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Grundei LL, Wolf TE, Brandes F, Schütte K, Freise F, Siebert U, Touma C, Pees M. Validation of Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites as Non-Invasive Markers for Monitoring Stress in Common Buzzards ( Buteo buteo). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1234. [PMID: 38672380 PMCID: PMC11047616 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
For wild animals, being in captivity in wildlife centers can cause considerable stress. Therefore, it is necessary to establish and validate non-invasive tools to measure chronic stress during rehabilitation. Eight Common Buzzards which lived in permanent husbandry were placed individually into prepared aviaries and their feces were collected before, during and after a stress event for biological validation over a period of seven days. The extracted fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) were analyzed with three different enzyme immune assays (EIA) to find the most suitable one. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the stability of fGCM levels after defecation because further metabolization by bacterial enzymes can lead to changed results. The Cortisone-EIA performed best in males and females and showed that the stress event led to an fGCM increase of 629% (557% in females and 702% in males) in relation to basal values. We found no significant differences between the sexes, but observed significant differences between different times of day. FGCM concentration significantly changed after eight hours at room temperature. Our study successfully validated the non-invasive measurement of fGCM as a stress indicator in Common Buzzards and could therefore lay the foundation for future studies providing new insights for animal welfare research in Buzzards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara-Luisa Grundei
- Department of Small Mammal, Reptile and Avian Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Tanja E. Wolf
- Department of Behavioral Biology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Barbarastrasse 11, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
- Mammal Research Institute, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Florian Brandes
- Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, Hohe Warte 1, 31553 Sachsenhagen, Germany
| | - Karolin Schütte
- Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, Hohe Warte 1, 31553 Sachsenhagen, Germany
| | - Fritjof Freise
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute of Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany
| | - Chadi Touma
- Department of Behavioral Biology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Barbarastrasse 11, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Michael Pees
- Department of Small Mammal, Reptile and Avian Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559 Hanover, Germany
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Bertrand DA, Berman CM, Heistermann M, Agil M, Sutiah U, Engelhardt A. Effects of Tourist and Researcher Presence on Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Levels in Wild, Habituated Sulawesi Crested Macaques ( Macaca nigra). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2842. [PMID: 37760243 PMCID: PMC10525950 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecotourism managers and researchers often assume that apparently habituated primate groups no longer experience adverse consequences of prolonged exposure to tourists or researchers. We examined the effects of tourists and researchers on fecal glucocorticoid metabolite output (FGCM) in three critically endangered, wild crested macaque (Macaca nigra) groups in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Sulawesi, Indonesia. We assayed FGCM from 456 fecal samples collected from thirty-three adults. Tourists can walk through and among macaque groups freely. Hence, we examined the possible effects of tourists both (1) in the reserve when away and not interacting with the study groups and (2) when they were present within the macaque groups. Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) analysis indicated that when tourists were present in the forest, but not directly among the macaques, FGCM levels in the macaque tourism groups were higher in months with more tourists. When tourists were among the macaque groups, some female macaques experienced rises and subsequent postexposure decreases in FGCM levels, consistent with predictions for acute stress. Male FGCM levels increased with tourist numbers within the group. Nevertheless, they were not significantly different from levels during undisturbed or postexposure conditions. FGCM responses related to researchers in groups varied by group, sex, and tourist presence. However, the temporal patterning of FGCM responses showed little evidence of chronic stress from tourism at this site.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol M. Berman
- Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14261, USA
- Evolution, Ecology, & Behavior Program, Department of Environment and Sustainability, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Michael Heistermann
- German Primate Centre, Endocrinology Laboratory, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Uni Sutiah
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Antje Engelhardt
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
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Kaisin O, Bufalo F, Amaral R, Palme R, Poncin P, Brotcorne F, Culot L. Linking glucocorticoid variations to monthly and daily behavior in a wild endangered neotropical primate. Am J Primatol 2023:e23503. [PMID: 37157182 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the factors swaying physiological stress levels in wild animals can help depict how they cope with environmental and social stressors, shedding light on their feeding ecology, behavioral plasticity, and adaptability. Here, we used noninvasive methods to explore the link between glucocorticoid levels and behavior in an endangered neotropical primate facing habitat fragmentation pressure, the black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus). We investigated monthly and day-to-day glucocorticoid variations independently to attempt to disentangle the complex nature of the adrenocortical activity. Between May 2019 to March 2020, we followed two groups of black lion tamarins in two different areas, a continuous forest and a small fragment, and gathered behavioral data (over 95 days in total; 8.6 ± 3.9 days/month) and fecal samples (Nsamples = 468; 4.93 ± 3.5 samples/day) simultaneously. Preliminary analyses enabled us to identify circadian variations linked to the biological rhythm, which were taken into account in subsequent models. Monthly analyses revealed that black lion tamarin fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels vary according to changes in activity budget associated with the fruit consumption, movement, and resting time of the groups. At a day-to-day level, while intergroup encounters led to increases in fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations, we found that changes in food intake or activity level did not trigger physiological stress responses. These findings suggest that diet and ranging patterns, driven by food availability and distribution, influence physiological stress at a seasonal scale, while acute stressors such as interspecific competition trigger short-term stress responses. Exploring fecal glucocorticoid metabolite variations over different timescales can help uncover the predictive and reactive facets of physiological stress in wild species. Moreover, having a comprehensive understanding of the physiological state of species is a valuable conservation tool for evaluating how they cope in changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Kaisin
