Preference For Shelter Research Articles

Shelter selection in females of two scorpion species depends on shelter size and scent.

Shelter selection is an important task in an animal's life. Concerning scorpions, little is known on the evaluation of potential shelters and the importance of chemosensation. To address these issues, we conducted a two-choice shelter test in rectangular open field arenas to identify properties rendering shelters attractive for female scorpions of the species E. italicus and M. eupeus. Shelters varied in size (large, small) and scent (none, conspecific: male or female, attractive: prey, aversive: rosemary oil). Contact with the shelters was video-recorded under red light for 13h, including the whole night phase. Results revealed a preference for larger shelters, with conspecific scent having minor or no influence. Striking differences occurred with regard to prey and rosemary oil scents. Prey scent was more attractive to M. eupeus, while rosemary oil did not act as a repellent. E. italicus was not very attracted by prey scent, but was repelled by rosemary oil. These findings might reflect the different habitats, semi-arid vs. Mediterranean climates: prey and rosemary are scarce in the semi-arid climate (habitat of M. eupeus), whereas they are abundant in the Mediterranean climate (habitat of E. italicus). We carried out impairment experiments to identify the main sensory organs responsible for the above observations. These are the pectines and pedipalps which function as mechano- and chemosensors. Scorpions could not detect size nor scent properly when either their pectines or pedipalps were impaired.

Movement and effectiveness of shelters for restocking of the sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus

The sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus has been overfished along its Mexican distribution, but no abundance recovery has been observed despite management efforts. Restocking and sea ranching strategies can use releasing individuals, and magnitude of protected areas be related on species dispersion knowledge. We measured the short-term movement paths on I. badionotus and their relation with environmental variables. In addition, the influence of biofilm presence/absence on artificial shelters surfaces and the use for animals were compared. Data was obtained through time-lapse cameras in experiments performed in outer aquaria under the natural fluctuation of temperature and sunlight. We observed that larger (Le) individuals exhibited greater daily movement distances (D) (D=0.89*Le −2.533 cm); furthermore, the sea cucumbers move faster in bare aquaria than aquaria with sand. The mean daily movement without sand was 518 cm for small sizes, 615 cm for medium, and 688 cm for large sizes. In the presence of sand, was 127, 196, and 315 cm, respectively. Movement was minimal in the morning/early afternoon (07:00–15:00), a maximum in the afternoon/evening (15:00–23:00), and an intermediate at night/early morning (23:00–07:00). The movement of the small sea cucumbers (>5.96−10.75 cm), was linked to light. Medium-sized and large sea cucumbers (>10.6−19.69 cm) respond to changes in temperature. We observed a higher rate of shelter use by small sea cucumbers (53 % of the day) and a greater affinity for pre-conditioned shelters (80 % of shelter use). Medium-sized and large animals did not show any shelter preferences. Results indicate low dispersion of I. badionotus on daily timescale. The affinity found in small animals towards shelters with biofilm, and their use only in this size class, makes them essential for survival in restoration strategies.

Factors that influenced preferences regarding use of public and private tornado shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

This study examines factors shaping individuals' preferences for use of tornado shelters in public and private facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing over 6000 surveys collected in Spring and Summer 2020 across the central and eastern United States. We employed Random Forest (RF) ensemble modeling to assess respondents' inclination to use storm shelters in group settings, including a scenario where face masks were mandated at public shelters to reduce COVID-19 exposure. Key findings suggest that both generalized infectious disease risk perception and COVID-19 risk perception consistently ranked as the most influential factors affecting respondents' preferences regarding group tornado sheltering during the pandemic, reflecting the impact of infectious disease concerns. Previous experience with using public tornado shelters was a better predictor of sheltering preferences than cognitive and affective tornado risk perceptions. Tornado risk perception and housing type were less important than the COVID-19 and infectious disease variables. When a hypothetical mask requirement was introduced, individuals with greater COVID-19-related fears showed a heightened inclination to use public storm shelters, suggesting masks influenced sheltering decisions while partially mitigating concerns about enclosed spaces. Residents of mobile homes exhibited stronger preferences for using storm shelters in group settings, underscoring their perceptions of vulnerability to tornadoes. This research emphasizes the substantial role of COVID-19 risk perception in shaping public tornado shelter preferences during the early stages of the pandemic. It also highlights the importance of considering infectious disease risk perception in understanding sheltering behaviors, even outside of a pandemic context.

