ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT FOR AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS

Many of Australia's nocturnal mammals are rare or endangered in the wi ld. The behavioural integrity of captive populations of endangered spe cies can be maintained through the application of environmental enrich ment techniques. This study investigated the effectiveness of feeding enrichment in promoting behavioural diversity, enclosure usage and spe cies-typical behaviours in the ghost bat (Macroderma gigas) and the ye llow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis). Animals were observed for 30 0 min day(-1) over three consecutive time periods: baseline (12 non-co nsecutive days); enrichment: (12 consecutive days); and post-enrichmen t: (12 non-consecutive days). The use of a live insect dispenser decre ased grooming and increased out-of-sight and social behaviour in the g host bat. Artificial gum trees promoted species-typical behaviours in the yellow-bellied glider. Enrichment for nocturnal mammals had variab le results and different welfare implications for these animals.