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403 results for “captivity”
Postcranial skeletal size measurements of hybrid captive Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
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Data from: Can sustainable biocommerce continue to support conservation, or will the captive breeding of offspring be its Achilles heel?
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Data set for: Experimentally reduced feather microbial loads improve reproductive performance in captive Zebra Finches
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Predictive genetic plan for a captive population of the Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) and prescriptive action for ex situ and in situ conservation management in Thailand
<p>Captive breeding programs for endangered species can increase population numbers for eventual reintroduction to the wild. Captive populations are typically small and isolated, which results in inbreeding and reduction of genetic variability, and may lead to an increased risk of extinction. The Omkoi Wildlife Breeding Center maintains the only Thai captive Chinese goral (<i>Naemorhedus griseus</i>) population, and has plans to reintroduce individuals into natural isolated populations. Genetic variability was assessed within the captive population using microsatellite data. Although no bottleneck was observed, genetic variability was low (allelic richness = 7.091 ± 0.756, <i>H</i><sub>e</sub> = 0.455 ± 0.219; <i>H</i><sub>e</sub> < <i>H</i><sub>o</sub>) and 11 microsatellite loci were informative that likely reflect inbreeding. Estimates of small effective population size and limited numbers of founders, combined with wild-born individuals within subpopulations, tend to cause reduction of genetic variability over time in captive programs. This leads to low reproductive fitness and limited ability to adapt to environmental change, thereby increasing the risk of extinction. Management of captive populations as evolutionarily significant units with diverse genetic backgrounds offers an effective strategy for population recovery. Relocation of individuals among subpopulations, or introduction of newly captured wild individuals into the captive program will help to ensure the future security of Chinese goral. Implications for future conservation actions for the species are discussed herein.</p>
Data from: The nutritional balancing act of a large herbivore: an experiment with captive moose (Alces alces L)
The nutrient balancing hypothesis proposes that, when sufficient food is available, the primary goal of animal diet selection is to obtain a nutritionally balanced diet. This hypothesis can be tested using the Geometric Framework for nutrition (GF). The GF enables researchers to study patterns of nutrient intake (e.g. macronutrients; protein, carbohydrates, fat), interactions between the different nutrients, and how an animal resolves the potential conflict between over-eating one or more nutrients and under-eating others during periods of dietary imbalance. Using the moose (Alces alces L.), a model species in the development of herbivore foraging theory, we conducted a feeding experiment guided by the GF, combining continuous observations of six captive moose with analysis of the macronutritional composition of foods. We identified the moose's self-selected macronutrient target by allowing them to compose a diet by mixing two nutritionally complementary pellet types plus limited access to Salix browse. Such periods of free choice were intermixed with periods when they were restricted to one of the two pellet types plus Salix browse. Our observations of food intake by moose given free choice lend support to the nutrient balancing hypothesis, as the moose combined the foods in specific proportions that provided a particular ratio and amount of macronutrients. When restricted to either of two diets comprising a single pellet type, the moose i) maintained a relatively stable intake of non-protein energy while allowing protein intakes to vary with food composition, and ii) increased their intake of the food item that most closely resembled the self-selected macronutrient intake from the free choice periods, namely Salix browse. We place our results in the context of the nutritional strategy of the moose, ruminant physiology and the categorization of food quality.
Data from: Oxidative damage and antioxidant defence are assay and tissue dependent both in captive and in wild-caught bank voles (Myodes glareolus) before and after reproduction
1. Reproduction is costly and life-history theory predicts that current parental investment will result in lower survival or decreased future reproduction. The physiological mechanisms mediating the link between reproduction and survival are still under debate and elevated oxidative damage during reproduction has been proposed as a plausible candidate. 2. Previous studies of oxidative stress during reproduction in animals under natural conditions have been restricted to analyses of blood. Herein, we measured the level of oxidative damage to lipids (thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances) and proteins (carbonyls) in the liver, kidneys, heart and skeletal muscles in free-living bank vole females from spring and autumn generations, before and after reproduction. Antioxidant defence in the liver and kidneys was also determined. We expected oxidative damage to tissues and hypothesized that the damage would be more uniform between tissues in wild animals compared to those breeding under laboratory conditions. 3. Considering all combinations of markers/tissues/generations, oxidative damage in females did not differ before and after reproduction in 12 comparisons, was lower after reproduction in 3 comparisons, and was higher after breeding in one comparison. The total glutathione was significantly increased after reproduction only in the liver of the autumn generation and there was no change in catalase activity. 4. Our results confirm – for the first time in the field – previous observations from laboratory studies that there is no simple link between oxidative stress and reproduction and that patterns depend on the tissue and marker being studied. Overall however, our study does not support the hypothesis that the cost of reproduction in bank voles is mediated by oxidative stress in these tissues.
