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Mapping of distribution of red deer and sika deer hybrids in Czechia using audio recordings - citizen science project
Nečasová, Monika ; Pipek, Pavel (advisor) ; Červený, Jaroslav (referee)
In the Czech Republic, as in other parts of Europe (e.g., British Isles), the native European red deer (Cervus elaphus) has been hybridising with sika deer (C. nippon), which was introduced from East Asia. The hybrids are fertile, and, therefore, can backcross with their parental species and threaten their genetic integrity. Offsprings of such multiple crosses are very difficult to identify according to their morphological traits, while more reliable genetic methods are financially and logistically demanding. This work follows the study of Long et al. from 1998, which showed clear differences in vocalization between red deer, sika deer and the first generation of their hybrids, and thus suggested the third way how to identify hybrids - bioacoustic analysis. We decided to test this method in the Czech Republic in a citizen science project, the aim of which was to map the distribution of parent species and their hybrids using audiorecordings of rut vocalisation. To allow more detailed analysis, we also recorded our own recordings on a professional recording device with a directional microphone. In total, 451 recordings were collected, of which only 263 with a vocalization of 162 individuals were selected for further analysis. Recordings from previous studies from Ireland (Long et al. 1998; Wyman et...
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Mapping of distribution of red deer and sika deer hybrids in Czechia using audio recordings - citizen science project
Nečasová, Monika ; Pipek, Pavel (advisor) ; Červený, Jaroslav (referee)
In the Czech Republic, as in other parts of Europe (e.g., British Isles), the native European red deer (Cervus elaphus) has been hybridising with sika deer (C. nippon), which was introduced from East Asia. The hybrids are fertile, and, therefore, can backcross with their parental species and threaten their genetic integrity. Offsprings of such multiple crosses are very difficult to identify according to their morphological traits, while more reliable genetic methods are financially and logistically demanding. This work follows the study of Long et al. from 1998, which showed clear differences in vocalization between red deer, sika deer and the first generation of their hybrids, and thus suggested the third way how to identify hybrids - bioacoustic analysis. We decided to test this method in the Czech Republic in a citizen science project, the aim of which was to map the distribution of parent species and their hybrids using audiorecordings of rut vocalisation. To allow more detailed analysis, we also recorded our own recordings on a professional recording device with a directional microphone. In total, 451 recordings were collected, of which only 263 with a vocalization of 162 individuals were selected for further analysis. Recordings from previous studies from Ireland (Long et al. 1998; Wyman et...
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Ontogenetic development and behaviour of captive Blue-winged Kookaburra (\kur{Dacelo leachii})
SVOBODOVÁ, Yveta
The Blue-winged Kookaburra is among the species of birds in which there is a sex dimorphism manifested in two characteristics. The first is the more pronounced coloration of the tail of the male; the second is the weight difference between the sexes. The female is about 70 - 100 grams heavier than the male. These differences do not occur earlier than after the first year of life. Although globally, there are 133 individuals of the Blue-winged Kookaburra (61 males, 58 females, 14 young) in human care in 45 institutions in 5 regions, it is successfully reproduced in only 9 institutions. Ostrava Zoo, as one of the three zoos and zoo parks in the world, keeps the Blue-winged Kookaburras in a group of eight, which is the optimal number of individuals forming a breeding cooperative group. In breeding seasons 2011 - 2016, Ostrava Zoo showed excellent results in breeding these Coraciiformes, with 15 successfully raised individuals. It therefore provided the data, together with Prague Zoo. This diploma thesis is a summary of own ethological observations at Ostrava Zoo and of a short observation at Prague Zoo. Summarizing the data from these two zoos, the thesis assesses weight differences of fertilized and unfertilized eggs, ontogenesis, growth rate and sex of the Blue-winged Kookaburras. On the basis of the growth and weight differences between the sexes, it deals with the sex determination of the young. It further describes social behaviour and vocalization within a breeding group with a predominance of females, evaluates general group relationships, and compares the results with a wild population
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The acoustic detection of potential predator in domestic horse (Equus caballus)
Vidimská, Tereza ; Komárková, Martina (advisor) ; Fuchs, Roman (referee)
Equidae belong to a group of large herbivores, which survival in natural environment depends beside others on their capability of fast predator recognition and detection. They can sensually recognise a possible threat in advance and react by immediate escape, which increases their survival. Also domestic horses still show very sensitive reaction to sudden (unexpected) stimuli. So we assume, that the ability to detect predator immediately is conserved despite of the long domestication process. The supportive indirect evidence is given by the successful breeding of the feral herds all over the world. However, studies showing the direct reaction of domestic horse toward the canids (as the most common predators), are still absent. Aim of the work was to find, if the horses (Equus caballus) could recognize acoustic sign of dogs like predators and if they could recognize the level of potential threat according to the number of predators, similarly as their wild ancestors. The recordings of barking of big dog breeds were obtained and modified. The final recording contained the set of barking coming from one individual or three different. The recording was played to the experimental horses, under controlled conditions, together with white sound as a control. The reactions were recorded. Altogether 12...
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The acoustic detection of potential predator in domestic horse (Equus caballus)
Vidimská, Tereza ; Komárková, Martina (advisor) ; Fuchs, Roman (referee)
Equidae belong to a group of large herbivores, which survival in natural environment depends beside others on their capability of fast predator recognition and detection. They can sensually recognise a possible threat in advance and react by immediate escape, which increases their survival. Also domestic horses still show very sensitive reaction to sudden (unexpected) stimuli. So we assume, that the ability to detect predator immediately is conserved despite of the long domestication process. The supportive indirect evidence is given by the successful breeding of the feral herds all over the world. However, studies showing the direct reaction of domestic horse toward the canids (as the most common predators), are still absent. Aim of the work was to find, if the horses (Equus caballus) could recognize acoustic sign of dogs like predators and if they could recognize the level of potential threat according to the number of predators, similarly as their wild ancestors. The recordings of barking of big dog breeds were obtained and modified. The final recording contained the set of barking coming from one individual or three different. The recording was played to the experimental horses, under controled conditions, together with white sound as a control. The reactions were recorded. Altogether 12 horses out of...
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Individual variation in vocalization of Carnivores
Švůgrová, Barbora ; Linhart, Pavel (advisor) ; Vokurková, Jana (referee)
For carnivorans, as well as for other groups of animals, it is very important to be able to recognize other individuals. In this thesis, I focused on individual vocal variation in carnivoran's calls. I reviewed studies which desribed individual variability of calls in carnivorans. I focused on studies which used diskriminant analysis to quantify individual variation in calls. I updated the review of Insley et al. (2003) who suggested that the ability of individual recognition is more advanced in the Otariidae compared to Phocidae. My quantitative comparison on individual variability of Otariidae and Phocidae voices shows that the reason could be that Otariidae have more individually distinct voices. Furthermore, I compared the inidivuality in calls of other carnivorans. The comparison results do not support the hypothesis that animals living in groups have individually more variable voices than the animals living solitairy or in pairs. However, individuality seems to be influenced by ontogeny as it is easier to individually recognize calls of adults than calls of juveniles. In general, there have been many studies published about vocal individuality in carnivorans, but most of the research was done on just two very social families: Otariidae and Phocidae. It is necessary to study other carnivora...
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Boar vocalizations and their potential role in sexual selection
Roreitnerová, Daniela ; Linhart, Pavel (advisor) ; Schneiderová, Irena (referee)
The aim of this research was to gather existing knowledge about vocalizations of boars and their potential role in sexual selection. Few studies mainly from the 70s and 80s of the last century suggest that the so-called love song, emitted by males during courtship, could act as a stimulant that triggers mating. However, I did not find any evidence that boars significantly use calls in fights. Most studies deal with pig vocalization in a different context. For this reason, I tried to look at the studies of pig relatives - even-toed ungulates - to better evaluate the potential role of boar vocalizations in sexual selection. In their case, the influence of the calls on the sexual behavior of females and competing males was reported. It is possible to conclude that the role of boar vocalization is probably not that important as in red deers, for example, because boars use calls in short range communication. On the other hand, stimulatory effect on females was found in other species too. Further studies are needed to understand possible function of boar vocalizations that could be used for example in pig breeding to improve the effectiveness of artificial insemination of sows. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
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Environment and avian song: case of South African birds
Mikula, Peter ; Albrecht, Tomáš (advisor) ; Linhart, Pavel (referee)
Relationship between animal signalization and environmental conditions, where these species are living, is one of crucial topics of ecology. Using two complementary statistical approaches (fourth-corner and RLQ analyzes) I investigated geographical variation in parameters of bird vocalization in South Africa (RSA) and Lesotho. Altogether, I used nine quantitative and five qualitative acoustic traits for 472 bird species and nine environmental variables which could significantly influence parameters of their vocalization. My results supported findings of previous studies about the important effect of body size on species-specific vocal characteristics. In passerines, analyzes corrected for body size showed that the number of elements and element types were increasing with variability of natural conditions and were highest in very arid and climatically unpredictable areas. Element and element type rate were positively associated with altitude. Minimal song frequency in passerines and frequency range of vocalization in other birds were negatively correlated with average temperature of warmest and coldest month of the year, respectively. Similarly, environmental variables significantly influenced distribution of several qualitative song traits in passerines. Passerines, where female song and...
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Early ontogeny of mother offspring bonding in Bovinae
Staňková, Helena ; Komárková, Martina (advisor) ; Jůnková, Pavla (referee)
The aim of this thesis is, based on the literature, to study the origin, characters and duration of social bonds between the mother and her offspring in Bovinae. The emphasis was given on the specifics of the behaviour related to birth and ecological differences between species. The explored group covers medium and large Artiodactyla living in groups. Many of them were domesticated, and they live in specific conditions so their behaviour may differ. The strongest bond is between the mother and her offspring. This bond is essential for the young, which is completely dependent on the maternal care. Maternal behaviour may be observed few days before parturition, but the most visible sign is maternal separation from the herd to secure exclusive interaction with own offspring. Mother learns to recognize her offspring after parturition, primarily by smell, also for this reason the young is licked. Suckling provides the nutrition to the calf, but also it reinforces mutual relationship. The strength of the bond is mainly dependant on the social environment, strategy of the young, it's age and other factors. The bond between the mother and her offspring differs according to the species, in the duration and in a way of termination. This topic is nowadays only poorly understood and needs further research.
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