Exploring innovative problem-solving in African lions (Panthera leo) and snow leopards (Panthera uncia)

• Published in: Behavioural processes 2022-06, Vol.199, p.104648-104648, Article 104648
• Main Authors: O’Connor, Victoria L., Thomas, Patrick, Chodorow, Martin, Borrego, Natalia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal cognition; Innovative problem-solving; Panthera; Persistence; Repeated innovation
• ISSN: 0376-6357; 1872-8308
• DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104648

Cognitive ability is likely linked to adaptive ability; animals use cognition to innovate and problem-solve in their physical and social environments. We investigated innovative problem-solving in two species of high conservation importance: African lions (Panthera leo; n = 6) and snow leopards (Panthera uncia; n = 9). We designed a custom multi-access puzzle box (MAB) to present a simple and effective behavioral test for the cats to explore. We measured Repeated Innovation, Persistence, Success, Contact Latency, and the Exploration Diversity of individuals interacting with the MAB. Of the six African lions, three (50%) solved one door to the box, one solved two doors (16.67%), and one solved three doors (16.67%). Of the nine snow leopards, one solved one door (11.11%), three solved two doors (33.33%), and none solved all three doors (0%). Persistence was a significant predictor of Success in African lions and snow leopards; more Persistent individuals were more likely to open a door. We also observed significant individual variation in Persistence for both species, but only snow leopards also exhibited differences in Contact Latency and Exploration Diversity. These results suggest individuals vary in their problem-solving approaches. Our findings support both species as successful, repeated innovators. Carnivores face ecological and social challenges and, presumably, benefit from cognitive abilities facilitating the successful navigation of these challenges in captivity and the wild. •First examination of multi-task problem solving in African lions and snow leopards.•Significant individual variation in persistence, contact latency and exploration diversity.•African lions and snow leopards are capable of advanced cognitive abilities.•African lions and snow leopards demonstrated learning through a decrease in success latency.