The invisible cat – time budget in lynx in two large Swedish zoos

摘要: Felids are solitary crepuscular animals, many of them with large home ranges. Due to the expansion humanity also endangered and part conservation programs. To manage felids in captivity optimal welfare presents several problems. Stereotypic behaviours frequent breeding successes falter. Even though much work already is done enrich improve life more research needed find possible causes decline welfare. Coordinated studies various species multiple zoos using same methodology scarce. This study a first such coordinated Sweden aim was time budget activity pattern Eurasian lynx two Swedish zoos. In order out if keeps natural or has adapted zoo’s time-line address following questions; How active passive captivity? How they seen by visitors? Does stereotypic pacing occur so, behaviour an indication decreased animal welfare? Are there any differences between Boras Zoo Nordens Ark these aspects? And differences, what way expressed why? During day-time most common registration lynxes total sight as Zoo. At were laying sleeping almost 40% time. Research shown that lower their level when visitors present. Whether passivity expression because could not be determined this study. The at both visible than varied greatly individuals (15, 35, 43, 53 80 % respectively) but all animals show drop during midday. Stereotypic differed among animals. It males variation over very alike frequently although from different There no detectable those further cause behaviour, best counter it assure