Behavioural adjustments of wild-caught kangaroos to captivity

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 213 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Munn ◽  
S. Phelan ◽  
M. Rigby ◽  
J. A. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Wild Animal ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Novel Environment ◽  
Short Period ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Free Ranging

It is important to understand how wild-caught animals may respond to captivity, and whether their behaviours in captivity are reflective of their wild counterparts. We observed the behaviour of wild-caught western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) and red kangaroos (Osphranter rufus; formerly M. rufus) that were transferred to a large naturally vegetated enclosure. Observations were made on the first day of captivity and again after 7–10 days, and were compared with the behaviour of free-living kangaroos at the same locality and over the same period. We quantified feeding, moving, grooming and non-alert behaviours. Of these, grooming was higher in captive kangaroos than in free-living animals on the first day of captivity only, and was no different to that of wild animal by 7–10 days’ captivity. Such self-directed behaviour may be indicative of heightened distress for kangaroos on the first day of captivity, but it may also be indicative of grooming to eliminate contamination of human smells or debris following capture by darting and recovery. Overall, our findings indicate that after a short period of captivity, wild-caught kangaroos adjust to a novel environment relatively quickly, and animals from each species showed behaviour patterns comparable with free-ranging counterparts within 7–10 days after capture and captivity.

scholarly journals The Patterns and Causes of Dermatitis in Terrestrial and Semi-Aquatic Mammalian Wildlife

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1691
Author(s):  
Elise M. Ringwaldt ◽  
Barry W. Brook ◽  
Scott Carver ◽  
Jessie C. Buettel
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Dermatological Disease ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Free Ranging

Causative disease and stress agents which manifest as dermatitis in mammals have varying effects on individual animals, from benign irritation and inflammation, to causing morbidity and even mortality. Bacteria, viruses and ectoparasites are all potential causes of dermatitis, and it can be exacerbated by various environmental, genetic and social factors. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether dermatitis is more likely to manifest in already-vulnerable wildlife species. Here, we systematically review the literature for reports of dermatitis in terrestrial and semi-aquatic wild mammalian species, with the goal of determining the biogeographical scale of dermatitis reports, the causes of dermatitis, and whether manifestation of dermatitis is reported more commonly in certain wildlife species or their captivity status (i.e., free-living, in captivity or in a laboratory). We reveal biases in the reporting of dermatitis by a biogeographic realm, with 55% of cases reported in the Nearctic, and towards particular orders of mammals, namely Artiodactyla and Carnivora. Overall, free-living wildlife is almost twice as likely to be reported as having dermatitis than individuals in captivity and six times more likely than individuals in laboratories, which we interpret as owing to exposure to a broader spectrum of parasites in free-ranging individuals, and potential reporting bias in captive individuals. Notably, dermatitis was reported in 23 threatened species, with some species more likely than others to be reported exhibiting clinical signs of dermatitis resulting from underlying health problems. We also find that threatened species are more likely to be reported as having dermatitis in captivity, particularly outside of their endemic home range. This review highlights diverse patterns of dermatological disease causes in captive and free-ranging wildlife, conditions under which they are more likely to be documented, and the need for cross-disciplinary research to ascertain (and so better manage) the varied causes.

Ejaculate traits in the Namibian cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus): influence of age, season and captivity

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrienne E. Crosier ◽  
Laurie Marker ◽  
JoGayle Howard ◽  
Budhan S. Pukazhenthi ◽  
Josephine N. Henghali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Sperm Density ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Free Ranging

The objective was to examine the influence of animal age, season and captivity status on seminal quality in wild-born cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in Namibia, Africa. Animals were divided into three age categories: juvenile (14–24 months; n = 16 males, 23 ejaculates); adult (25–120 months; n = 76 males, 172 ejaculates); and aged (>120 months; n = 5 males, 5 ejaculates). Seasons were categorised into hot–wet (January–April), cold–dry (May–August) and hot–dry (September–December). A comparison between freshly wild-caught (n = 29 males, 41 ejaculates) and captive-held cheetahs (n = 68 males, 159 ejaculates) was also conducted. Raw ejaculates contained 69.0 ± 1.1% motile spermatozoa (mean ± s.e.m.) with 73.6 ± 1.5% of these cells containing an intact acrosome. Overall, 18.4 ± 0.9% of spermatozoa were morphologically normal, with midpiece anomalies being the most prevalent (~39%) defect. Juvenile cheetahs produced ejaculates with poorer sperm motility, forward progressive status, lower seminal volume and fewer total motile spermatozoa than adult and aged animals. Spermatogenesis continued unabated throughout the year and was minimally influenced by season. Proportions of sperm malformations were also not affected by season. Ejaculates from captive cheetahs had increased volume and intact acrosomes, but lower sperm density than wild-caught counterparts. In summary, Namibian cheetahs produce an extraordinarily high proportion of pleiomorphic spermatozoa regardless of age, season or living (captive versus free-ranging) status. Young males less than 2 years of age produce poorer ejaculate quality than adult and aged males. Because (1) all study animals were wild born and (2) there was little difference between freshly caught males and those maintained in captivity for protracted periods, our results affirm that teratospermia in the cheetah is mostly genetically derived. It also appears that an ex situ environment for the Namibian cheetah can ensure sperm quality comparable with that for free-living males.

