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Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare

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A special issue of Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens (ISSN 2673-5636).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 May 2021) | Viewed by 50789

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lance Miller

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Guest Editor

Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare, Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
Interests: animal behavior; animal welfare; environmental enrichment; wildlife conservation; wildlife endocrinology; zoos and aquariums

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Research on cetaceans is of continued importance to help ensure the sustainability, health, and welfare of both wild and professionally managed populations. With the sustained increase in anthropogenic factors impacting wild cetaceans, determining strategies to help to conserve populations while monitoring their health and welfare is critical. Similarly, it is also essential to continuously look for new ways to enhance the health and welfare of cetaceans under professional care. The Special Issue is dedicated to research on cetaceans both in the wild and under professional care that advances our understanding of their conservation, health, and welfare. Examples of potential submissions include:

Studies of population abundance, distribution, and behavior;
Impact of anthropogenic factors and conservation management strategies;
Statistical, technological, and methodological advancements;
Validation and reference values for positive and negative indicators of health and welfare;
Factors impacting health and welfare;
Conservation education research and visitor studies;
Review articles on conservation, health, or welfare.

Dr. Lance Miller
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

animal behavior
animal welfare
conservation biology
conservation education
population abundance
population management
sustainability
veterinary medicine

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Enrichment Factors Associated with the Activity Level of Bottlenose Dolphins under Professional Care

by Lisa K. Lauderdale, Kenneth Alex Shorter, Ding Zhang, Joaquin Gabaldon, Jill D. Mellen, Douglas A. Granger, Michael T. Walsh and Lance J. Miller

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2022, 3(1), 44-55; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg3010004 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3338

Abstract

Environmental enrichment can be used to improve the welfare of dolphins in zoos and aquariums. Bottlenose dolphins under professional care are typically provided with a range of enrichment that has a variety of features and levels of complexity at various frequencies. In the present study, a subset of data from a larger study entitled “Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums” (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study) was used to examine the relationship between activity level and enrichment buoyancy as well as enrichment provisioning schedules. Survey data were collected from accredited zoos and aquariums related to the types of enrichment provided to the dolphins and the frequency and duration they were supplied. Non-invasive bio-logging devices were used to record the dolphin kinematics one day per week over the course of two five-week data collection periods. Activity level related positively with the total duration of time non-stationary enrichment was provided. In addition, providing a larger number of enrichment types each between 26% and 50% of the days in a month (i.e., rotating many different types of enrichment across days on a moderate schedule) was positively related to activity level. Activity level was negatively related to the number of times sinking enrichment was provided. Understanding how the temporal schedule and features of various types of enrichment are related to activity levels will aid in developing progressively more effective enrichment programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

17 pages, 2050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Of Whales and Genes: Unraveling the Physiological Response to Stressors in Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) at the Molecular Level

by Ebru Unal and Tracy A. Romano

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(4), 559-575; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg2040040 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2432

Abstract

Marine mammals, now more than ever, are exposed to environmental and anthropogenic stressors. A better understanding of stress physiology in marine mammals is warranted in order to assist in conservation efforts. This study screened gene expression profiles (cytokines, stress-response markers) in blood samples collected opportunistically under controlled conditions from aquarium belugas during transport and introduction to a novel environment (T/NEnv), participation in out-of-water examinations (OWE) and from wild belugas during live capture–release health assessments (WLCR). Quantitative-PCR was used to measure gene expression involved in physiological and immune responses at different time scales. Linear mixed models with repeated measures and pairwise comparisons were used for analysis. Overall, a generalized down-regulation of relative gene expression when compared to samples collected under behavioral control from aquarium whales or to pre-assessment samples of wild whales was observed, with genes IFNγ, IL2, TGFβ and Nr3c1 displaying the largest significant (p < 0.05) changes. Significant (p < 0.05) negative associations of inflammatory gene expression with norepinephrine suggest inhibitory effects of catecholamines on the inflammatory response. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the physiological response to stressors at the molecular level in belugas, and the genes suggested here can further be utilized as additional tools in beluga health assessments and monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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15 pages, 9563 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Preliminary Evaluation of Potential Impacts Associated with Small Cetacean Remote Biopsy Sampling by Controlled Testing on Stranded Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

by Errol I. Ronje and Casey Brechtel

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(4), 544-558; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg2040039 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2888

