2025年03月18日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 18th March.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Mayu Shimada (Chairperson: China Kobayashi)

Title： Progress of My Research on Chimpanzees and Future Research Direction
Language:  Japanese (Slides in English)
Abstract：

I will outline my research on chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) conducted this fiscal year and my future research directions briefly. Prestige, the freely conferred deference for possessing skills or knowledge, is considered unique in human society. However, skills and knowledge also play a crucial role in some other animal species like chimpanzees and bonobos, suggesting that they may also employ prestige strategies. We conducted an experiment to test the hypothesis that Chimpanzees employ prestige strategies. It was predicted that skilled individuals would receive increased proximity and grooming from other group members after demonstrating their skills. We provided two skilled individuals with opportunities to demonstrate their novel foraging skills and corded proximity and grooming interactions among group members, during pre-demonstration, demonstration, and post-demonstration phases. I will analyze the centrality of skilled individuals within social networks constructed from the proximity and grooming data and compare their centrality across the three phases  to determine the impact of skill demonstration on the network centrality.

In the next fiscal year, I plan to study the communication and social cognitive abilities of Large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos). In preparation, I installed a camera in the crow house in Kumamoto to record daily social interactions of crows and contributed to  improving the accuracy of ID tracking in motion capture systems.

Presenter 2： China Kobayashi (Chairperson: Ayumi Ogawa)

Title： Progress Report- Revealing The Effect of Oxytocin in Social Interactions at The Group Level
Language:  Japanese (Slides in English)
Abstract：

Oxytocin is known to be implicated in various social behaviors, and recent studies suggest that it plays a crucial role not only in dyadic interactions but also in group cohesion. However, its role in social interactions at the group level remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of oxytocin administration on social interactions in a group of horses under competitive feeding conditions, which were designed to stimulate their interactions. Under the oxytocin condition, co-feeding, displacement, and aggressive behavior tended to decrease in pairs that were initially more active while increasing in those that were initially less active. This suggests that oxytocin regulates both prosocial and anti-social interactions, contributing to the homogenization of social differences within the group. Our findings provide behavioral evidence supporting previous research that oxytocin modulates inter-individual distances and homogenizes groups in horses. These results highlight the significance of oxytocin in shaping collective behavior and maintaining group cohesion.  

Presenter 3 ： Shinya Yamamoto (Chairperson: China Kobayashi)

Title：  Introduction of the Materia-Mind Project: Investigating The Evolutionary Basis of Human Civilization Through Non-human Animal Research
Language:  English and Japanese (Slides in English)
Abstract：

I will introduce my recent studies on the Materia-Mind project. The presence of culture has been observed in many non-human species, but human culture is uniquely characterized by cumulative development. Human culture undergoes incremental improvements, transforming into complex forms that cannot be produced by individuals alone. Evidence of such cumulative cultural evolution is primarily preserved in the archaeological record only after the advent of stone tool making. Understanding pre-stone tool culture, particularly its cognitive underpinnings, is challenging due to the lack of archaeological evidence. To address this, we investigated the evolutionary basis of cumulative culture in our evolutionary neighbors, the great apes. Our previous research has shown that chimpanzees exhibit two key processes essential for cumulative culture: the invention of novel behaviors and the social transmission of efficient techniques. However, individual differences in tool use and social learning have also been observed, suggesting some "capable but unengaged" phenomena, where cognitive potential exists but is not translated into action. This talk will discuss current efforts and integrative perspectives on the evolution of human society incorporating both the material and social environments.

2025年3月11日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 11th March.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Heping Li

Chairperson：Yoko Mitani

Title：Comparative study on the habitat selection corresponding to the biological and physical conditions among three pinniped species commonly observed off Hokkaido

          [北海道沿岸に生息する3種の鰭脚類における生物学的および物理的条件に応答した生息地選択に関する比較研究]

Language:  English

Presenter 2： Chie Hashimoto

Chairperson:  seminar organizer  

Title：Conservation of Primates and Forests in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda, and Promotion of Collaboration with Local Communities.
Abstract：I have been conducting research on the behaviour and ecology of  primates, with a focus on chimpanzees, in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve in 

Uganda since 1992. The Kalinzu Forest is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and is the largest forest block along the Albertine Rift. 

It is a forest reserve under the management of the Uganda National Forestry Authority.

When I started my research, a mining company called Kilembe Mine, with permission from the NFA, was logging Parinari excelsa for use in mine tunnels. Logging Parinari excelsa did not have a significant impact on the forest ecosystem, and the Kalinzu Forest remained a forest with a high density of primates. However, when Kiliembe Mine withdrew and logging companies started logging, the logging was so intensive that all the trees in the logging area were cut down, and the impact on the forest became something that could not be ignored.Therefore, our research team and the NFA held discussions and set up a team to promote activities that would enable us to balance the conservation of the ecosystem and the wise use of the forest. These included ecotourism projects targeting chimpanzees and environmental 

education programmes for local children.

Today, I would like to talk about the activities we have been carrying out recently, including monitoring surveys of the flora and fauna in the Kalinzu Forest and human activities, and providing advice on the development of eco-tourism based on the results of these surveys, as well as activities such as ecological research and taming of new chimpanzee groups, introducing improved stoves to villagers to conserve forest resources, and developing the local economy by revitalising beekeeping. 

2025年3月4日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 4th March.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Haruka Shima

Chirperson：Madoka Oono

Title：Progress report -Why do fur seals sleep in a jug handling posture?-
Language:  English (slides), Japanese (talk)
Abstract：Sleep is essential for survival. Marine mammals have evolved their sleeping styles in adapting to the aquatic environment. This study focuses on the sleeping posture of fur seals, known as “jug handling”. Fur seals often spend several days at sea for foraging and migration. During this time, they engage in jug handling―resting while floating on the sea surface, forming a circular shape with fore flippers and hind flippers.

Several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the function of this posture. Previous studies suggest a link between this behavior and thermoregulation, with fur seals possibly using their flippers for heat regulation. To examine this hypothesis, this study aims to investigate how changes in external environmental factors (air temperature, water temperature, wind, sunlight exposure, weather) affect the fur seal’s resting posture and choice of resting place in captivity. 

 In this seminar, I will provide an update on the progress of this study, with preliminary observations at Kyoto Aquarium.

Presenter 2：Yume Okamoto

Chirperson ： Chika Zemmoto

Title：Mew-tual Bonds and Feline Genes: Exploring Sociality in Cats
Language:  English (slides), Japanese (talk)
Abstract：Most members of the Felidae family are solitary; however, domestic cats, which were domesticated from the solitary African wildcat (Felis lybica), can live in groups and display social behaviors. This study focuses on the genetic basis of behavioral traits in cats. While behavior is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors and genetic contributions have been reported across various species, little is known about cats.

So far, I have examined the relationship between genotypes and behavioral traits in mixed-breed cats, focusing on candidate genes such as hormone receptor genes (oxytocin receptor, androgen receptor, and arginine vasopressin receptor 1A). Behavioral traits were assessed using the Feline Behavioral Assessment and Research

Questionnaire (Fe-BARQ) (Duffy et al., 2017). Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal swabs. The associations were analyzed using a generalized linear model, with each of the 23 behavioral sections as response variables and genotype, sex, and age as explanatory variables.

Currently, I am expanding my research to a genome-wide approach using exome analysis to find candidate genes related to behavioral traits. Additionally, I plan to compare genetic variations among mixed-breed cats, purebred cats, and other Felidae species. In this presentation, I will discuss my research progress and future plans. The findings of this study have potential applications in improving animal welfare. If behavioral traits can be predicted from genetic data, it may be possible to design more suitable housing environments and provide better care tailored to individual animals. Furthermore, these findings could extend to other Felidae species. Studying wild animals poses challenges, but non-invasive methods, such as DNA analysis from feces or hair samples, could be feasible and could contribute to conservation efforts by providing insights into behavior. Given that many endangered felid species are housed in zoos or conservation centers, this approach could support ex-situ conservation programs by aiding in behavioral assessments and management and reproductive strategies.

Presenter 3： Madoka Oono

Chirperson：  Haruka Shima

Title：Progress report -Fishery damage of killer whales off Kushiro-
Language:  English (slides), Japanese (talk)
Abstract：

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are known to cause fishery damage by preying on fish caught in fishing gear, a behavior called depredation. While such cases have been widely reported overseas, this study focuses on the first recorded case in Japan, where killer whales off the coast of Kushiro target slime flounder (Microstomus achne). Using field surveys and interviews with local fishers, we investigate the factors influencing their selective predation on slime flounder and assess its impact on the local fishery. This study aims to provide insights into the nature of the depredation by killer whales and contribute to the development of potential mitigation strategies.

