Modification of Stereotypic Behaviour in Captive Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 307
Author(s):  
D.L McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Normal Activity ◽  
Light Level ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Circling Behaviour ◽  
Difficult Situation ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Stereotypic Behaviour ◽  
Time Spent Feeding

Stereotypy is a characteristic occasionally observed in captive animals. This behaviour is regularly associated with animal housing conditions that deviate fundamentally from the species' natural environment. In addition to the detrimental affect it may have on the associated animal, it creates a difficult situation for the public in understanding the presentation of animals in captivity. In April 1996, modification to the platypus exhibit at Healesville Sanctuary resulted in an increased level of light being deflected onto the glass of the shallow tank exhibit. This change in the housing conditions coincided with repetitive circling behaviour by the female platypus and avoidance activity by the male platypus. In addition, the proportion of time spent feeding by the female platypus was reduced. Modification of the exhibit furniture did not significantly alter the female's behaviour. A reduction in the light level being deflected onto the tank resulted in an immediate reduction in the circling behaviour observed for the female. The male resumed free swimming and utilisation of the entire tank. Within two weeks all stereotypic behaviour had ceased and the two platypuses had resumed normal activity patterns.

Time and Space Sharing Between Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in Captivity.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 195
Author(s):  
M.R. Hawkins
Keyword(s):  
Adult Male ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Light Cycle ◽  
Active Period ◽  
Dominant Animal ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Continuous Presence

Detailed video monitoring studies of the activity patterns of platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, given free access to a variable captive system were conducted. When alone, platypuses in captivity linked their activity to the nocturnal light cycle and followed a predictable pattern of activity. This was mostly confined to the dark photo-period and with long periods of continuous presence in the water. When individuals were paired a 'dominance' relationship usually developed. The adult male was dominant over the females in all combinations. In the pairing of a sub-adult male and female, the female remained dominant and between two females there was little indication of dominance. The dominant animal's pattern of activity in the water remained similar to that when kept alone, except for a slight lengthening of its active period and spread of activity. The second animal's active period shortened and became more fragmented. The spread of its activity increased and the activity moved more into the high light periods when the dominant animal was not present. All the activity criteria examined could reflect different strategies for the separation of the activity- cycles changes to the length of the active period, leaving the tank when the other animal was present, increasing the spread of activity, extending activity into the 'daylight' period. It was concluded that one reason behind the changes of activity pattern in paired platypuses was the desire for an un-interrupted feeding time.

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).

Activity patterns, movements and burrows of platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in a sub-alpine Tasmanian lake

2000 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen M. Otley ◽  
Sarah A. Munks ◽  
Mark A. Hindell
Keyword(s):  
Adult Male ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Predation Pressure ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
North Western ◽  
Tracking Period

Adult male and female platypuses were radio-tracked in summer and winter at Lake Lea, north-western Tasmania. They appeared to exhibit greater diurnality, particularly during winter months, a greater degree of overland movement and more frequent use of non-earth refuge sites than do animals inhabiting mainland water bodies. Individuals foraged continuously for up to 16 h, with longer foraging bouts observed during the winter tracking period. Foraging range varied between 2 and 58 ha, with no significant differences observed between the sexes or seasons. All platypuses foraged predominantly in the lake; however, a number of animals were observed moving overland to and from waterbodies and burrows. Burrows were located on lake, creek and pool edges. A high percentage of burrows (25%) were located within dense sedge tussocks and scrub vegetation. Both the terrestrial activity and more opportunistic burrow-site selection may be related to reduced predation pressure in Tasmania.

Activity rhythms of southern brown bandicoots Isoodon obesulus (Marsupialia: Peramelidae) in captivity.

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
AN Larcombe
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Late Afternoon ◽  
Activity Rhythms ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
Infra Red ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
The Times

The temporal activity patterns of individually housed captive southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus) were recorded using time-lapse infra-red videorecording. Recordings were made over a period of four continuous days per animal under natural lighting and climatic conditions for Perth, Western Australia during March 2002. Analysis showed that all bandicoots were almost entirely nocturnal and spent ~71% (~17 hr day-1) of their time in their nests. The times of onset of activity were remarkably regular, and occurred both following feeding during the late afternoon and again after dusk (average 1841 hrs). Bandicoots were active for an average of ~7 hr night-1. Virtually all activity involved the bandicoots running around their enclosures (~6.5 hr day-1). This running was interspersed with shorter periods spent feeding (~25 min day-1), grooming (~8 min day-1) and drinking (~2 min day-1). No other behaviours were observed. There was a greater degree of variation in the time of cessation of activity between individuals. Time of cessation ranged from 0039 hrs ± 20 min to 0504 hrs ± 25 min. The average time of cessation of activity was 0315 hrs ± 61 min and was not related to either time of onset of activity or sunrise.

