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Effects of visitor numbers on the behaviour of the Cracidae in Antwerp Zoo

Poster · July 2009

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Jeroen Stevens University of Antwerp

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Rik DAMS 1, Jeroen M.G. STEVENS 2

1 : Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen. Kleinhoefstraat 4; B-2440 Geel; Belgium 2 : Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Koningin Astridplein 26, B 2018 Antwerp, Belgium. [email protected]

INTRODUCTION Cracids are a severely threatened family of Galliformes who are of great social importance, because of their key role in neotropical ecosystems as seed dispersers and their potential use as indicator birds. Several species are managed in captive breeding programs, but very little is known about their behaviour in captivity. The presence of zoo visitors has been found to influence behaviour of many taxa, including birds, but studies of primates are over-represented, and more data on different taxa are needed a. Here we aim to investigate the influence of zoo visitor numbers on the behaviour of Cracids

METHODS • 5 species of cracids where observed for a visitors effect in Antwerp Zoo ( Crax rubra, Crax blumenbachii, Crax daubentoni, Penelope jacquacu, Pauxi pauxi ). Each species was represented by a breeding pair with no offspring present. • The study was done between August and December 2008, so after the largest peak in visitor numbers, and also outside of the breeding season for Cracids. • We compiled an extensive ethogram for the species, focussing on potential welfare related behaviours (pacing, hiding, feeding, use of the enclosure). • Each species was observed for two 30 minute intervals on each observation day, using instantaneous scan sampling with 30 second intervals to monitor the behaviour and location of both birds simultaneously. • From a total of 18 observation days, we compared behavioural frequencies from 6 days with the most visitors (3022 to 5820 visitors per day) to 6 days with the least numbers of visitors (224 to 852 visitors per day). Visitor numbers were obtained from ticket sales, and we did not count the actual number of visitors in front of the birds’ enclosures. For the analyses we used a multiple ANOVA, with frequencies of different behaviours, and the spread of participation index (SPI) as dependent variables. Visitor numbers (high or low), subject species, time of day (morning or afternoon) and were included as independent variables.

RESULTS

Crax Crax Crax Pauxi Penelope blumenbachi daubentonii rubra pauxi jacquacu

Visibility ▲ F=2.66 ▲ F=5.45

Enclosure use ▲ F= 3.82

Moving ▲ F=4.07

Fouraging ▼ F=-2.88

Resting ▲ F=6.71

Preening ▲F=4.52 Vocalising ° ° ° ° °

Investigating ▲ F=4.07

Table 1: Influence of high visitor numbers on behavioural categories in 5 species of Cracidae ▲: significant increase on crowded days (p<0.05); ▼: significant decrease on crowded days (p<0.05) °: trend for increase on crowded days (0.05>p>0.10) • There was no universal influence on the behaviour of Cracidae. Species differences were large • In two species ( C. blumenbachi and C. rubra ) no differences in behaviour were found on crowded and non-crowded days. • When effects of visitor numbers were found, these were rather positive, such as increased visibility in two species, better use of the enclosure, more moving or investigating behaviour, which all seem positive influences. • P. jacquacu rested and preened more on days with many visitors. Preening could be a form of displacement behaviour. CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION • These results suggest a rather positive influence of higher visitor numbers on the life quality of the cracids in Antwerp Zoo. This corresponds with other studies on different species of birds (penguins, hornbills, cockatoos) a. • However, differences between Cracid species are large. Ideally, more studies on different individuals of these species should be undertaken. • Possibly, individual characteristics such as age, personalities and backgrounds of the birds will also have influenced our results. Temperament and personality has been found to have effects of bird behaviour in a variety of studies. • More research on the general behaviour and visitor effect on cracids is necessary to correctly interpret the results of this study. This could control also for effects of seasonality.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS REFERENCES We thank the Flemish Government for structural support to the a) Hosey G. 2000. Animal Welfare 9: 343-357 Centre for Research and Conservation. We are grateful to keepers, curator and directory of Antwerp Zoo for collaborating with this study. Biaza Research Symposium, Blackpool 13-14 July 2009

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