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PROJECT ABSTRACTS

ASPECTS ON THE FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF THE BALL PYTHON (Python regius)  IN CAPTIVITY AND ITS RESPONSE TO COLOR, MOVEMENT AND HEAT STIMULI
Castillo, Jennifer Anne; Dilag, Maricar Roxanne; Laddaran, Lester Arthur; Sumalinog, Hannah Candace

Keywords: ball python, exotic, endemic, molting, ethology 

A six-year old ball python (Python regius) in residence for three years at the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (WRC-PAWB) is a species that is endemic to Western Africa. In this study a general comparison of specific ethological characteristics of P. regius kept in captivity can be ascertained by looking at feeding patterns, its nature during one molting phase, and sensitivity to manipulated stimuli. Experiments were performed to determine the P. regius’ response to different controlled stimuli: color, movement and heat.  Three trials were done for each set-up.  For color, papers with different colors were each shown for a limited period of time.  For movement, similar wooden sticks were used.  One stick was stationary and the other was waved.  For heat, the P. regius was exposed to a stationary and moving warm metal pan.  By the end of the experiment, results showed that the python is not responsive to color but is reactive to both movement and heat as consistent with literature and observations of the WRC veterinarians.  The study also took into account the advantages and disadvantages of keeping animals like the P. regius in cages. Another aspect considered was the constant exposure of the animal to humans. Since the animal is generally harmless to humans, it is frequently taken out of its cage and handled by the Rescue Center’s visitors, except during molting. The experiment was also done to show differences displayed by the P. regius that is used to the presence of humans, and P. regius that have almost no contact with humans.

THE FEEDING HABITS AND BEHAVIOR OF THE PHILIPPINE RETICULATED PYTHON (Python reticulatus)
Ian Bagamasbad, Maria Aurora Co, acob John Flores, Samuel Mendero Jr., Maria Theresa Joy Salvaña

 Keywords: Reticulated python, ensnare method, molting

The Reticulated python, Python reticulatus obtains food through an ensnare method, remaining in an immobile position before it strikes its prey. Its diet consists of birds and extends to rodents, dogs, deer, pigs and rarely humans. It has a low metabolic rate, which enables it to survive without food for a lengthy period of time. In captivity, it has the capacity to grow abnormally obese for it becomes inactive which causes to store adipose tissues in it’s coelomic, subcutaneous, and parenchymatous areas. The study mainly aims to determine the indicators for hunger for this generally inactive animal. The study was conducted within 35 days or one feeding cycle. Any behavioral and morphological characteristics were noted down on a daily basis and photographed for documentation. Results show that the reticulated python is very inert in captivity. After feeding the animal resorts to a dormant behavior shown by coiling itself and remaining stationary most of the time. During this passive state it undergoes the process of molting which lasts up to two weeks before it completely sheds the old layer of scales. The need for the intake of nutrition is indicated by characterized movement which manifest it is looking for something, flicking of the tongue and the increased rate of movement it shows. Feeding is also induced after molting stage.

COMPARING TIMED BEHAVIOR OF A CAPTIVE GIANT GALAPAGOS TORTOISE IN CAPTIVITY (Geochelone elephantopus)
Juancho Corpuz, Paul Patrick Ignacio, John Paul Quisumbing)¹, Janice Isabelle L. Lao², Melvin Leonid Lopez³

Keywords: Galapagos tortoise, extinction, conservation

The Galapagos tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus) an exotic animal from the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador is in threat of extinction due mostly to human intervention.  Conservation efforts have been ongoing since the 1970s, however, there is still a need for baseline studies on the behavior of captive tortoises to better understand how to conserve and repatriate this species.  Visual observational method was used to describe and categorize aspects of behavior in captive Galapagos tortoise at the Wildilife Rescue Center in Quezon City, Philippines.  Observations were time and recorded for comparisons on the duration and frequency of behavioral characteristics. Frequency calculations showed that climbing was the most frequent and longest activity while eating was the least frequent and shortest activity other than resting. 

