- Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Nigel Adams
Unitec New Zealand, Natural Sciences, Faculty Member
The use of DNA data is ubiquitous across animal sciences. DNA may be obtained from an organism for a myriad of reasons including identification and distinction between cryptic species, sex identification, comparisons of di ff erent... more
The use of DNA data is ubiquitous across animal sciences. DNA may be obtained from an organism for a myriad of reasons including identification and distinction between cryptic species, sex identification, comparisons of di ff erent morphocryptic genotypes or assessments of relatedness between organisms prior to a behavioural study. DNA should be obtained while minimizing the impact on the fitness, behaviour or welfare of the subject being tested, as this can bias experimental results and cause long-lasting e ff ects on wild animals. Furthermore, minimizing impact on experimental animals is a key Refinement principle within the "3Rs" framework which aims to ensure that animal welfare during experimentation is optimised. The term 'non-invasive DNA sampling' has been defined to indicate collection methods that do not require capture or cause disturbance to the animal, including any e ff ects on the behaviour or fitness. In practice this is not always the case, as the term '...
DNA data are becoming increasingly important in experimental biology. For example, it may be necessary to obtain DNA from an organism before using it in a bioassay or an experiment, to identify and distinguish between cryptic species, or... more
DNA data are becoming increasingly important in experimental biology. For example, it may be necessary to obtain DNA from an organism before using it in a bioassay or an experiment, to identify and distinguish between cryptic species, or when comparing different morphocryptic genotypes. Another example could be the assessment of relatedness between organisms prior to a behavioural study. In such cases, DNA must be obtained without affecting the fitness or behaviour of the subject being tested, as this could bias the results of the experiment. This points out the existence of a gap in the current molecular and experimental biology terminology, for which we propose the use of the term non-disruptive DNA sampling, specifically addressing behaviour and/or fitness, rather than simply physical integrity (invasiveness). We refer to these methods as “non-disruptive”, and discuss when they are appropriate to use.
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Abstract: An electrophoretic allozyme study of the fiscal shrike< I> Lanius collaris,</I> a widely distributed sub-Saharan passerine, was undertaken to investigate altitudinal variation in... more
Abstract: An electrophoretic allozyme study of the fiscal shrike< I> Lanius collaris,</I> a widely distributed sub-Saharan passerine, was undertaken to investigate altitudinal variation in genetic structure within this species. It is a sedentary bird with limited dispersal so that subpopulations may be expected to show genetic isolation by distance, which may have been enhanced by Pleistocene glaciation effects. The study area was a linear altitudinal transect of four localities in the eastern half of South Africa, which ranged from sea level to ...
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A small proportion of greyhounds surplus to the racing industry are entered into specialist re-homing organisations to be re-purposed as pets. Records of 835 greyhounds, from New Zealand Greyhounds as Pets, were used to investigate... more
A small proportion of greyhounds surplus to the racing industry are entered into specialist re-homing organisations to be re-purposed as pets. Records of 835 greyhounds, from New Zealand Greyhounds as Pets, were used to investigate whether pre-adoption characteristics (age, sex, racing record, reason entered) and management factors (temperament test result, foster and trainer effects) had a bearing on re-homing success, and comparisons were made with shelter studies. Re-homing greyhounds as pets is very successful with 85.5% ultimately successfully re-homed. Only 2.9% fail as a result of failed adoptions and 11.6% fail the initial temperament test and are therefore not considered for adoption. Greyhounds were more likely than shelter dogs to pass an initial temperament test and be adopted, and less likely to be returned after one month. However, adopted greyhounds were just as likely as shelter dogs to be returned after six months. Logistic regression revealed the youngest age group...
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... In Colloque sur les Ecosyst mes Subantarctiques (Edited by Jouventin P., Mass L. and Tr ... Hill RW (1972) Determination of.oxygen consumption by use of the paramagnetic oxygen analyzer. ... Iverson JA and Krog J. (1972) Body... more
... In Colloque sur les Ecosyst mes Subantarctiques (Edited by Jouventin P., Mass L. and Tr ... Hill RW (1972) Determination of.oxygen consumption by use of the paramagnetic oxygen analyzer. ... Iverson JA and Krog J. (1972) Body temperatures and Resting Metabolic Rates in small ...
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Bronze Mannikins Lonchura cucullata form flocks of up to 30 birds at the end of the breeding season and huddle in communal nests during winter. Assuming there are thermoregulatory benefits associated with huddling for these small... more
Bronze Mannikins Lonchura cucullata form flocks of up to 30 birds at the end of the breeding season and huddle in communal nests during winter. Assuming there are thermoregulatory benefits associated with huddling for these small endotherms, particularly during winter, we predicted that dominant individuals in flocks would obtain the central locations within the huddles. We tested this prediction by determining the dominance hierarchies of six captive flocks of five individuals by examining interactions at a feeder. Mannikins were observed to huddle when cold‐stressed. Although mannikins do not naturally form linear huddles, for ease of observation we recorded the positions of individually marked birds in linear huddles at 5 °C before and after disturbances every half hour for 3 h. Captive flocks of mannikins established linear dominance hierarchies and dominant individuals obtained the central location within the huddle. The central position in the huddle may be beneficial in therm...
