|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Krueger, K.; Flauger, B.
Title Horses (Equus caballus) show respect and trust in their owners Type Book Chapter
Year 2009 Publication Program of the 4. Thementagung der Ethologischen Gesellschaft, Februar 12 -14, 2009. Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 32
Keywords
Abstract
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Dpz. Place of Publication Göttingen Editor Kappeler, P.M.; Schwibbe, M.
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Krueger2009 Serial 5717
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hausberger, M.; Gautier, E.; Biquand, V.; Lunel, C.; Jégo, P.
Title Could Work Be a Source of Behavioural Disorders? A Study in Horses Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication PLoS ONE Abbreviated Journal PLoS ONE
Volume 4 Issue 10 Pages e7625 EP -
Keywords
Abstract <p>Stress at work, as shown by a number of human studies, may lead to a variety of negative and durable effects, such as impaired psychological functioning (anxiety, depression…). Horses share with humans this characteristic of working on a daily basis and are submitted then to work stressors related to physical constraints and/or more “psychological” conflicts, such as potential controversial orders from the riders or the requirement to suppress emotions. On another hand, horses may perform abnormal repetitive behaviour (“stereotypies”) in response to adverse life conditions. In the present study, we investigated whether the type of work the horses are used for may have an impact on their tendency to show stereotypic behaviour (and its type) outside work. Observations in their box of 76 horses all living in the same conditions, belonging to one breed and one sex, revealed that the prevalence and types of stereotypies performed strongly depended upon the type of work they were used for. The stereotypies observed involved mostly mouth movements and head tossing/nodding. Work constraints probably added to unfavourable living conditions, favouring the emergence of chronic abnormal behaviours. This is especially remarkable as the 23 hours spent in the box were influenced by the one hour work performed every day. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of potential effects of work stressors on the emergence of abnormal behaviours in an animal species. It raises an important line of thought on the chronic impact of the work situation on the daily life of individuals.</p>
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Public Library of Science Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5707
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Flauger, B.; Krueger, K.; Gerhards, H.; Moestl, E.
Title Measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in horse faeces: the validation of different group specific enzymeimmunoassays and extraction methods. Type Book Chapter
Year 2009 Publication Proceeding of the 102. Annual meeting of the Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft (DZG). Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 166
Keywords
Abstract
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Dt. Zoologische Ges Place of Publication München Editor Cremer,S.;Schrempf,A.;Heinze,J.
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-3-00-028368-0 Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5718
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fabritius, C.
Title Sozialstruktur einer Herde Islandpferde bei Veränderung der Gruppenzusammenstellung Type Manuscript
Year 2009 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords
Abstract Die Domestikation des Pferdes begann wahrscheinlich etwa 5500 v. Chr. in

Südosteuropa. In Mitteleuropa traten circa 3000 v. Chr. die ersten Hauspferde auf.

Grundsätzlich wird davon ausgegangen, dass sich die Ansprüche des Pferdes

hinsichtlich der Lebensbedingungen, welche sich im Laufe der Evolution über

Millionen von Jahren entwickelt haben, in der Obhut des Menschen nicht wesentlich

geändert haben. Für Pferde typisch ist das Leben im Sozialverband, der Herde

(Zeitler-Feicht 2008). Diese wird auch in den Leitlinien der Sachverständigengruppe

tierschutzgerechte Pferdehaltung (10. November 1995) empfohlen, sofern es nicht

durch zu häufigen Wechsel im Bestand zu einem Übermaß an Stress und

agonistischen Aktionen kommt.

