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Author Plotnik, J.M.; de Waal, F.B.M.; Reiss, D.
Title Self-recognition in an Asian elephant Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Abbreviated Journal Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
Volume 103 Issue 45 Pages 17053-17057
Keywords Animals; Asia; *Behavior, Animal; Cognition; Elephants/*psychology; Female; Photic Stimulation
Abstract Considered an indicator of self-awareness, mirror self-recognition (MSR) has long seemed limited to humans and apes. In both phylogeny and human ontogeny, MSR is thought to correlate with higher forms of empathy and altruistic behavior. Apart from humans and apes, dolphins and elephants are also known for such capacities. After the recent discovery of MSR in dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), elephants thus were the next logical candidate species. We exposed three Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to a large mirror to investigate their responses. Animals that possess MSR typically progress through four stages of behavior when facing a mirror: (i) social responses, (ii) physical inspection (e.g., looking behind the mirror), (iii) repetitive mirror-testing behavior, and (iv) realization of seeing themselves. Visible marks and invisible sham-marks were applied to the elephants' heads to test whether they would pass the litmus “mark test” for MSR in which an individual spontaneously uses a mirror to touch an otherwise imperceptible mark on its own body. Here, we report a successful MSR elephant study and report striking parallels in the progression of responses to mirrors among apes, dolphins, and elephants. These parallels suggest convergent cognitive evolution most likely related to complex sociality and cooperation.
Address Living Links, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, and Department of Psychology, Emory University, 532 North Kligo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN 0027-8424 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17075063 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 408
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Author Gless, K
Title Das Pferd im Militärwesen Type Book Whole
Year 1982 Publication Militärverlag der DDR Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords
Abstract Der Autor beschreibt die Verwendung und den Werdegang des Pferdes im Militärwesen während der letzten 4000 Jahre – beginnend bei den Hethitern im 17. Jahrhundert vor Christus bis nach dem zweiten Weltkrieg... Aus dem Inhalt: Einleitung, Streitwagen und Pferdebogner, Von Xenophon bis Mohammed, Ritterschaft und Mongolenheere, Von den Hussiten bis zu den Budjonnyreitern, Literatur, Sachwortregister
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Militärverlag der DDR Place of Publication Berlin Editor
Language Deutsch Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 409
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Author Cameron, E.Z.; du Toit, J.T.
Title Winning by a neck: tall giraffes avoid competing with shorter browsers Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication The American naturalist Abbreviated Journal Am Nat
Volume 169 Issue 1 Pages 130-135
Keywords Acacia/growth & development; Animals; Feeding Behavior/*physiology; Neck/*anatomy & histology; Plant Leaves/growth & development; Ruminants/*anatomy & histology/*physiology; South Africa
Abstract With their vertically elongated body form, giraffes generally feed above the level of other browsers within the savanna browsing guild, despite having access to foliage at lower levels. They ingest more leaf mass per bite when foraging high in the tree, perhaps because smaller, more selective browsers deplete shoots at lower levels or because trees differentially allocate resources to promote shoot growth in the upper canopy. We erected exclosures around individual Acacia nigrescens trees in the greater Kruger ecosystem, South Africa. After a complete growing season, we found no differences in leaf biomass per shoot across height zones in excluded trees but significant differences in control trees. We conclude that giraffes preferentially browse at high levels in the canopy to avoid competition with smaller browsers. Our findings are analogous with those from studies of grazing guilds and demonstrate that resource partitioning can be driven by competition when smaller foragers displace larger foragers from shared resources. This provides the first experimental support for the classic evolutionary hypothesis that vertical elongation of the giraffe body is an outcome of competition within the browsing ungulate guild.
Address Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. ezcameron@zoology.up.ac.za
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN 1537-5323 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17206591 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 410
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Author Linklater, W.L.; Henderson, K.M.; Cameron, E.Z.; Stafford, K.J.; Minot, E.O.
