Valoración etológica, enriquecimiento ambiental y nutricional de un espécimen de Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771), en el Creas del Centro Experimental Amazónico (CEA) Mocoa: Putumayo

Abstract

This thesis evaluated the behavior of a Puma concolor specimen at the Wildlife Recovery Center (CREAS) of the Amazonian Experimental Center (CEA) in Mocoa, Putumayo, in order to determine its suitability for possible release. The specimen, which has been undergoing rehabilitation for more than two years, was subjected to a program of environmental and nutritional enrichment designed to stimulate natural behaviors and reduce the stress associated with captivity, which can lead to “increased cortisol” and “frustration at not being able to engage in natural behaviors such as hunting” (Reyes Santos, L. de M., 2025), manifesting itself in "undesirable behaviors (Fischer et al., 2021) such as pacing (Furlong, E. et al., n.d.), (Canino W., Powell D, 2010), (Podturkin, A., & Papaeva, N, 2020), and stereotypies (Mason and Rushen, 2008). Physical enrichments (expansion of space, logs, water pool), sensory enrichments (aromatic plants, carnivore urine) were implemented to “generate a sensory stimulus that allows them to avoid stress” (Beresca, 2014), nutritional (variety of live and cut prey, changes in feeding times), occupational (tires, mazes), and social (vocal interaction with another feline) enrichments were implemented. The methodology included focal sampling (Afanador & Aguilar, 2019) for 26 days (13 before and 13 after the enrichments), recording the frequency of behaviors on video to minimize human influence, using a standardized ethogram adapted from that proposed by Stanton et al. (2015b). The results showed a 35.54% increase in the total frequency of behaviors after the intervention. An increase was observed in key behaviors such as sniffing, playing, hunting, exploring, and territorial marking, along with a decrease in stereotypical behaviors such as pacing, which is consistent with other studies (Mijahuanca et al., 2017; Siddons, D. C. 2019). The animal demonstrated hunting and prey manipulation skills, essential for its survival and consistent with its role as a “generalist and opportunistic predator” (Emmons 1987, Beck et al., 2005). However, fear and avoidance behaviors toward humans persisted, suggesting that it maintains a wild attitude necessary for wildlife. It is concluded that the enrichment activities significantly improved the puma's well-being and activated natural behaviors, positioning it as a viable candidate for release. However, it is recommended that this decision be made within a multidisciplinary approach that considers clinical, genetic, health, and habitat aspects, in accordance with Colombian regulations (Resolution 2064 of 2010) and the IUCN guidelines (1998), which establish that “the reintroduction area should be assured of long-term protection” and “meet all health standards.”