Ziel der Arbeit war es, anhand eines nach der Literatur erstellten Ethogramms des

Sozialverhaltens des Pferdes, herauszufinden, inwieweit Änderungen der

Gruppenstruktur die sozialen Beziehungen beeinflussten. Die Fragestellung bezog

sich auf eine Herde in Offenstallhaltung. Um die eventuellen Veränderungen der

sozialen Interaktionen zu untersuchen, wurde erst die vorhandene Gruppenstruktur

der Herde festgestellt. Danach wurde ein Individuum aus der Herde entfernt und ein

anderes dazugestellt. Anschließend wurde die Gesamtgruppe in zwei Untergruppen

geteilt und nach einem gewissen Zeitraum erneut zusammengeführt. Dabei wurden

jeweils die Interaktionen der Pferde anhand des Ethogramms beobachtet,

aufgezeichnet und protokolliert.

Untersuchungsgegenstand war eine Herde Islandpferde, die in einer

Ausgangsgruppe von 16 Tieren gehalten wurde.

Die Beschreibung einer sozialen Ordnung im Allgemeinen und einer Rangordnung im

Besonderen wird in vielen Studien ausschließlich auf der Basis der Beobachtung und

Bewertung offensiv aggressiver Verhaltenselemente durchgeführt. Aggressives

Verhalten muss hingegen im Gegensatz zu Verhaltensweisen, die die Anerkennung

des sozialen Status des anderen Pferdes bedeuten, wie Abwenden oder Meiden,

nicht notwendigerweise ein Anzeichen von Dominanz über ein anderes Tier

bedeuten (Van Hoof u. Wensing 1987, Schilder 1988). Ein weiterer Aspekt dieser

Arbeit sollte sein, eine Möglichkeit zu finden, die Sozialstruktur auch auf der

Grundlage defensiver und soziopositiver Verhaltenselemente zu definieren.
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis Ph.D. thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Hannover Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5727
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author McGreevy, P.D.; Oddie, C.; Burton, F.L.; McLean, A.N.
Title The horse–human dyad: Can we align horse training and handling activities with the equid social ethogram? Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication The Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Special Issue: Equitation Science
Volume 181 Issue 1 Pages 12-18
Keywords Horse training; Social inter- and intra-specific communication; Learning; Counter–predator behaviour
Abstract This article examines the recently completed equid ethogram and shows how analogues of social interactions between horses may occur in various human–horse interactions. It discusses how some specific horse–horse interactions have a corresponding horse–human interaction – some of which may be directly beneficial for the horse while others may be unusual or even abnormal. It also shows how correspondent behaviours sometimes become inappropriate because of their duration, consistency or context. One analogue is unlikely to hold true for all horse–human contexts, so when applying any model from horse–horse interactions to human–horse interactions, the limitations of the model may eclipse the intended outcome of the intervention. These limitations are especially likely when the horse is being ridden. Such analyses may help to determine the validity of extrapolating intra-specific interactions to the inter-specific setting, as is advocated by some popular horse-training methods, and highlight the subsequent limitations where humans play the role of the ‘alpha mare’ or leader in horse handling and training. This examination provides a constructive framework for further informed debate and empirical investigation of the critical features of successful intra-specific interactions.
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1090-0233 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5729
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zeitler-Feicht, M.H.; Streit, S.; Dempfle, L.
Title Abrufautomaten für Pferde im Offenlaufstall im Vergleich – Besuchshäufigkeit, Aufenthaltsdauer und Anzahl an Auseinandersetzungen [A comparison of automatic feeding systems for horses in run-out-sheds – frequency of visit, duration of stay and number of conflicts] Type Book Chapter
Year 2009 Publication KTBL-Schrift Abbreviated Journal
Volume 479 Issue Pages
Keywords
Abstract In 32 Offenlaufställen mit computergesteuerten Abrufstationen wurden die Aufenthaltsdauer

und Besuchshäufigkeit sowie das Droh- und Meideverhalten von 439 Pferden im

Füttererungsbereich erfasst. Je Betrieb erfolgten visuelle kontinuierliche Direktbeobachtungen

nach dem Tortenstückverfahren (6 x 4 Stunden) für je einen 24-Stunden-Tag.

