The role of individual behavioral distinctiveness in exploratory and anti-predatory behaviors of red-browed Amazon parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha) during pre-release training

Differences in the temperament of individuals may influence how animals cope with environmental challenges and must be considered in a pre-release training program. In this study we aimed to evaluate individual distinctiveness in the expression of exploratory and anti-predatory behaviors of red-browed Amazon parrots (Amazona rhodocorytha) during a pre-release training program. We assessed individuals’ behavioral traits by both direct observation and rating methods during an open field test. Thereafter, we provided feeding and a physical environmental enrichment schedule following the A1BA2 paradigm (A1 and A2: control phases and B: enriched phase; Heffner, 2004) to evaluate parrots’ behavioral responses. Next, we evaluated parrots’ anti-predatory reactions by presenting a predator-like model (stuffed Caracara plancus). In this last test, we collected behavioral data during two phases: pre-presentation and during the presentation of the predator model. Fifty days later, we recorded the behavioral responses after new presentation of the same predator-like model during the learning-retention test. Parrots spent more time in exploratory behavior during the B enriched phase (P = 0.002) than in both control phases. In contrast, the time spent in a state of alertness was similar (P = 0.16) during both predator-like exposure phases. Individuals rated as more anxious spent more time on exploratory behaviors during the enriched phase (rPearson = 0.63, P = 0.05). There was, however, no correlation between the rating scores and the proportion of time parrots remained in a state of alertness during both predator-model exposure phases (P > 0.05). Thus, independent of their behavioral traits, all parrots were prompt to escape from predators. Our results support the importance of evaluating individuals’ behavioral differences before releasing them and suggest that setting up groups including individuals with different capabilities to explore the environment and to face aversive stimuli should increase their post-release survival when facing environmental challenges during foraging and/or predation events.