R. Grisa
A therapeutic environmental enrichment programme for managing pathological behaviour in the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)
Grisa, R.; Bertelé, M.; Vaglio, S.; Spiezio, C.
Authors
M. Bertelé
S. Vaglio
C. Spiezio
Abstract
This study is based on an adult male fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) that arrived at Garda Zoological Park (Italy) exhibiting stereotyped and self-injuring behaviours and follows its subsequent rehabilitation through a long-term environmental enrichment programme. Data were collected over a period of six months. Continuous focal animal sampling was used to collect behavioural data during 90-minute sessions; 24 sessions took place over the first two months and two sessions took place six months after his arrival. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests. At the beginning of the study period, the predatory behaviour of the fossa was not species-specific since he was not able to find food items when they were hidden in the enclosure. It usually interacted with items for just a few minutes. Rub-bing different scents on enclosure furniture promoted play only for a few minutes. After two months of behavioural observations, its behaviour only improved slightly and stereotyped and self-injuring behaviours were maintained. However, we continued the intense enrichment programme for a longer period. Six months after its arrival rare undesirable behaviours or noticeable side effects were ob-served whilst species-specific behaviours were recorded. Results showed that the environmental enrichment curtailed the aberrant behaviours. In conclusion, this case study provides evidence sup-porting the hypothesis that a suitable enrichment programme could have a therapeutic effect on pathological behaviour in captive animals.
Citation
Grisa, R., Bertelé, M., Vaglio, S., & Spiezio, C. (2013). A therapeutic environmental enrichment programme for managing pathological behaviour in the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox). The Journal of zoo and aquarium research, 1(1), 41-43
Journal Article Type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Date | Jul 24, 2013 |
Deposit Date | Oct 2, 2013 |
Publicly Available Date | Feb 24, 2014 |
Journal | Journal of zoo and aquarium research |
Publisher | European Association of Zoos and Aquaria |
Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
Volume | 1 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 41-43 |
Keywords | Fossa, Enrichment, Behaviour management. |
Publisher URL | http://www.jzar.org/jzar/article/view/15 |
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