Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM)

The animal’s behaviours were observed during fixed sessions (morning, pre expected enrichment, post expected enrichment and afternoon) both on days with and without enrichment. The recorded data was then analyzed statistically. For each of the three species enrichment was given according to a specific schedule for each species:

• Pallas’s cat: Thursday - Monday 11.15 (expected); Tuesday - Wednesday 15.00.
• Cheetah: Wednesday & Saturday no enrichment; other days 14.30 (expected). 
• Drill: Wednesday & Thursday no enrichment; other days 15.00 (expected).

By comparing the observation sessions in different ways a number of questions could be answered. To find out more, click on results in the menu to the left.

Below is a bit of information on each of the species that was in the study (source: IUCN Red List)

(Otocolobus manul)

The animals that I studied were a female, male pair. The picture only showes the female.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species lists the Pallas’s cat as near threatened with a decreasing population trend.

Their main geographical range includes large parts of central Asia, but the distribution is patchy. The main threat to the Pallas’s cat is habitat degradation, hunting and shortage of prey.

For further information on the Pallas's cat visit the IUCN Red list page:

(Acinonyx jubatus)

The animals that I studied were two males.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species lists the cheetah as vulnerable with a decreasing population trend.

Historically cheetahs have lived in most parts of Africa, the Middle East and as far east as Pakistan. Today, however, the majority of the approximately 7,500 cheetahs are found in southern Africa, but smaller fragmented populations can be found over a large range in Africa, as well as one isolated population in Iran. The major threats today are habitat loss and fragmentation as well as the decline of prey and excessive hunting.

For further information on the cheetah visit the IUCN Red list page:

(Mandrillus leucophaeus)

The animals sudied in this species were a female, male pair. In the picture the male is closest to the camera.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species lists the drill as endangered with an unknown population trend.

Today the drill can only be found in Nigeria, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea (Bioko). Over the past 30 years the population are thought to have declined with more than 50%, this mainly due to a heavy hunting pressure and continuing habitat loss and degradation.

For further information on the drill visit the IUCN Red list page: