Redefining the activity pattern of the honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus).

2001 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Arrese ◽  
PB Runham
Keyword(s):  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Numerous Species ◽  
Daytime Activity ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Australian Marsupial ◽  
Diurnal Species ◽  
Honey Possum

ANIMALS are commonly separated into two major categories based on their activity patterns: diurnal and nocturnal. However, evidence of numerous species exhibiting diverse periods of activity, including arhythmic and crepuscular habits, broadens the description. The honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus), a small West-Australian marsupial feeding exclusively on nectar and pollen, has been described as strongly nocturnal (Wooller et al. 1981; Russell and Renfree 1989). However, infrequent daytime activity in captivity (Russell 1986) and in the wild under cold, cloudy conditions, has been reported (Hopper and Burbidge 1982; du Plessis and du Plessis 1995). During trapping exercises in the region of Jurien Bay (250 km north of Perth, Western Australia), several animals were observed foraging after sunrise and before sunset, with occasional diurnal activity. To date, no study has investigated directly the activity periods of the species. Furthermore, studies of the visual capabilities of T. rostratus revealed that its retinal organisation is not compatible with a nocturnal lifestyle, but presents features comparable to those found in diurnal species (Arrese 2002; Arrese et al. 2002). Such discrepancies warranted the monitoring of activity periods (rhythmicity) of T. rostratus in its natural environment, a study reported here. We discuss our results in the context of the visual ecology of the species.

scholarly journals Eye shape and the nocturnal bottleneck of mammals

2012 ◽  
Vol 279 (1749) ◽  
pp. 4962-4968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret I. Hall ◽  
Jason M. Kamilar ◽  
E. Christopher Kirk
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Visual Sensitivity ◽  
Early Evolution ◽  
Eye Size ◽  
Diurnal Species

Most vertebrate groups exhibit eye shapes that vary predictably with activity pattern. Nocturnal vertebrates typically have large corneas relative to eye size as an adaptation for increased visual sensitivity. Conversely, diurnal vertebrates generally demonstrate smaller corneas relative to eye size as an adaptation for increased visual acuity. By contrast, several studies have concluded that many mammals exhibit typical nocturnal eye shapes, regardless of activity pattern. However, a recent study has argued that new statistical methods allow eye shape to accurately predict activity patterns of mammals, including cathemeral species (animals that are equally likely to be awake and active at any time of day or night). Here, we conduct a detailed analysis of eye shape and activity pattern in mammals, using a broad comparative sample of 266 species. We find that the eye shapes of cathemeral mammals completely overlap with nocturnal and diurnal species. Additionally, most diurnal and cathemeral mammals have eye shapes that are most similar to those of nocturnal birds and lizards. The only mammalian clade that diverges from this pattern is anthropoids, which have convergently evolved eye shapes similar to those of diurnal birds and lizards. Our results provide additional evidence for a nocturnal ‘bottleneck’ in the early evolution of crown mammals.

Observations on Activity Patterns, Population and Den Characteristics of The Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster Along Badger Creek, Victoria.

1995 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
J.L. Gardner ◽  
M. Serena
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Fish Farms ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Irrigation Channels ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Hydromys Chrysogaster

The Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster is Australia's largest amphibious rodent, occupying freshwater rivers, lakes, and coastal and estuarine habitats throughout the continent (Watts and Aslin 1981). Little is known of the species' social organisation or use of space in the wild although Harris (1978) suggested that adults might be intrasexually aggressive. The home ranges of all sex and age classes overlap to some extent but home ranges of adults of the same sex appear to overlap less (Harris 1978). Adult males occupy the largest home ranges which overlap those of one or more females. In captivity individuals kept in groups form hierarchies in which only the dominant females usually breed successfully (Olsen 1982). Fighting occurs primarily among males, with the highest incidence of injuries observed at the beginning of the main September-March breeding season (Olsen 1980, 1982). The results of trapping studies indicate that population density may vary considerably, with the greatest numbers of animals typically occupying man-modified habitats such as irrigation channels or fish farms (McNally 1960, Watts and Aslin 1981, Smales 1984). Aggressive behaviour appears to be related to pelage colour (phenotype) and population density; the higher the density the greater the number of injured individuals (Olsen 1980).

scholarly journals Diurnal activity pattern of white-rumped vulture, Gyps bengalensis (Gmelin, 1788) in captivity during breeding season at Bangladesh National Zoo, Dhaka