2025年02月25日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 25th February.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Fadel Abdurrahman Azhari

Title：Conservation Genetics of White-tailed Eagles in Japan
Language: English
Abstract：

The large sea eagle, White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), has a broad distribution range extending from Greenland to Hokkaido in Japan. Despite being listed as endangered species (VU) by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, little is known about the genetic information. To reveal genetic diversity, population structure and past population demography of wild WTE in Hokkaido, whole-genome analyses were conducted, and results were compared with those in Europe. Comparison of genetic diversity of zoo and wild samples were also conducted using microsatellites for revealing the sustainability of the captive population and suitability of them as founders. Past population demography was inferred using a pairwise sequential Markovian coalescent (PSMC) model, suggesting different patterns of demography of effective population size (Ne) during the last glacial period. Our results showed significant genetic differentiation between Hokkaido and European WTE. Importantly, the wild Hokkaido population was also suggested to be divided into two clusters of genetic differentiation. Our analyses also indicated that WTE in Hokkaido has higher genetic diversity and lower inbreeding levels than the European counterparts. Comparison using microsatellites between wild and zoo WTE showed higher diversity for the wild samples. These information might be applied to conservation management of captive and wild WTE in Japan and to understand the global genetic diversities of the species.

2025年02月18日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 18th February.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Takuto Sugimoto

Title：Third-party evaluation of humans by horses
Language:  Japanese
Abstract：Evaluating others based on skillfulness and prosociality is an important ability in choosing a cooperative
partner. Examining which species have the ability of third-party evaluation will help us understand the evolutionary origins of humans’ cooperative societies. In this study, we investigated whether horses (Equus caballus) could evaluate humans based on their cooperativeness and skillfulness. Comparing the ability of third-party evaluation in various species will provide important material for thinking about what it means to be human.

Presenter 2： Sofia Vilela

Title： Exploring the link between self-directed behavior and social stress in captive Asian elephants
Language:   Japanese
Abstract：

Self-directed behavior (SDB) can be considered a type of auto-related displacement activity, often described as an abnormal behavioral pattern seemingly functionless to the context. SDBs have been widely used as indicators of anxiety and social stress in non-human primates, but research focused on SDB outside of the primate range is still in its infancy. Expanding this topic to other species could aid animal welfare assessments and enhance comparative social studies. Therefore, this work intends to investigate if SDB levels can reflect the social stress experienced in Asian elephants. All-occurrences sampling of SDBs and stereotypic behaviors was performed through focal sampling blocks on 4 captive individuals and activity budgets were recorded through 2-min scan sampling. To investigate the link between SDB and event-induced stress, the victims’ SDB levels after social conflicts were compared to their baseline values. Additionally, during the study, specific individuals were removed from the group at different stages, making distinct group compositions, where the targets of aggression changed. Thus, we also investigated if SDB baselines vary according to the social stress experienced by each individual, reflected by the rate as a victim, in each setting. Finally, we assessed if there was any relation between basal levels of SDBs, stereotypic behavior and activity budgets. Results showed an increase in SDB levels in the victims after aggression when compared to baselines, especially for behaviors recorded as counts. Dust bathing, touch mouth, head shake and trunk curled inwards were the behaviors that differed more prominently. Regarding baselines, two individuals increased their basal SDB levels when their rates as victims were the highest, although only one reached marginal significance. MIT, who was never recorded as the recipient of aggression, revealed remarkably low SDB levels. This study identified some behaviors induced by social stress in Asian elephants and suggest SDB as a potential good indicator of their well-being.

Presenter1: Alisa Tobe

Title： Conservation, ecology, and evolution of the Crested serpent-eagle on small isolated islands in Okinawa

Language:  English (slides)　Japanese (talk)

Chairperson: Kana Arai

Abstract： Island ecosystems host unique endemic species but are ecologically fragile due to simplified fauna and flora. Especially human activities strongly impact top predators. Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands are located in the southern Ryukyu Archipelago with many endemic species. The Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela perplexus), an endemic top predator, is classified as Endangered (Class IA) by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, with only about 100 individuals on each island. Human-induced threats raise concerns about their extinction risk. A major threat on Ishigaki is the invasive cane toad, whose toxins are lethal to predators. However, these eagles frequently prey on toads without toxic symptoms, suggesting possible resistance. To investigate this, I analyzed a toxin resistance-related gene from 15 Iriomote and nine Ishigaki individuals and identified toxin resistance-related amino acid sequences in all. A comparative genetic study across nine raptor species suggests this sequence evolved as an adaptive trait in the Crested serpent-eagle’s recent ancestors. Despite partial resistance, controlling toads remains necessary. However, if they are a major food source and the eagles heavily rely on them, removal could disrupt the eagle’s ecology. To assess this, I am conducting DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples and evaluating toad density in eagle habitats. Another concern is population decline due to human activities. Roadkill incidents are rising, and a planned resort on Ishigaki threatens eagle habitats. Given their small population size, further declines could be critical. To assess long-term isolation effects, I analyzed population structure, genetic diversity, inbreeding, and demographic history using whole-genome resequencing and SNP analysis, including data from a Simeulue Island subspecies. Population structure analysis reveals distinct genetic differentiation among the three islands. Genetic diversity in the Japanese populations was lower (heterozygosity: 1.7×10⁻³ in Iriomote, 1.5×10⁻³ in Ishigaki) than in Simeulue (2.3×10⁻³). Inbreeding was highest in Ishigaki, followed by Iriomote, and lowest in Simeulue (FROH: 2.9×10⁻2, 2.1×10⁻2 and 0.0). Demographic analysis suggests recurrent bottlenecks in the past million to thousand years. Lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding in the Japanese populations compared to Simeulue Island may result from the limited carrying capacity of small islands. I will analyze the estimated extinction risk with further demographic decline based on the results.

Presenter2: Kana Arai

Title： Epigenetic Studies in Asian Elephants; Uncovering Age-Related Genes

Language:  English (slides & talk)

Chairperson: Alisa Tobe

Abstract： Age is a crucial parameter for understanding biodemographic trends—including development, survival, and reproduction—which are essential for conservation efforts. However, current age estimation methods are difficult to apply to many species, and no standardized technique has been widely adopted. In recent years, differences in DNA methylation levels associated with age have been shown to enable accurate age estimation. In this study, an age estimation model for Asian elephants was developed using genome-wide DNA methylation analysis through Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS), and age-related genes were identified. DNA was extracted from 91 blood samples collected from known-aged captive Asian elephants across Japan, and libraries were prepared following the RRBS protocol. From the sequenced data, methylation levels were calculated, and 390 CpG sites highly correlated with age were identified. These sites were then used to construct an age estimation model with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 4.82 years. Using the available annotated Asian elephant reference genome, the 390 CpG sites were mapped to 148 genes. Among these, five genes, including KCNC4 and FAM127A, contained eight CpG sites that exhibited a very high correlation with age (r > 0.7). In this presentation, I will also briefly introduce results from a candidate gene approach and compare the advantages and disadvantages of genome-wide and candidate gene approaches in DNA methylation studies. These findings demonstrate that DNA methylation patterns could serve as a reliable biomarker for age estimation, while the identified regions may provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying aging in elephants.

2025年1月28日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 28th January.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Fitri Suhaimi

Chairperson：Casey Mack

Title：Long-term population monitoring of sympatric primates across three subpopulations in the Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia

Language:  Talk & Slides in English

Abstract：Monitoring the long-term population dynamics of animals threatened with extinction, particularly long-lived mammals with slow life cycles such as primates, is crucial for their conservation. In this presentation, I will discuss the long-term population dynamics of sympatric primates, including proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina), that were monitored over 20 years across three subpopulations in the Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia. I will also discuss my future plans and the direction of my research in Sabah, Malaysia.

