
EVALUATING STRESS LEVELS AMONG CAGED PHASIANIDS AT THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK IN NEW DELHI
Vipin Sanghvi , University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, IndiaAbstract
This study aims to assess stress levels among caged phasianids at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi. Phasianids, including pheasants, quails, and partridges, are commonly kept in captivity for conservation, research, and public display purposes. However, confinement in captivity can subject these birds to various stressors, potentially impacting their welfare and physiological health. Through a combination of behavioral observations, physiological measurements, and stress hormone analysis, we evaluate stress levels among caged phasianids and identify potential stressors in their captive environment. Preliminary findings suggest that factors such as overcrowding, inadequate enrichment, and disturbance from visitors may contribute to elevated stress levels in these birds. This research contributes to our understanding of the welfare implications of captivity for phasianids and informs strategies for improving their management and care in zoological facilities.
Keywords
Stress levels, National Zoological Park, Behavioral observations
References
Sibley CG, Ahlquist JE. Phylogeny and classification of birds. Yale University Press. New Haven, 1990.
Kawata K. Gallinaceous birds in Japanese zoos, 2008. International Zoo News, 2012; 59(2):84-97.
Chauhan A, Hussain MS (Ed). Conserving Asia’s wildlife treasure: the pheasants. Partridge India. New Delhi. India. 2014.
Crowe TM, Keith GS, Brown LH. Galliformes. In: Urban EK, Fry CH, Keith S. (Eds). The Birds of Africa. Academic Press. London. UK, 1986; 2:1-75.
Dantzer R. Stress, stereotypies and welfare. Behavioral Process, 1991; 25:95-102.
Broom DM, Johnson KG. Stress and Animal Welfare. Chapman & Hall. London. UK, 1993.
Sapolsky R. Stress, glucocorticoids, and damage to the nervous system: the current state of confusion. Stress,1996; 1:1-11.
Sapolsky R, Plotsky PM. Hypercortisolism and its possible neural bases. Biological Psychiatry, 1990; 27:937-952.
Olsson A, Dahlborn K. Improving housing conditions for laboratory mice: A review of environmental enrichment. Lab Animal, 2002; 36:243-270.
Morgan KN, Tromborg CT. Sources of stress in captivity. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 2007; 102:262-302.
Hediger H. Studies of the Psychology and Behavior of Captive Animals in Zoos and Circuses. Criterion Press, New York, 1995.
Article Statistics
Downloads
Copyright License
Copyright (c) 2024 Vipin Sanghvi

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.