Shelter preference and behavior of dairy cows managed outdoors during calving in temperate winter conditions

This study aimed to assess the preference and use of an artificial shelter in dairy cows managed outdoors at calving during winter. We also evaluated whether this preference would be influenced by weather conditions (rain, air temperature, or wind) or the time of the day at calving. Two weeks before their expected calving date, 18 cows were paired based on body weight, body condition score, parity, and expected calving date. Each pair was assigned to an open paddock (42 m2/cow) with a bare soil surface, high mud content, and access to an artificial shelter until calving. The shelter consisted of a 6 × 3 m metal structure, with 3 sides covered with zinc sheets, a polycarbonate roof, and a thick layer of dry sawdust covering the ground surface. Shelter use and cow behavior inside it (lying and sleeping) were continuously recorded via video and analyzed using continuous observation. Observations were divided into 2 periods: the day before calving (24 to 48 h before calving) and the day of calving (24 h before calving until calving). Ninety-four percent (15/16) of the cows preferred to calve inside the artificial shelter, and this preference was not affected by the time of day or weather conditions. Regardless of the day of study (the day before calving or the day of calving), cows spent approximately 64% of their daily time inside the shelter, and once inside, they spent most of the time lying down. Our findings indicate dairy cows prefer using an artificial shelter as a calving and lying place, suggesting that opportunities for protection should be provided when they are managed outdoors in muddy paddock conditions.

Deciphering Preferences for Shelter Volume and Distribution by Coral Reef Fish, Using Systematic and Functional Grouping

Global degradation of coral reefs is reflected in the destruction of shelters in various environments and threatens the stability of marine ecosystems. Artificial shelters offer an alternative, but their design could be more challenging due to limited knowledge regarding desired inhabitants’ shelter characteristics and preferences. Investigating these preferences is resource-intensive, particularly regarding small shelters that mimic natural reef conditions. Furthermore, for statistical analysis in small shelters, fish abundance may need to be higher. We propose a method to characterize the species-specific shelter preferences using low-volume data. During a study conducted from January 2021 to April 2022, round clay artificial shelters (RAS) were deployed on an abandoned oil pier to examine a coral reef fish community. We recorded 92 species from 30 families and grouped them into systematic (families) and functional (dietary group) classes. Grouping enabled us to examine each group’s preference, while crossing these group preferences revealed species-specific preferences, which matched field observations. This approach proved effective in profiling the shelter preferences of 17 species while having limited resources. These profiles may later allow the establishment of ecological-oriented artificial reefs. Moreover, this method can be applied to other applications using other shelter designs, sizes, and research sites.

Assessing potential tsunami vertical-evacuation practices: A study of four cases in Chile using virtual reality and GIS

Tsunami vertical-evacuation (TVE) can save numerous human lives when horizontal evacuation is not feasible. A key topic in TVE planning is the optimal placement of shelters, which is typically studied using a top-down approach. Recently, virtual reality (VR) has become an emerging tool to support disaster risk reduction and emergency response training. While VR has been applied to visualise tsunami flood zones and evacuation routes, no studies have used VR to assess the evacuees' shelter choices during emergencies or to examine the optimal 'siting' of TVE buildings. To address this gap, this study introduces a user-focused VR evacuation experiment to automatically collect the shelter preferences of 435 participants regarding existing buildings that might serve as TVE shelters in four case studies in Chile. Complementary, we used questionnaires to collect information about the participants' tsunami evacuation expertise, awareness, and the factors that led to their shelter selection. Lastly, we used GIS to examine the location characteristics of the selected buildings. The results showed that 50 buildings gathered at least two preferences, with a large diversity of heights (five to 34 storeys) and placements (from 52 to 2774 m from the coast). Height is the most critical factor when choosing a building for TVE (53.1 % of the preferences), and most of them are residential (62.7 %). Additionally, 67.2 % of the participants had experienced real-world evacuations, and the average evacuation rate during the last emergency in each of the case studies was 43.8 %. While most participants declared affirmative response rates about the perceived tsunami threat (above 60 %), low specific knowledge regarding evacuation plans might discourage protective actions in future tsunami emergencies.

