Behavioral response of the bush dog in captivity to ten environmental enrichment techniquesABSTRACT:
The bush dog (Speothos venaticus) is an endangered species suffering from population decline in Brazil due to habitat loss, food scarcity, and diseases transmitted by domestic animals. The objective of this study was to understand the behavior of a captive bush dog, which could help the knowledge regarding its habits, and determine the appropriate environmental enrichment techniques for the species. The observations were recorded in an ethogram, which recorded stereotypical behavior (pacing). The animal remained inactive most of the time and did not show agitation in the presence of visitors. The pacing increased close to feeding time and was associated with vocalization. With the introduction of enrichments, there was a 49.46% decrease in the animal’s inactivity time and a 38.08% increase in its atypical behavior (pacing), in the first and last two weeks of enrichment application. Among the enrichments offered, the greatest interaction was with food enrichment and objects that the animal could transport to the water tank, such as a pumpkin and a PVC pipe. Hypotheses for the causes of pacing include the intense movement of keepers around the enclosure before feeding time and the lack of frequency of environmental enrichments. Therefore, to improve the quality of life of the species in captivity, the enrichments suggested in this study may be offered to this species, with benefits to their quality of life.
Key words:
bush dog; pacing; environmental enrichment; feeding; behavior
RESUMO:
O cachorro-vinagre ou cachorro-do-mato-vinagre (Speothos venaticus) é uma espécie sob ameaça de extinção que sofre com declínio populacional no Brasil devido à perda de habitat, escassez de alimento e doenças transmitidas por animais domésticos. O conhecimento sobre o comportamento, assim como a preservação de espécimes em cativeiro, é essencial para a preservação desta espécie. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender o comportamento de um cachorro-vinagre mantido em cativeiro, para contribuir com o conhecimento acerca dos hábitos e determinar técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental adequadas para a espécie. Para isso, foram registradas observações em etograma, no qual registrou-se comportamento estereotipado (pacing). O animal permanecia a maior parte do tempo inativo e não demonstrava agitação com a presença de visitantes. O tempo de pacing aumentava em horários próximos à sua alimentação, associado à vocalização. Com a introdução dos enriquecimentos, houve queda de 49,46% no tempo de inatividade deste animal, e aumento de 38,08% do seu comportamento atípico (pacing) na primeira e nas duas últimas semanas de aplicação dos enriquecimentos. Além disso, dentre os enriquecimentos ofertados, a maior interação foi com enriquecimentos alimentares e com objetos que o animal pudesse direcionar ao tanque de água, como a abóbora e o tubo PVC. Os resultados das observações destacam hipóteses para as causas do pacing incluem a intensa movimentação dos tratadores antes do horário de alimentação em volta do recinto e a falta de frequência de enriquecimentos ambientais. Portanto, para melhorar a qualidade de vida da espécie em cativeiro, os enriquecimentos sugeridos neste trabalho podem ser ofertados para esta espécie, com benefícios para sua qualidade de vida.
Palavras-chave:
cachorro-vinagre; pacing; enriquecimento ambiental; alimentação; comportamento
INTRODUCTION
The bush dog (Speothos venaticus), of the Canidae family, is a small canid measuring about 57 to 75 cm, with an elongated body, short legs and tail, small interdigital membranes, and small, rounded ears (FERREIRA et al., 2015). This species occurs in the northern and central regions of South America and adapts to various habitats. It inhabits the savannas, grasslands, fields, and forests, in addition to being highly active in the water, for predation (JUNIOR, 2013). They are particularly social animals, engaging in activities such as hunting in packs. Due to their social behavior, they have remarkable vocal communication, bush dogs vocalized in a wide array of behavioural contexts and ‘had an especially rich repertoire of contact vocalizations, which graded into one another with changes in the vocalizer’s mood (BRADY, 1981).
The bush dog is recognized as being a rare carnivore, is categorized as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and Vulnerable in Brazil and population parameters are still poorly understood (DE CARVALHO et al., 2016). Information on the spatial needs and habitat preferences of bush dogs is scarce because it is difficult to record and monitor the species in the wild (LIMA et al., 2015). There are no accurate estimates of the density of bush dogs. However, based on their large home ranges (LIMA et al., 2015) and the low frequency of registers in camera traps, they are assumed to occur at very low densities (ROCHA et al., 2015).
Known for its unique morphology within the group, this small, bear-like faced canid is the only member of the clade adapted to hypercarnivory, an almost exclusively meat-based diet currently present only in usually large, pack-hunting canids such as the grey wolf (RUIZ et al., 2023). The bush dog is the only living member of the group Cerdocyonina adapted to hypercarnivory (i.e. diet comprising > 70% of vertebrate tissues, PERINI et al., 2010). Despite weighing only 5-7 kg, take prey considerably larger than themselves, including capybaras, rheas, and deer by hunting in packs (PERES, 1991; STRAHL et al., 1992). WALLACE et al. (2002) documented an attempt by six bush dogs to kill a tapir. Bush dogs in captivity readily consume small mammals (ZUERCHER et al., 2005).
