Chrono-ethologic investigations on the Queensland koala (Phascolarctos cinereus adustus) in captivity
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2006 |
Authors: |
Cora Richter |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
activity profile, behavior, biologic rhythm, chrono-ethogram, koala, zeitgeber |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20093.abs The chronologic behavior pattern of a separately kept pair of koalas at the Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo) was investigated with regard to how the patterns are distributed over 24 hr and the “zeitgeber” (from German; synonym “entraining agent”) on which they depend. The data was collected continuously by means of infrared video recording over 3 months, January–March 2003 (2,160 hr/animal). Observations were made using the scan-sampling method at 1-min intervals. The total activity and each single behavior are described and analyzed in chrono-ethograms and activity profiles for the first time in this species. The main activity of both koalas occurs between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM, a continuous sleeping period occurs between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM (sometimes until 4:00 PM). They become active 1 hr before darkness and inactive 1 hr before dawn (anticipation). During the day koalas are only awakened and become active due to care measures (feedings/weighing). “Zeitgeber” influencing the koalas’ behavior are feeding and weighing as well as the light/dark change. To influence the koalas’ endogenous rhythm as little as possible, the keepers’ daily routine (time and frequency) has to be modified. Zoo Biol 0:1–12, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.