Search

Insulin-resistant brain state is proposed to be the early sign of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which can be studied in the intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) rodent model. ICV-STZ is reported to induce sporadic AD with the majority of the disease hallmarks as phenotype. On the other hand, available experimental evidence has used varying doses of STZ (< 1 to 3 mg/kg) and studied its effect for different study durations, ranging from 14 to 270 days. Though these studies suggest 3 mg/kg of ICV-STZ to be the optimum dose for progressive pathogenesis, the reason for such is elusive. Here, we sought to investigate the mechanism of action of 3 mg/kg ICV-STZ on cognitive and non-cognitive aspects at a follow-up interval of 2 weeks for 2 months. On the 60th day, we examined the layer thickness, cell density, ventricular volume, spine density, protein expression related to brain metabolism, and mitochondrial function by histological examination. The findings suggest a progressive loss of a spatial, episodic, and avoidance memory with an increase in anxiety in a span of 2 months. Furthermore, hippocampal neurodegeneration, ventricular enlargement, diffused amyloid plaque deposition, loss of spine in the dentate gyrus, and imbalance in energy homeostasis were found on the 60th day post-injection. Interestingly, AD rats showed a uniform fraction of time spent in four quadrants of the water maze with a change in strategy when they were exposed to height. Our findings reveal that ICV-STZ injection at a dose of 3 mg/kg can cause cognitive and neuropsychiatric abnormalities due to structural loss both at the neuronal as well as the synaptic level, which is tightly associated with the change in neuronal metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curculio glandium females associated with the pedunculate oak were investigated in order to fill the knowledge gap on acorn structure preferences and shell-hardening influence on ovipositional behavior and fecundity. Shell solidification progression of weekly harvested acorns was measured using penetration and force–deformation tests along with fruit mass within a time frame covering weevils' reproduction period. Captured females were offered regular acorns (uncracked, soft enough to drill into) and older seeds (with natural cracks) for behavior recordings and preferences tests. Young acorns and fruits ripe enough to be too hard for females to drill (artificially pierced and untouched) were used for egg output assessment throughout the shell-hardening progression. Experiments revealed that naturally cracked acorns were chosen significantly more often, which resulted in reduced drilling-phase duration. Egg number did not differ significantly before and after the threshold of acorn hardening; however, having passed it, females significantly more frequently deposited eggs in artificially pierced seeds. Results indicate the opportunistic nature of female preferences. Oviposition in cracked or pierced acorns facilitates the process and lowers competition for relatively shortly available soft and healthy seeds, the first of which reach impenetrability in the third week of August. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood-sucking and biting flies are a significant source of annoyance to warm-blooded animals. Behavioural changes in animals may include attempts to pursue, remove or avoid the disturbance caused by the fly by means of body movement. In the presesnt study the behaviour during a 10 min period in each four-hour interval i.e. 1 AM, 5 AM, 9 AM, 1 PM, 5 PM and 9 PM was analysed and noted for inclusion in the ethogram. The cows with light trap (treatment) were compared with those without light traps (control) to study the effectivenss of the fly trap in reducing annoyance in cattle. All the seven avaoidance behaviours were counted such as head movement, ear shaking, tail movement, skin twitching, licking, kicking on belly and restlessness and were recorded by scan method. The results of this study indicated that the incidence of all the seven fly avoidance behaviours were significantly higher (p

Abstract Mammals must carefully balance rest with other behaviors that influence fitness (e.g., foraging, finding a mate) while minimizing predation risk. However, factors influencing resting strategies and the degree to which resting strategies are driven by the activities of predators and/or prey remain largely unknown. Our goal was to examine how mammalian resting strategies varied with trophic level, body mass, and habitat. We reviewed findings from 127 publications and classified the resting strategies of terrestrial and aquatic mammalian species into three categories: social (e.g., resting in groups), temporal (e.g., resting during the day), or spatial (e.g., resting in burrows). Temporal strategies were most common (54% of cases), but the prevalence of strategies varied with body mass and among trophic levels. Specifically, lower trophic levels and smaller species such as rodents and lagomorphs used more spatial and social resting strategies, whereas top predators and larger species used mostly temporal resting strategies. Resting strategies also varied among habitat types (e.g., rainforest vs. grassland), but this was primarily because closely related species shared both habitats and resting strategies. Human presence also affected resting strategies at all trophic levels but most strongly influenced top predators through shifts in rest timing. Human‐induced behavioral changes in rest patterns cascade to modify behaviors across multiple trophic levels. These findings advance our fundamental understanding of natural history and ecology in wild animals and provide a roadmap for future comparative studies.

Rest is the etho-physiological activity with the most prolonged duration within the 24 hours: thus, males rest for about 61-62% of their time while females rest for about 66-68% of their time. Feed consumption in ad libitum feeding conditions lasts differently: thus, castrated males feed for about 16' 23" ± 0.44" while females feed for about 18'46" ± 0.62". Conflicts within the groups take place in 2.30 ± 0.34 sessions for attacks and in 0.45-0.83 session for defence fights. Attack sessions, foraging sessions, defecation sessions, and urinating sessions to differ between castrated males and females exploited in farming systems since neither feeding, nor living conditions are always acceptable and regular.

