Enriquecimento ambiental em arara canindé (Ara ararauna Linnaeus, 1758): aplicações de técnicas para melhoria do bem estar em aves

Abstract

(Environmental enrichment in canindé macaws (Ara ararauna Linnaeus, 1758): applications of techniques to improve welfare in birds). The act of trapping birds in captivity is a custom that has existed for millions of years and for a long time these animals were confined in tiny spaces. However, recently it started to plan the construction of zoos with more space simulating the natural environment, thinking about ecological awareness and animal welfare. Therefore, it should be noted that good handling of these animals is extremely important, trying to modify the environment so that it practices its natural instincts and spends a good part of the time occupied, preventing the animals from being stressed and reducing the quality of life. The present study aimed to apply an environmental enrichment program developed to increase the welfare levels of a canindé macaw, which lives in a mini zoo inside a small enclosure built by bricks and a grid. It was created from preliminary observations that defined the animal's main needs. This program used three forms of enrichment: sensorial, alimentary and sensorial. The applications of the techniques occurred through behavioral observations in the pre-enrichment phases, during the application of enrichment and post-enrichment, through the technique of instant sampling with a focal animal. Therefore, it was not possible to confirm the hypothesis that they permanently and significantly modified the animal's behavior, but one can perceive the importance of enrichment at the time and after application in the enclosure. However, we can conclude that the more interesting the environment, it stimulates the bird and develops its natural instincts thus reducing stress. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]