Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Zoos have an important role when it comes to the conservation of endangered species. Animals kept in captivity have the same behavioral needs as animals in the wild and it is important that zoos provide them with a stimulating environment. If the environment in the enclosure is not optimal, abnormal behaviors such as stereotypies can develop. Tigers often express abnormal behavior in the form of pacing and there are many factors that can influence the degree to which the behavior is carried out.
The purpose of this study was therefore to map the pacing of a male tiger on Nordens Ark. The mapping included how much pacing the male tiger performed, during which times it occurred and where in the enclosure the behavior was performed. Data collection was done by continuous recording and lasted for a total of 50 hours. The behaviors that the tiger spent the most time performing were pacing, locomotion and resting. The result showed that pacing often had a peak between 09:00-10:00 for both frequency and duration. However, the behavior occurred at all timings the tiger was observed. When the tiger was in the small middle cage between the enclosures, he spent more than half of the time performing pacing. When it came to placement for the behavior, it mainly occurred along the fence or next to the small middle enclosure in all of the tiger enclosures.
It is difficult to determine why the behavior occured to the extent that it did because there are several factors that can influence it, but the results of the study could be strengthened with already existing research. No general conclusions for tigers in captivity can be drawn from the study but it can be used as a pilot study for future research. The study can also be used to try to improve the enclosure for the male tiger at Nordens Ark.