Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

A large number of wild species on our globe are currently endangered or on the verge of extinction, illegal hunting of animals and changes in their environment are major contributors. There are currently 134 425 species in danger of extinction and 37 480 species on the verge of extinction. As a result, it is vital that we gain a greater understanding of these animals and their behavior in order to aid their survival. Many projects are conducted to prevent extinction by increasing the number of animals through ex situ conservation. Nordens Ark in Sweden is one of these places, where urials (Ovis vignei bochariensis) are kept for study and preservation. There are just four other parks in Europe that keep urials besides Nordens Ark. These other parks, on the other hand, have had difficulty with reproduction. So, with their collaboration with Nordens Ark, it has been possible for us to study urials up close in all different ages. This is also the only option to research these animals, since the nations where they normally live in the wild are in conflict. Observations in the wild are thus impossible.
A behavioral study was conducted on the group of urials on Nordens Ark in this study. Rams, ewes, and lambs made up the herd. They were filmed with game cameras for three months after the lambs were born, from May to July. Five cameras were placed around the enclosure, each recording for 30 seconds. The urials were filmed throughout the day, however this research focused on their nighttime behaviors. The findings revealed that the ewes' maternal behaviors declined over time, and that some play behaviors, such as butt against one another, began to emerge toward the end of the observation period. Although the urials were able to engage in many of their usual behaviors, their enclosure may still be improved in certain ways. As these are very sensitive prey animals, the successful reproduction in this group may be viewed as an indicator of good welfare.