Wildlife Behavior and Enrichment Flashcards
(25 cards)
Animal behavior definition
The ways animals interact with each other, other species, and their environment.
Ethology definition
The scientific and objective study of animal behavior with emphasis on the behavioral patterns that occur in natural environments
Why is it necessary to understand animal behavior?
To help implement appropriate animal training and provide adequate animal welfare.
What are some types of behaviors?
Instinct
Imprinting
Conditioning
Imitation
What is instinct?
Innate behaviors such as web/nest building, suckling, and motherhood.
What is imprinting?
A phase sensitive type of learning that is rapidly and apparently independent of the consequence of behavior.
What is conditioning?
A type of learned (or experienced) behavior that involves a stimulus or reward for a desired response.
What are examples of operant conditioning?
Positive/Negative Reinforcement
Positive/Negative Punishment
How does positive reinforcement function?
Adding something to the environment to increase a behavior
How does negative reinforcement function?
Removing something from the environment to increase a behavior.
How does positive punishment function?
Adding something to the environment to decrease a behavior
How does negative punishment function?
Removing something from the environment to decrease a behavior.
What is imitation?
The process of acquiring information by observing others.
What is important about imitation?
It allows the transfer of information between the individual without the need of passing through genetics (evolution).
What is a ethogram?
A quantitatively measured, mutually exclusive and objective catalogue/inventory of behaviors or actions exhibited by an animal.
How do you create an ethogram?
Observe an animal and thoroughly record specific actions and what time they took place.
Why do ethograms matter?
By analyzing how an animal behaves, we can compare its behavior to conspecifics. We are able to determine if an animals behavior is normal or abnormal by quantifying the % of the day the behavior takes place. This is important in determining the animal’s welfare.
Why do ethograms matter?
By analyzing how an animal behaves, we can compare its behavior to conspecifics. We are able to determine if an animals behavior is normal or abnormal by quantifying the % of the day the behavior takes place. This is important in determining the animal’s welfare.
What are the 5 freedoms?
- hunger & thirst
- Discomfort
- Pain/disease
- Fear
- To express normal behavior
How can we support freedom from hunger & thirst?
Appropriate food and water sources that have been prepared and provided hygienically
Promote natural feeding behavior
Restrict inappropriate food items
How can we support freedom from discomfort?
Appropriate housing and holdings that are cleaned with appropriate supplies
Well kept buildings, furniture, and shelters
Well maintained environmental factors (temp, light etc)
How can we support freedom from pain, injury, and disease?
Daily observations and records
Preventatives care (vaccines)
Medical care
How can we support freedom from pain, injury, and disease?
How can we support freedom from pain, injury, and disease?
