Enriquecimento ambiental como ferramenta para reduzir comportamento estereotipado de irara (Eira barbara)

Abstract

Under human care, there are numerous factors that disfavor animal welfare and promote the development of stereotyped behaviors. Therefore, one should try to satisfy the basic needs of animals in the best possible way, adopting alternatives to improve their well-being. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the effect of environmental enrichment on the reduction of stereotyped behaviors in a tayra (Eira barbara) kept under human care at the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoological Park, in Sorocaba - SP. The study was divided into three stages (pre-enrichment, enrichment and post-enrichment), lasting 21 hours each, totaling 63 hours. The observations were made using a pre-defined behavioral ethogram and the sampling used was the "Focal Animal", with 3-hour sessions recorded every 30 seconds. The results indicated a significant decrease in the manifestation of stereotyped behaviors, in addition to an increase in the practice of more natural behaviors, which showed the importance of environmental enrichment for the species Eira barbara.