ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2993-0952
Year
2024
Season
Summer
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biology (MS)
Department
Biology
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. Department of Biology
First Advisor
Dr. James Gelsleichter
Second Advisor
Dr. Lindsay Mahovetz-Myers
Third Advisor
Dr. Gregory Kohn
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Quincy Gibson
Department Chair
Dr. Matthew Gilg
College Dean
Kaveri Subrahmanyam
Abstract
Zoos and aquariums utilize research-based management to ensure animals remain in a positive welfare standing. While vital, this research is taxa-biased towards mammals, with few studies observing other species that are frequently observed in captivity, such as elasmobranchs, or sharks and rays. Often maintained in exhibits that allow direct guest interaction, or touch pools, elasmobranchs have been shown to respond to these exposures through behavior changes in activity and social interactions. While this may indicate a potential for compromised welfare, the literature is conflicting and sparse, leaving uncertainty in the overall welfare condition of animals maintained in this popular exhibit style. Therefore, this study aimed to use the social interactions of a group of social living elasmobranchs to understand the impacts of social organization and positioning on the interaction and acquisition of resources within touch pool conditions to gain a more holistic view of welfare. To achieve this, an observational behavior study was performed on the Cownose rays at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Stingray Bay habitat. We used social network analysis methods to determine the social organization of the group as well as determine individual positioning, or centrality, to compare to husbandry and resource interaction. Results indicated that the captive Cownose rays studied seem to follow an egalitarian society and that centrality may not play a large role in the involvement of interaction or acquisition of resources as predicted. Individual differences between interaction with husbandry and resources may instead be explained by differences in personality traits. While we are unable to make a definitive claim on the welfare of these rays, the results of this study will allow for more effective and informed management of rays within touch pools, as well as inform future studies in both wild and captive studies of elasmobranch research.
Suggested Citation
Rogers, Kendal N., "Exploring the welfare of a captive population of Cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) through social and resource interactions" (2024). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1290.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1290