 DOCUMENTING THE RESPONSE OF CAPTIVE GRASS OWLS (Tyto capensis amauronota) TO FOUR VARIATIONS OF FOOD
Francis Belmonte, Gabriel Dimacali, Michael Garcia, Michael Limin, Louie Salvador²

Keywords: Grass owl, wildlife, rehabilitation, dominant, natural instincts

Wildlife captivity has taken its toll on most of the animals in the Philippines who become victims of the illegal wildlife trade. Taking an animal from the wild will somehow affect its natural instincts. Feeding them prepared food can alter their feeding habits such as making them depend for human care in the long run. Such animals may have difficulties adjusting to the wild when released. Their natural instincts may be dulled, rendering them vulnerable to nature’s adversities. One such animal that falls into this category is the Philippine Grass Owl, Tyto capensis amauronota. At the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (WRC-PAWB) in Quezon City, Philippines many Philippine wildlife and endemic species are being rehabilitated for their eventual release to their natural habitats. Further visits to the reserve raised many questions such as, “Are the feeding habits of the of the grass owls affected by their long confinement? “Are they ready to be released back into the wild?” and “Is there a dominant owl in the cage with regards to feeding?”  It was noted that the feeding behavior of five owls during two months of observation showed common responses. Using various kinds of food such as raw meat, live mice, and live toads, it was observed that all the grass owls preferred live mice rather than raw meat and live toads. Based on the data gathered through the study, the grass owls have proven to assume a hunting role as they swoop down from their perch to capture prey during feeding and this may be a clear signal of fitness for release into the natural habitat. Observing the kind of temporary confinements simulating the natural habitat has also been noted as a significant requirement in rehabilitation of these birds.

IMPLICATING factors and behavior OF CAPTIVE philippine Hawk-eagle (Spizaetus philippensis, Gould) THAT LEADS TO SPECIES VULNERABILITY
Leandro E. Abarquez, Maria Coreena A. Bueser, Maria Inez Adelaide J. Crystal, Manuel Benjamin B. Ibañez, Christine Marie O. Nucum²

 Keywords: Philippine hawk-eagle, vulnerable, territoriality, equidistance, inter-specific competition

A study was conducted to observe factors and type of behavior of the captive Philippine Hawk- Eagle, Spizaetus philippensis in the Wildlife Rescue Center, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (WRC-PAWB) that were clearly attributed to its status of vulnerability as a species. Five captive birds in were observed for a period of five weeks and a minimum of two hours each day (morning and late afternoon observation). General behavioral characteristics such as extent of activity, positions during roosting, signs of social hierarchy and territoriality, reactions to visitors, responses during feeding, and external factors such as weather, were noted. Most of the birds were active during cloudy weather and near sundown. In the analysis of results and first hand information from the WRC-veterinarians it showed that even in captivity, social hierarchy and territoriality was practiced and equidistance between the captive hawk-eagles was a crucial factor in their survival. Since habitat loss is rampant in the environment nowadays it disrupts the comfortable distance that birds have established and competition in territory, as well as for preys occurs. It is suggested that further and more extensive research, as well as longer hours of observation, be done to corroborate written literature on inter-specific competition.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF THE PALAWAN HORNBILL (Anthracoceros marchei) IN CAPTIVITY AND ITS RESPONSE TO ARTIFICIAL STIMULI
May Jasmin Estanislao, Denise Margaret Matias, Jeffrey Ramos, Kristine Jeanne Yap, Juan Manual Sebastian Zialcita

Keywords: Palawan hornbill, endemic, simulation

The Palawan Hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei) an endemic species in the Philippines belonging to the Family Bucerotidae. This study was developed to determine responsiveness of the hornbill to auditory and visual artificial stimuli (colors and music) and observe its interaction with the Tarictic Hornbill (Penelopides panini) in the same cage. Contrary to their social behavior in their natural habitat, both hornbills were found to highly interact with each other without any hints of competition which may be attributed to adaptation to space limitations. The Palawan hornbill was also observed to react intensely (by precarious movements) to visual stimulation of the colors pink and red and to auditory stimulation of heavy metal music. Such simulation of several stimuli related to an environment in constant interaction with humans may provide clues to its vulnerability to trapping by hunters.

