Tapir behavior: An examination of activity patterns, mother-young interactions, spatial use, and environmental effects in captivity on two species (Tapirus indicus and Tapirus bairdii).

摘要

Scope and method of study. Behavioral observations were made of 4 tapirs (2 species) at Sedgwick County Zoological Gardens, Wichita KS. Activity patterns were examined for each individual and all individuals combined. The variation in behavior and exhibit usage was examined in response to environmental variables. The behavioral interaction between a mother and her young was also investigated.; Findings and conclusions. The tapirs spent the majority of observations resting (57.99%), investigating (18.73%), feeding (11.64%), and swimming (5.04%). Variation in behavior could be explained by individual, climate, and month.; Definitive conclusions could not be drawn on the differences between number of individual in an enclosure, sex, species, and age. Tapir behavior and section use may be impacted by nearby construction, landscaping the tapir/s exhibit, type of enclosure (barn stalls vs. exhibits), other species, change in daily routine, and time of day.; The percent illumination explained a small amount of the variation in tapir behavior; increased dew point, humidity, precipitation were associated with more active behaviors such as locomotion, feeding, swimming, and investigation and a decrease in lying down.; Tapirs performed different behaviors in different sections of their enclosures. Off-exhibit barn stalls and pools may be inadequate for extended periods of time. Mother and young frequently rested, investigated, and swam simultaneously. The young's behavior was more influenced distance.; Further research into tapir behavior is suggested and specific recommendations for zoos are made.