The mating behaviour of the dibbler, Parantechinus apicalis, in captivity

2000 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen M. Wolfe ◽  
Helen Robertson ◽  
Roberta Bencini
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Average Distance ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Breeding Colony ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Males And Females

A study of the mating behaviour of the dibbler, Parantechinus apicalis, was conducted at a captive-breeding colony at Perth Zoo. In total, 21 pairs of P. apicalis were observed. The oestrous cycles of the females were monitored, and the males and females were paired when the females were approaching oestrus. Direct observations were made of the pairs over a 2-h period 3–4 times a week for the duration of the breeding season (mid February to April). It was found that the mating behaviour of P. apicalis was similar to that of other dasyurids; in particular, sniffing, vocalisations, chasing and attempted mounting tended to increase in the days leading up to mating. No significant difference was found between successful pairs (i.e. those that did mate) and unsuccessful pairs (i.e. those that did not) in the number of interactions and the average distance between the pair.

Effects of collection zones and storage on hatchability and survival of feral helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris galleata pallas) eggs

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-81
Author(s):  
A.A. Yusuf ◽  
O.A. Jayeola ◽  
I.O.O. Osunsina ◽  
G.A. Dedeke
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Storage Systems ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Numida Meleagris ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Protein Supply ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Kainji Lake

The desire to shore up the shortfall in protein supply, the increased awareness of the importance of cholesterol free animal protein, like guineafowl, and the need to conserve their wild genes, have necessitated studies on improved captive breeding of feral helmeted guineafowl. Hence, this study was aimed at determining the effects of ecological zones and storage systems on the guineafowl eggs. Guineafowl eggs (n=214), were collected from identified and monitored-nests within the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) and Old Oyo National Park (OONP). Out of 91 eggs collected from KLNP, 32 and 38 were stored at room temperature (RT-21-25°C) and refrigerator (RF-17-20°C), respectively for five days prior to incubation while 21 eggs were not stored (NS-27-29°C), and out of 123 collected from OONP, 70 and 19 were stored for five days prior to incubation at (RT-21-25°C) and (RF-17-20°C), respectively while 34 eggs were (NS- 27-29°C). Prior to incubation, eggs were weighed, the height and width were measured. The process was repeated after incubation for unhatched eggs. Candling was done three days before hatching at day 29 of egg incubation. Embryo status of unhatched eggs was determined by cracking the eggs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The NS eggs from Kainji (7.60%) and Oyo (2.01%) had the lowest percentage shrinkage in weight across the three storage systems. The order was reversed in height with RF eggs from Kainji (0.96%) and Oyo (0.46%) having lowest. The least shrinkage in width of eggs from Oyo was recorded in the RF eggs (0.00%) and in NS (0.59%) from Kainji. Eggs candling showed that presumed fertile (opaque) was highest (69.10%) in NS eggs followed by RT (45.00%). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the hatchability of eggs from the two parks though hatchability (7.60%) of Kainji eggs was higher than those of Oyo (7.40%). Further check on fertilization after incubation showed that RT (37.50%) eggs from Kainji were fertilized but were unable to hatch alive so also was RF eggs (21.10%). The study showed that the eggs sizes vary with ecozones while size of the eggs and storage systems affects hatchability and survival of feral helmeted guineafowl eggs in captivity. Keywords: Guineafowl; ecozones; storage systems; incubation; candling; hatchability

Female control of reproductive behaviour in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), with notes on female competition for mating

Behaviour ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Thomas ◽  
Marissa L. Parrott ◽  
Kathrine A. Handasyde ◽  
Peter Temple-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Female Competition ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Infrared Cameras ◽  
And Control

Abstract Opportunities for studying platypus courtship and mating behaviours in the wild are limited due to the nocturnal and cryptic nature of this species. We report on platypus courtship and mating behaviour from a successful breeding program at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, in which platypuses were held as either breeding pairs or trios over seven years. Behaviour was recorded daily on infrared cameras resulting in over 80,000 h of footage that was analysed for activity periods, and courtship and mating behaviours including non-contact and contact courtship, mating and avoidance. Our aims were to describe and quantify courtship and mating interactions between males and females, and to determine if either sex controlled the initiation and continuation of the behaviours. From our observations, we describe a new courtship behaviour, non-contact courtship, which constituted the majority of all mating season interactions between males and females. The time between first and last appearance of a courtship and mating behaviour was 41.0 ± 6.6 days, with the females showing behavioural receptivity for 29.6 ± 5.1 days. Female platypuses used three evasive strategies in relation to approaches by males: avoidance, flight and resistance. Females controlled the duration of 79% of encounters using resistance. For the first time, two females were seen competing with each other over access to the male platypus in their enclosure and for nesting material. Time investment in courtship and mating behaviours was a poor indicator of receptivity and breeding success, and we suggest that breeding failure is more likely to be associated with failure of fertilisation, nest building, embryonic development or incubation. We describe how female platypuses demonstrate evasiveness and control of courtship and mating behaviours, and the importance of providing these opportunities in captivity to promote successful breeding.

