Enrichment options for African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus)

Abstract

Best practices for carnivore enrichment encourage the diversity of species-typical behaviors, increased activity, and reduced stereotypic behavior; ideally considering the life-history and behavior of each species. African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), or painted dogs, are social carnivores that have large home ranges and complex pack dynamics (e.g., variation in group size, relatedness, etc.). As there are relatively few studies on painted dog enrichment, the goal of this study was to compile a list of enrichment options used by institutions participating in the species survival plan (SSP). Representatives were asked to describe social groups (n = 45), enclosures (n = 21), enrichment practices (options, delivery frequency, perceived success), and overall best practices. Respondents (61%, n = 23) reported using options for all six enrichment categories recommended by the Canid Taxon Advisory Group: environmental enrichment devices, habitat, sensory, food, behavioral, and social. Perceived success was significantly higher for the food category, followed by the sensory and behavioral categories. All respondents reported delivering enrichment at least multiple times a month, and most reported multiple times per week. Enclosure size did not differ significantly for mixed-sex groups (n = 28) compared to single-sex groups (n = 17). We discuss respondents' suggestions for best practices and the need to record data to compare perceived success with actual behavioral effects, controlling for variation in group size and composition. Overall, respondents recommended a flexible approach, since not all painted dogs and groups respond in the same way to the enrichment options.

Food for Thought: Assessing Visitor Comfort and Attitudes toward Carcass Feeding at the ABQ BioPark Zoo

“…Of the few studies conducted on animal responses to carcass feeding, each has found success with carnivorous mammals (Altman, Gross, & Lowry, 2005;Bond & Lindburg, 1990;Cloutier & Packard, 2014;Mcphee, 2002).…”

“…While looking across a wide variety of enrichment strategies employed with this species, Cloutier and Packard (2014) were the first to confirm the "perceived success and diversity of options in the food enrichment category" (Discussion, para 1), including the use of carcass feeding. Wild painted dogs could be seen hunting together as often as twice per day and live in very tight-knit packs (Creel & Creel, 1995).…”

“…Wild painted dogs could be seen hunting together as often as twice per day and live in very tight-knit packs (Creel & Creel, 1995). Therefore, the benefits of food enrichment could revolve around its ability to engage the dogs socially (Cloutier & Packard, 2014). Falk, 1999).…”

“…Visitors connect with animals that are active and behaving naturally (Godinez, Fernandez, & Morrissey, 2013;Powell & Bullock, 2014), and carcass feeding has been linked to increased activity and exhibitions of natural behavior (Bond & Lindberg, 1990;McPhee, 2002;Cloutier & Packard, 2014). Strictly based on the scholarship, we can predict that visitors would be content and engaged with carcass feeding because of its effect on the animals.…”

Putting the “E” in SPIDER: Evolving Trends in the Evaluation of Environmental Enrichment Efficacy in Zoological Settings

“…This relative scarcity of studies represents an area of opportunity for investigating the needs of these animals and successful enrichment strategies for meeting those needs. As another example, Cloutier and Packard (2014), citing a dearth of studies on environmental enrichment for African painted dogs, conducted a survey of institutions participating in the African painted dog Species Survival Plan regarding the types, variety, and implementation of enrichment strategies. Respondents reported a wide variety of enrichment types in use, and the authors noted that individual variation in preferences could be a challenge when interpreting the few available enrichment evaluation studies for application with this species.…”