Study of the reproductive behavior of the pampas cat, Leopardus colocola (Molina, 1782) (Carnivora: Felidae) in captive environment

Abstract

Many species are difficult to study in the natural environment due to reserved habits that impede further ecological studies, such as studies on ecology and reproductive behavior. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive behavior of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocola) kept in a zoo, in order to contribute to the knowledge about the species. As results, 598 behaviors were recorded and evaluated, categorized in individual, social and reproductive. The captive environment provided the opportunity to generate behavioral information about specie with a focus on husbandry and ex situ breeding programs.