The Effects of Olfactory Enrichment and Presentation on Tigers’ (Panthera tigris) Behavior

Corrie Elizabeth Rushford

Master's thesis

Abstract:

With more tigers in captivity within The United States alone than in the wild, the role zoos play in tiger (Panthera tigris) conservation has become increasingly important (World Wildlife Fund). Zoos should have high health and welfare standards, but felines are difficult to maintain in captivity as they frequently exhibit agonistic and stereotypic behaviors (Clubb et al. 2003). As tigers are both a flagship species and Endangered in the wild, zoos should always make sure to prioritize their health, one way to do this is by including enrichment in their enclosures, and this study evaluated the effects of various olfactory enrichment and their presentation (Clubb & Mason 2007; Maple & Perdue 2013). This study used four enrichment scents, two of which were animal-based (conspecific and fish oil) and two plant-based (catnip and rosewater). These scents were presented on boxes, wicker balls, or rubbed in the enclosure to determine if the enrichment presentation played a significant role in its success. This study found that overall olfactory enrichment leads higher levels of inactive behavior but how each individual interacts with enrichment varied. Considering that zoos play a critical role as ambassadors between wildlife and humans, zoos should take visitors’ perceptions into account when designing enclosures and enrichment regimes (Gusset & Dick 2011). Visitors feel more connected to nature and are more willing to contribute to conservation projects when they have positive encounters in zoos, specifically with flagship species. The second purpose of this study aimed to establish if tigers’ presence and activity affected visitor engagement and the length of time visitors spent observing the tigers. This study found that visitor engagement and visit length reflected tigers’ presence and activity level.

Keywords

Felid, Animal Behaviour, Zoo, Enrichment Tools, Welfare, Captivity

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 13. 8. 2021

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Francisco Ceacero Herrador, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / specializace:
Wildlife and Livestock Production, Management and Conservation / Wildlife Management and Conservation