Abstract

Social network theory provides a useful tool to study complex social relationships in
animals. The possibility to look beyond dyadic interactions by considering whole networks
of social relationships allows researchers the opportunity to study social groups in more
natural ways. As such, network-based analyses provide an informative way to investigate
the factors influencing the social environment of group-living animals, and so has direct
application to animal welfare. For example, animal groups in captivity are frequently
disrupted by separations, reintroductions and/or mixing with unfamiliar individuals and
this can lead to social stress and associated aggression. Social network analysis of animal
groups can help identify the underlying causes of these socially-derived animal welfare
concerns. In this review we discuss how this approach can be applied, and how it could
be used to identify potential interventions and solutions in the area of animal welfare.