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Ehlert, K.
Chronoethology and_ Environmental Enrichment_ in zoo biology and its application in the keeping of the Siberian lynx (_Lynx lynx wrangelii_)
2005 Full Book
The objective of the Diplomarbeit was to examine the use of the enclosure in relation to the activity rhythms of lynxes in captivity by the means of chronoethological methods. Two adult lynxes were continuously observed in Tiergarten Heidelberg over 50 days. The 24 hour activity rhythms of the animals were registered in direct observation and indirectly with the support of infrared-time-lapse-videorecording. By providing environmental enrichment for the lynxes, species-specific behaviour patterns were supposed to be enhanced while repetitive behaviour patterns were expected to be reduced. The influence on behaviours by external factors (climate, zoo visitors, zoo keepers) was examined. In the first part of the study the circadian rhythms of the animals were recorded. Then in the second part environmental enrichment was provided and evaluated on a regular basis.
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