@article {58485, title = {The effect of inundation on frog communities and chorusing behaviour}, journal = {Ecological Indicators}, volume = {145}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Globally, river regulation has degraded wetlands, including parts of the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), an ecologically significant basin in Australia. Frogs in a floodplain environment largely depend on habitats created by river flows, but little is known about how frogs in the northern MDB are impacted by river regulation. We tested how wetland inundation affected frogs in a catchment of the northern MDB. We surveyed frogs between 2015 and 2019 to determine long-term changes in the community composition associated with wetland inundation from river flows. Additionally, we recorded nightly soundscapes for four days before and after the arrival of river flows between 2019 and 2020. The abundance and richness of frog species increased during larger inundation events leading to altered community composition (beta diversity). Warmer temperatures increased frog species richness, and frog community dominance decreased with decreasing vegetation cover (i.e., the relative abundance became more even across species). The abundance of five frog species (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis, Limnodynastes fletcheri, Crinia parinsignifera, Litoria peronii, and Litoria latopalmata) was higher in response to increased inundation extent. The total species richness of chorusing frogs increased after the arrival of river flows; six species chorused over the four nights preceding flow, whereas eight species chorused following the flow arrival, but the responses varied among species and sites. Frog species richness increased at three sites after flows, but not at others. After inundation, the choruses of Limnodynastes tasmaniensis increased whereas Limnodynastes fletcheri decreased. Our findings indicate that wetland inundation is beneficial for frog communities and suggest that chorusing behaviour varied in response to river flows inundating floodplain wetlands.

}, keywords = {Environmental watering, False-colour Spectrograms, Floodplain wetlands, Long term survey, passive acoustic monitoring, River regulation}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109640}, author = {Mohammad Abdur Razzaque Sarke and Donald T. McKnight and Darren Ryder and Amelia Walcott and Joanne F. Ocock and Jennifer A. Spencer and David Preston and Sheryn Brodie and Deborah S. Bower} } @article {58484, title = {Mid-frequency song and low-frequency calls of sei whales in the Falkland Islands}, journal = {Royal Society Open Science}, volume = {9}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Although sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) are distributed throughout the globe, their behaviour and vocal repertoire are poorly described. We used passive acoustic monitoring to describe the vocal behaviour of sei whales in the Falkland Islands, between December 2018 and April 2019. We isolated more than 2000 low-frequency calls for manual classification, of which 510 calls with high signal-to-noise ratio were quantitatively measured. Five categories of stereotyped call types in the 15\–230 Hz range were described, some with multiple subcategories. These included some similar to previously described calls (e.g. downsweeps), but others that were novel in acoustic structure and frequency band. In the mid-frequency range, we documented a highly stereotyped, hierarchically structured and rhythmically repetitive song display. Songs were arranged in phrases with a structure composed of repetitive sub- phrases, and a diverse variety of sounds in the 1\–5 kHz range. Singing commenced in late February, despite the presence of whales and calls since early December, and continued through April. These acoustic properties and behavioural characteristics indicate that this is likely a male breeding display similar to songs and singing of other balaenopterids. This is the first detailed description of a song display for sei whales, highlighting the importance of the Falkland Islands.

}, keywords = {Balaenoptera borealis, low-frequency calls, passive acoustic monitoring, singing behaviour, song display}, doi = {10.1098/rsos.220738}, author = {Salvatore Cerchio and Caroline R. Weir} } @proceedings {58483, title = {Design of a low-cost passive acoustic monitoring system for animal localisation from calls}, year = {2022}, month = {Oct-23-2022}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/iros47612.2022.9981127}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/iros47612.2022.9981127}, author = {Yen, Benjamin and Prins, Jemima and Schmid, Gian and Hioka, Yusuke and Ellis, Susan and Marsland, Stephen} } @article {58482, title = {Bioacoustic description of the alarm call of the stump-tailed porcupine (Coendou rufescens)}, journal = {Theyra Notes}, volume = {3}, year = {2022}, pages = {198-203}, chapter = {198}, abstract = {