Presenter 2： Honoka Tanohata

Chairperson：Fitri Suhaimi

Title：Sex identification and efficient microsatellite genotyping using fecal DNA samples in endangered Bornean elephants

Language:  Slides & Talk in English

Abstract：In endangered mammals, genetic sex identification and microsatellite genotyping from fecal samples are crucial for assessing genetic diversity and improving conservation management. Feces also provide key ecological data, such as information on diet and gut microbiota, allowing for the analysis of sex- or individual-based differences when combined with genetic identification. The Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis), endemic to the island of Borneo, faces severe extinction threats due to habitat loss, decreasing genetic diversity, and conflicts with local communities. On the other hand, studies on genetic relationships within individuals and among wild populations remain limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop methods for sex identification and efficient microsatellite genotyping from fecal DNA in Bornean elephants, applying these tourniquets to both wild and captive populations to better understand their ecology, social structure, and conservation needs. As a first step, an efficient DNA extraction and sex identification protocol was developed using fecal samples collected from a Bornean elephant housed at Fukuyama Zoo in August 2024. In this presentation, I will introduce these methods and discuss the future prospects for broader genotyping efforts.

Presenter 3：Casey Mac

Chairperson：Xorlali Azimey

Language:  Slides & Talk in English

Abstract：In the first part of this presentation, I will briefly explain my background and past research projects focusing on learning and dominance in capuchin monkeys and madagascar hissing cockroaches. Then, I will introduce my proposed project for my Master's thesis. This project is about ecological and genetic factors influencing the health and survivability of critically endangered Bornean Orangutans (pongo pygmaeus). I will investigate the potential correlations between parasite transmission, gut microbiome, and kinship of the individuals, then further see if these three factors change according to geographical location and degree of human-driven habitat disturbance. By integrating the results of this research, we can predict through simulations how forest loss and degradation will affect the future survival rate of wild orangutans. The Lower Kinabatangan floodplain, where this study site is located, is a world-famous region for ecotourism, but it is affected heavily by deforestation for expanding oil palm plantations. So, it is necessary to study the factors affecting the health of this species. The results of this study will help inform guidelines for coexistence of wildlife and humans.

10:00-11:00 三田 歩 Ayumu Santa（思考言語）

　"シャチにおける視覚認知研究の開拓”

　“Development of visual cognitive research in killer whales"

11:00-12:00 徐 沈文 Xu Shenwen（思考言語）

　"いま・ここを超えて：チンパンジーにおける動画の参照的利用"

　“Beyond the here-and-now: Referential use of video in chimpanzees”

昼休み Lunch break

13:00-14:00 大西 絵奈 Ena Onishi（野生動物）

　"伝染する排尿：チンパンジーの排尿行動の探索"

　“Contagious urination: exploration of chimpanzee urination behavior”

14:00-15:00 服部円 Madoka Hattori（野生動物）

　"ネコーヒト間関係の形態・行動・生理学的検討"

　“Morphological, Behavioral, and Physiological Studies on Cat-Human Relationships”

13:00-13:30 SAIDI MOHAMED MOHAMED（保全福祉科学）

　“絶滅危惧種クロサイおよびシロサイの国内飼育集団における遺伝的多様性の解析”

13:30-14:00 關 真理江 Marie Seki（保全福祉科学）

　“ツシマヤマネコの保全生態研究：糞DNA分析と種分布モデルを用いた好適環境予測”

14:00-14:30 尾川 楽人 Gakuto Ogawa（保全福祉科学）

　“ツシマヤマネコの野生復帰に向けて：ストレスに影響を与える要因の評価”

休憩　Tea Break

14:45-15:15 小川 あゆみ Ayumi Ogawa（保全福祉科学）

　“ウマの相互グルーミングにおける行動調整に関する研究”

15:15-15:45 鈴木 百夏 Momoka Suzuki（野生動物科学）

　“北海道周辺海域に来遊するシャチのミトコンドリア全ゲノムにおける遺伝系統解析および遺伝的多様性の評価”

15:45-16:15 西本 千夏 Chinatsu Nishimoto（保全福祉科学）

　“イエネコをモデルとした希少ネコ科動物の卵子の体外成熟法の確立” 

13:00-13:30 鈴木 樹 Itsuki Suzuki（ゲノム細胞）

　“行動実験によるアカゲザルの酸味応答の評価”

13:30-14:00 池田 青空 Sora Ikeda（高次脳）

　“コモンマーモセットにおける既知・未知の音声に対する脳波記録による神経応答の比較”

14:00-14:30 ESLAMIBIDGOLI NEGIN（保全福祉科学）

　“屋久島へのタヌキの侵入および遺伝学的に性別を識別する方法の検討”

休憩　Tea Break

14:45-15:15 角田 史也 Fumiya Kakuta（生態科学Ⅲ）

　“ヤクシマザルの花蜜食行動がヤブツバキの繁殖に与える影響”

15:15-15:45 南川 未来 Miku MInamikawa（生態科学Ⅲ）

　“同所的に生息するゴリラ・チンパンジーの腸内細菌の発酵能力の比較”

15:45-16:15 金原 蓮太朗 Rentaro Kinpara（野生動物科学）

　“野生ニホンザルにおける音声コミュニケーションが群れ凝集性維持に及ぼす役割”

2024年1月14日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 14th January.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Christen Lin

Chairperson：China Kobayashi

Title：Audience presence influences task performance in chimpanzees

Language:  Talk & Slides - English

Abstract：While humans can be affected by audience members watching them, it is unclear how chimpanzees are affected by the presence of an audience when it comes to performance on cognitive computer/touch screen tasks. Over 6 years, chimpanzee performance data on 3 number-based cognitive touch screen tasks of varying difficulty was recorded while they were watched by a varying number of human audience members every day, composed of both familiar and unfamiliar people. The results suggest that the chimpanzees’ performance on these tasks was influenced not only by the number of people watching, but also how familiar they are with these humans. For the most difficult task, the chimpanzees improved in performance the more experimenters were present, while for the easiest task the chimpanzees did worse the more experimenters and familiar humans there were in the audience. Several potential explanations for these results are proposed, based on audiences influencing perception of reward value, cognitive load, and concentration levels. These findings suggest that the evolutionary roots of audience effects may be traced back to before reputation-based societies were formed in humans. 

2025年1月7日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 7th January.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter: Rentaro Kimpara

Chairperson: China Kobayashi

Title: Effects of Vocal Communication on Maintaining Group Cohesion in Wild Japanese Macaques

Language:  Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese)

Abstract: Group living is widespread in the animal kingdom, and maintenance of group cohesion is crucial to reap the benefits of group living. In environments with poor visibility, such as forests, vocal communication is an effective means of maintaining group cohesion. In Japanese macaques, one of the forest-dwelling primates, the rate of coo calls (a type of contact call) varies with the context, and their group cohesion fluctuates over time. However, whether coo calls actually contribute to maintaining group cohesion in Japanese macaques remains elusive. In this study, we investigated whether group cohesion is maintained as the rate of coo calls is high using simultaneous focal sampling data of Japanese macaques (Study 1). In addition, we examined whether individual identification and age-class classification is possible based on their calls (Study 2). Study 1 showed that inter-individual distance tended to decrease when the rate of coo calls was high. In study 2, our approach achieved comparable accuracy to previous study while potentially reducing costs.

2024年12月24日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date:24th December.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1：  Hizuki Nakamura     Chairperson： Alisa Tobe

Title： Genomic Data Reveals the Genetic Diversity of the Red-crowned Crane

~ Is the Hokkaido Population Really Stable? 

Language:    Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese)

Abstract： The Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis)  is an endangered crane species that inhabits Hokkaido and eastern Eurasia, and has been classified as vulnerable (VU) by Japanese Ministry of the Environment. In Hokkaido, this bird was nearly extinct once due to a rapid population decrease in the 1800s, but it has been recovered now and the current population size is estimated to be approximately 1,800. On the other hand, serious bottleneck in the past might led severe inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. In addition, there is also concern that the recent avian influenza pandemic could devastate the Hokkaido population of the Red-crowned Cranes, as they gather in clusters during winter, especially if disease resistance has disappeared due to the loss of genetic diversity. Hence, there is an urgent requirement to reveal the genetic diversity of the Red-crowned Cranes and to establish effective conservation strategies.

