Maternal behavior of tigers : time allocation in a mother tiger

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Authors
Berry, Alexander D.
Advisor
Islam, Kamal
Issue Date
2011-05-07
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This study recorded the maternal behavior of a tiger at the Fort Wayne Zoo. The tiger gave birth to three cubs and the zoo filmed the birth and the interactions between mother and cubs. This study was conducted remotely, using two cameras, so as not to interfere with the behavior of the tigers. Behaviors were recorded with focus on time allocations and unexpected displays or behaviors. Also, time allocation by the mother and the cubs, as well as other behaviors, were compared across the first month of the cubs lives to better understand how their behaviors change over time. Finally, explanations are proposed for the unexpected behaviors observed and recorded from the tapes.