Assessing the Impact of a Pulley System Enrichment on the Hunting Behaviors of Captive European Wildcats

Abstract

This study investigates whether a pulley system enrichment can improve the hunting behaviors of European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) in captivity. It was carried out in support of the conservation efforts to reintroduce and preserve the endangered Scottish wildcat population. The research was conducted on four European wildcats at Nordens Ark zoo in Sweden. The enrichment device was designed to simulate prey movement, encouraging natural hunting behaviors. Data was collected through direct observation using an ethogram, focusing on the time taken to interact with the enrichment and the overall behavioral changes across three study phases: pre-enrichment, enrichment, and post-enrichment. The results of the hunting-related behaviours showed minimal variation in the interaction times. There was a considerable increase in the walking behaviour and the cats significantly displayed more exploratory behaviours by being less out of sight in the enrichment and post-enrichment phases. Resting remained the dominant behavior throughout all phases. These findings suggest that while the enrichment did not significantly affect the hunting skill in cats, it did alter their behaviours towards more activity. The study offers important insights into the challenges of improving hunting skills in captive wildcats. Further research using more complex enrichment strategies and longer study durations may be needed to enhance hunting behaviors more effectively.

Popular Abstract

Testing New Methods to Enhance Hunting Skills in Captive European Wildcats

Scottish wildcat in danger
The European wildcat, a rare and solitary species, has long been a resident of European forests and mountains. Known for its elusive nature, this wildcat is sometimes mistaken for a domestic cat but plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a top predator. In recent years, the conservation spotlight has turned to the Scottish wildcat, a unique population of European wildcats found only in northern Scotland. The greatest reason why this purebred population is decreasing today is mating with domestic cats. With only around 30 to 400 purebred Scottish wildcats left in the wild, conservationists are urgently trying to protect and reintroduce them into the wild, which requires a range of survival skills — especially hunting. These efforts include captive breeding programs and reintroduction initiatives that aim to ensure these cats are well-prepared for life in the wild. This study explored a creative approach to enhance the hunting skills of captive European wildcats using a newly designed device.

The Challenge of Hunting in Captivity
Captive animals, especially those in zoos, face limitations in developing certain skills needed for survival. While they receive regular food, this setup doesn’t stimulate their natural hunting instincts. This can be an obstacle when releasing them back into the wild, where hunting is essential for survival. Inadequate stimulation can lead to reduced physical consitions, making it harder for these animals to adapt once released. To address this, zoos have turned to "enrichment" techniques designed to encourage natural behaviors. Environmental enrichment refers to activities or objects introduced to animals in captivity to stimulate their natural behaviors, improving their well-being and helping develop critical skills. It can be from a range of simple objects to more complicated ones.

Study Approach and Method
For this research, I designed an enrichment device that mimics prey movements. I used a pulley system where food, like a small rat, was attached to a cable and the cable was fastened on a tree or pole in the zoo. The zookeeper could pull the cable, making the food move forward and backward an up and down encouraging the cats to chase it, simulating a natural hunting experience.

This study took place at Nordens Ark zoo in Sweden and involved four European wildcats, each tested over a 27-day period. The experiment was divided into three parts: pre-enrichment phase where they were fed like they normally are at zoo, enrichment phase in which the designed device was used to feed them, and the post-enrichment phase where they were fed through the regular way again. To track changes, I monitored how quickly the cats interacted with the device, how quickly they caught the prey, and any signs of change in their overall behaviours. These observations allowed me to see if the enrichment had any effect on their hunting skill or made a difference in their behavioural patterns.

Key Findings
Interestingly, while the enrichment didn’t significantly change the cats’ core hunting skills, it did impact their general activity levels. The wildcats were more active during the enrichment phase and post-enrichment phase than in pre-enrichment phase, showing more curiosity and movement. They spent more time walking and exploring the enclosure, with less time hiding out of sight. This increase in visibility and movement shows that the device successfully encouraged them to interact with their environment.

However, resting still remained the dominant behavior throughout the study. This suggests that while the pulley system added some stimulation, it didn’t overwhelm or stress the animals, which is essential for their welfare. Stress-free enrichment is critical in ensuring that animals maintain their natural patterns while benefiting from increased activity.

Implications and Future Directions
This research provides valuable insight into the challenges of targeting a specific behaviour in captive animals. Though the pulley system didn’t transform the wildcats’ hunting skills, it did promote exploration and activity. This is promising, as any increase in activity can indirectly support better mental and physical health in captivity. The findings highlight the potential of enrichment devices to encourage behaviors that align with natural tendencies, even if the immediate goal of enhancing hunting skills was not fully achieved. More complex enrichment devices and longer duration of study could be tested in future studies to better prepare captive-bred wildcats for reintroduction into the wild. These developments could contribute significantly to the long-term survival of endangered species like the Scottish wildcat after release in the wild.

• author: Farzanyar, Saba
• supervisor: Ernö Vincze; Anders Brodin
• organization: Degree Projects in Biology
• course: BIOM02 20232
• year: 2024
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Biology and Life Sciences
• language: English
• id: 9178963
• date added to LUP: 2024-12-19 15:50:15
• date last changed: 2024-12-19 15:50:15