To obtain basic information to effectively control damage by masked palm civets (Paguma larvata), we investigated the body size and reproductive status of 168 adult masked palm civets (male: 74, female: 94) captured in Saitama prefecture, Japan, and determined whether there are sexual, seasonal or regional differences in these parameters. Body sizes showed no significant difference between males and females. Masked palm civets captured in winter were heavier and their chest and pelvic circumferences were larger than that captured in the other seasons. The mating season was estimated to last from January to September at least, though we could not evaluate if masked palm civets were able to mate from October to December because few animals were captured in these three months. The average litter size was 2.9±0.9, and the parous rate was 57.4%. Body size, parous rate, and litter size showed no significant differences between urban and rural areas. The present study suggested that masked palm civets, regarded as a non-native animal to Japan, have adjusted to the Japanese climate, have high reproductive capacity, and are able to live in areas close to human habitation. These results were obtained in a background of increasing concern about damage caused by masked palm civets.

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We conducted a survey of 259 people from Towada City, Aomori, Japan determine whether the people were aware of issues surrounding the welfare of farm animals and whether they were willing to financially support the wellbeing of these animals. The survey revealed that 95% respondents would choose free-range pork if the cost was equal to that of conventionally raised pork; however, when price was considered, about 1/3 of the consumers tend to purchase the less-expensive conventionally raised pork. Among the respondents in the area whose annual income was less than average, 70% of them tended to choose a product based on price, and choose less-expensive conventionally raised pork. Two third of the middle-aged respondents also tended to purchase less-expensive conventionally raised pork. Most respondents paid attention to the source of the pork products and their safety for consumption, instead of just considering the prices. Because several respondents were unaware of animal welfare and did not know its meaning, educating the Japanese consumer may encourage them to purchase non-conventionally raised animals. Furthermore, the farmers should be educated to realize that raising free-range pigs is not costlier than raising them by conventional methods. Consumer would choose products from animal-friendly farms if products were about the same price compared to those from conventional farms because 79% of the respondents would consider buying welfare products if it was marked.

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In the wild, capuchin monkeys spend approximately 50% of their active time performing foraging behaviors, which include traveling to and searching for familiar locations that contain seasonally variable food resources. However, in captivity, they exhibit passive foraging behaviors, with fixed feeding schedules, and consume consistent types and amounts of foods throughout the year. This change in feeding conditions has several effects on the captive as well as wild monkeys, including an impact on their well-being. In this study, we examined the relationship between feeding schedules and the behavior of captive monkeys to determine the best feeding method for these animals. We investigated the effect of 4 different daily feeding schedules (6, 4, 3, and 2 feeds per day) on the behavior and social relationships in a group of 7 tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) held in captivity at Yumemigasaki Zoological Park in Kawasaki, Japan. Each feeding schedule differed in terms of interval (1, 1.75, 2.5, and 5 h) and ration size (0.65, 1.0, 1.3, and 2.0 kg); however, the total amount of food per day was kept constant. The feeding schedule was randomly varied each day. Data on behavior were collected for 6 hours per day from 0930 to 1530 hours, and focal-animal sampling was performed on each animal for 10 min by using 1-0 sampling at 10-s intervals. When the number of feeds was increased above the original 2 feeds per day, animals showed reduced social behavior (6 feeds), reduced manipulation (3, 4, and 6 feeds), and diversified foraging behaviors (4 and 6 feeds) during the feeding session and increased social behavior (3 feeds) during the inter-feeding session. These results provide important information on methods to improve the welfare of captive primates.

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