Body Shape Analysis in Reticulated Giraffe, Okapi, and Black Rhinoceros Using Three-Dimensional Laser Measurements

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Dear Authors,

Thank you for submitting this manuscript that explores the use of laser devices to generate shapes of large zoo animals. This is an interesting and novel study with some potential future value in a zoo environment.

At current however, there seem to be some large revisions required in the manuscript to ensure the work is scientifically robust. I have attached the PDF version of the manuscript with specific comments. Additionally, please consider the following points: 

1. Actual benefits. Currently, the work justified the use of laser devices by stating that zoos rarely use weigh scales for large animals, and that BCS is sometimes inaccurate. However, this is an oversimplification as there are many very reliable BCS available (many of which have not been cited). Many zoos do provide opportunities to weigh their animals. There needs to be a more honest evaluation as to what the benefits are for use of the laser devices. This is especially true as I am not clear that your values have identified whether animals are obese or emaciated (which is most likely why we would use this tool). As a result, I am unclear why a zoo would move from weighing or BCS to a potentially expensive tool that requires animals to stand still. Please be clear on why we need this technique.

2. Wider reading. Currently the wider reading is limited at less than 30 references. This lack of reading has resulted in a poor understanding of existing tools (e.g. BCS and weights, morphometrics). Please substantially increase the level of research and ensure this is reflected in the arguments.

3. Statistics. You have mentioned correlations yet the P values are not provided. Please also be clear on which correlations were run.

4. Methods. Please explain clearly how the devices were set up, any training for use and extraction of data, and most importantly how animals were kept still.

5. Comparisons and reliability. How do we know that these data are reliable? Normally when using  a BCS for the first time you would correlate it against the actual values (e.g. weight or morphometrics). Please ensure that suitable comparisons have been made to show the effectiveness of this tool

With these revisions, the work may be in a better positio for further consideraiton.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Language is generally good though some small grammar errors identified.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 1

Thank you very much for your kind consideration. I revised the manuscript according to your suggestion. Please see the attachment and reconsider our revised manuscript.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

There is a need to clarify how genetic, hereditary and physiological aspects influence body size (see comments on the PDF text). In fact, we know that not only nutritional factors, but also environmental and genetic factors can influence the body size of the organism. How could the method be standardized, despite a larger number of subjects?

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 2

Thank you very much for your kind consideration. I revised the manuscript according to your suggestion. Please see the attachment and reconsider our revised manuscript.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Thank you for providing a revised copy of your manuscript and for addressing the review points 

Reviewer 2 Report

Thank you for the revised manuscript and add some references. Is more clear, is still be implemented in some points, but for me is now ok