Acoustic communication in rodents is complex and varied. However, bioacoustic studies of rodents in the wild are limited and scarce, most are performed, under controlled laboratory conditions. We recorded the alarm call of the short-tailed porcupine in the wild for the first time. Recordings were obtained in Guabisai, Sangay National Park, Ecuador. We opportunistically recorded the alarm call of an adult female Coendou rufescens in a direct encounter during its capture process. We analyzed 37 notes of 21 calls, categorizing the notes into 4 different types based on their spectral, temporal, and intensity characteristics (i.e., fundamental, dominant and harmonic frequencies). The alarm call of C. rufescens consists of up to 4 notes. The sounds vary, ranging from chirps to nasal sounds, with the dominant frequency ranging from 0.34-2.50 kHz. The notes have different spectral and temporal characteristics. Therefore, the alarm call of C. rufescens presents a repertoire with different types of notes. Our preliminary observations suggest that their different types of sound are probably associated with anti-predatory behaviors, therefore we considered these sounds as alarm calls. This report provides baseline information for future bioacoustic studies on this species.

}, keywords = {alarm calls, dominant frequency, notes, repertoire, Rodents}, author = {Diego Batallas and Jorge Brito} } @article {58474, title = {Decoupling of sexual signals and theirunderlying morphology facilitates rapidphenotypic diversification}, journal = {Evolution Letters}, volume = {6}, year = {2022}, chapter = {4746474-489}, abstract = {

How novel phenotypes evolve is challenging to imagine because traits are often underlain by numerous integrated phenotypiccomponents, and changes to any one form can disrupt the function of the entire module. Yet novel phenotypes do emerge, and re-search on adaptive phenotypic evolution suggests that complex traits can diverge while either maintaining existing form\–functionrelationships or through innovations that alter form\–function relationships. How these alternate routes contribute to sexual signalevolution is poorly understood, despite the role of sexual signals in generating biodiversity. In Hawaiian populations of the Pacificfield cricket, male song attracts both female crickets and a deadly acoustically orienting parasitoid fly. In response to this conflictbetween natural and sexual selection, male crickets have evolved altered wing morphologies multiple times, resulting in loss anddramatic alteration of sexual signals. More recently, we and others have observed a radical increase in sexual signal variation andthe underlying morphological structures that produce song. We conducted the first combined analysis of form (wing morphol-ogy), function (emergent signal), and receiver responses to characterize novel variation, test alternative hypotheses about form\–function relationships (Form\–Function Continuity vs. Form\–Function Decoupling), and investigate underlying mechanistic changesand fitness consequences of novel signals. We identified three sound-producing male morphs (one previously undescribed, named\“rattling\”) and found that relationships between morphology and signals have been rewired (Form\–Function Decoupling), rapidlyand repeatedly, through the gain, loss, and alteration of morphological structures, facilitating the production of signals that existin novel phenotypic space. By integrating across a hierarchy of phenotypes, we uncovered divergent morphs with unique solutionsto the challenge of attracting mates while evading fatal parasitism

}, doi = {10.1002/evl3.302}, author = {James H. Gallagher and David M. Zonana and E. Dale Broder and Brianna K. Herner and Robin M. Tinghitella} } @inbook {58473, title = {Chapter 26: The role of hearing in mosquito behaviour}, booktitle = {Sensory ecology of disease vectors}, year = {2022}, pages = {683-708}, publisher = {Wageningen Academic Publishers}, organization = {Wageningen Academic Publishers}, abstract = {

Mosquitoes generate sounds by flapping their wings in flight, which are thought to have a role in acoustic communication. Furthermore, the auditory organs of mosquitoes are the most sensitive among all arthropods reported so far. However, the function of hearing in mosquitoes is still unclear, and various debates have been raised in the scientific community. This book chapter reviews current knowledge about mosquito hearing, and is directed to the mosquito ecology community. First, we review acoustical aspects of hearing which need to be taken into account to understand the capabilities of insect sensory systems across a range of distances (near-field/far-field, active/reactive field and air particle velocity/pressure). Second, the basic mechanism of antennal hearing is explained in terms of sound-level and frequency sensitivities, interactions with the Johnston\’s organ and spatial hearing. Third, we review a range of theories behind the role of the acoustic interactions between male and female mosquitoes (harmonic convergence, rapid frequency modulation and species-specificity), and discuss some of the main interpretations of these behaviours. Finally, we discuss the hearing range of mosquitoes in relation to communication and sound traps.

