Book Description

Studying Captive Animals outlines the methods that may beused to study the behaviour, welfare and ecology of animals livingunder the control of humans, including companion animals, feralpopulations, and those living on farms and in zoos. This book is a step-by-step guide to the whole process ofconducting a scientific study: from designing the original project,formulating testable hypotheses, and collecting and analysing thedata, to drawing conclusions from the work and writing it up as ascientific report or paper. It also illustrates how to write aformal research proposal - a crucial and often difficult element ofthe student project - and how to deal with the ethical reviewprocess. Sample data collection sheets are provided and the analysis andpresentation of data are worked through in diagrammatic form. Inaddition, exercises are included that enable the reader to practice analysing different types of data and advice isprovided on the selection of appropriate statistical tests. Thetext describes the different types of student projects that may beundertaken in the field, and explains where secondary data may befound for zoos. This is an insightful resource, particularly for those studyingand working with zoo and farm animals. It is essential reading forstudents studying zoo biology and animal management; it is alsosuitable for students on courses in animal behaviour, animalwelfare, zoology, biology, psychology, animal science, animalproduction, animal ecology, conservation biology, and veterinaryscience. This book is primarily intended for undergraduates butwill also be of value to postgraduate students who have notpreviously engaged in field studies. Professionals working ininstitutions that are members of the World Association of Zoos andAquariums, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and otherregional and national zoo organisations will benefit from access tothis practical guide.