(Check: http://pssn.bahaykuboresearch.net/abstracts2003.htm)

NESTING BEHAVIOR IN CAGED PURPLE HERONS (Ardea purpurea)
Frances Antolin, Mareesol Chan, Randy Esteban, Sabrina Ongkiko, Jacqueline Austine Uy

Keywords: Purple heron, resident species, sexual dimorphism, nesting

Purple herons (Ardea purpurea) are fairly common resident bird species in the Philippines. These birds reside along coastal regions mainly found in Tawi-tawi, Agusan and Pampanga but have other known ranges.  An individual heron possesses long, thin powerful bill and a long neck utilized for feeding, characteristic of the family Ardeidae. Two adult purple herons in captivity at the WRC-PAWB since 1989 were observed for seven weeks and were found out to have these common behavior 1) be shy and solitary even in captivity, 2) recognize their caretaker by uttering specific screeching sounds, 4) are used to human feeding and do not appear to forage, 4) screeched at visitors as they get closer to the cage and 5) reversed roles in nesting. Due to lack of sexual dimorphism in herons, the last behavior exhibited may be indicative of an assumption of parenting role for both individual birds.

 MIMICKING CAPACITY AND VOCAL ACTIVITY OF CAPTIVE HILL MYNAS (Gracula religiosa)
Andrea Carlos, Maryse Chavez, Camille Dionzon, Vicente C. Porciuncula II, Ernesto J. Uy Jr.  

Keywords: Hill myna, mimicry, endemic

A study on the mimicking capabilities of the Gracula religiosa, a talking bird originating from India and now endemic to the Philippines, was conducted for four weeks in the WRC-PAWB, with the researchers focusing on the capability of mynas to mimic certain words, phrases, and sentences in such a limited amount of time. This is under the premise that mynas mimic sounds better in captivity than parrots. These birds were subjected to a voice recording four times a week, twice in the morning and the same number of times in the afternoon. At the end of the study, the mynas showed no mimicry of the new sounds they were exposed to, leading the researchers to conclude that the short period of time was not favorable for the repetition of such sounds. The researchers also took into consideration the time of day in which the mynas were most active and a tabulated results of words and phrases that these uttered for 16 hours showed that they were most active between 3-5pm, a similar time when there are more number of people visiting the zoo.

GRADED RESPONSES OF CAPTIVE PALAWAN BEARCATS (Arctictis binturong) TO ARTIFICIAL STIMULI (A Behavioral Enrichment Exercise)
Stanley Chua, Alistair de la Cruz, Mikael Garcia, Jordan Polistico, Ivy Yu^2, Rizza Fernandez-Salinas, DVM³

Keywords: binturong, nocturnal, captivity, rehabilitation, behavioral enrichment

Bearcats, Arctictis binturong, also called binturongs are known nocturnal creatures common in Palawan. As a part of a behavioral enrichment exercise for captive animals at the Wildlife Rescue Center, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (WRC-PAWB) in Quezon City, this research was carried out to assess the bearcat’s responsiveness to stimuli not usual to its natural habitat, which simulates an environment in constant interaction with humans. Four bearcats were allowed to be familiar with different types of food such as coconuts, bananas, eggs, dog bones and chicks. These observations were done during a day period and a night period to compare rates of activeness.  All responses were timed and recorded in a graded scale. Such reactions were quick responsiveness to live chicks, eggs and bananas and indifference towards inanimate objects such as the dog bone, coconut and hard-boiled egg.  Such reactions were analyzed by the application of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and ANOVA.  The results of the statistical tests showed that Individual binturongs exhibited different levels of response to different stimuli but exhibited the same level of responses for daytime and night time.  Most of the common reactions were due to familiarity with the kind of stimulus and its manageability.

