Putting the evidence into evidence-based husbandry: A scoping review of empirical approaches to improving captive reptile welfare (2025)

Hanson, S. L., Whittaker, A. L., Cooper-Rogers, B. et al.

Abstract

Non-avian reptiles are commonly kept in captivity, including zoos, aquariums, farms, laboratories, classrooms, rehabilitation centres, and homes. With this wide range of captive conditions and potential diversity of species housed, it is crucial to ensure that these animals are housed appropriately. Lack of data from wild populations for many species limits the foundation of husbandry practice parameters. In the absence of field data, facilities should use data from related species as well as research in applied settings to inform decisions on captive animals. Together these constitute evidence-based husbandry. A systematic scoping review was performed to examine publications that evaluated modifications in the maintenance of captive reptiles with the aim to improve welfare. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Zoological Record databases were searched for publications that implemented at least one modification applied to a reptile in a captive setting and where at least one welfare-based metric was used to assess the impact of the change. A total of 72 papers were identified, consisting of 75 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Data extracted from each paper included the setting type, taxon, modification type, welfare measures, and the overall outcomes. The most common taxonomic order studied were Squamata. Housing modifications were the most common type of intervention, with the majority adding or altering furnishings to the enclosure. Behavioural metrics were the most frequently used measure of impact. Overall, studies often concluded either neutral/ambiguous or positive effects of the modifications. With the high prevalence of neutral outcomes, more research is needed to further determine optimal husbandry and welfare strategies. Additionally, with only 72 identified papers there is greater need for more published research focused on evidence-based husbandry practices for captive reptile species, and greater focus on some taxa is urgently needed.