Fred Koontz - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Fred Koontz
Journal of Wildlife Management, Apr 1, 1999
\Ve developed a new technique to quantify home ranges by using coordinate-based data that were co... more \Ve developed a new technique to quantify home ranges by using coordinate-based data that were collected at srnall time intenals and entered into a Geographic Information System (GIS). We used this technique (digitized polygons [DP]) and 4 other established methods to estimate home range sizes of groups of black howler monkeys (Alorrana pigra). \Ve calculated the size of the area used by the study groups during the study period. The D P niethod used all available data points, excluded lacunae within home ranges, and accounted for spread of the group. The D P estimates of home range size were compared with 4 widely used methods: n~inimunl convex polygon (MCP), grid-cell (G C) ,95% Ilarmonic mean (HM), and 95% adaptive kernel (AK!. Sizes of home ranges ranged fro,* 1 to 62 ha. Results of all procedures were strongly correlated tP < 0.001), altholigh each gave very different estimates of home range sizes. The D P estimates were smaller than AK (P < 0.039) and hiCP (P < 0.002) estimates and consistently (although not significantly) larger than GC: niethods (P = 0.99). There was no statistically significant or consistent difference behveen DP and Hki estimates. Digitized polygons required the investigator to select path width and size of lacunae to exclude, but these decisions can be based upon biologicrtl information. This method may be the most appropriate technique to deter~nirle Ilorne range size with autocorrelated location data that can be converted to day-range paths.
International Zoo Yearbook, 1995
International Zoo Yearbook, Dec 18, 2007
Journal of Mammalogy, Feb 25, 1986
... (1982). All occurrences of the following behaviors (described in Koontz, 1984) were recorded ... more ... (1982). All occurrences of the following behaviors (described in Koontz, 1984) were recorded on standardized check sheets: Interaction behavior: approach to within one body-length. ... Agonistic behaviors: bite intention; bite lunge; chase. ...
Primates, Jul 1, 1992
Feeding trials were conducted with a troop of six proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) at the New... more Feeding trials were conducted with a troop of six proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) at the New York Zoological Park to quantify aspects of digestive physiology. Diets consumed comprised, on an as-fed basis, 55~ browse and green produce, 1107o fruit, 9070 commercial primate diets, 9070 root vegetables, and 1607o miscellaneous items. Total feed intake averaged 1207o of body mass; dry matter intake was 307o. Dry matter and plant cell wall disappearance exceeded 80070. Passage marker studies (three 6-day trials) revealed: transit time = 14 hr; mean passage time = 49 hr; and 5-8007o retention time = 52 hr. Digestion coefficients and retention times were greater than expected based on body size. These results might reflect the low fiber content of the diets fed, or alternatively, provide evidence that proboscis monkeys are efficient digesters of cell wall constituents.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Aug 16, 2022
into industrial (Superfund site), suburban, and rural development zones. Concentrations of polych... more into industrial (Superfund site), suburban, and rural development zones. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ether flameretardants (PBDEs), dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increased significantly with increasing urbanization, and were best predicted by models that included development zone, suggesting that river otters are effective biomonitors, as defined in this study. Diet also played an important role, with lipid content, δ 15 N or both included in all best models. We recommend river otter scat be included in evaluating restoration efforts in this Superfund site, and as a potentially useful monitoring tool wherever otters are found. We also report ΣPCB and ΣPAH exposures among the highest published for wild river otters, with almost 70% of samples in the Superfund site exceeding established levels of concern.
Columbia University Press eBooks, Dec 31, 2005
Reproduction, Nov 1, 1982
Vaginal smears, vaginal secretion, serial laparotomy and behavioural observations were used to de... more Vaginal smears, vaginal secretion, serial laparotomy and behavioural observations were used to determine oestrous cycle length. The modal oestrous cycle length was 13 days (range 6\p=n-\19 days). Ovulation in this elephant-shrew was spontaneous, with 1\p=n-\2follicles ovulated per cycle.