Ziel war die Überprüfung der verschiedenen Bauausführungen der Abrufstationen unter

dem Aspekt der Tiergerechtheit. Eine Einwegstation reduzierte signifikant die Anzahl an Auseinandersetzungen

im Fütterungsbereich. Demgegenüber führten die für das fressende Pferd

tiergerechten Varianten (Fressstand mit Eingangssperre und ohne Austreibehilfe) zu einer

Erhöhung der Besuchshäufigkeit und Aufenthaltsdauer und somit auch zu einer erhöhten

Anzahl an Drohgesten. Doch insgesamt betrachtet, kann die Anzahl an sozionegativen

Interaktionen im Fütterungsbereich der Abrufstationen als relativ gering eingestuft werden.

Da sich außerdem der Betrieb (Management, Fläche, Konzeption) als maßgeblicher Einflussfaktor

auf die überprüften Parameter erwies, dürften die Unterschiede in der Bauausführung

der derzeitigen Abrufstationen für Pferde eher von untergeordneter Bedeutung sein.

[Duration of stay, frequency of visit, threatening gestures and behaviour of avoidance of

439 horses was observed at the feeding area of 32 run-out-sheds. The observation was based

on the method of visual continuously direct watching after the pie chart system (6 x 4 hours)

over a period of 24 hours. The observation should show which construction of the different

automatic feeding systems corresponded best under the aspect of animal welfare.

It was obvious that the one-way-station reduced significantly the number of conflicts

in the feeding area, whereas those systems which are appropriate for the eating horses

(feeding station with access barrier and without stimulation device by electric shock) led

to a higher frequency of visits and duration of stay as well as to more threatening gestures.

Considering altogether, the number of negative interactions in the feeding area of the feeding

systems can be classified as comparatively unimportant. As it showed that the stable

(management, stable area, conception) was of important influence on the surveyed parameters,

the differences between the constructions of feeding stations for horses of present

