Dynamics of behaviour and habitat-use of black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) in a captive zoo environment

Black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) are critically endangered animals, which highlights the urgent need to establish backup populations within zoos and promote their animal welfare and breeding potential. However, studies have shown captive Varecia are more inactive than their wild counterparts. The present research focuses on a year-long study (2022–3) of the behavioural patterns and habitat preferences of a successfully breeding captive group of ten Varecia under naturalistic conditions at Fota Wildlife Park, Cork, Ireland. Focal and scan sampling were used to examine the effects of a series of factors such as time, daylight duration, temperature and visitors on the behavioural repertoire and activity budget to help elucidate which factors may influence behaviour and thereby enhance management options and breeding success. The results reveal that the activity budget of this captive Varecia group was similar to that of their wild counterparts, with the exception of a higher level of self-directed (9 %) and affiliative behaviours (20 %). Juveniles engaged in affiliative behaviours 112 % more than subadults, while adults spent 60 % more time being inactive than juveniles. Behaviours of the group changed significantly across the day and also across the year, with locomotion significantly decreasing as daylight hours lengthened and affiliative behaviours decreasing as temperatures rose. The most utilized area of the captive Varecia was the naturalistic island (39 %) and an out-door mesh tunnel (33 %). Locomotion was significantly higher on the island, while the tunnel had greater occurrences of affiliative behaviours. Visitor numbers had a significant influence on the utilization of all habitats, with higher visitor numbers near the island and tunnel increasing the use of the tunnel, while higher visitor numbers near the viewing window prompted greater utilization of this inside off-exhibit cage. These data contribute to our understanding of the dynamics of the behaviour of Varecia in a captive environment and can potentially offer insights into enhancing natural behaviours of this species within complex zoo settings, whilst also providing valuable guidance for future husbandry.