Personality and Behavioural Husbandry Abstracts
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THE BEHAVIOURAL HUSBANDRY OF INDIVIDUALS; EXPLORING THE USE OF PERSONALITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE ANIMALS
Dr. Vicky Melfi, Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In recent years, there has been a shift in emphasis from considering the biology of animal groups to appreciating individuals. Individual differences are a product of different genetic material, environmental conditions and experiences. Research in this area has developed under a variety of related terms, including personality, behavioural syndromes, behavioural phenotypes. In essence, this area of study provides new insights into ‘outliers’; those animals which don’t necessary fit our expectations for a group! When managing wild animals in captivity we frequently use data collected on wild conspecifics as templates of what is ‘normal’. Using these templates as a foundation for our behavioural husbandry expectations often misses out, how variable ‘normal’ can be. Equally when considering captive domestic species ‘normal’ is usually drawn from a large population of animals with the clear intention of creating homogeneity; i.e. removing too much variation and individual differences. In this presentation, I will provide an overview of the terminology and methods used in this area. I will also, by way of an introduction to the presentations within this symposium (Animal personality and behavioural husbandry), identify the scope to which an understanding of individual differences is likely to effect captive animal management. |
USING INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE WHEN DEVELOPING BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS Kirstin Anderson Hansen, Odense Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
To be certain that we provide the best possible care of our animals and maintain a high standard of animal welfare, we make sure that we know everything about the animals; their natural history, habitat, social structure, natural behavior repertoire, and nutritional requirements. We do this to secure their wellbeing. But what about their individual needs? When designing a behavioral management program, should we not consider the needs of the individuals as much as we consider the needs of the group? All individuals react differently in various situations. We know, as experts of the animals we take care of, which individuals are best suited for specific situations or will be more susceptible to stress in specific situations. Since we use so much of our time and so many resources in maintaining a high level of welfare for the group, how do we consider the characteristics of the individuals when designing training programs? In this talk, I would like to share the benefits and dangers of considering an individual’s characteristics and temperaments when designing behavioral management programs. |
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN TEMPERAMENT IN PUMPKINSEED
SUNFISH: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENRICHMENT PRACTICES Kristine Coleman, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Effective behavioral management plans should be tailored to the unique behavioral patterns of each species. However, even within a species behavioral needs of individuals can vary. Factors such as age or sex may affect how individuals react to enrichment and husbandry practices. For example, in many species, juveniles are more playful than adults and thus might receive additional enrichment. Another factor that may play a role in how animals respond to various forms of enrichment is personality or temperament. Shy or risk-averse individuals may display more anxiety towards enrichment practices than bold or exploratory individuals. Differences along the shy-bold continuum have been found in a wide range of taxonomic groups, including various primate, carnivore, bird, and even fish species. This presentation will present data on individual differences in temperament in pumpkinseed sunfish, Lepomis gibbosus, and discuss how these differences might influence, or be influenced by, enrichment strategies. |
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THE USE OF PERSONALITY RATINGS
AS A PREDICTOR OF ENRICHMENT EFFICACY IN CAPTIVE SULAWESI MACAQUES (MACACA NIGRA) Kathy Baker, Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Personality has been found to affect many aspects of captive animal management, such as, breeding success, health and welfare. A study conducted established that personality, specifically scores on Exploratory and Dominance dimensions, were good predictors of environmental enrichment (EE) use in a group of Sulawesi crested macaque (N=12) (Baker and Melfi, in press). This previous study only provided food based EE; potentially results may vary for different EE types. In the current study we tested whether personality could predict response to 4 different enrichment items. Personality scores for 9 (3.5) macaques at Newquay Zoo were established as part of a larger study (Baker, in prep); which indicated three reliably rated personality dimensions, Confidence, Sociability and Neuroticism. Four EE were provided, representing different EE types: 1) Simple feeding EE (hanging wooden log with food in holes); 2) Complex feeding EE (hanging plastic pipe with covers hiding food holes); 3) Sensory EE (hanging bamboo wind chime); and 4) Manipulative EE (Plant pots). EE were presented over the course of the study five times on a randomised schedule before 1000. Continuous scan sampling in the 1st 30min after EE presentation, recorded all animal interactions with the EE. Instantaneous scan sampling every 2mins for 30min, recorded broad state behaviours; 3 observations were conducted daily when EE was present and also on 5 non-EE days (baseline). |