Behavior Modification Plan for Spotted Hyenas
Instructions:
Think about what you learned from the three scenarios generated in this week’s Discussion 1. Choose one of the scenarios (that was relevant to your focal species) to expand upon. You’ll be expanding on both the scenario and the behavior modification plan for your project.
In approximately 500 words, lay out your entire behavior modification plan for your Course Project presentation pitch to the Board of Directors. Your plan should be written in APA style with in-text citations and references, use appropriate headings and apply any applicable feedback given by your instructor and your peers in the discussion. Your plan should reference at least 3 outside scientific sources. Remember, you might not be able to find literature supporting your specific scenario with your focal animal, so you may have to find behavior modification techniques that can be applied across species.
Some things to consider as your construct your plan:
Habitat/Enclosure settings
History of the behavior and/or individual. How long has this behavior been going on? When and how did it start?
Functional analysis: Why is the animal doing this? What is maintaining it?
Animal conspecifics
Operant Conditioning and the ABC’s
How will the plan be consistently maintained?
Will data be collected? How will you know if progress is being made and the plan is successful?
Why it matters; for public guests, for the animal caretakers, and most importantly, for the welfare of the individual animal
My target animal is the spotted Hyena
Title
Your Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
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Behavior Modification Plan for Spotted Hyenas
The spotted hyena is an enthralling species with an intricate social system and communication. However, specific behaviors, such as group hostility, might pose challenges in a captive setting. This behavior modification plan addresses and eliminates hostile encounters amongst spotted hyenas in a zoo context.
Habitat/Enclosure Settings
To create an excellent captive environment, it is essential to first study the hyenas’ native habitat. The enclosure should resemble the hyenas’ natural savannah habitat, with ample space, natural substrates, and enrichment possibilities. Providing hiding spaces and areas for individual hyenas to withdraw may help alleviate tension and the possibility of hostile encounters.
History of the Behavior
The spotted hyena’s aggressive behavior has lasted for around six months. It began immediately after the entrance of a new member to the group and has since escalated. Aggression occurs mainly at feeding times and, on rare occasions, during interactions over resting spots. Increased resource competitiveness is a primary factor driving the hostility.