Environmental enrichment alters the behavioral profile of ratsnakes (Elaphe)
This study investigated the effects of environmentally enriched and standard laboratory housing conditions on behavioral performance in 16 subadult ratsnakes (Elaphe obsoleta) using a split-clutch design. In a problem-solving task, snakes housed in enriched environments (EC) exhibited shorter latencies to the goal hole as compared to snakes housed in standard conditions (SC). In an open […]
Use of behavioral measures to assess reproductive status in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1996)15:63.3.CO;2-# Captive breeding efforts of the threatened maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) have been plagued by a lack of reliable reproduction and a high rate of neonatal mortality. A particular problem for animal managers has been the ability to detect pregnancy in a noninvasive manner. Pseudopregnancies are common, and many staff hours are expended preparing […]