Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Reptiles are animals than have been neglected in the research for all times. Some people have the opinion that these animals have fewer needs and demand less from their caretakers. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise lives on the Aldabra atoll outside the coast of Tanzania. The Aldabra tortoise population has varied throughout the years, but today the population is around 100.000 animals.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the enclosure utilization of two Aldabra tortoises, a male and a female, at Parken Zoo in Eskilstuna, Sweden. The observations were carried out during a 10 days period, and gave a total of 28 hours of observation. The observation method was continuous registration and behavioral observations combined with timekeeping. The enclosure consisted of an indoor space that was divided into different zones and an ethogram was established.

The results were unequal for the male and the female tortoises. The male preferred to be in the big and open areas of the enclosure. The female on the other hand preferred to stay in the feeding area and in the big area in the front of the enclosure. The female also favored the pool and the heating lights, which the male not equally interested in. The most frequently performed behavior was movement.

A contribution factor to the results may be the Aldabra giant tortoise thermoregulation behavior. Other factors that affect the result can be physiological differences between the two tortoises. It can be concluded that there is a need of more research about the Aldabra giant tortoise and also about other reptiles. This needs to be expanded so we can ensure excellent welfare for our zoo animals.