Effects of prey-based and non-prey-based scent enrichment on two zoo-housed monitor lizards

https//doi.org/10.33256/hb170.1418
AUTHORS DANIEL KANE; CAITLIN SADLER; FLORENCE NEWHOUSE; CHRISTOPHER J. MICHAELS
ABSTRACT Environmental enrichment is a powerful tool in maintaining positive welfare for captive animals but investigation of this in reptiles has been limited. Monitor lizards are active; intelligent animals that represent high priority targets for enrichment in a captive setting; but more data are required to develop evidence-based recommendations; to understand variation in the responses to enrichment of both individuals; species. We exposed two monitor lizards; Varanus cumingi; Varanaus macraei; both adult females; to olfactory enrichment comprising prey-based; non-prey-based scent trails; then measured changes in activity; tongue-flicking versus a control. Randomisation analysis; employed to deal with small sample size; showed that the V. cumingi significantly increased both behaviours in response to both enrichment types; versus control; while the V. macraei responded significantly only to the prey-based scent for both behaviours. These findings provide an evidence-based case study demonstrating the potential effectiveness of enrichment for captive monitors; but also the need for context-specific evaluation of enrichment strategies to ensure maximal benefit for a given individual animal.

The Herpetological Bulletin is a quarterly publication in English. It includes full-length papers, natural history notes, book reviews, and other items of general herpetological interest. Emphasis is placed on natural history and conservation as well as captive care that includes breeding, husbandry, veterinary, and behavioural aspects.

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb170.1418

AUTHORS: DANIEL KANE, CAITLIN SADLER, FLORENCE NEWHOUSE & CHRISTOPHER J. MICHAELS

ABSTRACT: Environmental enrichment is a powerful tool in maintaining positive welfare for captive animals but investigation of this in reptiles has been limited. Monitor lizards are active, intelligent animals that represent high priority targets for enrichment in a captive setting, but more data are required to develop evidence-based recommendations and to understand variation in the responses to enrichment of both individuals and species. We exposed two monitor lizards, Varanus cumingi and Varanaus macraei, both adult females, to olfactory enrichment comprising prey-based and non-prey-based scent trails and then measured changes in activity and tongue-flicking versus a control. Randomisation analysis, employed to deal with small sample size, showed that the V. cumingi significantly increased both behaviours in response to both enrichment types, versus control, while the V. macraei responded significantly only to the prey-based scent for both behaviours. These findings provide an evidence-based case study demonstrating the potential effectiveness of enrichment for captive monitors, but also the need for context-specific evaluation of enrichment strategies to ensure maximal benefit for a given individual animal.