e-space
Manchester Metropolitan University's Research Repository

    Enclosure utilisation and activity budgets of disabled Malayan sun bears ( Helarctos malayanus )

    Lewis, Kate, Descovich, Kris and Jones, Martin ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2510-8697 (2017) Enclosure utilisation and activity budgets of disabled Malayan sun bears ( Helarctos malayanus ). Behavioural Processes, 145. pp. 65-72. ISSN 0376-6357

    [img]
    Preview
    Accepted Version
    Download (426kB) | Preview

    Abstract

    Captive bears are housed in environments that differ greatly from their natural habitat, restricting their ability to perform normal species-specific behaviours. This may be detrimental to welfare, with disabled individuals at particular risk. The effect of physical disability on behaviour and enclosure utilisation was assessed in 12 adult Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) using 10 min interval scan sampling. Amputees spent less time performing locomotor behaviours than able-bodied bears, used their enclosures less evenly, but did not exhibit obvious stereotypies. This was possibly due to the increased energy demands of locomotion, or residual pain in amputated limbs. Amputees spent less time grooming, but did not differ in time spent climbing compared with non-amputees. Partially sighted bears did not differ from able-bodied controls in enclosure use or behaviour. Age was positively correlated with stereotypical behaviour, and negatively correlated with maintenance and resting. Medication use was associated with more resting and grooming, and reduced stereotypy. The findings suggest that enclosures for amputees can be smaller than those for able-bodied bears, but should still contain a variety of climbing structures. Partially sighted bears fare well in enclosures designed for able-bodied bears, not requiring any special provision.

    Impact and Reach

    Statistics

    Activity Overview
    6 month trend
    262Downloads
    6 month trend
    60Hits

    Additional statistics for this dataset are available via IRStats2.

    Altmetric

    Repository staff only

    Edit record Edit record