purely cooperative use of play,possibly as a non-aggressive interaction that accommodates different levels of cooperation and competition.
基金The project was sponsored by the Scientific Re-search Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, State Education Ministry (1999-363).
文摘In July 2006, the diurnal activity rhythms of 13 heads of captive Qinling golden takin were observed in Shaanxi Provincial Centre for the Breeding and Conservation of Rare Wildlife （SPCBCRW） at daylight （from 9：00 am to 4：00 pm in July）. The behavioral ethnogram was identified through observation at the sampling site, with the behaviors of golden takin recorded at 5 min interval using instantaneous scannable sampling method. The results indicated that the resting of golden takin took an important part in the daylight activities. Meanwhile, drinking and urinating and defecating were 1.92 and 0.54 and 0.92 times per head per day. Ambient temperature had a strong effect on the diurnal activity rhythms of golden takin. The diurnal activity rhymes were affected by ages of the animals effectively, which was expressed through differentiation of the time budgets. Moreover, different individuals in the same population showed some non-synchronously activity rhythms.
基金supported by grants KSCX2-EW-R-12 and KSCX2-EW-J-23 from the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘Recent genome studies indicate that tree shrew is in the order or a closest sister of primates,and thus may be one of the best animals to model human diseases.In this paper,we report on a social defeat model of depression in tree shrew（Tupaia belangeri chinensis）.Two male tree shrews were housed in a pair-cage consisting of two independent cages separated by a wire mesh partition with a door connecting the two cages.After one week adaptation,the connecting door was opened and a brief fighting occurs between the two male tree shrews and this social conflict session consisted of 1 h direct conflict（fighting） and 23 h indirect influence（e.g.smell,visual cues） per day for 21 days.The defeated tree shrew was considered the subordinate.Compared with na？ve animals,subordinate tree shrews at the final week of social conflict session showed alterations in body weight,locomotion,avoidance behavior and urinary cortisol levels.Remarkably,these alterations persisted for over two weeks.We also report on a novel captive conditioning model of learning and memory in tree shrew.An automatic trapping cage was placed in a small closed room with a freely-moving tree shrew.For the first four trials,the tree shrew was not trapped when it entered the cage and ate the bait apple,but it was trapped and kept in the cage for 1 h on the fifth trial.Latency was defined as the time between release of the tree shrew and when it entered the captive cage.Latencies during the five trials indicated adaptation.A test trial 24 h later was used to measure whether the one-trial trapping during the fifth trial could form captive memory.Tree shrews showed much longer trapping latencies in the test trial than the adaptation trials.The N-methyl-d-aspartate（NMDA） receptor antagonist MK-801（0.2 mg/kg,i.p.）,known to prevent the formation of memory,did not affect latencies in the adaptation trails,but did block captive memory as it led to much shorter trapping latencies compared to saline treatment in the test trial.These results demonstrate a chronic social defeat model of depression and a novel one-trial captive conditioning model for learning and memory in tree shrews,which are important for mechanism studies of depression,learning,memory,and preclinical evaluation for new antidepressants.
基金supported by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, China (31925006)the Major Science and Technology Project in Yunnan Province of China, China (202001BB050001)+1 种基金the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research (STEP) program, China (2019QZKK0503)the Animal Branch of the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Chinese Academy of Sciences。
文摘Pangolins are among the most critically endangered animals due to widespread poaching and worldwide trafficking. Captive breeding is considered to be one way to protect them and increase the sizes of their populations. However, comparative studies of captive and wild pangolins in the context of gut microbiota are rare. Here, the gut microbiome of captive and confiscated-rescued wild pangolins is compared, and the effects of different periods of captivity and captivity with and without antibiotic treatment are considered.We show that different diets and periods of captivity, as well as the application of antibiotic therapy, can alter gut community composition and abundance in pangolins. Compared to wild pangolins, captive pangolins have an increased capacity for chitin and cellulose/hemicellulose degradation, fatty acid metabolism, and short-chain fatty acid synthesis, but a reduced ability to metabolize exogenous substances. In addition to increasing the ability of the gut microbiota to metabolize nutrients in captivity, captive breeding imposes some risks for survival by resulting in a greater abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in captive pangolins than in wild pangolins. Our study is important for the development of guidelines for pangolin conservation, including health assessment, disease prevention, and rehabilitation of wild pangolin populations.
