The behaviour of lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) in captivity
Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) established for the \nlion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) has aimed to sustain a viable captive \npopulation but has faced a number of difficulties. This research provides insight \ninto how the captive environment affects the behaviour of lion-tailed macaques \nand makes recommendations on how zoos can improve their care and \nmanagement of these macaques. A comparative study undertaken on lion-tailed \nmacaque groups across four European zoos revealed that group size and enclosure \ncomplexity had the greatest impact on behaviour. The importance of both the \nphysical and social environment were then examined in the lion-tailed macaque \ngroup at Fota Wildlife Park. Relocating the macaque group to a new, larger \nenclosure increased behavioural diversity, while further research found that visitor \nlevel and visitor noise did not negatively impact this group of macaques, with \nenclosure design potentially a key factor. Examining four undergraduate studies \nundertaken on the lion-tailed macaques in Fota Wildlife Park over a period of six \nyears, revealed how alterations to the size and composition of a captive group can \nhave significant effects on behaviour. The introduction of three new males into \nthe lion-tailed macaque group at Fota emphasized the importance of slow and \ncareful methods when introducing unfamiliar individuals. The introduction of \nanother male to a singly-housed male macaque highlighted the benefits of pair- \nhousing, even in a species where males typically do not tolerate one another. Four \nsimple and cheap water-based enrichments were also assessed for a pair-housed \nmale and female lion-tailed macaque. Several recommendations are made on the \nhusbandry and management of lion-tailed macaques in captivity.
Author: Rebecca Newman
Language: English
Topic: Primate Behavior and Ecology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3021663298