}, keywords = {distortion products, harmonic convergence, mating behaviour, rapid frequency modulation, sound trap}, isbn = {9789086863808, 9789086869329}, doi = {10.3920/978-90-8686-932-9_26}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-932-9_26}, author = {Feug{\`e}re, L. and Sim{\~o}es, P.M.V. and Russell, I.J. and Gibson, G.} } @article {58472, title = {Acoustic Screening of the {\textquotedblleft}Wet voice{\textquotedblright}: Proof of Concept in an ex vivo Canine Laryngeal Model}, journal = {The Laryngoscope}, year = {2022}, month = {Dec-19-2022}, abstract = {

Background
Current protocols for bedside swallow evaluation have high rates of false negative results. Though experts are not consistently able to screen for aspiration risk by assessing vocal quality, there is emerging evidence that vocal acoustic parameters are significantly different in patients at risk of aspiration. Herein, we aimed to determine whether the presence of material on the vocal folds in an excised canine laryngeal model may have an impact on acoustic and aerodynamic measures.

Methods
Two ex vivo canine larynges were tested. Three liquids of different viscosities (1:100 diluted glycerin, pure glycerin, and honey-thick Varibar) were placed on the vocal folds at a constant volume. Acoustic and aerodynamic measures were obtained in both adducted and abducted vocal fold configurations. Intraglottal high-speed imaging was used to approximate the maximum divergence angle of the larynges in the studied conditions and examine its relationship to vocal efficiency (VE) and acoustic measures.

Results
In glottic insufficiency conditions only, we found that several acoustic parameters could predict the presence of material on the vocal folds. Based on the combination of the aerodynamic and acoustic data, we found that decreased spectral energy in the higher harmonics was associated with decreased VE in the presence of material on the vocal folds and/or glottic insufficiency.

Conclusion
Decreased spectral energy in the higher harmonics of the voice was found to be a potential biomarker of swallowing dysfunction, as it correlates with decreased vocal efficiency due to material on the vocal folds and/or glottic insufficiency, both of which are known risk factors for aspiration.

}, issn = {0023-852X, 1531-4995}, doi = {10.1002/lary.30525}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/lary.30525}, author = {Rameau, Ana{\"\i}s and Andreadis, Katerina and Ganesan, Vinayak and Lachs, Mark S and Rosen, Tony and Wang, Fei and Maddox, Alexandra and Klinck, Holger and Khosla, Sid M. and de Luzan, Charles Farbos and Madhusudhana, Shyam} } @article {58471, title = {Complementarity between mist-netting and low-cost acoustic recorders to sample bats in Amazonian rainforests and savannahs}, journal = {Community Ecology}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Effective survey methods are paramount to measure changes in species distribution, populations dynamics and to guide conservation. Mist-netting and passive acoustic monitoring are two of the most used techniques to sample bats assemblages. Yet, despite the great potential of low-cost autonomous ultrasound recorders in surveying bat assemblages, we lack thorough assessments of their performance in relation to more established survey methods. Taking advantage of the rich bat fauna of the northeastern Brazilian Amazon, we set out to i) investigate the complementarity of mist-netting and acoustic surveys in sampling bats in forest and savannah habitats in the Savannahs of Amap\á and ii) undertake a cost-effectiveness evaluation of using one, two or three recorders per sampling site to simultaneously survey bat assemblages. The two methods show complementary, and overall species diversity recorded with mist nets was higher than with acoustic recorders. However, species diversity was higher with acoustic recorders than with mist nets when considering a reduced (n\ \<\ 3) number of transects. In addition, we found a gain in species diversity when using more than one acoustic recorder in forest habitats, despite the low cost-effectiveness. However, there were no differences between the diversity using one, two or three acoustic recorders in savannah. Due to possible device malfunction, we recommend the use of at least two acoustic recorders in both habitats to reduce the likelihood of data loss. The use of low-cost bioacoustic recorders in bat surveys can help to address critical knowledge gaps for poorly known aerial-hawking insectivores and support evidence-based conservation strategies.

