Anglia Ruskin University

Team:
Dr Andrew Smith, Dr Charlie Nevison and Dr Sheila Pankhurst.

Collaborators:
Dr Susan Walker, Chester Zoo, Chester
Colchester Zoo, Essex

Location of Fieldwork:
Colchester Zoo, Essex

Project Description:
Aardvarks represent the only monotypic mammalian Order - Tubulidentata. Little is known about them, and less still about their reproductive biology. A single study has examined physical changes during gestation, but nothing is known about the parameters of their reproductive hormones. Such data are of great importance in terms of captive husbandry and breeding as they allow monitoring of reproductive cycles, diagnosis of pregnancy, prediction of parturition and causes of failure to breed in non-reproducing individuals. Whilst husbandry of this species has improved and they are now no longer regarded as difficult to maintain, breeding success eludes the majority of collections to keep them. This project aims to improve our understanding as to why this may be the case. Hormonal profiling will be correlated with behavioural data from their nocturnal activity period. In addition to reproduction, other aspects of their behaviour are being investigated including the effects of season, temperature, and social interaction.

Publications:
Project started in 2010 - research in progress

Links:
Estación Biológica Quebrada Blanco

Funding:
Anglia Ruskin University