Selection of Animal Welfare Indicators for Primates in Rescue Centres Using the Delphi Method: Cebus albifrons as a...

Area of Science:

• Primate Welfare Science
• Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Wildlife rescue centers face challenges in providing optimal care for diverse species, especially behaviorally complex primates like Cebus albifrons.
• Effective welfare assessment tools are crucial for improving care and housing conditions in these facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the content validity of animal welfare indicators for Cebus albifrons using a Delphi consultation process.
• To develop species-specific assessment protocols for keepers and professional audits.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi consultation process with 23 primate welfare experts was conducted in two rounds.
• Experts evaluated proposed indicators for content validity, reliability, and practicality, classifying them as animal-based or resource/management-based.
• Indicators were refined based on expert feedback to build consensus.

Main Results:

• 28 indicators were validated for an extended protocol and 10 for a daily checklist.
• Resource- and management-based indicators (e.g., food, enrichment, habitat) were numerous, highlighting practical applicability.
• Top-ranked indicators in both protocols were animal-based (e.g., pain, affiliative behaviors, abnormal repetitive behaviors), crucial for welfare state reflection.

Conclusions:

• Tailored welfare assessment tools can effectively enhance practices in wildlife rescue centers.
• The developed protocols provide practical approaches for assessing primate welfare, integrating it with conservation efforts.
• Further research should focus on refining tools, assessing implementation, and ensuring observer reliability.