Influence of color and brightness on ontogenetic shelter preference by the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Decapoda: Palaemonidae)

The giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man, 1879), is a species of great commercial importance. It is farmed under different conditions that translate to a great range of light environments, which impact their behavior and productivity. We present the first study employing both visual modeling and beha vioral data to evaluate the ontogenetic changes in color preferences of juveniles and adults of M. rosenbergii. We offered ten shelters of different colors to juveniles and adults and registered their preferences. Our results show that shelter preference changed with ontogeny: juveniles chose shelters based on chromaticity (preference for blue), while adults based their decisions on brightness (preference for dark grey). This preference adults show for dark colors is probably associated with light avoidance behavior. We recommend providing blue shelters for juveniles and dark shelters for adults.

The impact of thigmotaxis deprivation on the development of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica)

SummaryThigmotaxis is required in small animals. In this study, we examined how the shelter angle affects the development of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica. Groups and individual cockroaches showed a strong preference for shelters with an angle of ≤40° after 15 min or 24 h in shelter-selection trials. For cockroaches that developed in 90/180-degree shelters, survival and fecundity were low, and the nymphal stage lasted longer. Post-molting transcriptomes of second- and sixth-instar nymphs were analyzed at 12 h and 2 days post-molting. Upregulation was observed in genes related to ATP metabolism and cellular amide metabolism. Chitin-based cuticle development and postembryonic development-related genes were downregulated. The stress responses of cockroaches that developed in shelters with angles of 90° were similar to those of gregarious cockroaches experiencing social isolation. For German cockroaches, environmental tactile stimuli are crucial to development and homeostasis.

Preference for Shelters at Different Developmental Stages of Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis).

Simple SummaryShelter is closely correlated with growth and development of aquatic crustaceans. Aquatic crustaceans often prefer to live in shelters to forage and avoid predators. In this study, Chinese Mitten Crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) at different developmental stages were selected to analyze preference for shelters. These results indicated that juvenile crabs had a significant preference for grass; button-sized crabs preferred to hide in mud; and the favorite shelters for parent crabs were rocks. Moreover, light, size, feeding habit, predation and molting were critical factors that affect the preference for shelters of E. sinensis.A shelter is a good habitat for aquatic organisms, which could aid in avoiding cannibalism and facilitate predation. Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is an important aquaculture species with troglodytism and nocturnal habit. To clarify the preference for shelters at different developmental stages of E. sinensis, different shelters (mud, sand, grass and rocks) were selected for comparison. These results indicated that juvenile crabs had a significant preference for grass; button-sized crabs preferred to hide in mud; and the favorite shelters for parent crabs were rocks, followed by mud. E. sinensis in three stages all showed concealing behavior. The concealing behavior of juvenile crabs was the most significant, followed by button-sized and parent crabs. Additionally, E. sinensis held a low hiding rate at night but a high hiding rate during the daytime due to nocturnal habits. These findings will help to better understand the habits of E. sinensis and provide a reference for resource restoration, habitat construction and the restoration of E. sinensis.

Commercial Free-Range Laying Hens' Preferences for Shelters with Different Sunlight Filtering Percentages.

