Sex and Age Differences in Activity Budgets in a Population of Captive African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus)

ABSTRACT

The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is an endangered species that continues to experience population decline. Understanding the behavior of this species is a critical step in the conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. A comprehensive activity budget of this species has yet to be conducted in any captive population, which are critical for the Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding programs. We performed scan sampling observations on a group of 19 penguins to construct an activity budget. We also investigated the behavioral differences between males and females, as well as between adults and juveniles. Results indicate there are minimal sex differences in time budget allocations, but there are some notable age related differences. Creating and comparing activity budgets between populations are critical for understanding animal welfare in captive settings.

KEYWORDS:

• Captive animal behavior
• endangered animal welfare
• aquatic birds

Research highlights

1. S. demersus compiled activity budget show resting (56%) and preening (20%) comprise the majority of time budget.

2. Males and females only differ significantly in 1 behavior, territory display (higher in males).

3. Adults and juveniles differ significantly in activity budgets. Adults spend more time preening (self and social) and mating. Juveniles spend more time engaging in object play, swimming, and stretching.

4. Activity budgets for S. demersus are a critical part of conservation efforts.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the staff of Jenkinson’s Aquarium for their support in carrying out this study. We would also like to thank Charles Morgan and Michelle Kraczkowski for their helpful feedback on earlier drafts of this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, SC, upon reasonable request. https://www.ndm.edu/directory/sean-coyne

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.