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Investigation through Animal–Computer Interaction: A Proof-of-Concept Study for the Behavioural Experimentation of Colour Vision in Zoo-Housed Primates

Vinícius Donisete Lima Rodrigues Goulart,R. Young

Published 2024 in Animals

ABSTRACT

Simple Summary Animal–computer interactions provide an opportunity for behavioural investigations. Once appropriate interfaces are established, it is possible to provide new possibilities for improving animal welfare and experimentation. Zoos are an important repository of animals and provide a great source of biological knowledge. By using accessible materials and with low levels of programming, we were able to develop a safe and reliable design for testing the sensory abilities of New World primates. The proof-of-concept for testing colour vision through a behavioural experiment resulted in engagement from the tested animals and an alternative for investigating the sensory abilities of this complex group of animals. In conclusion, we encourage the use of animal-computer interaction frameworks to enrich and develop scientific knowledge from captive animals. Abstract Zoos are an important repository of animals, which have a wide range of visual systems, providing excellent opportunities to investigate many comparative questions in sensory ecology. However, behavioural testing must be carried out in an animal welfare-friendly manner, which is practical for zoo staff. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study to facilitate behavioural research on the sensory ecology of captive primates. A system consisting of a tablet computer and an automated feeder connected wirelessly was developed and presented to captive primate species to evaluate interactions with and without previous training. A colour stimulus, analogous to the Ishihara test, was used to check the level of interaction with the device, supporting future studies on sensory ecology with zoo animals. Animals were able to use the system successfully and displayed signs of learning to discriminate between the visual stimuli presented. We identified no risk for small primates in their interactions with the experimental setup without the presence of keepers. The use of electronic devices should be approached with caution to prevent accidents, as a standard practice for environmental enrichment for larger animals (e.g., spider monkeys). In the long term, the system developed here will allow us to address complex comparative questions about the functions of different visual systems in captive animals (i.e., dichromatic, trichromatic, etc.).

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