Mammalian Species, Dec 15, 1983
International Zoo Yearbook, 1983
Springer eBooks, 1999
The rufous elephant-shrew (Elephantulus rufescens), a monomorphic species found in the dry bushla... more The rufous elephant-shrew (Elephantulus rufescens), a monomorphic species found in the dry bushlands of East Africa, possesses a sternal gland that is used in scent marking. We examined the anatomy and maturation of the sternal gland of captive E. rufescens, and we identified some of the volatile compounds it secretes. Histological observations reveal that the gland contains primarily sebaceous components, but apocrine components also are observed. The sternal gland begins secreting at approximately 5.4 weeks of age, when E. rufescens begins to exhibit other adult features. Glands are larger in males than females, despite the fact that females are dominant. Gland activity was greatest in heterosexually paired males, and did not vary seasonally. Gas chromatograms indicate more than 100 components in the secretions of adult males and females. Thirty-seven compounds, including four hydrocarbons, 10 fatty acids, 14 esters, four alcohols, one sterol, one aldehyde, one ketone, one amine, and one nitrile, were tentatively identified by mass spectra.
Animal Conservation, May 1, 2000
Habitat selection by translocated black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) was studied in Belize, Ce... more Habitat selection by translocated black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) was studied in Belize, Central America. Ranging patterns of two recently translocated groups were contrasted with those of two groups in the same area with established home ranges, on a yearly and monthly basis. All groups concentrated their activities along stream beds at elevations below 200 m. Newly translocated groups increased the percentage of their monthly ranges in riverine areas (within 100 m of a water source) over the year of the study (with the exception of the last month) while established groups did not. Areas used more than five times by the monkeys contained larger trees and a greater relative coverage of major food species than low-use areas even though they had a lower overall species richness and diversity. These monkeys may be selecting habitat within the forest based upon vegetative differences and ranging patterns may be affected by patterns of food availability.
The rufous elephant-shrew (Elephantulus rufescens), a monomorphic species found in the dry bushla... more The rufous elephant-shrew (Elephantulus rufescens), a monomorphic species found in the dry bushlands of East Africa, possesses a sternal gland that is used in scent marking. We examined the anatomy and maturation of the sternal gland of captive E. rufescens, and we identified some of the volatile compounds it secretes. Histological observations reveal that the gland contains primarily sebaceous components, but apocrine components also are observed. The sternal gland begins secreting at approximately 5.4 weeks of age, when E. rufescens begins to exhibit other adult features. Glands are larger in males than females, despite the fact that females are dominant. Gland activity was greatest in heterosexually paired males, and did not vary seasonally. Gas chromatograms indicate more than 100 components in the secretions of adult males and females. Thirty-seven compounds, including four hydrocarbons, 10 fatty acids, 14 esters, four alcohols, one sterol, one aldehyde, one ketone, one amine, and one nitrile, were tentatively identified by mass spectra.
... From the Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA (Thomas, Cook, Doherty, Ko... more ... From the Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA (Thomas, Cook, Doherty, Koontz); and Fordham University, Bronx, New York ... Carey Yeager and John Wehr for their advice on experimental de sign, and keepers Ralph Aversa, Gil Gordian, Toby Lawston ...
CABI One Health, Apr 28, 2022
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
River otters (Lontra canadensis) are apex predators that bioaccumulate contaminants via their die... more River otters (Lontra canadensis) are apex predators that bioaccumulate contaminants via their diet, potentially serving as biomonitors of watershed health. They reside throughout the Green-Duwamish River, WA (USA), a watershed encompassing an extreme urbanization gradient, including a US Superfund site slated for a 17-year remediation. The objectives of this study were to document baseline contaminant levels in river otters, assess otters’ utility as top trophic-level biomonitors of contaminant exposure, and evaluate the potential for health impacts on this species. We measured a suite of contaminants of concern, lipid content, nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N), and microsatellite DNA markers in 69 otter scat samples collected from twelve sites. Landcover characteristics were used to group sampling sites into industrial (Superfund site), suburban, and rural development zones. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ether flame-retardants (PBDEs), di...
Reproduction, 1982
Vaginal smears, vaginal secretion, serial laparotomy and behavioural observations were used to de... more Vaginal smears, vaginal secretion, serial laparotomy and behavioural observations were used to determine oestrous cycle length. The modal oestrous cycle length was 13 days (range 6\p=n-\19 days). Ovulation in this elephant-shrew was spontaneous, with 1\p=n-\2follicles ovulated per cycle.
