Enriquecimento Ambiental para Primatas Captivos: Importância para a Saúde e Bem-Estar, Manuais, Projetos, Pesquisas de Psicologia

Baixe Enriquecimento Ambiental para Primatas Captivos: Importância para a Saúde e Bem-Estar e outras Manuais, Projetos, Pesquisas em PDF para Psicologia, somente na Docsity! Ciência Rural, Santa Maria, v.31, n.3, p.543-551, 2001 ISSN 0103-8478 Recebido para publicação em 04.11.99. Aprovado em 30.08.00 543 ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT FOR NEOTROPICAL PRIMATES IN CAPTIVITY ENRIQUECIMENTO AMBIENTAL PARA PRIMATAS NEOTROPICAIS EM CATIVEIRO Vanner Boere1 - REVIEW - 1Médico Veterinário, Professor Assistente, MSc, Universidade de Brasília. Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Primatologia, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900, Distrito Federal. E - mail: vanner@unb.br. Autor para correspondência. SUMMARY Captivity is an extreme non-natural environment for primates. The success of a breeding colony depends of management and veterinarian procedures which must rely on the knowledge of primates’ behavioral needs. Environmental enrichment consists of a series of procedures that improve the quality of life of captive animals by meeting their ethological needs. Enrichment can reduce stress, while increasing animal well being in captivity. Suitable ethical conditions, incidences of behavioral disorders, minimal clinical interventions, low mortality, higher reproduction rates and cost/benefit relationship, reflect directly on the quality of captive breeding colonies. Anthropoids like Neotropical primates possess complex neural structures and relate, in a sophisticated manner, to the environment. This review reports important experiences on enrichment procedures for Neotropical primates and the physiological events which could explain improvement of animal well-being. Key words: environmental enrichment; non-human primates; Neotropical primates; well-being. RESUMO Cativeiro é um ambiente de extremos não naturais para primatas. O sucesso de uma criação de primatas depende do manejo e de procedimentos veterinários que devem considerar as necessidades etológicas dos animais cativos. Enriquecimento ambiental é um conjunto de técnicas que modificam o ambiente, resultando em uma melhora na qualidade de vida dos animais, ao satisfazer as suas necessidades comportamentais. O enriquecimento pode diminuir o estresse e melhorar o bem-estar. Primatas neotropicais se caracterizam por complexas estruturas neurais e se relacionam de maneira sofisticada com o ambiente. O enriquecimento ambiental pode aumentar a qualidade de uma criação ao adequar o manejo a padrões éticos aceitáveis, estimular o repertório normal do comportamento, diminuir a casuística clínica, diminuir a mortalidade, incrementar a taxa reprodutiva e maximizar a relação custo/benefício em uma criação. Esta revisão relata experiências relevantes nos procedimentos de enriquecimento para primatas neotropicais, além de comentar as bases fisiológicas em que essas intervenções melhoram o bem-estar dos animais cativos. Palavras-chave: enriquecimento ambiental, primatas não humanos, primatas neotropicais; bem- estar. INTRODUCTION Breeding primates in captivity serves to research, educational, conservation and recreation purposes. In captivity, the success of a breeding colony depends on the management and veterinarian procedures which must rely on the knowledge of primates’ behavioral needs. Environmental enrichment consists of a series of procedures that modify the physical or social environment, improving the quality of life of captive animals by meeting their ethological needs. Environmental enrichment, well-being and stress are associated concepts regarding techniques, physiology and behavior aspects. Enrichment can reduce stress, while increasing animal well-being and health in captivity. Ethological needs of anthropoids like Neotropical primates (Infraorder Platyrrhini), although similar to those of other animals, have great cognitive and emotional components. Maintaining enriched home cages is not only justified by technical aspects. Moral and ethical issues are implicitly involved, especially due to the growing concept that human beings are more and Boere Ciência Rural, v. 31, n. 3, 2001. 544 more similar to other species from a functional perspective. The general public absorbs massive information from the media (regarding animal welfare, animal behavior, cruelty, conservation), and in turn demand more ethical and moral guidelines for maintenance of breeding colonies (MENCH & KREGER, 1996). Various countries have implemented legislation, regulating the use and treatment of animals, increasing demands on captivity maintenance. DEVELOPMENT Optimal conditions in natural environments are not usually found. However, wild animals develop adaptive responses, adjusting more easily to unforeseen disruptive events. Facing daily, and potentially life-threatening challenges, these animals undergo a selective process, in which certain individuals are better suited to cope with present and future