Natural behavioural biology as a risk factor in carnivore welfare

Building on their Nature note, Clubb and Mason developed a fuller comparative model of which natural traits predict poor captive welfare in carnivores. Across dozens of species they tested whether home-range size, daily travel, dietary breadth and other ecological variables explained stereotypy and breeding failure. Ranging behaviour remained the strongest predictor, while body size and territoriality mattered less than expected. The authors argued zoos could use such species differences proactively: enclosures should be designed around the specific behavioural needs that captivity frustrates, rather than to a generic standard. The paper is widely cited as a framework for evidence-based enclosure design and for prioritising which carnivores most need enrichment or should not be held at all.