Mentor
Frank Logiudice
Abstract
The fossa, Cryptoprocta ferox, is the largest carnivorous mammal endemic to the island of Madagascar. C. ferox is currently listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN Red List (2015) due to deforestation. Most fossas are now located in zoos for breeding and repopulation purposes, but research on captive mating has been limited due to the low numbers of successful breeding attempts in captivity. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to two fossas, one male and one newly introduced female. This study notes behavioral changes in captive mating fossas, with a focus on the male fossa before, during, and after the introduction of the new female. Observation exposed an increase in excitement behaviors in the male fossa, such as pacing and running, after mating season began. Initially, the repetitive behaviors seemed to stem out of a need for increased enrichment, but during mating season and introduction, the male fossa seemed to be pacing faster and with more of a purpose to reach the female. Breeding was successful, but interventions were deemed necessary for the health and safety of both sexes, as the male was obsessively pacing and was not eating. This study aims to assist in identifying the onset of fossa breeding season and differentiating between typical and atypical breeding behaviors to support animal welfare. Further analysis would be necessary to explore if hyperactivity in males post breeding season is standard, or if it was specific to this case.
Recommended Citation
Albert, Rita R.
(2024)
"Behavioral Analysis of Cryptoprocta ferox at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens,"
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 15:
Iss.
2, Article 7.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol15/iss2/7
Included in
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