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Departamento de Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Research Unit SPHERES, University of Liège, Arlon, Belgium
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Evolução e Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Bufalo
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Departamento de Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Evolução e Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Amaral
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Departamento de Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pascal Poncin
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Research Unit FOCUS, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Fany Brotcorne
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Research Unit SPHERES, University of Liège, Arlon, Belgium
| | - Laurence Culot
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Departamento de Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
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Murillo T, Schneider D, Heistermann M, Daniel R, Fichtel C. Assessing the drivers of gut microbiome composition in wild redfronted lemurs via longitudinal metacommunity analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21462. [PMID: 36509795 PMCID: PMC9744850 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25733-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome influences host's immunity, development, and metabolism and participates in the gut-brain axis, thus impacting the health of the host. It is a dynamic community varying between individuals and within individuals at different time points. Hence, determining the factors causing this variability may elucidate their impact on host's health. However, understanding the drivers of variation has proven difficult particularly as multiple interactions occur simultaneously in the gut microbiome. We investigated the factors shaping the gut microbiome by applying the metacommunity concept where the gut microbiome is considered as a microbial community shaped by the interactions within the community, with the host and microbial communities outside the host, this through a longitudinal study in a wild primate. Focal behavioral data were collected for 1 year in four groups of redfronted lemurs to determine individual social and feeding behaviors. In addition, regular fecal samples were collected to assess bacteria, protozoa, and helminths through marker gene analysis and to measure fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations to investigate the impact of physiological stress on the gut microbiome. Higher consumption of leaves and elevated fGCM concentrations correlated with higher alpha diversity, which also differed among groups. The major drivers of variation in beta diversity were group membership, precipitation and fGCM concentrations. We found positive and negative associations between bacterial genera and almost all studied factors. Correlations between bacterial indicator networks and social networks indicate transmission of bacteria between interacting individuals. We detected that processes occurring inside the gut environment are shaping the gut microbiome. Host associated factors such as, HPA axis, dietary changes, and fluctuations in water availability had a greater impact than interactions within the microbial community. The interplay with microbial communities outside the host also shape the gut microbiome through the exchange of bacteria through social relationships between individuals and the acquisition of microorganisms from environmental water sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Murillo
- grid.418215.b0000 0000 8502 7018Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.412889.e0000 0004 1937 0706Research Center for Tropical Diseases (CIET) and Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Dominik Schneider
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Heistermann
- grid.418215.b0000 0000 8502 7018Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Fichtel
- grid.418215.b0000 0000 8502 7018Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
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Henke‐von der Malsburg J, Fichtel C, Kappeler PM. Retaining memory after hibernation: Performance varies independently of activity levels in wild grey mouse lemurs. Ethology 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Henke‐von der Malsburg
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primatology Göttingen Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus ‘Primate Cognition’ Göttingen Germany
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology Johann‐Friedrich‐Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Kellnerweg 6, 37077 Göttingen, Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Göttingen Germany
- Technological Primates Research Group Max‐Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig Germany
| | - Claudia Fichtel
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primatology Göttingen Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus ‘Primate Cognition’ Göttingen Germany
| | - Peter M. Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primatology Göttingen Germany
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology Johann‐Friedrich‐Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Kellnerweg 6, 37077 Göttingen, Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Göttingen Germany
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Christensen C, Bracken AM, Justin O'Riain M, Heistermann M, King AJ, Fürtbauer I. Simultaneous investigation of urinary and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations reveals short- versus long-term drivers of HPA-axis activity in a wild primate (Papio ursinus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 318:113985. [PMID: 35093315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.113985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs), a class of steroid hormones released through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, perform many vital functions essential for survival, including orchestrating an organism's response to stressors by modulating physiological and behavioural responses. Assessing changes and variation in GC metabolites from faecal or urine samples allows for the non-invasive monitoring of HPA-axis activity across vertebrates. The time lag of hormone excretion differs between these sample matrices, which has implications for their suitability for studying effects of different temporal nature on HPA-axis activity. However, simultaneous comparisons of predictors of faecal and urinary GC metabolites (fGCs and uGCs, respectively) are lacking. To address this gap, we employ frequent non-invasive sampling to investigate correlates of fGCs and uGCs in wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) (n = 