Behaviour and enclosure use of captive parma wallabies (Macropus parma): an assessment of compatibility within a mixed-species exhibit.

The parma wallaby (Macropus parma) is considered to be a species of conservation concern. Collaborative breeding programs for this cryptic animal are in place in many zoos worldwide. Many zoos choose to house parma wallabies in mixed-species exhibits and a successful combination of species can greatly improve breeding prospects. However, there are potential health and welfare concerns and species compatibility requires consideration. This study investigates if a previously unreported housing of the parma wallaby and the Patagonian mara (Doliochotis patagonum), is congruous. Parma wallabies at Dudley Zoological Gardens were observed in two different housing systems; mixed-species (MS) and single species (SS) for nine days. Scan sampling of all individuals, across a range of behaviours previously reported for this species, was carried out at three 30 minute periods across the day. Differences in foraging behaviour were noted with parmas housed in the MS foraging significantly less than the SS group (p