scholarly journals Blind Trading: A Literature Review of Research Addressing the Welfare of Ball Pythons in the Exotic Pet Trade

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennah Green ◽  
Emma Coulthard ◽  
David Megson ◽  
John Norrey ◽  
Laura Norrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Veterinary Science ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Pet Trade ◽  
Nutrition Environment ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Widespread Availability

Extensive numbers of Ball pythons are caught, bred, traded and subsequently kept in captivity across the world as part of the exotic pet industry. Despite their widespread availability as pets, relatively little is known about the potential welfare challenges affecting them. We reviewed the literature for research focused on the health and welfare of Ball pythons in the international pet trade. From a total of 88 articles returned from the search criteria, our analysis showed that very few actually focused on trade (10%) or animal welfare (17%). Instead, the majority (64%) of articles focused on veterinary science. There was a considerable bias towards physical health, with most studies neglecting the four other domains of animal welfare (behaviour, nutrition, environment and mental health). Furthermore, very few studies considered Ball pythons prior to resulting pet ownership, during wild capture and transportation or captive breeding operations. Our review demonstrates that our current understanding of welfare for Ball pythons traded as exotic pets is limited. We recommend that future research should focus on aspects of the industry that are currently overlooked, including the potential consequences of genetic selection during captive-breeding and the conditions provided for snakes prior to and during international transportation.

scholarly journals Given the Cold Shoulder: A Review of the Scientific Literature for Evidence of Reptile Sentience

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lambert ◽  
Carder ◽  
D’Cruze
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Open Access Journal ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Welfare Impacts ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Captive Welfare ◽  
Selection Of

We searched a selection of the scientific literature to document evidence for, and explorations into reptile sentience. The intention of this review was to highlight; (1) to what extent reptile capability for emotions have been documented in the scientific literature; (2) to discuss the implications this evidence has for the trade in reptiles; and (3) to outline what future research is needed to maximise their captive welfare needs. We used 168 keywords associated with sentience, to search through four journal databases and one open-access journal. We recorded studies that explored sentience in reptiles and those that recognised reptile sentience in their experiments. We found that reptiles were assumed to be capable of the following emotions and states; anxiety, distress, excitement, fear, frustration, pain, stress, and suffering, in 37 articles. We also found four articles that explored and found evidence for the capacity of reptiles to feel pleasure, emotion, and anxiety. These findings show that reptiles are considered to be capable of experiencing a range of emotions and states. This has implications for how reptiles are treated in captivity, as a better understanding could help to inform a range of different operational initiatives aimed at reducing negative animal welfare impacts, including improved husbandry and consumer behaviour change programmes.

scholarly journals Aspects of animal welfare on Rusa Timor (Cervus timorensis) in Bumi Marina Captive Breeding Facility in Manokwari

2021 ◽  
Vol 888 (1) ◽  
pp. 012032
Author(s):  
W Amareyao ◽  
I U Warsono ◽  
F Pattiselanno
Keyword(s):  
Nature Conservation ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Forest Protection ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Directorate General ◽  
Descriptive Method

Abstract A conservation program of timor deer (Cervus timorensis) is carried out through its breeding approaches in captivity. This study aims to examine the welfare aspects of timor deer (Cervus timorensis) in Bumi Marina captivity based on the principles of animal welfare. This research uses a descriptive method and observation techniques in the captivity. Variables observed in this study are (1) free from hunger and thirst, and (2) free from pain, injury and diseases. The result indicates that the implementation of two welfare aspects of timor deer (Cervus timorensis) kept in the captivity has a 86 point based on the criteria used in this study, and categorised as very good, or grade A. This means that these two welfare components of the timor deer (Cervus timorensis) have fully met the criteria determined by the regulation of Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation No. P.9 / IV-SET / 2011 regarding ethical guidelines and animal welfare in the captivity.

The effect of genetic selection for lack of aggression towards humans on male reproductive physiology in the silver fox

2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 ◽  
pp. 16-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. V. Osadchuk
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Defensive Responses ◽  
Silver Fox ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Selection For ◽  
And Control

Most of silver foxes bred in captivity show predominantly defensive responses to human contact. Since early captive breeding humans have unconsciously carried out selection for tameness. Thus, artificial selection for the absence of aggressive and fearful responses to humans most likely played a key role in domestication process. To establish the genetic and physiological mechanisms of the early evolution of domestic animals, a model of silver fox domestication was developed at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics (Novosibirsk, Russia). A population of silver foxes has been produced in long-term selection for lack of aggression and fear towards humans (domestic behaviour). The method of selection and the behavioural changes in the course of selection have been described (Belyaev, 1979; Trut, 1995). Selected animals show no aggressiveness to humans and they are better adapted to captive conditions than their wild counterparts. The purpose of this study was to determine how behaviour selection influences testicular function in silver fox males. Plasma concentrations and testicular production of testosterone were determined in selected and control males in different parts of the reproductive cycle and prenatal life. In addition, reproductive behaviour and hormonal responses to opposite sex were estimated in the males of both behaviour groups. Sperm production and sexual activity were also compared between selected and control males.