scholarly journals Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)—A Review

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3140
Author(s):  
Alexia Tommasi ◽  
Jacek A. Koziel ◽  
Annelin H. Molotsi ◽  
Giulia Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Reproductive Aging ◽  
International Union ◽  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Insight Into

The cheetah species (Acinonyx jubatus) is currently listed as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Captive breeding has long since been used as a method of conservation of the species, with the aim to produce a healthy, strong population of cheetahs with an increased genetic variety when compared to their wild counterparts. This would then increase the likelihood of survivability once released into protected areas. Unfortunately, breeding females have been reported to be difficult due to the age of these animals. Older females are less fertile, have more difficult parturition, and are susceptible to asymmetric reproductive aging whereas younger females tend to show a significantly lower frequency of mating behaviour than that of older females, which negatively affects breeding introductions, and therefore mating. Nonetheless, the experience from breeding methods used in some breeding centres in South Africa and the Netherlands, which also rely on the role that semiochemicals play in breeding, proves that cheetahs can be bred successfully in captivity. This review aims to give the reader an in-depth overview of cheetahs’ reproductive physiology and behaviour, focusing on the role that pheromones play in this species. Furthermore, it aims to provide new insight into the use of semiochemicals to improve conservation strategies through captive breeding.

231 SEMINAL QUALITY IN WHOOPING CRANE (GRUS AMERICANA) IS AFFECTED BY STAGE OF BREEDING SEASON BUT NOT BY AGE OF INDIVIDUAL

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 214
Author(s):  
M. E. Brown ◽  
A. Crosier ◽  
W. Lynch ◽  
S. J. Converse ◽  
J. Chandler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Whooping Crane ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
Whooping Cranes ◽  
Significant Difference

The whooping crane is one of the most critically endangered species in North America. The species underwent a severe genetic bottleneck with only 16 individuals remaining in the wild as of 1942. Captive breeding began in 1966 and continues to produce chicks for release in order to establish new wild populations. However, captive birds experience poor reproduction with approximately 40% of eggs being infertile. Males have been known to reach sexual maturity at 5 years of age and continue to reproduce almost as long as the duration of their adult life (i.e. 40 years). Understanding factors affecting seminal quality may assist in identifying and correcting causes of suboptimal reproduction. Our objectives were to determine the influence of age and reproductive seasonality on seminal quality. We hypothesised that seminal quality variations among whooping cranes and ejaculates within a given individual over time were due to bird age and stage of breeding season. In 2010, twenty-nine whooping cranes of 5 age groups housed at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Laurel, MD, USA) were studied: ≤5 years (n = 3); 6–10 years (n = 7); 11–15 years (n = 7); 16–20 years (n = 4); >20 years old (n = 8). Semen was collected using a manual manipulation technique at 3 stages of the breeding season: early (March, n = 29) mid (April, n = 24), and late (May, n = 14). Samples were evaluated for seminal volume and sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, with data evaluated by analysis of variance. Bird age had no influence on seminal quality, whereas stage of breeding season affected seminal volume and the proportion of sperm with normal morphology (95% confidence interval). Specifically, samples collected during Mid breeding season had the highest volume (mean ± SEM; early: 42.0 ± 8.0 μL; mid: 66.0 ± 15.2 μL; late: 39.7 ± 17.8 μL), but lowest proportions of structurally normal sperm (early: 78.4 ± 3.7%: mid: 61.5 ± 3.2%; late: 69.7 ± 3.4%). There was a significant difference (P = 0.06) in sperm concentration among stages of the breeding season (early: 66.3 ± 18.8 × 106 sperm mL–1; mid: 179.2 ± 46.2 × 106 sperm mL–1; late: 91.4 ± 47.8 × 106 sperm mL–1). Sperm motility was unaffected by season (early: 36.4 ± 3.5%; mid: 45.9 ± 4.1%; late: 48.0 ± 4.9%). In summary, there is a peak in seminal quality that corresponds with higher volume and more sperm during the mid stage of the season, although with higher instances of structural abnormalities. Despite the small founder base for this species, males in this population produce sperm with no variation in seminal quality across a wide variation in age.

