Zoology Commons^™

Activity Budgets And Behavior Of Captive Black-Handed Spider Monkeys (Ateles Geoffroyi) At The Central Florida Zoo And Botanical Gardens, Stephanie Hargrave

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Establishing baseline activity budgets for zoo-housed captive animals can be important in tracking behavior changes that may indicate medical or other concerns, as well as assessing overall welfare and the need for implementation of interventions such as increased amounts of enrichment. This study sought to calculate activity budgets for the current spider monkeys residing at the Central Florida Zoo, a father-daughter pair of Ateles geoffroyi. Having a baseline activity budget is also valuable because major changes in behavior may accompany the upcoming introduction of new individuals to this particular group of spider monkeys. BORIS behavior coding software was used to …

Move It Or Lose It: Interspecific Variation In Risk Response Of Pond-Breeding Anurans, Philip Matich, Christopher M. Schalk

Faculty Publications

Changes in behavior are often the proximate response of animals to human disturbance, with variability in tolerance levels leading some species to exhibit striking shifts in life history, fitness, and/or survival. Thus, elucidating the effects of disturbance on animal behavior, and how this varies among taxonomically similar species with inherently different behaviors and life histories is of value for management and conservation. We evaluated the risk response of three anuran species—southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus), Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris blanchardi), and green tree frog (Hyla cinerea)—to determine how differences in microhabitat use (arboreal vs …

Trade-Offs Shape Carotenoid-Based Color Variation In Redheaded Pine Sawfly (Neodiprion Lecontei) Larvae, Maranda Gaines

Lewis Honors College Capstone Collection

Carotenoids serve various ecological roles in animals including coloration, immune responses, and vision. Carotenoid-derived coloration is greatly emphasized in the literature, particularly relating to mate choice and aposematic warning. However, the trade-offs between the color and non-color functions of carotenoids are not thoroughly explored. In the redheaded pine sawfly (Neodiprion lecontei), some larval populations have yellow pigmentation, using carotenoids derived from their diets for aposematic warning coloration. Other larval populations are white in color, having genetically lost the ability to produce the yellow pigment. Because carotenoids are essential to life functions in both the yellow and white populations, we aim …

Novel Habitat Causes A Shift To Diurnal Activity In A Nocturnal Species, J. Sean Doody, Colin R. Mchenry, David Rhind, Simon Clulow

USF St. Petersburg Campus Faculty Publications

Plastic responses may allow individuals to survive and reproduce in novel environments, and can facilitate the establishment of viable populations. But can novel environments reveal plasticity by causing a shift in a behavior as fundamental and conspicuous as daily activity? We studied daily activity times near the invasion front of the cane toad (Rhinella marina), an invasive species that has colonized much of northern Australia. Cane toads in Australia are nocturnal, probably because diurnal activity would subject them to intolerably hot and dry conditions in the tropical savannah during the dry season. Our study can demonstrate, however, that upon reaching …

Long-Tailed Weasel (Mustela Frenata) Distribution Survey In Arkansas: Challenges In Detecting A Rare Species, Suzanne D. Johnston, D. Blake Sasse, Robert E. Kissell Jr.

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata) have one of the widest distributions of mustelids in the western hemisphere and were distributed across a majority of the American continents ranging from Canada through the contiguous United States, Mexico, and into northern South America. However, on a local scale they are considered uncommon and rare. We assessed the distribution of long-tailed weasels across Arkansas to determine occupancy in each ecoregion of Arkansas, and determined the detectability on two local, adjacent sites. No long-tailed weasels were detected within the ecoregions, but the species was detected with intensive sampling on one local site. It …

Plains Spotted Skunk Pelt Purchase Trends In The Ozarks And Ouachitas, 1943-1990, D. Blake Sasse

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Plains spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta) is a small carnivore that has experienced population declines across much of its range and is currently being considered for listing as an endangered species. I utilized harvest data on pelts from the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas and the Ouachita mountains in Arkansas that were purchased by fur dealers from 1943-1990 to examine trends in harvest levels over time. Purchases in all three regions declined in the late 1940s and early 1950s, but purchases in the Arkansas returned to near or at historic levels in the early 1960s and the …

