Stereotypical Pacing in Captive Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris)

: Possible Aetiology

Abstract

British red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to the invasive grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), introduced to the UK in 1876 which outcompete red squirrels for resources. Grey squirrels also carry squirrel poxvirus (SPQV), harmless to the hosts but fatal to red squirrels and the cause of localised extinction. Urgent conservation efforts, including captive breeding and release programmes, are required to prevent extinction of the wild population by 2040. However, stereotypical pacing is prolific in the captive population, starting post weaning and often continuing into adulthood, and although it is recognised as a sign of poor welfare little is understood as to why it occurs. The aim of this study is to observe the onset of stereotypical behaviour in captive individuals and how this behaviour develops over time, through different seasons and in different environments and to use keeper replies to a behavioural survey on the wider British captive red squirrel population to compare and corroborate observed data to determine the major predictors and possible aetiology of stereotypical behaviour in post-weaned, captive red squirrels. Two studies comprise this research project. The first, involved 500 hours of observations of the breeding enclosure and walkthroughs at Wildwood Escot (Devon) and Wildwood Kent captive red squirrels (n=16) over 18 months. The results showed significant differences between wild red squirrels and pacing red squirrels’ behaviour (p<=0.001) and a strong negative correlation (r=-0.6) between feeding and stereotypical behaviour. There was also an absolute difference in the presentation of stereotypical behaviour before and after alterations to the breeding enclosure (addition of privacy boards, leaf pile substrate and hoarding containers). Study two involved sending a survey to eight zoos involved in captive breeding programmes, analysis of these completed surveys showed that stereotypical pacing is linked with dispersal needs in post weaned juveniles and foraging and hoarding stress in older squirrels. In conclusion, moving juveniles between 10-14 weeks old, increasing hoarding potential, offering seasonal diets, increasing enclosure complexity, and providing cover could potentially reduce stereotypical behaviour in captive red squirrels and improve welfare.

Date of Award	11 Apr 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Winchester
Supervisor	Lisa Riley (Supervisor) & David Raper (Supervisor)