v7i1.152

ISSN: 1800-427X (print)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v7i1.152

Submitted date: 12 May 2014
Accepted date: 30 November 2014
Published date: 19 January 2015
Pp. 29–37, Pl. 15–17.

EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT ON THE SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF JAVAN SLOW LORIS, Nycticebus javanicus

Prescillia Rindang Putri, Richard S. Moore, Noviar Andayani, Karmele L. Sanchez
*Corresponding author. E-mail: rindangputri@yahoo.com

Abstract
We conducted a behavioural study on rescued captive N. javanicus housed at International Animal Rescue Centre, West Java, focussing on the frequency of social interactions in relation to varying amounts of enrichment provided. Three different sized cages were chosen comprising a total of ten slow lorises in groups of five, three and two individuals respectively. After providing extra enrichment, we observed a general increase in all social behaviours in both cages, except for proximity and attack. A significant increase in positive social interactions (clasp interaction) was observed when all data combine after environmental enrichment was given. We made sociograms to visualize the significant results of before and after enrichments. The clasp sociogram before enrichments phase revealed that the only male in both cages acted as the initiator of clasp behaviour to other female actors in the cage. This short study reveals positive signs in increasing certain desired behaviours and the role of individuals within the cage during enrichment.

Key words : captive, critically endangered, ex-situ conservation, primates, reintroduction, sociogram

Section Editor: Colin P. Groves