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-85
Author(s):  
Md Abraharul Islam ◽  
Monirujjaman ◽  
Rasel Ahammed ◽  
Mahruma Aktar
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
National Zoo ◽  
Gyps Bengalensis

Abstract not availableJahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 7(1): 81-85, 2018 (June)

scholarly journals Body-Temperature and Diurnal Activity Patterns in the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus-Anatinus) During Winter

1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 135 ◽  
Author(s):  
GC Grigg ◽  
L Beard ◽  
TR Grant ◽  
M Augee
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Southern Alps ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Daily Cycle ◽  
Stream Bank ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus

Using implanted radiotransmitters, we monitored body temperatures in five platypuses ranging freely in the Thredbo River in Australia's southern alps between April and October 1988, where the water gets as cold as any that a platypus is likely to encounter. Activity pattern showed a distinct daily cycle. No evidence of hibernation or even brief periods of torpor was found, all individuals maintaining body temperatures close to 32-degrees-C throughout the winter (mean+/-s.d., 32.08 +/- 0.75-degrees-C, range 29.2-34.6-degrees-C, n = 2237). No differences were found between the means or the variances of body temperatures of animals during day-time rest in stream-bank burrows and those during night-time foraging in winter at temperatures as low as 1.0-degrees-C.

Diurnal activity patterns within female herds of isard around parturition time

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 776-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Pépin ◽  
Christophe Abegg ◽  
Cécile Richard
Keyword(s):  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Time Budget ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Physiological Mechanisms ◽  
Rupicapra Pyrenaica ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Resting Activity ◽  
Crest Line

We compared diurnal activity patterns of isards (Rupicapra pyrenaica) within female herds around the time of parturition in a Pyrenean reserve. From mid-April to mid-May, i.e., at the end of the gestation period, adult females spent significantly more time foraging (76 vs. 65%) and less time resting than yearlings did. From mid-June to mid-July, after the birth of kids, adult females and yearlings had exactly the same time budget (62% for foraging) and the same activity pattern, with a well-marked resting phase at midday. Analysis of data at 15-min intervals indicated synchronism in activity when animals leave the area by crossing the crest line, or when arriving at their foraging or resting phases. During the 2 first months of their life, kids had a polyphasic diurnal activity pattern characterized by four distinct foraging phases 4 h apart, and three peaks in resting activity between midday and evening. Nevertheless, some behavioural and physiological mechanisms permitted kids to synchronize their activity with that of other herd members.

Relationship between Diurnal Activity Patterns, Cryptic Coloration, and Subsequent Avoidance of Predaceous Fish by Perlid Stoneflies

1992 ◽  
Vol 49 (12) ◽  
pp. 2630-2634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blair W. Feltmate ◽  
D. Dudley Williams ◽  
Adriane Montgomerie
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss ◽  
Daytime Activity ◽  
Cryptic Coloration ◽  
High Illumination ◽  
Low Illumination ◽  
Paragnetina Media ◽  
First Time

We demonstrate that prey (stoneflies), which are either solidly coloured or patterned, coordinate intervals of maximum daytime activity with periods when visually foraging predators (rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss) are least able to detect them. In this study, rainbow trout attacked solidly coloured stonefly nymphs (Paragnetina media) more frequently under conditions of low illumination (simulated dawn and dusk) than high illumination (simulated midday) whereas the frequency of attacks on patterned stonefly nymphs (Agnetina capitata) was reversed. Consequently, in both the presence and absence of trout, the activity (i.e. frequency of crawling) of P. media and A. capitata was highest under conditions of high and low illumination, respectively. The number of attacks by trout on all nymphs was significantly less when nymphs were on dark-brown, rather than mottled, substrates. When given a choice between dark-brown and mottled substrate, both species selected dark substrate. Suggestions that the visual acuity of predators varies as a function of light intensity and the coloration, patterning, and daytime activity of prey are corroborated for the first time.

