The effects of movable novel obiects, novel olfactory stimuli ......The effects of movable novel obiects, novel olfactory stimuliønd novel auditory stimuli on the exploratory, play

The effects of movable novel obiects, novel olfactory stimuli

ønd novel auditory stimuli on the exploratory, play and

stereotypicat behaviour of captive species: A comparøtive

study.

Kathryn Lampard, B. Sc. Hons (Adelaide)

Thesis suhmitted to the University of Adetaide infuffilment of the conditíonsfor the

degree of Doctor of PhìlosoPhY.

Department of Psycholory

The University of Adelaide

July, 2002

Table of Contents

List of Figures..........-..

List of Tables.....

Abstract.....

Statement...

Acknowledgements. .. . .. .

CHAPTERl:CAPTTVEPOPULATIONS_ALASTRESORT1.1 Animals and caPtivitY

I .1 . I Zoos as a necessitY

I . I .2 The evolution of zoos

1.2 Captivity and behaviour

1.2. I Abnormal behaviours

1.2.2 Factors that contribute towards abnormal behaviours

1.2.3 Conserving natural behaviours

1.3 Behavioural enrichment

1.3.1 Change in the way animals are perceived

1.3.2 Aims of environmental enrichment

1.3.3 Types of environmental enrichment

1.2.3.1Carl Hagenbeck

1.2.3.2 Hal Markowitz

1.2.3.3 NoveltY

1.4 Chapter summary

CHAPTER 2: NOVELTY AND ITS EFFECTS ON EXPLORATORY

AND PLAY BEHAVIOUR

2.1 The Importance ofNoveþ

2.2 The Effects of NoveltY

2.2.1Level of noveþ and complexity of the stimuli

2.2.2 The social environment

2.2.3Habitvtion

2.2.4 Past exPeriences

2.3 Phylogenetic status and noveþ

2.4 Qualities of the novel objects

2.5 Chapter summary

CHAPTER 3: EXPLORATORY AI\D PLAY BEHAYIOT]R

3. I Exploratory Behaviour

lx

X'T'

JClt

xvi

xvii

1

I

I

J

6

6

Il0

lll1

l3

t4

t4

l5

t6

l7

18

18

t9

2l

22

22

23

23

26

29

31

3l

3.1.1 rWhy animals exPlore

3. l 2 Defining exploratory behaviour

3. 1.3 Theories about exploratory behaviour

3.1.3.1 Environmental Modelling and Discrepancy Theory

3 .1.3 .2 Drive theories

3.1.3.3 Optimal stimulation and arousal theories

3.1.3.4 Fear and exploration theories

3.1.3.5 Information Primacy Theory

3 . I .4 Functions and costs of exploratory behaviour

3.1.4.1 Acquisition of information

3.1.4.2 Familiarity with the home range

3.1.4.3 Location of new resources

3.1.4.4 Avoidance of Predators

3.1.4.5 Learning new adaptive strategies

3. I . 5 Species difFerences in exploratory behaviour

3.2 Play behaviour

3.2.1 Why play is important and the study of play

3.2.2 Defrning PlaY Behaviour

3.2.3 Theories of PlaY

3.2.3.1 SurPlus EnergY Theory

3.2.3.2 Practice Theory

3.2.3.3 Optimal Arousal Theory

3.2.3.4 Surplus Resource Theory

3.2.4 Functions and benefits of play behaviour

3.2.4.1Motor training

3.2.4.2 Social develoPment

3.2.4.3 Dominance hierarchY

3 .2.4.4 Social communication

3.2.4.5 Social integration

3.2.5 Costs of play behaviour

3.2.6 Phylogenetic status and play behaviour

3.2.7 Environmental effects on play behaviour

3.3 Chapter summary

3l

32

34

34

35

3s

36

36

37

37

38

38

38

39

39

40

40

4l

43

44

44

45

45

46

47

47

48

48

48

49

50

5l

52

CHAPTER 4: SUMMARY OF APPROACH

4.1 Past studies into noveltY

4.2 Types of novelty that were investigated

4.2.1 Movability

4.2.2 Olfactory Stimuli

4.2.3 Auditory Stimuli

4.3 Choice of species

4.3.1 Species included in the study

4.3 .l .l Plains zebra (Equus burchelli)

4.3.1.2 Oriental small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea)

4.3 .l .3 Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu).

4.3.1.4 Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia)

4.3.2 Reasons for the choice of species

4.4 Chapter summary

53

53

53

53

54

55

56

56

56

57

58

59

60

6l

CHAPTER 5: METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES

5.1 Summary of research

5.2 Research in a zoo setting

5.3 Experimental design considerations

5.3.1 Equipment

5.3.2 Reconnaissance Observations

5.3.3 Experimental design

5.3.4 Data collection

5.4 Data analyses and dealing with low subject numbers

5.5 Magnitude of Effects

5.6 Intra- and Inter-observer Reliability.

CHAPTER 6: THE EFFECTS OF MOVABLE VERSUS

NON-MOVABLE NOVEL OBJECTS ON ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY 69

6.1 Introduction 69

6.1.1 Hypotheses and rationale 69

6.2 Methodology and Data Collection 74

6.2.1 Subject" 74

6.2.2Diet 79

6.2.3 Enclosure 79

6.2.4 Apparatus and EquiPment 85

6.2.5 Procedure 89

6.2.5.1Reconnaissance observations 89

6.2.5.2 Behavioural categories 89

63

63

63

64

64

64

6s

6s

66

67

67

6.2 -5 -3 ExPerimental design

6.2.5.4 Data collection

6.3 Results

6.3.1 Hypothesis One

6.3.2 Hypothesis Two

6.3.3 Hypothesis Three

6.3.4 Hypothesis Four

6.3.5 Hypothesis Five

6.3.6 Hypothesis Six

6.3.7 Hypothesis Seven

6.3.8 Hypothesis Eight

6.4 Discussion

6.4. I Exploratory behaviour

6.4.2Play behaviour

6.4.3 Habituation

6.5 Conclusions

CHAPTER 7: THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT NOVEL ODOTIRS

ON THE BEIIAVIOUR OF ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY.

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 Hypotheses and rationale

7.2 Methodology and Data Collection

7.2.1 Subjects

7.2.2Diet

7.2.3 Enclosure

7.2.4 Apparatus and EquiPment

7.2.5 Procedure

7 .2.5.1 Reconnaissance observations

7 .2.5 .2 Behavioural categories

7 .2.5.3 Experimental design

7 .2.5.4 Data collection

7.3 Results


732Hypothesis Two

7.3.3 Hypothesis Three


7.3.5 Hypothesis Five


7.4 Discussion

7 .4.1 Exploratory behaviour

90

9l

92

92

97

l0lt0'7

tt4115

116

I l8

120

120

12s

127

t28

129

129

t29

133

133

134

t34

138

140

140

140

140

t4t142

142

149

151

153

158

163

164

164

7.4.2Play behaviour

7.4.3 Habituation

7 .4.4 Olfactory enrichment

7.5 Conclusions

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 Hypotheses and rationale

8.2 Methodology

8.2.1 Subjects

8.2.2Diet

8.2.3 Enclosure

8.2.4 Apparatus and EquiPment

8.2.5 Procedure

8.2.5.1 Reconnaissance observations

8.2.5.2 Behavioural categories

8.2.5.3 ExPerimental design

8.2.5.4 Data collection

8.3 Results


8.3.2 Hypothesis Two

8.3.3 HyPothesis Three


8.3.5 HyPothesis Five


8.3.7 Hypothesis Seven

8.4 Discussion

8.4.1 Flight behaviour

8.4.2 Exploratory behaviour

8.4.3 Comparisons between the avian and mammalian predators

8.4.4 Play behaviour

8.4.5 Benefits ofthreatening events for captive animals

8.5 Conclusions

CHAPTER 9: GENERAL DISCUSSION

9. I General conclusions

9.2 Reactions to novelty

167

168

t69

t69

CHAPTER 8: THE EFFECTS OF NOVEL AVIAN AI\D MAMMALIAN

PRE,DATOR AT]DITORY STIMULI ON AI\IMALS IN CAPTIVITY. I7It7ln2176

176

176

t't6

180

183

183

183

183

184

185

185

189

194

20s

207

208

213

215

215

2t7

219

220

221

221

223

223

221

9.3 Limitations of the current studies

9.4 lmplications for caPtivitY

9.5 Individual differences

9.6 Applications of the current studies

9.6. 1 Exploratory behaviour theories

9.6.2 Play behaviour theories

9.6.3 Enrichment strategies

9.7 Future research

9.8 Conclusion

APPENDIX A - THE BEHA\¡IOT]R AND ECOLOGY OF THE

SUBJECT SPECIES.

PLAINS, COMMON OR BURCHELL'S ZEBRA

Species Classification

Morphological/ Physical Characteristics

Distribution and Habitat

Diet

Activity CYcle

Predators, Defence and Sensory abilities

Reproduction and DeveloPment

Social Organisation and Behaviour

Communication

Status

ORIENTAL SMALL-CLAWED OTTER


Morphological/ Physical Characteristics


Diet

Activity Cycle




Communication

Status

COLLARED PECCARY


MorphologicaV Physical Characteristics


Diet

228

229

229

231

23r

232

233

235

238

239

239

239

239

240

241

241

242

242

243

244

245

246

246

246

247

247

248

248

248

249

249

250

251

251

2sl

2s2

2s2

Activity Cycle



Social Organisation and Behaviow

Communication

Status

BARBARY SHEEP


MorphologicaV Physical Characteristics


Diet

Activity Cycle




Communication

Status

APPENDIX B _ SIGNS

APPENDIX C _ CHECKSHEET DESIGN

RE,FERENCE LIST

253

2s3

254

254

255

25s

257

257

257

258

258

2s8

258

2s9

2s9

260

260

261

264

267

IX

List of Figures

Figure 6.1 -The Barbary sheep group. The adult male is at the top ofthe mountain,

and the rest of the animals spread on the levels below'

Figure 6.2 - The male zebra.

Figure 6.3 - The female zebra.

Figure 6.4 - The tvvo oflers with the male at the back left and the female at the front on

the right.

Figure 6.5 - Six of the peccaries, startingfrom the left Orange (R)' Green (L)' Red

(L), White (R), White (L), and Blue (R).

Figure 6.6 - The peccqry at thefront is Red (L) and the one in the middle is Yellow (R).

Figure 6.7 - Diagrammatic representation of the Barbary sheep enclosure showing the

location ofthe novel objects (not drawn to scale)'

Figure 6.8 - Diagrammatic represenÍation of the zebra enclosure showing the location

ofthe novel obiects (not drawn to scale)'

Figure 6.9 - Diagrammatic representation of the otter enclosure showing the location

ofthe novel obiects (not drawnto scale)'

Figure 6. I0 - Diagrammatic representation of the peccary enclosure showing

the placement ofthe novel objects (not drøwn to scale)'

Figure 6. 1 I q - Diagrams showing the frame on the left and the finished product on

the right for the movable novel objects usedfor the Barbary sheep and zebras.

Figure 6. t t b - Diagrams showing the frøme on the left and the finished product on

the right for the non-movable novel objects usedfor the Barbary sheep and zebras.

Figure 6.12a - Movable novel obiectfor the peccaries and otters'

Figure 6. I 2b - Non-movable novel object for the peccaries and otters.

Figure 6.1 3 Exploratory behøviour with the novel objects for the Barbary sheep.

Figure 6. t 4 - Exploratory behøviour with the novel obiects for the zebras'

Figure 6. I5 Exploratory behaviour with the novel obiects for the otters.

Figure 6. t6 Exploratory behaviour with the novel obiects for the peccaries.

Figure 6.t7 Play behqviourwiththe novel obiectsfor the Barbary sheep.

Figure 6.18 Play behqviourwith the novel objectsfor the peccaries.

Figure 6. 19 Play behaviour with the novel obiects for the otters'

Figure 6.20 Exploratory behøviour levels for the adult Barbary sheep'

Figure 6.2 I Exploratory behøviour levels for the sub-adult Barbary sheep.

Figure 6.22 Exploratory behaviour levelsþr theiuvenile Barbary sheep.

