Welfare issues affecting free living wild animal ( Leach et al., 2005)

• Free-living wild animals are species living in their natural habitats without direct human care.
• Welfare issues arise mainly due to environmental changes, human activities, and natural challenges.
• Unlike domestic animals, wild animals are exposed to stressors beyond human control, but conservation and welfare measures can mitigate risks.

Key Welfare Issues

a) Habitat Loss and Degradation

• Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion reduce available space and resources.
• Leads to food scarcity, increased competition, and stress.
• Fragmented habitats increase vulnerability to predation and disease.

b) Food and Water Scarcity

• Seasonal variations or human-induced changes (drought, irrigation, pollution) limit natural food and water availability.
• Malnutrition and dehydration are common welfare concerns.

c) Disease and Parasites

• Exposure to pathogens, parasites, and zoonotic diseases in natural and altered environments.
• Human activities (livestock encroachment, pollution) increase cross-species disease transmission.
• Limited medical intervention makes diseases a major welfare risk.

d) Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Crop raiding, livestock predation, or competition for resources results in injury or retaliatory killing by humans.
• Capture or culling for population control affects welfare.

e) Predation and Injury

• Natural predation is a normal part of life but may cause suffering in prey species.
• Accidents caused by roads, fences, and other human structures increase mortality and injuries.

f) Climate and Environmental Stress

• Extreme temperatures, storms, and natural disasters affect survival.
• Climate change alters migration patterns, breeding, and food availability.

g) Capture, Relocation, and Rehabilitation

• Capture for research, conservation, or relocation can cause acute stress, injury, or mortality.
• Improper handling reduces post-release survival.

Indicators of Poor Welfare in Free-Living Wild Animals

• Emaciation or poor body condition due to food scarcity.
• Visible injuries or healed fractures.
• Altered behaviors: reduced activity, abnormal social interactions, or stress behaviors.
• Low reproductive success or high juvenile mortality.

Strategies to Improve Welfare

a) Habitat Management

• Protect and restore natural habitats to ensure adequate food, water, and shelter.
• Create wildlife corridors to connect fragmented populations.

b) Disease Control

• Monitor wildlife populations for emerging diseases.
• Implement vaccination or treatment programs where feasible (e.g., oral rabies vaccines in wild carnivores).

c) Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

• Educate communities to reduce retaliation and promote coexistence.
• Use non-lethal deterrents to protect crops and livestock.

d) Ethical Capture and Handling

• Follow strict protocols to minimize stress, injury, and mortality.
• Limit duration of handling and provide appropriate care during rehabilitation.

e) Conservation and Monitoring Programs

• Regular population surveys to assess health, behavior, and reproduction.
• Implement protected areas, reserves, and wildlife-friendly policies.