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#AnimBehav2021 (1/6) If there is one thing to be learnt from the last 12 months is that our social environment is important for our well-being. Each of us have coped differently. Is it fair to say then, that captive animals may also exhibit similar individual differences?
#AnimBehav2021 (2/6) Zoo-based research has revealed that great apes with particular personality structures demonstrate predictable behaviours, have reduced welfare and longevity within captivity. But to what extent are the associations universal within great apes?
#AnimBehav2021 (3/6) Meta-analysis was undertaken compiling data in a comparative study of intraspecies differences in great ape personality and its association to wellbeing. Primarily looked at universal trends of a specific dimension predicting wellbeing or behaviour
#AnimBehav2021 (4/6) Personality and wellbeing had a weaker association in orangutans compared to chimpanzees and gorillas (both p<0.05). Perhaps explained as an evolutionary consequence of a differing social structure and reduced interaction of personality and social environment
#AnimBehav2021 (5/6) In a captive environment, behavioural responses may be regulated by an individual’s personality. For gorillas and chimpanzees, personality and behaviour, extraversion and affiliative behaviour, and dominance and agnostic behaviour are all positively related.
#AnimBehav2021 (6/6) For captive animals, control over their social environment is limited and their ability to cope may be regulated by their personality. It is emphasised, that the future of primate management and welfare may be subject to the understanding of personality.