Simple Summary: In recent years, the use of technologies to remotely monitor animal behaviour has increased. However, when they are used for the first time in a new species, validation is needed. Therefore, a tri-axial accelerometer was used to monitor lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) behaviour. First, the influence of using a vest on the animals' behaviour was evaluated. Second, correlations between video recordings and accelerometer data were made, allowing the researchers to obtain summary measures for each behaviour and a threshold to discriminate activity/inactivity events. Sensitivity and precision variables revealed the robustness of accelerometer monitoring. Third, animals responded to a reduction in enclosure complexity by increasing their activity. The relevance of the accelerometer was determined comparing data (activity level and activity cycle) with video recordings. The results indicate that an accelerometer attached to a vest is a reliable technology for monitoring the activity pattern of T. tetradactyla under semi-controlled environmental conditions. Accelerometers are a technology that is increasingly used in the evaluation of animal behaviour. A tri-axial accelerometer attached to a vest was used on Tamandua tetradactyla individuals (n = 10) at Biodiversity Park. First, the influence of using a vest on the animals' behaviour was evaluated (ABA-type: A1 and A2, without a vest; B, with a vest; each stage lasted 24 h), and no changes were detected. Second, their behaviour was monitored using videos and the accelerometer simultaneously (experimental room, 20 min). The observed behaviours were correlated with the accelerometer data, and summary measures (X, Y and Z axes) were obtained. Additionally, the overall dynamic body acceleration was calculated, determining a threshold to discriminate activity/inactivity events (variance = 0.0055). Then, based on a 24 h complementary test (video sampling every 5 min), the sensitivity (85.91%) and precision (100%) of the accelerometer were assessed. Animals were exposed to an ABA-type experimental design: A1 and A2: complex enclosure; B: decreased complexity (each stage lasted 24 h). An increase in total activity (%) was revealed using the accelerometer (26.15 ± 1.50, 29.29 ± 2.25, and 35.36 ± 3.15, respectively). Similar activity levels were detected using video analysis. The results demonstrate that the use of the accelerometer is reliable to determine the activity. Considering that the zoo-housed lesser anteaters exhibit a cathemeral activity pattern, this study contributes to easily monitoring their activities and responses to different management procedures supporting welfare programs, as well as ex situ conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the globe, the welfare of sport horses is of growing concern, prompting the International Equestrian Federation to state that at all times the welfare of the horse must be paramount. Expressions of discomfort or pain are nevertheless frequently overlooked or misunderstood, and warrant the development of objective welfare assessment methods for the ridden horse which can be applied during training and competitions. The recent "Ridden Horse pain Ethogram" (RHpE) (Dyson et al., 2018, J. Vet. Behav. 23, 47-57) seeks to identify pain in horses based on their behavior while ridden. The ethogram includes 24 behaviors and it has been proposed that the presence of 8 or more of the 24 behaviors is likely to reflect musculoskeletal pain. Behavior-based pain scales hold promise as a means to improve the welfare of the ridden horse. That said, it is important to recognize that, as a pain or lameness diagnostic tool, the RHpE is still in its infancy because, as we point out in this review, there are a number of aspects that require further qualification before it can be applied with confidence. It is therefore proposed here that the work achieved so far by the RHpE can be of value for observers to recognize that these behaviors may indicate pain but as a diagnostic tool, the RHpE requires further development. Our evaluation of the RHpE is that it is impaired by some flaws in the definitions and that an interdisciplinary approach with substantial ethological input will greatly improve its accuracy and utility. In addition, there is a risk in applying an accumulative clinical threshold when all of the items within an ethogram are assigned equal weighting without an evidence-base for such weighting. Apart from pain and lameness, many other aspects of riding can contribute to suboptimal welfare in the ridden horse and result in the same behaviors highlighted in the RHpE. While recognizing that the RHpE may help to rule in or out problems on the differential diagnosis list and that it has not been proposed as a standalone technique, we see a risk in it being adopted without further development. Public acceptance of future use of horses for elite sports likely depends on whether the international and national riding federations can provide credible, objective evidence that horse welfare is truly paramount at all times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of study: To describe the common behaviour of flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) under rearing conditions. Area of study: Tepic, Mexico. Material and methods: Behaviours exhibited by mullets were videorecorded with submersible cameras installed inside of three tanks. A total of 690 min per day (07:30 - 18:30 h) were recorded per tank during a week. Afterwards, the different behaviours exhibited by juvenile M. cephalus were described, identified and characterized in an ethogram and grouped into two categories: a) locomotion, including three different observed behaviours (resting, swimming and fast swimming) and b) feeding, including three behaviours (surface feeding, bottom feeding and rubbing). Each of the behavioural variables were quantified. Main results: M. cephalus is a species with a constant locomotion associated to feeding, since fish showed continuous movement during most of day light period. On the contrary, fish exhibited reduced movement during dark periods. Mullets were observed to be a non-aggressive fish species under conditions of the present study, since the absence of dominance and aggression towards conspecifics was observed, which suggested a high predisposition for adaptation to captivity. Finally, behavioural frequencies of grey mullet juveniles were similar among the three tanks for most of the behavioural variables analysed (p>0.05) except for the variable bottom feeding (p=0.02). Research highlights: Results from this study could be of interest for the aquaculture industry to optimize rearing techniques and welfare for the production of grey mullet.

Equine-assisted activities (EAAs) are considered a suitable innovative rehabilitative practice for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While standardized scales have been previously used as a tool to evaluate the effects of EAAs on different domains of functioning in ASD children, few studies have considered an ethological approach as a means to describe human–horse interactions in the context of ASD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the behavior of 19 children with ASD, in comparison with 19 typically developing children (TD), during EAA sessions. We developed an ethogram from the video recordings to assess spatial relationships, social interactions, and communicative behaviors displayed by the child toward the horse, as well as the occurrence of problem behaviors. Results indicate that children’s behaviors during EAA sessions are modulated by sex and age, while previous children’s experience with EAAs appeared to improve interpersonal distance and horse handling. Results from this study highlight the importance of exploring children’s behavioral responses during animal-assisted activities through direct measurements. This may allow linking the quality/strength of the child–horse relationship to the benefits obtained by the child, particularly in the social/communicative domain, a core symptom of ASD.

Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) is designed to improve the physical or psychological condition of clients through targeted work that involves animals. For the long-term high-quality implementation of AAI, the maximum welfare of the participating animals must be ensured. The most frequently involved type of animal is the dog and therefore the aim of this study was the assessment of the cortisol level and the behavior of dogs during AAI. Fifteen dogs with long-term working experience in clinical practice with AAI were involved in the study. Cortisol was evaluated from a saliva sample during 4 experimental and 4 control days. On each day, the samples were taken three times in total - before the therapy, after its end, and with a half-hour interval. At the same times, samples were taken on control days as well. The ethogram questionnaire was used. After each session, the handler completed a questionnaire consisting of 25 behaviors. For each type of behavior, the handler indicated whether it occurred during the session and, if so, added the frequency of the behavior. Statistical analysis of the baseline data of the measured cortisol concentrations showed no statistically significant difference between the sampling times, on both experimental and control days. There was also no significant difference when comparing the data from the experimental and control days. The ethogram questionnaires recorded a difference between the different categories of behavior. Results indicate that when AAI is properly guided and respects the individual needs of the dog, AAI can be a meaningful and fulfilling activity that creates fun and active contact for the dog with its handler and the client. • The welfare of animals in animal-assisted therapy is essential. • No significant difference when comparing the data from the experimental and control days. • Showed no statistically significant difference between the sampling times. • The ethogram questionnaires recorded a difference between the different categories of behavior. • If AAI is properly guided and respects the individual needs of the dog, it can be a meaningful and fulfilling activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetitive pacing behavior is exhibited by many species in zoos and is particularly prevalent in carnivores with large home ranges, such as bears. Pacing can be a behavioral indicator of poor welfare, however, understanding this behavior can be challenging. As many bears that pace are singly housed, efforts to systematically examine and ameliorate pacing may be strengthened by multi‐institutional studies. However, there is currently no standardized method to quantify pacing, which makes cross‐institutional analyses of causal factors and intervening measures challenging. The purpose of this study was to compare multiple sampling methods and definitions for quantifying pacing in bears to understand how they affect outcome measures. We analyzed video recordings of two grizzly and two black bears pacing, using three sampling methods (continuous, instantaneous 30‐s interval, instantaneous 1‐min interval), and three definitions of pacing (AB—two repetitions of the path, ABA—three repetitions, ABAB—four repetitions). A generalized linear mixed model revealed that continuous and instantaneous 30‐s interval methods captured more pacing than instantaneous 1‐min methods, and definitions captured a decreasing amount of pacing from AB to ABA to ABAB. AB also captured the highest number of pacing bouts. The importance of comparability across institutions is growing, and a standard methodology and definition for recording pacing would be useful. We suggest that the combination of instantaneous sampling and the ABA definition presents a good balance between capturing the right data and being flexible enough for a variety of institutions to implement. Research Highlights: We found that different sampling methods and definitions used to observe pacing in bears do affect the amount of pacing behavior recorded. We recommend using instantaneous sampling and the ABA definition of pacing for bear behavior studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Reasons for abnormal behaviour during tacking‐up and mounting are poorly documented. Objectives: To relate behavioural abnormalities during tacking‐up or mounting to epaxial muscle hypertonicity or pain, girth region hypersensitivity, ill‐fitting tack, rider position and balance, or equine musculoskeletal pain. Study design: Prospective observational study; convenience sample of 193 horses. Methods: The behaviour of horses in a stable or tied up was observed for ≥8 min before systematic palpation of the thoracolumbosacral and girth regions. Owners were asked to tack‐up and mount using their normal regime. A purpose‐designed protocol for assessment of behaviour during tacking‐up and mounting was applied. Lameness was evaluated in‐hand and during ridden exercise. Static and dynamic saddle‐fit were assessed. A static saddle‐fit score was the sum of any saddle‐fit abnormality. Rider position in the saddle, balance and size relative to the saddle were evaluated during ridden exercise. Multivariable negative binomial regression modelling was used to assess the relationship between the sum of tacking‐up and mounting behaviours and horse, rider and tack‐fit variables. Results: Riding School horses comprised only 12% of the sample population, but had higher rates of abnormal behaviours during both tacking‐up (P<0.0001) and mounting (P = 0.007) compared with General Purpose horses. The rate of abnormal behaviour during tacking‐up for horses with moderate or severe lameness was 1.4 times higher (P = 0.02) than for nonlame horses. Horses with lameness in‐hand or ridden had 1.5 times higher rates of abnormal behaviour during mounting than nonlame horses. Tight tree points (P = 0.03) and epaxial muscle pain (P<0.001) were associated with higher behaviour scores during tacking‐up. Higher static saddle‐fit scores were associated with higher behaviour scores during mounting. Main limitations: Oral examination was not performed. Conclusions: The display of many behaviours during tacking‐up or mounting is likely to reflect lameness or tack‐associated discomfort. Owners must be better educated to recognise these behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasticity of feeding behaviour of predators is strongly influenced by foraging mode, depending on whether they are active foragers, sit-and-wait predators or opportunist feeders. In this study, we conducted ex-situ feeding experiments on the Bornean Keeled Pit-viper, Tropidolaemus subannulatus, a lowland rainforest species distributed on Borneo, Sulawesi and the Philippines. Observations were based on four wild-collected females maintained under laboratory conditions. A total of eight common predatory behaviours were observed that can be classified into three discrete phases, namely, precapture, feeding, and post-feeding phases, during experiments with new-born and live young Rattus norvegicus. In the pre-capture phase, which is temporally the shortest, there were head shifts, eye fixation and head movement towards prey. During the long feeding phase, actions involved strikes, awaiting to ensure prey death, and swallowing of prey. Post-feeding phase is a process of muscular recovery, followed by high-rate of tongue flicks, that can last for up to 15 min. Understanding foraging and prey-handling behaviour has the potential to provide deeper understanding on evolutionary fitness, as well as the biotic and abiotic factors which interacts with the concerned species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telemetry provides researchers with invaluable data and has contributed to the progress of animal ecology and behavioral studies. However, the impact of biotelemetry devices on animal behavior and welfare has been evaluated in a few species. The telemetry device (GPS or VHF) is attached to a harness made especially for giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) due to its particular anatomy, and this is the best way to access the scheduled spatiotemporal data of the species’ movement. We evaluated the adverse effects of biotelemetry devices on giant anteaters’ behavior and welfare. Behavioral analysis on giant anteaters in captivity (n = 3) was conducted by observing them with and without the GPS-harness. We also include data on GPS-harness dysfunction and animal injuries observed from free-ranging tagged animals (n=74). The GPS-harness influenced the behavior distributions frequency, but no new or atypical act was verified. Free-ranging individuals detached the harness twice, five removed the front part of the harness, and three had skin injuries. This is the first study to document telemetry device effects on giant anteaters. To date, severe adverse effects of harness-attached GPS tracking devices were not reported for this species. Our data supports the continued use of this method for monitoring free-ranging or captive giant anteaters. However, we recommend and stress the importance of continued research that helps improve telemetry and monitoring techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Environmental enrichment seeks to improve the quality of care for animals in captivity through the constant generation of new sources of stimuli to simulate a complexand changing environment. Salvator merianae is a species of large lizard whose native distribution covers the subtropical and humid zones of southeastern South America. The study was carried out in the Experimental Lizard Hatchery belonging to the Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia from Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, UNT for its initials in Spanish. Two pens were used, a control group R1 (Enclosure 1) and an experimental group R2 (Enclosure 2), where data were taken ithout enrichment (R2 W/O-E) and with enrichment (R2 WE). An ethogram was used to record the different behaviors that were then grouped into eight categories to evaluate how animals spend their time. Behaviors were recorded on video, the applied technique was the focal animal sampling with instantaneous recording, the extracted data were ex- ported into individual spreadsheets. The Landau index was calculated to determine the existence of hierarchies. The data suggest that the modification of the enclosure conditions has the capacity to alter the behavioral profiles. Only a few behavioral categories showed significant differences. No significant differences were found, in the frequency of the behavioral categories, between males and females. There was a decrease in the frequency of reproductive behavior in males in R2. There was a non-linear hierarchy among the individuals. A ecrease in the chases was observed among individuals in R2.

