Stress Responses in Captive African Painted Dogs (Lycaon pictus) After Removal of a Pack Member and its Relation to Pack Cohesiveness

Abstract

African painted dogs, Lycaon pictus, have a highly complex social structure characterized by an alpha-breeding pair, a high degree of social cohesion, and group living. This research examines whether this social system is significantly impacted by the removal and reintroduction of a single pack member by conducting a comparative analysis of pack cohesiveness and stress responses before and after the removal period. Behavioral observations of captive African painted dogs were assessed over this timeline to determine the degree of similarity in frequencies of targeted behaviors. The African painted dog pack at the Audubon Zoo served as the subject of analysis in both the pre-removal and post-removal observation. Results indicate that the removal of the beta female was a stressful event that increased stress levels in the pack as a whole. Stress levels and the frequency of stress-response behaviors significantly decreased following the individual's reintroduction. Furthermore, pack cohesiveness improved throughout the duration of the study. The African painted dogs likely used contact resting as a coping mechanism for the stress caused by the removal. Zoo management should model the protocols carried out through the pack's reintroduction process as a guide for future removal events to increase the probability of successful removal and reintroduction.