systems are probably of less meaning.]
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5775
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Niederhöfer Simone
Title Stressbelastung bei Pferden in Abhängigkeit des Haltungssystems [Stress in horses in connection with husbandry systems] Type Manuscript
Year 2009 Publication PhD Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords
Abstract Pferdegerechte Haltungssysteme spielen bei der heutigen Nutzung des Freizeit- oder Sportpartners Pferd eine wichtige Rolle, da naturnahe Haltungsbedingungen nur in seltenen Fällen zu realisieren sind. Sämtliche Aufstallungsformen müssen als Kompromiss angesehen werden und bieten somit Vor- und Nachteile. Die vorliegende Untersuchung verfolgte den Zweck, die Stressbelastung von Pferden in verschiedenen Haltungssystemen zu erfassen und vergleichend zu beurteilen. Während der von Mai 2006 bis Juli 2007 durchgeführten Versuche wurden 24 zwei- bis dreijährige Hannoveranerstuten für jeweils 4 Wochen in insgesamt 6 verschiedenen Haltungsformen aufgestallt. Die Haltungsvarianten beinhalteten die Einzelbox (Variante 1), die Einzelbox mit einem frei zugänglichem Paddock (Variante 2), die gemeinsame Haltung von zwei Pferden in zwei Boxen und einem angeschlossenen frei zugänglichem Auslauf (Variante 3) und die Gruppenhaltung von 6 Pferden in einer Mehrraumauslaufhaltung (Variante 4 – 6). Die Haltungsvariante 4 differierte von den Varianten 5 und 6 durch seinen ungegliederten Liegebereich. In den Variante 5 und 6 wurde der Liegebereich der Gruppenhaltung durcheine über die halbe Breite reichende Trennwand in zwei Bereiche unterteilt. Die Trennwand befand sich in Haltungsvariante 5 im rechten Winkel an die Außenwand grenzend, während sie in Variante 6 an der der Stallgasse zugewandten Seite des Liegebereichs aufgestellt wurde. Um eine Vergleichbarkeit mit einem Reitpferd zu schaffen, wurden alle Pferde in allen Haltungssystemen täglich für circa eine Stunde in einer Freilaufanlage bewegt. Die Stressbelastung wurde mittels der Messung der Herzfrequenzvariabilität (Parameter pNN50 und SD1) und der Bestimmung fäkaler Cortisolmetaboliten erfasst. Zusätzlich wurden Videoauswertungen hinsichtlich der Beobachtung von Verhaltensauffälligkeiten in den Haltungsvarianten 1 und 2 durchgeführt. Die durchschnittlich niedrigste Stressbelastung erfuhren die Pferde durch die Haltungsvarianten 4 (pNN50: 46,32 %, SD1:158,58 ms, Cortisolmetaboliten: 21,01nmol/kg Kot) und 6 (pNN50: 47,1 %, SD1: 144,62 ms, Cortisolmetaboliten: 21,01 nmol/kg Kot). DieAuswertung der pNN50- und Cortisolmetabolitenwerte ergab die größte Stressbelastung der Pferde in den Varianten 1 (pNN50: 42,81 %, SD1: 134,52 ms, Cortisolmetaboliten: 28,56 nmol/kg Kot) und 3 (pNN50: 42,41 %, SD1: 135,36, Cortisolmetaboliten: 28,60 nmol/kg Kot). Die Auswertung der SD1-Werte zeigte zusätzlich noch eine hohe Stressbelastung der Pferde in der Variante 5 (pNN50: 44,83 %, SD1: 119,24 ms, Cortisolmetaboliten: 27,18 nmol/kg Kot). Die Haltungsvariante 2 (pNN50: 45,77 %, SD1: 144,25 ms, Cortisolmetaboliten: 27,59 nmol/kg Kot) beziehungsweise die Varianten 2 und 5 (bei der Betrachtung der pNN50- und der Cortisolmetabolitenwerte) verursachten im Durchschnitt eine mittlere Stressbelastung. Teilweise waren die Unterschiede jedoch zu gering um die Signifikanzgrenze zu überschreiten. Die Betrachtung der einzelnen Pferde und der Pferdegruppen ergab große interindividuelle Unterschiede und deutliche gruppenspezifische Gemeinsamkeiten. Die Position eines Tieres in der Rangordnung hatte in diesen Untersuchungen bei der Betrachtung der Mittelwerte keinen Einfluss auf die Stressbelastung in Abhängigkeit derHaltungsvariante. Vielmehr zeigten sich auch hier deutliche individuelle Unterschiede in der Stressanfälligkeit und den Vorlieben der einzelnen Pferde bezüglich der verschiedenen Haltungssysteme. Die Analyse der Videoaufzeichnungen ergab, dass mehrere Pferde Kreisbewegungen in der Einzelbox ohne Auslauf (Variante 1) zeigten, während in der Variante 2 (Paddockbox) kein Pferd durch Kreisbewegungen auffiel. Andere Verhaltensauffälligkeiten oder gar Verhaltensstörungen wurden nicht beobachtet. Bei der Auswertung der Aufenthaltshäufigkeit und der Aufenthaltesdauer in den 4 Boxenquadranten zeigten sich einige Pferde sehr aktiv, was ein Hinweis auf eventuelle Unruhe oder Nervosität sein kann, während andere Pferde im Vergleich zum Gruppendurchschnitt sehr ruhig wirkten, da sie sich in der Box kaum bewegten und über lange Zeitabschnitte in einem Quadranten standen. Obwohl die Gruppenhaltung für die Mehrzahl der Pferde eine geringere Stressbelastung bedeutete und auch hinsichtlich des Bewegungs- und Sozialverhaltens am artgerechtesteneinzustufen ist, sollte für jedes Pferd individuell unter Berücksichtigung seines Alters, seiner Rasse, seines Nutzungsgrades, aber vor allem seines Charakters und seiner Erfahrungen im Sozialverhalten ein passendes großzügig bemessenes Haltungssystem ermittelt werden, um die durch das Haltungssystem ausgeübte Stressbelastung zu minimieren und das Wohlbefinden der Pferde zu steigern.

