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Nocturnal behavior in captive giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)--A pilot study
Graham Duggan1,2, Charlotte C Burn3, Marcus Clauss4
1Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom.
Zoo Biology
|October 20, 2015
Summary
Captive giraffes exhibit more oral stereotypies at night. Providing browse enrichment reduced pacing but did not significantly alter other behaviors, highlighting the importance of nocturnal behavioral studies.
Area of Science:
- Ethology
- Animal Behavior
- Zoology
Background:
- Captive giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) often display oral and locomotor stereotypies.
- Nocturnal behaviors in captive giraffes are understudied, particularly when housed in night quarters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diurnal and nocturnal behaviors in captive giraffes.
- To assess the impact of browse enrichment on stereotypic behaviors.
- To determine if nocturnal behavior differs significantly from diurnal behavior.
Main Methods:
- Observation of six captive giraffes across two zoological institutions using camera traps.
- Recording of feeding, ruminating, and stereotypic behaviors over diurnal and nocturnal periods.
- Assessment of browse enrichment on alternate nights.
Main Results:
- Stereotypical licking behavior was significantly higher at night than during the day.
- Browse enrichment significantly reduced pacing behavior but not tongue playing.
- Oral stereotypies showed a negative correlation with feeding behavior.
Conclusions:
- Nocturnal behavior in captive giraffes differs significantly from diurnal behavior.
- Browse enrichment can reduce specific stereotypic behaviors like pacing.
- Further research into nocturnal animal behavior is crucial for welfare assessments.
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