Inter-individual Distance in Different Captive Packs of Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus): Management Applications

ABSTRACT

There is a tendency for the wolves of a pack to stay together assuming that there is a social bond between the pack members. A rough estimate of the strength of this bond can be obtained by measuring the distances between pack members. The aim of this study was to determine the inter-individual distance by calculating the Euclidian distance to determine the Iberian wolf cohesion in different pack compositions. The study subjects were seven captive Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) housed at the Barcelona Zoo. Multifocal sampling methods were used for data collection, and instantaneous scans were made at 15-min during different sessions. Proximity relationships among these wolves in different pack composition were visualized using two-dimensional scaling analysis. The pair leader without offspring and the breeding pair with their offspring were significantly closer than the rest of the dyads which combinations were equidistant. During the pregnancy period, the breeding pair was significantly further than during the juvenile period. More studies in field and captivity by using Euclidian distance are necessary to improve social husbandry techniques, animal welfare and conservation programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Dyad
• canids
• two-dimensional scaling analysis
• proximity
• social preference

Acknowledgments

The authors of this study would like to acknowledge to Albert López and Carles Riba the design and the participation in this study as well as all the dedicated observers: Raquel Acevedo, Cristina Sellarés, Elisabeth Casamitjana, Marta Farràs, Xènia Menal, Fina Martínez, Ana Castany, Alexis Vázquez, Raúl Egea, Espe Plazas, Lydia Buenaventura, Isabel Aceituno, Itziar Fitó, Laura Cortada, and Iolanda Fontana. Moreover, we would like to recognize the implication and the assistance of Barcelona Zoo staff.