Observations both in captivity and in the field point to the semi-aquatic habits of this animal, which has interdigital membranes (BEISIEGEL & ADES, 2002). Studies related to its behavior, both in captivity and in the field, show the preference of this species for environments near water. Records indicate diurnal activity and bush dogs were moving in groups (LIMA et al., 2009).
The scarcity of bush dogs, their endangered conservation status, the almost total absence of field studies and the scarcity even of anedoctal observations make any attempt to study the animals in their natural environment quite relevant and promising (BEISIEGEL & ADES, 2002). Furthermore, captivity often imposes on wild animals an environment completely in contrast to the one in which they have evolved (SGAI, 2010), triggering stressful behaviors in them. Among these, pacing is the most common in captive animals, characterized by walking back and forth repeatedly without apparent function (MASON, 1991). The objective of this study is to observe the behavior of a captive ferret, to add to the understanding of its habits and determine the appropriate environmental enrichment techniques for the species.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The current study was conducted at the Fundação Jardim Zoológico de Brasília (FJZB), based on the observation of a single, male bush dog (Speothos venaticus), nicknamed Xingú (Figure 1). The specimen was approximately seven years old. He arrived at the foundation as a puppy. As a way of assessing his health status, the animal underwent an annual check-up with weighing, physical examination, blood collection for a complete blood count, and biochemical tests. During the observation period, the animal underwent different veterinary procedures between August 2, 2024 and December 13, 2024.
Specimen of bush dog (Speothos venaticus), nicknamed Xingú, present in the Fundação Jardim Zoológico de Brasília (FJZB). Source: Personal archive.
Its enclosure measured 18 m², with an environment area comprised of trees, low vegetation, gravel, logs, and branches scattered in different positions and at different heights throughout the enclosure, a confinement area, and a water well. This enclosure was in the cat enclosure, surrounded by different species: A maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), little spotted cat (Leopardus tigrinus), margay (Puma yagouaroundi), culpeo (Leopardus colocolo), and ring-tailed lemurs (Lemuriformes).
Data collection
The research was conducted over a period of four months, focusing on environmental enrichment and evaluating its effects on the behavior of the bush dog. For a detailed analysis, the study was divided into two stages: a pre-enrichment period, dedicated solely to observing the animals (weeks 1 to 6), and a period during which the enrichments were implemented (weeks 7 to 11), wherein different types of environmental enrichments were introduced.
The observations were carried out in front of the enclosure, recording the most relevant behavioral expressions, using an ethogram, supported by written notes, and photographic records. Data collection took place for two hours daily (from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. or from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.), totaling 64 hours of observation. Food was provided at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., allowing the animal to be monitored before, during, and after the feeding periods.
Environmental enrichment for the binturong
Ten types of enrichment were utilized, grouped into five main categories: Food, sensory, physical, cognitive, and social, with the aim of evaluating the effects of different environmental stimuli on the species (Table 1). Among all the enrichments offered, only pumpkin filled with meat had been previously made available to the animal. The enrichment activities were carried out in November and December, with two types of stimuli being presented every seven days, at varying times, totaling 22 hours of observation of the animal’s behavior in the presence of these resources. The enrichments were selected based on the prior observation of the animal and the biological and behavioral characteristics of this species in captivity and in the wild, to reduce stereotypical behaviors, stimulate natural behaviors, and promote greater well-being in captivity.
Environmental enrichment techniques applied to the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) in captivity, categorized by type (nutritional, sensory, cognitive, social) and the respective week of application.
For the first environmental enrichment, oregano was used to create herbal scent trail in the seventh week of observation (Figure 2A). To prepare the enrichment, the oregano was boiled in half a liter of water and after five minutes, placed in a clean container. After cooling, the liquid was spread around at the front of its enclosure where the animal spent most of its time.
Techniques for offering environmental enrichments in bush dog (Speothos venaticus). A: scent trail of herbs (oregano). B: piñata with hay and dried mint inside. C: blood trail. D: perforated pumpkin with feed, fruits, meat, and meat inside. E: guinea pig hanging by a rope. F: guinea pig hidden under leaves and blood trail. G: hose filled with feed, fruits, and meat. H: perforated pumpkin filled with meat, feed, fruits, and rosemary. I: mirror for social enrichment. J: Cognitive food enrichment: PVC pipe, filled with chicken, feed, and fruits. Source: Personal archive.
The second environmental enrichment was carried out in the eighth week (Figure 2B). It was comprised of a piñata made from paper and glue, filled with hay and dried mint. This stimulus was designed and structured after witnessing the animal’s high level of play activity in the enclosure and because it provided a good distraction. The ball was placed in front of the enclosure to encourage exploration and manipulation by the animal.