This study conducted genomic analyses for four populations of cranes: Red-crowned Crane (Hokkaido, Continental and “Hybrid?”) and Hooded Crane (Grus monacha) . First of all, Red-crowned Crane should be proved to have two genetically independent populations. Population Structure and Phylogenetic  analysis supported the differentiation between two populations of Red-crowned Crane except for ML tree. Then, runs of homozygosity (ROH) was used as an indicator of inbreeding. In this analysis, Hokkaido population was found to be the most inbred population, followed by Continental population and Hooded Crane. In addition their genetic diversities were assessed by genome-wide heterozygosity and the transition of effective population size. Genome-wide heterozygosity showed the apparent loss of genetic diversity of Hokkaido population compared with other populations. PSMC analysis generated the detailed transition of effective population size of each population from 10 mya to 10 kya. From this result, not only the past genetic diversity but also the approximate divergence age were clarified. In conclusion, Hokkaido population of Red-crowned Crane was found to be highly inbred and have considerably low genetic diversity despite the recovered population size. Therefore, it is critical to immediately disperse the habitats and conduct the reproductive management taking into account the genetic diversity to prevent them from rapidly declining. However, the number of individuals used in this analysis was small, so more samples need to be added (five samples for each poplation).

Presenter 2: Azimey Xorlali 

Chairperson:  Casey Mac

Title： Genetic Polymorphisms of Selected Candidate Genes Influencing Behaviour in Grasscutter

Language:  Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese) 

Abstract:
The grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus), a delicacy in sub-Saharan Africa, holds significant economic and cultural importance. Despite its popularity, traditional hunting methods pose environmental and health risks. Domestication efforts since the 1970s have aimed to address these issues but face challenges such as high mortality rates linked to the species' aggressive nature. Recent advances, including the Ghana Grasscutter Project, have improved domestication outcomes, revealing variations in growth and behaviour. However, the limited application of molecular genetics in breeding programs highlights the need for research on gene polymorphisms affecting behaviour and development. This study investigates genetic variations in selected genes to optimise the breeding and domestication of Grasscutters.

Presenter 3: Mohamed

Title： Analysis of genetic diversity in captive populations of endangered black and white rhinoceroses: Implication to future conservation and breeding

絶滅危惧種クロサイおよびシロサイの国内飼育集団における遺伝的多様性の解析

Language:  Slides and  Talk (English)

Abstract: Black and white rhinoceros are the African charismatic megaherbivores classified as critically endangered and near-threatened by the IUCN with the potential for possible extinction in the wild due to illegal horn poaching and habitat loss. Captive conservation programs for these species have been established worldwide as insurance for endangered wild populations. Zoos in Japan currently hosts 20 and 28 black and white individuals distributed in 11 and 8 respectively. This study included nearly all available individuals in Japan to evaluate their genetic diversity and geographical origin. DNA samples of 50 animals (including dead individuals) were extracted from samples provided by Japanese zoos. We analyzed haplotypes of the mtDNA D-loop (477bp) for both species and the diversity of 11 and 20 microsatellite (STR) loci for black and white rhinoceros respectively, comparing them with previous reports from African wild populations. Our results indicated that the Japanese captive population has slightly lost genetic diversity in mtDNA D-loop while STR markers maintain relatively similar diversity to the African wild population. We estimated the geographical origin of black rhinoceros to Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo based on both mtDNA and STR data. Information presented in this study has the potential to contribute to future conservation management and designing effective breeding strategies for survival under captivity. 

2024年12月17日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 17th December.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Ayumi Ogawa

Title：Assessment of the presence of coordination behaviour and the influence of social dimensions on the entry phase of mutual grooming in horses.

Language:  Japanese(talk) & English(slides)
Abstract：Social grooming is one of the joint actions commonly observed in social animals, and it sometimes involves coordinated behavior to achieve social engagement. Mutual grooming, in which two individuals groom each other simultaneously, is particularly rare compared with unidirectional grooming. The reasons for its rarity remain unclear. We hypothesized that mutual grooming, which requires partners to actively participate, requires highly advanced cognitive abilities, which may limit its prevalence across animal species. We predict that coordination behavior exists to achieve mutual grooming and is influenced by the social dimensions and relationships of the dyads, similar to joint action in humans. This study focused on mutual attention as a form of coordination behavior during the entry phase of mutual grooming, using horses, whose grooming is almost always mutual, as a model species. This study offers a novel perspective on the evolution of cooperative behavior within the broader framework of comparative cognition.

Presenter 2： Momoka Suzuki

Title：Phylogenetic Analysis and Genetic Diversity Assessment of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) around Hokkaido by Using Whole Mitochondrial Genome 

Language:  Slides (English) & Talk (Japanese) 

Abstract：Killer whale (Orcinus orca) is an apex predator and distributes worldwide. There are multiple ecotypes of killer whales differentiated based on morphology, prey preference, social behaviors, and vocalization worldwide, and ecotypes have genetical difference. In the North Pacific (NP), there are at least three genetically different ecotypes, “Transient”, “Resident”, and “Offshore”. One study suggested that killer whales around Hokkaido have mammal-eating (“transient” ecotype) and fish-eating (“resident” and/or “offshore” ecotypes) groups, and these were revealed with cytochrome b and partial D-loop region in mitochondrial genomes. However, this analysis was not enough to discriminate between the “resident” and “offshore” ecotypes due to the short sequence length. For future conservation management, it is necessary to clarify the phylogenetic differentiations and genetic diversity of killer whales around Hokkaido using the whole mitochondrial genome. The “resident” ecotype in the eastern NP was separated into different conservation units based on two haplotypes in the D-loop, called “southern resident” and “northern resident.” Genetic diversity further informed the populations history that they had a widespread population bottleneck during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and the populations retained in the ice-free regions are characterized with a stable and rich genetic diversity. In this study, we analyzed whole mitochondrial genomes for 25 individuals sampled around Hokkaido. The maximum-likelihood tree was constructed with previously reported mitochondrial genomes of killer whales in the NP. Two clades, “transient” and “resident” ecotypes were identified around Hokkaido, and no individual was “offshore” ecotype. Haplotype network was made for each ecotype. Out of 19 “transient” whales, ten individuals had a previously found haplotype which was commonly found in Okhotsk Sea group, and we identified seven new haplotypes for the remaining nine individuals. Haplotype diversity was assessed by calculating “haplotype richness” and “nucleotide and gene diversity”. Transient whales sampled in the coasts of Hokkaido, facing both the Pacific and the Okhotsk Sea, had higher haplotype richness and nucleotide diversity than other sea areas in the NP. The “resident” whales identified from our samples shared the same haplotype, which was frequently found in Russian Far East group and assigned to “southern resident” based on the D-loop haplotype. Our results indicated that killer whale populations might have connectivity between Hokkaido area and Far East Russian area, and only one haplotype found among resident whales around Hokkaido supported the lower haplotype diversity of resident whales in the western NP. The higher haplotype diversity and unique haplotypes in transient whales around Hokkaido possibly suggested that Hokkaido coasts serve as refugia for killer whales in the LGM. In conclusion, there are two ecotypes, “resident” and “transient” around Hokkaido, and assessment of haplotype diversity for each ecotype may reveal their history during the LGM.

Presenter 1  Special Lecture

Dr. Boonthavy Douangphosy
Head of Community Forestry and Rural Development Department, the Faculty of Forestry Science, National University of Laos

Title: Participation in Community-Based Eco-Tourism at Donghouasao National Park: A Case Study of Nonglouang Village, Paksong District, Champasak Province

Read Abstract (PDF)

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Presenter 2
Nishimoto

Establishment of an in vitro maturation method for oocytes of endangered feline species using domestic cat model

2024年12月3日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 3rd December.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Marie Seki

Title：Conservation Ecology of the Tsushima Leopard Cat: Fecal DNA Analysis and Habitat Suitability Prediction Using Species Distribution Models
Language:  Japanese
Abstract：The rapid population growth of Sika deer (Cervus nippon) has caused severe environmental degradation in forest ecosystems across Japan, including Tsushima Island. This degradation, characterized by the loss of understory vegetation and subsequent ecosystem imbalance, may indirectly threaten keystone species such as the endangered Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus). This study aims to evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of Sika deer on the Tsushima leopard cat and its habitat by integrating species distribution modeling (SDM) and dietary analysis using fecal DNA.  I seek to uncover potential interspecies interactions and inform conservation strategies for maintaining biodiversity on Tsushima Island.

Presenter 2： Gakuto Ogawa

Title：Verification of factors affecting stress in Tsushima Leopard Cat.
Language:  Japanese
Abstract：The plan is underway to reintroduce captive-bred Tsushima leopard cats back into the wild. Stress is known to affect the success rate of this return to the wild. This study evaluated how various factors affect stress.

2024年11月26日(火)　14:00～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 26th November.  (Tue)  14:00-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Yoko Mitani  

Chairperson: Li Heping

Title："Fieldwork of the Ocean Mammal Team"
Language:  English
Abstract：I will introduce our fieldwork of marine mammals. And I would like to discuss how we can collaborate with local people.

