Overlooked and Under-Studied: A Review of Evidence-Based Enrichment in Varanidae

Abstract

Enrichment has become a key aspect of captive husbandry practices as a means of improving animal welfare by increasing environmental stimuli. However, the enrichment methods that are most effective varies both between and within species, and thus evaluation underpins successful enrichment programs. Enrichment methods are typically based upon previously reported successes and those primarily with mammals, with one of the main goals of enrichment research being to facilitate predictions about which methods may be most effective for a particular species. Yet, despite growing evidence that enrichment is beneficial for reptiles, there is limited research on enrichment for Varanidae, a group of lizards known as monitor lizards. As a result, it can be difficult for keepers to implement effective enrichment programs as time is a large limiting factor. In order for appropriate and novel enrichment methods to be created, it is necessary to understand a species’ natural ecology, abilities, and how they perceive the world around them. This is more difficult for non-mammalian species as the human-centered lens can be a hinderance, and thus reptile enrichment research is slow and lagging behind that of higher vertebrates. This review discusses the physiological, cognitive, and behavioral abilities of Varanidae to suggest enrichment methods that may be most effective.

Sociality and self-awareness in animals

“…To confirm any hypothesis that compares social and solitary animals and their capacity for self-awareness, additional research must be conducted on MSR in solitary species. This paper recommends monitor lizards (Varanidae) for future MSR testing because they are highly solitary but also very intelligent (Pianka and King, 2004;Northcutt, 2013;Güntürkün et al, 2020;Howard and Freeman, 2022). In particular, the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is an attractive candidate.…”

Environmental enrichment for reptiles in European zoos: Current status and perspectives

“…Boissy et al 2007 ; Mellor 2016 ; Yeates 2016 ; Williams et al 2018 ; Yon et al 2019 ), and to move progressively towards the use of animal-based welfare measures to complement and validate resource-based measurements (e.g. Hewitt & Small 2021 ; Whittaker et al 2021 ; Augustine et al 2022 ; Howard & Freeman 2022 ).…”