8th International Conference on Behaviour, Physiology and Genetics of Wildlife, Berlin 2011
Increased enclosure size lowers cortisol levels in captive ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). HERRANZ-MUÑOZ VANESSA*, LARA-ROMERO CARLOS †, ESCRIBANO-AVILA GEMA †, VIRGOS EMILIO † *Bastet Conservation, C/Sta. Marta, 6, B.I., S.L. Escorial, 28200, SPAIN; vherranz@bastetconservation.org † Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología, Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, SPAIN Non-invasive monitoring of hormones is increasingly being used as a methodology for the evaluation of stress and reproductive status of captive mammals. In felids, elevated faecal glucorticoid levels have been related to husbandry practices and enclosure design (Wielebnowski et al., 2002). This study monitored changes in faecal sterioid hormone excretion of a pair (1 male, 1 female) of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) housed at Faunia Biological Park (Madrid, Spain) from January to December 2010. Behavioural observations from keepers were also noted. Here we present the cortisol results obtained from samples collected between January and April 2010, in relationship to a translocation of the ocelots from an indoor inverted light-cycle enclosure (8 x 4 x 3 m) to another one larger (10 x 6 x 3 m). Both enclosures had climbing structures, high resting platforms and ponds with running water. Ocelots were kept together in the enclosures 24 hours a day. There were no changes in husbandry, and enrichment was provided daily at both enclosures. Baseline data was collated from samples taken three times a week for two months prior to enclosure switch, using food colourants to distinguish male and female faeces. Movement between enclosures was carried out under anaesthesia (ketamine-xylacine). New enclosure data was collected over two months after the switch. Steroid assessment was conducted through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Swanson & Brown, 2004). Cortisol values for male and female did not differ significantly at either enclosure and were therefore analysed together. Results indicated faecal glucocorticoid levels were stabilised in the old enclosure, reached a peak immediately after the switch, and stabilised again in the new enclosure at significantly lower levels than in the old enclosure (ANOVA, F= 6.566, P < 0.01). Glucocorticoid levels remained lower for the rest of the study (up to 210 days after the switch). Keepers reported changes in behaviour, from some aggression female-male at the old enclosure to none at the new enclosure. Husbandry guidelines for small felids place minimum space requirements at 4 x 2 x 2.5 m (Mellen, 1997) or for ocelots at 25 m2 (WAZA, 2011) per individual, plus a 50 % for every additional cat. This study shows that a 47 % increase in floor space had a significant effect on ocelot well-being, which may be useful in re-assessing minimum housing requirements. Furthermore, non-invasive hormone monitoring may prove a reliable tool in establishing such requirements for different species, and routinely assessing animal welfare in captivity, related to changes in enclosure characteristics and husbandry practices. Keywords: Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), Captivity, Faecal glucocorticoids, Cortisol, Housing requirements, Stress, Zoo Mellen, JD (1997) Minimum Husbandry Guidelines for Mammals: Small Felids. American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Swanson, WF and Brown, JL (2004) International training programs in reproductive sciences for conservation of Latin American felids. Animal Reproduction Science 82–83: 21–34. WAZA, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (2011) Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) Minimum space requirements. http://www.waza.org/en/zoo/visit-the-zoo/cats-1254385523/leopardus-pardalis (Accessed May 2, 2011) Wielebnowski, NC, Fletchall N, Carlstead K, Busso JM and Brown JL (2002) Non invasive Assessment of Adrenal Activity Associated with Husbandry and Behavioral Factors in the North American Clouded Leopard Population. Zoo Biology 21:77–98.
Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) 14 - 17 September 2011. pp 81-82