Activity rhythms in female montane voles (Microtus montanus)

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 1071-1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol N. Rowsemitt
Keyword(s):  
Adult Male ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Short Photoperiod ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Running Wheel ◽  
Microtus Montanus ◽  
Microtine Rodents ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Long Photoperiod

Seasonal changes in activity patterns have been reported in several species of arvicoline (= microtine) rodents in the wild. Adult male montane voles (Microtus montanus) shift from predominantly nocturnal running wheel use under long photoperiod to predominantly diurnal running wheel use under short photoperiod. Under the same conditions, females also increase diurnal activity under short photoperiod. However, females display more variability in activity patterns under long photoperiod than do males.

scholarly journals Influence of social upbringing on the activity pattern of captive lion Panthera leo cubs: Benefits of behavior enrichment

2010 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sibonokuhle Ncube ◽  
Hilton Garikai Taambuka Ndagurwa
Keyword(s):  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Visual Exploration ◽  
Panthera Leo ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Enrichment Program ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Behavioral Enrichment ◽  
Connochaetes Taurinus ◽  
Aepyceros Melampus

Abstract The influence of social upbringing on the activity pattern of lion Panthera leo cubs was investigated at three sites. In this study, stimulus objects such as sticks, grass, fresh dung (elephant Loxondota africana, zebra Equus quagga, impala Aepyceros melampus, duiker Sylvicapra grimmia, kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros, giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis and wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus) and cardboard boxes, were utilized in an enrichment program aimed at encouraging active behaviors of captive lion cubs at Antelope Park and Masuwe. Lion cubs at Chipangali were not behaviorally enriched. Activity patterns were recorded for 10 days at each site. We recorded moving, resting, playing, grooming, visual exploration and display of hunting instincts. We found that behavioral enrichment enhanced the active behaviors of captive lion cubs. Orphan-raised cubs spent more time moving, playing and displaying hunting instincts than mother-raised cubs, but the time spent grooming was similar across areas and suggests that grooming is not influenced by enrichment. Mother-raised cubs spent more time engaged in visual exploration than orphan-raised cubs and this could be a behavior acquired from mothers or a result of confidence to explore because of their presence. Activity patterns were different among time treatments across our three study sites. Based on these findings, we suggest that lion cubs raised in captivity could benefit from behavioral enrichment to encourage active behaviors essential for eventual reintroduction into the wild.

scholarly journals Notes on the natural history of the Stump-tailed Porcupine, Coendou rufescens (Rodentia, Erethizontidae), in Colombia

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 471-478
Author(s):  
Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves ◽  
Cristina Romero-Ríos ◽  
Jose Jaime Henao-Osorio ◽  
Juan Pablo Franco-Herrera ◽  
Bernardo Ramiro Ramírez-Padilla
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Andean Region ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Feeding Activities ◽  
History Of

Porcupines of the genus Coendou are among the least studied mammals in the Neotropics. The Stump-tailed Porcupine, Coendou rufescens, is distributed in the Andean region from Colombia and south to Bolivia. Despite its wide distribution, nothing is known about its natural history, besides observation of banana consumption in captivity. Here we present new observations on the feeding habits, diurnal activity, and the use of the tail for support during feeding obtained by means of collaborative (citizen) science. We also comment on its locomotion on land and in trees. We observed five diurnal events of C. rufescens feeding on infructescences of trumpet tree (Cecropia angustifolia Trécul). During the feeding activities, the Stump-tailed Porcupine used the tail for stability and support. These are the first observations of such behavior in the wild for this species and suggest a more diurnal activity for this species which belongs to a group of rodents traditionally considered to be predominantly nocturnal.

scholarly journals Seasonal Daytime Activity Budget of Mongolian Gobi Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon)

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-15
Author(s):  
Barry Rosenbaum ◽  
◽  
Sukh Amgalanbaatar ◽  
Richard P. Reading ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Activity Budget ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Activity Budgets ◽  
Seasonal Differences ◽  
Daytime Activity ◽  
Ovis Ammon ◽  
Management And Conservation ◽  
Insight Into

Activity patterns provide insight into the overall relationship between a species and its environment. Despite declines in populations of argali and some attention on ecological questions, limited information exists on argali behavior. We measured diurnal activity budgets of argali for 12 months by recording behavior (i.e., foraging, bedding, standing, traveling, other) with instantaneous scan sampling at 5-minute intervals. Argali exhibited seasonal differences in activity budgets. The greatest proportion of daytime in winter was spent foraging. The greatest proportion of daytime in summer was spent bedding. Argali reduced all other behaviors in winter in favor of foraging. In summer argali reduced their foraging to a seasonal low and increased bedding. Behavior was constrained by forage in winter and by temperatures in summer. Females fed more than males in all seasons. Other behaviors varied according to season and reproductive periods. Females demonstrated highest vigilance in spring and summer, while males exhibited highest vigilance during the autumn rut. These data are the first regarding detailed behavior of argali and are valuable to their management and conservation by providing information on constraints faced by the species.

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