Behavioral study of occupational feeders for hylobates (2002)

Pappas, K.

Abstract

White-handed gibbons (two males and two females) and siamang (two females) were studied using eight different occupational feeders. We observed how the two species manipulated the feeders and evaluated their effect on behavior; comparing the occupational feeders to a traditional open-pan-feeder as well as natural foraging behaviors of wild Hylobates....To prevent habituation to the feeders, there was a three-week interval between repeat presentations of each occupational feeder. When compared to traditional open-pan-feeders, the use of an occupational feeder significantly increased the percentage of active foraging in all cases and in most cases decreased the percentage of inactivity in both species. Each occupational feeder appeared to stimulate the animals to exhibit a greater range of behaviors more consistent with their wild counterparts and greatly reducing stereotypical behaviors.