Prevalence and cause of stereotypic behaviour in common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) residing in Australian zoos

Aspects of captive common wombat behaviour were collected through two research experiments to determine the prevalence and cause of stereotypic behaviour in this species. A total of 20 Australian zoos completed a behaviour-based survey, 80% of the total number invited to partake. Additionally, wombat-specific behaviours were video-recorded from 14 individual common wombats housed at three different Australian zoos. Results revealed that common wombats held in captivity are highly susceptible to the development of stereotypic behaviour. Eleven distinct forms of stereotypic behaviour were identified, with average time spent engaged in these behaviours ranging from 93 to 303 min (1.5–5.1 h) per day. Statistical analysis revealed that: (1) male wombats were more prone to stereotypic behaviour than females and (2) the amount of time a wombat spent feeding per day had an influence on stereotypic expression. Close examination of daily wombat behaviour indicated that these stereotypies arose as a result of restricted time allowances for performing food-related appetitive and consummatory actions.