Increased activity in a nocturnal primate through lighting manipulation: the case of the Potto Perodicticus potto

Frederick, Cheryl; Fernandes, Donna

doi:10.1111/j.1748-1090.1993.tb00625.x

Cited by 1 publication

(3 citation statements)

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“…Day lighting is fairly consistent among facilities, but a wide range of light sources and colors are employed to simulate night lighting. Prosimians may perceive blue light as brighter than red [Goffart et al., ; Frederick and Fernandes, ], and therefore red or neutral‐density filters are thought to be preferable for night lighting in exhibits [Fitch‐Snyder and Schulze, ]. Despite this, slightly more than half of captive lorisid groups are currently housed under blue light.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite this, slightly more than half of captive lorisid groups are currently housed under blue light. Furthermore, most facilities we contacted were unable to provide light intensities for their exhibits, despite research suggesting that lorises are less active in brighter exhibits [Trent et al., ; Frederick and Fernandes, ]. Light color and intensity may also have implications for animal health and reproduction.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[] found an inverse relationship between the intensity of activity and lighting levels in three slow lorises at the Woodland Park Zoo. Frederick and Fernandes [] also found greater activity and behavioral diversity in a potto pair after altering both light and dark phase illuminances and changing night lighting from blue to full‐spectrum light. Together these studies suggest that a dark, naturalistic environment promotes active, natural behaviors in lorisid primates.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Survey of Husbandry Practices for Lorisid Primates in North American Zoos and Related Facilities

et al. 2012

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Zoos and related facilities in North America currently manage five species in the primate family Lorisidae: the greater (Nycticebus coucang), Bengal (N. bengalensis) and pygmy (N. pygmaeus) slow lorises, red slender loris (Loris tardigradus), and potto (Perodicticus potto). We used an online survey to describe institutional housing and husbandry practices for these species and assess the extent to which practices are consistent with established guidelines. Our results show that most captive lorisids are housed solitarily or in pairs. Most individuals occupy a single exhibit space in a building dedicated to nocturnal animals. Facilities are commonly meeting recommendations for abiotic exhibit design and are providing animals with an enriched environment. However, pottos and slender lorises currently occupy exhibit spaces smaller than the recommended minimum, and the impact of cleaning protocols on olfactory communication should be critically evaluated. Few facilities are taking advantage of the benefits of positive reinforcement training for promoting animal welfare. Research is greatly needed on the effects of exhibit lighting on behavior, health, and reproduction; and to determine how best to manage the social needs of lorisids with naturally dispersed social structures. Although captive populations of slender lorises, pottos, and slow lorises are declining, we suggest that improved husbandry knowledge has the potential to positively influence population sustainability and to enhance future efforts to manage the growing pygmy loris population.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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