AGGRESSION IN CAGED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops) IN RESPONSE TO THREE KINDS OF VISUAL STIMULI
Deo Baraan, Marc Buensalido, Eloisa Domingo, Cecile Mateo, Kristine Semilla

Keywords: Vervet monkey, aggressive behavior, territorial defense, male dominance

The objective of the research was to find out whether a male caged Vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) would respond aggressively to three types of stimuli, namely: the sight of food, the image of its reflection in the mirror, and the sight of a blowpipe. Observations revealed that the male Vervet does not react aggressively at the sight of food kept out of its reach. Instead, it carried out actions that motion the researchers to hand it the food, including opening its mouth coupled with hand gestures. On the other hand, it responded aggressively at the sight of its reflection in the mirror and the sight of the blowpipe aimed at it. The subject showed signs of territorial defense at the sight of the reflection, thinking it was faced with an intruder monkey. In its attempt to ward off the stranger, it displayed its erect penis and stood on its hind limbs. Penile erection is its way of marking its territory and showing its dominance. The sight of the blowpipe elicited fear and panic from the Vervet. Since it has experienced being given a shot using the blowpipe, it has associated the sight of the blowpipe with pain. The Vervet avoided aim by perching at the highest and farthest point in the cage. It also tried to grab the blowpipe when it was placed near the cage. Other than that, it gave a call, which is some sort of warning to the other nearby monkeys. These simple exercises showed that the Vervet monkey recognized food and devised ways of obtaining it. It also made use of its aggressive behavior to protect itself and its troop from natural (intruder monkey) and man-made threats.

SOCIAL HIERARCHY AND aCTIVITY CATEGORIES OF Captive Philippine Brown Deer (Cervus mariannus) AT NINOY AQUINO PARKS AND WILDLIFE, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES
Ramoncito Alfonso, Janelle Cuaso, Michelle Marie Lazaro, Michael Jeremy Roque, Coreen Copuyoc¹, Efren Diosana²

Keywords: Philippine deer, endangered species, wildlife conservation

This study was limited to the observation of penned Philippine deer (Cervus mariannus) at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife, recognized as an endangered species by the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). In line with the same environmental concern of the Philippine Animal and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of gathering information for the conservation of endemic species, the study focused on the general trends of behavior of captive Cervus mariannus. A comparison of the captive species’ behavior with those deer that thrive in the wild was then considered. This investigation was performed as part of a greater assessment whether these deer could survive in the wild if released. Conclusively, the group speculated that deer in captivity would be subjected to a certain extent of danger if released in the wild presently, due to lack of experience of competition and food shortage and lack of relative awareness of human danger. These deer would still have a good chance of surviving due to innate characteristics such as recurrent foraging for food and awareness and adaptability that are consistent to literature on wild populations.

AFFINITY of a captive yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus cynocephalus) to different music genre
Eric Cabochan, Christine Dy, Jacqueline Momville, Rizza Sta. Anna,)¹ Mary Rose Lagman²

Keywords: Yellow baboon, auditory stimuli  

Auditory stimuli were introduced by the researchers to a captive baboon in the Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau Rescue Center and Mini Zoo in Quezon City, Metro Manila.  The stimuli came in the forms of songs played from a compact disc radio.  The criterion for quantification was the position of the baboon with respect to the radio.  Nearness to the radio signified a greater affinity for the music while farness signified otherwise.  The researchers deduced from   consistent data that the baboon had the most affinity for Latin/rap music and pop music and the least affinity for classical music. This indicates specific recognition of differences in the music played but further research may reveal otherwise in consideration of factors that were not seen as significant in the methods used.

The ABILITY OF THE PALAWAN SQUIRREL (Callosciurus juvencus) TO DISCRIMINATE COLORS
Krystal Chunaco, Christina Lacaba, Diana Lazaro, Greggy Panga, Jeffrey Silerio

Keywords: Palawan squirrel, classical conditioning,  spontaneous recovery

A male and female Palawan Squirrel, Callosciurus juvencus, were presented with two bowls identical in every aspect (size, shape and texture) excluding color. For twenty-six (26) consecutive days, these were conditioned to a white bowl with food containing it's normal diet and a black empty bowl. After the twenty-six days, there was an absence of the bowls used for the experiment and they were fed with the usual metal pans. On the 30th day, both white and black bowls were filled with the same food and presented to them. The first approach was made on the white bowl but upon spontaneous recovery and discrimination, one squirrel was eating out of the white bowl and the other on the black bowl. The findings of this study suggests that the responses concerning classical conditioning of the Palawan squirrels are comparable to that made by rats in previous similar experiments.
(Check: http://pssn.bahaykuboresearch.net/abstracts2003.htm)