Repeatable measure of cage trap behaviour to quantify boldness and agitation in a macropod
Natasha D. Harrison
A * , Chloe H. Frick B and Adrian F. Wayne A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
B School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
C Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Manjimup, WA 6258, Australia.
Australian Mammalogy 45(2) 237-240 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM22007
Submitted: 31 January 2022 Accepted: 2 September 2022 Published: 28 September 2022
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Mammal Society.
Abstract
Understanding animal behaviours, such as anti-predator responses, that may affect the outcomes of conservation efforts is important. We developed a measure of boldness and agitation throughout the cage trapping process specific to woylies (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi). The method requires simple answers to questions clearly defined in an ethogram to ensure it is objective and has minimal impact on animal welfare. Across two woylie populations with varying exposure to predators, the measure proved repeatable within individuals, and captured a wide variety of behavioural phenotypes, making it a robust and valuable tool for quantifying the behaviour of woylies and potentially other mammals.
Keywords: animal personality, anti-predator behaviour, behavioural assay, behavioural response, Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi, prey naivete, woylie.
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