Studying Captive Animals - new book

Chlidonias · 22 May 2015

this just came up on NHBS:
Studying Captive Animals: A Workbook of Methods in Behaviour, Welfare and Ecology - 1118629353 9781118629352 - 1118629361 9781118629369: NHBS: Paul A Rees

Studying Captive Animals outlines the methods that may be used to study the behaviour, welfare and ecology of animals living under the control of humans, including companion animals, feral populations, and those living on farms and in zoos. Studying Captive Animals is a step-by-step guide to the whole process of conducting a scientific study: from designing the original project, formulating testable hypotheses, and collecting and analysing the data, to drawing conclusions from the work and writing it up as a scientific report or paper. It also illustrates how to write a formal research proposal – a crucial and often difficult element of the student project – and how to deal with the ethical review process. Sample data collection sheets are provided and the analysis and presentation of data are worked through in diagrammatic form. In addition, exercises are included that enable the reader to practice analysing different types of data and advice is provided on the selection of appropriate statistical tests.

The text describes the different types of student projects that may be undertaken in the field, and explains where secondary data may be found for zoos. This is an insightful resource, particularly for those studying and working with zoo and farm animals. It is essential reading for students studying zoo biology and animal management; it is also suitable for students on courses in animal behaviour, animal welfare, zoology, biology, psychology, animal science, animal production, animal ecology, conservation biology, and veterinary science. Studying Captive Animals is primarily intended for undergraduates but will also be of value to postgraduate students who have not previously engaged in field studies. Professionals working in institutions that are members of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and other regional and national zoo organisations will benefit from access to this practical guide.
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Concise table of contents:

Acknowledgements xiii
About the Companion Website xv
Preface xi

1. Studies of Behaviour, Welfare and Ecology in Captive Animals 3
2. Designing Your Study 19
3. Equipment 63
4. Identifying Individuals and Recording Behaviours 77
5. Activity Budgets and Welfare 103
6. Measuring Social Behaviour 125
7. Enclosure Use, Habitat Selection and Feeding Ecology 163
8. Population Studies 181
9. How to Analyse Your Data – Statistics 211
10. How to Write a Report 245

Appendix 267
References 269
Further Reading 287
Index 289
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Studying Captive Animals - new book

Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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Studying Captive Animals - new book

Chlidonias Moderator Staff Member 15+ year member

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