Abstract

To explore the potential macroscopic tissue effects of select remote biopsy tools to common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), carcasses were darted and their traumatic effects on the anatomy in target and non-target areas of the body were described. In total, 87 samples were collected (target area, n = 19; non-target area, n = 68) within standardized grid partitions from five carcasses of sub-adult to adult age classes with a range of body condition scores. We broadly classified impacts penetrating completely through the blubber into muscle or deeper internal tissues as over-penetrations (n = 51/87, 59%). For samples collected in the defined target area, there was a low number of over-penetrations (n = 5/51; 10%). However, for samples collected in the defined, non-target areas, a much higher number of over-penetrations occurred (n = 45/51 88%). A visual examination of some samples indicated that sample length and appearance may not be reliable guides to assess the penetration depth of the wounds. These preliminary results suggest samples collected in non-targeted areas could pose much higher risk to the individual. We encourage other researchers considering the use of remote biopsy tools to conduct similar assessments prior to field sampling to better understand the potential consequences of misplaced samples with a view towards continually improving remote biopsy tools and techniques for the benefit of cetacean welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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19 pages, 5691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Common Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, Behavioral Response to a Record-Breaking Flood Event in Pensacola Bay, Florida

by Shauna McBride-Kebert and Christina N. Toms

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(3), 351-369; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg2030025 - 05 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2733

Abstract

Common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, can suffer health complications from prolonged freshwater exposure; however, little is known about how dolphins behaviorally respond to flood events. We investigated whether dolphins mitigated their freshwater exposure by moving south towards the estuary mouth and/or towards deeper areas with higher salinities in response to a record-breaking flood in Pensacola Bay, Florida. In total, 144 dolphin groups observed during 45 population dynamic surveys were analyzed across two flood-impacted sampling sessions and their respective seasonal control sessions. Kernel density estimates demonstrated southern movement towards the estuary mouth during flood-impacted sessions, but this distribution change was limited. Species distribution models showed that dolphins did not move to deeper areas after the flood and dolphin distribution was not substantially altered by flood-induced salinity changes. The estuary system exhibits strongly stratified waters with broad salinity ranges even during the flood. Dolphins may have mitigated the severity of freshwater exposure by capitalizing on these stratified areas as they continued to use habitat affected by the flood. A lack of avoidance of low salinity could result in this dolphin population being at greater risk for health problems, which should be considered in future population management and conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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14 pages, 1512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Environmentally Dependent Movement of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

by Zining Zhang, Ding Zhang, Joaquin Gabaldon, Kari Goodbar, Nicole West, Kira Barton and Kenneth Alex Shorter

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(3), 335-348; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg2030023 - 26 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2135

Abstract

How environmental features (e.g., people, enrichment, or other animals) affect movement is an important element for the study of animal behavior, biomechanics, and welfare. Here we present a stationary overhead camera-based persistent monitoring framework for the investigation of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) response to environmental stimuli. Mask R-CNN, a convolutional neural network architecture, was trained to automatically detect 3 object types in the environment: dolphins, people, and enrichment floats that were introduced to stimulate and engage the animals. Detected objects within each video frame were linked together to create track segments across frames. The animals’ tracks were used to parameterize their response to the presence of environmental stimuli. We collected and analyzed data from 24 sessions from bottlenose dolphins in a managed lagoon environment. The seasons had an average duration of 1 h and around half of them had enrichment (42%) while the rest (58%) did not. People were visible in the environment for 18.8% of the total time (∼4.5 h), more often when enrichment was present (∼3 h) than without (∼1.5 h). When neither enrichment nor people were present, the animals swam at an average speed of 1.2 m/s. When enrichment was added to the lagoon, average swimming speed decreased to 1.0 m/s and the animals spent more time moving at slow speeds around the enrichment. Animals’ engagement with the enrichment also decreased over time. These results indicate that the presence of enrichment and people in, or around, the environment attracts the animals, influencing habitat use and movement patterns as a result. This work demonstrates the ability of the proposed framework for the quantification and persistent monitoring of bottlenose dolphins’ movement, and will enable new studies to investigate individual and group animal locomotion and behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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13 pages, 1246 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Bottlenose Dolphins Produce Underwater Bubbles Linked to Cognitive Task Engagement but Not Success

by Elena Alexander, Mark Abrahams and Fay E. Clark

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(2), 287-299; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg2020020 - 01 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3699