}, keywords = {acoustic monitoring, Amazonian savannah, Audiomoths, Chiroptera, Methods comparison, Neotropical bats}, doi = {10.1007/s42974-022-00131-5}, author = {William Douglas Carvalho and Jo{\~a}o David Miguel and Bruna da Silva Xavier and Adri{\`a} L{\'o}pez-Baucells~ and Isa{\'\i} Jorge de Castro and Renato Richard Hil{\'a}rio and Jos{\'e} J{\'u}lio de Toledo and Ricardo Rocha and Jorge M. Palmeirim} } @article {58470, title = {Regional differences in the song characteristics of Pallas{\textquoteright}s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus in north-east Asia}, journal = {Journal of Asian Ornithology}, volume = {38}, year = {2022}, pages = {29-33}, chapter = {29}, abstract = {

Intra-specific variation in avian songs can be complex and often remains understudied in species that exhibit pronounced dialectal
differentiation. Pallas\’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus is a migratory bird that breeds across mountainous forests from southern
Siberia to the Far East of northern Asia. However, to date, studies on the songs of this species have been limited to the western area of their
breeding range. Here, we document song differences among Pallas\’s Leaf Warbler populations across north-east Asia. The population in
the Mongolia\–Baikal region exhibited significant differences in its acoustic properties from the populations of the Amur River basin and
South Korea. On the other hand, the songs of the Amur River basin and South Korea were not different from each other. Considering the
forest connectivity between the Amur River basin and Korean peninsula, our findings suggest population structure in Pallas\’s Leaf Warblers
between the Mongolia\–Baikal region and the Amur\–Korea region. To better understand the relationships between these two populations,
a combination of bioacoustic and population-genetic studies coupled with migratory monitoring is recommended.

}, author = {Hae-Min Seo and Eun-Jeong Kim and CHan-Ryul Park} } @article {58469, title = {Acoustic scaling in the European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas)}, volume = {152}, year = {2022}, month = {Dec-01-2022}, pages = {3235-3244}, abstract = {

Sound is an important cue for arthropods. In insects, sound features and sound-producing apparatus are tightly correlated to enhance signal emission in larger individuals. In contrast, acoustic scaling in marine arthropods is poorly described even if they possess similar sound-producing apparatus. Here, the acoustic scaling of the European spiny lobster is analyzed by recording sounds in situ at 1\ m from a wide range of body sizes. The dimensions of associated sound-producing apparatus increased with body size, indicating sound features would also be influenced by spiny lobster size. Indeed, temporal sound features changed with body size, suggesting differences in calling songs could be used for spiny lobster acoustic communication. Source levels (peak\–peak) ranged from 131 to 164\ dB re 1 \μPa for smaller and larger lobsters, respectively, which could be explained by more efficient resonating structures in larger animals. In addition, dominant frequencies were highly constrained by ambient noise levels, masking the low-frequency content of low intensity sounds from smaller spiny lobsters. Although the ecological function of spiny lobster sounds is not clear yet, these results suggest larger body sizes benefit because louder calls increase the broadcast area and potential interactions with conspecifics, as shown in the insect bioacoustic literature.

}, issn = {0001-4966}, doi = {10.1121/10.0016363}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1121/10.0016363}, author = {J{\'e}z{\'e}quel, Youenn and Bonnel, Julien and Eli{\`e}s, Phillipe and Chauvaud, Laurent} } @article {58468, title = {Spatial dynamics of soundscapes and biodiversity in a semi-arid landscape}, journal = {Landscape Ecology}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Context
Semi-arid landscapes are naturally hetero- geneous with several factors influencing this varia- tion. Fauna responses and adaptations vary in xeric environments, and the scale of observation is impor- tant. Biodiversity monitoring at several scales can be challenging, and acoustics are an alternative to this issue.

Objectives
We investigated how audible biodiver- sity is influenced by environmental factors (e.g.: veg- etation metrics, climatic variables, etc.) across a fine spatial scale, aiming to provide a better understand- ing of the variation in audible species across record- ing locations placed close together. These results will improve the current knowledge on ecoacoustics as a tool for measuring ecological processes in this biome, and better inform conservation plans.

Methods
We collected data in the semi-arid region in Queensland, Australia placing 24 recorders 200 m apart for 48 h. We also sampled environmental attributes (e.g.: temperature and vegetation structure metrics) and used acoustic indices in a time-series algorithm to categorise sound into classes. Bird spe- cies and feeding guilds were also identified.

