title: Converting predation cues into conservation tools: The effect of light on mouse foraging behaviour

authors: Farnworth, Bridgette

abstract: Prey face a conflict between acquiring energy and avoiding predators and use both direct and indirect cues to assess predation risk. Illumination, an indirect cue, influences nocturnal rodent foraging behaviour. New Zealand holds no native rodent species but has introduced mice (Mus musculus) that severely impair native biodiversity. We used Giving-Up Densities (GUDs) and observations of foraging frequency and duration to assess if artificial light induces risk avoidance behaviour in mice and could limit their activity. We found both captive (wild strain) mice in outdoor pens and wild mice within a pest fenced sanctuary (Maungatautari, New Zealand) displayed avoidance behaviour in response to illumination. In captivity, total foraging effort was similar across lit and unlit pens but mice displayed a strong preference for removing seeds from dark control areas (mean: 15.33 SD: +/-11.64 per 3.5 hours) over illuminated areas (2.00 +/-3.44). Wild mice also removed fewer seeds from illuminated areas (0.42 +/-1.00 per 12 hours) compared to controls (6.67 +/-9.20). Captive mice spent less than 1.0% of available time at illuminated areas, versus 11.3% at controls; visited the lit areas less than control areas (12.00 +/- 9.77 versus 29.00 +/-21.58 visits respectively); and spent less time per visit at illuminated versus control areas (8.17 +/-7.83 versus 44.83 +/-87.52 seconds per visit respectively). Illumination could provide protection at ecologically sensitive sites, damaged exclusion fences awaiting repair, fence terminus zones of peninsula sanctuaries and shipping docks that service offshore islands. We promote the hypothesis that the tendency of mice to avoid illumination could be a useful conservation tool, and advance knowledge of risk assessment and foraging under perceived danger.

text: Converting predation cues into conservation tools: The effect of light on mouse foraging behaviour Prey face a conflict between acquiring energy and avoiding predators and use both direct and indirect cues to assess predation risk. Illumination, an indirect cue, influences nocturnal rodent foraging behaviour. New Zealand holds no native rodent species but has introduced mice (Mus musculus) that severely impair native biodiversity. We used Giving-Up Densities (GUDs) and observations of foraging frequency and duration to assess if artificial light induces risk avoidance behaviour in mice and could limit their activity. We found both captive (wild strain) mice in outdoor pens and wild mice within a pest fenced sanctuary (Maungatautari, New Zealand) displayed avoidance behaviour in response to illumination. In captivity, total foraging effort was similar across lit and unlit pens but mice displayed a strong preference for removing seeds from dark control areas (mean: 15.33 SD: +/-11.64 per 3.5 hours) over illuminated areas (2.00 +/-3.44). Wild mice also removed fewer seeds from illuminated areas (0.42 +/-1.00 per 12 hours) compared to controls (6.67 +/-9.20). Captive mice spent less than 1.0% of available time at illuminated areas, versus 11.3% at controls; visited the lit areas less than control areas (12.00 +/- 9.77 versus 29.00 +/-21.58 visits respectively); and spent less time per visit at illuminated versus control areas (8.17 +/-7.83 versus 44.83 +/-87.52 seconds per visit respectively). Illumination could provide protection at ecologically sensitive sites, damaged exclusion fences awaiting repair, fence terminus zones of peninsula sanctuaries and shipping docks that service offshore islands. We promote the hypothesis that the tendency of mice to avoid illumination could be a useful conservation tool, and advance knowledge of risk assessment and foraging under perceived danger.

year: 2016

title: Integrating Interactive Digital Maps into a Digital Library

authors: McIntosh, Samuel John

subjects: digital library

abstract: Digital libraries and digital maps are two fast-growing technologies in the world
of computing. In this thesis we have explored using digital maps to enhance
the functionality of digital libraries. The Greenstone 3 digital library system
was augmented though the use of the digital mapping system, Google Maps.
An automatic place name recognition and disambiguation system was created
to obtain geographical information from documents as they were viewed. This
extracted information was presented as a map with markers showing the location
of the places within the text of the document.
We evaluated the system by performing a user study and an analysis of the
speed, efficiency and accuracy of the place name recognition and disambiguation
system. Participants in the user study completed most of the tasks easily
and made comments expressing their satisfaction with the system. Analysis
of the place recognition and disambiguation system was also positive, as the
system was fast, relatively efficient and was highly accurate.

text: Integrating Interactive Digital Maps into a Digital Library Digital libraries and digital maps are two fast-growing technologies in the world
of computing. In this thesis we have explored using digital maps to enhance
the functionality of digital libraries. The Greenstone 3 digital library system
was augmented though the use of the digital mapping system, Google Maps.
An automatic place name recognition and disambiguation system was created
to obtain geographical information from documents as they were viewed. This
extracted information was presented as a map with markers showing the location
of the places within the text of the document.
We evaluated the system by performing a user study and an analysis of the
speed, efficiency and accuracy of the place name recognition and disambiguation
system. Participants in the user study completed most of the tasks easily
and made comments expressing their satisfaction with the system. Analysis
of the place recognition and disambiguation system was also positive, as the
system was fast, relatively efficient and was highly accurate.

year: 2010

title: Kava and Maaori: New drug fashion or re-engagement with 'kawa'? [Invited presentation]

authors: Aporosa, S. 'Apo'

abstract: It is estimated there are more than 20,000 kava users in New Zealand on an average Friday or Saturday night, with increasing interest and uptake of this indigenous drink by Māori. This presentation argues that some of that increased use of kava by Māori can be interpreted as a cultural expression of pre-migration Hawaiki, rather than simply a new interaction with a foreign drug substance.

text: Kava and Maaori: New drug fashion or re-engagement with 'kawa'? [Invited presentation] It is estimated there are more than 20,000 kava users in New Zealand on an average Friday or Saturday night, with increasing interest and uptake of this indigenous drink by Māori. This presentation argues that some of that increased use of kava by Māori can be interpreted as a cultural expression of pre-migration Hawaiki, rather than simply a new interaction with a foreign drug substance.

year: 2016