Effects of captivity on the behavior of wild mammals

In this widely cited book chapter, Carlstead reviewed how captivity alters the behaviour of wild mammals, examining feeding, social, reproductive and anti-predator behaviours and the development of abnormal patterns such as stereotypies. She analysed the mechanisms by which captive environments thwart natural behaviour, including restricted space, altered social groupings, predictable provisioning and lack of control. The chapter offered a conceptual map linking specific captive deficits to specific behavioural problems and recommended environmental design to restore behavioural opportunities. It became foundational reading in zoo biology and welfare courses, providing the theoretical backbone for understanding why carnivores and felids in particular develop pacing and other captivity-related behaviours.