Title: “Investigating the influence of human disturbance on the behaviour patterns of Asian short-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) at Chester Zoo, with an emphasis on informing husbandry needs of social animals in captivity.”

 

This study was shortlisted for the 2024 Thesis of the Year Award and was completed as part of Millie Davies studies for a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour at Liverpool John Moores University.

Zoo’s play an important role in their local community, providing entertainment, education and conservation efforts. Zoos are charitable organisations that rely on visitors, however human disturbance can be interpreted as a threat (negative impact) or enriching (positive impact) to captive animals. Whilst previous studies have investigated the effect of human disturbance they have primarily focused on primates and fields. This study wanted to address the gap in the literature an explore the effect of visitors on Asian short-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus).

Asian short-clawed otters are currently listed as a vulnerable species with multiple threats as a result this species has one of the largest captive otter populations worldwide. Previous studies on this species of otters have revealed conflicting findings about the effect of human disturbances on groups ranging from 2-3 individuals. Bandoli et al, study observed no impact or positive impact on the otter’s behaviour (Bandoli et al.,2023). On the other hand, Rossi et al compared otter behaviour with and without visitors and reported others spent significantly more time in sight performing behaviours such as playing (Rossi et al., 2020). This dissertation study aimed to investigate whether Asian short-clawed otters, experience changes in behaviour from human disturbance.

The study population used was a family of 7 otters located at Chester Zoo that consisted of 1 breeding pair and one litter (3 females and 2 males) aged 4 years. All otters were observed prior to data collection to determine physical identifiers for each individual. The enclosure includes a small pool, rocks, small hills and plants in the outdoor section along with an indoor section that was not visible to visitors. Focal animal observations were conducted with each observations lasting 10 minutes using an ethogram. Altogether 210 observations were collected (30 per individual) and revealed the effect of zoo visitors was highly significant or most behaviours. Otters spent more time locomoting, grooming, swimming and vocalising when the number of visitors was between 1-5. This reflects similar findings to Rossi et al’s study. Whereas otters spent more time looking out (vigilance) when more visitors were present. This may indicate the otters are alert to a potential threat, although with zoos staff received a more positive reaction e.g running towards them.

Overall, this study begins to address the gap in the literature on the role of human disturbance on the Asian short-clawed otters in captivity. Future research is needed to observe additional groups of otters in captivity as lots of variability can occur across individuals and groups.

Summarised by Doctor Issy Bacon, Animal Health Lecturer, Hartpury University.