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Microchips for macropods: First use of a microchip‐automated door by a bridled nailtail wallaby ( Onychogalea fraenata )
Author(s) -
Muns Sabrina J.,
Hoy Julia M.,
Murray Peter J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.21419
Subject(s) - biology , wildlife , zoology , ecology
Commercially available microchip‐automated devices for companion animals also have potential application with captive wildlife. To explore this potential, a captive bridled nailtail wallaby was trained to use a SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. Throughout the 62 day study the wallaby's interactions with the door increased in frequency and intensity, culminating in the repeated use of the microchip‐automated door. This was the first record of any captive macropod being trained to use a microchip‐automated device and demonstrates proof‐of‐concept that captive macropods can successfully utilize commercially available microchip‐automated devices. Further research is recommended to develop methodology and evaluation techniques for training captive macropods while also exploring intra‐ and inter‐species variations in responses.