events. There are ontogenetic and phylogenetic basis on this issue. In fact, each individual is the outcome in itself of this selective process that occurred in their ancestors. Animals must adapt to harsh and varying environments, search for food, select suitable shelters, interact with conspecifics, reproduce, play, avoid predators and recognize surroundings. Daily routines impose constant need for alternative and diversified strategies, in which events must be learned, selected, and interrelated to arrive at immediate and future decisions. Individuals do not merely respond automatically to stimuli, but interact selectively and are permanently alert to significant novelties affecting their lives. Therefore, compared to other mammals, primates are strongly predisposed to continuously select and respond to novel stimuli in the environment. Discrepancies in these processes, due to captive environments, have profound effects on physiological, cognitive and emotional states. Captivity is an incomparably more stationary environment, reducing attention and propensity to seek and relate to novelty. Prolonged periods of low stimulation lead to gradual losses of attention and search capabilities of new stimuli. The environment loses significance and the individual remains in a constant state of boredom. “Environmental poverty”, defined as inappropriate social and physical surroundings, related to their ideal needs, can trigger a series of extreme non-adaptive responses. These can either be subtle (e. g., lymphopenia), (BOCCIA et al., 1992; LEONARD & SONG, 1996), or may develop into more serious disorders, such as stereotyped behaviors, cognitive deficits, emotional disturbances (overt aggressiveness or depression), inadequate mating and death (MEYER- HOLZAPFEL, 1968; HARLOW et al., 1971; UNO et al., 1989; MASON, 1991a). Dramatic data on the viability of primate populations in captivity have been reported, estimating, for example, that two in every three primates captured in the wild and taken into captivity, die (CASTRO, 1977). Such an example illustrates the high cost of animal life for starting and implementing captive breeding colonies, decreasing biological diversity and implying in economic losses. Good colony management, including enriched environments, may decrease such unacceptable statistics. By implementing few, general and basic measures of captivity maintenance and enrichment, mortality rates have dropped several times in some colonies (ROBERTS, 1989; personal observation). Ultimately, extreme non-adaptive responses are due to chronic stress, a neuroendocrinal and psychological response of the organism in an attempt to maintain homeostasis when facing prolonged unfavorable situations. Complete neurological development is enhanced by enriched conditions, potentially influencing behavioral complexity. Induced protein synthesis in nerve tissue, increased weight of key structure involved in cognitive processes, and local synaptic strengthening are observed (ROSENZWEIG, 1996). Adaptive physiological and behavioral responses when facing stressful events depend on neural integrity. Animals in enriched environments are more able to solve problems, as in the maintenance routines of manipulations, clinical check-ups, restraining, weighing, social regrouping and home cage relocations. Immediate responses to environmental shifts are mediated by two main interdependent control systems, the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and the hippocampus and HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal). Under strong stimulation, ANS activates the adrenal medulla, releasing catecholamines into the bloodstream. Epinephrine, the main hormone released by the adrenal medulla, rapidly anticipates the body for “fight or flight” reactions, through mobilization of glucose and functional inhibition of systems not essential for immediate survival, like the reproductive and digestive systems (SAPOLSKY, 1993). Prolonged action of epinephrine can rapidly lead to cardiac and respiratory collapse. The hippocampal formation and amigdala, constitutes an important station for selecting sensory and emotional information inputs. Its structures and nuclei are considered the bottle-neck structures of Environmental enrichment for neotropical primates in captivity. Ciência Rural, v. 31, n. 3, 2001. 