Impact of environmental enrichment on native and exotic mammals in zoological institutions in Mexico

Abstract

Environmental enrichment consists of a series of strategies implemented to improve the quality of life of animals under human care by providing stimuli that promote natural behaviors and satisfy their physical and psychological needs. Mammals are among the best-known biological groups—even considered "symbols" of conservation—which is why their inclusion in environmental enrichment projects is quite common. This review aimed to analyze and compare various studies conducted at zoological institutions in Mexico, focusing on the effects of environmental enrichment on the behavior of native and exotic mammals. Eight studies were selected that focused on analyzing the impact of different types of environmental enrichment applied to mammals under ex situ conditions, conducted at Mexican zoological institutions. Environmental enrichment fosters the expression of natural behaviors in species under human care and contributes not only to their well-being but also to the development of more efficient ex situ conservation strategies.