Development and Implementation of Baseline Welfare Assessment Protocol for Captive Breeding of Wild Ungulate—Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis, Lydekker 1913)

Abstract

To ensure that captive breeding and other associated programs are more robust and sustainable, it is of utmost importance to ensure optimum welfare. Although it is well known that standard welfare is crucial for successful captive breeding, there is still a lack of welfare assessment protocols for wild species. The current study aimed to develop a leading baseline welfare assessment protocol for assessing welfare in captive Punjab urial. This protocol is based on the welfare protocol for domestic sheep from the Welfare Quality® project, coupled with all the information obtained from the published literature on the species’ biology and ecology. This protocol consists of 4 principles, 12 criteria, and 31 animal- and resource-based indicators. The protocol was tested and applied to three different herds of Punjab urial at two different facilities. Initial results showed that some areas need to be improved for better captive breeding and management.

Investigation on Parasites and some Causes of Mortality in Captive Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis), Pakistan

“…In addition, the captive populations are more prone to inbreeding depression, resulting in weak progeny and ultimately higher mortalities. No shifting of breeding animals from both the facilities in the current study was one of the many limiting factors ( 1 , 2 ).…”

“…Mortality in captive wild mammals is always associated with overcrowding of animals in limited space ( 1 , 2 , 11 ). Parasites proliferate so well, especially when host animals are available at little distance.…”

“…The current study was conducted in Jul 2019 and Jan 2020 at two wildlife parks in Nowshera district of Pakistan. Both these parks are currently serving as promising breeding facilities for Punjab urial ( 1 ). Cherat Wildlife Park (CWP) covers an area of 26.97 km 2 established in 2006.…”

“…Zoos also provide shelter to exotic confiscated animals that cannot be released in local environment due to the probability of competition with or biological invasion on the local fauna. Many zoos around the world provide study workplace to scientists in reproductive biology for the reintroduction of animals, especially of that facing extinction threat ( 1 , 2 ). Human activity affects natural habitats and wildlife behavior; hence, for the education and awareness of public, raising wild animals in captivity has become both a social and scientific necessity.…”

Hostile Interactions of Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) towards Indian Gazelle (Gazella bennettii) during Feeding Sessions in Captive Breeding Settings

“…This is also true for many wild animal species in Pakistan. Punjab urial ( Ovis vignei punjabiensis ) is a sub-species of Urial ( Ovis vignei) and is exclusively endemic to Pakistan, while Indian gazelle ( Gazella bennettii ), a representative of antelopes; both are categorised endangered through local assessment, and are raised in captivity with the aim of re-introduction into the wild in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province of Pakistan [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Even though the institutions keeping wild animals in captivity try their best to provide adequate food, it is challenging to balance overfeeding and reduce harmful effects of competitions [ 29 ].…”