Etologia aplicada ao bem-estar de psitacídeos candidatos à reintrodução e percepções de moradores do entorno da área de soltura sobre estratégias conservacionistas

Abstract

The habituation to captivity and the lack of systematic behavioral assessments in the pre release period can influence adaptation to the wild and hinder conservation efforts. Understanding the temperament of animals involved in these programs, as well as other aspects of behavior, can contribute to the success of translocations and the quality of life during captive management. Another factor to con sider is the perception of individuals interacting with released birds regarding conservation initiatives and wildlife. The specific objectives of the thesis were: to evaluate the relationship between temperament, social hierarchy, and social and non socia l behaviors in captivity in 12 White eyed Parakeets Psittacara leucophthalmus ) (Chapter I); to assess the relationship between temperament extracted from standardized behavioral tests and individual behavioral responses of 38 parrots ( Amazona aestiva , A. vinacea , and A. rhodocorytha ) during physical restraint for blood collection (Chapter II); and to investigate the perceptions of residents in rural communities around a release area regarding their relationships with parrots, wildlife, and conservation strategies in the region (Chapt er III). In Chapter I, temperament dimensions obtained through standardized tests ("vigilance" and "boldness") were found to be related to social hierarchy and captive behaviors of the birds, indicating that dominant birds were bolder and more vigilant (r = 0.63; r = 0.53). In Chapter II, more fearful parrots in temperament tests (novel object and reaction to an unknown person) were more responsive to physical restraint, exhibiting more vocalizations (r s = 0.52) and escape attempts (r s = 0.49) than less fearful ones. After flight training and human aversion, parrots showed increased responsiveness to physical restraint, suggesting that it could be a viable option for rehabilitation centers to gather data on individua l behavioral differences in fear responses during routine procedures like blood collection. In Chapter III, a semi structured questionnaire was administered to 36 residents of Serra do Ibitipoca to identify their use, perceptions, and behaviors regarding f auna. Individuals expressing a desire for the elimination of wildlife reported killing snakes and bats, along with holding a more negative view of conservation strategies in the region. The findings of this thesis contribute to the understanding of the tem perament of captive parrots and provide information about their behavior that can be useful for improving captive management conditions in situations commonly for improving captive management conditions in situations commonly encountered in rehabilitation centers and zoos, such as the selection of artificial encountered in rehabilitation centers and zoos, such as the selection of artificial groups and physical restraint. Additionally, the results can assist managers and groups and physical restraint. Additionally, the results can assist managers and environmental agencies ienvironmental agencies in redirecting efforts to change negative perspectives n redirecting efforts to change negative perspectives toward wildlife and enhance relationships between local communities and fauna toward wildlife and enhance relationships between local communities and fauna to maximize the success of existing conservation initiatives.to maximize the success of existing conservation initiatives.