Abstract
Malayan tapirs are listed as endangered and are bred in captivity under governmental management. The success of captive breeding programs varies and the underlying causes are unclear. Here, we investigate how tapir reproduction is affected by previous breeding experience, enclosure type/size and visitor numbers so that appropriate steps can be taken to achieve self-sustaining captive populations. Data on social and reproductive behaviors were collected from six tapirs (three males, three females), from different breeding centers in Peninsular Malaysia for 18 weeks. Results revealed that social and reproductive behavior of both sexes was significantly influenced by social and environmental conditions. Larger enclosure size tended to increase social and reproductive behaviors, whereas high number of visitors reduced initial interaction between males and females. No specific breeding month was confirmed; however, reproductive behaviors were highest in April. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between social and reproductive behaviors, and captive environments on Malayan tapirs. In future, frequency of sexual interactions should be monitored regularly to identify animals exhibiting below-average frequency and who might, therefore, be prone to reproductive difficulties.
Highlights
Despite several long-term studies of Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) in captivity[1,2,3] and in the wild[4], there is little research on the reproductive behavior of this species that investigate what factors affect the breeding success of this species
Studies investigating how environmental factors and maternal experience affect social behaviors and pair bonds are lacking. It is not known whether Malayan tapirs have a specific reproductive season, how their future breeding success is affected by maternal experience, and what male and female behaviors are associated with reproduction
We report the social and reproductive behaviors of captive male and female Malayan tapirs, focusing on how these behaviors are affected by captive environment, month and maternal experience
Summary
Despite several long-term studies of Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) in captivity[1,2,3] and in the wild[4], there is little research on the reproductive behavior of this species that investigate what factors affect the breeding success of this species. Studies investigating how environmental factors and maternal experience affect social behaviors and pair bonds are lacking It is not known whether Malayan tapirs have a specific reproductive season, how their future breeding success is affected by maternal experience, and what male and female behaviors are associated with reproduction. In Malayan tapirs, enclosure characteristics have been reported to significantly affect their general behaviors and activity budget[8], but the effects (including visitor-related disturbance levels) on tapir social and reproductive behaviors are currently not quantified. We report the social and reproductive behaviors of captive male and female Malayan tapirs, focusing on how these behaviors are affected by captive environment (enclosure type, enclosure size, temperature and number of visitors), month and maternal experience (parity and pregnancy)
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