17), including long-term (dominance rank, season, female reproductive state) and short-term (time of day, daily weather conditions) factors. Correlated with increasing day length, fGCs gradually decreased from winter to summer. No seasonal effect on uGCs was found but 'rain days' were associated with increased uGCs. Pregnant females had significantly higher fGCs compared to cycling and lactating females, whereas uGCs were not statistically different across reproductive states. A circadian effect was observed in uGCs but not in fGCs. Dominance rank did not affect either fGCs or uGCs. Our study highlights the difference in inherent fluctuation between uGCs and fGCs and its potential consequences for HPA-axis activity monitoring. While uGCs offer the opportunity to study short-term effects, they undergo more pronounced fluctuations, reducing their ability to capture long-term effects. Given the increasing use of urine for biological monitoring, knowledge of this potential limitation is crucial. Where possible, uGCs and fGCs should be monitored in tandem to obtain a comprehensive understanding of short- and long-term drivers of HPA-axis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Christensen
- Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK.
| | - Anna M Bracken
- Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK
| | - M Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | | | - Andrew J King
- Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK
| | - Ines Fürtbauer
- Biosciences, School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, SA2 8PP Swansea, UK
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Fernández-Lázaro G, Dye MH, Eddie C, Ferrie GM. Strepsirrhine Primate Training Programs in North American Institutions: Status and Implications for Future Welfare Assessment. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082462. [PMID: 34438919 PMCID: PMC8388707 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Training techniques are based on operant conditioning learning (the behavior is modified by its consequences). In many nonhuman primate species, they have been used to influence animals to perform specific behaviors voluntarily and cooperate with routine husbandry and veterinary procedures. However, the information regarding the suborder of strepsirrhine primates (lemurs, lorises, and galagos) is scarce. We assessed the development and current status of training programs with these species in North American institutions through an online survey. We collected information related to training program details; animals, behaviors, and techniques; the evaluation process; and the impact of training. Seventy-one organizations completed the survey, with results showing that 97% trained their strepsirrhines with the main objectives of husbandry and veterinary care (around 80%). Sixty-eight percent of organizations did not report any risk in training these species. The benefits reported include increases in positive human–animal interactions, psychological well-being, and staff awareness of animal behaviors, supporting the success of these programs in providing optimal care for these nonhuman primates. However, we need to improve our understanding of the impact of training on the welfare of strepsirrhine primates, and we hope that the data offered in this survey can help in this future assessment. Abstract Many articles have shown the benefits of operant conditioning training techniques in the care and welfare of several species of nonhuman primates; however, the information regarding their use in strepsirrhine species is scarce. We assessed the development and current status of training programs with these species in North American institutions. An online survey was distributed through members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums using a multiple-choice format. We collected information related to training program details; animals, behaviors, and techniques; the evaluation process; and the impact of training. Seventy-one organizations completed the survey, with the results showing that 97% of respondents trained their strepsirrhines with the main objective of husbandry and veterinary care (around 80%). Sixty-eight percent of organizations did not report any risk in training these species. The benefits reported include increases in positive human–animal interactions (97%), psychological well-being (88%), and staff awareness of animal behaviors (90%). However, a multi-dimensional approach to measure the efficacy of training could provide a deeper understanding of its impact on the welfare of strepsirrhine primates. We hope that the data offered in this survey can help in this future assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Fernández-Lázaro
- Animal Welfare Research Group and Friends of Thoreau Program, Franklin Institute, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
- Didactic Department of Experimental, Social and Mathematical Science, Faculty of Education, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Meg H. Dye
- Duke Lemur Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA;
| | - Christie Eddie
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Omaha, NE 68107, USA;
| | - Gina M. Ferrie
- Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA;
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Let's get wild: A review of free-ranging rat assays as context-enriched supplements to traditional laboratory models. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 362:109303. [PMID: 34352335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
More than 24,000 rodent studies are published annually, with the vast majority of these studies focused on genetically undiverse animals in highly-controlled laboratory settings. However, findings from the laboratory have become increasingly unreliable for predicting outcomes in field and clinical settings, leading to a perceived crisis in translational research. One cause of this disparity might be that most human societies, in contrast to laboratory rodents, are genetically diverse and live in super-enriched environments. Methods for importing wild rats into the laboratory, and also exporting laboratory-style chambers into natural environments are not well-known outside their respective disciplines. Therefore, we have reviewed the current status of supplements to the laboratory rodent assay. We progress logically from highly-controlled experiments with natural breeding colonies to purely naturalistic approaches with free-ranging rats. We then highlight a number of approaches that allow genetically-diverse wild rats to be utilized in context-enriched paradigms. While considering the benefits and shortcomings of each available approach, we detail protocols for random sampling, remote-sensing, and deployment of laboratory chambers in the field. As supplements to standardized laboratory trials, some of these assays could offer key insights to help unify outcomes between laboratory and field studies. However, we note several outstanding questions that must be addressed such as: the trade-off between control and context, possible reductions in sample size, ramifications for the 'standardization fallacy', and ethical dilemmas of working with wild animals. Given these challenges, further innovation will be required before supplemental assays can be made broadly-accessible and thus, transferrable across disciplines.
