Effects of personality and rearing-history on the welfare of captive Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica)

Background The long-term success of ex-situ conservation programmes depends on species-appropriate husbandry and enrichment practices complemented by an accurate welfare assessment protocol. Zoos and conservation breeding programmes should employ a bottom-up approach to account for intraspecific variations in measures of animal welfare. We studied 35 (14:21) captive Asiatic lions in Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Junagadh, India to understand the implications of individual variations on welfare measures. We categorized the subjects based on personality traits (bold or shy), rearing history (wild-rescued or captive-raised), sex, and social-grouping. We explored the association of these categorical variables on welfare indices such as behavioural diversity, latency to approach novel objects, enclosure usage and aberrant repetitive behaviours. Further, we assessed the inter-relationships between different behavioural measures of welfare. Results Our results show that intraspecific variations based on rearing-history and personality traits are significantly associated with the welfare states of captive Asiatic lions. Asiatic lions with bold personality traits (M = 0.50, SD = 0.12, N = 21) and those raised in captivity (M = 0.47, SD = 0.12, N = 16) used enclosure space more homogenously compared to shy (M = 0.71, SD = 0.15, N = 14) and wild-rescued (M = 0.67, SD = 0.15, N = 19) animals. Behaviour diversity was significantly higher in captive-raised (M = 1.26, SD = 0.3, N = 16) and bold (M = 1.23, SD = 0.26, N = 21) subjects compared to wild-rescued (M = 0.83, SD = 0.35, N = 19) and shy (M = 0.73, SD = 0.34, N = 14) individuals. Aberrant repetitive behaviours (stereotypy) were significantly lower in bold (M = 7.01, SD = 4, N = 21) and captive-raised (M = 7.74, SD = 5.3) individuals compared to wild-rescued (M = 13.12, SD = 6.25, N = 19) and shy (M = 16.13, SD = 5.4, N = 16) lions. Sex and social-grouping of subjects did not show significant associations with behavioural welfare indices. Interestingly, behaviour diversity was reliably predicted by the enclosure usage patterns and aberrant repetitive behaviours displayed by subjects. Discussion Our findings underline the importance of individual-centric, behaviour-based, and multi-dimensional welfare assessment approaches in ex-situ conservation programmes. The results suggest that behavioural welfare indices complemented with individual variations can explain inter-individual differences in behavioural welfare measure outcomes of Asiatic lions. These findings also provide zoo managers with a non-invasive tool to reliably assess and improve husbandry practices for Asiatic lions. Understanding the unique welfare requirement of individuals in captivity will be crucial for the survival of the species.

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Effects of personality and life-history on the welfare of captive Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica)

10.7287/peerj.preprints.27495 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sitendu Goswami ◽

Praveen C Tyagi ◽

Pradeep K Malik ◽

Shwetank J Pandit ◽

Riyazahmed F Kadivar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life History ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Repetitive Behaviours ◽

Welfare Assessment ◽

Intraspecific Variations ◽

Usage Patterns ◽

Novel Objects ◽

Welfare Indices

Background The long-term success of ex-situ conservation programmes depends on husbandry and enrichment practices complemented by a robust welfare assessment protocol. Most zoos and conservation programmes continue to employ a bottom-up approach to measure animal welfare that often fails to account for intraspecific variations. Despite accepting animal sentience, we are yet to address individuality and its role in governing animal welfare in captive conditions. We explored the role of individuality (personality traits, and life history) on behaviour-based welfare indices of 35 (14:21) captive Asiatic lions in Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Junagadh, India. We categorized the subjects based on personality traits (bold or shy), life history (wild-rescued or captive-raised) and gender, and compared welfare indices in the form of behavioural diversity, latency to novel objects, enclosure usage patterns and aberrant repetitive behaviours between the groups. Further, we assessed the inter-relationships between different behavioural measures of welfare. Results Our results show that intraspecific variations based on life history and personality traits consistently predict the welfare states of captive lions. Asiatic lions with bold traits (M=0.5, SD=0.12, n=21) and captive-raised life history (M=0.47, SD=0.12, n=16) used enclosure space more homogenously compared to shy (M=0.71, SD=0.15, n=14) and wild-rescued (M=0.67, SD=0.15, n=19) animals. Behaviour diversity was significantly higher in captive-raised (M=1.26, SD=0.3, n=16) and bold (M=1.23, SD=0.26, n=21) subjects compared to wild-rescued (M=0.83, SD=0.35, n=19) and shy (M=0.73, SD=0.34, n=14) individuals. On the other hand, aberrant repetitive behaviours (stereotypy) were significantly lower in bold (M=7.01, SD=3.9, n=21) and captive-raised (M = 7.74, SD = 5.3) individuals compared to wild-rescued (M=13.12, SD=6.25, n=19) and shy (M=16.13, SD=5.4, n=16) lions. Behaviour diversity was reliably predicted by the enclosure usage patterns and aberrant repetitive behaviours displayed by subjects. The enclosure usage pattern of subjects was predicted by their latency to novel objects, behaviour diversity, and age. Discussion Our findings underline the importance of individual-centric, behaviour-based, and multi-dimensional welfare assessment tools in ex-situ conservation programmes. The results suggest that behavioural welfare indices complemented with personality can help improve welfare of Asiatic lions and highlight the critical need to address intraspecific variation in behavioural welfare measures in captive animals.

