Using the Behavioral Diversity Index to Better Understand Animal Welfare

Behavioral Diversity Index (BDI) is an emerging quantitative approach for evaluating animal welfare by measuring the variety and relative frequency of species-specific behaviors expressed by an individual. Although relatively few studies have directly examined how BDI relates to welfare outcomes to date, existing work suggests that higher behavioral diversity is associated with improved welfare states. The present study utilized Behavioral Diversity Index (BDI) within a single-case design framework to quantify changes in behavioral diversity following mitigation of a repetitive behavior, representing the first application of this approach in this context. Over a three-month observation period, a female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) exhibited a repetitive behavior pattern. During this time, two mitigation strategies were implemented at poolside and underwater viewing areas to assess their impact. A total of 230 videos were coded for species-specific behaviors and the repetitive behavior pattern, and analyzed using a single-case design to examine behavioral dynamics over time. Changes in both the frequency of the repetitive behavior and the dolphin’s Behavioral Diversity Index were assessed before and after the implementation of the mitigation strategies. Results showed that as the repetitive behavior decreased to 0 occurrences, and BDI increased by approximately 12%, reflecting a broader expression of the species-typical behavioral repertoire. These findings support the potential value of Behavioral Diversity Index as a practical welfare monitoring metric and demonstrate how single-case behavioral tracking can inform management strategies and welfare practices for dolphins under professional care. 

For more information: lrmckeever@eckerd.edu