scholarly journals As clear as day: nocturnal activity differs from diurnal activity in a temporally constrained capital breeder

Behaviour ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 156 (10) ◽  
pp. 997-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe L. Fraser ◽  
Ross M. Culloch ◽  
Sean D. Twiss
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Video Camera ◽  
Energy Budgets ◽  
Implicit Assumption ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Nocturnal Activity ◽  
Activity Budgets ◽  
Time Activity ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
In The Wild

Abstract Time-activity budgets are fundamental to behavioural studies, allowing examination of how individuals allocate their time, and potentially energy, and how these patterns vary spatially and temporally and in relation to habitat, individual identity, sex, social status and levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Direct observations of animal behaviour, especially in the wild, are often limited to daylight hours; therefore, many activity budgets relate to diurnal activity only, or assumptions are made about nocturnal activity. Activity budgets have been a key component of many behavioural and energetics studies of breeding grey seals (Halichoerus grypus, Fabricius, 1791), and yet very little is known about nocturnal activity of grey seals, and a general, implicit assumption of no significant change from day to night seems to pervade the literature. Here we use a combination of high resolution digital video and thermal imaging video camera to follow known individual grey seal mothers from day into night to examine activity patterns during lactation. We show distinct differences in nocturnal activity budgets relative to diurnal activity budgets. Mothers spent significantly more time resting with a reduction of time spent in the alert and comfort move behavioural categories during nocturnal periods. It is clear that diurnal time-activity patterns of breeding female grey seals cannot be extrapolated to represent activity across a 24-hour cycle. These considerations are particularly critical in studies that aim to use time-activity budgets as proxies for energy budgets.

Daytime and nighttime activity at a breeding colony of Great Blue Herons in a nontidal environment

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 1075-1078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond McNeil ◽  
Rejean Benoît ◽  
Jean-Luc Desgranges
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Cycle ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Coastal Areas ◽  
Daily Rhythm ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Nocturnal Activity ◽  
Breeding Colony ◽  
Ardea Herodias ◽  
Foraging Time

It is generally admitted that in coastal areas, herons of the genus Ardea adjust their foraging time according to the tidal cycle. However, to what extent do tides control the herons' daily rhythm of activity? To answer this question, we present the day and night activity patterns of Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) arriving to feed their young at a heronry located in a nontidal environment in southern Quebec. Herons were about half as active at night as during the day. Therefore, although significantly less than diurnal activity, nocturnal activity was not negligible, and consequently the tide cycle is not the only factor controlling the daily rhythm of the herons' activity. Those breeding pairs that were most active during the day were no more or less active at night. Diurnal activity was more closely correlated with the number of young that fledged than was nocturnal activity. Thus, night activity was not necessarily important for the survival of young herons, but it could be explained by other factors such as the greater availability of certain prey at night.

scholarly journals Animal-borne acoustic data alone can provide high accuracy classification of activity budgets

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andréa Thiebault ◽  
Chloé Huetz ◽  
Pierre Pistorius ◽  
Thierry Aubin ◽  
Isabelle Charrier
Keyword(s):  
Good Accuracy ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Animal Behaviour ◽  
Activity Budgets ◽  
Acoustic Data ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Geographical Position ◽  
Global Accuracy

Abstract Background Studies on animal behaviour often involve the quantification of the occurrence and duration of various activities. When direct observations are challenging (e.g., at night, in a burrow, at sea), animal-borne devices can be used to remotely record the movement and behaviour of an animal (e.g., changing body posture and movement, geographical position) and/or its immediate surrounding environment (e.g., wet or dry, pressure, temperature, light). Changes in these recorded variables are related to different activities undertaken by the animal. Here we explored the use of animal-borne acoustic recorders to automatically infer activities in seabirds. Results We deployed acoustic recorders on Cape gannets and analysed sound data from 10 foraging trips. The different activities (flying, floating on water and diving) were associated with clearly distinguishable acoustic features. We developed a method to automatically identify the activities of equipped individuals, exclusively from animal-borne acoustic data. A random subset of four foraging trips was manually labelled and used to train a classification algorithm (k-nearest neighbour model). The algorithm correctly classified activities with a global accuracy of 98.46%. The model was then used to automatically assess the activity budgets on the remaining non-labelled data, as an illustrative example. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of studies that have previously used data from animal-borne devices to automatically classify animal behaviour (n = 61 classifications from 54 articles). The majority of studies (82%) used accelerometers (alone or in combination with other sensors, such as gyroscopes or magnetometers) for classifying activities, and to a lesser extent GPS, acoustic recorders or pressure sensors, all potentially providing a good accuracy of classification (> 90%). Conclusion This article demonstrates that acoustic data alone can be used to reconstruct activity budgets with very good accuracy. In addition to the animal’s activity, acoustic devices record the environment of equipped animals (biophony, geophony, anthropophony) that can be essential to contextualise the behaviour of animals. They hence provide a valuable alternative to the set of tools available to assess animals’ behaviours and activities in the wild.

