Effects of Environmental Complexity and Temporary Captivity on Foraging Behavior of Wild-Caught Meadow Voles

Abstract

Increased housing of wild nonhuman animals in captivity for conservation, research, and rehabilitation has revealed the importance of systematically analyzing effects of the captive environment on behavior. This study focused on the effects of complexity and time held in captivity on foraging behaviors of wild-caught, adult meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). Forty-six individuals captured from a meadow outside Oshkosh, WI, were assigned to 1 of 4 captive treatment groups: simple/<50 days (SS), simple/>50 days, complex/<50 days, and complex/>50 days. Number of dish visits, proportion foraging, and frequency of nonforaging behaviors recorded during a 15-min foraging trial were measured for all subjects. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U Tests were conducted to analyze 4 different comparisons within this behavioral data. Overall, neither time in captivity or environmental complexity affected nonforaging behaviors. In contrast, foraging behaviors did change with treatment: Voles were less active at food dishes and visited control dishes more in treatment group SS than in the other treatment groups. In addition, sex-related differences in foraging behaviors were maintained when voles were exposed to environmental complexity. This article includes options for wildlife managers to adapt captive environments to meet the welfare and behavioral needs of translocated wild nonhuman mammals.

Keywords::

• environmental complexity
• captivity
• foraging
• wild-caught
• sex-related differences

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to graciously thank the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for providing the facilities and financial assistance to complete this project. We gratefully acknowledge the eager volunteers, Diana Cartier, Korin Franklin, Jenn Gingras, Sara Hagerdorn, Suzanne Hietpas, Kenneth Kieck, Jennifer Mohl, Brad Spanbauer, and Brittney Wiggins, who gave numerous hours to trap in the field and assist with facility upkeep. We are appreciative of the expertise of Greg Adler, Dana Vaughn-Merriman, Kelly Schill, and Colleen McDermott, who proposed useful advice for developing the project and maintaining the captive population. Also thanks to the Wisconsin County Parks for permitting us to use the meadow for trapping.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher's website.