The third type of environmental enrichment (Figure 2C) consisted of a trail of blood that was laid across strategic areas of the enclosure during the eighth week of observation. The blood was placed considering some of the areas most used by the animal and regions where its interaction with the stimulus could be easily observed.
The fourth environmental enrichment carried out in the ninth week (Figure 2D), comprised a pumpkin stuffed with fruit, meat, and feed. This food stimulus was designed to encourage foraging and food manipulation behavior. The pumpkin was strategically placed in front of the animal’s enclosure, stimulating its curiosity and promoting prolonged interaction with the object.
The fifth environmental enrichment was performed in the ninth week (Figure 2E). It consisted of the use of two small guinea pigs, which were hung by a sisal rope from branches of the tree in the enclosure. This enrichment was designed to stimulate the animal’s hunting behavior, encouraging the use of smell, motor coordination, and predatory skills to reach the prey.
The sixth environmental enrichment was carried out in the ninth week (Figure 2F). A guinea pig was hidden under some leaves, accompanied by a trail of blood throughout the enclosure. This stimulus was designed to reinforce the animal’s hunting behavior, encouraging the use of smell and promoting a sensory experience. The guinea pig was strategically placed in locations that required greater exploration by the animal, increasing the level of challenge and engagement with the enrichment.
For the seventh environmental enrichment was carried out in the tenth week (Figure 2G). A compartment was made using the remains of a fire hose, filled with feed, fruit, and meat. This enrichment was developed to stimulate the animal’s exploratory and manipulative behavior, generating a challenge to obtain food. The compartment was strategically hung on the tree in the enclosure for better visualization by the animal.
The enrichment with a hollowed-out pumpkin stuffed with meat, feed, and fruit was reapplied in the tenth week (Figure 2H). The purpose of this repetition was to compare the animal’s interaction with the addition of rosemary to the stimulus, evaluating possible variations in behavior and acceptance of the enrichment.
As a result of the presence of only one individual of its species at the Brasília Zoo, the ninth type of enrichment was carried out in the eleventh week (Figure 2I), which focused on the animal’s interaction with a mirror in its enclosure. This social stimulus was strategically placed in an area frequently used by the animals for rest. This was performed with the aim of assessing its response to reflection and possible exploratory or interactive behaviors.
The tenth and final environmental enrichment was performed in the eleventh week of observation (Figure 2J), using a PVC tube filled with chicken, feed, and fruit. To optimize interaction and visualization of the enrichment, the tube was strategically placed in front of the animal’s enclosure, encouraging exploration and manipulation of the object to obtain food.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This study implemented a wide variety of enrichment techniques, which were selected based on the behaviors analyzed in the animal in the pre-enrichment period, such as its feeding and hunting behaviors. Many animals kept in captivity exhibited atypical behaviors, stress and monotony. The enrichment protocols can be used to stimulate the natural behaviour of the species, aiding the well-being and quality of life in captivity (CARVALHO et al., 2017). Behaviors such as territory marking and vocalization (Figure 3) became quite evident after environmental enrichments aiming olfactory stimulation, such as the blood trail. Xingu expressed a foraging behavior where the blood trail was placed; it licked the spot, and there was significant interaction. The use of enrichment using prey was preferred by individuals of this species, which seems to be related to the fact that the bush dog is carnivorous, with a diet consisting almost exclusively of animal meat (CARVALHO et al., 2017). However, frustration was observed, with vocalization and foraging recorded in the animal when only blood was presented, without the presence of complete prey. When the scent trail with oregano tea was used, the animal showed no significant interest. The interaction was more significant when associated with physical enrichment, wherein the animal could interact with a toy.
Number of observations (times the animal performed the behavior) of inactive behavior and active (marking, vocalization, and movement) of the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) over four months.
In enrichment activities using larger objects and foods, such as pumpkins and PVC pipes, the animal always directed the environmental stimuli to the water tank and spent most of the observation period playing with the food/object in the tank. Studies conducted in the United Kingdom, by MACDONALD (1996), on the Speothos venaticus group, in captivity, reported that 71% of their play with objects occurred in water. Data (BEISIEGEL & ADES, 2002) recorded the preference of this species for locations close to water. That said, most observations report the animal’s presence near or inside the shallowest part of the water tank, and one observation during enrichment with a pumpkin indicated the presence of the animal with its entire body in the water, playing with the food. Due to this satisfactory interaction, this stimulus was used again with rosemary replacing cinnamon, and the animal showed the same interest as in the initial observation.
