Evaluation of living conditions of free-ranging animals by automated chronobiological analysis of behavior.

摘要: A biorhythmical method has been developed to assess behavior patterns and evaluate the living conditions of animals that can be applied also humans. All kinds continuous equidistant long-term recordings are suitable for this method. Time functions from an automatic telemetry system (ETHOSYS II) were analyzed macroscopically (comparison daily levels) microscopically (autocorrelation function power spectral analysis). Degrees functional coupling (DFCs) calculated identify disturbances in behavior. Hierarchic frequency tuning complex rhythmic behaviors, leads primarily period lengths synchronized with 24-h period. DFCs, a measure harmony between internal rhythms external period, found high well-adapted, healthy, undisturbed individuals but lowered during periods adaptation, sickness, or social interaction. Specific stress could identified evaluated several species, under various conditions, using these biorhythmic analyses.