Sexual segregation in foraging giraffe

Mramba, Rosemary Peter; Mahenya, Obeid; Siyaya, Annetjie; Mathisen, Karen Marie; Andreassen, Harry P.; Skarpe, Christina

doi:10.1016/j.actao.2016.12.007

Cited by 15 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 78 publications

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“…In this study, individual characteristics were found to be the variables affecting nightly activity budgets as well as nocturnal behavior most. These results are confirmed by several other studies on ruminants in which age, reproductive state and parenthood also show a strong influence on standing activities or REM sleep (Green, 1992;Mramba et al, 2017;Ruckstuhl & Neuhaus, 2009;Scheijen et al, 2020;Sicks, 2012). However, we could not confirm an influence of sex on both variables in giraffe.…”

Section: Influence Of Individual Characteristicssupporting

confidence: 86%

Biological and environmental factors as sources of variation in nocturnal behavior of giraffe

2021

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Upon a drastic decline of the giraffe population in the wild, conservation efforts and therefore the role of zoos have become more important than ever. With their unique opportunities, zoos provide excellent conditions to study animal behavior, expanding the knowledge about the giraffe's behavior repertoire and their ability to adapt. This study therefore examined the nocturnal behavior of 63 giraffe living in 13 different EAZA zoos across Germany and the Netherlands. Giraffe were observed and videos recorded via infrared sensitive cameras during the winter seasons 2015–2018. The observation period spanned nightly from 17:00 to 7:00. Thus, 198 nights, with a total of 2772 h were recorded and analyzed. Linear mixed models were then used to assess potential biological and environmental factors influencing behavior during the dark phase. Results show that individual variables such as age, subspecies and motherhood determined nocturnal activity and sleep behavior most. Among the variables studied, husbandry conditions and environmental factors complying with EAZA standards had no influence on the giraffe's nocturnal behavior. By combining nocturnal activity analyses and an assessment of potential influencing factors, our findings present a holistic approach to a better understanding of captive giraffe behavior and allow for management implications.

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Section: Influence Of Individual Characteristicssupporting

confidence: 86%

Biological and environmental factors as sources of variation in nocturnal behavior of giraffe

2021

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“…Further, giraffe were more active and spent less time in RSP during the wet season, in line with other studies on wild giraffe (Dagg, ). Several studies on feeding behavior of different wild giraffe species indicate that browse quality is higher (and in turn forage bouts) during the wet season and that giraffe are more likely to migrate during this time to take advantage of new vegetation (Dagg, ; Mramba et al, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nightly selection of resting sites and group behavior reveal antipredator strategies in giraffe

Burger

Fennessy

et al. 2020

Ecology and Evolution

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This study presents the first findings on nocturnal behavior patterns of wild Angolan giraffe. We characterized their nocturnal behavior and analyzed the influence of ecological factors such as group size, season, and habitat use. Giraffe were observed using night vision systems and thermal imaging cameras on Okapuka Ranch, Namibia. A total of 77 giraffe were observed during 24 nights over two distinct periods—July–August 2016 (dry season) and February–March 2017 (wet season). Photoperiod had a marked influence on their activity and moving behavior. At dusk, giraffe reduced the time spent moving and increasingly lay down and slept at the onset of darkness. Body postures that likely correspond to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep posture (RSP) were observed 15.8 ± 18.3 min after giraffe sat down. Season had a significant effect with longer RSP phases during the dry season (dry: 155.2 ± 191.1 s, n = 79; wet: 85.8 ± 94.9 s, n = 73). Further analyses of the influence of social behavior patterns did not show an effect of group size on RSP lengths. When a group of giraffe spent time at a specific resting site, several individuals were alert (vigilant) while other group members sat down or took up RSP. Simultaneous RSP events within a group were rarely observed. Resting sites were characterized by single trees or sparse bushes on open areas allowing for good visibility in a relatively sheltered location.

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“…To mirror the wandering behavior of giraffe between foraging areas (Leuthold & Leuthold, 1978), we recommend spreading browse (cut tree branches) and other food around the enclosure to allow giraffes the chance to move as a group between resources. As sex differences in foraging are noted (Mramba et al, 2017;Young & Isbell, 1991), and as female giraffe may reduce foraging time in place of vigilance when a bull is in close proximity (Cameron & Du Toit, 2005), increasing the diversity of feeding and browsing areas could also increase the variety of social relationships formed across the herd.…”

Section: 3: Implications For Giraffe Welfarementioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the social structure of captive Rothschild’s giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi): Relevance to animal management and animal welfare

Lewton

Rose

2019

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science

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The version presented here may differ from the published version. If citing, you are advised to consult the published version for pagination, volume/issue and date of publication University of Exeter's Institutional Repository, ORE https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/ Usage guidelines Before reusing this item please check the rights under which it has been made available. Some items are restricted to non-commercial use. Please cite the published version where applicable.

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Sexual segregation in foraging giraffe

Cited by 15 publications

References 78 publications

Biological and environmental factors as sources of variation in nocturnal behavior of giraffe

Biological and environmental factors as sources of variation in nocturnal behavior of giraffe

Nightly selection of resting sites and group behavior reveal antipredator strategies in giraffe

Evaluating the social structure of captive Rothschild’s giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi): Relevance to animal management and animal welfare

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