Date of Award
Spring 4-3-2025
Document Type
Distinction Paper
Degree Name
Zoo and Conservation Science-BS
Department
Biology & Earth Science
Advisor
Andrew Calinger-Yoak Ph.D.
First Committee Member
James Ayala M.S.
Second Committee Member
Bennett Grooms Ph.D.
Third Committee Member
Yiyuan (Ava) Liu Ph.D.
Keywords
Giant panda, Maternal Experience, Animal Behavior, Vulnerable Species, Conservation
Subject Categories
Animal Sciences | Animal Studies | Behavior and Ethology | Higher Education | Life Sciences | Other Social and Behavioral Sciences | Zoology
Abstract
Limited research is available on the effect of maternal care experience for a solitary species on offspring behavioral development, particularly for a vulnerable listed species like the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) where natural breeding success may be hindered by abnormal behaviors. While giant pandas are solitary in the wild, they are commonly raised in socially managed groups as juveniles in captivity. A giant panda’s maternal experience, and the presence of affiliative interactions between a dam and her cub(s) were measured for their influence on cub behavioral development, in particular the presence of stereotypic behavior during key developmental periods for one year old cubs. Seven cubs and five dams were observed at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China over a 10- week period during the summer of 2024. Point time sample data was recorded amongst dams and cubs, along with continuous data for play and stereotypical behavior presence in cubs. A Hinde’s Index score was produced for each cub to determine affiliative relationship scores with their dam. Maternal experience was a significant factor in the amount of time a cub stereotyped and displayed close-proximity affiliative behaviors with other cubs in a social group. This study proposes evidence for potential influences on abnormal behavior development for the giant panda. Further long-term assessments should be conducted monitoring the manifestation of the abnormal behaviors of these cubs into adulthood and natural mating success. This evidence provides insights into welfare management and preparing high quality behavioral giant pandas for captive release.
Licensing Permission
Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use
Acknowledgement 1
1
Acknowledgement 2
1
Recommended Citation
McDaniel, Caitlyn, "MATERNAL EXPERIENCE OF GIANT PANDAS (AILUROPODA MELANOLEUCA) AND ITS INFLUENCE ON BEHAVIOR DEVELOPMENT OF JUVENILE CUBS IN CAPTIVITY" (2025). Undergraduate Distinction Papers. 122.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_dist/122