Behavioural and Physiological Responses of Captive Tigers (Panthera tigris) to Enclosure Characteristics and Environmental Enrichment

Human-induced environmental changes have profound implications for wildlife, particularly wide-ranging carnivores such as tigers (Panthera tigris). Zoological institutions contribute to tiger conservation through captive breeding, education, research and species management. However, artificial captive environments may restrict species-specific behaviours and predispose animals to behavioural abnormalities and physiological stress. The present study evaluated behavioural patterns and stress responses in captive tigers, focusing on the influence of enclosure characteristics and environmental enrichment on stereotypic behaviour and fecal cortisol concentrations. Tigers spent the greatest proportion of their time exploring (approximately 55%), followed by resting (approximately 31%). Enclosure characteristics significantly influenced physiological stress, with animals housed in smaller enclosures exhibiting higher fecal cortisol concentrations (P