Simple SummaryAustralian sunlight is intense, and may impact range use by free-range hens. Range design and management are important for optimising commercial layer farms where artificial shelters may offer protection for ranging hens. This study investigated preferences among 34–40-week-old hens for artificial shade cloth shelters of different densities, using two flocks on a commercial farm during the summer. Three types of sunlight-filtering shade cloth shelters, i.e., blocking 50%, 70%, and 90% of ultraviolet (UV) light, each with three replicates, were placed on the range for each flock. The number of hens under each shelter was counted at 30-min intervals using image snapshots from video recordings for 14 to 17 days. An on-site weather station recorded sunlight intensity across different spectra, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. During the day, hens generally preferred the 90%, followed by 70% and 50% sunlight-filtering shelters. However, fewer hens were observed underneath shelters during times of peak sun intensity. Shelter preferences were mostly impacted by ambient temperature in both flocks, with all sunlight spectra having different degrees of effect depending on the shelter type and flock. Overall, shelters comprising higher densities of sunlight-filtering artificial cloth were preferred by hens on the range, but these may not be sufficient to attract more hens outside during intense sunlight and hot climatic conditions.Extreme sunlight might be aversive to free-range laying hens, discouraging them from going outside. Range enrichment with artificial shelters may protect hens from sunlight and increase range use. The preferences of 34–40-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens for artificial shelters were assessed by counting the number of hens under three densities of individual shelters (three replicates/density) from video recordings for 14 to 17 days for two flocks. The artificial shelters used shade cloth marketed as blocking 50%, 70%, and 90% of ultraviolet light, although other sunlight wavelengths were also reduced. Different sunlight spectral irradiances (ultraviolet radiation (UVAB) (288–432 nm), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (400–700 nm), and total solar radiation (TSR) (285 nm–3000 nm), ambient temperature, and relative humidity were recorded with an on-site weather station. There was a significant interaction between sunlight-filtering shelter and time of day (both Flocks, p < 0.0001), i.e., hens preferred shelters with the highest amount of sunlight-filtering at most time points. Regression models showed that the most variance in shelter use throughout the day resulted from the ambient temperature in both flocks, while sunlight parameters had different degrees of effect depending on the shelter type and flock. However, fewer hens under the shelters during the midday period suggest that during periods of intense sunlight, hens prefer to remain indoors, and artificial structures might not be sufficient to attract more hens outside.

Selection of shelter shape by swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus)

Placing shelter is an effective way to mitigate cannibalism in the pond culture of swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus). However, it is still unclear what shape of shelter the crabs prefer. To determine their preference for shelter shapes (circular, square, semicircular, and triangular), we quantified the counts and duration of the crabs occupying the different shelters. We also calculated the probability of fighting and abandoning these shelters. The results reveal that: (1) The z-scores for circular shelters were significantly higher than others, but the differences among the z-scores for square, semicircular, and triangular shelters were not significant. These indicate that the crabs had a significant preference for circular shelter when all four shapes were present in the same area. (2) When only one shape was present, the crabs spent more time occupying circular shelters and had a higher count of occupations. The differences in the counts and durations of occupation among the non-circular shelters were also not significant. (3) When the invasive crab was present, the occupancy counts and duration of the focal crab significantly increased, but its preference for the circular did not substantially change. (4) When only circular shelter was available, the aggression of the crabs was reduced, and the probability of abandoning shelter was also the lowest. These results suggest that swimming crabs have a preference for circular shelter and exhibit a relatively low willingness to fight in the arena with the circular shelter. The structural properties of circular shelters account for the observed preference of the crabs. The circular shelters are recommended to be used to reduce cannibalism and improve survival rates in swimming crab pond cultures.

Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) from Submarine Power Cables Can Trigger Strength-Dependent Behavioural and Physiological Responses in Edible Crab, Cancer pagurus (L.)

The current study investigated the effects of different strength Electromagnetic Field (EMF) exposure (250 µT, 500 µT, 1000 µT) on the commercially important decapod, edible crab (Cancer pagurus, Linnaeus, 1758). Stress related parameters were measured (l-Lactate, d-Glucose, Total Haemocyte Count (THC)) in addition to behavioural and response parameters (shelter preference and time spent resting/roaming) over 24 h periods. EMF strengths of 250 µT were found to have limited physiological and behavioural impacts. Exposure to 500 µT and 1000 µT were found to disrupt the l-Lactate and d-Glucose circadian rhythm and alter THC. Crabs showed a clear attraction to EMF exposed (500 µT and 1000 µT) shelters with a significant reduction in time spent roaming. Consequently, EMF emitted from MREDs will likely affect crabs in a strength-dependent manner thus highlighting the need for reliable in-situ measurements. This information is essential for policy making, environmental assessments, and in understanding the impacts of increased anthropogenic EMF on marine organisms.