Bilateral Diaphyseal Chondrodysplasia And Polymorphic Osteodysplasia Of The Tibiofibulas In A Southern Leopard Frog, Lithobates Sphenocephalus (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae), Stanley E. Trauth, Malcolm L, Mccallum

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Much attention has been focused on limb malformations in anurans following the startling discovery of major limb deformities in Northern Leopard Frogs (Rana pipiens) in Minnesota in 1995. The numerous causes for these malformations can be attributed to a number of natural phenomena, or they can be considered as being manmade. In the present study, we report on a previously undescribed type of limb abnormality in a single individual of the Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus) from Arkansas. Histological examination of left tibiofibula revealed a complete disruption of the normal diaphyseal bone structure in this adult …

Age Estimation Using Phalangeal Skeletochronology In Northern Crawfish Frogs, Lithobates Areolatus Circulosus (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae), From Arkansas, Stanley E. Trauth, Christopher S. Thigpen

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

As an obligate crayfish burrow dweller, crawfish frogs have historically occupied a relatively narrow ecological niche throughout their distribution in the tall grass prairies and grasslands of the central and south-central United States. In Arkansas, the Northern Crawfish Frog, Lithobates areolatus circulosus, occurs in only 19 of its 75 counties. Because of their secretive nature, late winter-early spring breeding season, and current protected status by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, this species remains a rarity in most museum collections in the state. Moreover, only anecdotal information exits regarding any aspect of their natural history in Arkansas. In the …

การใช้ Ngs (Next-Generation Sequencing) ในการแก้ปัญหาทางอนุกรมวิธานของผึ้งกาเหว่าสกุล Thyreus Panzer, 1806 ในประเทศไทย, พุธิตา ผาสุขดี

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

ผึ้งกาเหว่าในสกุล Thyreus Panzer, 1806 (Apidae; Melectini) เป็นปรสิตตัวอ่อนของผึ้งผสมเกสรหลายชนิดในสกุล Amegilla Friese, 1897 (Apidae; Anthophorini) ที่มีการกระจายตัวในทวีปยุโรป, แอฟริกา และ เอเชีย โดยในปัจจุบันผึ้งสกุล Thyreus มีจำนวนมากกว่า 108 ชนิดที่ได้รับการตั้งชื่อและจัดจำแนก อย่างไรก็ตามการศึกษาอนุกรมวิธานของ Thyreus ในประเทศไทยยังขาดข้อมูลที่สำคัญหลายประการ ได้แก่ การระบุชนิดของตัวอย่างเพศเมีย, รูปวิธานในระดับชนิด และจำนวนของชนิดทั้งหมด ในการศึกษาครั้งนี้ข้อมูลทางสัณฐานวิทยาและชีวโมเลกุลได้ถูกนำมาวิเคราะห์ร่วมกันเพื่อใช้ในการศึกษาตัวอย่างของผึ้งThyreus จำนวน 190 ตัวอย่าง (เพศเมีย 123, เพศผู้ 67) โดยใช้ลักษณะสัณฐานภายนอกในการระบุชนิดและสร้างแผนภูมิความสัมพันธ์เชิงวิวัฒนาการของผึ้งThyreus ในประเทศไทยด้วยวิธี Bayesian Inferences พร้อมทั้งยืนยันชนิดด้วยวิธี species delimitation (ABGD, GMYC และ PTP) จากข้อมูลของบาร์โค้ดดีเอ็นเอ (ยีน cytochrome c oxidase I; COI, ความยาว 650–680 คู่เบส) นอกจากนี้ยังได้นำเทคนิค Next-generation sequencing (NGS) มาใช้ในการเพิ่มปริมาณชิ้นส่วนของยีน COI จากตัวอย่างที่มีอายุถึง 60 ปี (โดยใช้วิธีสกัด DNA แบบที่ไม่ต้องทำลายตัวอย่าง) และไม่ได้ถูกเก็บรักษาในเอทานอล (n = 89; เพศเมีย 63, เพศผู้ 26) เพื่อให้ครอบคลุมจำนวนชนิดของผึ้ง Thyreus ทั้งหมดในประเทศ จากผลการศึกษาสามารถระบุชนิดของผึ้ง Thyreus ในประเทศไทยได้ทั้งหมด 9 ชนิด ได้แก่ T. callurus (Cockerell, 1919) (n = 10; เพศเมีย 1, เพศผู้9), T. ceylonicus (Friese, 1905) …

