Guideline for Ethological studies
The ethical committee for animal experimentation of the Japan EthologicalSociety established the following guideline for ethological studies. . The
members of the society should follow the guideline the committee issued here in
conducting animal experimentations.
1. Purpose
Ethological studies are necessary in gaining knowledge in evolution,adaptation, mechanisms, and development of animal behavior. Such studies
are conducted either in the wild or under the captivity of animals. Studies may
involve not only non-invasive behavioral observations, but also givingexperimental manipulations that could range from assigning a different condition
to more invasive treatments that might involve a burden to the animals. Mereobservations could give a psychological or physiological harm to the animals if
appropriate care is not taken. Researchers should pay every effort to keep theadverse effect on the animals and the environment minimum when conducting
scientific research. In this guideline, we show necessary precautions inconducting ethological studies. In addition, we urge the researchers to pay
attentions to ethical issues in animal experimentations.
2. Relevant laws
Researchers must conduct their research in compliance with relevantlaws and institutional guidelines.
3. Animals as defined in this guideline“Animals” in this guideline refer to any animals (vertebrate andinvertebrate) that may be used in the research.
4. Preparation of the research plan
In preparing the plan for scientific research, researchers have to selectappropriate research animals and methods for the purpose they want to pursue.
In case of the research plan which requires keeping of animals in the laboratory,
it is necessary to satisfy the required conditions for healthy and non-stressfulkeeping. In addition, it is essential to obtain advice from experts of the subject
animals. Invertebrate animals are often not subject to the law concerning thescientific study. However, even when these animals are used, it is desirable to
make an effort to prepare the plan that minimizes the pain and distress to theanimals.
5. Number of animals for study
Researchers should use the minimum number of animals within theextent that the purpose of the research shall be attained.
6. Obtaining animals for experimental studies
When purchasing animals for research, they must be obtained from1

appropriate suppliers. When capturing wild animals in the field, it is necessary
to capture them in a humane manner to minimize the pain and distress. The actof capturing should be performed with the minimum impact on the ecosystem.
7. Animal keeping
When it is necessary to keep animals in the laboratory or in the fieldstation for the experimental purpose, the researcher should pay as muchattention as possible to keep them in a proper environment with theconsiderations on behavioral characteristics of the animals. In keeping wildanimals, the stress level of the animals should always be monitored and always
try to improve their housing environment.
8. Research Methods(1) Researchers have to minimize the magnitude and duration of pains for
subject animals. In experimental treatments, it is desirable to decrease those
pains with daily training, habituation, appropriate anesthetics, and otherappropriate procedures.
(2) Researchers have to acquire sufficient skills at working on subject animals.
(3) In field studies, it is desirable to minimize adverse or painful effects on
animals derived from capturing, marking, attachment of telemetry or data
logging devices, blood or tissue samplings, and other procedures.
(4) In experimental studies on aggressive behavior between or within thespecies, it is desirable to decrease the number of killed or injured animals as
small as possible by securing escape route or protective fences for theanimals being attacked.
(5) Researchers are required to give attentions to animal health and to keep thedegree of aversive stimuli or deprivations within a moderate range not any
stronger than absolutely necessary.
(6) The duration of social isolation or the degree of overpopulation should bemade as short as possible along with the purpose of the studies.
(7) In infectious treatments with bacteria or parasites, it is desirable to observe
animal conditions as frequently as possible. If health deterioration is found,appropriate medical treatments or euthanasia should be given to the animals.
In experiments using physical and chemical materials or pathogenicorganisms, researchers have to make sufficient considerations on keeping
human safety and getting away non-experimental animals from any troubles
originated from pollutions of the captive environment. It is also necessary togive attentions in antipollution of periphery of experimental facilities.
9. Steps to be taken after the research
At the conclusion of the study, taking the following steps is advised.
(1) Changes caused by the experimental manipulation to the animals or to theenvironment should be immediately returned to the original condition.
(2) When wild-caught animals are used it is desirable to consider that theanimals be transferred to other researchers or used for breeding if it islegally accepted to do so.
(3) If there is no worry of harm to the experimental animals, to the animals living2

in the environment, or to the environment itself, it is advised to release theexperimental animals to the site where they were originally caught.
(4) When it is absolutely necessary to kill the subject animals, a method thatminimizes the pain and distress of the animals shall be used.

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