Assessing the relative importance of environmental and anthropogenic influences on the distribution of wild populations is an important step in designing spatially explicit plans for their management and protection. We examined environmental variables correlated with the spatial distribution of eastern Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii), a marine mammal common to coastal waters, in a large, highly urbanized estuary. We assessed the relationship between prey abundance, depth, bottom relief, proximity to terrestrial haul-out sites and 3 potential sources of anthropogenic influence, and the in-water spatial distribution of seals. We identified locations of seals using satellite-linked telemetry, and used partial Mantel tests to assess which environmental variables were most strongly linked to seal foraging distribution, given spatial autocorrelation within variables. Mann Whitney tests were used to compare environmental characteristics of locations of seals with a random distribution of locations. Because harbor seals are central-place foragers, we incorporated spatial distribution of seals relative to the central place into our analyses. High prey abundance and proximity to the haul-out site were strongly associated with the spatial distribution of seals. Harbor seals also tended to use deeper waters and areas of high bottom relief within the estuary. There was no consistent spatial relationship between the 3 anthropogenic factors and the distribution of seals, although seals tended to be found closer than expected to sites of high human activity. In highly impacted coastal areas where limited alternate suitable habitat exists, foraging seals may need to rely on disturbed (suboptimal) areas, and as a result may habituate to human presence in areas rich in food resources.

Knowing where pinnipeds forage is vital to managing and protecting their populations, and for assessing potential interactions with fisheries. We assessed the spatial relationship between the seasonal distribution of Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) outfitted with satellite transmitters and the seasonal distributions of potential harbor seal prey species in San Francisco Bay, California. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between the number of harbor seal locations in an area of the San Francisco Bay and the abundance of specific prey species in the same area. The influence of scale on the analyses was assessed by varying the scale of analysis from 1 to 10 km. There was consistency in the prey species targeted by harbor seals year-round, although there were seasonal differences between the most important prey species. The highest correlations between harbor seals and their prey were found for seasonally abundant benthic species, located within about 10 km of the primary haul-out site. Probable foraging habitat for harbor seals was identified, based on areas with high abundances of prey species that were strongly correlated with harbor seal distribution. With comparable local data inputs, this approach has potential application to pinniped management in other areas, and to decisions about the location of marine reserves designed to protect these species.

Kealakekua Bay is an important resting site for Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) and is popular with both local residents and tourists. Human activities occurring here include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and motor-boating. The objectives of this study were to document movement patterns of dolphin groups in Kealakekua Bay, to determine if different types and levels of human activity within the bay result in quantifiable changes in dolphin group movement patterns, and to provide baseline data for future studies. Theodolite tracking was used to assess responses of dolphin groups to human traffic. Variables examined included group mean leg speed (leg speed: the distance between two consecutive theodolite fixes of a dolphin group divided by time; mean leg speed: the average of all leg speeds comprising a track) and group reorientation rate. Swimmers and/or vessels were present within 100 m of all dolphin groups tracked during all surveys. Regression analyses were used to examine potential relationships between dolphin group related variables (e.g., reorientation rate, mean leg speed) and variables related to human activities (e.g., swimming, kayaking, motor-boating). Increasing levels of human activity had a limited but measurable effect on the movement patterns of Hawaiian spinner dolphin groups at this site.

The population of black howler rnonkeys (Alouatta pigra) at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve in northwestern Belize Was Studied for a total of 11.5 months during 2 wet and 2 dry seasons between October 1993 and May 1995. We estimated home-range size and range overlap of: troops in order to examine territoriality, and tested the null hypothesis that the population is uniformly distributed throughout the reserve in order to examine habitat use. Home-range sizes were similar to those at Bermudian Landing, Belize, but smaller than those at Tikal. Guatemala. Mean home-range size was estimated as 15.3 ha with 52% overlap based on a 1.0-ha grid. There was no evidence for territoriality. Population distribution was generally uniform, but ruin sites appeared to be preferred habitat and edge habitat was least frequented.

Fecal samples were collected from black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in north central Belize and analyzed for evidence of endoparasite life stages. At least six types of endoparasites were found in Alouatta pigra fecal samples collected in the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve and the Community Baboon Sanctuary in 1999. These include a digenean trematode, an oxyurid nematode, a strongyle-type nematode, an ascarid presumed to be Ascaris sp., Entamoeba coli and Iodamoeba bütschlii. Higher trematode prevalence was found in adult Alouatta pigra compared to juveniles and higher prevalence of nematode larvae in all animals was found in the wet season compared to the dry season.

