Marliani Giovanna, Calamandrei Silvia, Buonaiuto Giovanni, Accorsi Pier Attilio, Sandri Camillo, Spiezio Caterina
Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Parco Natura Viva - Garda Zoological Park, Bussolengo, Italy.
Zoo Biol. 2025 Mar-Apr;44(2):178-188. doi: 10.1002/zoo.21884. Epub 2024 Dec 19.
The global decline of species necessitates intensive conservation efforts, including ex-situ breeding programs to safeguard endangered populations. However, managing welfare and reproduction in zoological gardens can present several challenges. This study aims to explore behaviors and endocrinological responses of two specimens of fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) under human care. One hundred and twenty hours of observation through focal animal sampling continuous recording and 67 fecal samples were collected. From fecal samples, cortisol (FCM), progesterone (FPM), and testosterone (FTM) metabolites' concentrations were analyzed using Radio Immuno Assay. According to our results, higher FTM (p < 0.05) and FPM levels at the beginning of the study, showing a potential alignment with the breeding season. When the male entered the female outdoor area, he recorded longer durations of seeking and marking behaviors (p ≤ 0.01), along with lower FCM levels (p < 0.05), suggesting an enriching effect. In the same period, the female's FCM level was higher (p ≤ 0.01), indicating potential stress. When both animals were in their respective outdoor areas, the FCM level of the female remained significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the male showed a peak in pacing duration (p < 0.01), implying a potential stress or frustration status. In her indoor area, the female exhibited significantly shorter durations of locomotion, marking, and seeking (p < 0.01) and did not show any abnormal behavior, likely due to the reduced complexity of the environment. However, we cannot exclude that her complete visual and olfactory separation from the male and visitors may also have contributed to a decrease in her overall stress levels. The findings highlight the interplay between hormonal fluctuations and behavioral responses in the two zoo-housed fossa, providing essential insights for fostering their well-being and facilitating conservation efforts.
全球物种数量的减少使得加强保护措施成为必要，其中包括开展迁地繁殖计划以保护濒危种群。然而，在动物园中管理动物的福利和繁殖可能会面临诸多挑战。本研究旨在探究两只圈养马岛缟狸（Cryptoprocta ferox）的行为和内分泌反应。通过对焦点动物进行连续120小时的抽样观察记录，并收集了67份粪便样本。利用放射免疫分析法分析粪便样本中皮质醇（FCM）、孕酮（FPM）和睾酮（FTM）代谢物的浓度。根据我们的研究结果，在研究开始时FTM（p < 0.05）和FPM水平较高，这可能与繁殖季节有关。当雄性进入雌性的室外区域时，它的寻找和标记行为持续时间更长（p ≤ 0.01），同时FCM水平较低（p < 0.05），这表明有丰富环境的效果。在同一时期，雌性的FCM水平较高（p ≤ 0.01），表明可能存在压力。当两只动物都在各自的室外区域时，雌性的FCM水平仍然显著较高（p < 0.05），而雄性的踱步持续时间出现峰值（p < 0.01），这意味着可能存在压力或受挫状态。在雌性的室内区域，它的运动、标记和寻找行为持续时间显著缩短（p < 0.01），并且没有表现出任何异常行为，这可能是由于环境复杂性降低所致。然而，我们不能排除它与雄性和游客在视觉和嗅觉上的完全隔离也可能导致其总体压力水平下降。这些发现突出了两只圈养马岛缟狸体内激素波动与行为反应之间的相互作用，为促进它们的健康和推动保护工作提供了重要见解。
