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Title: Behavioural and hormonal changes exhibited by White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)
Author: Jonathan Kern
Establishment: University of Essex
Summary: The aim of the study was to determine a possible factor for the lack of breeding success in captive white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) using behavioural and hormonal data.
Complete article:
With the aim to determine a possible factor for the lack of breeding success in captive white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), non-invasive behavioural observations were made of the four adult rhinos (1.3)at Colchester Zoo over a three month period. Female faecal samples were collected over two years and analysed for levels of the progesterone metabolite 20-Oxo-Pregnane, indicative of progesterone levels, which has a key role in reproductive behaviour.
Preliminary behavioural data highlighted a high level of association
between the two youngest females, and large levels of aggression directed towards the male. Hormonal data highlighted that there appeared to be little cyclicity in 20-Oxo-Pregnane in 2004 compared to 2005. It is hoped that once more data has been collected, the relationships between behaviour and hormone levels can be deterimined in a longer term study.
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