A preliminary study of mirror-induced self-directed behaviour on wildlife at the Royal Belum Rainforest Malaysia

Abstract

Mirror-induced behaviour has been described as a cognitive ability of an animal to self-direct their image in front of the mirror. Most animals when exposed to a mirror responded with a social interactive behaviour such as aggressiveness, exploratory and repetitive behaviour. The objective of this study is to determine the mirror-induced self-directed behaviour on wildlife at the Royal Belum Rainforest, Malaysia. Wildlife species at the Royal Belum Rainforest were identified using a camera traps from pre-determined natural saltlick locations. Acrylic mirrors with steel frame were placed facing the two saltlicks (Sira Batu and Sira Tanah) and the camera traps with motion-detecting infrared sensor were placed at strategically hidden spot. The behavioural data of the animal response to the mirror were analysed using an ethogram procedure. Results showed that barking deer was the species showing the highest interaction in front of the mirror. Elephants displayed self-directed response through inspecting behaviour via usage of their trunk and legs while interacting to the mirror. Interestingly, the Malayan tapir showed startled behaviour during their interaction with the mirror. However, the absence of interactive behaviour of the Malayan tiger signalled a likelihood of a decreased social response behaviour. These results suggested that the ability to self-directed in front of the mirror is most likely related to the new approach to study the neural mechanism and its level of stimulus response in wildlife. In conclusion, research on mirror-induced self-directed behaviour in wildlife will have profound implications in understanding the cognitive ability of wildlife as an effort to enhance the management strategies and conservation.

Figure 1

The location of Sungai Tiang and Royal Belum Rainforest, Gerik, Perak Malaysia. Map details: (1) Peninsular Malaysia: The map was illustrated by the author of this manuscript. (2) Sungai Tiang, Royal Belum Rainforest: Generated from Google Earth (https://www.google.com/earth/) and ArcGIS (https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-desktop/overview) software application with GPS reference coordinate; 5° N latitude and 101° E longitude.

Figure 2

The location of the mirror and the camera trap set-up at the saltlick area. The illustrations was designed by the author of this manuscript.

Figure 3

(a) Barking deer spent time at looking at the mirror with (b) movement or stumping of their legs. (c) Behavior of Malayan tapir before recognized the reflection from the mirror. (d) Malayan tapir displayed startled behaviour. (e) The bird showed wing-flashing and jumping towards the mirror, most likely as fighting or attacking to the image. (f) Malayan tigers showed spent approximately 3 s with the eyes target to the mirror. (g) Eventually, the tiger disregard the reflection or image. (h) A group of elephants used their leg, and (i) trunk to interact with their self-image in front of the mirror.