Figure 6.23 Exploratory behaviour levelsfor the zebras'

Figure 6.24 Exploratory behaviour levelsfor the otters'

Figure 6.25 Exploratory behaviour levelsfor thefemale peccaries'

Figure 6.26 Exploratory behaviour levels for the male peccaries'

Figure 6.27 Pløy behaviour levelsfor the adult Barbary sheep'

Figure 6.28 Ptøy behqviour levels þr the sub-adult Barbary sheep'

75

75

76

77

78

78

80

82

83

84

86

86

88

88

93

94

95

96

98

99

r00

102

102

103

104

105

106

106

108

108

X

Figure 6.29 Ptay behaviour levelsfor thejuvenile Barbary sheep'

Figure 6.30 Pløy behqviour levels for the zebras'

Figure 6.31 Ptay behoviour levels þr the otters'

Figure 6.32 Pløy behaviour levelsfor thefemale peccaries'

Figure 6.33 Play behaviour levelsfor the male peccqries'

Figure 6.34 Stereotypical behqviour qcross the conditionsfor the otters.

Figure 6.3 5 Exploratory behaviour with the novel objects for the first novelty week'

Figure 6.36 Exploratory behøviour with the novel obiects for the second novelty week'

Figure 6.37 Play behaviour with the novel obiects for thefirst novelty week.

Figure 6.38 Play behaviour with the novel obiects for the second novelty week.

Figure 6.39 Hqbituation times for each of the species'

Figure 6.40 - A sub-adult Barbary sheep exploring the non-movable novel obiect'

Figure6.4l-Themalezebraexploringthemovablenovelobject.

Figure 6.42 - The two otters exploring the non-moyable novel obiect.

Figure 6.43 - A male peccary exploring the non-movable novel obiect.

Figure 6.44 -Two sub-adult Barbary sheep pløying with their food branches.

Figure 7. I - Barbary sheep group with the adult male to the far right'

Figure 7.2 - Diagrammatic representation of the Barbary sheep enclosure showing

the location ofthe novel odours (not drawn to scale)'

Figure 7.3 - Diagrammatic representation of the otter enclosure showing the location

ofthe novel odours (not drawn to scale)'

Figure 7.4 - Diagrammatic representation of the peccary enclosure showing the location

ofthe novel odours (not drawn to scale)'

Figure 7.5 - Logs that the odours were rubbed on'

Figure 7.6 - Exploratory behaviour for eøch odour for the qdult Barbary sheep.

Figure 7.7 - Exploratory behøviourfor eachodourfor the sub- adult Barbary sheep'

Figure 7.8 - Habituation times for the Barbary sheep'

Figure 7.9 - Exploratory behøviour levelsfor each odourfor the otters.

Figure 7. I0 - Habituation times for the otters'

Figure 7.1 t - Exploratory behøviour levelsfor eachodourfor thefemale peccaries.

Figure 7.12 - Exploratory behøviour levelsfor eachodourfor the male peccaries.

Figure 7. I 3 - Habituation times for the peccartes'

Figure 7. 1 4 - Exploratory behaviour levels for the first week of the study.

Figure 7. t 5 - Exploratory behøviour levels for the second week of the study'

Figure 7. 1 6 - Hqbituation times for each species to the novel odours.

Figure 7.17 - Exploratory behøviour levelsfor the adult Barbary sheep.

Figure 7.18 - Exploratory behaviour levels þr the sub-adult Barbary sheep.

Figure 7. 19 - Exploratory behaviour levels for the otters'

Figure 7.20 - Exploratory behaviour levelsfor thefemale peccaries.

Figure 7.2 I - Exploratory behøviour levels for the male peccaries'

109

110

tlI112

113

114

115

116

117

t18

It9123

123

124

r24

126

134

135

136

137

139

143

r43

144

145

146

147

147

148

151

152

j'53

154

154

156

1s7

157

XI

Figure 7.22 - Ptay behaviour levels for the adult Barbary sheep'

Figure 7.23 - Play behqviour levelsfor the sub-adult Barbary sheep'

Figure 7.24 - Play behaviour levels for the otters'

Figure 7.25 - Play behqviour levels for the female peccaries'

Figure 7.26 - Play behqviour levels for the female peccqries'

Figure 7.27 - Stereotypical behoviour levels for the otters'

Figure 7.28 - Afemale peccary exploring the grass odour'

Figure 7.29 - A juvenile Barbary sheep exploring the grass odour'

Figure 7.30 - The two otters exploring the meat odour'

Figure 8.1 - Diagrammalic representation of the Barbary sheep enclosure showing

the location of the speaker (not drawn to scale)'

FigureS'2-Diagyammaticrepresentationoftheotterenclosureshowingthe

speaker (not drøwn to scale)'

Figure 8.3 - Diagrammatic representation of the peccary enclosure showing the

speaker (not drawn to scøle)'

Figure 8.4 - One of the speakers enclosed in a waterproof can'

Figure 8.5 , The car battery on the left, the amplifier in the center qnd the mini-disc

player on the right.

