Effects of conditioning on the welfare of jaguars (Panthera onca) in captivity

ABSTRACT The jaguar is the largest feline in the Americas and in the face of the threat of extinction and the reduction of natural areas, keeping the species in captivity may be important for its conservation. This condition can lead to a reduction in well-being, especially due to spatial limitation and lack of environmental stimulus. In recent decades, techniques have been sought to minimize the negative impacts of captivity, with an increase in the use of environmental enrichment and operational conditioning in order to facilitate routine procedures for the animal management. In this scenario, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of conditioning on the welfare of jaguars in captivity, analyzing behavioral and physiological effects through salivary cortisol. Seven jaguars were studied in a Scientific Breeder. There was an increase in behaviors associated with welfare and cortisol during conditioning, possibly related to learning. The increase in behaviors associated with welfare suggests that the technique can contribute to improve the quality of life of these animals in captivity.

摘要 美洲豹（Jaguar）是美洲地区体型最大的猫科动物。当前该物种面临灭绝威胁与自然栖息地缩减的双重压力，对其实施圈养保护对种群存续至关重要，但圈养状态可能因空间局限与环境刺激匮乏等因素导致动物福祉下降。近数十年来，学界一直在探索缓解圈养负面影响的技术手段，其中环境丰容（environmental enrichment）与操作条件化（operational conditioning）的应用愈发广泛，以期简化动物管理的日常流程。基于此研究背景，本研究旨在评估操作条件化对圈养美洲豹福祉的影响，并通过唾液皮质醇（salivary cortisol）分析其行为与生理层面的效应。本次研究共选取7只圈养于科学繁育机构的美洲豹作为研究对象。结果显示，在条件化训练期间，与动物福祉相关的行为指标与唾液皮质醇水平均有所上升，这可能与学习过程相关；而与动物福祉相关的行为指标提升表明，该技术有助于改善圈养美洲豹的生活质量。