Data from: The impacts of inbreeding, drift, and selection on genetic diversity in captive breeding populations
The goal of captive breeding programs is often to maintain genetic diversity until reintroductions can occur. However, due in part to changes that occur in captive populations, approximately one-third of reintroductions fail. We evaluated genetic changes in captive populations using microsatellites and mtDNA. We analyzed six populations of white-footed mice that were propagated for 20 generations using two replicates of three protocols: random mating (RAN), minimizing mean kinship (MK), and selection for docility (DOC). We found that MK resulted in the slowest loss of microsatellite genetic diversity compared to RAN and DOC. However, the loss of mtDNA haplotypes was not consistent among replicate lines. We compared our empirical data to simulated data and found no evidence of selection in the MK lines although some evidence of selection in the RAN lines was present. Our results suggest that although the effects of drift may not be fully mitigated, MK reduces the loss of alleles due to inbreeding more effectively than random mating or docility selection. Therefore, MK should be preferred for captive breeding. Furthermore, our simulations show that incorporating microsatellite data into the MK framework reduced the magnitude of drift, which may have applications in long-term or extremely genetically depauperate captive populations.
Data from: Comparing ageing and the effects of diet supplementation in wild vs. captive antler flies, Protopiophila litigata
1) Few studies have simultaneously compared ageing within genetically similar populations in both laboratory and natural environments. Such comparisons are important for interpreting laboratory studies, because factors such as diet could affect ageing in environment-dependent ways. 2) Using a natural population of antler flies (Protopiophila litigata), we conducted separate factorial experiments in 2012 and 2013 that compared age-specific male survival and mating success in laboratory cages versus a natural field environment while supplementing their diets with protein or sugar. 3) We found consistent and substantial increases in both survival and mating rates in the laboratory compared to the field, but remarkably, despite these large differences actuarial ageing was only higher in the lab than in the field in 2012 and similar in the two environments in 2013. In both years, there was no difference between environments in reproductive ageing. 4) We found that males fed protein had a higher mortality rate than males fed sugar (strong and low support in 2012 and 2013 respectively). 5) In contrast, diet did not strongly impact average mating rates, actuarial ageing, or reproductive ageing in either experiment. 6) Our results provide the first evidence that the negative effect of protein on lifespan reported in many laboratory studies can also occur in wild populations, although perhaps less consistently. They also highlight how laboratory environments can influence life history traits and suggest caution when extrapolating from the laboratory to the field.
Data from: Effectiveness of managed gene flow in reducing genetic divergence associated with captive breeding
Captive breeding has the potential to rebuild depressed populations. However, associated genetic changes may decrease restoration success and negatively affect the adaptive potential of the entire population. Thus, approaches that minimize genetic risks should be tested in a comparative framework over multiple generations. Genetic diversity in two captive-reared lines of a species of conservation interest, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), was surveyed across three generations using genome-wide approaches. Genetic divergence from the source population was minimal in an integrated line, which implemented managed gene flow by using only naturally-born adults as captive broodstock, but significant in a segregated line, which bred only captive-origin individuals. Estimates of effective number of breeders revealed that the rapid divergence observed in the latter was largely attributable to genetic drift. Three independent tests for signatures of adaptive divergence also identified temporal change within the segregated line, possibly indicating domestication selection. The results empirically demonstrate that using managed gene flow for propagating a captive-reared population reduces genetic divergence over the short term compared to one that relies solely on captive-origin parents. These findings complement existing studies of captive breeding, which typically focus on a single management strategy and examine the fitness of one or two generations.
Data from: Are shy individuals less behaviorally variable? Insights from a captive population of mouse lemurs
Increasingly, individual variation in personality has become a focus of behavioral research in animal systems. Boldness and shyness, often quantified as the tendency to explore novel situations, are seen as personality traits important to the fitness landscape of individuals. Here we tested for individual differences within and across contexts in behavioral responses of captive mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) to novel objects, novel foods, and handling. We report consistent differences in behavioral responses for objects and handling. We also found that the responses to handling and novel objects were correlated and repeatable. Lastly, we show that shyer individuals may show less variability in their behavioral responses. This study provides new information on the potential for behavioral syndromes in this species and highlights differences in the degree to which behavioral types (e.g., shy/bold) vary in their behavioral responses.