Results We found significant differences between proximate sensors, demonstrating that soundscape differences occur across fine spatial scales. Birds and insects were the predominant biophonic sound observed and both groups were associated with shrub cover and subcanopy height. Environments with higher shrub and subcanopy cover had a higher per- centage of all birds\’ feeding guilds and insects. Sixty- three bird species were identified, including a threat- ened bird species in Queensland.

Conclusion
We show biodiversity is influenced by vegetation heterogeneity across fine spatial scales in semi-arid regions, identifying which attributes sus- tain higher levels of biodiversity activity. Our study reveals the practicality of acoustic surveys for this biodiversity monitoring by covering a large area in 48 h. However, we caution that scale is an important consideration when designing surveys.

}, keywords = {acoustic indices, biodiversity, Shrub cover, Spatial scale, Subcanopy cover, Vegetation mosaics}, author = {Marina D. A. Scarpelli and David Tucker and Brendan Doohan and Paul Roe and Susan Fuller} } @article {58467, title = {Temporal occurrence of three blue whale populations in New Zealand waters from passive acoustic monitoring}, journal = {Journal of Mammalogy}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Describing spatial and temporal occurrence patterns of wild animal populations is important for understanding their evolutionary trajectories, population connectivity, and ecological niche specialization, with relevance for effective management. Throughout the world, blue whales produce stereotyped songs that enable identification of separate acoustic populations. We harnessed continuous acoustic recordings from five hydrophones deployed in the South Taranaki Bight (STB) region of Aotearoa New Zealand from January 2016 to February 2018. We examined hourly presence of songs from three different blue whale populations to investigate their contrasting ecological use of New Zealand waters. The New Zealand song was detected year-round with a seasonal cycle in intensity (peak February\–July), demonstrating the importance of the region to the New Zealand population as both a foraging ground and potential breeding area. The Antarctic song was present in two distinct peaks each year (June\–July; September\–October) and predominantly at the offshore recording locations, suggesting northbound and southbound migration between feeding and wintering grounds. The Australian song was only detected during a 10-day period in January 2017, implying a rare vagrant occurrence. We therefore infer that the STB region is the primary niche of the New Zealand population, a migratory corridor for the Antarctic population, and outside the typical range of the Australian population.

}, keywords = {bioacoustics, blue whale, distribution, ecology, marine mammals, New Zealand, passive acoustic monitoring, populations, vocalizations}, doi = {10.1093/jmammal/gyac106}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyac106}, author = {Dawn R Barlow and Holger Klinck and Dimitri Ponirakis and Mattea Holt Colberg and Leigh G. Torres} } @article {58466, title = {In-air acoustic repertoire and associated behaviour of wild juvenile crabeater seals during rehabilitation}, journal = {Bioacoustics}, year = {2022}, month = {Aug-18-2022}, pages = {1-23}, abstract = {

In-air sounds of pinnipeds are important for interactions with conspecifics and threat displays. However, little is known about the in-air acoustic repertoire and associated behaviour of crabeater seals Lobodon carcinophaga. We investigated the in-air acoustic repertoire and associated behaviour of two male and one female wild juvenile crabeater seals that beached separately, and were rehabilitated in Durban and Gqeberha, South Africa. In-air sounds were visually identified and categorised into five classes validated via random forest model classification: brief, intermediate, and long moan calls, croaks, and hisses. Hisses were common (n\ =\ 25,105 sounds from 136 hrs of acoustic recordings) and detected during heightened arousal states and interactions with animal care staff and a conspecific. Furthermore, hisses were also recorded in low arousal states during exhalation. Moan calls (n\ =\ 241) were only detected from two of the three seals. During rehabilitation, the female seal ceased producing moan calls and later produced a series of croaks (n\ =\ 204). Acoustic characteristics of in-air moan calls differed from published underwater moan calls according to duration, minimum, and maximum frequencies, and pulse repetition rate. Our study shows that the in-air acoustic repertoire and associated behaviour of these Antarctic seals are dynamic, vary inter-individually and are context dependent.

