Changes in behaviour of spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus) following relocation and dental treatment

• Autorzy: Maslak R. , Sergiel A. , Hill S. P.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

The behaviour of two spectacled bears kept in a very small enclosure was studied at Wroclaw Zoo (Poland), and then following transfer to a large, naturalistic exhibit at Chester Zoo (UK). In part one of the study, the median amount of time devoted to stereotypical movements was 57 min/h. Shortly after arrival at Chester Zoo, abnormal behaviours were eliminated from the behavioural repertoire of one bear. The other one still performed high levels of stereotypic behaviour. Signs of dental problems were observed, and a dental examination with multiple extractions was carried out. Following the treatment, the amount of time that the bear spent stereotyping reduced significantly. Before dental treatment the bear spent 55% of the time on stereotypies, which reduced to 16% in the first month post-treatment PT1 (P<0.000). There were statistically significant increases in time spent feeding during the two post-treatment periods, compared with the baseline (PT1 feeding: P<0.000; PT2 feeding: P<0.000). Whilst there are several factors that could have contributed to the observed reduction in stereotypy, it is clear that further investigation is needed into the effects of pain and physical condition on stereotypy and other abnormal behaviours in bears and other animals.

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis
• Rocznik: 2014
• Tom: 74
• Numer: 3
• Opis fizyczny: p.367

Twórcy

autor

Maslak R.

• Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates, Institute of Environmental Biology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland

autor

Sergiel A.

• Department of Widlife Conservation, Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland

autor

Hill S. P.

• Conservation Medicine Division, Chester Zoo, Chester, U.K.