2024年11月19日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 19th November.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ：Chika Zemmoto (研究指導認定のための発表会)

Chairperson: Prof. Murayama

Title：「家畜化の遺伝的背景を探る：イヌとヤクの研究」

             Exploring the Genetic Background of Domestication: Studies on Dogs and Yaks

Abstract：To explore the genetic background of domestication, I studied personality traits in highly domesticated dogs and the geographic variation in semi-wild livestock, specifically yaks. 

While genetic factors contributing to personality traits in large dog breeds have been documented, such influences remain understudied in small breeds. In this study I investigated personality traits and their genetic basis in 301 Toy Poodles and 183 Miniature Dachshunds using a 39-item questionnaire and genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis with the Illumina CanineHD 230K SNP BeadChip. Factor analysis identified seven distinct personality factors. Notably, heritability for the "Activeness" trait in Toy Poodles was 0.425 (SE = 0.311), while "Human-directed Sociability" in Miniature Dachshunds demonstrated heritability of 0.514 (SE = 0.355). Genome-wide association analysis revealed two genomic regions potentially associated with these personality traits. Given the popularity of these breeds in Japan, these findings have significant implications for individualized training approaches and breeding programs.

In addition, this research sheds light on the domestic yak (Bos grunniens), a species broadly distributed across Central Asia and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, but primarily studied within Chinese populations. This has left gaps in understanding westward expansion and genetic diversity of the species. To address this, whole-genome sequences were obtained from yak samples collected at two locations in Kyrgyzstan in 2022, and these were compared with previously published data from Chinese domestic yak. Results indicated that Kyrgyz yaks exhibit higher heterozygosity (>0.0022) than their Chinese counterparts from Jinchuan (0.0020). Pairwise Sequentially Markovian Coalescent analysis further uncovered distinct demographic histories between the two populations. These findings suggest unique historical trajectories for Kyrgyz yak, potentially including lower levels of historical inbreeding, thus enriching our understanding of yak domestication and dispersal patterns across Eurasia.

Presenter 2： Yige Piao

Chairperson: Mayu Shimada

Title：Progress report

Language:  English (both slides and talk)

Abstract：This presentation reports my research progress since last year. Firstly, based on a routine food enrichment activity for captive chimpanzees at Kumamoto Sanctuary, I made a modified device enabling a novel layered task structure with multiple stages of extraction, similar to some foraging tasks requiring multiple steps to complete in the wild. Then, this task was presented to two chimpanzee groups with different previous knowledge of the visual cues (food hidden inside). The chimpanzee group that did not know the visual cues of food were surprisingly motivated to investigate the novel device, though the average manipulation time and the extraction success of this group was significantly lower than the other group that had the visual information. The application of this kind of layered structures for enrichment tasks and the investigation of social learning was discussed. Secondly, I built another foraging device based on the broad idea obtained from the first study. This device requires the participant to insert a stick and hold it for about 6 seconds to obtain food, whose action form is similar to that of the termite fishing in wild chimpanzees. While being easy to manipulate, the device works in a completely different mechanism (using coded circuit board) from the real termite fishing. However, when operated correctly, 10 red LED lights in the device will turn on sequential, forming a visual indicator for the required solution to this device, “getting 10 lights on leading to food reward”. Chimpanzees were first offered baseline tests in social context to confirm that none of them could solve the task via individual learning. Then, conspecific models were trained and are currently introduced into the group in two conditions, first without visual feedback (LED lights covered) and then with visual feedback, to check whether other individuals can socially learn the solution. The results would indicate the interaction of action form and visual information on the social learning process.

Date: 22th October  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter: 服部円　Madoka Hattori

Title: 「ネコーヒト間関係の形態・生理・行動学的検討」
Morphological, Behavioral, and Physiological Studies on Cat-Human Relationships

Abstract:

This study focuses on the relationship between cats (Felis silvestris catus) and humans and investigates three aspects of cat morphology, behavior, and physiology. Cats have become established as pets, and the number of cats kept as pets is increasing. However, there are few scientific studies on cats, and many aspects of their ecology and behavior remain unknown. This study clarified how cats change through their interaction with humans and their inherent characteristics. In the first study, we focused on the morphology of cat faces and measured the distance between the eyes and nose of African wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) and cats. As a result, it was shown that the morphology of cat faces changes to a baby schema that humans find cute through interaction with humans. Furthermore, when the position of the eyes and nose was manipulated using morphing technology, it was found that the position of the cat's eyes and nose also affects human preferences. In the second study, we focused on cat personality traits. We hypothesized that cats that are afraid of humans may have complex personality traits similar to human infants, and conducted a questionnaire survey of cat owners to investigate three personality traits: shyness, fear, and approach. The results showed that some cats showed complex personality traits that mixed fear and approach, similar to the shyness seen in human infants, especially in male cats and former stray cats. The third study used oxytocin, which is associated with bonding between human mothers and infants, and between dogs and owners. When cats were administered oxytocin, male cats increased the amount of time they made eye contact with humans. However, unlike dogs, this effect was only seen in male cats, and no difference was found between owners and strangers. The reason for this male-specific effect may be due to the anxiety-reducing properties of oxytocin in cats. The lack of differences between owners and strangers may suggest that differences in the social structure of dogs (who form groups) and cats (who are solitary) influenced the results. The results of these three studies suggest that cats undergo morphological changes through interactions with humans, show behavioral changes in their relationships with humans, and experience physiological effects similar to those seen in dogs. This study suggests that the relationship between cats and humans is complex and that it may be possible to propose better environments for cats and humans to coexist.

https://www.wrc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/news/2024/2024-10-15.html

Date: 8th Oct.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter: Ena Onishi 

Title: Contagious urination: exploration of chimpanzee urination behavior
Language: English
Abstract:

Urinating together with others is a particular form of behavioral synchrony that is commonly seen in various forms of art. However, the social factors influencing the occurrence of synchronized urination have not attracted serious scientific attention. We conducted direct observations of four groups of five captive chimpanzees each (N=20) at Kyoto University’s Kumamoto Sanctuary for 604 cumulative hours. First, to comprehensively document urination behavior, we calculated the frequency of urination events during both daytime and nighttime periods. Then, to assess synchronization, we compared our observational data to computer-simulated sessions. The findings indicated a significant level of synchronization in the observed urination events, surpassing that observed in the simulations. Next, we employed generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to investigate the role of contagion. We found that proximity to a urinating individual had a significant effect on the likelihood of urination (p < 0.01), providing compelling evidence for contagion in the urination behavior of chimpanzees. Finally, we explored the social characteristics of initiators and followers, considering social dominance and social centrality to discern social patterns of contagion. We found a significant effect of dominance status, with lower-ranking individuals more likely to follow the urination of higher-ranking individuals (p < 0.01). Our findings therefore suggest that urination in captive chimpanzees exhibits clear signs of behavioral contagion and may provide insights into the social dimension of urination behavior.

Title："Bonobo social foraging: ecological correlates of grouping and movement patterns"

Language:  English

Abstract：As one of our closest relatives that share with us many unique social tendencies, bonobos (Pan paniscus) play an important role in understanding hominin social evolution. Bonobos are large-bodied social primates that feed primarily on ripe fruit, a patchy and seasonal resource. Therefore, their grouping patterns and social organization are generally considered in the context of food competition. Here, a first study tested whether seasonal food scarcity affects bonobo social organization. At a new study site camera traps were deployed to record bonobo groups (parties) with concurrent fruit surveys for one year. This revealed a small impact of fruit distribution on bonobo party size but no impact on female-gregariousness, a distinct feature of bonobo fission-fusion grouping patterns. A second study examined the foraging patterns of habituated bonobos at Wamba to see if bonobos target fruits with characteristics associated with lower competition. Ecological characteristics of all consumed fruits were measured to determine if bonobo parties move is more rapid and linear manner towards short lasting, synchronous fruits and spatially clustered fruits in larger patches. Despite data limitations, this study found differences in linearity towards different fruits and plant life forms and rapid linear movement towards short-lasting foods, supporting bonobo selectivity in foraging. Such spatially-targeted group mobility indicates a foraging strategy that could potentially help explain the stable social cohesiveness of foraging bonobo groups. Together these studies found that social features such as female gregariousness are resilient to fruit seasonality contrary to predictions of food competition and that bonobos feed in a selective goal-oriented manner that might facilitate such sociality.  

