Factors influencing reproductive success in small captive exotic felids ( Felis spp.): A multiple regression analysis
Abstract
Environmental, genetic, and social factors associated with captive maintenance of small felids ( Felis spp.) were systematically examined at eight different zoos to determine which of these factors most closely correlated with successful reproduction. Almost half of all the pairings examined failed to produce offspring. However, at least some representatives of the 20 species examined successfully reproduced, suggesting that failure to breed could not be solely attributed to species specific requirements. Multiple regression techniques revealed an association between number of litters produced and number of medical treatments, latitude range of wild counterparts, group size (all negatively correlated), and a positive correlation with husbandry style. These findings have direct relevance to how small cats are managed in captivity. Specifically, when small felids are maintained in groups larger than a pair (1.1), they are not likely to reproduce. Furthermore, a husbandry style in which keepers spent considerable time talking to, and interacting with, the cats under their care was more likely to result in offspring than one in which these interactions did not occur. These and other results generated suggestions for management techniques necessary to assure the continued survival of small cats in captivity.
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Research on keeper-animal interactions in zoos has received very little attention, with only a few studies attempting to evaluate this relationship.
“In comparison to the research that has been conducted in the domestic animal industries, research on keeper–animal interactions in zoos has received very little attention [34], with only a few studies attempting to evaluate this relationship [35,36,37,38,39,40].”
From The visitor effect on zoo animals: implications and opportunities for zoo animal welfare (2019) · cites this paper as [39]
A significant positive relationship was found between reproductive success in small felids and a husbandry style in which keepers spent more time talking to and interacting with the cats.
“For example, a significant positive relationship was found between reproductive success in small felids and a husbandry style in which keepers spent more time talking to and interacting with the cats [39]”
From The visitor effect on zoo animals: implications and opportunities for zoo animal welfare (2019) · cites this paper as [39]
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- Authors
- Mellen, J. D.
- Affiliations
- Oregon Zoo (US)
- Corresponding author
- Mellen, Jill D.
- Venue
- Zoo Biology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 1991-01
- Volume
- 10
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 95-110
- ISSN
- 0733-3188 (ISSN-L)
- 1098-2361
- OpenAlex
- W2031487457
- Cited by
- 194
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 5
- FWCI
- 11.18
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Zoo Biology (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics › Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Keywords
- captive felids, Felis, reproductive success, captive breeding, zoo animal husbandry, group size, litter production, breeding failure, small cats
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