Screening Development For Anti-Hemotoxic Activity Of Thai Herbs Against Eastern Russell’S Viper Daboia Siamensis (Smith, 1917) Venom, Patchara Sittishevapark

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The eastern Russell’s viper, Daboia siamensis, is one of the important venomous snakes in Thailand. Its venom possesses hematotoxin causing pathological alterations to circulatory and renal systems. Although antivenom serum is used for standard medical treatment, its cost per dose, ineffectiveness for some symptoms, and potential to develop allergic reactions in patients has called attention to an alternative remedy including the medicinal herb. To find effective herbs, appropriate screening assays are needed. This study aims to develop in vitro and in vivo screening assays and use for screening Thai herbs with anti-hematotoxic activity against D. siamensis venom. For in vitro …

Evaluating Spatial Distributions Of Scent-Marks In Semi-Free-Ranging Groups Of Lemur Catta At The Duke Lemur Center, Shallu Prasher

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Scent-marking is a widespread form of olfactory signaling exhibited in mammals and for a select group of primates. Although research exists on the process of scent-marking, surface preferences, and for the function of scent-marking in lemurs, analyses of how lemur group scent-marking distributions map onto their home range are lacking. The endangered ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) deposits scent-marks using its ano-genital, chest, and wrist glands. This project was designed to collect data on two groups of semi-free-ranging captive ring-tailed lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center to first assess how scent-marks are distributed within their home ranges; and second, to evaluate …

Effects Of Energy Development On Movements, Home Ranges, And Resource Selection Of White-Tailed Deer In The Western Dakotas, Bailey S. Gullikson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Oil and natural gas development has increased in recent years and research is needed to assess potential impacts on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. Our objectives were to document movements, home ranges, and resource selection of female white-tailed deer in response to energy development in the western Dakotas. Our study areas included Dunn County, North Dakota, an area with current oil and gas development, and Grant County, North Dakota, and Perkins County, South Dakota, areas without current oil and gas development. We captured and fitted 150 female deer with Very High Frequency (VHF) collars across study sites, and …

Long-Term Effects Of Different Fat Sources And Vitamin E Supplementation On Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, And Immune Capacity Of Pigs With Heavy Slaughter Weight Up To 150 Kg, Ding Wang

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Two experiments were used to evaluate the potential interaction of fat source and vitamin E (VE) in heavy slaughter weight pigs. In Experiment 1, a total of 64 individually-fed pigs (28.41 ± 0.83 kg) were randomly assigned to 8 dietary treatments in a 4×2 factorial arrangement. Fat treatments included cornstarch (CS), tallow (TW), corn-oil (CO), and coconut-oil (CN). VE treatments were dietary α-tocopheryl acetate (ATA) at 11 and 200 ppm. In Experiment 2, a total of 72 individually fed pigs (28.55 ± 1.16 kg) were randomly assigned to 12 dietary treatments in a 2 × 6 factorial arrangement. Fat treatments …

Tyrosinase Inhibitors From Some Plants, Ponglada Sadangrit

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Tyrosinase is the key enzyme in melanogenesis leading to skin darkening. Many skin whitening products contain tyrosinase inhibitors or extracts that inhibit tyrosinase activity. Moreover, natural extracts are one of the most popular alternatives. They are safe and have less side effects. To determine the effects of plant compounds on melanogenesis, tyrosinase activity was evaluated in in vitro and cellular screening. Melanin level was measured in B16F10 melanoma cells. In addition, the gene expression level of melanogenesis-related genes was explored by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Fifteen plant compounds were tested by in vitro mushroom tyrosinase inhibition assay to …