Reproduction in Antechinus maculatus Gould (Dasyuridae)

1975 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
HJ Aslin
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Males And Females

The smallest member of the genus Antechinus, A. maculatus has a breeding pattern unlike that of its congeners. Captive females are polyoestrous, and can rear several litters of young each year. Both males and females show an extended breeding season in captivity, and males do not become senile after 12 months of age. Seven litters of A. maculatus, each containing up to 11 young, have been bred; the gestation period is 19-20 days. In comparison with most other marsupials, A. maculatus has a high reproductive potential in captivity.

scholarly journals [NO TITLE AVAILABLE]

2007 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 707-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
V De Conto ◽  
R Cerqueira
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Gompertz Model ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Males And Females

The reproduction, development and growth of Akodon lindberghi were studied in captivity. The colony was derived from animals captured in Simão Pereira, Minas Gerais state, which represents a new area of geographical distribution known for this species. Twelve males and twelve females were crossed, producing 144 young in 53 litters. Post-partum oestrus was observed and gestation length was estimated in 23 days. Litter size ranged from 1 to 4 with a mean of 2.72 (SD = 0.97, n = 53) and modal size of 3. Sexual dimorphism was neither present in body mass at birth nor at weaning. There was a significant negative correlation between litter size and mass at birth or weaning. Permanent emergence of adult external appearance occurred at 15 days. Puberty for males and females was 43 and 42 days, respectively, and the first fecundation event for two females was recorded at 47 and 54 days of age. The weight growth was described by fitting a Gompertz model. No significant difference was found in any parameter of growth curves for males and females. Measurements (head-body, tail, hind foot and internal and external ear lengths) obtained for adult individuals also did not reveal the presence of sexual dimorphism.

scholarly journals Apical Elongation of Molar Teeth in Captive Microtus Voles

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 572-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise M. Imai ◽  
Risa Pesapane ◽  
Christopher J. Conroy ◽  
Christina N. Alarcón ◽  
Nora Allan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Susceptibility ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Museum Collection ◽  
Ventral Margin ◽  
Breeding Colony ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Molar Teeth ◽  
Ocular Discharge

Molar apical elongation (MAE) was the leading cause for euthanasia or death in a captive breeding colony of endangered Amargosa voles ( Microtus californicus scirpensis). Clinical signs included ocular discharge, abnormal mastication, dyspnea, abnormal mentation, weight loss, and death. Although the severity varied, all molars in all quadrants were affected. When severe, the overgrown molar reserve crown and apex protruded into the nasal meatuses, the orbit, the calvarial vault and through the ventral margin of the mandible. Overall prevalence in the colony was 63% (92/146 voles) and increased to 77% in aged voles (>1 year). Mean age of onset was 5.3 months (1.7–11.2 months). Progression to extreme severity occurred over 1 to 3 months. Mean survival was 10.9 months (7.1–21.7 months). Histologically, the lesion was characterized by odontogenic hyperplasia and dysplasia. MAE was also documented in museum specimens of 2 other M. californicus subspecies ( M. californicus californicus, M. californicus vallicola) and 3 other Microtus species ( M. montanus, M. pennsylvanicus, M. socialis). In the M. californicus californicus collection, overall prevalence was 35.1% (129/368 skulls) and increased to 77.3% in aged voles (>1 year). A probable genetic influence was identified in the museum collection of M. californicus californicus. The etiopathogenesis of MAE is likely multifactorial, due to (1) inherent continuous odontogenic proliferation, (2) inadequate occlusal attrition, and (3) possible heritable disease susceptibility. In captivity, dietary or other management of occlusal attrition to prevent or delay MAE is a fundamental concern.

scholarly journals Captive Breeding, Rearing and Closing of Reproductive Cycle of the Three Spot Seahorse, Hippocampus trimaculatus (Leach, 1814) PDF