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.

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 Feeding and social behavior of the piabanha, Brycon devillei (Castelnau, 1855) (Characidae: Bryconinae) in the wild, with a note on following behavior

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 807-814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro G Azevedo ◽  
Rafael M. C Melo ◽  
Robert J. Young
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Video Camera ◽  
Freshwater Fishes ◽  
Alternative Tactics ◽  
Endangered Fish ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Nuclear Species ◽  
Minas Gerais State ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Feeding And Social Behavior

Knowledge concerning the behavior of wild freshwater fishes in Brazil is restricted to a few studies, despite such studies being able to answer fundamental questions about conservation. Species of Brycon are amongst the most threatened in the Neotropics, particularly in southeast Brazil, due to anthropogenic activities in this region. This study investigated the feeding and social behaviors of the endangered fish, Brycon devillei in the Preto River, Jequitinhonha basin, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Behavioral data were collected by snorkeling with four spatially separated groups (habituated), and direct observations of shoals were made using an underwater video camera (a total of 448 hours of observations). This species showed diverse tactics to obtain food. However, the species proved to be predominately a specialist surface-picker, which adopted alternative tactics to find food at certain times of the year, most notably when food items on the water surface became low. Feeding frequency was shown to be negatively correlated to agonistic behavior between conspecifics. Feeding associations were also recorded between the anostomid Leporinus garmani, acting as a nuclear species, and B. devillei, as follower species. The data presented here showed the importance of conserving the riparian environment to protect B. devillei populations. Furthermore, the present study included rare observations of nuclear-follower feeding association among freshwater fishes, especially between medium-sized characiforms, being the first observations of such kind in a Cerrado stream.

Is camera trap videography suitable for assessing activity patterns in eastern grey kangaroos?

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jai M. Green-Barber ◽  
Julie M. Old
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Nocturnal Activity ◽  
Behavioural Patterns ◽  
Species Being ◽  
Fighting Behaviour

Camera traps are frequently used in wildlife research and may be a useful tool for monitoring behavioural patterns. The suitability of camera traps to monitor behaviour depends on the size, locomotion, and behaviour of the species being investigated. The suitability of cameras for documenting the behaviour of eastern grey kangaroos was assessed here by comparing activity patterns collected using cameras to published activity patterns for the species. The activity patterns calculated from camera trap data were largely consistent with data from previous studies, although nocturnal activity appeared to be under-represented. Observations of unusual fighting behaviour illustrates the potential for camera traps to enable capture of novel observations. Kangaroo behaviour appeared to be influenced by the presence of cameras; however, no kangaroos retreated from cameras. Data suggested that kangaroos became habituated to cameras after eight months. The findings of this study suggest that camera traps are suitable for assessing the diurnal activity of eastern grey kangaroos and are useful tools for documenting their behaviour.

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.

scholarly journals Activity Patterns of River Otters in the Oxbow Bend Vicinity, Grand Teton National Park

1995 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 31-32
Author(s):  
Joseph Hall
Keyword(s):  
Special Interest ◽  
National Park ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Nocturnal Activity ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
River Otters ◽  
Lutra Canadensis

Goals of the project were to obtain information on daily movements and activity patterns of River otters (Lutra canadensis), particularly nocturnal activity, to supplement data on diurnal activity obtained from a previous study. Of special interest was to determine whether or not nocturnalism activity occur which are similar to those seen by day. Additionally, observations of any evidence of fidelity to specific habitat sites documented in previous years were to be recorded,

Minimising waste through bioenergetically and behaviourally based feeding strategies

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 29-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Thorpe ◽  
C. Young Cho
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Wild Food ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Evolutionary Features ◽  
Feeding Regimes ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Genetically Determined

Most species in aquaculture are new to cultivation and so behave like wild animals. They are products of evolution, with adaptations to specific habitat conditions. In the wild, food is not available uniformly throughout the day or the year, or in space, and rarely exceeds the fishes needs. Competition is energetically expensive, reducing growth efficiency. Consequently, feeding activity patterns have evolved, implying internal appetite rhythms, which optimise food intake under these various constraints. Salmonids can adapt quickly to short term variation in food availability, but show seasonal genetically determined anorexia. Rational feeding regimes in culture should take all such features into account. When appetite is high naturally, food should be presented so that it is economically indefensible - where every individual can eat, and where fighting does not pay. At periods of anorexia it will be prudent to offer no food. Manufacturers' feed tables are usually regimes devised to meet the bioenergetic needs of fishes, as they are understood in a physico-chemical sense. While useful first approximations, they do not take into account these evolutionary features of the fishes, and can lead to waste. Methods of presentation are described which allow the fish to determine when food shall be available, and in ways which, by diminishing the advantages of social dominance, ensure relatively even opportunities to feed for all individuals in the population. Allowing the fish to set the time-table reduces the likelihood of waste.

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