Abstract

Captive mammals respond emotionally toward cognitive challenges, but research has precluded marine mammals. A potential indicator of emotion in toothed cetaceans is a large singular bubble (‘burst’) emitted from the blowhole, previously linked to surprise and excitement. Our study analysed bursts from a published study on dolphin cognitive enrichment. Bursts were only produced by task-engaged (72%) or task-spectating (28%) dolphins (n = 6 males in total). Burst frequency increased with the proportion of task engagement and spectator frequency, but not task progress or success (providing no evidence for an instantaneous ‘Eureka moment’). Bursts were reduced in frequency over three weeks, consistent with a decrease in task-engagement. Bursts were significantly more likely to come at the start of a bout of task-engagement than in the middle or end. We suggest bursts were an emotional response signaling dolphins’ instantaneous judgement of the task, more likely related to positive affect (interest, curiosity) than negative affect (frustration). They appear unrelated to respiration. It was unclear whether bursts were produced consciously and had a social function. We call for further dedicated research on the emotional valence of cetacean bursts. This will require simultaneous behavioural and acoustic measurements under different levels of more controlled challenge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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14 pages, 1416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Activity, Social Relationships, and Maternal Care in a Bottlenose Dolphin Group under Professional Care

by Lisa K. Lauderdale and Lance J. Miller

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(2), 273-286; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg2020019 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3433

Abstract

Defining the activity patterns and social relationships of animals can provide valuable information related to animal welfare. Bottlenose dolphins under professional care engage in a variety of social and solitary activities, which may be influenced by conspecifics, time of day, and maternal behaviors. This study examined the social, solitary, and maternal behaviors of eight dolphins at one zoological facility. Data about social and solitary behaviors, nursing occurrences, and mother–calf pair swimming were collected five days per week over a ten-month period. The simple ratio index was used to calculate association rates for all dyads. Affiliative behaviors were the dominant behavior class and all behavior categories and swim states showed temporal oscillations throughout the day. The high association values within the mother–calf dyads suggested these ties remain strong through the second and third years of life. Preferred associates remained the same for some individuals in both social group compositions, while they differed for others. However, no large reductions in associations were recorded, suggesting strong relationships in the subgroups continued when other individuals were present. Examining sociality and activity levels may be a useful tool in continuing to improve welfare as they may be related to social groupings and environmental factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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8 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Stimulation Tests in the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

by Dorian S. Houser, Cory Champagne and Daniel E. Crocker

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(2), 265-272; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg2020018 - 26 May 2021

Viewed by 2629

Abstract

Stimulation of the thyroid with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a potentially useful diagnostic of thyroid dysfunction, but little is known about the response of the thyroid to TSH stimulation in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). To better characterize the response of the dolphin thyroid to TSH stimulation, five adult dolphins participated in a TSH stimulation study. Dolphins voluntarily beached onto a padded mat and were given a 1.5 mg intramuscular injection of human recombinant TSH. Blood samples collected the day prior, at multiple intervals the day of, and daily for three days after the injection were analyzed via radioimmunoassay for free and total triiodothyronine (fT3 and tT3), and free and total thyroxine (fT4 and tT4). Significant increases in circulating fT3, fT4, and tT4 were observed with peaks occurring for all hormones the day after the TSH injection; maximal increases were 44%, 47%, and 23% for each hormone, respectively. Temporal patterns in the hormones potentially reflected feedback mechanisms countering the surge in fT3 following stimulation. Though recombinant human TSH was effective at stimulating hormone release, it is likely that use of dolphin or dolphin-derived TSH would enhance the clinical utility of the stimulation test, as would the development of antibodies specific to dolphin TSH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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12 pages, 6167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A System for Monitoring Acoustics to Supplement an Animal Welfare Plan for Bottlenose Dolphins

by Brittany L. Jones, Michael Oswald, Samantha Tufano, Mark Baird, Jason Mulsow and Sam H. Ridgway

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(2), 222-233; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg2020015 - 29 Apr 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3508

