Anouska Bell 2004 Abstract. The role of season and visitor levels on the behaviour, enclosure use and social distance of two captive fossa (Cryptroprocta ferox)


Fossas (Cryptroprocta ferox) are a highly endangered species and it is essential that their numbers are increased through captive breeding programmes. Little is known about the behaviour of the fossas in the wild or in captivity. For this reason, studies are necessary to ascertain how best to care for and manage fossas in captivity, and therefore, increase their numbers through appropriate care.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether visitor levels played a role in the behaviour, enclosure usage and distancing from one another of 2 captive fossa housed at Newquay Zoo.

The fossas were observed over 3 periods of low season, mid-season and peak season, where varying visitor levels were expected.
Results revealed that inactivity increased dramatically in the second and third period, and simultaneously, locomotion and exploratory behaviour decreased in these periods, which could be as a result of stress due to higher levels of visitors. Additionally, the fossa spent more time within close proximity of one another when visitor levels were high, implying a need for security.

Stereotypic behaviour observed in the female fossa, Mavis, was found to be high in the first and third periods. Possibly due to oestrus in the first period, and in the third period it could be an indication of stress due to high visitor levels. Furthermore, Harry remained in hidden sheltered areas in periods 2 and 3 when visitor levels were higher.
Findings suggest that many factors may have influenced the behaviour of the fossa, not just visitor levels. These include physiology of the fossa (effects of oestrus), weather, husbandry routines including feeding and housing changes, time of day and the nature of the visitors. Observations to investigate these additional variables, over a greater length of time and over varying times of day and year are necessary before any strong conclusions can be drawn.