Visitor-associated variation in captive Diana monkey (Cercopithecus diana diana) behaviour

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between visitor numbers and the behaviour of Diana monkeys (Cercopithecus diana diana). A family group of two adult and four juvenile captive Diana monkeys was studied intensively for 10 days at Edinburgh Zoo, UK. The six subjects were scan sampled every 5 min for 7 h per day; their behaviour, and visitor numbers, were recorded. Chi-squared analysis revealed a highly significant association between Diana monkey behaviour and visitor group size, where the amount of time spent grooming and sleeping/resting decreased with greater visitor numbers whereas time spent playing and feeding/chewing increased. Results are discussed in the context of recent findings regarding visitor presence and zoo animal welfare. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.