Investigating the Welfare of Zoo-Housed Cryptoprocta ferox: Behavioral Observations and Hormonal Profiling

The global decline of species necessitates intensive conservation efforts, including ex-situ breeding programs to safeguard endangered populations. However, managing welfare and reproduction in zoological gardens can present several challenges. This study aims to explore behaviors and endocrinological responses of two specimens of fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) under human care. One hundred and twenty hours of observation through focal animal sampling continuous recording and 67 fecal samples were collected. From fecal samples, cortisol (FCM), progesterone (FPM), and testosterone (FTM) metabolites' concentrations were analyzed using Radio Immuno Assay. According to our results, higher FTM (p