A Behavioural Study of the Fossa Cryptoprocta ferox
Between the hours of 6.30 and 10.30 pm.


Aim of Study

The reasons for this study are for the observations of our pair of Fossas between the above stated hours is that Fossas are cathemeral, active both day and night, and I wish to see how active they become when the zoo is closed to the public, with a view to determining the following:

How often certain behaviours are engaged in.
Which areas of the enclosure are frequented the most.
How much time is spent in the branches compared to on the ground.
Generally how active they are.

Observations have been carried out between 6.30 and 10.30 pm, in 2 ½ hour blocks, behaviours being recorded at 5 minute intervals.
I have spread the observations out over two evenings
A total of 30 observations per animal per evening.
Five hours of observations in total.

Factors taken into account:

Time of study
Areas of the enclosure being used
Time spent in the branches
Weather conditions

Enrichment items were present in both enclosures, left in from earlier in the day.