American Biology Teacher, 1987
Journal of Wildlife Management, Apr 1, 1999
\Ve developed a new technique to quantify home ranges by using coordinate-based data that were co... more \Ve developed a new technique to quantify home ranges by using coordinate-based data that were collected at srnall time intenals and entered into a Geographic Information System (GIS). We used this technique (digitized polygons [DP]) and 4 other established methods to estimate home range sizes of groups of black howler monkeys (Alorrana pigra). \Ve calculated the size of the area used by the study groups during the study period. The D P niethod used all available data points, excluded lacunae within home ranges, and accounted for spread of the group. The D P estimates of home range size were compared with 4 widely used methods: n~inimunl convex polygon (MCP), grid-cell (G C) ,95% Ilarmonic mean (HM), and 95% adaptive kernel (AK!. Sizes of home ranges ranged fro,* 1 to 62 ha. Results of all procedures were strongly correlated tP < 0.001), altholigh each gave very different estimates of home range sizes. The D P estimates were smaller than AK (P < 0.039) and hiCP (P < 0.002) estimates and consistently (although not significantly) larger than GC: niethods (P = 0.99). There was no statistically significant or consistent difference behveen DP and Hki estimates. Digitized polygons required the investigator to select path width and size of lacunae to exclude, but these decisions can be based upon biologicrtl information. This method may be the most appropriate technique to deter~nirle Ilorne range size with autocorrelated location data that can be converted to day-range paths.
International Zoo Yearbook, 1995
International Zoo Yearbook, Dec 18, 2007
Journal of Mammalogy, Feb 25, 1986
... (1982). All occurrences of the following behaviors (described in Koontz, 1984) were recorded ... more ... (1982). All occurrences of the following behaviors (described in Koontz, 1984) were recorded on standardized check sheets: Interaction behavior: approach to within one body-length. ... Agonistic behaviors: bite intention; bite lunge; chase. ...
Primates, Jul 1, 1992
Feeding trials were conducted with a troop of six proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) at the New... more Feeding trials were conducted with a troop of six proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) at the New York Zoological Park to quantify aspects of digestive physiology. Diets consumed comprised, on an as-fed basis, 55~ browse and green produce, 1107o fruit, 9070 commercial primate diets, 9070 root vegetables, and 1607o miscellaneous items. Total feed intake averaged 1207o of body mass; dry matter intake was 307o. Dry matter and plant cell wall disappearance exceeded 80070. Passage marker studies (three 6-day trials) revealed: transit time = 14 hr; mean passage time = 49 hr; and 5-8007o retention time = 52 hr. Digestion coefficients and retention times were greater than expected based on body size. These results might reflect the low fiber content of the diets fed, or alternatively, provide evidence that proboscis monkeys are efficient digesters of cell wall constituents.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Aug 16, 2022
into industrial (Superfund site), suburban, and rural development zones. Concentrations of polych... more into industrial (Superfund site), suburban, and rural development zones. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ether flameretardants (PBDEs), dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increased significantly with increasing urbanization, and were best predicted by models that included development zone, suggesting that river otters are effective biomonitors, as defined in this study. Diet also played an important role, with lipid content, δ 15 N or both included in all best models. We recommend river otter scat be included in evaluating restoration efforts in this Superfund site, and as a potentially useful monitoring tool wherever otters are found. We also report ΣPCB and ΣPAH exposures among the highest published for wild river otters, with almost 70% of samples in the Superfund site exceeding established levels of concern.
Columbia University Press eBooks, Dec 31, 2005
Reproduction, Nov 1, 1982
Vaginal smears, vaginal secretion, serial laparotomy and behavioural observations were used to de... more Vaginal smears, vaginal secretion, serial laparotomy and behavioural observations were used to determine oestrous cycle length. The modal oestrous cycle length was 13 days (range 6\p=n-\19 days). Ovulation in this elephant-shrew was spontaneous, with 1\p=n-\2follicles ovulated per cycle.
