Research at Hellabrunn Zoo: How do porcupines keep themselves busy?

The scientific project is a joint effort of several leading zoos and universities aimed at understanding the effects of various environmental factors and optimising habitat design to promote the wellbeing of this fascinating species. Anyone who has been to Hellabrunn Zoo in recent weeks will have noticed that the Indian crested porcupines nowhave additional places of retreat, such as tin huts, as well as new animal enrichment objects to keep them occupied, such as antlers and scented wood. During the observation phase of the study, the porcupines were able to get to know different objects and interact with them. The research on the behaviour of this spiky rodent is a joint scientific study by the University of Bielefeld, the University of Münster and Zurich Zoo and is funded by the Association of Zoological Gardens.

The research project is part of a study on the topic Behaviour and Animal Welfare of Small Mammals. Biologist Arne Kalinowski chose the Indian crested porcupines for his observations as they are easy to observe at Hellabrunn Zoo due to their group size and lifestyle: "In my opinion, the animals' curiosity makes them very receptive to various types of enrichment activities. Based on their normal behaviour, I was able to examine the extent to which various factors affect the animals' behaviour as an indicator of their wellbeing. Most of the things I offered were used extensively by the animals, especially the huts and the food enrichment."

Over a period of six weeks, the animals were offered different combinations of activities every day, while the researcher observed how long individual animals or the group occupied themselves with them. In addition to his observations, Kalinowski also often spoke to zoo visitors and was able to clear up a common misconception: "I was amazed at how many visitors thought that porcupines could shoot their quills when in danger. They definitely don't do that. Instead they rattle their quills when threatened or charge backwards with their quills raised towards potential predators. They cannot shoot their quills."

Research and science in modern zoos

The collection of data on animal populations is a fundamental task for science-led zoos. Hanspeter Steinmetz, deputy zoo director and veterinarian, is responsible for the research projects at the zoo, and welcomes the joint study: "With the help of academic studies, we as a science-led zoo are making an important contribution to modern wild animal care. Daily enrichment in particular is a key component of animal care - new findings on the use of unknown enrichment elements and how these affect animal activity and their use of habitat space are of immense importance. Thanks to cooperation with other zoos, the findings can be shared within the zoo community and scientific partnerships can be established."

Zoo director Rasem Baban also welcomes the current research study: "We can use these scientific findings to design species-appropriate habitats, and they also pave the way for innovation in zoo architecture. Modern zoos play an important role in species conservation, education and research and benefit significantly from research results that can be shared. The data from the current studies will help support other zoos and, in addition to important data access, will also provide references for even more animal-friendly enclosure designs."