Dados do Trabalho

Título

Influences of visitation on the behavior and well-being of primates in Dois Irmãos State Park (Recife-PE)

Corpo do texto

Contemporary zoos have shifted from being solely entertainment-focused to playing pivotal roles in conservation and animal welfare. Understanding the impact of visitor interactions on captive primates is crucial. We studied the behavioral responses of three primate species at Dois Irmãos State Park. Enclosures were evaluated: Sapajus libidinosus - inadequate (small, sun exposure, no blind spots, too close to other cages); Ateles chamek - semi-adequate (some enrichment, but no blind spots); Alouatta belzebul - adequate (enrichment, with blind spots, natural shading). Data were collected from September to November 2023 (8:00 - 14:00), including 20 cycles per species (days no visitors and with visitors). Primate behavioral responses were classified into: Positive – (i) Social Interactions (Non-aggressive, Playing, Mating), (ii) Active Behaviors (Exploration, Foraging, locomotion), and (iii) Relaxation and Health (Eating/Drinking, Excretion, Resting); and Negative – (iv) Aggressive Interactions (aggression, Agonistic acts), (v) Fear (Fear, Discomfort, Excessive vigilance), and (vi) Stress/Stereotypies (Self-injury, repetitive movements, signs of stress). Visitor behaviors were categorized into: Desirable – (i) Passive (observing), and (ii) Active (Reading, taking photos without flash, talking); and Undesirable – (iii) Distant negative (Noises, flash photography, sudden movements), and (iv) Invasive negative (Giving food, throwing objects, shouting). Visitor behaviors (Fisher’s Exact Test): 169 desirable and 36 undesirable (p < 0.05). Primate behavioral responses: 1114 positive, 53 negative (p < 0.001). GLMM showed significant positive responses to passive and active visitor behaviors (p < 0.05). Negative responses to active visitor behaviors, distant negative behaviors, and invasive negative behaviors (p < 0.05) were observed. Good visitor behavior positively impacted captive primates, but enclosure design and visitor conduct also influenced animal welfare. Inadequate enclosures led to stress-related behaviors, while inappropriate visitor behavior elicited negative reactions. Further research into these interactions is vital for neotropical primate welfare, emphasizing the need to enhance enclosure design and promote positive visitor conduct.

Financiadores

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Palavras-chave

Zoos; visitor behavior; primate welfare