Olfactory Enrichment in Hoary Foxes (Lycalopex vetulus LUND 1842): A Case Study

Wild animals in captivity need stimuli that increase their well-being. Canids in general have a well-developed sense of smell and are strongly related to environmental stimuli through scent. Therefore, we tested an olfactory enrichment method in five hoary foxes, which was successfully developed in another species of canid. We offered four stimuli (cheese, eggs, meat, and sawdust impregnated with rat urine), and observed the individuals' reactions that indicated an improvement in well-being before, during, and after exposure to the stimuli. There were no significant changes in behaviors that indicated well-being, although there was no worsening in behaviors suggestive of stress. We suggest that the indifference to stimuli of this little-known species is due to the highly insectivorous diet of the hoary fox.We have tested a method of olfactory environmental enrichment in hoary foxes used in other wild canids in captivity. The individuals were exposed to four olfactory stimuli (meat, mouse urine, cheese, and egg) that were wrapped in cotton bags outside the enclosures at the zoo for five minutes. Behavioral observations were performed using the focal animal method, and all occurrences were recorded. The pre-exposure phase (Basal), exposure phase (Exp), and post-exposure phase and Basal phase (Pos) were analyzed for a period of five minutes. Behavioral responses were categorized as positive, negative, or other. Positive behavior tended to increase (p = 0.07) from the Basal phase to the Exp phase, but there was no statistical difference (p = 0.31) between the phases. Negative and other behavior did not differ statistically from the Basal phase to the Exp phase (N-, p = 0.32; Ot, p = 0.35) or Basal to the Pos phase (N-, p = 0.18; Ot, p = 0.92). The odors used seemed to elicit positive behavior weakly. Negative behavior was stable for the hoary foxes. The method failed to improve the hoary foxes' welfare. Because their natural diet is based on insects and fruits, it is suggested that the stimuli used in this study have no appetitive value for hoary foxes. The method used with the same olfactory stimuli that were successful in other canid species is unsuitable for hoary foxes.

Automated summary

Wild animals in captivity require stimuli to improve their well-being. Canids, particularly hoary foxes, have a strong sense of smell and are responsive to environmental stimuli through scent. An olfactory enrichment method was tested on five hoary foxes, adapted from a successful method used on another canid species. The individuals showed indifferent reactions to the stimuli, possibly due to their insectivorous diet.