The effects of physical characteristics of the environment and feeding regime on the behavior of captive felids

Lyons, Jason; Young, Robert J.; Deag, John M.

doi:10.1002/(sici)1098-2361(1997)16:1<71::aid-zoo8>3.0.co;2-8

Cited by 68 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Stereotypic behavior has been well documented in zoo-housed animals [16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25]. Several environmental factors, including space limitation [26, 27], effects of feeding schedule [1, 28], restraint of environmental control [29], and lack of stimulation [6, 30], have been identified in relation to the development of stereotypies [31, 32].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Ambient Environmental Factors on the Stereotypic Behaviors of Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Huang²,

Wang

2017

PLoS ONE

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Stereotypies are commonly observed in zoo animals, and it is necessary to better understand whether ambient environmental factors contribute to stereotypy and how to affect animal welfare in zoo settings. This study investigated the relationships between stereotypic behaviors and environmental factors including ambient temperatures, humidity, light intensity, sound intensity and number of visitors. Seven giant pandas were observed in three indoor enclosures and three outdoor enclosures. Environmental factors were measured for both indoor and outdoor enclosures and the effect they had on stereotypical behaviors was investigated. Our research found that light intensity significantly correlated with all stereotypies behaviors. Higher environmental temperature reduced the duration of pacing but increased the frequency of pacing, the duration and frequency of door-directed, meanwhile the duration of head-toss. However, we found no noticeable effect of humidity on stereotypic behaviors except for the frequency of head-toss. We also found that sound intensity was not correlated with stereotypies. Finally, the growth of visitors was negatively associated with the duration of door-directed. These results demonstrated that various environmental factors can have significant effects on stereotypic behaviors causing the expression of various stereotypies. Thus, stereotypies in zoo animals may not simply represent suboptimal welfare, but rather might be adopted as a means of coping with an aversive environment.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Ambient Environmental Factors on the Stereotypic Behaviors of Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Huang²,

Wang

2017

PLoS ONE

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“…In Namibia, 'play trees' which are particular trees used for scent-marking, are important locations for territorial and communication behaviors [Marker-Kraus et al, 1996;Marker et al, 2003]. Lyons et al, [1997] found that raised areas were preferred sites within enclosures for captive felids, particularly for observation. This was also the case during the present study.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

An investigation into the prevalence of exploratory behavior in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Quirke

O’Riordan

2014

Zoo Biology

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Exploratory behavior in the wild is fundamentally linked to an animal's survival and natural life history. The ability to gather information about their environment, establish territories, assert dominance, communicate information regarding reproductive status and locate mates are closely associated with a range of exploratory behaviors. Understanding how these behaviors are performed within the captive setting is crucial in order to create a captive environment in which these behaviors can be expressed, and their function conserved. The objective of this research was to highlight the factors of captive husbandry and management that influence the occurrence of exploratory behaviour of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in captivity. One hundred and twelve cheetahs in 88 enclosures across nine zoological institutions in five countries were the subjects of this study. The presence of raised areas, number of movements between enclosures, group composition, sex and an interaction between group composition and the ability to view cheetahs in adjacent enclosures, all significantly influenced the prevalence of exploratory behavior in captive cheetahs. The presence of raised areas and an increasing number of movements between enclosures significantly increased the probability of observing exploratory behaviour, while this probability was significantly decreased for female cheetahs, when cheetahs were able to view conspecifics in adjacent enclosures, and were maintained in groups. A number of recommendations are discussed in relation to promoting exploratory behavior in captive cheetahs.

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“…Behavioral data were recorded pre-and post-treatment. Scan-sampling [Altman, 1974] was performed every 2 min for 3 hr to establish frequencies of predetermined mutually exclusive behaviors (Table 1) based on published large felid studies Lyons et al, 1997;Fishbacher and Schmid, 1999]. The behavioral categories of self-groom and aggression were recorded regardless of animal posture during the scan sample (i.e., if it was lying down and licking its paws, "self-groom" was recorded).…”

Section: Enrichment and Behavioral Observationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of bungee‐carcass enrichment on behavior and fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in two species of zoo‐housed felids

et al. 2014

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Enrichment can improve animal physiological and psychological well-being. This study sought to promote more natural felid behavior and prevent development or incidence of stereotypies through the use of a feeding enrichment. Our objectives are to use fecal glucocorticoid metabolites values and behavioral observations to quantify the effectiveness of the enrichment device for two species of large cats, Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris; n = 2) and cougar (Felis concolor; n = 2). The feeding enrichment, a white-tailed deer carcass flank securely attached to an AussieDog Products(©) Felid 120-cm bungee, was implemented twice for each individual separated by 1 month. Fecal samples were obtained from each felid and analyzed for pre- and post-enrichment fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) concentrations using a cortisol enzyme immunoassay. An ethogram with 12 mutual exclusive behavioral categories was utilized to record behavioral responses to the enrichment. Results demonstrate that: 1) there were no differences (P > 0.05) in FGMs for either species between pre- and post-enrichment; 2) pacing decreased (P = 0.025) and walking increased (P = 0.017) after exposure to enrichment in both cougars; and 3) tigers reduced (P = 0.025) 'other' behavioral category after the first enrichment exposure and laid down more (P = 0.025) after the second enrichment exposure. The neutral hormonal impact on the animals coupled with the behavioral changes indicates that this enrichment is successful at altering the animals' behavior without adding physiological stress to their environments. These findings, combined with the low cost and versatility of the enrichment, promote the use of this enrichment to enhance large felid enclosures.

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The effects of physical characteristics of the environment and feeding regime on the behavior of captive felids

Cited by 68 publications

References 16 publications

Effects of Ambient Environmental Factors on the Stereotypic Behaviors of Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Effects of Ambient Environmental Factors on the Stereotypic Behaviors of Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

An investigation into the prevalence of exploratory behavior in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Effect of bungee‐carcass enrichment on behavior and fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in two species of zoo‐housed felids

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