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In this article, we discuss the effect of anchoring on the estimation of chromatic variables, which occurs when fixed range scales are used in psychophysical measuring. In order to do this, we compare the Munsell System and the Natural Color System (NCS), and an alternative system that employs a scale of grays as a yardstick against which to measure value and saturation. During experimentation, observers evaluated 60 matte surface color samples, following the methodology proposed by each system, but without using their respective color atlases. The data obtained reveal results that are compatible with the measurements based on the Munsell System and the NCS. By applying the gray‐scale method, the value measurements improved, whereas the saturation measurements were overestimated in samples with low reflectance. In all the cases, hue shifts were observed and thought to be attributable to the variation in luminance revealed by the samples. Judging by the similarity of the results obtained, it can be assumed that when fixed range scales are used, measurements will be anchored to their extremes, equaling every measurement made with them. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 28, 103–112, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.10130

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Sixty giant day geckos (Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis) have been introduced into the Masoala rainforest exhibit of Zurich Zoo. Eighteen geckos were monitored during a 3‐month study using the telemetry method. In general, the geckos were able to adapt well under these semi‐natural conditions of the exhibit. The geckos accessed to nearly all locations in the exhibit; some of the animals remained stationary, whereas others covered dozens of meters within a week. They preferred four species of plants as well as the artificial structures supporting the walls and roof of the exhibit, and displayed natural behaviors. Animals were observed feeding on all kind of arthropods and nectar substances, and also on food items dropped from feeding stations for other species. Deliberate feeding targeted at the geckos was finally reduced to a calcium‐rich squash along the visitor's main path. Reproduction was observed frequently within the exhibit. These findings suggest that the geckos will be able to build up a self‐sustaining population and contribute to a nearly‐authentic experience for zoo visitors. Zoo Biol 0:1–7, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

At Zurich Zoological Gardens 3.1 Geochelone elephantopus and 2.4 G. gigantea are maintained in an enclosure comprised of a 400 m2outdoor area, which contains a shelter with a heated floor to which the tortoises have constant access, and an adjacent 65 m2indoor house with a partially heated floor, where the temperature reaches 30oC. In 1984 the diet offered was adjusted to a lower protein, higher fibre composition after one animal died from chronic kidney disease and visceral gout. No eggs have been produced by G. gigantea while maintained at the Zoo because the ♀ have failed to ovulate which may be an indicator of unfavourable environmental conditions, such as low ambient temperatures. Since 1989 six G. elephantopus have hatched at the Zoo. Details

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