Emma Peng
Pronouns: She/her
Research Mentor(s): Amelia Zuckerwise
Research Mentor School/College/Department: / SNRE
Program:
Authors: Emma Peng, Jackie Inzunza, Amy Zuckerwise
Session: Session 1: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Poster: 73
Abstract
To support animals’ well-being within captive species conservation efforts, it is important that zoos create environments that effectively mimic wild species’ habitats. Yet while animal behavior can vary greatly between in situ and ex situ environments, little research goes into depth about the characteristics of enclosures that could promote or discourage natural behaviors, especially for rare species. This study observes the behavior of two endangered Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) living at the Columbus Zoo over a six-week period from June to July 2023. During this time, the tigers had the opportunity to go back and forth between indoor and outdoor enclosures, both of which contained cameras running 24 hours a day. Referring to existing big cat ethograms, we modeled our own ethogram to focus on tiger locomotion. We then utilized an animal behavior labeling software to observe and label the tigers’ behaviors in both types of enclosures. Our objective is to learn if spending time in outdoor enclosures increases captive tigers’ diversity of behaviors. Additionally, we aim to analyze how pacing, a prominent zoo animal behavior, differs between outdoor and indoor environments. We expect there to be a greater time spent pacing in outdoor enclosures because there is more available space for the tigers to roam. Furthermore, we predict outdoor environments will prompt a greater variety of behaviors as these enclosures are meant to mimic in situ environments and should thus encourage greater similarity to wild behaviors. We plan to utilize analysis of variance statistical tests. Preliminary results have thus far shown a greater diversity in behaviors outside, as well as increased durations of pacing behaviors outside. This research may contribute to the wider understanding of tiger behaviors and also has the potential to assist zoos in designing enclosures which facilitate behaviors closer to those demonstrated in natural settings.
