Environmental effects on the behavior of zoo-housed lions and tigers, with a case study of the effects of a visual barrier on pacing.

Tigers and lions in the wild are nocturnal nonhuman animals who may hunt and mate opportunistically during daylight hours. In captivity, they spend most time on exhibit sleeping or pacing. To better understand their activity budget, this study examined the daily behavior patterns of 2 Sumatran tigers and 3 African lions in different housings.

Molecular characterization of isosporoid coccidia (Isospora and Atoxoplasma spp.) in passerine birds.

Prevalence and disease caused by isosporoid coccidia in passerine birds are well recognized, but confusion about the life cycles of the parasites has led to taxonomic inconsistencies. In this study, we characterized segments of the chromosomal small and large-subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes of coccidial parasites from 23 species of passerine birds, as well as heat shock protein 70, apicoplast rRNA, and chromosomal 5.8s rRNA genes from a subgroup of these animals, and we correlated genetic data with morphologic findings for different parasite developmental stages, host phylogeny, and overall taxonomic relations within the phylum Apicomplexa.

Characterization of a new species of adenovirus in falcons.

In 1996, a disease outbreak occurred at a captive breeding facility in Idaho, causing anorexia, dehydration, and diarrhea or sudden death in 72 of 110 Northern aplomado falcons (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) from 9 to 35 days of age and in 6 of 102 peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) from 14 to 25 days of age. Sixty-two Northern aplomado and six peregrine falcons died. Epidemiologic analyses indicated a point source epizootic, horizontal transmission, and increased relative risk associated with cross-species brooding of eggs.

Conservation genomics: applying whole genome studies to species conservation efforts.

Studies of complete genomes are leading to a new understanding of the biology of mammals and providing ongoing insights into the fundamental aspects of the organization and evolution of biological systems. Comparison of primate genomes can identify aspects of their organization, regulation and function that appeared during the primate radiation, but without comparison to more evolutionarily distant mammals and other vertebrates, highly conserved aspects of genome architecture will not be accurately identified nor will the lineage-specific changes be identified as such. Many species of primates face risks of extinction; yet the knowledge of their genomes will provide a deeper understanding of primate adaptations, human origins, and provide the framework for discoveries anticipated to improve human medicine.

Sexual behavior, reproductive physiology and sperm competition in male mammals.

Sperm competition involves competition between the gametes of two or more males of a species for fertilization of a given set of ova. Sperm competition is widespread among mammals, as in many other groups of vertebrates. Effects of sexual selection, via sperm competition, upon the evolution of reproductive physiology and behavior are much better understood in invertebrates (and especially in insects) than is the case for mammals.

Reproduction in shark-attacked sea turtles is supported by stress-reduction mechanisms.

Vertebrates exhibit varied behavioural and physiological tactics to promote reproductive success. We examined mechanisms that could enable female loggerhead turtles to undertake nesting activities and maintain seasonal reproduction despite recent shark injuries of varying severity. We proposed that endocrinal mechanisms that regulate both a turtle's stress response and reproductive ability are modified to promote successful and continued reproduction.

Primate mating systems and the evolution of immune response.

White blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts were examined in a sample comprising 762 specimens, representing 25 genera and 38 species of captive non-human primates. Animals suffering from illnesses exhibited higher WBC counts than healthy specimens sampled during routine health checks. Analysis of basal WBC counts in healthy animals confirmed a positive correlation between higher cell counts and occurrences of multiple partner mating.

Observations on genital morphology and anatomy of a hybrid male muriqui (genus Brachyteles).

The reproductive anatomy of the muriqui (genus Brachyteles) is poorly known. This paper describes the anatomy of the testis, penis and striated penile muscles in a young adult (5.25-year-old) captive-born muriqui which died at the Rio Primate Center.

Interplay between plasma hormone profiles, sex and body condition in immature hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) subjected to a capture stress protocol.

We investigated plasma hormone profiles of corticosterone and testosterone in immature hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in response to a capture stress protocol. Further, we examined whether sex and body condition were covariates associated with variation in the adrenocortical response of immature turtles. Hawksbill turtles responded to the capture stress protocol by significantly increasing plasma levels of corticosterone over a 5 h period.

Rapid suppression of testosterone secretion after capture in male American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis).

All reptiles studied to date show an increase in circulating corticosterone following capture. This rise in corticosterone has also been shown in a number of instances to result in a decline in reproductive steroids within hours after capture. As a result of these observations it has been considered imperative to collect blood samples as soon as possible after capture to get reliable measures of reproductive hormones.

Molecular characterization of malarial parasites in captive passerine birds.

Seven of 28 passerine birds that died in captivity were positive for malarial parasites by polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytB) and apicoplast ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Each bird was infected with a single parasite lineage having a unique genotype. Apicoplast rRNA sequences were present both in Haemoproteus spp.

Mother-infant interactions in slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) and pygmy lorises (Nycticebus pygmaeus).

The study had three purposes: (1) to obtain information about mother-infant interactions in a rarely studied nocturnal prosimian, the pygmy loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus); (2) to compare pygmy lorises with a closely related and better-studied nocturnal prosimian, the Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis); and (3) to determine how the presence of a second offspring affected mother-infant interactions in pygmy lorises. Three Bengal slow loris mothers and 3 pygmy loris mothers served as subjects, along with their 10 offspring (4 Bengal slow loris singletons, 2 pygmy loris singletons and 2 sets of pygmy loris twins). Observations were carried out in a zoo research facility for the first 24 weeks of the infants' lives.

Intra- and interspecific variation of the CCR5 gene in higher primates.