2020 ◽  
pp. 27-33
Author(s):  
Mohamad Saupi Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Fadzil Harun ◽  
Chee Kong Yap
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Cycle ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Global Trade ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Total Length ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Research Institute

Seahorse aquaculture can provide a platform to reduce pressure on its wild populations and to meet the demand for global trade. However, techniques for breeding seahorses are yet to established for every species and information is limited especially for species dwelling in Malaysian waters. Hippocampus trimaculatus is among the heavily exploited species and red listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under IUCN [1]. This study was conducted for one and a half years at the Fisheries Research Institute, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. The goal of this study was to develop a simple yet practical husbandry technique for H. trimaculatus. The study described protocols applied to the establishment of brooders, from the newborn to adulthood, and ultimately to the closure of the reproductive cycle. The seahorses were fed with a live diet ad libitum daily. Juveniles attained a total length of 50mm within a rearing period of 90 days. At 7 months old, the seahorses had reached their matured sizes of 111mm and 106mm for males and females respectively. After a year in captivity, we achieved the closure of the reproductive cycle for the captive-born H. trimaculatus. The results showed that the captive breeding of H. trimaculatus is feasible in Malaysia. These findings will be useful in promoting this species for commercial seahorse culturing and conservation purposes.

scholarly journals Monitoring post-release behavioural activity of captive-bred urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) at Togh Managara Safari Park Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

2022 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. H. Khattak ◽  
L. Zhensheng ◽  
T. Liwei ◽  
P. Pairah ◽  
Z. Zhirong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Threat Detection ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Behavioural Activity ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Wild Sheep ◽  
Males And Females

Abstract The Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) is a globally threatened wild sheep species. In Pakistan the species is legally protected and bred in captivity to release into natural habitats to reinforce wild populations. Vigilance and feeding are critical to survival, though the degree to which captive-bred animals exhibit these behaviours post-release has rarely been investigated. We monitored the daily behaviours of five adult urial after release and classifying behaviours from 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs, replicating each one-hour period twice and recording four observations of each animal per hour. At the herd level, vigilance and feeding behaviours were exhibited equally. Males and females invested equal time in feeding, males were more vigilant (p = 0.001) and more aggressive (p = 0.010), and females were more restful (p = 0.019) or engaged in grooming (p = 0.044) or locomotion (p = 0.002). Females spent more time feeding than being vigilant (p = 0.002). Males maintained high levels of vigilance throughout the day. Patterns of resting 1300 hrs to 1500 hrs and feeding in early morning and late afternoon were common for both sexes. Behaviours classified as ‘other’ were exhibited equally between sexes. Our results reveal positive indications of captive-bred urial balancing threat detection and energy acquisition post-release and exhibiting natural behaviours and activity patterns. We encourage assessment of survivorship to evaluate long-term effectiveness of captive breeding and release as a candidate restoration programme.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Reproductive Hormone Monitoring in Endangered Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinod Kumar ◽  
Shyamalima Buragohain ◽  
Parag Jyoti Deka ◽  
Goutam Narayan ◽  
Govindhaswamy Umapathy
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Progesterone Metabolites ◽  
High Pressure Liquid Chro ◽  
Pygmy Hog ◽  
Testosterone Metabolites ◽  
One Year

The Pygmy hog (Porcula Salvania), till recently, classified as a critically endangered suid, is facing the threat of extinction globally due to habitat degradation. Efforts are being made to protect the pygmy hogs from extinction and breed them in captivity under Pygmy Hog Conservation Pro-gramme (PHCP). However, very little information is available on the reproductive physiology of pygmy hogs. Therefore, the present study aimed to standardize enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring pregnancy and reproductive status using progesterone and testosterone metabolites. A total of 785 faecal samples were collected from five females and two males over a period of one year from PHCP Research and Breeding Centre, Guwahati, Assam. High-pressure liquid chro-matography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of immunoreactive progesterone and testos-terone metabolites in faeces. Mating was observed in all the five females and four of them gave birth successfully. We were able to detect pregnancy using faecal progesterone metabolites. Based on mating and parturition, the mean gestation period was estimated to be 153.25 days from four females. The breeding centre recorded 172 births between 1996 and 2000 and found strong sea-sonality in births and most of the births were between May and June. Faecal testosterone metabo-lites were significantly higher in the breeding season than the non-breeding season. This is the first study and will help in future breeding programs in other captive breeding centres and reproduc-tive monitoring of reintroduced populations.

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