The influence of feeding enrichment on the behavior of small felids (Carnivora: Felidae) in captivity

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Animals in captivity are frequently exposed to environmental deprivation resulting in abnormal behaviors that indicate distress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the "surprise pack" environmental enrichment technique in improving the welfare of small neotropical felids in captivity. In order to accomplish this, we used five individuals from the Rio de Janeiro Zoo. The experiment was divided into three steps corresponding to: I) period prior to the enrichment, II) period in which the animals were being submitted to enrichment stimuli, and III) period after the enrichment. In phase II, we observed a significant reduction in abnormal behavior compared to phases I and III. Only in phase II did the animals demonstrate the following behaviors: predation, social interaction and territory demarcation. However, in this same phase, the mean time spent interacting with the enrichment throughout the day showed a decrease.

Enriquecimento Ambiental para felinos em cativeiro: classificação de técnicas, desafios e futuras direções

“…A motivação para estes animais executarem este comportamento anormal tem sido investigada e discutida por alguns autores como relacionada à motivação que estes animais apresentam para viajarem por longas distâncias (Breton & Barrot, 2014;Clubb & Vickery, 2006). Por outro lado, práticas de enriquecimento aplicadas a estes animais têm provado ser efetivas em promover a redução da expressão de pacing (Quirke & O'Riordan, 2011;Resende et al 2009), aumento em comportamentos naturais e relacionados a exploração e atividade (Carlstead et al, 1993;Ellis & Wells, 2008;Wells & Egli, 2004), assim como aumento de taxas reprodutivas (Carlstead & Shepherdson, 1994;Moreira et al, 2007). Mellen e Shepherdson (1997) sugeriram que a preparação de técnicas de enriquecimento para felinos deve consistir práticas que promovem condições similares as presentes no ambiente natural destes animais (introdução do mesmo tipo de substrato, vegetação e áreas elevadas para escalarem e ocuparem, por exemplo).…”

“…Os alimentadores tipo "quebra-cabeças" podem ser aplicados para gatos selvagens ou domésticos e consistem em um dispositivo que libere os alimentos a partir da manipulação do animal, pode ser comprado ou caseiro (Dantas et al, 2016). Resende et al (2009), observou a redução de pacing em gatos-do-mato (Leopardus tigrinus, Schreber, 1775) após a introdução de um quebra-cabeça alimentar confeccionado como "pacote surpresa", que consistia em sacos de papel contendo carne enrolada em alfalfa. Jenny e Schmid (2002) introduziu caixas contendo carne para tigres siberianos (Panthera tigris altaica, Temminck, 1844), no qual os animais aprenderam a deslizar uma porta de um lado da caixa para retirar a comida.…”

Influência de enriquecimentos ambientais e tamanho do recinto no comportamento de felinos silvestres

“…The motivation for cats to execute abnormal behaviour has been discussed by some authors as a need to travel over long distances (BRETON;BARROT, 2014;VICKERY, 2006). On the other hand, enrichment practices applied to these animals have proven to be effective, in promoting a reduction in pacing expression (QUIRKE, O'RIORDAN, 2011;RESENDE et al 2009), inactivity reduction and an increase in natural behaviours related to exploration and activity (CARLSTEAD, BROWN, SELDENSTICKER 1993;ELLIS;WELLS, 2008;WELLS;EGLI, 2004), as well as an improvement in reproductive rates SHEPHERDSON, 1994;MOREIRA et al, 2007). Mellen and Shepherdson (1997) suggested that the preparation of enrichment techniques for felids should consist of practices which provide conditions similar to those present in the natural environment (e.g.…”

“…The application, of this category for felids, can be applied through the production of a food puzzle, in which the animal needs to solve a problem to get food. Aiming to reduce pacing in small cats, Resende et al (2009), designed a "surprise package", which consisted of paper bags containing meat wrapped in alfalfa introduced in to the environment, which resulted in a reduction of the stereotypic behaviour after the application of these devices. Jenny and Schmid (2002) introduced boxes containing meat to Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica).…”

“…Research involving enrichment applications for captive animals has increased in the last SHEPHERDSON, 1994;MOREIRA et al, 2007), social contact (DE ROUCK et al, 2005;GARDIÁNOVÁ;KOCOURKOVÁ, 2014), feeding (BASHAW et al, 2003;BOND;LINDBURG, 1990;DAMASCENO;DANTAS-DIVERS et al, 2011;MCPHEE, 2002;SHERPHERDSON et al, 1993), reduction of abnormal behaviours (QUIRKE; O' RIORDAN, 2011a;RESENDE et al 2009;SHERWIN et al, 1999) and an increase in activity levels (CARLSTEAD et al, 1993;ELLIS;WELLS, 2010;WELLS;EGLI, 2004). However, there are still issues regarding the methodology of applying enrichment and habituation to enrichment stimuli (ANDERSON et al, 2010;DE AZEDO;CIPRESTE;YOUNG et al, 2007;HOY;MURRAY;TRIBE et al, 2010;MURPHY et al, 2003;TAROU;BASHAW, 2007).…”