Influence of Environmental Pollution on Animal Behavior

Abstract

Summary Animals, like humans, act according to physiological patterns of behavior that change in response to various internal and external stimuli. Environmental pollutants represent “negative” stimuli and stressors. Air pollution is among pollution sources that pose the greatest threat to the environment and all living organisms. Exposure to pollutants causes behavioral changes in animals and disruption of organ functions and structures, which are often identical to those of humans working or living under the same conditions as animals (e.g., on a farm or in a city). Aside from a shorter life span and possible premature death, there are some diseases which commonly occur as a result of the exposure. Symptoms indicative of a disease or irritation, such as coughing, lameness, diarrhea, eye discharge and the like, cause the animal to make movements (actions) that are not part of their normal physiological routine and are considered behavioral changes. Behavioral changes are the earliest indicator that the animal is suffering from physical or mental disorders that can negatively affect its health and, in the case of livestock, production results. Various animal species serve as indicators of pollution, and domestic animals, including farm animals, can also serve this purpose. Behavioral changes resulting from exposure to various pollutants include disorientation, problems interacting with humans and other animals, reproductive problems, respiratory, digestive symptoms, etc. This review compiled data from a number of studies on changes in animal behavior after short or long exposure to various environmental pollutants. The focus was on the effects of air pollutants on animals, which are of particular importance to humans as they share living or working space with the animals or breed them for economic interest.