Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Stingrays (Dasyatis pastinaca) are commonly seen at zoos and aquariums around
the world. Yet, little is known about the welfare of stingrays as few studies have
examined behaviours such as their use of enclosure in captivity. Understanding the
behavioural needs and enclosure use of animals in captivity can help us design
enclosures, which enhances natural behaviors. Measuring the activity budget of
performed behaviours can also provide important information about the welfare of
animals in captivity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the enclosure
use and behaviour of captive stingrays to get a better understanding of their welfare.
Three stingrays were observed at the Skansen Aquarium for three days each, where
behaviours such as “laying in the sand” and swimming at the bottom” and also how
different zones of the aquarium was utilized were recorded. The results showed that
all three individuals had a preferred zone where they mostly spend time performing
inactive behaviours. On one of the study days all the rays showed more active
behaviours and spend time in several different zones. The reason they were more
active is likely because it was a feeding day. Enclosure use differed between the
morning and afternoon and there was a significant difference in times they switched
zones between the morning and afternoon. The stingrays also used more parts of
the enclosure in the afternoon. This was also the time of the day when feeding
normally took place. The results from this study can help get a better understanding
of the behaviour of captive stingrays.