7/23（火） 犬山キャンパス大会議室・野生動物研究センター地下会議室（zoomハイブリッド）

July 23rd (Tue) Large conference room at Inuyama campus and WRC, and Zoom

14:00 - 14:30 DASHTI RAHMATABADI SARV（高次脳機能・M2）

14:30 - 15:30 Morgane Clodette Longuet（系統発生・D3）

Presenter 1 ：Chinatsu Nishimoto   Chairperson: Mayako Fujihara

Title： Investigation of in vitro maturation medium for domestic cat oocytes to apply for assisted reproductive technology（ART) in wild cats

Language:  English (slides) & Japanese (talk)

Abstract：Many wild felids are threatened as endangered and their captive breeding need the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART), including oocytes in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF).  IVM, followed by IVF, has the advantage of utilizing oocytes from ovaries obtained after ovariohysterectomy or death for future reproduction as genetic resources. However, the success rate of IVM in felids are still very low. Using domestic cats (Felis catus) as a model of wild feline species, we aimed to develop the optimal culture condition for oocytes IVM for future application for IVF. Oocytes were collected from domestic cat ovaries one day after ovariectomy to imitate the ovarian condition of individuals who had died in the wild. We investigated the effects of the activators of sirtuin gene, which helps maintain cell function, including oxidative stress and energy metabolism—nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and niacin (NA) on the oocyte maturation. Oocytes were cultured with three different concentrations of NMN (10, 100, 1000 µM) and of NA (10, 100, 400 µM) for 28 h and, their effects on oocyte maturation were evaluated by tubulin staining.  Supplementing with NMN on the IVM medium had no effect on maturation rate; however, the addition of 100µM and 400µM NA on maturation medium enhanced the cat oocyte maturation. Results of this study indicate that supplementation of NA improved oocyte maturation potential of domestic cat oocytes. This study provided the improvement of oocytes IVM medium by supplementation NA in domestic cats as a potentially applicable condition for wild felids.

Presenter 2： Ena Onishi     Chairperson: Yige Piao

Title：Preliminary thesis plan presentation

Language:  English (both slides and talk)

Abstract：This presentation outlines the preliminary structure of my upcoming doctoral thesis. Firstly, the general results of urination behavior in captive chimpanzees will be introduced. Urination is a universal behavior observed in most mammals, yet it has received minimal scientific attention, including in our evolutionary neighbors, the chimpanzees. A comprehensive understanding and documentation of urination behavior in captivity can also benefit both zookeeping practices and research utilizing urine samples. Secondly, our findings reveal that urination in chimpanzees is synchronized and contagious among proximate ingroup members, with the contagion pattern influenced by social factors. These results highlight the potential functional importance of urination in group-living animals. Lastly, the preliminary results of a urination experiment will be presented.

Presenter 3： Honoka Tanohata    Chairperson: Fitri Suhaimi

Title：My future research plan & Travel report

Language:  Slides(English＆Japanese) and Talk(English)

Abstract：The Borneo elephant is endemic to the island of Borneo. However, in recent years, large-scale palm plantations have expanded in Borneo for palm oil production, leading to issues such as habitat loss and conflicts with local residents for the elephants. If elephants and other large frugivorous animals become extinct, the dispersal of seeds from large-seeded plants will be hindered, resulting in loss of forest and animal diversity. Therefore, I plan to conduct research at the master's and doctoral levels focusing on finding a compromise between elephant conservation and human economic activities.

I aim to study elephant herd structure, seed dispersal, and local attitudes toward elephants. Initially, during my master's program, I will investigate elephant herd structure. For this purpose, I will collect samples from elephant dung and use DNA analysis to determine information such as sex, kinship, and age.

I recently conducted research in Sabah, Borneo, from June 21 to July 5, and will provide a report on my findings.

2024年7月9日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 9th July.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Haruka Shima Chairperson: Momoka Suzuki

Title： My past research and future research plan
Language:     Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese)
Abstract：【Past research】In my graduation research, I conducted the experiment about “Examination of water-mass recruitment hypothesis in reef-building coral (Acropora gemmifera) by analyzing the control groups”. Larval's new recruitment patterns primarily affect population dynamics, including genetic diversity. Corals release their eggs and sperms on the night, and after fertilization at the sea surface, they disperse while transforming into planula larvae. In the previous lab, we proposed the “water mass hypothesis,” which suggests that the sister larvae population is born by neighboring colonies, and those larvae are enclosed in a water mass and conveyed, resulting in dense settlement. A previous study showed that neighboring colonies of similar size were supposed to be sisters since they shared small numbers of alleles. To verify the hypothesis, I extracted DNA from 19 distant colonies of reef-building coral as controls and tried to determine sequences of microsatellite WGS112 for 64 plasmid clones to identify alleles, but the target sequences were not obtained.

【Future research plan】Sleep is essential for organisms to maintain their lives. Sleep is defined as following a circadian rhythm, specific posture, low reaction to the stimuli, etc. When the animals do not get enough sleep, their brain function and homeostasis do not work properly; in contrast, sleeping too much reduces foraging time and increases the risk of attack by enemies. Thus, animals need to sleep appropriately while making trade-offs with various behaviors. And the sleep styles have evolved in response to the environment and life history strategies. I am especially interested in the marine mammals that sleep in or beside the water despite they are lung-breathing animals. I would like to investigate how marine mammals have evolved their sleeping styles to adapt to living underwater. I conducted preliminary observations and was interested in two phenomena: (i) Seals sleeping with their faces submerged in water. (ii) Northern fur seals resting in a posture called “jug handling.” I will observe these unique sleeping behaviors of both captive and free-ranging marine mammals to discover their adaptation strategies to the underwater environment

Presenter 2： Madoka Ono Chairperson: Momoka Suzuki

Title： My past research and future research plan
Language:   Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese)
Abstract：I will present only my future research plan.

In  master’s course, I plan to conduct the research about the fishery damage caused by killer whales (Orcinus orca). The fishery damage caused by killer whales has been reported in several foreign countries. However, fishery damage caused by killer whales in Japan, mainly occurs off the coast of Kushiro, Hokkaido, first came to attention in 2020. Also, it is reported that killer whales in Hokkaido prefer to eat only Slime flounders (Microstomus achne). Therefore, in my research, I  would like to find out why the killer whales attack only Slime Flounders at the bottom of gill nets off Kushiro.

Presenter 3： Yige Piao Chairperson: Ena Onishi

Title：  An eye-tracking study of visual attention in chimpanzees and bonobos when viewing different tool-using techniques
Language:    English (both slides and talk)
Abstract：Chimpanzees and bonobos are highly proficient tool users and can socially learn various tool-using behaviors. Previous studies on social learning mainly measure success/failure in acquiring a new skill, with less direct measurement of proximate mechanisms such as visual attention during the process. This study investigates how chimpanzees and bonobos attend to tool-use demonstrations as measured through eye-tracking. After checking initial techniques, six chimpanzees and six bonobos were shown video demonstrations of human models using a tube to dip (low-efficiency) or suck (high-efficiency) the juice and, following each demonstration, given the opportunity to try it themselves. Attention to each video was compared to the knowledge of each participant. As a resultAlthough, no individuals acquired the high-efficiency technique through the human video demonstration of human models, eye-tracking results revealed attentional differences between individuals knowing different techniques. Compared with individuals familiar with both techniques, individuals knowing only the dipping technique showed less attention to human demonstration of the unfamiliar sucking technique. This result indicates that apes may not attend much to what they do not understand well, which may align with explain some previous studies reporting chimpanzees’ failure in social learning from humans. Eye-tracking results showed that tThe general pattern of visual attention to specific Area of Interest (AOI) was alike between the two species, though a tendency towards more attention to faces in bonobos and food in chimps was detected. Moreover, attentional differences between individuals with different techniques were observed. Compared with individuals familiar with both techniques, individuals knowing only the dipping technique showed significantly less attention to human demonstration of the unfamiliar sucking technique. Thus, apes may not attend much to what they do not understand well. This study emphasizes the importance of detailed investigation using eye-tracking and conspecific models for future studies on social learning.

