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

ABSTRACT

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 human presence might help understanding visitors’ influence on these animal welfare indicators. In Córdoba (Argentina), we assessed the activity pattern and behavior of Tamandua tetradactyla (lesser anteaters; n = 5) during natural light/dark phases and the animals’ use of space. We analyzed responses of lesser anteaters to humans in days open to the public (Sundays and Tuesdays) and days closed to the public (Mondays), collecting data at 5-minute intervals during 12 days, for each animal. Data were analyzed at two temporal scales: a 24 h period and visiting hours. Multivariate analyses showed no differences in activity pattern, behavior and space use among days, exhibiting a consistent response of each individual over the studied days. Principal Component Analysis showed differences between female and male behaviors. Based on these results, the visitor effect on these lesser anteaters would appear to be neutral, indicating that the presence of visitors is at most, a minor concern in the housing and management of these individuals in Córdoba Zoo.

KEYWORDS:

• Visitor effect
• human-animal interaction
• time-activity budget
• enclosure use
• Tamandua tetradactyla

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the zoo staff for their assistance and collaboration during the period of study. This study was part of the research carried out by F.C. for her degree in Biology and was supported by a grant from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation (BID.PICT.2014.2642, 2014). The manuscript has been reviewed by a native English speaker. The authors also would like to thank: a) two anonymous reviewers for their positive comments and advices to improve our manuscript, and b) Dr. Julio Di Rienzo for his comments to improve statistical analyses, who is part of a team composed by professors and researchers on applied statistics and biometry of the Agricultural College of the National University of Córdoba, Argentina (more details in www.infostat.com.ar, English version).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fondo para la Investigación Científica y Tecnológica [PICT 2014 2642].