Effect of auditory enrichment on the stereotypic behaviours in captive tigers (Panthera tigris)

Liew, Jo Yee (2023) Effect of auditory enrichment on the stereotypic behaviours in captive tigers (Panthera tigris). [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Auditory stimulation has been utilized as a form of enrichment to reduce stereotypic behaviour in captive animals. Tigers (Panthera tigris) are well-known for their stereotypic pacing, however there is limited knowledge about auditory enrichment for this species. Classical music appears to influence the behaviour and physiology of captive animals in a variety of studies, suggesting that it may contribute to the improved wellbeing of the animals. The aim of this study was to describe the effect of auditory enrichment using classical music on the stereotypic behaviour of captive tigers. Animals (females; n=2, males; n=2) at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre were exposed to two conditions for the behavioural study; 1) No auditory stimulation (control) and 2) Auditory stimulation (classical music). The behaviours of each tiger were recorded twice daily in the afternoon and at night with a 10-minute interval in each condition for 5 days using an instantaneous sampling technique. An ethogram was prepared with a list of behaviours that comprise three main categories: active, resting and stereotypic. A ‘bluetooth’ speaker was employed as the auditory device during the audio stimulation, and it was tuned to a constant decibel range between 60-70 dB. Throughout the observation period, a mix of tracks that plays a variety of classical music from the selected playlist heals the experimental condition. There was no statistically significant effect of auditory stimulation on the stereotypic behaviours of the tigers but the results revealed a decrease pattern in stereotypic behaviours from the control period to sounds stimulation. However, auditory stimulation had a significant effect of decreasing trend on the resting behaviours of the tigers. This could indicate that auditory stimulation with selected classical music may be useful in reducing behavioural stress of the captive tigers. Overall, these findings suggest that the effects of classical music on animal behaviour are complex and a longer term of evaluation is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms Nurhaznita Mahmood
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2024 07:52
Last Modified:	20 Nov 2024 07:52
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2181

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