|
|
|
Title: Effect of visitor numbers on the behaviour of the Buffy-headed capuchin (Cebus apella xanthosternos)
Author: Charlotte Everitt
Establishment: University of Abersytwyth
Summary: It had been observed by keepers that the dominant male Buffy-headed capuchin (Cebus apella xanthosternos)had been losing the fur on its tail, and preliminary observations indicated that this was due to a high level of self-grooming. Focal scans during the end of the summer vacation revealed that visitor numbers and time of day had a significant effect on the levels of self-grooming by the dominant male.
Complete article:
It had been observed by keepers that the dominant male Buffy-headed capuchin (Cebus apella xanthosternos)had been losing the fur on its tail, and preliminary observations indicated that this was due to a high level of self-grooming. Focal scans at different times of the day during the end of the summer vacation revealed that visitor numbers and time of day had a significant effect on the levels of self-grooming by the dominant male. Most visitors were present around the enclosure between 12 noon and 3pm, and the highest level of self-grooming also occurred at this time. Self-grooming significantly increased with visitor number, and appears to be at the expense of feeding and playing, which significantly decreased. It is anticipated that a follow-up study will be carried out at the same time of year to determine if enclosure changes such as refuges or screens can decrease self-grooming levels in the dominant male.
|
|
|