Figure 8.6 - Lockable metal trunk-

Figure 8.7 - Flight behqviour levelsfor the adult Barbary sheep'

Figure 8.8 - Flight behqviour levelsfor the sub-adult andiuvenile Barbary sheep.

Figure 8.9 - Ftight behqviour levels for the female peccaries'

Figure 8. I0 - Ftight behoviour levels þr the male peccaries'

Figure 8. I1 - Exploratory behaviour levels þr the adult Barbary sheep'

Figure 8.12 - Exploratory behaviour levelsfor the sub-adult andiuvenile Barbary sheep'

Figure 8.13 - Exploratory behaviour levelsfor the otters'

Figure 8.14 - Exploratory behøviour levelsþr thefemale peccaries'

FigureS.t5-Exploratorybehaviourlevelsþrthemalepeccaries.

Figure 8. 16 - Exploratory behøviour for the mammqlian and øvian predator phases

for the Barbary sheeP'

Figure 8. t7 - Ftight behaviour for the qvian and mammalian predator phases for the

Barbary sheeP.

Figure 8. I8 - Habituation times for exploratory behøviour for the Barbary sheep

for the mammalian Predator Phase'

Figure 8.19 - Habituation timesfor exploratory behaviourfor the Barbary sheep

for the øvian Predator Phase'

Figure 8.20 - Habituation times for flight behøviour for the Børbary sheep for the

mammalian Predator Phase.

Figure 8.2I - Habituation times for flight behøviour for the Barbary sheep for

the avian Predator Phase'

t59

159

160

161

162

163

165

165

166

177

178

179

181

r81

182

185

186

187

188

190

t90

t9l193

193

t95

196

197

197

t98

r98

xll

Figure 8.22 - Exploratory behaviourfor the qvian and mammalian phases for the otters'

Figure 8.23 - Habituation timesþr exploratory behøviourfor the mammalian

predator Phase for the otters.

Figure 8.24 - Habituation times for exploratory behaviour for the øvian predator phase 196

for the otters.

Figure 8.25 - Exploratory behaviourþr the mammalian ønd avian predator phases

for the peccaries-

Figure 8.26 - Flight behaviour for the qviqn and mammalian predator phases.þr

the peccaries.

Figure 8.27 - Habituation timesfor exploratory behaviourfor the mammalian

predator Phasefor the Peccaries.

Figure 8.28- Habituation times for exploratory behøviour for the avian predator

phase for the Peccaries.

Figure 8.29 - Habituation times for flight behaviour for the avian predator phase

for the Peccaries.

Figure 8.30 - Hqbituation times for.flight behaviour for the tntian predator phase

for the peccaries.

Figure 8.31 - Exploratory behøviour during the mammqlian predator phase.

Figure 8.32 - Exploratory behaviour during the avian predator phase.

Figure 8.33 - Flight behqviour during the mqmmalian predator phase.

Figure 8.34 - Flight behqviour during the avian predator phase'

Figure 8.35 - Pløy behaviour levels for the adult Barbary sheep'

Figure 8.36 - Play behqviour levelsfor the sub-adult øndiavenile Barbary sheep.

Figure 8.37 - Play behqviour levelsfor the otters'

Figure 8.38 - Play behqviour levelsþr thefemale peccaries'

Figure 8.39 - Play behqviour levels þr the male peccaries'

Figure 8.40 - Stereotypical behaviour levels for the otters'

Figure 8.41 - Peccaries gathered together at the back ofthe enclosure after having

fled the Predator auditory stimuli.