Feeding Behaviour and Activity Patterns of Two Malagasy Bamboo Lemurs, Hapalemur simus and Hapalemur griseus, in Captivity

1994 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Maria-Elisabete ◽  
S. Santini-Palka
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Hapalemur Griseus

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 The activity patterns of some southern African Crocidura in captivity

1979 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 61-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Baxter ◽  
E. A. Goulden ◽  
J. Meester
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
In Captivity

scholarly journals Diurnal activity patterns of walia ibex (Capra walie) in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Dessalegn Ejigu ◽  
Afework Bekele ◽  
Larkin Powell
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Planning ◽  
National Park ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Dry Seasons ◽  
Time Spent Feeding

Walia ibex (Capra walie) is an endangered and endemic species restricted to Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia. Data on activity patterns of walia ibex were collected during October 2009 to November 2011, and the main objective of the research was to determine diurnal activity patterns of walia ibex in Simien Mountains National Park in order to design sound conservation strategies for the species. Scan sampling method was used for data collection on diurnal activity patterns of walia ibex. Diurnal activity patterns in walia ibex were bimodal, in which they were active before and after noon. They rest in shade on rocks and cliffs during the mid-day to protect themselves from hot sun and predators. Activity patterns of walia ibex during the day showed statistically significant differences (F7,18228= 82.09, df=7, p<0.01). Feeding showed significant differences compared to moving, standing, resting, socializing, and other activities (p<0.05). Diurnal activity records in the walia ibex population during the wet and the dry seasons showed that time spent feeding was the highest and vigilance was the lowest. Knowledge of the pattern of this behavior can especially be useful to design conservation planning as successful reproduction in the population may be threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. Thus, information about the diurnal activity patterns of walia ibex is essential for conservation planning of the endemic and endangered walia ibex in its natural habitats.

Seasonal Studies of Body Condition in Platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, Managed in Captivity at Healesville Sanctuary.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
D.L. McDonald ◽  
L. Fisk ◽  
B. Krueger
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Reproductive Status ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity

Platypuses at Healesville Sanctuary are managed so that the animals are physically examined on a daily basis before being allowed access to the display areas. This enables staff to monitor the health status of each animal by recording its weight and checking for any other physical abnormalities. Weights have been monitored for over ten years and the data presented here depicts seasonal changes and those associated with adaptation to a captive environment. Platypuses are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment and many wild platypuses do not adapt well to a captive environment. When platypuses are brought into the Sanctuary (whether for display purposes or due to injury) they are monitored on a daily basis for any weight changes and other obvious abnormalities. Monitoring of weight changes is continued on a daily basis throughout the captive life of the platypus to assess seasonal changes and any changes associated with reproductive status.

The effect of environmental variables on the activity patterns of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in captivity: onset, duration and cessation of activity

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay A. Hogan ◽  
Steve D. Johnston ◽  
Allan T. Lisle ◽  
Alan B. Horsup ◽  
Tina Janssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Daily Activity ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Environmental Influence ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Thermoneutral Zone ◽  
Temperature And Humidity ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
One Year ◽  
Daily Time

The influence of scotoperiod, ambient temperature and humidity on the activity of captive wombats was examined to differentiate environmental influence from that pertaining to food availability. The activity of 12 wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) housed at Rockhampton Zoo was remotely monitored by digital video-surveillance for one year, with environmental variables simultaneously recorded via dataloggers. Mean proportion of total daily time spent active was 18.2 ± 1.8%. Mean daily time spent active varied seasonally according to changes in temperature and humidity. Mean daily activity was greater during winter (301 ± 17 min) and spring (295 ± 16 min), than summer (234 ± 16 min) and autumn (238 ± 15 min) with differences due to a decrease in the number and length of activity bouts in summer and autumn; presumably these results reflect a need to maintain heat balance associated with exposure to elevated temperatures. Activity was positively correlated with temperature during winter (r = 0.60) and spring (r = 0.52) but negatively correlated during summer (r = –0.58) and autumn (r = –0.49), suggesting the existence of a thermoneutral zone where activity is maximised. We conclude that activity in captive wombats is influenced by environmental variables.

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