Assessing personality in San Joaquin kit fox in situ: efficacy of field-based experimental methods and implications for conservation management.

ABSTRACT: Utilisation of animal personality has potential benefit for conservation management. Due to logistics of robust behavioural evaluation in situ, the majority of studies on wild animals involve taking animals into captivity for testing, potentially compromising results. Three in situ tests for evaluation of boldness in San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) were developed (ENOT: extended novel object test; RNOT: rapid novel object test; TH: trap/handling test). Each test successfully identified variation in boldness within its target age class(es). The TH test was suitable for use across all age classes. Tests were assessed for in situ suitability and for quantity/quality of data yielded. ENOT was rated as requiring high levels of time, cost and labour with greater likelihood of failur

SUBMITTER: Bremner-Harrison S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5746588 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature