The Effect of Computerized Testing on Sun Bear Behavior and Enrichment Preferences

Area of Science:

• Comparative cognition
• Animal behavior
• Carnivora cognition

Background:

• Comparative cognition examines species' cognitive abilities and evolutionary origins.
• Research in Carnivora cognition is increasing, yet sun bear cognition remains understudied.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests high intelligence in sun bears, similar to other bear species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sun bear cognitive abilities through touchscreen computer interaction.
• To assess the efficacy of touchscreen use as an enrichment activity for sun bears.
• To examine the impact of touchscreen use on stereotypic behaviors in sun bears.

Main Methods:

• Sun bears were trained to interact with a touchscreen computer using their tongues.
• Performance on the touchscreen task was recorded and analyzed.
• The effects of touchscreen use on stereotypic behaviors and preference for this enrichment were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Sun bears demonstrated proficiency in using the touchscreen computer.
• Bears exhibited a preference for the touchscreen computer over other enrichment activities.
• Touchscreen interaction showed potential in reducing stereotypic behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Touchscreen technology is a viable tool for assessing cognitive abilities in sun bears.
• Interactive computer tasks can serve as effective enrichment for sun bears, potentially reducing stereotypic behaviors.
• Further research into sun bear cognition is warranted, utilizing advanced methods like touchscreen interfaces.