}, issn = {0952-4622, 2165-0586}, doi = {10.1080/09524622.2022.2108145}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2022.2108145}, author = {Shabangu, Fannie W. and Hofmeyr, G. J. Greg and Probert, Rachel and Connan, Ma{\"e}lle and Buhrmann, Corrine A. and Gridley, Tess} } @article {58465, title = {Vocal behaviour, parasitic infection, chronic stress, and body condition in Rufous-naped Wrens (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)}, year = {2022}, month = {Aug-23-2022}, abstract = {

We explored the relationship between haemosporidian infection (infected vs. uninfected), parasite load, Heterophil-Lymphocyte ratio, body condition, and vocal behaviour of the Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha. Our results, albeit based on a small sample size, showed no evidence of an association between vocal behaviour and infection status, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, or body condition. Infections did not vary among localities. Our results showed, however, that infection status was associated with a higher song rate, and that males and females belonging to the same reproductive pair had a strong positive correlation in infection status and parasite load.

}, issn = {0019-1019, 1474-919X}, doi = {10.1111/ibi.13130}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13130}, author = {Meza-Montes, Estefan{\'\i}a and Fern{\'a}ndez-G{\'o}mez, Ronald A. and Llanes-Quevedo, Alexander and Navarro-Sig{\"u}enza, Adolfo G. and Santiago-Alarcon, Diego and Sosa-L{\'o}pez, J. Roberto} } @mastersthesis {58464, title = {Notes from the Underground: An Exploration of Burying Beetle Thermal Ecology, Sound Production and Reception, and Brain Morphology.}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2022}, school = {University of New Hampshire}, url = {https://scholars.unh.edu/dissertation/2698?utm_source=scholars.unh.edu/dissertation/2698}, author = {Michelle Ward} } @article {58453, title = {Methods to measure biological sounds and assess their drivers in a tropical forest}, year = {2022}, month = {Jan-01-2022}, pages = {101619}, abstract = {

The study of soundscapes and biological sounds is becoming the focus of increasing scientific attention. Studying biological sounds involves the deployment of acoustic sensors to record sounds and the identification of animal species and other sources of sound in audio recordings. In addition, data extracted from audio recordings may be pooled together with ecological and human activity data to investigate the drivers of biological sounds. We provide a detailed method description of our study on biological sounds in a tropical forest and their drivers along a gradient of disturbance in Southeast Cameroon. We designed and implemented a research protocol to:

- make large scale audio recordings and identify animal species detected;

- collect ground-truth data on mammal and bird species;

- collect climate, habitat, and human activity data and describe remoteness and accessibility.

}, issn = {2215-0161}, doi = {10.1016/j.mex.2022.101619}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2022.101619}, author = {Diepstraten, Johan and Kuenbou, Jacques Keumo and Willie, Jacob} } @article {58452, title = {The use of ball pits and playpens in laboratory Lister Hooded male rats induces ultrasonic vocalisations indicating a more positive affective state and can reduce the welfare impacts of aversive procedures}, year = {2022}, month = {Jan-13-2022}, pages = {002367722110659}, abstract = {

The advancement and quality of science rely on research that is robust and unbiased in its experimental design, execution, analysis, and reproducibility. In preclinical research, a better understanding of animal emotions and refinement of their husbandry, housing, and handling are important goals in providing good animal welfare in a laboratory setting which underpins rigorous research quality. Induction of positive emotional state in animals is a key component of their well-being, and one approach is to increase their environmental complexity using, for example, ball pits or playpens in rats. In this study, we recorded 50\ kHz ultrasonic vocalisations (USVs) during animals\’ exposure to the ball pit and playpen. We have previously shown that 50\ kHz USVs provide a graded and quantifiable measure of an animal\’s emotional state, and here find that access to the ball pit and playpen increases 50\ kHz USVs, indicative of a more positive affective state. Using our affective bias test (ABT) we next quantified the animals\’ emotional response to an aversive intervention and whether this could be attenuated by access to a playpen. The playpen exposure completely mitigated the negative affective state induced by an anxiogenic drug when compared with animals who experienced the drug in the home cage. Together, these findings suggest ball pits and playpens provide a simple and effective method to improve the welfare of laboratory rats and reduce the cumulative suffering they experience from their housing conditions and minor, aversive procedures.

}, issn = {0023-6772, 1758-1117}, doi = {10.1177/00236772211065920}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00236772211065920}, author = {Hinchcliffe, Justyna K and Jackson, Megan G and Robinson, Emma SJ} }