Evaluating qualitative behavioral assessment and ethogram techniques for captive black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

Maintaining high animal welfare in zoos is a persistent concern for practitioners and regulators, yet assessing welfare remains challenging. Welfare assessment techniques should be rapid and noninvasive, as traditional methods are often invasive, time-consuming, or costly. Qualitative Behavioral Assessment (QBA) is a promising alternative to ethograms. This study evaluated QBA’s usefulness in assessing behavior in ten captive black rhinos in a UK zoo by comparing it with ethogram data. QBA descriptors meaningfully overlapped with ethogram behaviors, for example, agonistic behaviors like horn clash aligned with Angry, Startled, and Nervous, while playful behaviors like head fling matched Lively and Excited. Correlations emerged between techniques; for instance, naso-nasal greeting and environmental investigation correlated with Active and Interested, while tactile contact negatively correlated with Angry and Nervous. Individual rhinos accounted for ~35% of (co)variation, with coefficient plots identifying significant key ethogram behaviors/QBA descriptors. The strong overlap within a joint model suggests QBA is a valuable welfare assessment tool that complements ethogram data collection for this species.