Nutraceutical supplementation increases mobility in aged captive non‐domesticated felids

Abstract

BackgroundMusculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are an increasing issue as the lifespan of captive animals increases. Extracts of green‐lipped mussels have been linked to alleviation of MSDs in domestic carnivores. Understanding their efficacy in non‐domestic felids could provide another tool to improve the welfare of aged individuals in collections.MethodsA within‐subject study design quantified steps per minute in each of 18 cats of 13 species before and after the addition of a nutraceutical containing green‐lipped mussel extract (Antinol) to their diets. The age structure of four commonly kept subspecies of non‐domestic cats was quantified to provide a demographic context to the need for managing aged individuals.ResultsEach of the 18 cats exhibited a higher number of steps per minute after the addition of Antinol to their diet. At the group level, a paired t‐test showed that the step rate was significantly increased after the addition of Antinol to the diet.LimitationsWhile our results showed a strong significant increase in step rate following Antinol supplementation, further studies that incorporate a placebo, more individuals and more detailed metrics of mobility would provide a more detailed evidence base for practitioners.ConclusionNutraceuticals may yield benefits to aged individual felids, including species kept widely in European collections. Their use warrants further, detailed research in collections.

Regional Sustainability through Dispersal and Corridor Use of Asiatic Lion Panthera leo persica in the Eastern Greater Gir Landscape

“…It is also notable that according to the revised taxonomic, the Asiatic Lion is considered an Asiatic subpopulation of P. l. leo [8]. However, for conservation purposes, legal aspects (As P. l. persica is mentioned under Schedule-1 with special protection from the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 of India [9]) and current usage by some authors recently [10,11], the use of sub-species name P. l. persica is continued in this study as well. The earliest known documentation is the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible; in more than 100 different verses, the (Asiatic) lions are mentioned [12].…”

“…This eastward expansion is primarily driven by the availability of wild prey like nilgai and livestock, as westward movement is restricted by poor habitat quality due to intensive agriculture and human settlements [42]. Also, the latest comprehensive assessment shows a total of 674 lions, including 344 lions inside the Gir PA and 330 outside the Gir PA, with at least 250 lions ranging eastward of the Gir PA [10]. Our study focuses explicitly on the Asiatic lion's expanding range outside Gir PA, known as the Eastern Greater Gir Landscape (EGGL).…”

“…Built-up areas, water bodies, and streams, with weights of 13, 12, and 11, are likely to pose higher barriers or risks to lion movement. Sandy beaches (10) and salt pans (9) follow close behind, suggesting they also hinder the movement of the lions. As weights decrease, indicating reduced barriers or costs to lion movement, Salt-affected land (8), barren lands (7), and mangroves (6) are assigned decreasing weights.…”