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Wolf TE, De Haast AR, Meyer L, Gerber D, Ganswindt A. Measuring Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations as an Indicator of Stress in Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). AFRICAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3957/056.051.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja E. Wolf
- Mammal Research Institute, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
| | - Adel R. De Haast
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa
| | - Leith Meyer
- Mammal Research Institute, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
| | - David Gerber
- V-Tech (Pty) Ltd, Corner Old Pretoria and Douglas Roads, Midrand, 0182 South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
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Rosenblatt E, DeBow J, Blouin J, Donovan T, Murdoch J, Creel S, Rogers W, Gieder K, Fortin N, Alexander C. Juvenile moose stress and nutrition dynamics related to winter ticks, landscape characteristics, climate-mediated factors and survival. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab048. [PMID: 34249363 PMCID: PMC8266538 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Moose populations in the northeastern United States have declined over the past 15 years, primarily due to the impacts of winter ticks. Research efforts have focused on the effects of winter tick infestation on moose survival and reproduction, but stress and nutritional responses to ticks and other stressors remain understudied. We examined the influence of several environmental factors on moose calf stress hormone metabolite concentrations and nutritional restriction in Vermont, USA. We collected 407 fecal and 461 snow urine samples from 84 radio-collared moose calves in the winters of 2017-2019 (January-April) to measure fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM) concentrations and urea nitrogen:creatinine (UN:C) ratios. We used generalized mixed-effects models to evaluate the influence of individual condition, winter ticks, habitat, climate and human development on stress and nutrition in calf moose. We then used these physiological data to build generalized linear models to predict calf winter survival. Calf fGCM concentrations increased with nutritional restriction and snow depth during adult winter tick engorgement. Calf UN:C ratios increased in calves with lighter weights and higher tick loads in early winter. Calf UN:C ratios also increased in individuals with home ranges composed of little deciduous forests during adult winter tick engorgement. Our predictive models estimated that winter survival was negatively related to UN:C ratios and positively related to fGCM concentrations, particularly in early winter. By late March, as winter ticks are having their greatest toll and endogenous resources become depleted, we estimated a curvilinear relationship between fGCM concentrations and survival. Our results provide novel evidence linking moose calf stress and nutrition, a problematic parasite and challenging environment and winter survival. Our findings provide a baseline to support the development of non-invasive physiological monitoring for assessing environmental impacts on moose populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Rosenblatt
- Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Jacob DeBow
- Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Joshua Blouin
- Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Therese Donovan
- US Geological Survey, Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - James Murdoch
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Scott Creel
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Will Rogers
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | | | - Nick Fortin
- Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Rutland, VT 05701, USA
| | - Cedric Alexander
- Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, USA
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Ibouroi MT, Arnal V, Cheha A, Dhurham SAO, Montgelard C, Besnard A. Noninvasive genetic sampling for flying foxes: a valuable method for monitoring demographic parameters. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Thani Ibouroi
- Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE UMR 5175) EPHE PSL Research University, CNRS University of Montpellier, SupAgro, IRD, INRA Montpellier F‐34293 France
- Sustainable Development Task Force (GIDD) Moroni Hamramba Comores
| | - Véronique Arnal
- Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE UMR 5175) EPHE PSL Research University, CNRS University of Montpellier, SupAgro, IRD, INRA Montpellier F‐34293 France
| | - Ali Cheha
- Sustainable Development Task Force (GIDD) Moroni Hamramba Comores
| | | | - Claudine Montgelard
- Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE UMR 5175) EPHE PSL Research University, CNRS University of Montpellier, SupAgro, IRD, INRA Montpellier F‐34293 France
| | - Aurélien Besnard
- Centre for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE UMR 5175) EPHE PSL Research University, CNRS University of Montpellier, SupAgro, IRD, INRA Montpellier F‐34293 France
