Constraints Of Captivity Flashcards
What is a constraint
An environment an animal cannot (fully) adapt to or alter (control)
What may a constraint involve
-non/incomplete provision of a highly motivated resource
- preventing or restricting a highly motivated behaviour
-imposing a stimulus that animals can’t adapt
These may impact animal health
What is captivity
Captivity refers to the state of being confined or held captive.
How are wild animals constrained
Territory, drought, predators
How are captive animals constrained
Can’t leave there environment, often poorly adapted to captivity
What is meant by behavioural flexibility
Behavioral flexibility refers to an individual’s ability to adjust their behavior in response to changes in the environment or in the demands of a task.
What are behavioural needs
Behavioral needs are the specific behaviors that animals require in order to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
The behaviour may not result in a end goal but it’s still important ( prevention of this behaviour is frustrating )
What is sensory perception
Sensory perception is the process by which an organism receives and interprets information from its environment through the senses.
Why is sensory perception important
Sensory perception plays a crucial role in the behavior and survival of animals, as it allows them to detect and respond to changes in their environment. Animals use their sensory systems to find food, avoid predators, and navigate their surroundings, among other things.
How is perception adapted to evolutionary niche
Eye placement of front or side of the head
Examples of species that vary in sensitivity and range
Birds and bees see uv
Snakes and reptiles see infrared
Sound frequencies : dogs have higher range
Animals that have different sensory modalities to humans
Bats and cetaceans : echolocation
Magnetoception : migratory birds
Platypus + fish : electroception
How can sensory information disrupt normal behaviour and impact welfare
Noise: Loud noises can cause stress and anxiety in animals, leading to changes in behavior and physiology. For example, dogs in kennels or shelters may become more vocal, less active, or less likely to eat when exposed to high levels of noise.
Overstimulation: Overstimulation from bright lights, strong smells, or other sensory inputs can lead to sensory overload and abnormal behavior. For example, primates in captivity may display repetitive behaviors, such as pacing or self-injury, when exposed to overly bright lighting or strong smells.
Deprivation: Deprivation of certain sensory inputs can also have a negative impact on animal welfare. For example, animals that are housed in environments without access to natural light or sounds may experience reduced cognitive function and a greater risk of developing behavioral problems.
Pain: Sensory information related to pain can also disrupt normal behavior and negatively impact welfare. For example, animals that are experiencing chronic pain may become less active, less social, and less likely to eat or drink.
Fear: Fear is another factor that can disrupt normal behavior and negatively impact welfare. For example, animals that are exposed to stimuli that they perceive as threatening may become aggressive, fearful, or withdrawn.
How can indoor environments constrain sense adapted for animals natural habitat
Vision: artificial lighting
Audition: mechanical noise
Olfaction: atmospheric pollution and cleaning
What are visual constraints of lighting
Photoperiod - length of light period
Colour spectrum - absence of uv
Brightness - nocturnal animals more sensitive
Flicker rate
What are auditory constraints of noise
We can miss noises outside our hearing range that affect animals
Loud unfamiliar and intermittent noise is stressful and causes fear
Health impacts
What are olfactory constraints of pollution and cleaning
Most non primate mammals are macrosmatic
Macrosmatic refers to animals that have a highly developed sense of smell, which is an important part of their sensory repertoire.
Some cleaning products appear aversive
High concentrations of dust and ammonia are respiratory irritants, which increase respiratory disease risk
What are potential social issues in unnatural systems
Social isolation: Animals that are housed alone or in small groups may experience social isolation, which can lead to behavioral problems, stress, and decreased well-being. Social isolation can be particularly problematic for social species, such as primates or wolves, that rely on social interaction for normal development and behavior.
Aggression: In crowded or stressful environments, animals may exhibit aggressive behavior towards each other, leading to injuries or even death. This can be a particular issue for species that have strict dominance hierarchies or territorial behaviors.
Inbreeding: In some cases, animals in captivity may be bred within small populations, leading to inbreeding and genetic problems. This can be a particular issue for rare or endangered species, where genetic diversity is important for the long-term survival of the population.
Unnatural social grouping: Animals in captivity may be housed with individuals of different ages, sexes, or social structures than they would encounter in the wild. This can lead to abnormal social behavior, such as aggression or inappropriate mating behavior.
Lack of choice: Animals in captivity may have limited choice or control over their social environment, which can lead to stress and behavioral problems. For example, animals may be unable to choose their social partners or may be forced to interact with individuals that they find threatening or aversive.
Why does it matter if animal group sizes are too big
Increased competition for resources: When group sizes are too big, animals may have to compete more fiercely for resources like food, water, and space. This can lead to stress, aggression, and decreased overall welfare.
Spread of disease: Overcrowding can also increase the spread of diseases within a group. When animals are in close contact with each other, infections can spread quickly and easily, leading to illness and even death.
Difficulty maintaining social structures: Some species have complex social structures, such as dominance hierarchies, that are important for maintaining group cohesion and stability. When group sizes are too big, it can be more difficult for individuals to establish and maintain their social position, which can lead to social disruption and conflict.
Inadequate nesting or resting sites: When group sizes are too big, animals may not have enough space to find adequate nesting or resting sites. This can lead to increased stress and decreased welfare, as animals may not have a safe place to retreat when needed.
Increased risk of predation: When group sizes are too big, animals may be more vulnerable to predation. Large groups can be more easily detected by predators, and may be more difficult to defend against attacks.
Separation constraints
Moving animals can disrupt strong social bonds
These bonds may buffer against stress
Some farming systems separate young from dams earlier and more abruptly than would naturally occur - stress for young and mother +depression
Mate choice constraint
For many species, careful mate selection is a highly motivated behaviour
-often impossible in captive environments 
Forced matings in some species
Artificial insemination
Feeding and foraging constraints
Discrete / artificial feeding can frustrate behavioural needs
- feeding and foraging behaviours still performed regardless of consumption
- prevention can cause abnormal behaviours
Social issues
-sharing food can increase aggression
Health
- obesity and diabetes
