A Behavioural Study of the Fossa Cryptoprocta ferox whilst Female in Oestrus


Purpose of Study

The aim of this study is to observe the behaviour of our pair of Fossa Cryptoprocta ferox over a ten day period. Starting from April 12th 2004, whilst female is in oestrus, with a view to determining the following:

How often particular behaviours are engaged in.
Which areas of the enclosure are frequented the most.
How much time is spent up in the branches compared to on the ground.

Observations have been carried out between 7.30 am and 5. 30 pm at random intervals, a total of six ten minute sessions a day equating to one hour’s study each day, ten hours of observations in total.

Factors taken into account:

Whether or not the Fossas have access to outside area at night time
Time of study
Areas of the enclosure being frequented the most
Time spent in the branches

The study of the behaviour of our pair of Fossas, whilst the female is in oestrus is the start of a three part study on Fossa behaviour.
Environmental enrichment was not given to either animal during this study period.

I plan to study their behaviour whilst the female is in anoestrus, and again when the cold weather means that they are shut in at night. It will be interesting to compare all three studies, with a view to determining when pacing levels are at their highest, and looking at possible ways to improve the husbandry of these animals.