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Effects of personality and life-history on the welfare of captive Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica)

10.7287/peerj.preprints.27495v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sitendu Goswami ◽

Praveen C Tyagi ◽

Pradeep K Malik ◽

Shwetank J Pandit ◽

Riyazahmed F Kadivar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life History ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Repetitive Behaviours ◽

Welfare Assessment ◽

Intraspecific Variations ◽

Usage Patterns ◽

Novel Objects ◽

Welfare Indices

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Aktivitas Harian Rusa Tutul (Axis axis) pada Lahan Konservasi di Hutan Kota Kecamatan Langsa Baro Kota Langsa

BIOTIK: Jurnal Ilmiah Biologi Teknologi dan Kependidikan ◽

10.22373/biotik.v7i1.5465 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 8

Author(s):

Elfrida Elfrida ◽

Sri Jayanthi ◽

Novita Rahayu

Keyword(s):

Daily Activity ◽

Forest Ecosystems ◽

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Animal Population ◽

Activity Time ◽

Axis Axis ◽

Spotted Deer ◽

In Captivity ◽

The City

Spotted deer (Axis axis) is one of the component forming forest ecosystems and has a very important role in the food chain cycle. However, excessive and uncontrolled use of deer by humans can result in a decline in the animal population in nature. One of the conservation efforts that can be done is by captivity (ex-situ conservation). This study was conducted to determine the daily activity of the spotted deer in captivity of the City Forest in Langsa Baro Subdistrict, Langsa City on 8 - 22 February 2018. Data on the daily activities of the spotted deer were obtained through direct observation using the animal sampling scan method for 15 days. The study found that eating was the highest daily activity, namely male 30,84%, female 32,84%, pregnant deer 34,17%, and young deer without horns were 29.08%. The highest activity time is at 08.30-10.30 and the lowest activity time is from 06.00-08.00.

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Study on the Productivity of Grass Forage as a Feed Source for Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) in Deer Captivity of PT. Gunung Madu Plantations

Jurnal Sylva Lestari ◽

10.23960/jsl2616-21 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 16

Author(s):

Taufik Setiawan ◽

Sugeng Prayitno Harianto

Keyword(s):

Research Method ◽

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Food Plants ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Elephant Grass ◽

In Captivity ◽

Feed Source ◽

Sambar Deer ◽

Cervus Unicolor

Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) is one of the protected animals. However now the existence of sambar deer is increasingly threatened. Therefore, there is need for ex-situ conservation activities, one of the mis deer captivity in PT. Gunung Madu Plantations. An important component in the management of wildlife in captivity is the availability of food plants that need to be observed that aims to determine the productivity of forage as feed for sambar deer. The research method used a castle method by making the sample plots of grass. The results showed that there are two types of grass that feed the sambar deer in captivity. This type of feed consists pait grass (Axonopus compressus) and elephant grass (Pennnisetum purpureum). Pait grass (Axonopus compressus) has a productivity of 10,02 kg/m2/day, larger than the elephant grass (Pennnisetum purpureum) with a productivity of 3,94 kg/m2/day. Keywords: Cervus unicolor, grass, productivity of grass forage, PT. Gunung Madu Plantations.

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DNA from the Past Informs Ex Situ Conservation for the Future: An “Extinct” Species of Galápagos Tortoise Identified in Captivity

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0008683 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. e8683 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Michael A. Russello ◽

Nikos Poulakakis ◽

James P. Gibbs ◽

Washington Tapia ◽

Edgar Benavides ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Extinct Species ◽

The Past ◽

The Future ◽

In Captivity

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Perilaku Burung Beo Alor di Penangkaran Oilsonbai, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Buletin Plasma Nutfah ◽

10.21082/blpn.v14n1.2008.p43-48 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 43

Author(s):

Mariana Takandjandji ◽

Matilde Mite

Keyword(s):