In the case of enrichment activities using the guinea pig hidden under leaves with a blood trail, and the guinea pig hanging, there was favorable interaction and demonstration of the hunting instinct on the part of the animal. Xingú followed the blood trail until he located the guinea pig, removed it from under the leaves, and consumed it. This awakened his natural instinct to hunt and search for food. Offering animal substrates, objects, materials to be manipulated, or toys can provide different stimuli, novelties, and complexities (SGAI, 2010). Thus, with positive interaction, enrichment was used again, yielding the same positive result. The mirror was not well received by the animal, where it showed fear and apprehension of the object. It approached it a few times but then became frightened by its own image. The results with the use of visual enrichment were variable, with some studies reporting a decrease in stereotypical behaviors and others reporting an increase in them (MOREZZI, 2021). Therefore, the enrichment was removed so as not to cause stress. Conversely, for the enrichments using the square hose with meat, fruit, and feed, and the paper piñata with hay and dried mint, the animal showed great interaction and curiosity. However, the enrichment with the paper piñata had to be removed after Xingú started eating the paper, which posed a potential risk to his health.
The behavior of the bush dog showed little variation in the initial weeks of the study (weeks 1 to 6), between August and October (Figure 3). During this time the animal remained inactive most of the time and did not show agitation in the presence of visitors. Influenced by heat waves in the second half of 2024, with high temperatures and low humidity, approximately 211 observations between August and November confirmed the presence of the inactive animal.
Stereotypical behavior (pacing) was observed close to its feeding time, especially with the movement of keepers near its enclosure. This behavior consisted of repetitive walks around the enclosure, in which the animal systematically covered all the boundaries of its area. In addition, its marking and vocalization behaviors were quite evident during the feeding period, indicating a high state of anxiety in the animal at that time, as shown in Figure 3. Increased veterinary visits in September and October due to health issues appeared to exacerbate stress-related behaviors upon the animal’s return to the enclosure, such as, intensified pacing during periods close to feeding time and vigilance of the animal toward the keepers. Stereotypies were diverse in nature. Their form and duration depended on the species and situation, and could vary between individuals (MASON, 1991).
Figure 3 illustrates weekly fluctuations in pacing behavior prior to feeding, with a 38.08% increase observed in weeks 7, 10, and 11. Pacing time seemed to be associated with increased vocalization, but no direct relationship was identified between pacing and territorial marking. After visiting the veterinarian, its vocalization behavior also increased in frequency from the sixth week of observation, with a higher number of instances of this behavior identified in the tenth week.
With the introduction of enrichments from weeks 7 to 11, there was a 49.46% decrease in its inactive behavior when compared to weeks 1 to 6 (Figure 3). Also, the characteristic activities of the species, such as territory marking and foraging, increased frequency, especially before and after feeding time. According to JUNIOR (2013), the introduction of environmental stimuli could promote the development of cognitive skills, such as searching for hidden food, recognizing odors in the environment, behaviors related to marking territory, and even aquatic exploration. In addition, vocalizations without a clearly identifiable trigger were recorded throughout the day; although, a marked increase was consistently observed around feeding time.
The animal’s territorial marking behavior did not appear to be directly related to pacing and vocalization. However, it was observed that after visits to the veterinarian and the animal’s subsequent return to the enclosure, this behavior showed significant variations. In weeks 4, 6, and 9 (Figure 4), there was a considerable increase in marking behavior.
Number of observations (times the animal performed the behavior) of pacing, marking, and location behaviors of the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) thirty minutes before feeding.
CONCLUSION
The behavioral analysis of captive bush dogs revealed valuable insights for improving animal welfare and conservation. Understanding the behaviors, environmental needs, and social interactions of these animals is crucial for developing effective management and conservation strategies. By modifying the captive environments to better reflect natural conditions and implementing appropriate environmental enrichment, it is possible to mitigate the negative effects of confinement, thereby contributing to the welfare and successful reproduction of this endangered species. Among all the environmental enrichments mentioned in this study, food-based stimuli and manipulable objects that could be taken to the water tank, such as pumpkin, PVC pipe, and piñata, elicited the highest level of interaction. Thus, it is possible to state that the animal prefers food-based stimuli and cognitive-enrichment techniques, highlighting their importance in captive management programs.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We thank the Fundação Zoológico de Brasília for making this project possible and for the enriching experience, and especially the zookeepers for sharing their knowledge and directly contributing to the completion of this study. This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001.
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BIOETHICS AND BIOSECURITY COMMITTEE APPROVAL
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CR-2025-0465.R1
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The study was approved by the Committee for Animal Use at Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Brasília, DF, Brasil by the following No 20250314-001.
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DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.
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DECLARATION OF USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The authors declare that no artificial intelligence tools were used to prepare any section of the manuscript.
Edited by
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ASSOCIATE EDITOR:
Rudi Weiblen (0000-0002-1737-9817)
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SCIENTIFIC EDITOR:
Rosangela Poletto (0000-0002-2096-1576)
All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.
