The effect of preference assessment-informed enrichment device colour on biting and foraging behaviour in loggerhead sea turtles

Abstract

Although environmental enrichment procedures have demonstrated their benefit to non-human animals in zoos and aquariums, the field has given little attention to phylogenetic variables that might affect their efficacy. Recently, research with loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta has demonstrated that they have true colour vision and that colours may differentially strengthen certain response classes (e.g. phototaxis). Colour preference was assessed for four turtles and for three of the turtles background colour was varied to control for contrast effects. The effect of enrichment device colour on level and type of interaction was evaluated. Differences in colour preferences were found for all turtles and there was minimal effect of colour on interaction with enrichment devices containing preferred food. These results suggest caregivers may wish to consider individual preferences when developing enrichment or training devices for these animals.