IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library
   

 

View printer friendly
Fazio, J.M.; Freeman, E.W.; Bauer, E.; Rockwood, L.; Parsons, E.C.M.
Evaluation of management in North American zoos to enhance breeding success of the Fishing cat (_Prionailurus viverrinus_) ex situ population
2018  Zoo Biology (38): 189-199

The ex situ population of fishing cats (_Prionailurus viverrinus_) face many challenges to its sustainability such as mate incompatibility, low founder numbers and disease prevalence. The North American population was monitored for a three-year period during institutional transfers and breeding introductions. In total, 26 fishing cats, including 15 different breeding pairs were monitored during 20 transfers. Most institutional transfers occurred in the fall months (September, October and November; 62%; n = 13) and males were transferred more often (62%; n = 13). Breeding success (observed copulations) was recorded in 33% (n = 5) of pairs but only 13% (n = 2 pairs) produced offspring during the study period. Institutions with successful breeding pairs had a greater number of indoor, off-exhibit enclosures (2.67 ñ 0.29 enclosures; n = 5) compared to facilities with unsuccessful pairs (1.69 ñ 0.25 exhibits; n = 6; p = 0.035). In addition, facilities housing successful pairs performed positive reinforcement training more frequently (14.77 ñ 3.27 training days/month) than facilities with unsuccessful pairs (4.00 ñ 2.73 days/ month; p = 0.035). A binomial generalized linear model showed that friendly vocalizations (p = 0.000) during physical introductions of intended breeding pairs predicted copulation success. Introductions performed when a female was exhibiting estrous behavior (p = 0.020), was also predictive of copulation success. Results from this study are the first comprehensive analyses of captive management in the fishing cat. Environmental factors and management approaches are highlighted that could advance animal welfare and improve reproductive success in this species.

PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here

 

(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union)