Animal Behaviour Symposium Day 1: Concurrent Session 1 (14 Feb 2008)

N. Sivasothi — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:23:00 GMT

ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SYMPOSIUM 2008 Day 1, Concurrent Session 1 14 Feb 2008: 2.00pm - 3.15pm. Venue: LS Lab 7A

2.00-2.15pm: Group 1 - A brief insight into the life of the Asian Small-clawed Otter (Amblonyx cinerea). Presented by Chiew Joon Yong, Lim Shibin, Lim Chee Han, Mike and Mak Huiting.
Abstract - The behaviour of the Asian Small-clawed Otter was studied at the Singapore Zoological Gardens. From the observed en-masse post-swim scratching to their acrobatic underwater maneuvers, we will attempt to explain their actions based established studies. We will discuss why the otters exhibit the following observed behaviors: a) Gnawing/nipping at each other, b) Vigorous rubbing against rough surfaces, c) Intermittent "squeaking" and d) Collective group behavior.

2.15-2.30pm - Group 2 - Territorial Behavior of Giant Mudskippers (Periophthalmodon schlosseri). Presented by Ang Sok Gek, Lam Ka Shun Michelle and Wu Linhui Jeanette. Abstract - We investigated the territorial behavior of giant mudskippers (Periophthalmodon schlosseri) at Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. We observed mudskippers marking individual territories through the construction of depressions in the mudflat and the clearing nest holes. We examine the importance of these nests and their physiology, including their unique way of breathing.

2.30-2.45pm: Group 3 - “Do Birds of a Feather Really Flock Together?” Presented by Gan Zhi-Wei, Ivan Kwek Keng Liang, Liau Qingye Eileen and Quek Qing Lian Adeline. Abstract - The behavior of little egrets was explored, specifically the interaction between birds of the same flock during activities such as roosting and feeding, as well as the feeding strategy. Observations with regards to group-self behavior, employment of searching and stalking methods, and adaptability and intelligence, will be discussed in the project, with the eventual aim of obtaining reasoned and logical conclusions about the observed behavior.

2.45-3.00pm:Group 4 - Audubon’s Theory On The Sense Of Smell Of Birds Refuted. Presented by Dalvin Jit Kaur Sidhu, Vigneshwaran Shunmugam and Vikram Teva Raj. Abstract - In 1826, renowned naturalist Audubon argued that birds “couldn’t smell”. Intrigued by this notion, we investigated whether Mynahs use visual or chemical cues (smell) to identify food. 6 variations of the experiment were carried out, using Briyani (curried rice) and Agar-Agar (jelly). We observed whether common Mynahs first attacked the food item that had the stronger fragrance, or the one they could see. Our findings indicate that, at least for close-range recognition of food, Mynahs rely far more on chemical than on visual cues.

3.00-3.15pm: Group 5 - The Behaviour of Californian Sea Lions In The Zoo. Presented by Charles Julian Oliver Ardy, Melissa Zhuo Pei Wen, Thong Pei Qin and Janice Leow Si Min. Abstract - Our project centers on the learning behavior of Californian Sea lions being held in captivity in the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Our proposed hypothesis is - the behavior of Sea lions, when being held in captivity, is different from when they are in the wild, due to operant conditioning. Through our observations of mainly the learning, playing and feeding behaviors of the Sea lions in the Zoo, this was not disproven. We understood more about how Sea lions typically behave during live shows and feeding sessions in the Zoo through interviews with the zoo-keepers and trainers, and by being up close and personal with the stars of the “Splash!” animal show. We weighed the costs and benefits of keeping Sea lions in captivity, concluding that the captivity is an acceptable compromise as the Zoo promotes the conservation of threatened marine wildlife.

LSM1303 ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR : symposium

Animal Behaviour Symposium Day 1: Concurrent Session 1 (14 Feb 2008)