Effect of Group Size on Activity Budgets of Colobus vellerosus in Ghana
Group size influences foraging efficiency in several primates. We examined the activity budgets of 3 groups of ursine colobus (Colobus vellerosus) at the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) in Ghana to determine whether larger group size induces scramble competition. We studied 2 groups (Bl; N = 7 – 8 and WW; N = 31 – 33) […]
Interactions among environmental enrichment, viewing crowds, and zoo chimpanzees (Pantroglodytes)
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1998)17:33.3.CO;2-K The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not a group of zoo chimpanzees responded to environmental enrichment differently given higher weekend crowds in contrast to lower weekday crowds. Findings showed that foraging, feeding, and object-using were more likely with new enrichment; conversely, grooming, playing, watch-idle, and aberrant behaviors were […]
Enriching the lives of bears in zoos
Bears have a long history in captivity and, in recent times, various enrichment techniques have been developed to stimulate the complex behavioural repertoire of these species. Enrichment strategies, where possible, should allow for an expression of natural behaviours observed in the wild. Enclosure design is critically important and enrichment should not be used to compensate […]
Activity Patterns of Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Activity patterns and time budgets of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) were studied in a free-ranging population in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda from August 2000 to January 2002. We investigated differences in activity patterns in relation to daytime, season, sun radiation, moonlight, age and sex. Bushbuck were found to show peak activities around sunrise and at […]
Short-term welfare implications of capture-mark-recapture trapping of medium-sized mammals: the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) as a case study
Capture-mark-recapture (CMR) repeated at intervals is a commonly used method of population estimation of mammals. Most guidelines for the use of wild mammals recommend adequate measures to ensure a captured animal has food and water available, as needed, until it is released. Small mammals are often highlighted as needing special care, but recommendations are either […]
Fear responses to novelty in testing environments are related to day-to-day activity in the home environment in dairy cattle
Behavioural tests for cattle take time to perform and can be stressful for the animals but are currently the only way of assessing behavioural reactions to fear-causing stimuli in a standardised manner. It may be possible to use behavioural data collected remotely in the home pen environment through the use of activity monitors and robotic […]
Improving the Welfare of a Zoo-Housed Male Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus poensis) Aggressive Toward Visitors
Improving the welfare of nonhuman animals in captivity and maintaining behavioral competence for future conservation purposes is of the highest priority for zoos. The behavior of an aggressive male drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus poensis) was assessed in Barcelona Zoo. The 2-year study presented in this article examined the effects of introducing changes in the exhibit of […]