Simple Summary: Spiders are common predators found in almost every type of environment, and are used as model organisms in studies ranging from communication and signalling to biochemical studies on their silk. Orb spiders are particularly interesting, as their web provides a cost-effective way to obtain information on their foraging behaviour. However, studies on short-term behaviours including prey capture and escape behaviours are rare and usually take place in artificial settings, such as laboratories. In this study, we tested a simple methodology using tuning forks that can be used consistently and reliably in the field. The two tuning forks are capable of producing attack (440 Hz) and escape (256 Hz) responses from the spiders. We also used a metal wire as a mechanical stimulus for comparison, which as predicted, was less reliable. We demonstrate the usefulness of the methodology by quantitatively investigating how the size of the spider and the size of its web affect predatory and escape response rates in the autumn spider, although no significant effects of either were found. However, our results confirm the ease by which this simple method can be used to conduct behavioural studies of orb spiders in the wild. Spiders and their webs are often used as model organisms to study a wide range of behaviours. However, these behavioural studies are often carried out in the laboratory, and the few field studies usually result in large amounts of video footage and subsequent labour-intensive data analysis. Thus, we aimed to devise a cost- and time-effective method for studying the behaviour of spiders in the field, using the now almost forgotten method of stimulating webs with tuning forks. Our study looked at the viability of using 256 Hz and 440 Hz tuning forks to stimulate, anti-predatory and predatory responses in the orb web spider Metellina segmentata, respectively. To assess the consistency of the behaviours produced, we compared these to direct mechanical stimulation with a metal wire. The results suggest that the tuning forks produce relatively consistent behaviours within and between two years in contrast to the metal wire. We furthermore found no significant effects of spider length or web area on spider reaction times. However, we found significant differences in reaction times between escape and prey capture behaviours, and between tuning forks and the wire. Thus, we demonstrated the potential of tuning forks to rapidly generate quantitative data in a field setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate and create an ethogram of the rolling behavior of mules (Equus caballus × Equus asinus) in comparison to that of horses (Equus caballus), we observed a domestic free-range, mixed group of 17 horses and 11 mules for two consecutive days (12 h/day), filming all the rolling events. From these footages, we were able to register the occurrence of specific behaviors that characterize the rolling: sniffing the ground prior to lie down; tail swishing; resting in recumbence; scratching and shaking. Moreover, we also observed two social dimensions that are possibly involved with the rolling behavior: 1) Social facilitation - once an animal started to roll, others in the group copied its behavior and 2) Demarcation - animals tended to return to roll in the same dust patches. In this equine group, mules rolled more frequently than horses and also exhibited more of the specific behaviors tail swishing, resting and scratching. Moreover, in the rolling events exhibited by the mules, the social facilitation and demarcation occurred more than in the horses. As a preliminary study, we pointed some important differences between the rolling behavior of horses and mules. Considering the lack of knowledge in this regards such findings could be useful to spread ideas for future studies concerning the mules behavior and to improve the welfare conditions of these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fishing cat's persistence in a 'semi-aquatic niche' suggests the evolution of a successful hunting strategy. We describe it for the first time by analysing 197 camera-trap video-clips, collected from a participatory-science initiative, within an ethogram framework. The cats spent ∼52% of the time sitting and waiting for prey (fishes) to come nearer and took limited attempts to hunt (3.89%) in deeper waters (in which the upper portions of the cat's body were submerged), where its hunting success was found to be 42.86%. In shallow waters, it adopted a predominantly active mode of hunting (∼96%) to flush out prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is known to have evolved from gray wolves, about 15,000 years ago. They frequently exist as free-ranging populations across the world. They are typically scavengers and well adapted to living among humans. Most canids living in and around urban habitats tend to avoid humans and show crepuscular activity peaks. In this study, we carried out a detailed population-level survey on free-ranging dogs in West Bengal, India, to understand the activity patterns of free-ranging dogs in relation to human activity. Using 5669 sightings of dogs, over a period of 1 year, covering the 24 h of the day, we carried out an analysis of the time activity budget of free-ranging dogs to conclude that they are generalists in their habit. They remain active when humans are active. Their activity levels are affected significantly by age class and time of the day. In addition, we provide a detailed ethogram of free-ranging dogs. This, to our knowledge, is the first study of this kind, which might be used to further study the eco-ethology of these dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Wildlife traps are used in many countries without evaluation of their effect on animal welfare. Trap-capture of wild animals should minimise negative effects on animal welfare, irrespective of whether the animals are trapped for hunting, research, or management purposes. Live-trap capture of wild boar (Sus scrofa) followed by killing inside the trap by gunshot is a recently introduced but disputed hunting method in Sweden. Approval of trap constructions is based on gross necropsy findings of 20 trapped and shot wild boars. For improved animal welfare evaluation, our aim was to study wild boar behaviour during live-trapping in a 16 m2 square corral-style trap. Behavioural assessments were conducted after filming 12 capture events of in total 38 wild boars (five adults, 20 subadults, 13 piglets). Selected behavioural traits were compared with pathological changes (trap-related lesions) found at necropsy of the 20 subadults, to determine if these variables were useful proxies of capture-induced stress in wild boar. Results The wild boars spent less time resting in the evening than in the night and morning. Using Friedman’s ANOVA, there was an overall difference in the time spent foraging. However, we only found a difference between the evening and morning in the Wilcoxon matched pairs test after the Sequential Bonferroni correction, where the wild boars spent more time foraging in the evening than in the morning. Single captured individuals showed more escape behaviours and reacted more strongly to external stimuli than individuals captured in a group. It was more common for animals to charge against the mesh walls of the trap upon human approach compared to upon initial capture when the trap door closed. Trap-related pathological findings due to trauma were documented in 13 of the 20 subadults that were necropsied. Behavioural alterations indicative of capture-induced stress (e.g. charging into the trap walls) were documented in trapped wild boars with no or minor physical injuries (e.g. skin abrasions, subcutaneous haemorrhage). Conclusions Behavioural assessment provided valuable information for determination of capture-induced stress in wild boar when evaluating live-trapping in a corral-style trap, whereas pathological evaluation through necropsy did not fully reflect the animal welfare aspects of live-trapping. We emphasize the inclusion of species-specific behavioural data assessment for evaluation of capture-related stress during live-trapping and for testing of new trap constructions before approval.

The tail of pigs has been suggested as a welfare indicator as it can provide insight into a pig’s behavioural and emotional states. Tail posture and motion have so far mainly been studied in the context of tail biting behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pigs’ natural behaviour and their tail posture and tail motion. This was studied in a free-range farm in which tail biting is absent. In total 214 pigs of different age categories were observed individually (sows, gilts, boars, and 6-month old pigs) or by group (6-month and 1-year old pigs) for their tail posture, tail motion and behaviour, using live observations and videos obtained by drone. Results showed that a fully curled tail occurred most during locomotion (P