Previous studies focusing on haul out behavior of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina spp.) have shown conflicting results in the frequency and the reasons for scanning. These studies indicate that scanning (movements increasing a seal's visual field) is used differently by one sex or by certain age classes of seals over others at different haul out sites and in different contexts. This study, which compares differences in the number of scans per unit time (scanning bouts) between seals of different ages and sexes, was conducted between October 1998 and September 1999 at Yerba Buena Island (YBI). YBI is one of the largest haul out sites in the urbanized estuary of San Francisco Bay, California. The haul out site, located along the southeast shoreline of YBI, is primarily utilized by adult male seals at all times of the year. During each survey, up to three seals at different locations of the site were selected. The behavior of the focal seals was recorded for 15 seconds per minute per seal for up to eight ten-minute observations during 45 four-hour surveys. Analysis of the number of scanning bouts indicates that adult females and immature seals scanned significantly more often than adult males. This difference was not significant between adult females and immature seals, nor was it significant between the three groups in times of disturbance. This suggests that other factors, such as the high proportion of adult males at the site, might be a factor in the increased scanning rates of adult females and immature seals. Adult females and immature seals using the site may scan more frequently in order to avoid aggressive encounters between male seals.

The majority of the literature describing howling monkeys (Cebidae) has focused on only 2 of 6 species in the genus. These studies have revealed differences in behavior between species and differences within species at different locations. One study has been published describing the vocal patterns of the black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra). This species appears to differ markedly from previously described Alouatta. In an effort to further distinguish A. pigra from its congeners, we observed the vocal patterns of an additional population of black howler monkeys. This population exhibited a bimodal calling pattern similar to that previously described for A. pigra, but absent in all but one (A. fusca) of the other species in the genus. The bimodal pattern was evident in both the rainy and dry seasons, with peaks in the morning and afternoon. Midday and afternoon calling were significantly reduced in the dry season. We also made a detailed comparison between both populations to examine the function of the afternoon peak. Contrary to the results of the previous study, we conclude that there is insufficient evidence to describe either of these populations as territorial.

A three-year old male cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) presented with clinical signs of anorexia and depression that decreased over a 48-hour period. Results of abdominal radiography abdominocentesis, blood biochemical analysis and CBC suggested septic peritonitis. Exploratory laparotomy revealed multiple perforations along the mesenteric border of the small intestine. Necropsy revealed masses of fibrous material in the stomach and cecum. Multiple mucosal ulcerations, as well as linear fibrous material, were found in the small intestine. The ulceration, perforations, and septic peritonitis were attributed to the ingestion of rope that had been attached to the animal's cage as an environmental-enrichment device.

Conservation BiologyVolume 14, Issue 3 p. 916-918 Summary and Synthesis in the Realm of Marine Mammals Hal Markowitz, Hal Markowitz Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, U.S.A., email halmark@sfsu.eduSearch for more papers by this author Hal Markowitz, Hal Markowitz Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, U.S.A., email halmark@sfsu.eduSearch for more papers by this author First published: 24 December 2001 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1739.2000.01431-5.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume14, Issue3June 2000Pages 916-918 RelatedInformation

Site preference and habitat use by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at Turneffe Atoll, Belize were investigated using survey routes and counts of animals seen. Ten sites were the focus of this study, covering a range of locations throughout the southern two-thirds of Turneffe Atoll and encompassing four key habitat types. Data were collected from Fall 1995 through Spring 1996; counts and a variety of environmental and behavioral observations were made from small boats. It was found that dolphin group size is dependent on location, and further, that dolphin group size is dependent on habitat type. The data indicate that some areas of the atoll are favored by groups of a certain size; this relationship, combined with the relationship between habitat type and group size suggests that certain areas of the atoll are used by the dolphins preferentially for specific activities. This finding is comparable to that of other studies on coastal T. truncatus that have noted a relationship between environmental variables, group size, and behavior. Average group size and sighting rates by season are also given.

In the course of developing active naturalistic exercise opportunities for zoo felines at moderate cost, a computer-controlled acoustic prey device was established. Changes in the behavior of a 16-year-old melanistic leopard (Sabrina) were studied as she learned to actively pursue bird sounds and obtained food treats as a function of the activity. By the twenty-ninth day she began to capture all 24 bird parts supplied on the feeder belt and continues to actively use the opportunity on a daily basis. General activity and apparent well-being have been enhanced, while stereotypic behaviors have decreased. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

American Journal of PrimatologyVolume 35, Issue 3 p. 251-252 Book Review Natural environments for captive animals: A mixed bag. Review of Natural Environments in Captivity for Animal Behavior Research, edited by E.F. Gibbons, EJ. Wyers, E. Waters & E.W. Menzel. Albany, State University of New York Press, 1994, 387 pp, $17.95 Hal Markowitz, Hal Markowitz Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132Search for more papers by this author Hal Markowitz, Hal Markowitz Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132Search for more papers by this author First published: 1995 https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.1350350308Citations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume35, Issue31995Pages 251-252 RelatedInformation

The feeding behavior of four captive adult koalas was investigated at the San Francisco Zoo. This stud examined the correlations between koala preference for selected Eucalyptus species and the nutritional and chemical components of those species. The total grams of Eucalyptus leaves consumed daily per animal were not significantly different, averaging 400 grams. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in consumption of the nine different Eucalyptus species across the 16-day feeding study. Significant differences in chemical composition (percent) were found among all Eucalyptus species examined. There was a significant positive correlation (P = 0.04) between quantity of a given Eucalyptus species consumed and crude protein level. A significant negative correlation was found between consumption and ADF (P = 0.01). No overall group pattern of correlation emerged between koala consumption and Eucalyptus essential oil content, although there were associations between individual koalas and certain essential oils (including cineole). The results suggest that it may not be the amount of an oil that determined Eucalyptus selection by the koalas, but rather the presence of a single oil or a combination of oils in the leaves.

Simple toys and sticks have frequently been suggested as inexpensive forms of environmental enrichment for nonhuman primates. Most descriptions of these items do not provide quantitative data on their use, or the effects that their presence have on general behavior. We tested wooden sticks and four different dog toys with aged and young adult rhesus monkeys to determine whether or not they led to decreases in abnormal behaviors, or increases in activity. We monitored object-use, abnormal behaviors, and general activity in a series of three experiments. Use of all objects tested declined sharply by the second day after they were placed in the cage. High levels of use were seen each time new objects were introduced, suggesting that a regular schedule of object rotation would lead to increased interest from the monkeys. No changes in abnormal behaviors or general activity were attributed to the presence of the objects. We conclude that sticks and simple toys have limited effectiveness as environmental enrichment options for aged rhesus monkeys. Where possible, socialization and/or actively responsive enrichment devices may be more effective in enhancing the lives of captive primates. In the case of animals in zoos, responsive environments and increased social opportunities also contribute to the educational, aesthetic, and health diagnostic missions of the institutions.

Newly proposed federal regulations will mandate that singly caged non-human primates be kept in cages larger than the current minimum standard, or be given 4 hours in an exercise cage per week. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of increasing cage size in improving well-being, the behavioral and heart rate responses of 10 female rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ) to three different cage sizes were measured. With the exception of vocalizations, no significant differences in behavior were obtained. Grunts increased in the largest cage, following the birth of an infant in a cage within view of the test cages. No differences with respect to cage size were found in heart rate or activity level, although there were significant variations at different times of day. We conclude that modest increases in cage size are less likely to enrich the environment of singly caged laboratory primates than are changes in social opportunities or increases in environmental complexity.

Environmental enrichment devices are a potential way to enhance psychological well-being in laboratory animals. The effects of such devices need to be systematically evaluated before they are recommended for widespread use. The purpose of this research was to monitor the behavioural and physiological responses of adult female rhesus macaques to a simple enrichment device. The apparatus consisted of a box attached to the monkey's home cage that contained a radio and a food dispenser, which could be controlled by the monkeys via contact detectors. Radio and food dispenser use were automatically recorded. Whole blood serotonin (WBS), plasma cortisol and abnormal behaviour were measured in 5 monkeys before, during and after a 20-week period in which the monkey's cages were equipped with the device. All monkeys used the device (3 of the 5 subjects earned an average of more than 200 food pellets per day). Mean plasma cortisol and whole blood serotonin did not differ across sampling times, suggesting that the apparatus had no effect on basal stress levels. There was an inverse relationship between apparatus use and cortisol levels in 76% of the samples, but only 3 of 17 coefficients were significant. There was a significant but small negative correlation between apparatus use and self-abusive behaviour. This enrichment device was readily used by adult rhesus monkeys and could be adapted for use in a wide variety of laboratory settings.