Title The robustness of faecal steroid determination for pregnancy testing Kaimanawa feral mares under field conditions Type Journal Article
Year 2000 Publication New Zealand veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal N Z Vet J
Volume 48 Issue 4 Pages 93-98
Keywords
Abstract AIMS: To investigate the utility of faecal oestrone sulphate (OS) concentrations for detecting pregnancy in mares during behavioural studies of feral horses, in which the collection and preservation of samples is not immediate. METHODS: Oestrone sulphate concentrations were measured in fresh dung samples collected from 153 free-roaming Kaimanawa mares throughout the year. In addition, multiple samples were taken from the same pile to investigate the reliability of diagnosis from a single sample, as well as the influence of time until preservation on OS concentrations. Samples were also taken before and after a 10mm simulated rainfall event to test for dilution of OS concentrations by rain. Oestrone sulphate concentrations in all samples were measured using an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: From approximately 150 to 250 days of gestation, OS concentrations were consistently >80 ng/g in mares which subsequently foaled. Mares which did not foal and had low faecal OS concentrations in multiple samples throughout the year had faecal OS concentrations of 31+/-13 ng/g (mean+/-s.d.) with an upper 95% confidence limit of 57 ng/g. Mares sampled from 1 week before to 1 month after behavioural oestrus, and that did not foal in the previous and subsequent seasons, had OS concentrations of 37+/-32 ng/g (mean+/-s.d.) with an upper 95% confidence limit of 100 ng/g. The standard error of oestrone sulphate concentrations in multiple samples from the same dung pile ranged from 1 to 37% of the mean. This large within-pile variation, however, did not result in incorrect diagnoses from single samples unless mares were within 18 days of parturition. Keeping samples at ambient temperatures for up to 16 hours did not affect OS concentrations. Simulated rainfall caused a 17% mean reduction in OS concentrations, but did not change pregnancy diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Faecal OS concentrations >100 ng/g were indicative of pregnancy in Kaimanawa mares. For mares more than 150 days post-mating, OS concentrations <57 ng/g were indicative of non-pregnancy, while concentrations between 57 and 100 ng/g provided an inconclusive diagnosis. A single sample from each dung pile collected within 16 hours of defecation was sufficient to accurately diagnose pregnancy in mares 150-250 days post conception. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Measurement of OS concentrations in dung samples was a reliable and robust indicator of pregnancy status in feral mares 150-250 days post mating. This corresponds approximately to the period from May to August, given the seasonal breeding pattern in this population. This method of determining pregnancy status is suitable for field use in behavioural and demographic studies of wild horse populations.
Address Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. wlinklater@hotmail.com
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN 0048-0169 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:16032132 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 411
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Author Linklater, W.L.; Cameron, E.Z.; Stafford, K.J.; Austin, T.
Title Chemical immobilisation and temporary confinement of two Kaimanawa feral stallions Type
Year 1998 Publication New Zealand veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal N Z Vet J
Volume 46 Issue 3 Pages 117-118
Keywords
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN 0048-0169 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:16032032 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 412
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Author Cameron, E.Z.
Title Facultative adjustment of mammalian sex ratios in support of the Trivers-Willard hypothesis: evidence for a mechanism Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society Abbreviated Journal Proc Biol Sci
Volume 271 Issue 1549 Pages 1723-1728
Keywords Age Factors; Animals; Body Constitution; *Evolution; Female; Glucose/metabolism/physiology; Litter Size; Male; Mammals/*physiology; *Models, Biological; Reproduction/physiology; Seasons; Sex Factors; *Sex Ratio; Time Factors
Abstract Evolutionary theory predicts that mothers of different condition should adjust the birth sex ratio of their offspring in relation to future reproductive benefits. Published studies addressing variation in mammalian sex ratios have produced surprisingly contradictory results. Explaining the source of such variation has been a challenge for sex-ratio theory, not least because no mechanism for sex-ratio adjustment is known. I conducted a meta-analysis of previous mammalian sex-ratio studies to determine if there are any overall patterns in sex-ratio variation. The contradictory nature of previous results was confirmed. However, studies that investigated indices of condition around conception show almost unanimous support for the prediction that mothers in good condition bias their litters towards sons. Recent research on the role of glucose in reproductive functioning have shown that excess glucose favours the development of male blastocysts, providing a potential mechanism for sex-ratio variation in relation to maternal condition around conception. Furthermore, many of the conflicting results from studies on sex-ratio adjustment would be explained if glucose levels in utero during early cell division contributed to the determination of offspring sex ratios.
Address Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. ezcameron@zoology.up.ac.za
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN 0962-8452 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:15306293 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 413
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Author Clutton-Brock, T.H.; Russell, A.F.; Sharpe, L.L.; Brotherton, P.N.; McIlrath, G.M.; White, S.; Cameron, E.Z.
Title Effects of helpers on juvenile development and survival in meerkats Type Journal Article
Year 2001 Publication Science (New York, N.Y.) Abbreviated Journal Science
Volume 293 Issue 5539 Pages 2446-2449
Keywords Animals; Breeding; Carnivora/growth & development/*physiology; *Cooperative Behavior; Feeding Behavior; Female; Male; Survival Rate; *Weight Gain
Abstract Although breeding success is known to increase with group size in several cooperative mammals, the mechanisms underlying these relationships are uncertain. We show that in wild groups of cooperative meerkats, Suricata suricatta, reductions in the ratio of helpers to pups depress the daily weight gain and growth of pups and the daily weight gain of helpers. Increases in the daily weight gain of pups are associated with heavier weights at independence and at 1 year of age, as well as with improved foraging success as juveniles and higher survival rates through the first year of life. These results suggest that the effects of helpers on the fitness of pups extend beyond weaning and that helpers may gain direct as well as indirect benefits by feeding pups.
Address Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK. thcb@hermes.cam.ac.uk
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN 0036-8075 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:11577235 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 414
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Author Linklater, W.L.; Cameron, E.Z.