scholarly journals Gonadotrophic, prolactin, corticosterone, and gonadal hormones levels over 15 months in Giant Amazon River Turtles - Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines: Podocnemididae), in captive conditions

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-355
Author(s):  
G. E. Freneau ◽  
V. A. Sá ◽  
C. R. Franci ◽  
D. Vieira ◽  
B. N. Freneau
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Gonadal Hormones ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Reproductive Management ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Podocnemis Expansa ◽  
17Β Estradiol

Abstract In order to achieve successful captive breeding the Podocnemis expansa, it is necessary to study their reproductive endocrinology. The purpose of this research was to evaluate and characterize plasma concentrations in gonadotrophic, gonadic, corticosterone and prolactin hormones from Giant Amazon Turtles under captive conditions. Blood samples were collected over a 15 month period. The samples were assayed by the use of radioimmunoassay, prolactin, corticosterone, LH, FSH, testosterone, 17β-estradiol and progesterone. We verified significant seasonal pattern increase in 17β-estradiol levels and decrease in progesterone levels in the course of a year, which indicates vitellogenesis. This is related to normal ovarian cycles and possibly to the functional integrity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis of captive females. There were negative correlations between testosterone and corticosterone in the male samples, suggestive of stress (management stress) on the reproductive system. The plasma concentrations of gonadotrophic, gonadic, prolactin and corticosterone hormones may be used as a reference for further research and possible therapeutic approaches. The data collected during this research are unprecedented for this species and may serve as a reference for future research regarding the reproductive cycle of this turtle, also allowing reproductive management while in captivity. Information about these hormones must be gathered from wild populations during different periods of the year for better clarification of the reproductive physiology of this species.

4 Engineered Resilience in Livestock for Improved Animal Welfare

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Tawni N Williams ◽  
Angela R Green-Miller
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Environmental Stressors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Resilience ◽  
Nutritional Programming ◽  
Livestock Species ◽  
Controlled Exposure

Abstract Welfare status for any species is dependent upon an animal’s ability to cope with its environment. Environmental conditions, animal husbandry, and overall health are major components that contribute to managing livestock species with quality animal welfare. Previous approaches intending to create more robust animals have applied genetic selection, nutritional programming, or advancements in facilities. Engineered resilience, the approach explored here, represents: (a) the ability to identify certain physiological biomarkers, behaviors, and environmental stressors that contribute to the individual’s response to a challenge; and (b) manipulate them in a targeted way with well-timed and controlled exposure to improve outcomes of a challenge to homeostasis (i.e. improve fitness with prior conditioning). Foundational understanding of natural adaptation in response to challenge reveals that some animals emerge from a challenge with greater coping abilities and others fail to thrive. By determining which animals have natural resilience and exploring the factors that created desired outcomes, scenarios can be identified to initiate resilience in susceptible animals. Such responses can then be stimulated through the development of managerial techniques. This project was conducted by reviewing published literature with the goal of identifying more refined areas of study for future research in engineered resilience in livestock species. Potential for application of this concept includes building thermal resilience, social resilience, and disease resilience.

scholarly journals Captive husbandry and breeding of the Nguru spiny pygmy chameleon Rhampholeon acuminatus

2021 ◽  
pp. 24-27
Author(s):  
Jay Redbond
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Pet Trade ◽  
Total Length ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Breeding Programmes ◽  
Conservation Breeding ◽  
Published Account

The Nguru spiny pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon acuminatus) is endemic to the Nguru mountains in Tanzania. It is assessed as Critically Endangered and is collected from the wild for the pet trade. An ex-situ population of this species was recently established at The Wild Planet Trust, Paignton Zoo, in the hope of learning more about the husbandry and biology of this species. We report on the captive husbandry of adults and the successful breeding, hatching and rearing of juveniles. Females carried four eggs but laid them in pairs. When eggs were incubated at 19.2-22.8 °C, hatchlings emerged roughly 180 days after laying. The hatchlings had a total length of about 30 mm and weighed 0.2-0.3 g. To our knowledge, this is the first published account of captive breeding for this species. The husbandry methods described could be used to establish populations of this and other Rhampholeon species in captivity, which in turn would reduce the demand for wild caught (Rhampholeon), as well as inform future conservation breeding programmes for this species.

