Utilization of space by adult and juvenile groups of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Abstract

A systematic analysis of space utilization in the home enclosures of four adult and three juvenile social groups of chimpanzees (Pun troglodytes) was conducted at the Primate Foundation of Arizona. The locations of all members of each group (excluding nursing infants) were recorded several times per week over a 3-month period. Adult chimpanzees were observed significantly more often in small vs large cages, on upper vs lower levels, and near cage perimeters vs cage centers. Analyses of sex differences in adults revealed that adult females are largely responsible for these space use patterns; adult males show only a significantly higher usage of perimeter areas. Individual differences were found in the habitual use of certain enclosure sites. Juveniles show no spatial patterns with regard to the above parameters but appear to evenly use all available space. Both adults and juveniles were observed to be in contact with mesh barriers more often than with solid walls. These findings suggest important elements that should be incorporated into the caging design of captive chimpanzee facilities.

Kin, Daytime Associations, or Preferred Sleeping Sites? Factors Influencing Sleep Site Selection in Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

“…Daytime observations have shown that great apes use enclosure space non-randomly (e.g. orang-utans [Herbert and Bard, 2000]; western lowland gorillas [Stoinski et al, 2001]), thereby revealing aspects of their biological and psychological requirements [Traylor-Holzer and Fritz, 1985;Ross et al, 2009]. The present data indicate that preferences for sleeping locations exist at group and individual levels; more precisely, the tendency to return to preferred sleeping sites is more influential than daytime associations or the presence of kin.…”

Effect of Enclosure Size and Complexity on the Behaviors of Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

“…During a 4-week period, they observed pairs using levels above the enclosure floor more often than floor level. Traylor-Holzer and Fritz (1985) examined space use in adult and juvenile chimpanzees over a 3-month period. The chimpanzees used the upper levels more frequently than the lower levels of the enclosure.…”

“…Chimpanzees who were transferred to a larger and more naturalistic environment showed a decrease in abnormal behavior and an increase in general activity (Brent, Lee, & Eichberg, 1991;Clarke, Juno, & Maple, 1982). Other studies have reported that environmental complexity was as important as size in altering primate behavioral patterns (Traylor-Holzer & Fritz, 1985;Van Hooff, 1967;Wilson, 1982). Exceptions to this pattern of positive effect of increased cage size and complexity include studies of singly housed primates in minimalist conditions (Crockett, Bowers, Sackett, & Bowden, 1993;Crockett et al, 1995;Crockett, Mikashimoji, & Bowden, 2000;Jorgenson, Kinsey, & Novak, 1997;Line, Morgan, Markowitz, & Strong, 1990).…”

A pilot study on the effects of a change in behavioural management on the behaviour of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

“…Despite an anticipated initial increased stress response to transport and the new environment (Dickens et al, 2010;Honess et al, 2004;Mason and Green, 1962), the relocation was expected to have long-term positive effects on the chimpanzees' behaviour due to the more complex and enriched environment at the sanctuary (Bloomsmith et al, 1988;Brent, 2008, in Rosati et al, 2012;Fultz et al, 2010, in Rosati et al, 2012Jensvold et al, 2001;Kitchen and Martin, 1996;Traylor-Holzer and Fritz, 1985). It was expected that initially, abnormal behaviour would increase after relocation and would then decrease to levels similar to or lower than those measured at the laboratory (Fultz et al, 2010, in: Rosati et al, 2012.…”