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Environmental Husbandry Manual Click here for CONTENTS Page No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the author - For contact details see about the author |
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Individual Methods for
Enclosure Design
Rock Ledges
The methods outlined in this section relate to features of enclosure construction and layout which may be used to enhance the living conditions of animals, including the use of shelter areas, vegetation, viewing platforms and climbing structures.
Rock Ledges |
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| Method | Underlying rockface of enclosures built on a hillside slope have been cut away to create ledges for animals to sit or lie on and use as a viewing platform. Sheltered ledges also make good suntraps to sunbathe. | |
| Species | Lion, Jungle Cat, other Cats, Coati. | |
| Purpose | Viewing platforms and resting areas made from the natural underlying substrate. Ledges act as a suntrap, with the result that cats spend a large amount of time in a highly visible location. | |
| Pro | Adaptation of limiting environment (solid rock face) to fulfil a useful function. The public can easily see most animals when they are on the ledges. | |
| Con | Some animals, for example, Snow Leopards blend in well with rock ledges and are difficult to see. | |
| Improvements | Provide artificial raised platforms to allow the animals greater choice of where to sit in the enclosure. | |
| Comments | Almost all cats show a preference for raised areas to sit or lie in, from where they can view their surroundings. Signs are used for the public to indicate where the animals are likely to be, and can therefore improve their chances of seeing the animals. | |
| Frequency of Use | Constant. | |
| Ratings | Usefulness | 10 |
| Convenience | 10 | |
| Value For Money | 10 | |
| Range of Users | 10 | |
| Contributed By | Carnivore Section | |