ABC'S: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

CONCERNS & SOLUTIONS

A Question & Answer Forum For Animal Professionals

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Welcome to the ABC's! Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions is an animal behavior column written by animal behaviorist and animal trainer, Diana L. Guerrero. This section is dedicated to animal training techniques for all animals and pets, and topics related to operant conditioning and reinforcement. In this column Guerrero discusses Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) behavior and training. For pet training please visit the pet sections, see our pet behavior booklets in the shop, or click here for enrollment information for classes and teleseminars.

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) Training
Evaluation for Clouded Leopard Training

QUESTION
Our facility has obtained a male clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa). We have not been able to establish a rapport with him or have him adapt as we had hoped. Do you have any suggestions?

BACKGROUND
This animal is housed at an animal rescue facility. This animal's caging is located in the center of the compound and is surrounded by other felids and other enclosures. The animal was housed at this facility for approximately six months with no real progress in adaptation or acclimation.

ANIMAL BACKGROUND
This particular animal is approximately 7 years of age. In the past he was housed with another male and used for captive studies on this species. He is genetically over represented in the captive gene pool. The institution that had previously housed him conducted electro-ejaculation sessions with him daily for three weeks at a time. During this time he was also tranquilized.

Upon arrival at his new facility this animal failed to eat for several days and would attack anyone who approached his cage. He showed a lack of activity and interest in his surroundings and caretakers beyond the initial introduction. At six months he still showed signs of being uncomfortable and a lack of activity.

NOTES
This species is highly sensitive and secretive. Breeding activity histories in captivity are dismal and little is know about them. They require specialized handling and housing; hence they are not ideal animals for public exhibition especially since they are so highly sensitive and stress easily.

Keeping an animal history for this species would be highly recommended. If they can be reared with another animal it will cut down on their stress considerably. Proper housing, limited exposure during exhibition (if it is done) and seclusion will also help reduce stress.

Care with mixing male and female animals is needed since many deaths have occurred through mating and related activities. Early age introductions are thought to be beneficial to the animals for later breeding; these need strict monitoring and limited access over time to prevent breeding deaths and related deaths.

Allow this species to integrate at their own pace. Although they are extremely sensitive and secretive, they can be highly intelligent and affectionate when a trust bond is formed; they are known to chuff at caretakers when established and secure.

This particular animal receives a widely varied diet. Since the species is primarily nocturnal, it is recommended that they are fed at night. Except for cow leg bones, enrichment items have failed to interest this animal.

SUGGESTED CONSIDERATIONS
Clouded leopards are mainly nocturnal animals. They also tend to be a bit more arboreal then other cats. Due to their special needs the following recommendations were made.

Cover three of the four sides of the habitat. This allows the animal to remain more secure. Cloudeds do not like open space as a general rule.

Relocate the animal. Place him into an area that is removed from the center of the compound and activities.

Allow for an extended adjustment period. This animal has a history of negative interactions with people and will need a longer period of time to adjust and develop a trust bond with caretakers. Remove the animal from public exhibition and allow extra time for adjustment.

Provide alternative areas for hiding or escape. This species is highly secretive and would prefer enclosed areas to hide in. Provide a good den box and perhaps alternate areas to hide in.

Provide height and climbing areas. Due to the arboreal nature of this species, use height in conjunction with width and depth of new exhibitry or housing. Place shelves and logs up in the exhibit and also suspend some with ropes.

Feed at night. Since this animal is mainly nocturnal this would be common sense but may require special efforts on the part of the institution housing the animal.

Introduce enrichment items at night. Don't give up on this. Introduce small whole animals in the diet (chicks, rats, mice, rabbits), introduce scents on new items (hunting scents would be good to try), rope toys, bowling or boomer balls, and various textures and types of wood logs, plants (non-toxic), and related items.

OTHER NOTES
After initial recommendations were implemented, this animal has made good progress and now has shown signs of being more secure. He becomes playful at night and allows some interactions with his caretaker. Total time at the facility (as of this writing) is 12 months.

This facility may have the opportunity to acquire the male companion to this animal. If so, they will have the opportunity to utilize the established animal bonds to stimulate more security and activity. It would be anticipated that the new animal's introduction will be more swiftly accomplished because of this.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to Penny Andrews for her input and assistance on this species and case.

Are you a reader with a question? Be sure to submit it--and good luck in all your training endeavors!

About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.