Objectives: The aim of this work was to create a video-based compilation of acute pain behaviours in cats as an open-access online resource for training of veterinary health professionals., Methods: A database comprising 60 h of video recordings of cats was used. Videos were previously recorded after ethical approval and written client consent forms, and involved cats with different types (eg, medical, surgical, trauma, orofacial) and degrees (eg, from no pain to severe pain) of acute pain, before and after surgery or the administration of analgesia. The database included videos of cats of different coat colours, ages, sex and breeds. Video selection was based on a published ethogram of acute pain behaviours in cats. Videos were selected by one observer (SM) according to their definition and quality, followed by a second round of screening by two observers (SM and PVS). Video editing included a standardised template (ie, watermark and titles)., Results: A total of 24 videos (mean length 33 ± 17 s) with each acute pain-related behaviour described in the ethogram were uploaded to an open-access online video-sharing platform (http://www.youtube.com/@Steagalllaboratory) with an individual hyperlink. Videos were provided with a short description of the behaviour for the public., Conclusions and Relevance: This video-based compilation may promote better training of veterinary health professionals on acute pain assessment while improving feline health and welfare and the understanding of cat behaviours., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Spodoptera frugiperda has been reported in China since the beginning of 2019, threatening maize production and raising questions about interactions with indigenous pests on maize. Spodoptera frugiperda is in the same feeding guild as the indigenous species Ostrinia furnacalis, with both pests attacking maize plant tissues such as whorls and tassels. In this study, the interaction of these species was assessed under laboratory and field conditions by examining the survival and predation rate of larvae in maize whorls and tassels. Intraspecific and interspecific interactions of larvae were assessed to characterize movements in arenas in the presence and absence of food. When S. frugiperda and O. furnacalis were present at an equal ratio, S. frugiperda prevailed over O. furnacalis with a high survival rate (over 90%) and predation rate of O. furnacalis (over 40%) under most scenarios in both laboratory and field conditions. When both species occurred at different ratios in the field, S. frugiperda had on average almost 16 times the number of survivors as O. furnacalis on whorls, and 8.3 times the number on tassels, highlighting a substantial advantage in these environments. Spodoptera frugiperda larvae undertook a low frequency of lethal attacks (strikes) and showed a higher incidence of defensive movements compared to O. furnacalis. A field survey showed that S. frugiperda larvae can colonize vegetative plant stages in maize, but it remains to be seen if competitive interactions can be linked to population dynamics of both species though they are expected to favor S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Zoologica Lilloana is the property of Fundacion Miguel Lillo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Complex trauma is a clinical concept developed to address the nature and effects of interpersonal traumatic experiences over the development of children and adolescents. To contribute to the development of ecologically valid diagnostic tools and a better understanding of the effects of complex trauma, an ethogram of emotional regulation and stress response behaviours was proposed and used as the main instrument in the Crossed-Puzzles Game. In total 84 children and adolescents aged 6–14 (50% of children with complex trauma in state protective care) were selected from institutions and the community. Both groups were matched by age, sex, and socioeconomic status. PCA, PERMANOVA, Mann-Whitney's U , Pearson correlations, and logistic regression analyses were performed. The ethogram's category 'Externalising of frustration' was identified as one of the strongest predictors for the complex trauma group. The ethogram's validity as a research and assessment instrument from a clinical ethology perspective of complex trauma in psychology was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative studies of the communicative behavior of colonial nonpasserine birds are important for understanding the evolution of birds' social behavior. It is important to study in detail the behavior of particular species to accumulate data for such comparisons. The aim of this work is to describe the behavioral repertoire on the colony surface and study the time budget and the effect rendered on it both by the stage of the breeding season and the social environment, in one Fraterculini species, Alcidae. The object of this research was the tufted puffin, a colonial seabird of the North Pacific. We compiled a catalog of tufted puffin postures and displays and compared them with those of the previously studied auk species. We found that tufted puffins, as well as other puffins, had a wider variety of visual displays on the colony surface, but spent less time on social behavior than the auklets. The occurrence of all forms of behavior did not differ before and after chick hatching in both puffins and auklets. In the presence of a conspecific neighbor within a radius of two corpuses, puffins and auklets spent more time on social interactions, while the conspecifics in a radius of five corpuses had little or no effect on the occurrence of various forms of behavior. Thus, interspecific differences in time budgets of the tufted puffin and other puffins and auklets appeared in the variability of visual displays, as well as in the time spent on social behavior, while the stage of the breeding season and the social environment had a similar effect on the time budgets of all species studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cichlid fish exhibit a complex behavioral repertoire, mainly regarding social and reproductive behaviors. Nevertheless, although dwarf cichlids exhibit a remarkable diversity of behaviors, only a few studies have been conducted with these fish. Apistogramma trifasciata is a common dwarf cichlid in the Neotropics and widely used as ornamental fish. Both males and females are territorial and engage in biparental care. Here we observed the behavior of A. trifasciata males and females to construct an ethogram. We registered the parental care of a couple since the spawn until the moment when the offspring became independent. Striking behaviors were observed, such as male‐male contests involving circling displays and mouth wrestling, and parental care, which involved mouth brooding and parental color change. Finally, we suggest that our results may be used to establish this species as a model for parental care and territoriality studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic signals are important to the biology of animals, mediating crucial activities such as social interactions (communication) as well as orientation and foraging (echolocation). Many signals used in communication are vocal, which are especially important in nocturnal animals such as bats where social interactions occur in darkness. Despite this, little is known about the social calls and behaviours of echolocating bats. To better understand their social and acoustic behaviour, we compiled an ethogram and list of vocalisations for Geoffroy's horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus clivosus). We kept three non-contemporaneous and short-term captive groups to capture interactions and social calls using simultaneous video and audio recordings. The resultant ethogram was comprised of 40 unique types of behaviour, both social and non-social. Social calls (n = 255) were assigned to different call types by their frequency-time contour and categorised by their behaviours, situational categories and functional contexts (affiliative or agonistic). From the calls observed, four acoustically distinct call types were identified: (i) cascading/rising frequency-modulated (FM) calls (n = 26), (ii) oscillatory FM calls (n = 140), (iii) noisy screech calls (n = 68), and (iv) whistle calls (n = 21) (GLM: F30, 711 = 24.28, P < 0.001). Call types showed only weak associations with certain behaviours, situational categories or functional contexts. However, calls with specific acoustic attributes accompanied the behaviour of wing swat [discriminant function analysis (DFA) classification success: 76%; GLM: F20, 108 = 4.12, P < 0.001] and situational category of flight (DFA classification success: 82%; GLM: F20, 136 = 2.97, P < 0.001). An analysis of acoustic attributes across all call types showed weak associations with functional context (Affiliative DFA classification success: 6%). Only one acoustic parameter (peak frequency) had a slight significant difference between calls emitted during agonistic and affiliative interactions (GLM: F10, 73 = 2.30, P < 0.05; post-hoc unequal n: P = 0.044). In addition to the description of distinct call types, we provide evidence of transitional calls in this bat species in which a social call transitions seamlessly into an echolocation pulse. This study gives a first glimpse into the behaviours and social vocalisations produced by R. clivosus. Basic behavioural data such as these may facilitate the design of experiments that allow greater insight into the social organisation of bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The red imported fire ant is one of the notorious species of ants all over the world. Sugar is one of the most important components of food and necessary for the survival of ants. Because more than 70% food of fire ants is honeydew produced by Homopteran insects such as aphids and scales. Methodology It is well known that beetles, flies, and honey bees can recognize the sugar taste through their legs and antennae, but in the case of fire ants, no records regarding gustatory sense were published. In the current study, considering the importance of sugar bait, we investigated the gustatory sense of the fire ant workers to sucrose via behavioral sequence and gustatory behavior. First, the feeding sequence (ethogram) of the fire ant workers on most preferred sugar (sucrose) solution was observed and categorized. Secondly, the gustatory behavior of treated fire ant workers (without flagellum and foreleg tarsi treated with HCL solution) was observed on the sucrose solution. In addition, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, we identified the possible porous sensilla types on antenna flagellum and foreleg tarsi of fire ant workers. Results Based on the results of feeding sequence, foreleg tarsi of workers were the main body appendages in the detection of the sucrose droplet as compared to antennae flagellum and palps. Feeding time of treated workers with HCL solution was significantly decreased on sucrose solution as compared to those workers having no flagellum. While both types of treated workers have less feeding time in comparison to normal workers. Based on the results of feeding sequence analysis and feeding time, it is indicating that the foreleg tarsi of workers play a more important role in the detection of sucrose solution as compared to antennae flagellum. Based on the SEM results, sensilla chaetic, trichoid II, and basiconic I and II have a clear pore at their tip. This study provides a substantial basis for elucidating the gustatory function of antennal and tarsal sensilla on appendages of fire ant workers to sugars and further baits improvement for the management of fire ants.

The temporal course and the severity of the involution of sensory systems through aging can be critical since they ensure the ability to perceive and recognize the world. In older people, sensory impairments significantly increase their risk of biological, psychological, and social impoverishment. Besides this, olfactory loss is considered an early biomarker in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurodegenerative process. Here we studied olfactory ethograms in middle-aged male and female gold-standard C57BL/6 mice and 3xTg-AD mice, a genetic model of AD that presents cognitive dysfunction and a conspicuous neuropsychiatric-like phenotype. A paradigm involving 1-day food deprivation was used to investigate the ethological patterns shown in the olfactory inspection of a new cage and the sniffing, finding, and eating of hidden food pellets. The sniffing–find–eat temporal patterns were independent of the loss of weight and unveiled (fast) olfactory signatures in Alzheimer's disease, differing from those (slow progressive) in normal aging. Male 3xTg-AD mice exhibited an early signature than female mice, opposite to animals with normal aging. The sequence of actions was correlated in male and female 3xTg-AD mice in contrast to control mice. Social isolation, naturally occurring in male 3xTg-AD due to the death of cage mates, emphasized their olfactory patterns and disrupted the behavioral correlates. The paradigm provided distinct contextual, sex, and genotype olfactory ethogram signatures useful to investigate olfactory function in normal and AD-pathological aging. Isolation had an impact on enhancing the changes in the olfactory signature here described, for the first time, in the 3xTg-AD model of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate two types of substrate for egg production by annual killifish (Hypsolebias flagellatus) and to describe the reproductive behaviour of males and females. Experiment I, with two phases, tested two types of substrates: coconut shell powder (CP) and brown 100% acrylic wool (AW), with five male–female pairs in each treatment. In Phase 1, reproduction was monitored for 45 days. In Phase 2, AW nests were replaced by CP nests and reproduction monitored for another 45 days. Experiment II, with three phases, involved installing a camera and inserting a CP nest in each of five aquariums with one pair in each. Phase 1 began after 5 days of adaptation and involved observing the pairs for 4 days. Phase 2 began on the fifth day with the removal of nests followed by observation for 48 h. In Phase 3, the nests were returned and the pairs were observed for another 4 days. Phase 1 of Experiment I found higher egg production with CP substrate (p < 0.05). In Phase 2, egg production did not differ significantly between treatments (p > 0.05) after AW substrate was replaced by CP. Phase 2 of Experiment II found almost no interaction between the sexes. Both sexes spending most of their time close to the nest (p < 0.05). The frequency of nest entry and exit was higher for males than for females in both Phase 1 and Phase 3 (p < 0.05). The CP substrate showed better results for the reproduction of H. flagellatus than did the AW substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Behavior is a useful trait for comparative studies that provide the comprehension of phylogenetic relationships among species. Here, we present a description of two spiny-rats species’ behavioral repertoire, Clyomys laticeps and Trinomys setosus (Rodentia: Echimyidae). The affiliative and agonistic behavioral patterns were sampled during a three-year study of captive populations of wild animals. Observational data were collected in two phases under different arrangements of individuals in groups. We also compare the behavioral traits of T. setosus and C. laticeps with the known behavioral patterns of Trinomys yonenagae. We add categories to the previous descriptions of T. setosus and a standard ethogram for C. laticeps. Trinomys setosus showed a visual and vocal display we called foot-trembling, which was not described in this form and function for other species studied until now. We discuss the differences in their sociality levels and similarities and differences among behavior patterns and repertoires.

This research focused on different aspects of play behavior including ethogram, ontogeny, and individual differences, in one male and one female captive bottlenose dolphin calves (Tursiops truncatus) from November 2003 to June 2004. We presented the first peer-reviewed description of a play ethogram in bottlenose dolphin calves whose behaviors were grouped into three hierarchical levels: two categories: solitary and social play; four subcategories: locomotor, object, bubble play, and in the presence of humans, and 35 entries. It was conducted in two phases: the descriptive phase – from 3 to 5 months old – with 29 entries and the quantitative phase – from 6 to 10 months old –with six entries. All social and solitary locomotor behaviors appeared when animals were 3 months old meanwhile more complex behaviors concerning playing with objects, bubbles, and in the presence of humans were observed for 6 months old. There were no statistically significant intra-individual and inter-individual differences in the play behavioral diversity, in the time invested in play and in the Shannon's evenness index. However, we observed statistically significant inter-individual but not intra-individual differences for the Shannon's diversity index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal experimentation is a long-standing practice in biological study and medicine. Animal models have been used to answer a wide range of scientific problems, ranging from basic science through the creation and evaluation of new vaccines and medicines. Recognizing pain in animals has its challenges. Observing behavior is considered as the "gold standard" and a more accurate technique in identification of pain. Generally, in animal models, disruption from regular behavior has been considered as a possible sign of pain. These behavioral categories are organized into an ethogram by animal researchers. Traditionally, to evaluate pain, behavioral ethograms and assessment scales specific for each animal species are carried out. However, the assessment scales for small animal model post-intervention are limited when compared to large animal models. This calls upon further research and development of pain assessment scales specific to small animals considering the fact that they are widely researched than larger animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate and to describe the main behaviors of family groups of lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) raised in a commercial breeding facility. We used 24 adult pacas, 16 females and 8 males, with a mean live weight of 8.2 kg and age ranging from 2 to 4 years. The animals were kept in groups of two females and one male per enclosure. Cameras were used to monitor the animals. The behaviors identified were divided into five categories (maintenance, exploratory, social interaction, reproductive, and environmental interaction). A completely randomized design in a split-split plot arrangement with three treatment factors was used: sex, period of the day, and season. The frequencies of the maintenance and environmental interaction behavioral categories were significantly higher during the day compared to the nocturnal period (P < 0.05). The duration of each behavioral category differed significantly (P < 0.05) between day and night. The frequencies of the maintenance and reproductive behavioral categories were significantly higher during the dry season compared to the rainy season (P < 0.05) and the relative duration of behaviors of the environmental interaction category was shorter during the dry season (P < 0.05). Females exhibited a significantly higher frequency of maintenance and environmental interaction than males (P < 0.05) and the duration of environmental interaction was shorter (P < 0.05) in females. The present results add to the existing knowledge on the behavior of lowland pacas raised in captivity for production of this wild species which is in the stage of domestication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental care is a behavioural repertoire exhibited by parents to their offspring to ensure their survival. In anurans, parental care may be optional, maternal, paternal, alloparental or biparental, towards eggs, larvae and/or juveniles. Frostius pernambucensis is a bufonid species exclusively endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforests of northeastern Brazil, occurring in the states of Paraiba, Pernambuco, Alagoas and Bahia. This study describes the behavioural parental care repertoire displayed by F. pernambucensis at the Dois Irmãos State Park (Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos – PEDI), the species type locality, in the municipality of Recife, Pernambuco. Fieldwork was carried out between June 2015 and March 2017, in which parental care was observed for three F. pernambucensis males. In total, 45 behavioural acts were recorded (n = 526), distributed in six subcategories: agonistic behaviour (n = 228; 43.35%), vigilance (n = 92; 17.49%), offspring manipulation (n = 78; 14.82%), dislocation (n = 68; 12.93%), vocalisation (n = 51; 9.70%), and maintenance behaviours (n = 9; 1.71%). Descriptive parental care records for Brazilian amphibians are considered rare, emphasising the importance of the present study, which provides relevant information about this poorly known taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in hundreds of genes cause neurodevelopmental disorders with abnormal motor behavior alongside cognitive deficits. Boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS), a leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability, often display repetitive behaviors, a core feature of autism. By direct observation and manual analysis, we characterized spontaneous-motor-behavior phenotypes of Drosophila dfmr1 mutants, an established model for FXS. We recorded individual 1-day-old adult flies, with mature nervous systems and prior to the onset of aging, in small arenas. We scored behavior using open-source video-annotation software to generate continuous activity timelines, which were represented graphically and quantitatively. Young dfmr1 mutants spent excessive time grooming, with increased bout number and duration; both were rescued by transgenic wild-type dfmr1+. By two grooming-pattern measures, dfmr1-mutant flies showed elevated repetitions consistent with perseveration, which is common in FXS. In addition, the mutant flies display a preference for grooming posterior body structures, and an increased rate of grooming transitions from one site to another. We raise the possibility that courtship and circadian rhythm defects, previously reported for dfmr1 mutants, are complicated by excessive grooming. We also observed significantly increased grooming in CASK mutants, despite their dramatically decreased walking phenotype. The mutant flies, a model for human CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders, displayed consistently elevated grooming indices throughout the assay, but transient locomotory activation immediately after placement in the arena. Based on published data identifying FMRP-target transcripts and functional analyses of mutations causing human genetic neurodevelopmental disorders, we propose the following proteins as candidate mediators of excessive repetitive behaviors in FXS: CaMKIIα, NMDA receptor subunits 2A and 2B, NLGN3, and SHANK3. Together, these fly-mutant phenotypes and mechanistic insights provide starting points for drug discovery to identify compounds that reduce dysfunctional repetitive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication in cuttlefish includes rapid changes in skin coloration and texture, body posture and movements, and potentially polarized signals. The dynamic displays are fundamental for mate choice and agonistic behavior. We analyzed the reproductive behavior of the mourning cuttlefish Sepia plangon in the laboratory. Mate preference was analyzed via choice assays (n = 33) under three sex ratios, 1 male (M): 1 female (F), 2M:1F, and 1M:2F. We evaluated the effect of modifying polarized light from the arms stripes and ambient light with polarized and unpolarized barriers between the cuttlefish. Additionally, to assess whether a particular trait was a determinant for mating, we used 3D printed cuttlefish dummies. The dummies had different sets of visual signals: two sizes (60 or 90 mm mantle length), raised or dropped arms, high or low contrast body coloration, and polarized or unpolarized filters to simulate the arms stripes. Frequency and duration (s) of courtship displays, mating, and agonistic behaviors were analyzed with GLM and ANOVAs. The behaviors, body patterns, and their components were integrated into an ethogram to describe the reproductive behavior of S. plangon. We identified 18 body patterns, 57 body patterns components, and three reproductive behaviors (mating, courtship, and mate guarding). Only sex ratio had a significant effect on courtship frequency, and the male courtship success rate was 80%. Five small (ML < 80 mm) males showed the dual-lateral display to access mates while avoiding fights with large males; this behavior is characteristic of male “sneaker” cuttlefish. Winner males showed up to 17 body patterns and 33 components, whereas loser males only showed 12 patterns and 24 components. We identified 32 combinations of body patterns and components that tended to occur in a specific order and were relevant for mating success in males. Cuttlefish were visually aware of the 3D-printed dummies; however, they did not start mating or agonistic behavior toward the dummies. Our findings suggest that in S. plangon, the dynamic courtship displays with specific sequences of visual signals, and the sex ratio are critical for mate choice and mating success.

Background: Abnormal and stereotypic behaviors in horses have been widely studied around the world and different epidemiological situations have been described for behavioral disturbances. Objective: To determine the frequency of abnormal and stereotypic behaviors in a population of police patrolling horses. Additionally, to establish chronic stress levels in the population of interest. Methods: Twenty police horses were evaluated. The animals went through 48 hours of continuous observation to record the frequency of normal, abnormal, and stereotypic behaviors. Cortisol index (CI) was calculated for all the subjects. Results: A 65% of the horses expressed behavioral disturbances, with 55% corresponding to stereotypies. The abnormal behaviors consisted on wood chewing, pawing, and bed eating. Stereotypic behaviors were weaving, stall walking, and aerophagia (crib-biting or wind sucking). According to the CI, 13 horses were under chronic stress (CI < 0.30). Conclusion: High level of chronic stress, expressed as abnormal and stereotypic behaviors, was observed in the horses.

Little is known about the ethology and behavioural ecology of young wombats. Observations of young southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) that were still with their mothers revealed that they have an extensive ethogram that includes autonomous and social play, and precocial aggressive and defensive behaviours. The behaviour of one wombat was observed for 5-7 nights at monthly intervals from when it was first seen above ground with its mother (at an estimated age of 7-9 months). In the first 3 months it played often, and it remained within 25 m of the natal burrow. Thereafter, the frequency of play declined, and it followed its mother further from the natal burrow. Five months after it was first seen it became independent of its mother when she moved to another warren. Nearly all the young wombat's social encounters and interactions were with the group of wombats that occupied two warrens that included the natal burrow. At the time of the study, in 1975, only two of the nine juvenile and subadult wombats that were present at the warrens when the study started were still there 15 months later, which suggests that many young wombats disperse. We used direct observations of a young southern hairy-nosed wombat and video recordings from camera traps to show that young wombats that are still with their mothers have an extensive ethogram that includes autonomous and social play, and precocial aggressive and defensive behaviours. The young wombat associated with its mother for five months, after which time it became independent of her when she moved from the natal warren. Only two of nine young wombats from three warrens were still present there 15 months after the start of the study, suggesting that many young wombats disperse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats spend half of their lifetime roosting, but their behaviour during this state has not been analysed in most species. The analysis of roosting behaviour is crucial to understand many aspects of bat ecology and social dynamics, but it can be hard to do in natural conditions, especially in cave-dwelling bats. In two species of long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris curasoae and L. yerbabuenae), reproductively active males display a unique smearing behaviour and develop an odoriferous dorsal patch during the reproductive season, presumably involved in female mate choice. As a first step to study the smearing behaviour under controlled conditions, in this study, we analysed the roosting behaviour of a captive group of 18 adult individuals (1:1 sex ratio) of L. curasoae through analysis of day-round (24 hrs) video recordings. We succeeded in producing an ethogram and in estimating the daily time budgets of the group. We also examined the effect of sex and condition of males (with dorsal patch, without dorsal patch) on behaviour. We identified 18 behaviours and classified them into five first-order categories (general maintenance, locomotion, vigilance, social and sexual) and two behavioural states (resting and self-grooming). Behaviours related to muscle and fur maintenance were the most frequent (wing stretching and self-grooming, respectively). Social behaviours (allogrooming and pushing) were relatively infrequent. The latter result suggests loose or cryptic inter-individual liaisons, probably associated with the natural dynamics of colony composition. The main difference between males and females was the expression of hugs (male to female), suggesting that this could be a sexual behaviour (pre-copulatory or pair-bonding). The behaviour of males was independent of the presence of a dorsal patch. We discuss the need for additional research to find the correlates of dorsal patch activity in order to control these variables in future studies aimed to investigate the smearing behaviour in captivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aulacothrips dictyotus Hood, 1952 (Thysanoptera: Heterothripidae) is