scholarly journals Effect of captivity on morphology: negligible changes in external morphology mask significant changes in internal morphology

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 172470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie K. Courtney Jones ◽  
Adam J. Munn ◽  
Phillip G. Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
External Morphology ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Internal Morphology ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Two Generations ◽  
Breeding Programmes ◽  
Source Populations

Captive breeding programmes are increasingly relied upon for threatened species management. Changes in morphology can occur in captivity, often with unknown consequences for reintroductions. Few studies have examined the morphological changes that occur in captive animals compared with wild animals. Further, the effect of multiple generations being maintained in captivity, and the potential effects of captivity on sexual dimorphism remain poorly understood. We compared external and internal morphology of captive and wild animals using house mouse ( Mus musculus ) as a model species. In addition, we looked at morphology across two captive generations, and compared morphology between sexes. We found no statistically significant differences in external morphology, but after one generation in captivity there was evidence for a shift in the internal morphology of captive-reared mice; captive-reared mice (two generations bred) had lighter combined kidney and spleen masses compared with wild-caught mice. Sexual dimorphism was maintained in captivity. Our findings demonstrate that captive breeding can alter internal morphology. Given that these morphological changes may impact organismal functioning and viability following release, further investigation is warranted. If the morphological change is shown to be maladaptive, these changes would have significant implications for captive-source populations that are used for reintroduction, including reduced survivorship.

scholarly journals Mask-Making and Drawing as Method: Arts-Based Approaches to Data Collection With War-Affected Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 160940691983247
Author(s):  
Amber Green ◽  
Myriam Denov
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Northern Uganda ◽  
Visual Methods ◽  
Conflict Zones ◽  
Mask Making ◽  
In Captivity

Globally, the numbers of children living in conflict zones and displaced by war have risen dramatically over the past two decades, and with this, scholarly attention to the impacts of war on children. More recently, researchers have examined how war-affected children are being studied, revealing important shortcomings. These limitations relate to the lack of child participation in research, the need for researchers to engage children in the research process as “active agents” rather than “passive objects” under study, as well as the need for researchers to pay closer attention to ethical dilemmas associated with researching war-affected children. To address these realities, innovative research methods that can be adapted across diverse sociocultural contexts are warranted. In light of these shortcomings, our research team integrated two arts-based methods: mask-making and drawing, alongside traditional qualitative data collection methods with a particularly marginalized population of young people: children born in captivity within the Lord’s Resistance Army in northern Uganda. In this article, we provide information on the context of northern Uganda. We describe how the use of mask-making and drawing was used as data gathering tools and the ways in which these arts-based methods had important benefits for the research participants, researchers, and impacted on the validity of the research as a whole. We propose that the use of these participatory visual methods enriched the themes elicited through more traditional methods. The article describes how these arts-based mediums fostered community building among children typically excluded from their communities and were successful as a tool to build trust between participants and the research team when exploring sensitive topics. The article concludes with implications for future research with war-affected children.

scholarly journals Numerical assessment in the wild: insights from social carnivores

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1740) ◽  
pp. 20160508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Benson-Amram ◽  
Geoff Gilfillan ◽  
Karen McComb
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Playback Experiments ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Numerical Assessment ◽  
Individual Discrimination ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Assessment Skills ◽  
In The Wild

Playback experiments have proved to be a useful tool to investigate the extent to which wild animals understand numerical concepts and the factors that play into their decisions to respond to different numbers of vocalizing conspecifics. In particular, playback experiments have broadened our understanding of the cognitive abilities of historically understudied species that are challenging to test in the traditional laboratory, such as members of the Order Carnivora. Additionally, playback experiments allow us to assess the importance of numerical information versus other ecologically important variables when animals are making adaptive decisions in their natural habitats. Here, we begin by reviewing what we know about quantity discrimination in carnivores from studies conducted in captivity. We then review a series of playback experiments conducted with wild social carnivores, including African lions, spotted hyenas and wolves, which demonstrate that these animals can assess the number of conspecifics calling and respond based on numerical advantage. We discuss how the wild studies complement those conducted in captivity and allow us to gain insights into why wild animals may not always respond based solely on differences in quantity. We then consider the key roles that individual discrimination and cross-modal recognition play in the ability of animals to assess the number of conspecifics vocalizing nearby. Finally, we explore new directions for future research in this area, highlighting in particular the need for further work on the cognitive basis of numerical assessment skills and experimental paradigms that can be effective in both captive and wild settings. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘The origins of numerical abilities’.

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

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