A preliminary investigation of the behaviour of Rusty Spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus in captivity

Jayaratna, C., Perera, P.K.P. and Dayawansa, P.N. (2015) A preliminary investigation of the behaviour of Rusty Spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus in captivity. Wildlanka, 3 (1). pp. 1-11.

Abstract

This study focused on the behaviour of the Rusty-Spotted Cats (Prionailurus rubiginosus) housed in non-exhibit enclosures at the National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka. The observations were conducted on six focal individuals; four males and two females including two potential breeding pairs. Identification of the focal individuals was done by comparing coat patterns on the flanks and the top of the head and neck region. The spot pigmentation of male focal animals was of apparently darker than that of the female focal animals.

Behavioural data were gathered by conducting direct observations and indirectly using remote camera traps placed inside the enclosures. Ad libitum sampling and focal animal sampling were conducted. Remote camera traps were used for night-time observations. Ten minute intervals of continuous sampling was done by the observer in 3-hour sessions during the day time (0600hrs to 1800hrs). Nocturnal observations were made using remote camera traps set to record videos ranging from 2 minutes to 10 seconds depending on the location of the camera, from 1800hrs to 0600hrs. For each individual, a minimum 48 hours of observations were recorded.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publisher:	Department of Wildlife Conservation (Sri Lanka)
Publisher's Website:	http://journals.dwc.gov.lk/
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/63099

Item Control Page

Downloads