Data from: Space, time, and captivity: quantifying the factors influencing the fecal microbiome of an alpine ungulate
The community of microorganisms in the gut is affected by host species, diet and environment and is linked to normal functioning of the host organism. Although the microbiome fluctuates in response to host demands and environmental changes, there are core groups of microorganisms that remain relatively constant throughout the hosts lifetime. Ruminants are mammals that rely on highly specialized digestive and metabolic modifications, including microbiome adaptations, to persist in extreme environments. Here, we assayed the fecal microbiome of four mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) populations in western North America. We quantified fecal microbiome diversity and composition among groups in the wild and captivity, across populations and in a single group over time. There were no differences in community evenness or diversity across groups, although we observed a decreasing diversity trend across summer months. Pairwise sample estimates grouped the captive population distinctly from the wild populations, and moderately grouped the southern wild group distinctly from the two northern wild populations. We identified 33 genera modified by captivity, with major differences in key groups associated with cellulose degradation that likely reflect differences in diet. Our findings are consistent with other ruminant studies and provide baseline microbiome data in this enigmatic species, offering valuable insights into the health of wild alpine ungulates.
Data from: Phenotypic and community consequences of captive propagation in mosquitofish
1. Captive propagation can lead to phenotypic change in fish populations, but the broader community-level consequences of captive phenotypes remain largely unknown. 2. Here we investigate the degree to which captive propagation alters the phenotypes and ecological roles of fish stocked into wild communities. We focus on captive propagation of western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) for biocontrol, which represents one of the largest-scale production efforts for any fish released into the wild. 3. Captive propagation in mosquitofish consistently generated novel mixtures of morphological and behavioral traits that deviate from those of wild populations. 4. A mesocosm experiment showed that mosquitofish from captive propagation facilities differ from wild fish in their effects on aquatic community structure by shifting their consumption to less-mobile, benthic prey. 5. Synthesis and applications: These findings provide evidence that captive-propagated and translocated wild stocks not only differ in phenotype, but can have substantially different ecological effects on the communities into which they are introduced. Therefore, captive propagation programs involving continual release should expand their concerns beyond altered phenotypes and fitness to include whether propagated fish actually provide the intended ecological roles and services associated with wild counterparts. Infusions of wild alleles and captive environments that mimic wild conditions are recommended strategies to retain the desired ecological role of captive propagated fish
Captivity-induced behaviour and spatial learning abilities in an enigmatic, aquifer-dwelling blind eel, Rakthamichthys digressus
<p>This dataset contains data from the exploratory behaviour and spatial learning experiments done. We investigated the impact of captive life on behaviour and learning abilities in an enigmatic, aquifer-dwelling blind eel, <em>Rakthamichthys digressus</em>. Of eight major behavioural traits related to exploration and activity in a novel arena, four were significantly altered by life in captivity. While the startle response upon introduction into the arena and overall swimming away from the walls increased after captivity, inactivity exhibited immediately after the startle and the reaction to an external disturbance decreased. We also observed behavioural syndromes between startle responses and horizontal wall following, and between overall activity and vertical wall following; however, these behavioural syndromes were not altered by maintenance in captivity. Interestingly, this blind-eel failed to learn a simple spatial task in a Y-maze apparatus. Captive-associated behavioural changes in <em>R. digressus</em> may influence their survival after reintroduction into natural habitats, and such changes must be taken into account while developing protocols for ex-situ conservation and subsequent release.</p>
Data from: Senescence or selective disappearance? Age trajectories of body mass in wild and captive populations of a small-bodied primate
Classic theories of ageing consider extrinsic mortality (EM) a major factor in shaping longevity and ageing, yet most studies of functional ageing focus on species with low EM. This bias may cause overestimation of the influence of senescent declines in performance over condition-dependent mortality on demographic processes across taxa. To simultaneously investigate the roles of functional senescence (FS) and intrinsic, extrinsic and condition-dependent mortality in a species with a high predation risk in nature, we compared age trajectories of body mass (BM) in wild and captive grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) using longitudinal data (853 individuals followed through adulthood). We found evidence of non-random mortality in both settings. In captivity, the oldest animals showed senescence in their ability to regain lost BM, whereas no evidence of FS was found in the wild. Overall, captive animals lived longer, but a reversed sex bias in lifespan was observed between wild and captive populations. We suggest that even moderately condition-dependent EM may lead to negligible FS in the wild. While high EM may act to reduce the average lifespan, this evolutionary process may be counteracted by the increased fitness of the long-lived, high-quality individuals.