2024年7月2日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 2nd July.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1：  Momoka Suzuki     Chairperson： Yoko Mitani

Title： Interim report of master’s thesis: Whole mitochondrial genome analysis of killer whales (Orcinus orca) around Hokkaido

Language:    Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese)

Abstract：Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are recognized in multiple ecotypes based on morphology, prey preference, social behaviors, and vocalization worldwide, and the ecotypes have genetical difference. In the North Pacific, there are at least three genetically different ecotypes, “Transient”, “Resident”, and “Offshore”. Previous studies identified clear differentiations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes of the ecotypes. Killer whales are also found around Hokkaido, Japan. At-sea observation outlined killer whales' distribution, and diet estimation depicted their feeding habits around Hokkaido. In comparison, few studies were conducted on ecotypes of killer whales around Hokkaido using genetic analysis. A recent study revealed that there are a mammal-eating group (Transient) and a fish-eating group (Resident / Offshore) by analyzing cytochrome b and partial control region in mtDNA. However, these regions were not long enough to discriminate between Resident and Offshore ecotypes. In this study, I analyzed the whole mitochondrial genome sequences of fifteen killer whales sampled around Hokkaido to comprehensively and precisely identify the ecotypes. I purified genomic DNA from nine skin samples taken from whales stranded in 2005 and six biopsied samples sampled in 2013-2017. Mitochondrial genomes were amplified by PCR and subject to an Illumina NovaSeq6000 for sequencing. After assembling mitochondrial genome sequences, I reconstructed both a maximum-likelihood tree and a haplotype network according to previous reports on the sequences of Resident, Transient, and Offshore killer whales. The results showed that eleven samples clustered with Transient, four samples clustered with Resident, and no individuals clustered with Offshore ecotypes. Besides, the whole mitochondrial genome and control region haplotypes were discriminated to find out the genetic lineage of the killer whales around Hokkaido..

Presenter 2：  Ayumi Ogawa     Chairperson： Yeonju Lee

Title：   Interim report of my research on feral horses
Language:     Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese)
Abstract： Many social animals engage in joint action, but only humans and some primates have been shown to experience behavioral coordination and a sense of mutual obligation for participants to achieve their goals. In my study, I examine whether communication as behavioral coordination occurs during the entry phase of mutual grooming in horses. In my interim report, I will share the results of our analysis based on the videos taken in Portugal and the results so far on the fieldwork in Cape Toi, which I have been conducting until last month.

Presenter 3 ：  Mohamed     Chairperson  ： Zemmoto

Title： Genetic Diversity and estimated origin of critically endangered captive population of Black rhinoceros in Japan: Implication for future conservation and Breeding
Language:    Slides (English) and Talk (English)
Abstract： In this interim report, I will present the findings of my research that focused on elucidating the genetic diversity of captive Black rhinoceros here in Japan and estimate possible geographical origin through comparison with published genetic information of wild individuals. I applied 12 molecular markers targeting the mitochondrial DNA control region and 11 microsatellite markers for such determinations. The results obtained showed a considerable loss in mitochondrial DNA control region diversity and improved nuclear DNA variation of Japanese captive individuals. Moreover, genetic structure analysis revealed a possible geographical origin of the Japanese population being Eastern African countries from either Kenya, Tanzania or the Democratic Republic of Congo. I will also share my future plans.   

2024年6月25日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 25th June.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1：  Hizuki Nakamura     Chairperson： Alisa Tobe

Title： My past experience and research plan

Language:    Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese)

Abstract： When I was an undergraduate, I intended to do research on "conservation genetics of Stumpy bagrid catfish", but due to mental illness I was unable to complete my graduation thesis. Therefore, I have nothing to say about my past research. Thus, the first part of my presentation will be a brief talk of my usual activities, that is, birdwatching. The next part of my presentation will focus on my research project, "Conservation genetics of the Red-crowned Crane and other Japanese cranes by comparing genetic diversity". Japanese population of the Red-crowned Crane experienced a rapid population decline in the past and subsequently recovered, but a serious bottleneck may have resulted in significant decrease in genetic diversity and loss of disease resistance. Considering the recent avian influenza pandemic, the loss of genetic diversity is an extremely important factor for cranes, whose wintering areas tend to be concentrated in a nearly single location, which could lead to a drastic decline in population size due to a pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the extinction risk of Japanese population of the Red-crowned Crane from a conservation genetics perspective by comparing genetic diversity with other Japanese cranes and continental populations of the red-crowned crane.

Presenter 2： Fadel   Chairperson： Alisa Tobe

Title： Interim Report of My Genetic Research of White-tailed Eagle
Language:    Slides (English) and Talk (English)
Abstract： In this interim report, I will present my ongoing genetic research of white-tailed eagles, focusing on the Japanese population and comparing it with published European/North Atlantic samples. Whole-genome analyses aimed to elucidate population structure, genetic diversity, and past population demography, were conducted. The results show possible population structuring within Japan, and better genetic health of the Japanese samples compared to the European samples. Future plans of this research will also be presented.

Presenter 3 ：  Mayu Shimada     Chairperson  ： Shinya Yamamoto

Title： My past research and future research plan
Language:   Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese)
Abstract： In my graduation research, I focused on subadult male-female pairs of large-billed crows. To test the hypothesis that female crows guard their potential mate from their rivals, I presented rival females or non-rival females to 3 male-female pairs and recorded allopreening behavior in each pair. The results supported my hypothesis, suggesting that female crows guard their potential mate from their rival females by showing off the pair’s relationship. In my master’s course, I plan to investigate whether prestige strategy can be observed in chimpanzees and, if so, what kind of features of individual facilitate the acquisition of prestige. Prestige is the freely conferred deference for possessing skills or knowledge, which is considered a unique strategy in human society. However, skills and knowledge play an important role also in some other animal species such as chimpanzees and bonobos, so they may also employ prestige strategy. I will examine the influence of demonstrating a skill on the centrality of a skilled individual. Furthermore, I will explore the relationship between prestige and prosociality of individuals or learnability of skills by using this procedure. 

Presenter 1：Muhammad Nur Fitri Bin Suhaimi (Fitsu)      Chairperson: Mohamed 

Title： My past research and future research plan
Language:   Slides (English) and Talk (English)
Abstract：  In this presentation, I will discuss my previous research titled "Activity Budgets of Adult and Juvenile Dusky Langurs (Trachypithecus obscurus) and Their Home Range in Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia." Dusky langurs are folivores that inhabit primary forests, old-growth secondary forests, and disturbed forests, as well as parks and urban areas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists their populations as declining, currently classifying them as Endangered. Due to their shy nature, there is a lack of field studies on this species, particularly in Penang, Malaysia. Dusky langurs in Penang face threats such as deforestation, habitat loss and fragmentation, road kills, and the pet trade. This study aims to enhance our understanding of their ecology and behaviors to develop an effective conservation management plan for the species. Next, I will outline my future research plan titled "Population Dynamics of Proboscis Monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) and the Environmental Factors Affecting Their Interspecies Encounters and Behaviors with Sympatric Monkeys in Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia." While interspecific associations have been extensively documented among monkeys in the Neotropics and Africa, as well as among great apes, there is a significant lack of such studies in Asia. This research aims to investigate the interspecific interactions between proboscis monkeys and sympatric monkeys in a flooded habitat. Additionally, this study will be interested in examining the changes in the proboscis monkey population over a 20-year period, potentially influenced by deforestation for agricultural purposes.

Presenter 2：  Liu Liu     Chairperson： Fitri Suhaimi

Title： Introduction of my Past Experience and Current Research Plan
Language:    Slides (English) and Talk (English)
Abstract： In my undergraduate research, my primary focus was on education, sexuality, and society. However, after encountering a wide range of complex and challenging information, I came to understand that to truly grasp the nature of humanity, it is essential to look beyond the human perspective. One promising avenue for such insights is studying bonobos, our closest relatives. Examining their social interactions during encounters and partings can reveal the intricacies of human social bonds and attachment formation. To further explore these connections, an analysis of reunion responses under different separation conditions is proposed. This approach involves observing how bonobos respond to separation under different visual conditions, thereby testing the visual exposure hypothesis. By systematically studying these reunion behaviors, it is possible to draw parallels and contrast them with human social and attachment behaviors, providing deeper insights into the fundamental nature of social bonding and attachment in both species.

Presenter 3 ：  Shimei Shirasawa     Chairperson  ： Not Decided

Title：   Interim report of the current work
Language:   Slides (English) & Talk (Japanese)
Abstract： I am studying how grooming, which is known as an affiliative behavior, influences the facial temperature of female Japanese macaques by using an Infrared Thermal Camera. To visualise the environmental factors, I set up a thermo hygrometer to measure the temperature and humidity of the island during the experiment. Additionally, I have purchased a device to measure luminosity to account for light strength. I have also collected data on monkeys displaying grimace or evasion behaviours when encountering other individuals, allowing me to establish a brief ranking of the female monkeys of the Main group. Furthermore, I am working on creating a relationship graph based on the observed grooming interactions.

