Modification of Stereotypic Behaviour in Captive Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).

Abstract

Stereotypy is a characteristic occasionally observed in captive animals. This behaviour is regularly associated with animal housing conditions that deviate fundamentally from the species' natural environment. In addition to the detrimental affect it may have on the associated animal, it creates a difficult situation for the public in understanding the presentation of animals in captivity. In April 1996, modification to the platypus exhibit at Healesville Sanctuary resulted in an increased level of light being deflected onto the glass of the shallow tank exhibit. This change in the housing conditions coincided with repetitive circling behaviour by the female platypus and avoidance activity by the male platypus. In addition, the proportion of time spent feeding by the female platypus was reduced. Modification of the exhibit furniture did not significantly alter the female's behaviour. A reduction in the light level being deflected onto the tank resulted in an immediate reduction in the circling behaviour observed for the female. The male resumed free swimming and utilisation of the entire tank. Within two weeks all stereotypic behaviour had ceased and the two platypuses had resumed normal activity patterns.