Abstract

Animal sounds are commonly used by humans to infer information about their motivations and their health, yet, acoustic data is an underutilized welfare biomarker especially for aquatic animals. Here, we describe an acoustic monitoring system that is being implemented at the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program where dolphins live in groups in ocean enclosures in San Diego Bay. A four-element bottom mounted hydrophone array is used to continuously record, detect and localize acoustic detections from this focal group. Software provides users an automated comparison of the current acoustic behavior to group historical data which can be used to identify periods of normal, healthy thriving dolphins, and allows rare instances of deviations from typical behavior to stand out. Variations in a group or individual’s call rates can be correlated with independent veterinary examinations and behavioral observations in order to better assess dolphin health and welfare. Additionally, the monitoring system identifies time periods in which a sound source from San Diego Bay is of high-enough amplitude that the received level at our array is considered a potential concern for the focal animals. These time stamps can be used to identify and potentially mitigate exposures to acoustic sources that may otherwise not be obvious to human listeners. We hope this application inspires zoos and aquaria to innovate and create ways to incorporate acoustic information into their own animal welfare management programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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15 pages, 1326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Effects of Low Salinity Exposure on Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

by Abby M. McClain, Risa Daniels, Forrest M. Gomez, Sam H. Ridgway, Ryan Takeshita, Eric D. Jensen and Cynthia R. Smith

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2020, 1(1), 61-75; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg1010005 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5206

Abstract

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have a worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical waters and often inhabit estuarine environments, indicating their ability to maintain homeostasis in low salinity for limited periods of time. Epidermal and biochemical changes associated with low salinity exposure have been documented in stranded bottlenose dolphins; however, these animals are often found severely debilitated or deceased and in poor condition. Dolphins in the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program travel globally, navigating varied environments comparable to those in which free-ranging dolphins are observed. A retrospective analysis was performed of medical records from 46 Navy dolphins and blood samples from 43 Navy dolphins exposed to a variety of salinity levels for different durations over 43 years (from 1967–2010). Blood values from samples collected during low salinity environmental exposure (salinity ranging from 0–30 parts per thousand (ppt) were compared to samples collected while those same animals were in a seawater environment (31–35 ppt). Epidermal changes associated with low salinity exposure were also assessed. Significant decreases in serum sodium, chloride, and calculated serum osmolality and significant increases in blood urea nitrogen and aldosterone were observed in blood samples collected during low salinity exposure. Epidermal changes were observed in 35% of the animals that spent time in low salinity waters. The prevalence of epidermal changes was inversely proportional to the level of salinity to which the animals were exposed. Future work is necessary to fully comprehend the impacts of low salinity exposure in bottlenose dolphins, but the physiological changes observed in this study will help improve our understanding of the upper limit of duration and the lower limit of salinity in which a bottlenose dolphin can maintain homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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19 pages, 1963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dolphin Welfare Assessment under Professional Care: ‘Willingness to Participate’, an Indicator Significantly Associated with Six Potential ‘Alerting Factors’

by Fabienne Delfour, Tania Monreal-Pawlowsky, Ruta Vaicekauskaite, Cristina Pilenga, Daniel Garcia-Parraga, Heiko G. Rödel, Nuria García Caro, Enrique Perlado Campos and Birgitta Mercera

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2020, 1(1), 42-60; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg1010004 - 31 Oct 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5061

Abstract

In dolphinaria, dolphins and their trainers build relationships and bonds due to the nature, closeness and repeatability of their interactions, hence training sessions are deemed appropriate to evaluate dolphin welfare. Qualitative Behavioural Assessments (QBAs) have been used to study human–animal relationships and are included in several animal welfare assessments. We introduce here the first QBA aiming to analyse dolphin–trainer interactions during training sessions in terms of dolphin welfare. Our results show that “Willingness to Participate” (WtP) was significantly associated to six other parameters: high-speed approach, high level of excitement, high number of positive responses to trainers’ signals, rare refusal to perform certain behaviours, rare spontaneous departure behaviours and fast approach once the trainer entered into the pool. Therefore, we suggest using WtP and those “alerting factors” when assessing dolphin–trainer interactions under professional care. The evaluation should also consider the time of day, the dolphin’s age, trainer experience level, the nature of the training sessions and to a lesser extent the sex of the dolphins, as contributing and modulating factors. The factor eye contact has been used in various HARs studies and has been proven to be a valid indicator in welfare research works, hence potentially deserving further research. These results demonstrate the pertinence and feasibility of this approach, the ease of use of this methodology by professionals in zoo/aquarium settings and the appropriateness of the obtained results within the holistic frame of animal welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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18 pages, 787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social, Reproductive and Contextual Influences on Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites in Captive Yangtze Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) and Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

by Agathe Serres, Todd Robeck, Xiaojun Deng, Karen Steinman, Yujiang Hao and Ding Wang

