Biologie und Haltung von Gürteltieren (Dasypodidae).

SUPERINA, M.

Zentralstelle der Studentenschaft

Lugar: Zurich; Año: 2000 p. 250

Tesis doctoral en medicina veterinaria, presentada en la facultad de medicina veterinaria de la universidad de Zurich, Suiza. El original está escrito en alemán.This thesis analyses the current conditions of armadillos in captivity. The introduction is based on literature, conversations with scientists and personal observations. It informs about evolution, taxonomy and biology of the 21 known species of armadillos and the different aspects of the care and maintenance in captivity and contains information about the adequate enclosure size and its equipment, the nutrition and reproduction of captive armadillos. Comments on their handling and on suitable blood sampling techniques, hematological parameters and a compilation of the most common diseases and their therapies should help the zoo veterinarian when taking care of armadillos. This first part is followed by the results of a survey made in zoological gardens that keep armadillos. The zoos were asked for information about maintenance, nutrition, reproduction, ethology as well as the diagnosed pathologies and causes of death of their armadillos. The analysis of this survey demonstrates that there are serious deficits in the care and maintenance of armadillos, which have a negative influence on their reproduction and health and cause stereotypes. Because of the poor data we can´t put a finger to the factors responsible for the stereotypes and the lack of reproductive success. The possible reasons for the appearance of stereotypes in 50% of the zoos are discussed. A few recommendations for the behavioral enrichment, the improvement of the maintenance and nutrition and ideas for their presentation to the visitor are meant to increase the attractiveness of armadillo exhibits. A comparison of the usual conditions in which armadillos are kept with the Swiss legislation and the guidelines of the Swiss Society of Animals´ Protection shows clearly that it is not justifiable to keep armadillos under the current conditions. The animals are held in too small exhibits with poor distraction, fed inappropriately and suffer from pathologies related to their maintenance in captivity. Only a few zoos have breeding programs, and those are rarely successful. The maintenance of armadillos can only be acceptable if efforts are made to improve their living conditions and to elaborate diets according to the need of each species. To reach this goal it is recommended to intensify the field studies and the investigation on captive armadillos.