We have evaluated the molecular evolution of the chemokine receptor CCR5 in primates. The chemokine receptor CCR5 serves as a major co-receptor for human immunodeficiency virus/simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV/SIV) infection. Knowledge of evolution of the CCR5 molecule and selection on the CCR5 gene may shed light on its functional role.

Chemical cues identify gender and individuality in Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

The Giant panda communicates with conspecifics by depositing a mixture of volatile compounds (called scent marks) on trees and rocks. Using mass spectrometry, we identified 951 chemical components from scent glands, urine, vaginal secretions, and scent marks made by pandas. The scent marks of the two genders contained a similar array of chemicals but varied in concentration; specifically, males possessed a significantly greater amount of short chain fatty acids (F(1, 29) = 18.

Alligator physiology and life history: the importance of temperature.

Alligators are the most northerly distributed of the extant Crocodilia. Reproducing populations are found as far north as 35 degrees latitude in the freshwater marshes and rivers of coastal North Carolina, and as far south as 25 degrees latitude in the Florida Keys. Thus different populations are exposed to very different annual thermal cycles.

Cytogenetic identification of a hybrid owl monkey, Aotus nancymaae x Aotus lemurinus griseimembra.

A neonate male owl monkey (Aotus sp.) was identified cytogenetically as a hybrid after it failed to nurse and died. Phenotypically, the male parent possessed characteristics of the "gray-neck group," and G-banded karyotypes identified him as Aotus lemurinus griseimembra (2n = 53), heterozygous for the centric fusion of chromosomes 13 and 14.

Does alligator testis produce estradiol? A comparison of ovarian and testicular aromatase.

Testicular secretion of estradiol is necessary for normal spermatogenesis and male reproductive physiology in humans and rodents. The role of estradiol in nonmammalian vertebrates remains unknown, but elevated circulating estradiol has been reported in male lizards, alligators, and various bird species. We have been unable to detect circulating estradiol in male alligators; therefore, we reexamined the question of testicular production of estradiol in alligators using more rigorous assay procedures.

Interactions between ecology, demography, capture stress, and profiles of corticosterone and glucose in a free-living population of Australian freshwater crocodiles.

In this study we examined three aspects pertaining to adrenocortical responsiveness in free-ranging Australian freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni). First, we examined the ability of freshwater crocodiles to produce corticosterone in response to a typical capture-stress protocol. A second objective addressed the relationship between capture stress, plasma glucose and corticosterone.

Naturally occurring fatal herpes simplex virus 1 infection in a family of white-faced saki monkeys (Pithecia pithecia pithecia).

A family of three white-faced saki monkeys (Pithecia pithecia pithecia) died 48-96 hours after the onset of anorexia, nasal discharge, pyrexia and oral ulceration. One animal also had clonic seizures. Lesions found post-mortem consisted of oral and esophageal ulcers, hepatic and intestinal necrosis, meningoencephalitis and sporadic neuronal necrosis.

Sexual selection and the comparative anatomy of reproduction in monkeys, apes, and human beings.

Sexual selection has had profound effects at the copulatory and postcopulatory levels, upon the evolution of reproductive anatomy, physiology, and patterns of mating behavior. This review deals with the effects of sexual selection upon the evolution of relative testes sizes, sperm morphology, seminal vesicular function, penile morphology, and copulatory behavior in the Order Primates. The concept of cryptic female choice is also discussed, and its potential value in understanding how co-evolution of genital morphologies may have occurred in primates and inother animals.

In vitro maturation of bitch oocytes from advanced preantral follicles in synthetic oviduct fluid medium: serum is not essential.

The ability of oocytes from preantral follicles to mature in vitro was assessed using a synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) medium. Advanced preantral follicles (approximately 210 microm diameter) were isolated from the ovaries of domestic bitches and assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) SOF (n = 230); (2) SOF + 3 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (+BSA, n = 220); (3) SOF + 20% fetal bovine serum (+FBS, n = 227); or (4) SOF + 3 mg/ml BSA + 20% FBS (+BSA+FBS, n = 232), then cultured for up to 72 h. A group of control follicles was not cultured (n = 103).

Variation in plasma lipids during the reproductive cycle of male and female desert tortoises, Gopherus agassizii.

Plasma triacylglycerol, phospholipid, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, fatty acids, and total lipids were measured in 30 female and 20 male desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) during the annual reproductive cycle in the eastern Mojave desert, Nevada. Blood samples were collected at monthly intervals from April to October. All lipid fractions, with the exception of free fatty acids, were significantly higher in female plasma than in male plasma in all months of the year.

Sexual selection, seminal coagulation and copulatory plug formation in primates.

This study examines the question of whether multipartner matings by female primates, with resulting sperm competition among males, may have favored the evolution of biochemical mechanisms to enhance seminal coagulationand copulatory plug formation. Comparative ratings of seminal coagulation (using a four-point scale where 1 = no coagulation and 4 = copulatory plug formation) were obtained for 40 species representing 26 primate genera. Coagulation ratings were highest (mean = 3.

Disappearances of individuals from social groups have implications for understanding natal dispersal in monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus azarai).

The socially monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) live in small groups of two to five individuals. We used monthly demographic data collected from 16 social groups between 1997-2001 to estimate the age of disappearance from their natal groups and the timing of those disappearances in a population of owl monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai) in Formosa, Argentina.

Malignant catarrhal fever-like disease in Barbary red deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus) naturally infected with a virus resembling alcelaphine herpesvirus 2.

Eight Barbary red deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus) developed clinical signs suggestive of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) over a 28-day period. These animals were housed outdoors with four other species of ruminants. Affected red deer had lethargy, ocular signs, and nasal discharge and were euthanatized within 48 h.