Multivariate Analyses of the Activity Pattern and Behavior of the Lesser Anteater on Open and Closed Days at Córdoba Zoo, Argentina

CHIAPERO, FLORENCIA; FERRARI, HÉCTOR RICARDO; PRIETO, MARÍA VALENTINA; GARCÍA CAPOCASA, MARÍA CONSTANZA; BUSSO, JUAN MANUEL

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE

ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

Año: 2020 p. 1 - 15

1088-8705

The human factor is one of the major determinants of animal welfare in zoos.Assessing changes in activity patterns, behavior and space use due to humanpresence might help understanding visitors? influence on these animal welfareindicators. In Córdoba (Argentina), we assessed the activity pattern and behaviorof Tamandua tetradactyla (lesser anteaters; n = 5) during natural light/darkphases and the animals? use of space. We analyzed responses of lesser anteatersto humans in days open to the public (Sundays and Tuesdays) and daysclosed to the public (Mondays), collecting data at 5-minute intervals during12 days, for each animal. Data were analyzed at two temporal scales: a 24 hperiod and visiting hours. Multivariate analyses showed no differences inactivity pattern, behavior and space use among days, exhibiting a consistentresponse of each individual over the studied days. Principal ComponentAnalysis showed differences between female and male behaviors. Based onthese results, the visitor effect on these lesser anteaters would appear to beneutral, indicating that the presence of visitors is at most, a minor concern inthe housing and management of these individuals in Córdoba Zoo.