Natural Behavior

The relationship between socio-sexual behavior and salivary cortisol in bonobos: tests of the tension regulation hypothesis

Bonobos are known for their pacifistic behavior and their large repertoire of behaviors that are thought to serve conflict resolution. One is an unusual form of ventro-ventral mounting that facilitates genital contacts (GC). Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain...

Year Published: 2009Topics: Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Hohmann, G., Mundry, R., Deschner, T. 2009. The relationship between socio-sexual behavior and salivary cortisol in bonobos: tests of the tension regulation hypothesis. American Journal of Primatology 71(3), 223-232.

Feeding behavior of Saguinus oedipus in relation to food hardness in a zoo setting: Possibilities for enrichment? Laboratory Primate Newsletter 49(3), 10-13

We suggest that by providing animals with food in a more natural form (i.e., not cut to a standardized size), they would have an opportunity to process the food in a manner that best approaches what would be encountered in...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Husbandry & Management, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Ceja, C., White, J. 2010. Feeding behavior of Saguinus oedipus in relation to food hardness in a zoo setting: Possibilities for enrichment? Laboratory Primate Newsletter 49(3), 10-13.

Modification of a dog cage for use as an exercise unit for rabbits

The Guide for the Care and Use of Animals and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (AWR) outline minimum space requirements for laboratory animals, including rabbits. These documents encourage housing of animals in enclosures that allow adequate freedom of movement and...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Williams-Fritze, M. J., Altieri, J. A., Clough, C. et al. 2010. Modification of a dog cage for use as an exercise unit for rabbits. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 703 (Abstract #P70).

Factors affecting aggression among females in captive groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Captive groups of primates often exhibit higher rates of aggression than wild, free-ranging groups. It is important to determine which factors influence aggression in captivity because aggression, particularly intense aggression, can be harmful to animal health and well-being. In this...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Beisner, B. A., Isbell, L. A. 2011. Factors affecting aggression among females in captive groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). American Journal of Primatology 73(11), 1152-1159.

Effectiveness of perforated plexiglass dividers as social grooming devices between neighboring, individually housed adult male Macaca fascicularis

A clear, perforated, plexiglass divider was installed between neighboring cynos to test whether it altered their proximity to one another, or prompted any behavioral changes. ... Adult male cynomolgus monkeys tend not to spend a large amount of time in...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Housing, Natural Behavior, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Watson, L. M. 2010. Effectiveness of perforated plexiglass dividers as social grooming devices between neighboring, individually housed adult male Macaca fascicularis. Laboratory Primate Newsletter 49(4), 1-4.

Farm Animal Behavior – Characteristics for Assessment of Health and Welfare (1st ed): Sheep

Each chapter follows a consistent pattern describing the behavioral characteristics of the species featured. Reference is made to the natural state before domestication, leading us through the various changes to the present, demonstrating along the way recognized behavioral needs of...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Handling, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Natural Behavior, Restraint, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Sheep

Citation: Ekesbo, I. 2011. Sheep. In: Farm Animal Behavior: Characteristics for Assessment of Health and Welfare (1st ed). Fraser, A. F. , Broom, D. M. (ed). CABI, Oxfordshire, UK. pp. 82-92.

Swine enrichment

In this review, swine behavior and various methods of enrichment are discussed. The review is based on both published journal articles and anecdotal successful enrichment methods that were shared recently on CompMed Listserve.

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Miller, S. 2011. Swine enrichment. Enrichment Record 6, 10-13.

Rats free each other from cages

Following a two-week introduction period, pairs of rats were put inside an arena. One was trapped inside a central restrainer, while the other roamed free in the larger space. By day six or seven, on average, the roaming rat learned...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Emotion, Pain, & Sentience, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Gewin, V. 2011. Rats free each other from cages. Nature News.

Common Marmoset Care [Online resource]

The three main divisions of 'marmosetcare.com' aim respectively to promote: an understanding of the range of behaviour in this species, placing this behaviour in the context of its natural habitat and promoting good welfare in captive environments. Topics covered in...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, Handling, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Natural Behavior, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: NC3Rs, University of Stirling. 2011. Common Marmoset Care [Online resource].

An assessment of gum-based environmental enrichment for captive gummivorous primates

In the wild, many primates consume gums exuded from trees, and many species are gum specialists. In spite of this, few data exist concerning gum feeding in captivity. Using a web-based survey of 46 zoos in 12 countries, we evaluated...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Baboon, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Huber, H. F., Lewis, K. P. 2011. An assessment of gum-based environmental enrichment for captive gummivorous primates. Zoo Biology 30(1), 71-78.