About pace: How variations in method and definition affect quantification of pacing in bears. Issue 4 (17th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bernstein‐Kurtycz, Laura M.; Wiatroski, Kayla G.; Leeds, Austin; Lukas, Kristen E.
• Is Part Of: Zoo biology. Volume 41:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 365
• Page End: 372
• Publication Date: 2022-01-17
• Subjects: behavioral sampling -- ethogram -- Grizzly bear -- methodology -- North American black bear -- stereotypic behavior; Zoo animals -- Periodicals; 591
• DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21675
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-3188

Abstract

Abstract: Repetitive pacing behavior is exhibited by many species in zoos and is particularly prevalent in carnivores with large home ranges, such as bears. Pacing can be a behavioral indicator of poor welfare, however, understanding this behavior can be challenging. As many bears that pace are singly housed, efforts to systematically examine and ameliorate pacing may be strengthened by multi‐institutional studies. However, there is currently no standardized method to quantify pacing, which makes cross‐institutional analyses of causal factors and intervening measures challenging. The purpose of this study was to compare multiple sampling methods and definitions for quantifying pacing in bears to understand how they affect outcome measures. We analyzed video recordings of two grizzly and two black bears pacing, using three sampling methods (continuous, instantaneous 30‐s interval, instantaneous 1‐min interval), and three definitions of pacing (AB—two repetitions of the path, ABA—three repetitions, ABAB—four repetitions). A generalized linear mixed model revealed that continuous and instantaneous 30‐s interval methods captured more pacing than instantaneous 1‐min methods, and definitions captured a decreasing amount of pacing from AB to ABA to ABAB. AB also captured the highest number of pacing bouts. The importance of comparability across institutions is growing, and a standard methodology and definition for recording pacing would be useful. We suggest that the combination of instantaneous sampling and the ABA definition presents a good balance between capturing the right data and being flexible enough for a variety of institutions to implement. Abstract : Recording pacing using the AB or ABA definitions captured somewhat similar amounts of pacing, and more than ABAB. Continuous and 30 ‐s intervals also captured similar results, as did 30‐s and 1‐min intervals. We recommend using the ABA definition and the appropriate interval length for your study. Illustration by Jonathan Kurtycz . Research Highlights: We found that different sampling methods and definitions used to observe pacing in bears do affect the amount of pacing behavior recorded. We recommend using instantaneous sampling and the ABA definition of pacing for bear behavior studies.