Exercise-wheel enrichment for a captive leopard gecko Eublepharis macularius: An assessment of distance travelled

https//doi.org/10.33256/hb175.2023
AUTHOR RICHARD DIGIROLAMO
ABSTRACT Environmental enrichment is an understudied aspect of reptilian welfare. The daily distance travelled (DDT) by a captive leopard gecko on an exercise wheel was investigated for 12 months. The gecko used the wheel voluntarily; the overall mean DDT was 161.25 m but varied widely with mean monthly temperature. Behavioural observations indicated a preference for access to the wheel; as evidenced by exploratory behaviour upon its removal; immediate resumption of use upon reintroduction. This suggests that exercise wheels can serve to increase leopard gecko locomotor activity; thereby enhance welfare.

The Herpetological Bulletin is a quarterly publication in English. It includes full-length papers, natural history notes, book reviews, and other items of general herpetological interest. Emphasis is placed on natural history and conservation as well as captive care that includes breeding, husbandry, veterinary, and behavioural aspects.

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb175.2023

AUTHOR: RICHARD DIGIROLAMO

ABSTRACT: Environmental enrichment is an understudied aspect of reptilian welfare. The daily distance travelled (DDT) by a captive leopard gecko on an exercise wheel was investigated for 12 months. The gecko used the wheel voluntarily and the overall mean DDT was 161.25 m but varied widely with mean monthly temperature. Behavioural observations indicated a preference for access to the wheel, as evidenced by exploratory behaviour upon its removal and immediate resumption of use upon reintroduction. This suggests that exercise wheels can serve to increase leopard gecko locomotor activity and thereby enhance welfare.