Upcoming Events
MS Thesis Defense - Environmental Science and Policy
Apr 28, 2025, 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Exploratory Hall Room 3301
Virtual on Zoom (email espgrad@gmu.edu for Zoom meeting info)
MS Thesis
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University
Candidate: Kelly Chimpen Mac Leod
Defense Date and Time: April 28, 2025 at 9:30am
Defense Location: Exploratory Hall 3301 & virtual
Title: Assessment of African rhinoceros temperament and its implications for management
Thesis Director: Dr. Dr. Elizabeth Freeman
Committee: Dr. Lara Metrione, Dr. Kathleen Hunt, Dr. David Luther
ABSTRACT
The temperament and mental state of an animal are critical components of its wellbeing yet are not frequently evaluated. The temperament of white and black rhinos was assessed using keeper surveys and novel object tests. Survey traits were clustered into boldness/shyness, activity/inactivity, and anthrophilia/anthrophobia for both species, plus stoicism/reactivity in white rhinos. Furthermore, surveys were best at characterizing boldness/shyness in both species and anthrophilia/anthrophobia in black rhinos, while novel object tests were best at characterizing exploration in both species, plus activity in black rhinos. Consideration of temperament expression allows tailoring expectations for daily behaviors, interactions with enrichment, conspecifics, and people.
