| Abstract: | This study examined the behavior and activity of two captive sand cats at the Washington Park Zoo in Portland, Oregon. Sex differences in behavior were examined and the direction and frequency of social interactions were determined. An attempt was made to determine behavioral signs of estrus. A scan sampling data collection technique was used to find the percentage of time spent by each cat in each behavior. Simultaneously, the frequency of social behaviors was recorded. The cats spent the greatest percentage of their time pacing and resting; social interactions occurred very infrequently. The only significant sex difference in behavior was that the male marked and urinated/defecated more than did the female. Temporal distribution in the usage of the enclosure was examined. It was found that when one cat was active, the other tended to be inactive. No overt behavioral signs of estrus were evident other than the actual observance of copulation. However, the percentage of time spent in each behavior was examined when the female was assumed to be in estrus (days when copulation was observed) versus nonestrous periods. The female was found to pace and locomote significantly more during estrous periods. |
