Environmental conditions and vehicle disturbance influence stress behaviors in a working Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)

Jenner, Bryony M.; Lewis, Todd R.

Abstract

Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) is used for pest control, as their presence can deter wild birds such as gulls. Working Harris’s hawk on UK waste sites is permitted in accordance with regulations and legislation. This study investigated the general environment of a waste site compound yard where a single Harris’s hawk was flown for pest control. The hawk’s behaviors were evaluated in an ethogram, alongside environmental measures, and disturbance levels. Data was analyzed using Generalised Linear Latent Variable Models (GLLVM) to elucidate the effects of disturbance and environment on hawk behaviors. Results suggested cloudy conditions encouraged grooming responses that were normal and relaxed in their nature. Rain, sun and wind conditions increased recognized stress behaviors. Frequency of disturbance by construction vehicles inside the compound increased stress behaviors, such that keepers are recommended to revise welfare conditions. Increased stress behaviors by birds worked in dynamic environments like waste recycling yards could potentially elicit damaging illness such as feather breaking behavior. Reducing stress factors for Harris’s hawk in industrial working yards combined with amending husbandry practices will improve welfare for the species.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 26, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Sep 27, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 11, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science
• Print ISSN: 1088-8705
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-7604
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 373-385
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2023.2253143
• Keywords: Animal welfare; Harris’s hawk; stress behavior; environment conditions; vehicle disturbance
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11149619
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10888705.2023.2253143?src=
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=haaw20; Published: 2023-09-27