Ectoparasite Presence In Select Northcentral Kansas Bat Species, Elizabeth Schumann

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Working with other graduate students on a grant given to Fort Hays State University, from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, I looked at presence and species of ectoparasites on bat species. The main goal of our grant was to quantify and qualify the status of the northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) in the state of Kansas, and to record data on any bycatch. I worked on our grant in the summer field seasons of 2016 and 2017, May to October, as described by the Indiana bat protocol.

Bats were captured by using mist nets set over …

Larsonia Pterophylla (Cnidaria, Pandeidae) Parasitic On Two Leptocephali: Paraconger Sp. (Congridae) And Callechelyini Gen. Sp. (Ophichthidae) In The Gulf Of Mexico, Matthew S. Woodstock, Charles Golightly, Danté Fenolio, Jon A. Moore

Gulf and Caribbean Research

No abstract provided.

Quantifying White-Tailed Deer Density And Its Impacts On Agricultural Systems, Jonathan A. Matthews

Theses and Dissertations--Forestry and Natural Resources

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) commonly consume row crops, with yield losses often attributed to their browsing. Deer density and field morphology may predict yield losses within local areas. We sought to 1) determine the effects of deer browsing on corn and soybean yields and investigate if deer density or field morphology correlated to yield loss in western Kentucky, and 2) compare pellet-based distance sampling to game camera surveys to determine if a distance sampling technique could accurately estimate deer density during the growing season. Overall, deer reduced corn and soybean yields on one-half of surveyed properties. Deer density …

Using Dna To Identify The Source Of Invasive Mongooses, Herpestes Auropunctatus (Carnivora: Herpestidae) Captured On Kaua‘I, Hawaiian Islands, Darren J. Wostenberg, Matthew W. Hopken, Aaron B. Shiels, Antoinette J. Piaggio

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Two small Indian mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) were live-captured in 2012 at separate locations on the Hawaiian Island of Kaua'i, which was previously considered to be free of this invasive species. Genotypes from these two individuals were compared to genotypes of H. auropunctatus from the islands of Hawai'i (n =39), O'ahu (n =91), Maui (n = 39), and Moloka'i (n = 19) to determine the island of origin of the Kaua'i individuals. Genotypes were generated from each individual using five microsatellite loci. Genetic clustering was estimated by Bayesian inference of spatial clustering of individuals and …

Cause‐Specific Mortality Of The World’S Terrestrial Vertebrates, Jacob E. Hill, Travis L. Devault, Jerrold L. Belant

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Aim: Vertebrates are declining worldwide, yet a comprehensive examination of the sources of mortality is lacking. We conducted a global synthesis of terrestrial vertebrate cause‐specific mortality to compare the sources of mortality across taxa and determine predictors of susceptibility to these sources of mortality.

Location: Worldwide.

Time period: 1970–2018.

Major taxa studied: Mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Methods: We searched for studies that used telemetry to determine the cause of death of terrestrial vertebrates. We determined whether each mortality was caused by anthropogenic or natural sources and further classified mortalities within these two categories (e.g. harvest, vehicle collision and predation). …

Taking The Bait: Species Taking Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits Intended For Raccoons, Betsy S. Haley, Are R. Berentsen, Richard M. Engeman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Raccoon rabies in eastern USA is managed by strategically distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits. The attractiveness, palativity, density, and non-target species bait take affect ORV effectiveness. We examined raccoon and non-target species differences in investigating/removing fish-meal polymer and coated sachet baits applied to simulate two aerial bait distribution densities. Bait densities of 150 baits/km2 and 75 baits/km2 were evaluated, respectively, in zones expected to have high and low

Racc oon densities. Three primary non-target species visited baits: coyotes, white-tailed deer, and feral swine. The proportion of bait stations visited by raccoons during 1 week observation periods ranged from 50 …