Behaviour and husbandry of zoo-housed tree hyraxes (Dendrohyrax spp.)

Bc. Tereza Grégerová

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Research on the Dendrohyrax species, nocturnal mammals indigenous to Africa, has been somewhat restricted, resulting in notable gaps in knowledge. Nonetheless, there has been significant growth in studies dedicated to these species in recent years, with a particular emphasis on habitat assessment and vocalizations, ultimately resulting in the detection of a new species. Despite this progress, there remains a scarcity of behavioural research conducted on these unique animals, especially in ex-situ conditions, with the last comprehensive studies dating back to the previous century. Furthermore, the presence of Dendrohyrax species in captivity is extremely rare even nowadays, further limiting our ability to gain comprehensive knowledge about them. Thus, there is still an abundance of fascinating information yet to be revealed about these remarkable animals. This study examined, based on ethogram and behavioural observations, the differences in behavioural patterns between the species Dendrohyrax arboreus and Dendrohyrax dorsalis, kept in Czech zoological gardens, aiming to quantify their activity budgets. It was found that both species spend the majority of their time inactive, and the greatest differences observed were in types of movement with the conclusion that they used walking as a main form of locomotion. From the perspective of space utilization of the enclosures, both species spent the majority of their activity time on trees, or on hanging boxes where they rested. Both targeted Czech zoological gardens keep D. dorsalis and D. arboreus under similar conditions. The results of this study shed light on the poorly investigated behavioural patterns exhibited by Dendrohyrax species. Given their rarity in ex-situ facilities, the summarized husbandry practices outlined in this research could serve as a valuable resource for promoting the breeding of these animals in other captive institutions.

Keywords

Afrotheria, Hyracoidea, nocturnal activity, small mammals, time sampling, zoo animals

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 28. 4. 2024

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 3. 6. 2024
• Vedoucí: RNDr. Irena Schneiderová, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Iveta Štolhoferová, externi

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program / specializace:
Wildlife and Livestock Production, Management and Conservation / Wildlife Management and Conservation