Elementos para la toma de decisiones terapéuticas en función de la categorización de las conductas estereotípicas en felinos silvestres en cautiverio
Stereotypic behaviours (SB) are repetitive patterns induced by frustration, repeated attempts at coping, or dysfunction of the central nervous system, commonly observed in animals under human care. They are generally considered a sensitive indicator of animal welfare (AW) issues. In wild felids, the...
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| Formato: | Tesis doctoral acceptedVersion |
| Lenguaje: | Español |
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Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias
2025
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| Acceso en línea: | http://repositoriouba.sisbi.uba.ar/gsdl/cgi-bin/library.cgi?a=d&c=avaposgra&cl=CL1&d=HWA_8023 https://repositoriouba.sisbi.uba.ar/gsdl/collect/avaposgra/index/assoc/HWA_8023.dir/8023.PDF |
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| Sumario: | Stereotypic behaviours (SB) are repetitive patterns induced by frustration, repeated attempts at coping, or dysfunction of the central nervous system, commonly observed in animals under human care. They are generally considered a sensitive indicator of animal welfare (AW) issues. In wild felids, these behaviours may manifest in various forms such as pacing, head movements, or self-injury, affecting both the physical and mental health of individuals. Despite their relevance, the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these ethopathologies remain a challenge, partly due to the lack of specific tools, systematic data, and standardized approaches for their management.
This doctoral thesis aimed to generate knowledge and develop AW assessment tools that enable early diagnosis and effective intervention in addressing SB in wild felids housed in zoos. The research was structured around three complementary components: the development of the Ackonc-AWA protocol for AW assessment; the construction of a species-specific ethogram for lions (Panthera leo); and a multi-institutional survey on current practices related to SB.
The first chapter presents the state of the art regarding AW and SB in ex situ conservation contexts, with an emphasis on wildlife in general and felids in particular.
The second chapter introduces the Ackonc-AWA protocol, designed and validated as a practical, sensitive, and replicable tool for assessing AW in wild animals. It facilitates the diagnosis of SB and gathers essential information for their effective management. The protocol integrates nutritional, environmental, health-related, and behavioural dimensions, with a particular focus on the latter due to its diagnostic value in identifying welfare impairments and manifestations of SB.
Having a species-specific ethogram is an essential step for the proper implementation of the protocol. To validate its use in felids, the third chapter analyses inter-observer reliability to evaluate the robustness of a reference ethogram, using lions as a model. Different methods for assessing agreement were compared for state behaviours (via scan sampling) and event behaviours (via continuous recording), including Cohen?s Kappa, the mean of pairwise Pearson correlations, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Results indicated that reliability could be influenced by factors such as observer experience, clarity of definitions, and the diversity of recorded behaviours. A critical review of the literature also revealed a notable lack of standardization in the use and description of ethograms, which limits cross-study comparisons and hinders knowledge accumulation. Although the methodological strategy was developed for lions, the approach is generalizable and combines literature review, critical analysis, and video validation, optimizing development time without compromising quality or utility.
The fourth chapter presents the results of a multi-institutional survey targeting professionals working with wild felids under human care. The aim was to characterize current approaches to SB, identify perceptions of their effectiveness, and detect common barriers and needs. The analysis revealed a wide heterogeneity in applied strategies, with a predominance of multiple and simultaneous interventions. This finding suggests difficulties in assessing the individual effectiveness of each strategy and underscores the importance of systematic documentation of treatments and outcomes. The urgency of fostering greater integration between scientific research and daily practice is also highlighted. A multiple component analysis allowed SB to be grouped into three broad clusters based on variables such as animal size, type and duration of the SB, behavioural variability, and presence of physical trauma. These clusters provide an initial framework for SB categorization and may serve as a foundation for developing tailored recommendations for different individuals and contexts.
Taken together, this thesis proposes a comprehensive and applied approach to the study of SB in wild felids under human care. The combination of the Ackonc-AWA protocol, the species-specific ethogram, and the institutional practices survey advances the detection, understanding, and management of these behaviours through an evidence-based and individual-centered lens. Despite limitations?such as difficulties accessing large sample sizes or the need for further functional validation?this work offers concrete tools adaptable to various species and contexts.
Finally, the importance of integrating ethological knowledge with veterinary medicine and AW science is emphasized, promoting more informed, ethical, and effective decision-making. The results presented here are expected to contribute to the development of more systematic intervention protocols and to the strengthening of professional practices committed to individual animal welfare. |
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