547 auto-mutilation, stereotyped behaviors and overt expression of some normal behaviors out of context. Stereotyped behaviors are invariable and repetitive movement patterns, devoid of purpose and function. Although the etiology is not unique, stereotyped behaviors are not observed in the wild. Whenever identified, they act as an indicator of strong aversive components in the environment where the animal lives or lived. Frequent stereotyped behaviors observed in primates include pendulum-like movements of the body, or bodily parts, bizarre postures, self-hugging, walking along the same route during long periods of time, repeated unnecessary movements, biting own body, hyperfagia and polidipsia (MASON, 1991a; personal observation). Social environment, quantity of available food, nutrient quality and extreme climatic conditions influence levels of play (THOMPSON, 1996). In captivity, greater incidence of play behaviors in young primates are observed, when compared to natural environments (STEVENSON & POOLE, 1982). Absence of play in captivity can indicate little stimulation, inadequate social surroundings or sickness (POOLE, 1991). Parental care and adequate mating are also considered good parameters of properly adjusted captive behavioral conditions and mental health (ROBERTS, 1989). ENRICHMENT PROCEDURES Although some important studies exist (e. g., BOINSKI et al., 1994, KERL & ROTHE, 1996; EVANS et al., 1989), a better understanding of colony management and enrichment, for most neotropical species, is still necessary. The main factors considered in enrichment programs include hygiene, space and complexity, diet, social composition, and personnel involved. HYGIENE, HEALTH AND FOOD Veterinary conducts for animal sanitation are responsible, in part, for the lack of more complex captive environments. During some procedures, like quarantine, isolation is justifiable, while also maintaining strict aseptic control of these enclosures. Ideally, one aims at obtaining a clean, pathogen-free environment, with an enriched surrounding. When implementing such programs, injuries inflicted by objects, their location in enclosures, ingestion, contamination and intoxication must be avoided. In addition to its nutritional significance, food is one of the main factors employed in captive environmental innovations. Within an optimal nutritional perspective, small offers of new food items can sufficiently change daily routines. Periodical changes in food location and the introduction of hidden items induce exploratory behaviors. In larger groups, more feeding apparatuses must be offered to decrease the possibility of persistent exclusions of subordinate individuals. Such measure also increases the probability that a preferential location for food develops. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT More than just physical space, environmental complexity or novelty have been considered a basic element for enrichment (WOOLVERTON et al., 1989). Complex enclosure designs may reduce emotional reactions (CHAMOVE, 1989). Physical space must allow all individuals to explore different substrates and to access all parts of the enclosure. Home cage size and complexity must provide spontaneous movements, while inducing ample expression of motor repertoire. Wooden perches in various positions increase available space, also providing segregation and avoidance options for subordinate individuals. Tree trunks, branches, ropes partially mimic the variability of natural-occurring substrates (SNOWDON & SAVAGE, 1989). For marmosets, softwood for gouging, performed by their specialized incisors, must be made available. Including branches and too many perches in the enclosure has the disadvantage of increasing restraining difficulty from within the home cage, when necessary. Techniques of training conditioning the animals to enter a restraining cage may counterbalance these undesired effects of environmental enrichment. Refuge space, with at least two nest-boxes, can enrich cage environment in most species of primates by allowing individuals under tension to hide or seek protection. Floors covered with wood shaving or leaves provide more natural conditions, positive esthetical effects, and, at the same time, decrease excremental odors. For colonies exposed to public visitation, enriched environments simulating natural conditions not only improve the individuals’ quality of life, but also has an significant esthetical and educational effect. Primates possess enormous curiosity towards objects, more due to novelty than object characteristics in itself. However, studies which introduced toys and plastic balls failed to demonstrate a decrease in abnormal behaviors. These items rapidly lost their novelty element, being unhygienic and easily destroyed (CROCKET et al., 1989; EVANS et al., 1989). Anthropoids in general Boere Ciência Rural, v. 31, n. 3, 2001. 548 are more responsive to tasks involving positive reinforcements (e. g., food items) in apparatuses demanding some kind of manual control by the subject, even when food is abundant. However, prior considerations about inducing fear-related behaviors by introducing an apparatus to enrich the environment must be made. This undesired effect depends on the nature of the apparatus, location in the subjects’ enclosure, sudden exposure or person who introduces it. Bone metabolism disorders and low fertility may result from lack of suitable luminosity in diurnal species. In outdoor captive systems, as in natural environments, individuals have been observed spending time relaxing in sunlight. Reports have correlated light as a factor able to modify locomotor activity, promote affiliate and reproductive interactions (BOX & ROHRHUBER, 1993), or sometimes induce aggressiveness (WOOLVERTON et al., 