Figure 2 in Activity and reproduction in Megalobulimus paranaguensis (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata): implications for conservation in captivity for a South American land snail
Figure 2. Mean values of activity among observation periods in experiment. The values of were defined as the values of scores of PC1 multiplied by −1 according to Minoretti et al. (2011). Different letters indicates statistical differences between treatments.
Figure 1 in Activity and reproduction in Megalobulimus paranaguensis (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata): implications for conservation in captivity for a South American land snail
Figure 1. Mean number of egg laying of Megalobulimus paranaguensis (Pilsbry & Ihering, 1900) during the experiment.
FIGURES 4–6. Circumvitellatrema momota n. gen., n in Circumvitellatrema momota n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea: Cyclocoelidae: Cyclocoelinae) from a captive-hatched blue-crowned motmot, Momotus momota (Momotidae)
FIGURES 4–6. Circumvitellatrema momota n. gen., n. sp. from blue-crowned motmot, Momotus momota, dorsal view. 4. Adult, dorsal view. 5. Composite drawing of the terminal genitalia showing the opening of the genital pore, ventral view. 6. Composite drawing of the female reproductive system, dorsal view. Abbreviations: AT, anterior testis; C, cecum; M, Mehlis' glands of ootype; O, ovary' OD, oviduct; OS, oral sucker; P, pharynx; PT, posterior testis; SV, seminal vesicle; U, uterus; UE, uterus with immature eggs present; UR, uterine seminal receptacle; VF, vitelline follicles; VR, vitelline reservoir.
FIGURES 1–3 in Circumvitellatrema momota n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea: Cyclocoelidae: Cyclocoelinae) from a captive-hatched blue-crowned motmot, Momotus momota (Momotidae)
FIGURES 1–3. Photographs of an egg from a fecal sample from the bird host and adults from the pulmonary system of the host. 1. Egg from unfixed fecal samples showing the released operculum. 2. Laparoscopic photograph showing the flukes in situ. 3. Radiograph of the host bird showing the appearance of the flukes in the lungs and air sacs mimicking typical pulmonary metastases. Abbreviations: F, flukes; O, operculum.
FIGURE 4. Myxinidocotyle species sclerotised male copulatory tubes. A. Myxinidocotyle eptatreti n in A new species of Myxinidocotyle (Monogenea: Acanthocotylidae: Myxinidocotylinae) from captive sixgill hagfish, Eptatretus hexatrema (Chordata: Myxinidae), with amendment of the subfamily diagnosis
FIGURE 4. Myxinidocotyle species sclerotised male copulatory tubes. A. Myxinidocotyle eptatreti n. sp. B. M. japonica. C. M. californica. Scale bars = 50 μm.
FIGURE 3. Myxinidocotyle eptatreti n in A new species of Myxinidocotyle (Monogenea: Acanthocotylidae: Myxinidocotylinae) from captive sixgill hagfish, Eptatretus hexatrema (Chordata: Myxinidae), with amendment of the subfamily diagnosis
FIGURE 3. Myxinidocotyle eptatreti n. sp. Reproductive organs, ventral view (male accessory gland cells omitted). Abbreviations: md, muscular portion of distal male accessory gland reservoir; me, Mehlis' glands; mgo, male genital opening; mgp, male genital pocket; o, ovary; oot, oötype; pv, proximal part of vagina; sr, seminal receptacle; sv, seminal vesicle; t, testis; up, uterine pore; ut, uterus; v, vagina; vd, vas deferens; vit, vitelline duct; vp, vaginal pore (other abbreviations as for Figures 1 and 2). Scale bar = 300 μm.
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Allen Brain Atlas
Allen Brain Atlas is an Allen Institute collection of brain map atlases, datasets, APIs, and analysis tools covering mouse, human, and non-human primate brain resources.
Annotated Behaviour and Observability Dataset (ABODe)
ABODe is a University of Edinburgh DataShare dataset for behavior classification in group-housed mice using home-cage video, identities, bounding boxes, ground-plate positions, and annotator labels.
DANDI Archive for NWB datasets
DANDI is a BRAIN Initiative archive for publishing and sharing neurophysiology data, including electrophysiology, optophysiology, and behavioral data packaged as NWB and related standards.
International Brain Laboratory public data
The International Brain Laboratory public data releases expose standardized mouse decision-making experiments, including Neuropixels recordings, widefield calcium imaging, behavior, and session metadata accessed through the ONE API.
OpenNeuro
OpenNeuro is a free, open platform for sharing neuroimaging datasets, with public search, dataset pages, and download paths for web, S3, DataLad, and the OpenNeuro CLI.