Juvenile Nile Tilapia Fish Avoid Red Shelters

ABSTRACT Shelters are frequently used for fish rearing to improve welfare conditions. In this study, whether Nile tilapia prefers specific shelter colors was evaluated. Thus, fish preference for white, red, blue, green or yellow shelters was tested. A high variation of individual preference responses for the shelter colors among fish was found. Even so, while red shelter was clearly avoided by Nile tilapia, a clear-cut preference could not be concluded. Thus, avoiding red shelters for rearing Nile tilapia is recommended, assuming fish preference, or non-preference, as important elements considering welfare conditions. Moreover, individual variability should also be considered whenever possible.

Triatomines of the Genus Rhodnius Do Not Mark Shelters with Feces.

Aggregation to volatile compounds emitted by feces has been demonstrated for several triatomine species. This signal guides the insects to suitable places that offer physical protection while providing contact with conspecifics. Though the use of aggregation marks has also been reported for Rhodnius spp., it is still unclear whether feces really cause these insects to aggregate inside shelters. In two-choice assays using artificial shelters, we found that refuges associated with a blend of synthetic compounds based on volatiles released by the feces of some triatomine species and reported to be attractive to several species, did not induce shelter choice in Rhodnius prolixus Stål, 1859. In addition, we show that refuges associated with feces of conspecifics did not induce shelter choice in R. prolixus, R. robustus Larrousse, 1927, R. neglectus Lent, 1954, and R. ecuadoriensis Lent and León, 1958. In contrast, as expected, control experiments with Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834), another triatomine known to aggregate in shelters marked with feces, definitely showed preference for shelters containing feces of conspecifics. Our results clearly show that volatile signals associated with feces do not mediate shelter choice in Rhodnius spp. As a consequence, a paradigm shift will be necessary and, consequently, ab ovo investigations on the clues inducing aggregation behavior in these species.

Uncertainty intolerance, worry, and cognitive test anxiety in university students

Objective: The purpose of our research is to determine the relations between; intolerance of uncertainty, worry and test anxiety into a non-clinical sample. Methods: Our research consists of 174 students studying Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various departments of the Uskudar University. Intolerance of uncertainty scale, cognitive test anxiety scale, and Penn State worry scale have used for collecting data. Inter-scale relations were examined by correlation and regression analysis methods. For scores obtained from scales compared to socio-demographic data statistical techniques have been used such as independent sample t-test and ANOVA. Results: According to the findings, there is a strong and positive correlation between test anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty and worry. Female students’ uncertainty intolerance and test anxiety levels were higher than the male students. On the other hand, in terms of variables such as age, income and shelter preferences, the students’ exam anxiety did not differ significantly. Conclusions: The researches show that the higher intolerance of uncertainty which is a cognitive vulnerability, leads to higher levels of both worry and anxiety. In addition, intolerance of uncertainty has known as a consistent indicator of pathological worry. In light of this information, in our research, it is found that high intolerance of uncertainty and worry caused the test anxiety. The reason why both female students and students with higher success rankings are more intolerant of uncertainty may be related to their upbringing and their role in society and role models.

Use of microhabitat, shelter preference, activity patterns, population structure and sexual dimorphism of the Andean lizard Riama striata (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) in a high-altitude urban area of Colombia

Gymnophthalmidae is a family of Neotropical lizards from which its ecology has been widely studied in the lowlands. However, the life history of Andean species is still unknown, being most of these species apparently tolerant of anthropic habitats. The objective of this study is to describe some aspects of the ecology of one of the species of this family, Riama striata, a lizard found in a highly urbanized area in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. I describe microhabitat use, shelter preference, activity patterns, population structure and sexual dimorphism of the species. Riama striata uses both artificial and natural substrates that are mainly microhabitats of rock and concrete, and males prefer bricks even though this is the least frequent refuge available. The species has a bimodal diurnal activity, particularly on sunny days. It is sexually dimorphic in the size of the head; males have larger heads. There is a high abundance of individuals, with a greater number of females and juveniles than males. These results, together with those of other Andean species contrast sharply with the studies in gymnophthalmids and alopoglosids of the lowlands and raise new hypotheses about the ecology and life history of these lizards and how they respond to the effects of anthropic impact.