a highly specific ectoparasite, which infests nymphs and adults of Aetalion reticulatum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae) in South America. However, nothing is known about the consequences of this remarkable interaction to the hemipterans, which also exhibit mutualistic associations with ants. In this study, we test the hypothesis that Au. dictyotus directly affects Ae. reticulatum behaviour by comparing ethograms of thrips‐infected and uninfected aetalionids. An analysis of 15 behavioural acts showed significant differences in the behaviour of Ae. reticulatum between these two experimental groups. Hemipterans exhibited dramatic changes in behaviour under Au. dictyotus presence, and the frequencies of some behaviours related to locomotion were statistically higher in individuals with thrips, as well as kicking movements using the hind legs. Moreover, infected aetalionids showed higher frequencies of grooming behaviour, which seems to have some efficacy in detaching Au. dictyotus. We demonstrated that thrips presence disturb host foraging behaviour and induces unusual behavioural acts that are likely to be very costly to hosts. Our results suggest that thrips parasitism constitutes an important selective force for hemipterans and that its effects can influence host individuals, the aggregation and potentially the mutualistic interaction with ants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The effect of rider weight on equine welfare and performance requires further investigation. The objective of this prospective, cross‐over, randomised trial was to assess gait and behavioural responses of horses to riders of similar ability, but different bodyweights. Six nonlame horses in regular work were ridden by each of four riders: Light (L), Moderate (M), Heavy (H) and Very Heavy (VH). Saddle fit was assessed subjectively throughout the study. Each horse was ridden twice by riders L and M, and once by rider H. Rider VH rode five horses once and one twice. Each horse‐rider combination undertook a standardised, 30‐min 'dressage‐test' which was abandoned if we observed lameness grade ≥ 3/8 in one limb, grade ≥ 2/8 in ≥ 2 limbs, or ≥ 10/24 behavioural markers of pain. Horses were reassessed in hand 45–60 min after any abandonment. Mean rider bodyweights, body mass index (BMI) values and rider:horse bodyweight percentages for the L, M, H and VH riders were respectively: 60.8, 77.8, 91.0, 142.1 kg; 23.2, 28.0, 26.3, 46.9 kg/m2; 10.0–11.7%, 12.8–15.0%, 15.3–17.9%, 23.6–27.5%. All 13 H and VH rider tests (lameness, n = 12; behaviour, n = 1) and one of 12 M rider tests (lameness) were abandoned. Lameness was confirmed using inertial measurement unit data. All horses trotted sound after test abandonment and completed the study moving well when ridden. Limitations of the study were saddle fit was not ideal in all horse‐rider combinations and abandonment criteria were subjective. The conclusions and clinical relevance of the study were that large riders can induce temporary lameness and behaviours consistent with musculoskeletal pain. This may relate to rider bodyweight and/or weight distribution. Riders M and H had similar BMI but markedly different test abandonment rates, therefore bodyweight is likely to be more relevant than BMI. Further work is required to determine if horse fitness, adaptation to heavier weights and better saddle fit for heavier/taller riders will increase horses' weight‐carrying capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Spix's Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) represents one of the four avian taxa, in which its global population is entirely captively managed. The species was declared "extinct in the wild" after several attempts failed to rediscover any remaining individuals in the wild since 2000. As an integral part of the ongoing ex situ conservation efforts, a long-term ethological study was conducted at the ACTP facility to investigate the behavioral repertoire of the largest subpopulation of this species in captivity. In this paper we provide an illustrated comprehensive ethogram with detailed description of the submission, displacement and agonistic behavior. The agonistic behavior is categorized in two subcategories, where qualitative aspects for distinct behavior elements for the intimidatory and conflict behavior are given. In addition, displacement displays are described in detail for the first time for a species of the genera. In total, 35 distinct behavior elements of the agonistic, displacement and submission behavioral repertoire are covered. Digital video images related to the article are available at http://www.momo-p.com/index-e.html, movieid:momo200417sm05a, momo200416sm01a, momo200417sm06a, momo200416sm06a, momo200416sm04a, momo200417sm03a, momo200417sm02a, momo200416sm05a, momo200417sm04a, momo200416sm02a, momo200416sm03a, and momo200417sm01a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication in cuttlefish includes rapid changes in skin coloration and texture, body posture and movements, and potentially polarized signals. The dynamic displays are fundamental for mate choice and agonistic behavior. We analyzed the reproductive behavior of the mourning cuttlefish Sepia plangon in the laboratory. Mate preference was analyzed via choice assays (n = 33) under three sex ratios, 1 male (M): 1 female (F), 2M:1F, and 1M:2F. We evaluated the effect of modifying polarized light from the arms stripes and ambient light with polarized and unpolarized barriers between the cuttlefish. Additionally, to assess whether a particular trait was a determinant for mating, we used 3D printed cuttlefish dummies. The dummies had different sets of visual signals: two sizes (60 or 90 mm mantle length), raised or dropped arms, high or low contrast body coloration, and polarized or unpolarized filters to simulate the arms stripes. Frequency and duration (s) of courtship displays, mating, and agonistic behaviors were analyzed with GLM and ANOVAs. The behaviors, body patterns, and their components were integrated into an ethogram to describe the reproductive behavior of S. plangon. We identified 18 body patterns, 57 body patterns components, and three reproductive behaviors (mating, courtship, and mate guarding). Only sex ratio had a significant effect on courtship frequency, and the male courtship success rate was 80%. Five small (ML < 80 mm) males showed the dual-lateral display to access mates while avoiding fights with large males; this behavior is characteristic of male "sneaker" cuttlefish. Winner males showed up to 17 body patterns and 33 components, whereas loser males only showed 12 patterns and 24 components. We identified 32 combinations of body patterns and components that tended to occur in a specific order and were relevant for mating success in males. Cuttlefish were visually aware of the 3D-printed dummies; however, they did not start mating or agonistic behavior toward the dummies. Our findings suggest that in S. plangon , the dynamic courtship displays with specific sequences of visual signals, and the sex ratio are critical for mate choice and mating success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater crabs present cryptic habits and generally live in burrows, rocks and leaves among the vegetation, in streams or rivers. The behavior of Kingsleya attenboroughi, a recently discovered freshwater crab already at considerable risk of extinction, was investigated under laboratory conditions for 12 hr in a light/dark cycle. Nine K. attenboroughi behavioral acts were described in six distinct categories: emersion, immersion, environment exploration, feeding, stance and self-cleaning. The present results show a significant difference in behavior between the 12 hr light/dark cycle, but not between sexes. This study contributes to understanding the physiological needs, ecological interactions and to the development of conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and knowledge regarding basic sexual behavior constitute a logical starting point for captive breeding of the endangered Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus , ABB) in the Republic of Korea. This study was therefore undertaken to create an ethogram for the sexual behaviors of ABB and to describe the time budget of the relevant behaviors. To create an ethogram, six adult ABBs (three females, three males) in captivity were observed using the Internet protocol cameras for 3 years without recording, and a pair of male and female ABBs were observed similarly with a recording system for two different years to collect the time budget data. We confirmed 23 distinct sexual behaviors and established, for the first time, an ethogram for sexual behaviors in ABB, including duration of individual behavior. Total sexual behavior was mostly observed between 11:00 and 13:00 hours, between 16:00 and 18:00 hours, and more frequently during the first week of July. Mean duration of courtships were 7.9 ± 3.5 minutes (when the courtship advanced to mating) or 15.2 ± 9.1 minutes (when the courtship did not advance to mating), mean duration of mating was 20.1 ± 9.6 minutes (when shivering, indicating ejaculation, was included) or 11.1 ± 4.0 minutes (when shivering was not included), and mean refractory duration was 1206.3 ± 858.2 minutes. These data could be applied by veterinarians and other biologists engaged in breeding the endangered bears in captivity. Furthermore, these data may be the basis for theriogenology studies in bears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]