Restriction lift date: 2032-07-30
The behaviour of lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) in captivity
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Date
2019-12
Authors
Newman, Rebecca
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Abstract
The European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) established for the
lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) has aimed to sustain a viable captive
population but has faced a number of difficulties. This research provides insight
into how the captive environment affects the behaviour of lion-tailed macaques
and makes recommendations on how zoos can improve their care and
management of these macaques. A comparative study undertaken on lion-tailed
macaque groups across four European zoos revealed that group size and enclosure
complexity had the greatest impact on behaviour. The importance of both the
physical and social environment were then examined in the lion-tailed macaque
group at Fota Wildlife Park. Relocating the macaque group to a new, larger
enclosure increased behavioural diversity, while further research found that visitor
level and visitor noise did not negatively impact this group of macaques, with
enclosure design potentially a key factor. Examining four undergraduate studies
undertaken on the lion-tailed macaques in Fota Wildlife Park over a period of six
years, revealed how alterations to the size and composition of a captive group can
have significant effects on behaviour. The introduction of three new males into
the lion-tailed macaque group at Fota emphasized the importance of slow and
careful methods when introducing unfamiliar individuals. The introduction of
another male to a singly-housed male macaque highlighted the benefits of pair-
housing, even in a species where males typically do not tolerate one another. Four
simple and cheap water-based enrichments were also assessed for a pair-housed
male and female lion-tailed macaque. Several recommendations are made on the
husbandry and management of lion-tailed macaques in captivity.
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Keywords
Zoo , Captivity , Macaque , Environmental enrichment , Behaviour