Effect of Captive Environment on Plasma Cortisol Level and
Behavioral Pattern of
Bengal
Tigers (Panthera tigris
tigris)
S. Sajjad, U. Farooq1*, M. Anwar, A. Khurshid2
and
S.A.
Bukhari1
Department of Zoology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore;
1University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore;
2 University College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, The
Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan *Corresponding author:
pathophysio@hotmail.com
Abstract
Captive environment in zoological parks often do not provide optimum conditions
for natural behaviors due to spatial constraints and negative public reaction.
These factors elicit stereotypic behavior in tigers such as pacing, head bobbing
and aimless repetition of some movements, and are considered to be an indication
of stress. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of captivity on
the plasma cortisol level and behavioral pattern in
Bengal
tigers (Panthera tigris tigris).
Tigers kept in captivity at the
Lahore
zoo (n=4) and in semi natural environment at the
Lahore
Wildlife
Park
(n=6) were used for this study, and standard protocols of housing and sampling
were observed. The mean plasma cortisol values for the captive animals and those
kept in a semi natural environment were 34.48±1.33 and 39.22±3.16µg/dl,
respectively; and were statistically non significant. Similarly, no significant
difference in the plasma cortisol levels was observed among the individuals
within each form of captivity. From the behavioral survey it was observed that
the time spent in pacing and resting was much longer for captive animals than
animals confined to the semi natural environment. Thus, Technically monitored
“Environmental Enrichment’ plans need to be devised which are as close as
possible to the natural environment of the captive animals in order to achieve
their utmost performance.