Natural Resources ◽

Relative Frequency ◽

Main Parameter ◽

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

The Body ◽

Daily Activities ◽

Ex Situ ◽

The Sun ◽

Bird Population ◽

In Captivity

Myna bird (Gracula religiosa mertensi Rensch 1928) is one of the natural resources richness of the Alor Island in East Nusa Tenggara. The bird has an important source of economic values of the local people. However, the bird population rapidly decreases each year. Today, the bird is hardly found in the native habitat. Therefore, the conservations of the bird and its habitat are highly needed. The objective of this study was to determine the behaviour of Alor’s Myna in captivity breeding of Oilsonbai, East Nusa Tenggara, and to establish the breeding system in line with the ex situ conservation program. The study was using four birds. The daily behaviour of bird is the main parameter concerned in this study. The results showed that there were identified 13 daily activities of the Myna, and can be classified into three main behaviours. The main bird behaviours were motionless, movements, and ingested. The motionless behaviours include rest, stationary, and action of drying in the sun. The activities of movements were going through certain activities, walking, climbing, visiting, flying, cleanliness of the body/mopping up activities, hanging on to the wire, and whistling. The ingested actions cover food consuming, drinking, defecation, and urinate. The analysis showed that frequency averages the movement’s behaviour about 472 times with activities average 67 times/ head/day, whereas average relative frequency about 8.2%. Frequency averages behaviour of bird ingested are 344 times with activities average 49.2 times/head/day, and average relative frequency about 6.1%. Frequency averages motionless behaviour were around 340 times with activities average 49 times/head/day and average relative frequency about 6%. AbstrakBurung beo Alor (Gracula religiosa mertensi Rensch 1928), merupakan salah satu sumber Daya alam Nusa Tenggara Timur. Burung ini mempunyai nilai ekonomi yang penting bagi masyarakat lokal. Namun populasinya telah menurun, sehingga saat ini sulit ditemukan di habitat alamnya. Oleh karena itu, pelestariannya perlu dilakukan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perilaku burung beo Alor di penangkaran guna menentukan sistem penangkaran yang sesuai dengan program konservasi ex situ. Pengamatan menggunakan empat ekor burung beo Alor. Hasil pengamatan menunjukkan burung beo Alor di penangkaran Oilsonbai memiliki 13 macam aktivitas harian yang digolongkan ke dalam tiga perilaku utama, yaitu perilaku diam, bergerak, dan ingestif. Perilaku diam adalah istirahat, stasioner, berjemur. Perilaku bergerak adalah jalan, memanjat, mendatangi, terbang, membersihkan diri, menggelantung, dan bersuara. Perilaku ingestif adalah makan, minum, defekasi, dan urinasi. Hasil analisis menunjukkan rata-rata frekuensi pada perilaku bergerak adalah 472 kali dengan rata-rata aktivitas 67 kali/ekor/hari, dan rata-rata frekuensi relatif 8,2%. Rata-rata frekuensi pada perilaku ingestif adalah 344 kali dengan rata-rata aktivitas 49 kali/ekor/hari, dan frekuensi relatif 6,1%. Rata-rata frekuensi perilaku diam adalah 340 kali dengan rata-rata aktivitas 49 kali/ekor/hari, dan frekuensi relatif 6%.

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Group management influences reproductive function of the male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd15138 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (3) ◽

pp. 496 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Diana C. Koester ◽

Elizabeth W. Freeman ◽

David E. Wildt ◽

Kimberly A. Terrell ◽

Ashley D. Franklin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Function ◽

Physiological Traits ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Same Sex ◽

Acinonyx Jubatus ◽

Group Management ◽

Social Grouping ◽

In Captivity ◽

Conservation Breeding ◽

Free Ranging

Although the free-ranging cheetah is generally socially solitary, as many as 60% of males live in same-sex (usually sibling) coalitions. Under ex situ conditions, the cheetah experiences low reproductive success with only ~18% of males having ever produced young. Most male cheetahs (85%) are managed in captivity in coalitions, but with no data on the influence of social grouping on reproductive parameters. We examined the influence of singleton versus coalition management on various male cheetah physiological traits, including ejaculate quality and gonadal and adrenal hormone metabolite concentrations. We also assessed behaviour within coalitions for evidence of social hierarchy through initiation of interactions with group mates and relatedness to physiological traits. Ejaculate quality (including total motile and structurally normal spermatozoa per ejaculate) and androgen concentration profiles were higher (P < 0.05) in coalition compared with singleton males. These results support the conclusion that testis function in the cheetah, specifically related to the development of normal, motile spermatozoa and androgen production, is influenced by management with same-sex conspecifics. The findings have implications for ex situ conservation breeding programs by suggesting that reproductive quality can be enhanced through group maintenance of cheetah males.

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The Public Perception towards the Development of Deer Breeding in Bandar Lampung

Jurnal Sylva Lestari ◽

10.23960/jsl27244-254 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 244

Author(s):

Bainah Sari Dewi ◽

Akhmad Kamaluddin ◽

Yoshua Gdemakarti

Keyword(s):

Public Perception ◽

Captive Breeding ◽

Ex Situ Conservation ◽

Natural Habitat ◽

Breeding Habitat ◽

Ex Situ ◽

The Public ◽

In Captivity ◽

Management And Development ◽

Community Supports

The existence of the deer population that continue to decline in its natural habitat need conservation efforts, such as through ex-situ conservation. Deer captive breeding is one of the ex-situ conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of wildlife from the threat of extinction. This research aims to know the public perception towards the management and development of captive deer in an effort to improve the conservation of deer was ex-situ. This research was conducted in October – November 2018 in three stations of the captive breeding of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) and timor deer (Cervus timorensis) in University of Lampung and timor deer (Cervus timorensis) breeding in Tahura Wan Abdul Rachman through interviews to respondents and then the data collected were analyzed descriptively. The results showed a positive public perception towards the development of captive breeding. The results also showed the community supports on the development of deer captive breeding, the management of captive breeding, habitat suitability characteristics, the existence of species and species treatment in captivity, and the development of deer captive as object conservation-based tourism. Keywords: captive reeding, perception, deer

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