[Horse-appropriate husbandry plays an important role in the current recreational use of sport horses, since close-to-nature husbandry conditions can only be realized in rare cases. All forms of stables must be seen as a compromise and thus offer both advantages and disadvantages. The current studies were aimed at documenting and comparatively judging the stress on horse in various husbandry systems. In the studies conducted from May 2006 to July 2007, 24 two- to three-year old Hanover mares were each kept for four weeks in a total of six different types of husbandry. The husbandry forms included the single box (Variation 1), single box with a freely accessible paddock (Variation 2), the common keeping of two horses in two boxes and an attached freely accessible yards (Variation 3) and group husbandry of six horses in a multi-room yards husbandry facility (Variations 4-6). Husbandry Variation 4 differs from Variations 5 and 6 through its non-divided lying area. In the Variations 5 and 6, the lying area of the group is divided through a dividing wall extending over half the width of the area. The dividing wall in husbandry variation 5 was at a right angle to the external wall, while in Variation 6 it was placed on the stable passage side of the lying areas. In order to create comparability with riding horses, all horses in the husbandry systems were moved for about one hour on an area in a free yard. The stress level was measured on the basis of heart frequency variability (Parameter pNN50 and SD1) and the determination of faecal Cortisol metabolites. In addition video evaluations were made of conspicuous behaviour in the Variations 1 and 2. The average lowest stress was experienced by the horses in Variation 4 (pNN50: 46.32 %, SD1: 158.58 ms, Cortisol metabolites: 21.01 nmol/kg faeces) and 6 (pNN50: 47.1 %, SD1: 144.62 ms, Cortisol metabolites: 21.01 nmol/kg faeces). The evaluation of the pNN50 and the Cortisol metabolite values resulted in the greatest stress for the horses in Variation 1(pNN50: 42.81 %, SD1: 134,52 ms, Cortisol metabolites: 28,56 nmol/kg faeces) and 3 (pNN50: 42.41 %, SD1: 135.36 ms, Cortisol metabolites: 28.60 nmol/kg faeces). The evaluation of the SD1 values also showed additional stress for the horses in Variation 5 (pNN50: 44.83 %, SD1: 119.24 ms, Cortisol metabolites: 27.18 nmol/kg faeces). Variation 2 (pNN50: 45.77 %, SD1: 144.25 ms, Cortisol metabolites: 27.59 nmol/kg faeces) or rather the Variations 2 and 5 (in observing the pNN50- and Cortisol metabolite values) caused on average a medium stress level. Sometimes the differences were too low to exceed the level of significance. The observation of individual horses and groups of horses resulted in great inter-individual differences and clear group-specific points in common. The position of the horse in the animal hierarchy had no influence on the stress on the animals in this study. Much more, the clear individual differences in susceptibility to stress and a preference of the individual horses for different husbandry systems. The analyses of the videos show that more horses showed circular movements in the single stable without a yard (Variation 1), while in Variation 2 no horse was conspicuous with circular movements. Other conspicuous or disturbed behaviour was not observed. In the evaluation of the frequency and duration of presence in the four quadrant boxes, some horses were very active, a sign of possible excitement or nervousness, while other horses appeared very quiet in comparison to the group average, since they hardly moved in the box and stood in the quadrants for longer periods of time. Although the group husbandry presented less stress for the majority of the horses, also in regard to the most animal appropriate movement and social behaviour, an individual evaluation of each horse should be made considering his age, race, and type of use, but above all considering his character and experiences in social behaviour in the appropriate husbandry system in order to minimize the stress caused by the husbandry system and to increase the horse’s well-being.]
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis Ph.D. thesis
Publisher Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover Place of Publication Hannover Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5960
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van Duyne, C.; Ras, E.; de Vos, A.E.W.; de Boer, W.F.; Henkens, R.J.H.G.; Usukhjargal, D.
Title Wolf Predation Among Reintroduced Przewalski Horses in Hustai National Park, Mongolia Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication Journal of Wildlife Management Abbreviated Journal Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume 73 Issue 6 Pages 836-843
Keywords
Abstract