Title Tests for cooperative behaviour between stallions Type Journal Article
Year 2000 Publication Animal Behaviour. Abbreviated Journal Anim. Behav.
Volume 60 Issue 6 Pages 731-743
Keywords
Abstract Breeding groups with multiple stallions occur sympatrically with single-stallion breeding groups in feral horse, Equus caballus, populations. Mutualism and reciprocal altruism between stallions have been proposed to explain the origin and functioning of multistallion bands. However, empirical support for these hypotheses is contradictory and incomplete. Furthermore, there are no explicit tests of the predictions that each hypothesis makes about stallion behaviour and social structure. We compared nine multistallion and 18 single-stallion bands in the Kaimanawa Ranges, New Zealand. Compared with agonistic behaviours, affiliative behaviours were relatively unimportant in the relationships between stallions within bands. The number of stallions in the band did not have a positive influence on mare group size, stability, home range quality or reproductive success in bands. Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between aggression ('intolerance') by the dominant towards subordinate stallions and the subordinates' effort in mare group defence ('helping') but a negative relationship between helping effort by subordinates and their proximity to, and mating with, the bands' mares. Therefore, the predictions of the mutualism and reciprocal altruism hypotheses were not supported. Indeed, for some of the predictions we found the opposite outcomes to be true. Multistallion bands had significantly poorer reproductive success, and dominant stallions were less tolerant of subordinates that helped most and reduced their access to mares. Nevertheless, in all other respects Kaimanawa stallions in multistallion bands behaved like those described elsewhere. Thus, we reject cooperative hypotheses for multimale breeding groups in horses and discuss the mate parasitism and consort hypotheses as better alternatives. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Address Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN 0003-3472 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:11124871 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 415
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Author Cameron EZ, Linklater WL.
Title Individual mares bias investment in sons and daughters in relation to their condition Type Journal Article
Year 2000 Publication Animal Behaviour. Abbreviated Journal Anim. Behav.
Volume 60 Issue 3 Pages 359-367
Keywords
Abstract The Trivers-Willard hypothesis (TWH) predicts that a mother will treat a son or daughter differently depending on her ability to invest and the impact of her investment on offspring reproductive success. Although many studies have investigated the hypothesis, few have definitively supported or refuted it because of confounding factors or an inappropriate level of analysis. We studied maternal investment in sons and daughters in feral horses, Equus caballus, which meet the assumptions of the TWH with a minimum of confounding variables. Population level analyses revealed no differences in maternal behaviour towards sons and daughters. When we incorporated mare condition, we found that sons were more costly to mares in good condition, whereas daughters were more costly to mares in poor condition, although no differences in maternal behaviour were found. However, since the TWH makes predictions about individual mothers, we examined investment by mares who reared both a son and a daughter in different years of the study. Mares in good condition invested more in their sons in terms of maternal care patterns, costs to maternal body condition and costs to future reproduction. Conversely, mares in poor condition invested more in daughters. Therefore, with an appropriate level of analysis in a species in which confounding variables are minimal, the predictions of the Trivers-Willard hypothesis are supported. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Address Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN 0003-3472 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:11007645 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 416
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Author Linklater, W.L.; Cameron, E.Z.; Minot, E.O.; Stafford, K.J.
Title Stallion harassment and the mating system of horses Type Journal Article
Year 1999 Publication Animal Behaviour. Abbreviated Journal Anim. Behav.
Volume 58 Issue 2 Pages 295-306
Keywords
Abstract Feral horse, Equus caballus, breeding groups, called bands, usually include one but sometimes up to five stallions. We found that mares were loyal to single-stallion (SS) or multistallion (MS) bands or were social dispersers (maverick mares, Mv). The spacing and social behaviour of mares and stallions in single- and multistallion bands was measured. Indices of mare well-being were also measured including activity budgets (feeding: MS>SS=Mv; resting: MS<SS=Mv), band and mare travel (MS>SS), maternal effort in maintaining contact with foals (MS=Mv>SS), parasite levels in faeces (MS>Mv>SS), body condition (MS=Mv<SS), fecundity (Mv<MS<SS) and offspring mortality (Mv<MS<SS). We present evidence suggesting that the poorer well-being of maverick mares and multistallion band mares results from greater harassment by stallions. Stallion and mare behaviour and poor reproductive success in multistallion bands were not consistent with explanations for the existence of such bands based on cooperation or alternative mating strategies. We suggest an alternative explanation. Stable relationships between mares and a single stallion may enhance reproductive success by reducing aggression between individuals. Therefore, we propose that there is strong selection pressure for stable, long-term stallion-mare relationships, called consort relationships. We propose the consort hypothesis, that multistallion bands are an artefact of selection for stable relationships that occasionally result in more than one such relationship forming, because mares solicit more than one stallion and stallion dominance changes during band formation. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Address Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition (up)
ISSN 0003-3472 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:10458881 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 417
Permanent link to this record