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We measured the field metabolic rate (FMR) and water influx rate (WIR) of the largest species of bird, the Ostrich (Struthio camelus), which lives in the Namib desert, one of the driest regions on earth. Along with doubly—labeled water... more
We measured the field metabolic rate (FMR) and water influx rate (WIR) of the largest species of bird, the Ostrich (Struthio camelus), which lives in the Namib desert, one of the driest regions on earth. Along with doubly—labeled water (DLW) measurements of FMR and WIR, we examined the availability of plants in various habitats, the plants selected by Ostriches, and the daily activity patterns of these birds. During 6—8 d periods, adult Ostriches (88.25 kg) had an FMR of 18 040 kJ/d, while subadult birds (50.75 kg) metabolized energy at a rate of 15 428 kJ/d. Adult energy expenditure was 26% lower than predicted, but subadults had a FMR nearly equivalent to expectation, suggesting that adults may be more efficient at acquiring resources. Conclusions remain tentative because data for the Ostrich exceed previous data used for allometric equations by almost an order of magnitude. Gravel and stoney plains together accounted for 84% of the study area, whereas washes occupied °1%. Vegetat...
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... O'Connor, 2000). Stereotypic behaviours may also develop due to captivity imposed constraints on the ability of animals to perform a full range of natural behaviours (eg Clubb and Mason, 2003). The immediate... more
... O'Connor, 2000). Stereotypic behaviours may also develop due to captivity imposed constraints on the ability of animals to perform a full range of natural behaviours (eg Clubb and Mason, 2003). The immediate behavioural ...
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International differences in practices and attitudes regarding pet cats' interactions with wildlife were assessed by surveying citizens from at least two cities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, China and Japan. Predictions... more
International differences in practices and attitudes regarding pet cats' interactions with wildlife were assessed by surveying citizens from at least two cities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, China and Japan. Predictions tested were: (i) cat owners would agree less than non-cat owners that cats might threaten wildlife, (ii) cat owners value wildlife less than non-cat owners, (iii) cat owners are less accepting of cat legislation/restrictions than non-owners, and (iv) respondents from regions with high endemic biodiversity (Australia, New Zealand, China and the USA state of Hawaii) would be most concerned about pet cats threatening wildlife. Everywhere non-owners were more likely than owners to agree that pet cats killing wildlife were a problem in cities, towns and rural areas. Agreement amongst non-owners was highest in Australia (95%) and New Zealand (78%) and lowest in the UK (38%). Irrespective of ownership, over 85% of respondents from all countries except Chin...
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To assess the potential of a thermal carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser to explore antinociception in pain-free cats. Experimental, prospective, blinded, randomized study. Sixty healthy adult female cats with a (mean ± standard deviation) weight... more
To assess the potential of a thermal carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser to explore antinociception in pain-free cats. Experimental, prospective, blinded, randomized study. Sixty healthy adult female cats with a (mean ± standard deviation) weight of 3.3 ± 0.6 kg. Cats were systematically allocated to one of six treatments: saline 0.2 mL per cat; morphine 0.5 mg kg(-1) ; buprenorphine 20 μg kg(-1) ; medetomidine 2 μg kg(-1) ; tramadol 2 mg kg(-1) , and ketoprofen 2 mg kg(-1) . Latency to respond to thermal stimulation was assessed at baseline and at intervals of 15-30, 30-45, 45-60, 60-75, 90-105 and 120-135 minutes. Thermal thresholds were assessed using time to respond behaviourally to stimulation with a 500 mW CO2 laser. Within-treatment differences in response latency were assessed using Friedman's test. Differences amongst treatments were assessed using independent Kruskal-Wallis tests. Where significant effects were identified, pairwise comparisons were conducted to elucidate the d...
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... 2004) or act as a disease reservoir that may be transmitted to the companion cat population (Case, Chomel, Nicholson, & Foley, 2006; Luria et al., 2004). As a result of their impact on native species, cat... more
... 2004) or act as a disease reservoir that may be transmitted to the companion cat population (Case, Chomel, Nicholson, & Foley, 2006; Luria et al., 2004). As a result of their impact on native species, cat populations may be subject to mainland control (Algar, Angus, Williams, & ...
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The toxin 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is widely used to control introduced mammalian pests in New Zealand. By-kill of non-target native species, particularly birds, does occur including that of the endemic New Zealand parrot, the kea... more
The toxin 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is widely used to control introduced mammalian pests in New Zealand. By-kill of non-target native species, particularly birds, does occur including that of the endemic New Zealand parrot, the kea (Nestor notabilis). In large-scale control ...
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Aspects of the foraging behaviour along an altitudinal gradient of four subpopulations (Durban, Merrivale, Estcourt and Harrismith) of colour-banded Common Fiscals (Lanius collaris) were analysed in summer and winter in South Africa. The... more
Aspects of the foraging behaviour along an altitudinal gradient of four subpopulations (Durban, Merrivale, Estcourt and Harrismith) of colour-banded Common Fiscals (Lanius collaris) were analysed in summer and winter in South Africa. The shrike subpopulations showed significant differences in their attack, capture and success rates. The shrikes obtained more food during winter by increasing their attack and capture rates, and by taking larger prey items. Foraging success also increased from summer to winter in all except the ...
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... J. Anim. Ecol. 51:177-194. Page 5. 186 CHRISTOPHER R. BROWN AND NIGEL J. ADAMS CROXALL, JP In press. Seabird ecology. ... J. Appl. Physiol. 42:120-123. FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Ronde-bosch 7700, South Africa.... more
... J. Anim. Ecol. 51:177-194. Page 5. 186 CHRISTOPHER R. BROWN AND NIGEL J. ADAMS CROXALL, JP In press. Seabird ecology. ... J. Appl. Physiol. 42:120-123. FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Ronde-bosch 7700, South Africa. Received 22 March 1983. ...