scholarly journals A Survey for Escherichia coli Virulence Factors in Asymptomatic Free-Ranging Parrots

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Becker Saidenberg ◽  
Neiva Maria Robaldo Guedes ◽  
Gláucia Helena Fernandes Seixas ◽  
Mariangela da Costa Allgayer ◽  
Erica Pacífico de Assis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Carrier State ◽  
Free Living ◽  
E Coli ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Parasite Relationship ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Free Ranging

Parrots in captivity are frequently affected by Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections. The objective of this study was to collect information on the carrier state for E. coli pathotypes in asymptomatic free-ranging parrots. Cloacal swabs were collected from nestlings of Hyacinth, Lear’s macaws and Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for virulence factors commonly found in enteropathogenic, avian pathogenic, and uropathogenic E. coli strains. In total, 44 samples were cultured and E. coli isolates were yielded, from which DNA was extracted and processed by PCR. Genes commonly found in APEC isolates from Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and Hyacinth macaws were expressed in 14 of these 44 samples. One atypical EPEC isolate was obtained from a sample from Lear’s macaw. The most commonly found gene was the increased serum survival (iss) gene. This is the first report, that describes such pathotypes in asymptomatic free-living parrots. The findings of this study suggest the presence of a stable host/parasite relationship at the time of the sampling brings a new understanding to the role that E. coli plays in captive and wild parrots. Such information can be used to improve husbandry protocols as well as help conservation efforts of free-living populations.

scholarly journals Canine distemper virus infection in a lesser grison (Galictis cuja): first report and virus phylogeny

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Megid ◽  
Carlos R. Teixeira ◽  
Adriana Cortez ◽  
Marcos B. Heinemann ◽  
João M.A.P. Antunes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Canine Distemper Virus ◽  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Canine Distemper ◽  
Habitat Alterations ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
First Case ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Free Ranging

Infectious diseases in wild animals have been increasing as a result of their habitat alterations and closer contact with domestic animals. Canine distemper virus (CDV) has been reported in several species of wild carnivores, presenting a threat to wildlife conservation. We described the first case of canine distemper virus infection in lesser grison (Galictis cuja). A free-ranging individual, with no visible clinical sigs, presented sudden death after one day in captivity. Molecular diagnosis for CDV infection was performed using whole blood collected by postmortem intracardiac puncture, which resulted positive. The virus phylogeny indicated that domestic dogs were the probable source of infection.

The effects of environmental and visitor variables on the behavior of free-ranging ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in captivity

Zoo Biology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 250-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney Collins ◽  
Ilse Corkery ◽  
Amy Haigh ◽  
Sean McKeown ◽  
Thomas Quirke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lemur Catta ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Free Ranging

scholarly journals Brood stock formation of the hermaphrodite finfish species Pagellus erythrinus (common Pandora) from fish reared in captivity

2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.D. KLAOUDATOS ◽  
D.S. KLAOUDATOS
Keyword(s):  
Hormonal Treatment ◽  
Sex Reversal ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Brood Stock ◽  
Pagellus Erythrinus ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Fish Group ◽  
Common Pandora

Formation of brood stock is considered to be one of the most important operations in order to acquire eggs and fry from any promising candidate finfish species for aquaculture production. The sex reversal observed in hermaphrodite species adds to confusion and creates additional complications in forming a brood stock. The present study describes the efforts and the results of the brood stock formation of the hermaphrodite finfish species Pagellus erythrinus (common Pandora) from individuals aged between 4 and 5 years (TL>300mm) reared in floating cages. Six groups were formed (50 fish/group) in all of which females were present comprising 20 to 40% of the population. The presence of females was in contrast to the literature, which reported that sex reversal of the common Pandora is complete in naturally occurring populations with the absence of females in sizes of a total length greater than 220mm, indicating that in captivity sex reversal is not complete for this species. Four of the groups formed spawned under natural environmental conditions without hormonal treatment and the other two groups were administered a different dosage (250 and 500 IU/kg) of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) to induce spawning. The reproductive period started in the middle of May and ended at the beginning of July and spontaneous spawning occurred in all groups. Egg release lasted for a mean period of one month for the groups that spawned without hormonal treatment with no significant difference in the number of viable eggs between groups. The groups that spawned under hormonal treatment released eggs for a period of six and seven days, for the group that spawned under the high and low hormonal treatment, respectively, with no significant difference in the number of viable eggs between them. The hormonal induced spawning resulted in egg release within a short period of time ideal for a hatchery. However, the number of viable eggs produced was significantly lower compared to the number of viable eggs produced from groups that spawned without hormonal treatment.