1989). SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT Presence of another compatible conspecific in the enclosure is considered the greatest enrichment measure for primates (REINHARDT & REINHARDT, 2000). The first and most crucial social contact occurs during infancy, through mother-infant bonding. Common consensus states that young animals raised in the presence of their mothers, even long after weaning, leads to normal reproduction and behavior patterns during adulthood (MASON, 1991b). In many species, the whole group participates in parental care, important for the development of the young. Social play is important for psychomotor development, social skills acquisition, and emotional balance (BALDWIN & BALDWIN, 1977; THOMPSON, 1996). Young animals must remain in the company of other animals, for the outcome in social competency may be long lasting, even when early isolation occurs (WOOLVERTON et al., 1989). Partners are a constant source of stimulation and interaction. Group life permits grooming between individuals, a widespread behavior among primates that relieves tension. Socialization induces learning of emotional states in other individuals, increasing one’s ability to interpret and socially respond in a more efficient manner. Quartering closely related species is justifiable, when sufficient conspecifics are not available to share home cages. Even with allomothering, individuals seem to develop normally (GUERRA et al., 1998). When first implementing social modifications, absence of aggressive encounters does not necessarily imply social acceptance. Gradual introduction, allowing individual to familiarize with each other is therefore recommended. Gradual contacts avoid sudden social changes in established groups, and redirection of aggression to the strange element, including fatal consequences. Frequent relocations of the animals between different groups, result in social instability due to affiliative bond rupture. Overpopulation in enclosures constitutes a serious impoverishment condition. In both cases, metabolic degeneration, like atherosclerosis (KAPLAN et al., 1991), may occur. Psychological confrontations between neighbors must be evaluated, for behavior patterns may be directly affected. “Natural” visual barriers, like a green fence, can relieve tension and mimic natural environments, while adding pleasant esthetic effects. Primates seem capable of recognizing and categorizing humans (MITCHELL et al., 1991). The voice of caretakers may act as positive rewards. Speaking gently near and to the animals induces positive behaviors (SNOWDON & SAVAGE, 1989). LEARNING Taking advantage of primates’ strong propensity to learn, colony management and quality of life may be improved by implementing routines. Training, when followed by carefully intervened contacts and reinforcements, is enriching in itself, for most of the time subjects readily engage in these activities. Studies on cooperative conditioned training tasks have demonstrated decreases in stereotyped behaviors and an overall individual improvement (MARKOWITZ, 1979). Primates can be actively trained to cooperate in management routines, like venopunction, weighing, restraining, clinical exams and home cage cleaning, always using positive reinforcement criteria (REINHARDT, 1997). Conditioning presents the advantage of attenuating autonomic responses by avoiding maximal stimulation during which pain is minimized, perception reduced and defensive behaviors efficiency diminished. In addition to enrichment advantages, routines derived from learned experiences bring subjects closer to their caretakers, increase security aspects for all involved, reduce risk of accidents, lower the incidence of stress and save time. To establish that learning has occurred, positive cooperation criteria are demonstrated when stimulus is presented to the subject. Individuals must always be trained considering probable behavioral patterns expressed in natural environments. By avoiding overcharges to Environmental enrichment for neotropical primates in captivity. Ciência Rural, v. 31, n. 3, 2001. 549 physiological systems, physical and psychological lesions are consequently minimized. Fear, impatience or brutality must not demonstrated during the training processes (REINHARDT, 1997). CONCLUSION At least two out of the following categories are necessary to qualify captivity conditions as satisfactory (NOVAK & SUOMI, 1988): good physical health, complete behavioral repertoire, absence of chronic stress, and problem solving abilities. Alternatively, a desired behavior in captivity is one that is adaptive. That is, one capable of solving certain situations and increasing comfort, while not inducing harm to conspecifics nearby (POOLE, 1991). Personnel and animal security are a priority, independent from the goal of the environment enrichment program implemented. Anticipating responses should be considered prior to introducing novel enrichment elements. For most parts, humans represent potential threats to other primates. 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