RESEARCH OVERVIEW
The objective of this research is to examine cognition in individuals within the species Acinonyx jubatus to determine differences in problem-solving ability and/or behavioral flexibility as a result of exposure to varying levels of captivity and variation in social structure.
The research is specifically designed to test cheetahs utilizing a Multi-Access Box (MAB) tailored to the unique adaptations of the cheetah, with the goal of learning more about the cognitive abilities of the species.
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
The objective of this research is to examine cognition in individuals within the species Acinonyx jubatus to determine differences in problem-solving ability and/or behavioral flexibility as a result of exposure to varying levels of captivity and variation in social structure.
The research is specifically designed to test cheetahs utilizing a Multi-Access Box (MAB) tailored to the unique adaptations of the cheetah, with the goal of learning more about the cognitive abilities of the species.
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WHY CONDUCT THIS RESEARCH?
Threatened with the prospect of extinction, studying cognition in cheetahs can aid in conservation efforts in captivity and on wildlife reserves, as well as provide insight into carnivore intelligence. Through recognizing any variation in cognition associated with varying levels of captivity, the effects of increased human exposure on individuals can be ascertained as human disturbance and habitat fragmentation increase.
Cognition has been studied in numerous carnivore species including lions, tigers, leopards, bears, and hyaenas; however, cheetahs, with their unique genus and social structure have yet to be thoroughly explored.
This research will confer a greater understanding regarding the relationship between human interference, environmental exposure, and cognition in cheetahs. These studies have the potential to contribute to expanding knowledge within the scientific community regarding the role of sociality in shaping individual cognition within species, and more broadly within the context of cognitive evolution, should differences in intraspecific problem-solving ability be noted between pack hunters (male cheetahs) and solitary hunters (female cheetahs).
The effects of captivity on cheetah cognition can inform zoological institutions further regarding additional enrichment strategies that can be applied and can provide further information to the general public regarding qualities that are unique to cheetahs, in turn furthering conservation efforts through education.
This research will also be of primary interest to wildlife biologists and conservationists, as it may contribute to future reintroduction strategies for cheetahs, among other threatened species.
WHY CONDUCT THIS RESEARCH?
Threatened with the prospect of extinction, studying cognition in cheetahs can aid in conservation efforts in captivity and on wildlife reserves, as well as provide insight into carnivore intelligence. Through recognizing any variation in cognition associated with varying levels of captivity, the effects of increased human exposure on individuals can be ascertained as human disturbance and habitat fragmentation increase.
Cognition has been studied in numerous carnivore species including lions, tigers, leopards, bears, and hyaenas; however, cheetahs, with their unique genus and social structure have yet to be thoroughly explored.
This research will confer a greater understanding regarding the relationship between human interference, environmental exposure, and cognition in cheetahs. These studies have the potential to contribute to expanding knowledge within the scientific community regarding the role of sociality in shaping individual cognition within species, and more broadly within the context of cognitive evolution, should differences in intraspecific problem-solving ability be noted between pack hunters (male cheetahs) and solitary hunters (female cheetahs).
The effects of captivity on cheetah cognition can inform zoological institutions further regarding additional enrichment strategies that can be applied and can provide further information to the general public regarding qualities that are unique to cheetahs, in turn furthering conservation efforts through education.
This research will also be of primary interest to wildlife biologists and conservationists, as it may contribute to future reintroduction strategies for cheetahs, among other threatened species.
This research has been assessed, approved, and endorsed by the Cheetah Species Survival Plan (SSP) Management Committee through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).
Please contact us if you are interested in additional information regarding SSP approval.
GET INVOLVED
We are seeking collaboration with zoological and breeding facilities housing cheetahs that may be interested in allowing us to conduct this research onsite with resident cheetahs.
Testing will be conducted at the convenience of the facility and its keepers and scheduled in advance. When possible, the researcher(s) will be coordinating testing at multiple facilities in a given location for a period of 1-2 months before moving to a new location.
GET INVOLVED
We are seeking collaboration with zoological and breeding facilities housing cheetahs that may be interested in allowing us to conduct this research onsite with resident cheetahs.
Testing will be conducted at the convenience of the facility and its keepers and scheduled in advance. When possible, the researcher(s) will be coordinating testing at multiple facilities in a given location for a period of 1-2 months before moving to a new location.
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COLLABORATORS
This research study is being conducted by Brittany Greene, a PhD student seeking to obtain a degree in Evolutionary and Comparative Psychology at Oakland University, in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Vonk, a comparative/cognitive psychologist and professor at Oakland University. All research is being conducted in accordance with the requirements, review, and approval by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) to ensure legitimacy and welfare of participating subjects.
Brittany Greene is studying the behavioral flexibility and cognitive processes of nonhuman animals with a focus on carnivores, especially cheetahs. She is an aspiring evolutionary psychologist with a specific interest in animal behavior and cognition.
Brittany received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 2013 and her Master’s Degree in Environmental Science in 2016 at Christopher Newport University. She has completed internships and worked as a zookeeper at multiple zoological facilities as well as supported research across the country with various animal species.
COLLABORATORS
This research study is currently being conducted by Brittany Greene, an independent researcher, with collaboration from Dr. Jennifer Vonk, a comparative/cognitive psychologist and professor at Oakland University. All research is being conducted in accordance with the requirements, review, and approval by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) to ensure legitimacy and welfare of participating subjects.
Brittany Greene is an independent researcher studying the behavioral flexibility and cognitive processes of nonhuman animals with a focus on cheetahs. She is aspiring evolutionary psychologist with a specific interest in animal behavior and cognition. She intends to pursue her PhD studying behavioral flexibility with a focus on problem-solving abilities and innovation in wildlife.
She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 2013 and her Master’s Degree in Environmental Science in 2016 at Christopher Newport University. She has completed internships at zoological facilities and wildlife conservation centers as well as supported research across the country with various animal species.