2024年6月4日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 4th June.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Gakuto Ogawa   Chairperson  ： Alisa Tobe

Title：  Relationship between stress hormone changes and behavioral changes in Tsushima leopard cats
Language:  Slides (English) & Talk (Japanese)
Abstract： Stress hormones can either improve or reduce cognitive function in animals. Stress during the reintroduction process can impair an animal's ability to remember or learn the location of resources. Then I focas on what kinds of events are stress factors and what kinds of behaviors are caused by stress. This time I will present a method for analyzing the behavior of Tsushima leopard cats and a method for verifying stress factors.

Presenter 2 ： Madoka Hattori   Chairperson  ： Gakuto Ogawa

Title：  Morphological, Behavioral, and Physiological Studies of Cat-Human Relationships
Language:   Slides (English) & Talk (Japanese)
Abstract： I have examined the relationship between domestic cats and humans from morphology, behavior, and physiology. ①Changes in the facial morphology of cats due to interactions with humans. ②Characteristics of cats with a shy personality.③ How exogenous oxytocin affects cats' behavior towards humans. This is a preliminary presentation of the structure of my doctoral thesis.

2024年5月21日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 21st May.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Marie Seki

Title：  Interspecies Relationship Assessment of Deer and Tsushima leopard cat
Language:  Slides (English) & Talk (Japanese)
Abstract： Tsushima leopard cat is an endangered animal, number of its habitat is below 100. One of the causes is the vegetation damage due to the Tsushima deer. As Master's thesis, I focus on the evaluation of environmental change and how it affects the habitat of the Tsushima leopard cat. This time I’ll also introduce the cause of this decrease, and activities for its conservation.

タイトル：目視手法と受動的音響手法を用いた知床半島周辺海域における海棲哺乳類の時空間分布の解明 (Spatial-temporal distribution of marine mammals around Shiretoko Peninsula using sighting survey and passive acoustic methods) 

Title: The impacts of environmental conditions on the feeding habits of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in eastern Hokkaido.

Title：  Introduction of a paper: Caicoya, A. L., Colell, M., & Amici, F. (2023). Giraffes make decisions based on statistical information. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 5558

Language:  English (Slides & Talk)

Abstract： I will introduce this paper about statistical estimation in giraffes. I will first take a brief overview of papers on giraffe cognition, and then introduce this paper in detail. In this study, the authors did a face-to-face cognitive test to see if giraffes have the ability to make statistical inferences. They used a food choice task of different conditions. The giraffes showed a certain level of ability to use statistical information, although they didn't pass all the conditions. The paper ended with anticipation of future directions on cognitive studies using ungulates. 

Presenter 1 ： David Fasbender

Title：  Assessing the distribution and Ecology of the Bonobos of the Lomami National Park with a Combination of Indirect Methods
Language:   English (Slides & Talk)

PhD thesis concept presentation

Abstract： As one of our closest relatives that share with us many unique social tendencies, bonobos (Pan paniscus) play an important role in understanding hominin social evolution. Like our ancestors bonobos are large-bodied social primates that feed primarily on ripe fruit, a patchy and seasonal resource. Therefore, their grouping patterns and social organization are generally considered in the context of food competition. Here, a first study tested whether seasonal food scarcity affects bonobo social organization. At a new study site camera traps were deployed to record bonobo groups (parties) with concurrent fruit surveys for one year. This revealed a small impact of fruit distribution on bonobo party size but no impact on female-gregariousness, a unique feature of bonobo fission-fusion grouping patterns. A second study examined the foraging patterns of habituated bonobos at Wamba to see if bonobos target fruits with characteristics associated with lower competition. Ecological characteristics of all consumed fruits were measured to determine if bonobo parties move is more rapid and linear manner towards short lasting, synchronous fruits and spatially clustered fruits in larger patches. Despite data limitations, this study found rapid linear movement towards certain favorite and short-lasting foods, supporting bonobo selectivity in foraging. Such spatially-targeted group mobility indicates a foraging strategy that could potentially help explain the stable social cohesiveness of foraging bonobo groups. Together these studies found that social features such as female gregariousness are resilient to fruit seasonality contrary to predictions of food competition and that bonobos feed in a selective goal-oriented manner that might facilitate such sociality.  .

Presenter 2： Rentaro Kimpara

Title：  Relationship between contact calls and group cohesion in Japanese macaques in Yakushima Island
Language:   Slides (English) and Talk (Japanese)
Abstract：In this presentation, I will report on the progress of my master's research and this year's research plans. Keeping Group cohesion is important for receiving the benefit of group living. Vocal communication is effective for primates living in visually poor environments such as forests. On Yakushima Island, contact calls appear to play an important role in maintaining group cohesion due to the low visibility of the habitat. However, it is unclear whether contact calls could affect group cohesion in Japanese macaques. In my master’s research, we will investigate the relationships between contact calls and group cohesion. Preliminary research was conducted between October and December last year. After identifying individuals, behavioral data and vocal data were collected from females over 5 years of age. We analyzed group cohesion using the same method as the previous research. In addition, a recent vocal individual identification method was applied to three individuals. The results showed that group cohesion was somewhat different from the previous study.  Moreover, the possibility was suggested that individuals could be identified from the contact calls. Data collection is planned for May-July and September-November and these plans will also be presented.

1: General instruction about presentations and participation in the seminar, by Mitani-sensei

2: Itahara-san's presentation

3: Hirata-sensei's presentation 

Please note: We will have Mitani-sensei's Orientation about WRC seminars before presentations.

2024年4月9日(火)　13:15～ @seminar room + zoom

Date: 9th April.  (Tue)  13:15-  @seminar room + zoom 

Presenter 1 ： Akihiro Itahara

Title： Gaze tracking of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) in a motion capture system
Language:   English
Abstract：Previous studies often inferred the focus of a bird's attention from its head movements because it provides important clues about their perception and cognition. However, it remains challenging to do so accurately, as the details of how they orient their visual field toward the visual targets remain largely unclear. We thus examined visual field configurations and the visual field use of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler 1827). We used an established ophthalmoscopic reflex technique to identify the visual field configuration, including the binocular width and optical axes, as well as the degree of eye movement. A newly established motion capture system was then used to track the head movements of freely moving crows to examine how they oriented their reconstructed visual fields toward attention-getting objects. When visual targets were moving, the crows frequently used their binocular visual fields, particularly around the projection of the beak-tip. When the visual targets stopped moving, crows frequently used non-binocular visual fields, particularly around the regions where their optical axes were found. On such occasions, the crows slightly preferred the right eye. Overall, the visual field use of crows is clearly predictable. Thus, while the untracked eye movements could introduce some level of uncertainty (typically within 15 deg), we demonstrated the feasibility of inferring a crow's attentional focus by 3D tracking of their heads. Our system represents a promising initial step towards establishing gaze tracking methods for studying corvid behavior and cognition. In this talk, I will briefly discuss the results from my previous experiments on communication through gaze, gaze following, and anticipatory looking.

Presenter 2： Satoshi Hirata

Title： Measuring heart rate in captive chimpanzees without anesthesia
Language:   English and Japanese
Abstract：I will explain about one of my recent studies, an abstract of

which is pasted below, and also explains about the process of writing and

submitting a manuscript for a scientific journal.

Heart rate measurements can be a useful way to monitor both physical and mental condition in human and nonhuman animals. Yet, information about heart rate in chimpanzees, who are phylogenetically the closest species to humans, is scarce. Existing data about chimpanzee heart rate have mainly been collected from chimpanzees under anesthesia. To address this issue, we conducted electrocardiogram recordings in captive chimpanzees under normal conditions without anesthesia based on positive reinforcement husbandry training. We obtained a total of 771 recordings from 35 individuals (22 males and 13 females, 14¬–53 years old) with no cardiac problems. The results showed that females had a higher heart rate than male chimpanzees, and that heart rate decreased as a function of age. In addition, heart rate was lower in the morning and increased during the day. Overall, the mean heart rate of adult males was 86.5 beats/min, and that of female chimpanzees was 106.4 beats/min. Our data could serve as a reference point for future research and health-based monitoring of chimpanzee heart rate.