BEHAVIOR OF A CAPTIVE PAIR OF CLOUDED LEOPARDS (NEOFELIS-NEBULOSA) - INTRODUCTION WITHOUT INJURY

The behaviour of a captive pair of clouded leopards tvas studied durin g a series of manipulations in order to devise a safe method of introd uction for mating purposes. Manipulations consisted of allowing each i ndividual unrestricted access to the other's outdoor enclosure, initia lly in the absence of the other individual but culminating in joint ac cess. Dominant activities involved sitting, lying, grooming, and adopt ing a low profile amongst the vegetation. The female tended to be more arboreal than the male, although both cats spent most of their lime o n the ground. The male marked various sites by foot-scrubbing (1-4% oc currence), which involved shuffling urine into the ground using his hi nd feet. This was less common in the female (<1%). Male foot-scrubbing was most frequent on introduction nights, and in the female's enclosu re. Both sexes exhibited cheek-marking behaviour, although it was more common in the male. The frequency of male cheek-marking increased in response to urine production by the female. Observations during introd uctions suggested that the male may assess the female's reproductive c ondition by stimulating her to urinate. The most marked changes in the behaviour occurred between control and introduction nights. The large r male took the initiative, and the female appeared extremely wary of his presence, striking out with her claws if he approached too closely . Although the individuals did not mate during the introductions, the method of gradual acquaintance through an experimentally induced overl ap of 'home ranges' was effective, as the female was not injured even though the male had a history of aggression.