Analysis of the «zoo visitor» effect on the example of the snow leopard Uncia uncia and the Amur leopard Panthera pardus orientalis

DOI: 10.36871/vet.zoo.bio.202105011
UDC 59.006: 599.742.71

Authors

E. V. Denisova
Student of Institute of Zootechny and Biology, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russian Federation
N. A. Veselova
Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor at the Department of Zoology, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russian Federation

Abstract

The article presents the study results of the Moscow Zoo' visitor effect on the behavior of the snow leopard Uncia uncia and the Amur leopard Panthera pardus orientalis. It was shown that most of the time the animals were inactive or were in a shelter (on the average 86,3%). Stereotypy was typical only for the Amur leopard (19,1%). Animals were more likely to be active in the presence of 0 to 20 people. Most often, animals were in other parts of the aviary; however, stereotypy was manifested mainly in the front zone of the aviary. The Amur leopard shows aggression towards visitors who tried to get its attention and it's reaction to mens was more intense. Snow leopard did not react to visitors.

Keywords

visitor effect, behavior, animal welfare, snow leopard Uncia uncia, amur leopard Panthera pardus orientalis, zoo.