Page 4 - Ratel 2023 Summer

Ratel volume 50, issue number 2

Bamboo Preference in a Pair of

Captive Red Panda,

Eleanor Vize, Clare Westwood and Peter Garner

Introduction to ensure the preference was not being affected by location. Before
each bunch was placed on the platform it was weighed. The remains
The keepers at Drayton Manor Resort (DMR) made a notable of the bamboo that was discarded or ignored by the pandas was
observation regarding the two red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) housed also weighed when it was removed from the enclosure. A second,
there. The pandas exhibited a discerning behaviour when presented afternoon feed was provide only once observations and recordings
with bamboo, appearing to show preferences for certain species had taken place. The first, morning feed was always provided
over others. This behaviour prompted the question of whether these between 08:00 and 09:00.
preferences were influenced by factors such as nutritional
composition, behavioural tendencies, or colour preferences. This Several species of bamboo grow on site at DMR however only three
information is of particular significance for DMR as one goal is to species were used during this study: arrow bamboo (Pseudosasa
increase the proportion of bamboo in the panda diet while reducing japonica), dwarf striped-white bamboo (Pleioblastus variegatus) and
vegetable consumption. golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea). A brief ID guide was made for
all species to make identification easier and consistent amongst
In its natural habitat the red panda survives primarily on bamboo, different observers.
with occasional consumption of berries, other fruits, browse, eggs,
and small prey (Roberts and Gittleman, 1984). Despite belonging The number of times each bamboo species was eaten during the
to the order Carnivora, the red panda has evolved a specialised first 15 minutes was calculated. The number of times bamboo was
dietary adaptation with approximately 95% of its wild diet eaten on each platform was also calculated so that platform location
comprising bamboo. Furthermore, it exhibits a highly selective could be assessed as a factor.
approach in consuming specific parts of the bamboo to maximize
Table 1. An example of an observation recording sheet.
nutrient intake (Wei et al. 2000; Wei and Zhang, 2011).
Time (minutes) Pema Tika
Determining the preference of captive pandas holds significant
scientific value, as it provides insight into the animal’s behavioural 0 Sitting Lying down
patterns and nutritional requirements. Additionally, at DMR all
bamboo provided to the pandas is cultivated on site. This knowledge 1 Consuming arrow bamboo Lying down
aids in planning sustainable bamboo cultivation practices and
2 Consuming arrow bamboo Lying down
minimizing waste.
In addition, bamboo serves as enrichment for other species at the
zoo - including parrots and primates. If certain bamboo species are Day 1 Platform 1 Platform 2 Platform 3
found to be unfavourable to the pandas, these can be dedicated Bamboo Species 1 Bamboo Species 2 Bamboo Species 3
solely for enrichment purposes. In parallel, efforts can be directed
towards cultivating the preferred bamboo species across various
locations and exploration of long-term storage options for winter
can be pursued.
Platform 1 Platform 2 Platform 3
Day 2
Method Bamboo Species 3 Bamboo Species 1 Bamboo Species 2
For this study two female red pandas, Pema and Tika, were
Figure 1. Example of how the location of each bamboo was changed daily dur-
observed. They are twin sisters and were both six years old at the
ing the study. As there are three species of bamboo, there are six ways the bam-
time of the study in March 2023. They have always been housed boo can be presented. The study was conducted for 12 days which allowed for
together and there have been no reports of conflict over feeding. each combination to be observed twice.
Observations were conducted over two weeks, exactly 12 days. The Table 2. A brief ID guide used for identifying diffreent species of bamboo that
pandas were not given any of the study species of bamboo for at grow around Drayton Manor Resort. This was used in conjunction with a
photographic ID guide.
least 48 hours before the study so that their preferences were not
Bamboo species Description
affected by boredom of a certain species. Each day in the afternoon
Dwarf white Distinct white stripes on leaves. Grows in clumps.
the pandas were offered three species of bamboo and observed for
Pleioblastus variegatus
15 minutes. Every minute the behaviour of each panda was Golden/fishpole Golden stem with medium/small sized green
recorded. The relevant behaviours recorded included consuming Phyllostachys aurea leaves. Stacked rings at base (fishpole handle).
bamboo (if any) and the species consumed. Grow in clumps.
Black Black stem. Running
Although all behaviours were recorded for the personal interest of Phyllostachys nigra
the keepers, only the number of times each bamboo species was Bisset’s Green stem. Medium leaves. Running.
Phyllostachys bissetii
consumed is analysed and discussed as part of this study. The weight
Fountain Grows in big clumps, small green leaves. Green
of each species of bamboo given before and after feeding was also Fargesia murielae to purple stems. Drak stems not to be confused
recorded and discussed. with black bamboo. Clumps and is generally
smaller and shorter.
A bunch consisting of roughly five large stems of each species were Arrow Large green leaves, generally shorter than other
Pseudosasa japonica species. Golden stem. Sheaths on stem.
placed on one of three platforms. Each day the species were rotated
Running
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