Técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental aplicadas para canídeos cativos no Brasil: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Canids are impacted by anthropogenic pressures such as habitat loss, roadkill, and conflicts with humans. In this context, maintaining these animals in captivity, especially in zoos, is an important strategy for ex situ conservation, although confinement can compromise their welfare, as evidenced by stereotypic behaviors such as pacing and inactivity. Environmental enrichment is an important tool to stimulate natural behaviors and mitigate the negative effects of captivity. This study conducted a literature review on the application of environmental enrichment techniques for captive canids in Brazil, aiming to identify the current state of research, describe the most observed behaviors, map the types of enrichment used, and assess their association with improved welfare and reduction of stereotypic behaviors. A total of 36 studies were identified, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria, mostly undergraduate theses and dissertations conducted by small teams. Scientific production, which began in 2007, has been growing slowly and is concentrated in the state of Minas Gerais. Most studies focused on the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). Stress-indicative behaviors were observed, especially pacing and inactivity. Food-based enrichment was the most effective, while sensory enrichment had low interaction rates. Social and cognitive strategies are still rarely used. In 86% of the studies, there was an improvement in welfare, particularly through the reduction of stereotypic and idle behaviors. The results reinforce the importance of environmental enrichment, especially food-based, in promoting the welfare of captive canids and highlight the need to encourage the completion and publication of research. Additionally, it is necessary to broaden the range of species studied and implement diversified enrichment strategies, combining food-based, sensory, social, and cognitive approaches.