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2020, 1(1), 24-41; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg1010003 - 09 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3479

Abstract

Although the use of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGCM) measurements as non-invasive biomarkers for the stress response in mammals has increased, few studies have been conducted in odontocetes. We investigated if animal sex, age, pregnancy or contextual variations (season, sampling time, enrichment, social separation and presence of visitors) influenced the FGCM concentrations in presumably healthy, captive and endangered Yangtze finless porpoises (YFPs, N = 4) and bottlenose dolphins (BDs, N = 3). For YFPs, the FGCM concentrations were influenced by season (p = 0.01), diurnal variation (p = 0.01) and pregnancy (p = 0.005). Contextual variables that were associated with increases in FGCM concentrations included social separations (p = 0.003) and numbers of visitors (p = 0.0002). Concentrations of FGCMs were lower (p = 0.001) after exposure to environmental enrichment. For BDs, enrichment was associated with reduced concentrations of FGCMs (p < 0.0001). The presence of visitors also influenced this species’ FGCM concentrations (p = 0.006). These results demonstrate that changes in the FGCM concentrations in YFPs and BDs may occur in response to contextual and social changes. In combination with other behavioral and physiological assessments, measurements of FGCMs may be a useful tool for monitoring cetacean welfare. Such monitoring may help researchers identify and better understand situations that may be stressful for animals and, therefore, improve management and husbandry. Furthermore, results from our study and inferences of the FGCM concentrations in cetaceans, and their potential relationship to stress, may be extrapolated to studies of free-ranging animals, which may help detect possible environmental or anthropogenic stressors that could be affecting these populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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Review

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12 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessReview

Assessing North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) Welfare

by Katherine King, Melissa Joblon, Kerry McNally, Leigh Clayton, Heather Pettis, Peter Corkeron and Felicia Nutter

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(4), 728-739; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg2040052 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3272

Abstract

Welfare assessments have been largely successful in improving management and quality of life for animals in human care. This has prompted an increased interest in their use for free-ranging wild animals to assess health, environment, and human-induced impacts that influence policy decisions. The North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW, Eubalaena glacialis) is one of the most endangered whale species. NARWs constantly face serious injuries and mortalities due to human activities, which poses both a species conservation and an individual welfare concern. Establishing a standardized welfare assessment for the NARW is a holistic way to understand the cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities at both the individual and population levels. To investigate the potential use of welfare assessments in NARWs, we performed a brief literature review to explore the history and utility of animal welfare assessments. Following the review, we developed a welfare assessment tool specific to the NARW. The goal is for biologists to apply this tool to understand NARW welfare in conjunction with research in the field. Ultimately, the information gained from this review can aid in public dissemination of the results of human impacts on NARW welfare and may help influence future conservation policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

Other

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5 pages, 564 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Accurate Epigenetic Aging in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), an Essential Step in the Conservation of at-Risk Dolphins

by Ashley Barratclough, Cynthia R. Smith, Forrest M. Gomez, Theoni Photopoulou, Ryan Takeshita, Enrico Pirotta, Len Thomas, Abby M. McClain, Celeste Parry, Joseph A. Zoller, Steve Horvath and Lori H. Schwacke

J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2021, 2(3), 416-420; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jzbg2030030 - 06 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5482

Abstract

Epigenetics, specifically DNA methylation, allows for the estimation of animal age from blood or remotely sampled skin. This multi-tissue epigenetic age estimation clock uses 110 longitudinal samples from 34 Navy bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), identifying 195 cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites associated with chronological aging via cross-validation with one individual left out in each fold (R² = 0.95). With a median absolute error of 2.5 years, this clock improves age estimation capacity in wild dolphins, helping conservation efforts and enabling a better understanding of population demographics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare)

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