The presence/absence of conspecifics modulates the circadian locomotor activity and body mass in spotted munia ( < em > Lonchura punctulata < /em > )

We examined the efficacy of pulsatile social interactions on locomotor activity and its associated characteristics such as distribution profile of rest and activity, total counts, activity duration, phase shift in activity onset, and circadian periodicity in spotted munia. Besides, we analyzed the effect of such social interactions on their body mass. Spotted munia exhibited phase shift in the onset of activity when subjected to social isolation, but these cues could not affect their circadian periodicity. In Pair as well as in Group, social isolation led to increased activity and activity duration, and decreased body mass in guests relative to the host bird. Our results suggest that the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in spotted munia is quite sensitive to socialization and isolation, and isolation is detrimental for the birds. Consistent with these observations, the decline in body mass revealed the physiological consequences of social isolation on spotted munia.PMID:38108138 | DOI:10.1080/07420528.2023.2292732

Source: Chronobiology International - December 18, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Khushboo Chaturvedi Amrita Srivastava Shalie Malik Sangeeta Rani Source Type: research