Λεπτομέρειες βιβλιογραφικής εγγραφής
| Τίτλος: |
Investigating the Impact of Acoustic Environment and Human Presence on Okapi Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites. |
| Συγγραφείς: |
de Queiroz, Marina Bonde1 (AUTHOR), Passos, Luiza Figueiredo2 (AUTHOR), de Azevedo, Cristiano Schetini3 (AUTHOR), Schork, Ivana4 (AUTHOR), Palme, Rupert5 (AUTHOR), Davies, William J.1 (AUTHOR), Young, Robert John1 (AUTHOR) |
| Πηγή: |
Noise & Health. Nov/Dec2025, Vol. 27 Issue 129, p751-759. 9p. |
| Θεματικοί όροι: |
*Acoustical engineering, *Zoo animals, *Animal welfare, *Psychological stress |
| Περίληψη: |
Background: The influence of visitor behaviour and sound pressure levels on zoo animals remains unclear. Objective: This study examined associations between sound pressure levels, visitor numbers and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGCMs) in a male okapi (Okapia johnstoni) at a UK zoo. Materials and methods: Data were collected across two 5-day periods representing high- and low-visitor seasons, yielding 10 days of acoustic recordings and matching FGCM samples. Acoustic metrics were calculated for the open and closed periods of the zoo (L eqZ, L 10Z and L 90Z). Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon and Welch t -tests, as well as Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression models. Results: L eqZ and L 10Z did not differ between seasons, whereas background noise (L 90Z) was higher in the low season (t = –4.42, P = 0.005). Sound levels were generally higher during open hours in both seasons. Correlations between visitor numbers and acoustic metrics were weak and non-significant (high season L eqZ × visitors: r = 0.005, P = 0.994; low season: r = –0.347, P = 0.567). FGCM concentrations did not differ between seasons (72a: P = 1.00; 72T: P = 0.37). Regression analyses showed that L eqZOpen positively predicted 72T FGCMs (β = 5.30 ± 1.85, P = 0.02), while visitor numbers negatively predicted 72T (β = –0.04 ± 0.02, P = 0.04). Visitor numbers did not differ between seasons. Conclusions: Okapi adrenocortical activity appears more responsive to acoustic conditions than to visitor numbers, suggesting noise as the primary stressor. Reducing noise through enrichment or vegetation may improve okapi welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Βάση Δεδομένων: |
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