This total solar eclipse has offered an exceptional opportunity to study how animals respond to such a sudden and extreme alteration of natural light conditions.
The operation to expand knowledge of the animal world of the BIOPARC of Fuengirola and Valencia has shown how the total eclipse and the sudden darkening “deceives” to some species causing that anticipate their behaviors as night fell.
From immediate search for shelter, group preparations, beginning of the sleep cycle and to return to unexpected activity, up to maximum action with reproductive behaviorsThese have been some of the reactions. BIOPARC Gijón Aquarium A special area was set up due to its perfect location, and the phenomenon was experienced in an extraordinary way.
Thanks to the established procedures, which included specific monitoring of various species in the days leading up to the event through direct observation and image and sound recording, it has been possible to verify that the general reaction has been that of to bring forward preparations to face the nightThat is, they have had the false feeling that it was time to “go to sleep”.
The most notable event has been that of group of sitatungas BIOPARC Fuengirola who, from remaining calm and relaxed, as is usual at this time, have become much more active and, particularly strikingly, have been observed repeatedly several attempts at copulation.
Although all this valuable collected material will be shared and studied later, some conclusions can be drawn from a first assessment.
While millions of people turned their gaze towards the sky yesterday, August 12, BIOPARC has put the spotlight on biodiversity.
BIOPARC Fuengirola, in coordination with AIZA (Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums), has focused on two very different species, the binturong (Arctictis binturong)a mammal with primarily crepuscular and nocturnal habits, which has not shown any notable changes, and the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii), a beautiful African antelope that has demonstrated a close connection with the cycles of light and darkness.
The actions of the group formed by two females and one male It is related to different studies carried out during solar eclipses that recorded these changes in activity and even reproductive behaviors coinciding with this “unexpected nightfall”.
In the case of these animals at BIOPARC Fuengirola, although it cannot be stated that the eclipse is directly the cause of the copulation attempts, the temporal coincidence between the darkening, the increase in activity and this reproductive behavior makes the observation a striking record of animal behavior in the face of such an exceptional phenomenon.
In order to expand the data, BIOPARC Valencia has focused on three species, although other significant ones were also documented.
The pack of african bush elephant (Loxodonta Africana) With the two young, she continued eating normally and did show curiosity about the unusual commotion of the people who were in the nearby areas. They behaved similarly, the Aldabra giant tortoises (Geochelone gigantea).
In the family of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), One of the two cubs climbed to the highest part of the tree recreation. Similarly, everyone they regrouped next to the base, also heading towards the access to the interior areas.
It turned out to be interesting. Thomson's Gazelles (Eudorcas thomsonii) who, being outside at nightfall They sought refuge among the rocks to sleep And when the light returned, they resumed their activity.
It is worth highlighting what happened with the birds. DIt's from him increased movement in ostriches, even altering their schedule some of them didn't actually have dinner.As darkness fell before the team responsible for their care and well-being could prepare their food, they sought out their nests and settled down. With the almost immediate sunrise, they experienced a brief "disruption," abandoning their nests only to return to sleep later.
El material compiled during the phenomenon he is now in analysis phaseThis will be compared with records obtained previously at the same time. This will allow us to determine whether the detected changes correspond to a response to the eclipse or are part of its usual routines.
The results will also form part of the TriEclipse Project, a pioneering project worldwide led by UDENA (Nature Unit)It brings together the work of different participants to find out the possible repercussions of these unusual events on living beings.
This is how it has been experienced at BIOPARC Aquarium of Gijón
An impressive experience This is what people who came to the viewing point that had been set up enjoyed yesterday. BIOPARC Gijón Aquarium to take advantage of unbeatable locationFurthermore, as a science museum, it has participated in the national campaign “A unique view. Take care of it.”, promoted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, ONCE and FECYT and has given away 8.000 approved glasses free of charge to its visitors.