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher The Wildlife Society Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-541x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes doi: 10.2193/2008-027 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5776
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author von Peinen, K.; Wiestner, T.; Bogisch, S.; Roepstorff, L.; Van Weeren, P.R.; Weishaupt, M.A.
Title Relationship between the forces acting on the horse's back and the movements of rider and horse while walking on a treadmill Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 41 Issue 3 Pages 285-291
Keywords horse; ground reaction forces; kinematics; rider; saddle force
Abstract Reasons for performing study: The exact relationship between the saddle pressure pattern during one stride cycle and the movements of horse and rider at the walk are poorly understood and have never been investigated in detail. Hypothesis: The movements of rider and horse account for the force distribution pattern under the saddle. Method: Vertical ground reaction forces (GRF), kinematics of horse and rider as well as saddle forces (FS) were measured synchronously in 7 high level dressage horses while being ridden on an instrumented treadmill at walk. Discrete values of the total saddle forces (FStot) were determined for each stride and related to kinematics and GRF. The pressure sensitive mat was divided into halves and sixths to assess the force distribution over the horse's back in more detail. Differences were tested using a one sample t test (P<0.05). Results: FStot of all the horses showed 3 peaks (P1-P3) and 3 minima (M1-M3) in each half-cycle, which were systematically related to the footfall sequence of the walk. Looking at the halves of the mat, force curves were 50% phase-shifted. The analysis of the FS of the 6 sections showed a clear association to the rider's and horse's movements. Conclusion: The saddle force distribution during an entire stride cycle has a distinct pattern although the force fluctuations of the FStot are small. The forces in the front thirds were clearly related to the movement of the front limbs, those in the mid part to the lateral flexion of the horse's spine and the loading of the hind part was mainly influenced by the axial rotation and lateral bending of the back. Potential relevance: These data can be used as a reference for comparing different types of saddle fit.
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Blackwell Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2042-3306 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5822
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lonsdorf, E.V.; Ross, S.R.; Linick, S.A.; Milstein, M.S.; Melber, T.N.
Title An experimental, comparative investigation of tool use in chimpanzees and gorillas Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication Animal Behaviour Abbreviated Journal Anim. Behav.
Volume 77 Issue 5 Pages 1119-1126
Keywords chimpanzee; gorilla; Gorilla gorilla gorilla; Pan troglodytes; social structure; tool use
Abstract Studies of ape tool use have been conducted in captivity since the early 1900s and in the wild since the 1960s. Chimpanzees are the most prolific tool users among the apes, and are known to use more tools than any other nonhuman animal. In contrast, reports of gorilla tool use are rare both in wild and captive settings. Studies of the processes involved in tool use learning have been limited in the wild by the lack of ability to control several unpredictable variables, and in captivity by tool use opportunities that are often presented in non-naturalistic contexts. We attempted to address both of these limitations by providing naïve subjects with a naturalistic tool use device (built to simulate a termite mound) while housed in a more natural social setting to approximate how learning would occur in the wild. Both gorillas and chimpanzees participated in the experiment to allow comparative analyses of acquisition of tool behaviour and the factors that may affect acquisition. Both species showed low frequencies of interaction with the mound in the baseline condition, before baiting with a food reward. Once baited, chimpanzees both attempted and succeeded to extract the reward more quickly than did gorillas. The number of social group members at the mound was significantly higher for chimpanzees than for gorillas and may have affected skill acquisition. We advocate that comparative approaches to skill acquisition and learning are valuable, but that researchers need to be cognizant of species differences in social structure that may affect results.
Address (up)
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-3472 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5858
Permanent link to this record