Figure 8.42 - Red(L) confronting the predator auditory stimuli'

Figure 8.43 - Adult male Barbory sheep orienting towards the predator øuditory stimuli-

Figure 8.44 The two otters orienting and approaching the predator auditory stimuli'

199

200

200

201

202

203

203

204

204

206

206

207

208

209

210

211

212

212

214

216

217

218

219

xlll

List of Tøbles

Table 5.1 The Kappa scores.for the two independent observers and the experimenter'

The uncorrected scores are shown in brackets'

Table 6. t - Tqxonomic details.for the Barbary sheep group'

Tabte 6.2 - Tmonomic details þr the zebras'

Table 6.3 - Tøonomic details for the otter group'

Tabte 6.4 - Taxon details for the collared peccqry group'

Tabte 6.5 - ExPerimental design'

Table 6.6 - Exploratory behqviour with the non-movable and movable obiects

.for the Barbary sheeP.

Table 6.7 - Exploratory behaviour with the non-movable and movable obiects

for the zebras.

Table 6.8 - Exploratory behqviour with the non-movable qnd movable obiects

for the otters.

Table 6.9 - Exploratory behøviour with the non-movable and movable objects

.for the peccaries.

Table 6.10 - Plqy behqviour with the non-movable and movqble obiects for the

Barbary sheep.

Table 6.I 1 - Plqy behaviour with the non-movable and movable obiects þr the

peccaries-

Tabte 6.I2 - Ploy behaviour with the non-movable and movable objects for

the otters.

Table 6.I3 - Exploratory behqviour during the experimental weeks for the

Barbary sheeP.

Table 6.14 - Exploratory behaviour during the experimental weelu for the zebras'

Tqble 6.1 5 Exploratory behøviour during the experimental weeks for the otters'

Table 6.1 6 - Exploratory behoviour during the experimental weel<s for the peccaries'

Table 6. 17 - Ptqy behoviour during the experimental weeks þr the Barbary sheep'

Table 6.1 8 - Ptay behqviour during the experimental weeks for the zebras.

Tabte 6. 19 Play behøviour during the experimental weelrs for the otters-

Table 6.20 - Plqy behaviour during the experimental weel<s for the peccaries.

Tabte 6.21 - Stereotypical behqviour during the experimental weeks for the otters'

Table 6.22 - Exploratory behøviourfor each ofthe species during the two novelty weeks'

Tqble 6.23 , Ploy behøviour for each of the species during the two novelty weel<s'

Table 7.1 - Tqxon detailsfor the Barbary sheep group'

Table 7.2 Experimental designþr the novel odour study'

Table 7.3 - Exploratory behoviour with each ofthe novel odours for the Barbary sheep'

Tabte 7.4 - Exploratory behaviour with each of the novel odours for the otters.

Table 7.5 - Exploratory behqviour with each ofthe novel odours for the peccøries.

Table 7.6 - Exploratory behaviourfor each of the species during the two novelty weelø'

93

94

95

96

98

99

100

68

74

76

76

77

9l

103

104

t0s

107

109

110

111

113

t14

116

117

133

141

144

145

148

152

xlv

Table 7.7 - Exploratory behaviour during the two novelty weeks for the Barbary sheep.

Table 7.8 - Exploratory behqviour during the two novelty weeks for the otters'

Table 7.9 - Exploratory behqviour during the two novelty weelu for the peccaries'

Tabte 7.I0 - Ploy behaviour during the two novelty weeks for the Barbary sheep'

Tqbte 7. 1 I - Plqy behaviour during the two novelty weelcs þr the otters.

Table 7.12 - Plqy behaviour during the two novelty weeks þr the peccaries.

Table 7. 1 3 - Stereotypical behoviour during the two novelty weeÌcs for the otters'

Tqble 8.1 - Experimental designfor the novel sound study'

Table 8.2 - Flight behaviourfor the Barbary sheepfor eachweek of the study.

Table 8.3 - Flight behaviourfor the peccariesfor eachweek ofthe study.

Tabte 8.4 - Exploratory behaviour for the Barbary sheep for each week of the stuþ.

Table 8.5 - Exploratory behaviour for the otters .for each week of the study'

Table 8.6 - Exploratory behaviour for the peccaries for eachweek ofthe study'

Tabte 8.7 - Exploratory andltight behaviourfor both the mammalian and avian

predator phases for the Barbary sheep.

Tabte 8.8 - Exploratory andJtight behaviourfor both the mammalian and qvian

predator Phases for the otters.

Tabte 8.9 - Exploratory and.flight behaviourfor both the mammalian and avian

predator phases for the peccaries.

