AnCommEthogram

In this experiment, we observe behaviors made by Equus ferus caballus, also known as the common horse. Although 5 horses total were present, we focus our attention directly on 3 foals (young horses). These horses are observed and recorded in the town of Amherst, MA. To begin the observation process, we load the two videos, (one of a 30:19 minute duration and one of a 18:34 minute duration) off the snapper drive and into the VLC watch application. It is important to note that the viewing process of these video takes several attempts to successfully observe and differentiate between the multiple behaviors. While watching the first video for the first time, for each new behavior observed, we will rewind and rewatch the action, (or lack there of ) in slow motion. This allows us to accurately describe the action that the foal is doing. While watching through the video the first time, we record a general description of the behavior, and the timestamp of when the behavior occurs. While watching through the video a second time, we look for any subtle behaviors that may have been missed and additionally record any details about the behaviors present. During the third viewing session, we screenshot an image that accurately portrays each behavior. Additionally, we should check the accuracy of the timestamps and clarify any unclear descriptions in relation to the behaviors. It is important for multiple people to check the behaviors recorded for accuracy purposes, so we had another group member review the recorded data. This viewing processes is repeated for the second video. All of the information compiled is then placed in a table in an organized fashion. The columns of this table include; the behavior name, the description of what occurs in the behavior, an image that portrays the behavior, the timestamp of when it occurs, and which video it occurs in. The next step is to categorize these behaviors into subgroups. The behaviors could fit into one of five categories. The categories include feeding, play, communication, locomotion and grooming. While viewing the video for a fifth time, we carefully observe each depicted behavior and decide based on context clues which category it may fit in. Feeding behaviors may involve intaking/consuming food to its mouth. Play behaviors may involve playful interactions between foals. Communication may involve interactions with any of the other horses present, or other species (such as insects). Locomotion involves the process of moving as a means of transportation. Grooming may involve the act of attempting to clean oneself. Within a table, we assigned each subgroup a color. We then went through the list and denoted said colors for each behavior. We then organized the tables into a color-coded fashion.