Mammalian Species, Dec 15, 1983
International Zoo Yearbook, 1983
Springer eBooks, 1999
The rufous elephant-shrew (Elephantulus rufescens), a monomorphic species found in the dry bushla... more The rufous elephant-shrew (Elephantulus rufescens), a monomorphic species found in the dry bushlands of East Africa, possesses a sternal gland that is used in scent marking. We examined the anatomy and maturation of the sternal gland of captive E. rufescens, and we identified some of the volatile compounds it secretes. Histological observations reveal that the gland contains primarily sebaceous components, but apocrine components also are observed. The sternal gland begins secreting at approximately 5.4 weeks of age, when E. rufescens begins to exhibit other adult features. Glands are larger in males than females, despite the fact that females are dominant. Gland activity was greatest in heterosexually paired males, and did not vary seasonally. Gas chromatograms indicate more than 100 components in the secretions of adult males and females. Thirty-seven compounds, including four hydrocarbons, 10 fatty acids, 14 esters, four alcohols, one sterol, one aldehyde, one ketone, one amine, and one nitrile, were tentatively identified by mass spectra.
Animal Conservation, May 1, 2000
Habitat selection by translocated black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) was studied in Belize, Ce... more Habitat selection by translocated black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) was studied in Belize, Central America. Ranging patterns of two recently translocated groups were contrasted with those of two groups in the same area with established home ranges, on a yearly and monthly basis. All groups concentrated their activities along stream beds at elevations below 200 m. Newly translocated groups increased the percentage of their monthly ranges in riverine areas (within 100 m of a water source) over the year of the study (with the exception of the last month) while established groups did not. Areas used more than five times by the monkeys contained larger trees and a greater relative coverage of major food species than low-use areas even though they had a lower overall species richness and diversity. These monkeys may be selecting habitat within the forest based upon vegetative differences and ranging patterns may be affected by patterns of food availability.
The rufous elephant-shrew (Elephantulus rufescens), a monomorphic species found in the dry bushla... more The rufous elephant-shrew (Elephantulus rufescens), a monomorphic species found in the dry bushlands of East Africa, possesses a sternal gland that is used in scent marking. We examined the anatomy and maturation of the sternal gland of captive E. rufescens, and we identified some of the volatile compounds it secretes. Histological observations reveal that the gland contains primarily sebaceous components, but apocrine components also are observed. The sternal gland begins secreting at approximately 5.4 weeks of age, when E. rufescens begins to exhibit other adult features. Glands are larger in males than females, despite the fact that females are dominant. Gland activity was greatest in heterosexually paired males, and did not vary seasonally. Gas chromatograms indicate more than 100 components in the secretions of adult males and females. Thirty-seven compounds, including four hydrocarbons, 10 fatty acids, 14 esters, four alcohols, one sterol, one aldehyde, one ketone, one amine, and one nitrile, were tentatively identified by mass spectra.
... From the Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA (Thomas, Cook, Doherty, Ko... more ... From the Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA (Thomas, Cook, Doherty, Koontz); and Fordham University, Bronx, New York ... Carey Yeager and John Wehr for their advice on experimental de sign, and keepers Ralph Aversa, Gil Gordian, Toby Lawston ...
CABI One Health, Apr 28, 2022
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
River otters (Lontra canadensis) are apex predators that bioaccumulate contaminants via their die... more River otters (Lontra canadensis) are apex predators that bioaccumulate contaminants via their diet, potentially serving as biomonitors of watershed health. They reside throughout the Green-Duwamish River, WA (USA), a watershed encompassing an extreme urbanization gradient, including a US Superfund site slated for a 17-year remediation. The objectives of this study were to document baseline contaminant levels in river otters, assess otters’ utility as top trophic-level biomonitors of contaminant exposure, and evaluate the potential for health impacts on this species. We measured a suite of contaminants of concern, lipid content, nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N), and microsatellite DNA markers in 69 otter scat samples collected from twelve sites. Landcover characteristics were used to group sampling sites into industrial (Superfund site), suburban, and rural development zones. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ether flame-retardants (PBDEs), di...
Reproduction, 1982
Vaginal smears, vaginal secretion, serial laparotomy and behavioural observations were used to de... more Vaginal smears, vaginal secretion, serial laparotomy and behavioural observations were used to determine oestrous cycle length. The modal oestrous cycle length was 13 days (range 6\p=n-\19 days). Ovulation in this elephant-shrew was spontaneous, with 1\p=n-\2follicles ovulated per cycle.
American Biology Teacher, 1987