Tabte 8.10 Indicqtes the levels ofexploratory behøviourfor each speciesfor the

two novel Phases of the stuþ.

Table 8.1 1 - Indicates the levels of flight behøviour for each species for the two

novel phases of the stuþ.

Table 8. I 2 Pløy behaviour for the Barbary sheep for each week of the study.

Tabte 8.I 3 - Ploy behaviour þr the otters for each week of the study'

Tabte 8.14 Play behaviourfor the peccariesfor eachweekofthe study.

Table 8.15 - Stereotypical behqviour for the otters /'or each week of the stuþ'

Tabte 9.1 - Summarises the most effective enrichment slrategies þr each species.

155

156

158

160

161

162

16s

184

186

188

191

192

194

196

201

207

202

208

2t0

211

213

214

234

XV

Abstract

In recent decades there has been an increasing interest in the area of

environmental enrichment for captive animals. The central premise of this thesis was

that four species in captivity would be enriched, by increasing levels of exploratory

and pþ behaviour and decreasing stereotypical behaviour, by providing them with

access to three different types of novel stimuli. It was expected that each type of

novelty would elicit different reactions from each species. Various theoretical

constructs have been suggested to explain exploratory and play behaviour, however

no theory has satisfactorily explained exploratory or play behaviour in all their forms.

The experimental component, of the current research, involved presenting three

different types of novel stimuli, including novel objects, auditory and olfactory

stimuli, to four species. The subject species were Barbary sheep, zebra, oriental

small-clawed otters, and collared peccaries.

The series of studies employed a modified repeated measures design. In each of

the studies the animals were presented with a different type of noveþ. The novelty

included movable and non-movable objects, food-related olfactory stimuli and

predator-associated auditory stimuli. Visual inspection was the main form of data

analysis due to low subject numbers and because it allowed individual and group

reactions to be reported.

Results indicated each type of novelty stimulated increases in both exploratory

and play behaviour and decreased stereotypical behaviour. In addition to these overall

increases, some types of noveþ were found to affect these behaviours more than

others. Overall these results suggested that the different responses were related to the

biological significance of the novel stimuli for the individual and the species

concerned.

Discussion focussed on factors that can be used to predict how a species will

react to novelty, including the ecological niche of the species, feeding patterns and

the biological significance of the novel stimuli. In addition to this, other factors, such

as the previous experiences of the individual, have to be considered. It was concluded

that novelty, including objects, odours and auditory stimuli, is a simple, cheap and

effective method of enriching the lives of animals in captivity.

XVI

Statemenl

This work contains no material which has been accepted for the award of

any other degree or diploma in any universþ or other tertiary institution

and, to the best of my knowledge and beliet contains no material

previously published or written by another person' except where due

reference has been made in the text'

I give consent to this copy of my thesis, when deposited in the Universþ

Library, being available for loan and photocopying'

Kathryn LamPard

Júy 2002

xvll

Acknowledgements

My deepest gratitude goes to the late Dr. Frank Dalziel, without whom I would never

have even considered starting down this path. Even when Frank became very sick he

stillfoundtimetobesupportiveandencouragingofthiswork.

A special thankyou must also go to Dr. Vanessa Mills for stepping in where Frank

left offand providing me with support and advice. Thanks also go to Professor Ted

Nettelbeck and Professor Tony \I/inefield for their comments'

Many thanks to Steve Tupper and JeffMatthews for building and installing the

apparatus.

Thankyou to Shanthi Sarma and Peter Brayshaw for assisting me with my reliability

assessment

('na)

At the Adelaide ZoologicalGardens I would like to thank Ed McAtlister, Mark Craig'

peter whitehead and Gert Skipper for assista¡rce with setting up the studies' Thanks

also to the keepers, to numerous to mention, who assisted in the day-to-day running

of the studies-

fgnR)

A very special thank you to Munu Dad and David for supporting me through this

lengtþ process.

Finally, thanþou to Peter for the drawing of the otters and to Ben for assistance at

the computer and the encouragement and support needed to see this through'

('IDR)

Documents

The effects of movable novel obiects, novel olfactory stimuli ......The effects of movable novel obiects, novel olfactory stimuliønd novel auditory stimuli on the exploratory, play