ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SYMPOSIUM 2008
Day 1, Concurrent Session 2
14 Feb 2008: 2.00pm - 3.15pm.
Venue: LS Lab 7C
2.00-2.15pm: Group 6 - Hamadryas Baboons: The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Presented by Nur-Illya Nafiza Binte Mohamed Noorhazman , Reema Jagtiani, Tan Yong Zhi and Victoria Tan Ying Ying.
Abstract - We observed the levels of group solidarity amongst the Hamadryas Baboons at the The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia display at the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Based on our readings regarding higher primates, we believe there is high solidarity among baboons. We observed four main kinds of behavioral characteristics namely, grooming, foraging/feeding, nurturing and aggressiveness.
2.15-2.30pm: Group 7 - Jackass Penguins at the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Presented by Muhammad Aidil bin Ali, Kum Jing Shen, Joey , Nur-Ashiqin and Shamil.
Abstract - The zoo’s environment presents different challenges to Jackass Penguins hat are not experienced in their natural habitat. Behavioral patterns exhibited by the penguins were observed for signs of the zoo’s success in replicating their natural environment. We observed minimal presence of stress indicators and the presence of natural behavior suggests that some success minimising stress by the some extent of replication of the natural environment.
2.30-2.45pm: Group 8 - Golden Retriever. Presented by Presented by Lim Suet Rui Sarah, Loh Hui Xian, Gwee Sze Kee Cheryl and Choo Shu Hong.
Abstract - The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog described as possessing a trusting, gentle temperament, reputed to friendly both with people familiar to them as well as strangers. An individual familiar to one group member defies the breed characteristics by growling and barking aggressively at strangers. By observing her interactions with family members, outsiders and other dogs in a familiar environment, we explain the patterns in her behaviour.
2.45-3.00pm: Group 9 - Baboons Beyond Borders. Presented by How Wei Yen Wendy, How Wei Quin, Teh Wen Lin and Soh Kai Yiing.
Abstract - We observed baboons at their enclosure in the Singapore Zoological Gardens to study what they react most quickly and frequently to. We also if they notice activities of visitors in the observation area and studied the reactions of adult and smaller baboons towards visitors for differences. The baboons are aware of human presence in the observation area but did not display obvious reaction except in the presence of bright colours and quick movements. The younger baboons usually react to this stimuli first while the older baboons react only after some time.
3.00-3.15pm: Group 10 - It’s a Dog-Meet-Dog World. Presented by Chan Jingwen Jane, Kelvin Tung, Lee Bai Yu Carrie and Tan Rui Lin Leanna
Abstract - Do dogs raised with other dogs react to unfamiliar dogs differently compared to loners? Jack Russell terriers raised in a single dog and multi-dog households were compared for their reaction to an unfamiliar dog. Our study did not detect any difference in reactions, thus there was no clear indication through this method that dogs brought up with conspecifics have better socialization skills.