Functional Analysis of Aggression in a Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata variegata)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2014 |
Authors: |
Valeri Farmer-Dougan |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science |
Publisher: |
Routledge |
Keywords: |
aggression, lemur |
ISBN: |
1088-8705 |
Abstract:
A functional analysis was conducted to assess the antecedent and reinforcing conditions underlying aggressive behavior in a female lemur in captivity. Results showed that her aggression was primarily the result of human attention. A replacement behavior-training program was introduced, and the lemur’s aggression was successfully eliminated. These results demonstrate the utility of using functional assessment and analyses in zoos with captive wild nonhuman animals.