Shade as enrichment: testing preferences for shelter in two model fish species.

We compared preferences shown by zebrafish Danio rerio and three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus for shelter provided by above-tank shade and artificial plants. Zebrafish showed no preference for either shelter, whereas sticklebacks showed a preference for both shelter types over open areas and for shade over plants. Our results suggest shade may be used as enrichment for captive fish and re-emphasise the importance of species-specific welfare considerations.

SHELTERS INFLUENCE IN DUSKY GROUPER CULTURE

Environmental enrichment can be an important tool to improve the productive performance of dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834). The goal of this study was to evaluate the preference for shelters and the effect of the availability of shelters on the productive performance of dusky groupers juveniles in salt water recirculation system. Two trials were conducted, the first one to determine the preference for different types of shelters (rocks, bricks and PVC pipes of different colors) and the second one on the use of shelters, with three treatments (T1 = without shelter; T2 = one shelter per fish and T3 = two shelters per fish). The dusky grouper showed preference for shelters of PVC tubes of brown color. The use of shelters favored better productive performance of the species in salt water recirculation systems.

The effect of blankets on horse behaviour and preference for shelter in Nordic winter conditions

Horses use human-made shelters actively during inclement weather, but the costs of building shelters may be high and owners use blankets or rugs on horses instead. The aim of the study was to investigate how wearing a blanket might affect the shelter seeking behaviour of horses under coastal arctic winter conditions. Could blankets make shelters redundant? During different winter weather conditions, seventeen horses had a full-neck blanket of their size put on and were released in a test paddock. There, horses were given free choice between staying outdoors, going into a heated shelter compartment or into a non-heated shelter compartment. An observer scored horse’s location and behaviour using instantaneous sampling every minute for 1 h. Each horse was tested 2–12 days but only once per day. Detailed weather data (precipitation, wind and temperature) were continuously recorded by a weather station at the site. In general, horses with blankets still used the shelter and were observed inside in (mean per horse) 20.6% of total observations. Horses spent more time inside shelters on days with rain and wind (39.7% of tot obs) compared to on days with wind only (11.8% of tot obs, P = 0.05). Small coldblood horses were more active, spending more time in movement than large coldblood and large warmblood horses (P = 0.01). In conclusion, wearing blankets reduced the impact of inclement weather, but did not make the shelter redundant for horses, under Nordic winter conditions.

To mate or not to mate, and subsequent host search by a haplodiploid female parasitoid wasp

AbstractMated females of haplodiploid species can vary the sex ratio of their offspring, but virgin or sperm‐depleted females can produce only males. Depending on the costs and benefits, the theory of constrained sex allocation states that female haplodiploids may vary in their propensity to mate, with important implications for the populations’ sex ratio. Unmated female parasitoid wasps Alabagrus texanus (Braconidae) have been observed to reject matings with males, even under highly confined spatial conditions. We performed field trials to determine whether unmated female A. texanus would mate. We then compared the preferences of the resulting unmated (constrained) and mated (unconstrained) female wasps for shelters constructed and occupied by their hosts, fern moth caterpillars Herpetogramma theseusalis (Crambidae) on fern fronds. We presented the wasps with pairs of shelters collected from the field that differed in size, as well as freshness, fern species, and presence or absence of caterpillars. Unconstrained females searched small shelters more frequently than did constrained females and tended to favor senesced (old) shelters over fresher ones. They did not differ in choice between shelters on marsh and sensitive ferns or between shelters containing caterpillars and empty shelters. The preference for small shelters by the unconstrained wasps may enhance their rate of contacting favorable hosts, but the foraging regime of the constrained females should expose them to caterpillars at sites infrequently searched by the unconstrained females.