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A review of current indicators of welfare in captive elephants (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus)

Williams, E.; Chadwick, C.L.; Yon, L.; Asher, L.

Authors

E. Williams

C.L. Chadwick

LISA YON LISA.YON@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Associate Professor

L. Asher



Abstract

Concerns over elephant welfare in UK zoos have implications for their future in captivity. To monitor improvements made to elephant welfare in UK zoos, non-invasive, valid and reliable indicators of welfare are needed. Using a rapid review strategy and critical appraisal tool, we aimed to appraise evidence from peer-reviewed literature on potential welfare indicators for captive elephants. Scopus, Web of Knowledge and Ovid were searched in January 2014 using terms relevant to captive elephants and welfare assessment. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and remaining articles were critically appraised against a specially designed welfare indicator appraisal tool. Thirty-seven unique indicators of welfare were extracted from 30 peer-reviewed papers which met the inclusion criteria. Behavioural measures of welfare (n = 21) were more common than either physical (n = 11) or physiological (n = 5) measures. Stereotypies were the most frequently used behavioural measure, glucocorticoids were the most frequently used physiological measure and body condition scores were the most frequently used physical measure. There was most support for the following indicators of improved welfare state: reduced stereotypies, reduced glucocorticoids and improved body condition scores. Additional measures which require further validation but had strong associations with the most supported measures, and thus have potential use in welfare assessment, were: increased lying rest and positive social interactions. Further validation of the described measures is needed, but this information forms a crucial part of the knowledge required to efficiently monitor and improve the welfare of elephants in captivity.

Citation

Williams, E., Chadwick, C., Yon, L., & Asher, L. (2018). A review of current indicators of welfare in captive elephants (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus). Animal Welfare Journal, 27(3), 235-249. https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.27.3.235

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 9, 2018
Online Publication Date Aug 1, 2018
Publication Date Aug 1, 2018
Deposit Date Oct 24, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Animal Welfare Journal
Print ISSN 0962-7286
Publisher Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 27
Issue 3
Pages 235-249
DOI https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.27.3.235
Keywords Animal behaviour; Animal welfare; Captivity; Elephant; Welfare assessment; Welfare indicators
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1188166
Publisher URL http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ufaw/aw/2018/00000027/00000003/art00005;jsessionid=19sc3etou6d0b.x-ic-live-03

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