scholarly journals Molecular survey of Besnoitia spp. (Apicomplexa) in faeces from European wild mesocarnivores in Spain. Short running title: Molecular survey of Besnoitia spp in faeces from wild carnivores.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David González-Barrio ◽  
Pamela C. Köster ◽  
Miguel Habela ◽  
Manuel Martín-Pérez ◽  
José Fernández-García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Definitive Host ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Besnoitia Besnoiti ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Wild Carnivores ◽  
Molecular Survey ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Bovine Besnoitiosis ◽  
Western Spain ◽  
Free Ranging

Numerous studies have unsuccessfully tried to unravel the definitive host of the coccidian parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. Cattle infections by B. besnoiti cause a chronic and debilitating condition called bovine besnoitiosis that has emerged in Europe during the last two decades, mainly due to limitations in its control associated to the absence of vaccines and therapeutical tools. Although the exact transmission pathway of B. besnoiti is currently unknown, it is assumed that the parasite might have an indirect life cycle with a carnivore as definitive host. Current lack of studies in wildlife might underestimate the importance of free-living species in the epidemiology of B. besnoiti. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the presence of Besnoitia spp. in free-ranging mesocarnivores in Spain. DNA was searched by PCR on faeces collected from wild carnivores as a first approach to determine which species could be considered as potential definitive host candidates in further research. For this purpose, a total of 352 faecal samples from 12 free-living wild carnivore species belonging to the Canidae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, and Viverridae families were collected in seven Spanish regions. PCR testing showed that Besnoitia spp. DNA was present in four faecal samples from red foxes collected in western Spain, an area with the greatest density of extensively reared cattle and associated to high incidence of bovine besnoitiosis in the country. To date, this is the first report of a Besnoitia besnoiti-like sequence (99.57% homology) from carnivore faeces in a worldwide context. Red foxes might contribute to the epidemiology of B. besnoiti, although further studies, mostly based on bioassay, would be needed to elucidate the accuracy and extent of these interesting findings.

scholarly journals An infanticide attempt by a free-roaming feral stallion ( Equus caballus )

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meeghan E Gray
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Equus Caballus ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Feral Horses ◽  
Selection Hypothesis ◽  
Sexual Selection Hypothesis ◽  
In Captivity

Infanticide by adult males occurs in a variety of species. While infanticidal attacks have been documented in several equid species in captivity, it has never been witnessed in free-roaming feral horses. I report an infanticide attempt by a free-living feral stallion on a recently born female foal. The stallion picked up the foal by the shoulders, tossed it around twice and bit in on the neck several times. The dam of the foal charged the stallion and successfully protected her foal from additional attacks. The foal survived the attack and later weaned successfully. The stallion recently took over the band and was excluded as the sire through genetic analysis. While this type of attack is rare, this case lends support to the sexual selection hypothesis and further demonstrates that equids have evolved with the risk of infanticide. Furthermore, it shows that maternal protectiveness can be successful against attacks by infanticidal males.

Dissociative anaesthesia in free-ranging male koalas and selected marsupials in captivity

1990 ◽  
Vol 67 (12) ◽  
pp. 449-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. BUSH ◽  
JAM GRAVES ◽  
SJ O'BRIEN ◽  
DE WILDT
Keyword(s):  
In Captivity ◽  
Free Ranging

Migratory behaviour of captive white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, differs during autumn and spring migration

Behaviour ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 143 (10) ◽  
pp. 1219-1240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn Ramenofsky ◽  
Renée Agatsuma
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Migratory Restlessness ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Zonotrichia Leucophrys ◽  
Life History Stages ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Zonotrichia Leucophrys Gambelii

AbstractGambel's white-crown sparrow (Zonotorichia leucophrys gambelii) is a long-distance, over-land migrant. In captivity birds display many characteristics of the autumn and spring migratory life history stages that include hyperphagia, fattening and high intensity nocturnal activity termed migratory restlessness or Zugunruhe. We recorded the behaviour of captive birds while simultaneously collecting 24 h locomotor activity. These data were used to define the behaviour displayed by captive birds during autumn and spring in order to compare the two migratory stages and to draw inferences for free-living birds. The predominant behaviour during day and nighttime was rest. Feeding occurred only during daylight hours but at a greater frequency in autumn than spring. Birds generally used their feet as the primary source of locomotion during the day termed 'jump'. During the night, two distinct behaviours, 'beak-up flight' and 'beak-up' involving high intensity wing motions were observed and considered components of migratory restlessness. The frequency of the 'beak-up flight' was greatest during spring and associated with the enhanced tempo of vernal migration. In both stages, migratory restlessness was preceded by a quiescent phase, the occurrence of which differed and related to time available for foraging and length of the night. Given these findings, we hypothesize that diel behaviours displayed by autumn and spring migrants in captivity highlight distinctions between the two life history stages.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document