Ritmos de actividad del lince ibérico (Lynx pardinus) en cautividad

Abstract

Ethological studies are essential for proper husbandry of wild animals in captivity. In this paper we analyze the patterns of activity throughout the day (circadian rhythm) and throughout the year, of 25 Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) belonging to the Captive Breeding Program. The annual circadian rhythm in lynxes reaches two maximum peaks: one at dawn and another at sunset (with average activity levels of 60 and 76%, respectively). Between these two peaks we found two minimums of activity, one during the night (43 %) and another during the day (25 %). We also found that the circadian pattern closely resembles the pattern described for the wild population. Rainfall and hour of light do influence on activity, whereas the moon phase does not. The average daily activity for the whole year was 47.8 ± 16.8%. The months presenting less activity were July, August and September coinciding with the warmest period of the year and the most active months were November, March and April. The sex of the lynxes do not influence the average daily activity, however CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) and the interaction between sex and CKD, does. CKD affected animals are less active than the healthy individuals, that is more evident in males than females. Activity levels in males were similar to those of females when they are healthy, but decrease greatly when they are ill.