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About pace: How variations in method and definition affect quantification of pacing in bears
Laura M Bernstein-Kurtycz1,2, Kayla G Wiatroski2, Austin Leeds3
1Department of Conservation and Science, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Zoo Biology
|January 17, 2022
Summary
Standardizing bear pacing quantification is crucial for welfare studies. Instantaneous 30-second sampling with the ABA definition offers a balanced approach for multi-institutional research.
Area of Science:
- Ethology
- Animal Welfare Science
Background:
- Repetitive pacing is common in zoo carnivores, particularly bears, and can indicate poor welfare.
- Standardized methods are needed for multi-institutional studies on pacing causes and interventions.
Observation:
- This study compared pacing quantification using different sampling methods (continuous, 30-s interval, 1-min interval) and definitions (AB, ABA, ABAB).
- Video recordings of grizzly and black bears were analyzed.
Findings:
- Continuous and 30-second interval sampling captured more pacing than 1-minute intervals.
- Pacing quantification decreased with stricter definitions (AB > ABA > ABAB), with AB capturing the most bouts.
Implications:
- A standardized methodology for quantifying bear pacing is essential for cross-institutional comparability.
- The combination of instantaneous sampling and the ABA definition provides a practical balance for data collection across institutions.
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