Development of a noncontact and long-term respiration monitoring system using microwave radar for hibernating black bear
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20229.abs The aim of this study is to develop a prototype system for noncontact, noninvasive and unconstrained vital sign monitoring using microwave radar and to use the system to measure the respiratory rate of a Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) during hibernation for ensuring the bear’s safety. Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo planned […]
Monitoring the wild black bear’s reaction to human and environmental stressors
Background Bears are among the most physiologically remarkable mammals. They spend half their life in an active state and the other half in a state of dormancy without food or water, and without urinating, defecating, or physical activity, yet can rouse and defend themselves when disturbed. Although important data have been obtained in both captive […]
Split Parturition Observed in a Captive North American Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
Reproductive physiology in North American ursids is characterized by mating from spring to early summer, delayed implantation, and birth during hibernation. During spring 2008, a captive adult female brown bear was mated with two adult males. Pregnancy was determined by elevated progesterone concentrations during late fall before hibernation. Two male cubs were born on December […]
Effect of an increase in environmental temperature on testicular androgenesis and spermatogenesis in toad (Bufo melanostictus) during hibernating season
Activities of key testicular androgenic enzymes [Δ5, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ5, 3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD)], plasma levels of testosterone, and testicular gametogenic activities were studied in heat-exposed adult male toads during hibernating season for two consecutive years. Exposure of toads to an elevated environmental temperature for 14 and 21 days resulted in significant elevation of […]
Husbandry and propagation of the Chinese big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect Park Zoo
Turtles worldwide are facing increasing pressures on their wild populations and many are listed as endangered or critically endangered. Chinese big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) are currently listed on IUCN’s Red List as endangered and on Cites Appendix II. As part of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s initiative on turtle and tortoise conservation, this species became a […]