Research projects & publications

Research is one of the primary objectives of Dartmoor Zoological Society.

As a charity, we aim to continually increase our research potential and output in view of the growing need to increase our knowledge necessary for understanding and undertaking conservation tasks both in the zoo and out in the field. Our main research goals are focused on improving animal welfare, better understanding in animal cognition and the development of effective educational resources.

Our most recent and ongoing research projects include:

• The effect of environmental enrichment on Brazillian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) behaviour
• The effect of auditory enrichment on short clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) behaviour
• The effect of an enclosure move and addition of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) on the behaviour of two blue and gold (Ara ararauna) macaws
• Enclosure usage of two dik dik (Madoqua kirkii) and determining whether this is different at day or at night
• The effect of an enclosure move on a male iguana (Iguana iguana)
• Assessing the individual response to different keepers and the impact of recall training on the daily behaviour of two Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus)
• A study on the vocalisations of our Asian short clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea)
• Investigating whether an unpredictable feeding time affects the behaviour of Asian short clawed otters (Aonyx cinerea)
• Investigating nocturnal behaviour in a range of different species