Animal behaviour research covers a wide range of animal species and research topics. In ethology, animal behaviour is studied under natural conditions. Ethology has its roots in the scientific works of Charles Darwin (1809–1882) as well as Dutch biologist Nicolas Tinbergen (1907–1988).
Ethology links laboratory and field science together. and also have strong links with other disciplines, such as neuroanatomy, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Researchers in this field of study are interested in understanding the functions, causes, evolution, and development of Animal Behaviour.
Observing Monkey Behavior and Tool Use
We already know that some monkeys display above-average intelligence. Behavioural studies suggest that capuchin monkeys use tools such as boulders and logs as anvils on which they can crush nuts. Ragazzi et al. studied a group of wild capuchin monkeys in Brazil, specifically the placement of nuts before killing them. An interesting detail: He studied the same behaviour in humans.
Interactive Enrichment for Great Apes
There is growing empirical support demonstrating better welfare in captive animals when they have control over their environment. Research continues to show that great apes can successfully interact with digital media devices and when presented with digital enrichment. But can show behavioural changes. And in them somewhere there is nature like humans.
Nikki Kim-McCormack of the Australian National University and her colleagues studied the effects of digital enrichment on animal welfare. They included six orangutans and four chimpanzees from the Seoul Zoo in their study. And did research on them.
Behavioural Observation of New Zoo Habitat for Elephants
A herd of 5 Asian elephants lives at the Oregon Zoo (Portland, OR, US). Zoos wanted to improve their welfare with evidence-based approaches. This meant building a complex new habitat and closely monitoring the elephants by measuring hormone levels, activity and behaviour before, during and after construction. Research has shown that herds of elephants prove to be animals living together.
They used Observer XT behaviour analysis software to monitor the transition of an elephant herd to its new zoo habitat at the Oregon Zoo. This study, recently described in Animals, shows why behavioural observations matter. And labour varies from animal to animal.
Neuroscience Research with Guinea Pigs
According to Kira-Nicole Lee and colleagues, guinea pigs differ from rats and mice, and this has made them more suitable for some neuroscientific studies. that the results of studies with guinea pigs are more easily extrapolated to humans.
Domesticated Vs Wild Animals
Not many studies have compared the Animal behaviour of wild and domesticated animals. When they do, such as with guinea pigs, they are compared to most adults. So they do not get a practical one, rather they prove to be of different types.
Zipser et al. were excited to find out whether differences in the behaviour of domesticated guinea pigs and wild cavies had been found before. And so they compared these species during the early and late stages of adolescence.
Spatial Behaviour in Sheep
The study of movement, activity and animal behaviour is essential in research on animal health and welfare, particularly in livestock research. Understanding the behaviour of animals in different environments provides insights that can help improve their living conditions.
There is still much to learn about Animal behaviour and social patterns in sheep. And learning can be done. At the University of Aberystwyth in Wales, UK, researchers use TrackLab for the tracking and detailed analysis of spatial behaviours in sheep.