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Lavergne SG, Peers MJL, Mastromonaco G, Majchrzak YN, Nair A, Boutin S, Boonstra R. Hair cortisol as a reliable indicator of stress physiology in the snowshoe hare: Influence of body region, sex, season, and predator-prey population dynamics. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 294:113471. [PMID: 32234297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hair cortisol concentration is increasingly used as a convenient, non-invasive, and integrative measure of physiology and health in natural populations of mammals. However, the use of this index is potentially confounded by individual variation in body region-specific differences in cortisol deposition rates. Here we examine correlations in cortisol concentrations in hair collected from the ear, shoulder, and thigh of wild snowshoe hares, Lepus americanus, as well as the influence of sex on cortisol measurements. We further evaluated this technique's ability to capture seasonal and cyclical patterns of snowshoe hare glucocorticoid secretion from 2013 to 2015 in the southwestern Yukon (Canada). We found positive correlations (R2 = 0.20-0.32) in all pairwise comparisons among body regions, and differences among individuals accounted for the greatest proportion of variance (47.3%) in measurements. From 2013 to 2015 the hares' primary predator - Canada lynx - approximately doubled in population abundance. We found a significant increase in hare hair cortisol concentrations across this time period. Cortisol indices were higher in summer than winter pelage, reflecting predicted physiological responses to seasonal variation in food availability and individual risk. Variation in hair cortisol concentrations was more similar to long-term (weeks-months) integrative indices of adrenal capacity than point samples of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations. Overall, we find that hair cortisol analysis is a simple and useful tool for estimations of population-level stress physiology in wild mammals, and sampling of core body regions with consistent moulting patterns produced the most robust results in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia G Lavergne
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Michael J L Peers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Yasmine N Majchrzak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anandu Nair
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stan Boutin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Carrera SC, Sen S, Heistermann M, Lu A, Beehner JC. Low rank and primiparity increase fecal glucocorticoid metabolites across gestation in wild geladas. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 293:113494. [PMID: 32333913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Integrative behavioral ecology requires accurate and non-invasive measures of hormone mediators for the study of wild animal populations. Biologically sensitive assay systems for the measurement of hormones and their metabolites need to be validated for the species and sample medium (e.g. urine, feces, saliva) of interest. Where more than one assay is available for hormone (metabolite) measurement, antibody selection is useful in identifying the assay that tracks changes in an individuaĺs endocrine activity best, i.e., the most biologically sensitive assay. This is particularly important when measuring how glucocorticoids (GCs) respond to the subtle, additive effects of acute stressors during a predictable metabolic challenge, such as gestation. Here, we validate a group-specific enzyme immunoassay, measuring immunoreactive 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone, for use in a wild primate, geladas (Theropithecus gelada). This group-specific assay produced values correlated with those from a previously validated double-antibody, corticosterone 125I radioimmunoassay. However, the results with the group-specific assay showed a stronger response to an ACTH challenge and identified greater variation in gelada immunoreactive fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (iGCMs) compared with the corticosterone assay, indicating a higher biological sensitivity for assessing adrenocortical activity. We then used the group-specific assay to: (1) determine the normative pattern of iGCM levels across gelada gestation, and (2) identify the ecological, social, and individual factors that influence GC output for pregnant females. Using a general additive mixed model, we found that higher iGCM levels were associated with low rank (compared to high rank) and first time mothers (compared to multiparous mothers). This study highlights the importance of assay selection and the efficacy of group-specific assays for hormonal research in non-invasively collected samples. Additionally, in geladas, our results identify some of the factors that increase GC output over and above the already-elevated GC concentrations associated with gestation. In the burgeoning field of maternal stress, these factors can be examined to identify the effects that GC elevations may have on offspring development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia C Carrera
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Sharmi Sen
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Amy Lu
- Department of Anthropology, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jacinta C Beehner
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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14
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Comparison of the Glucocorticoid Concentrations between Three Species of Lemuridae Kept in a Temporary Housing Facility. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10061013. [PMID: 32532091 PMCID: PMC7341240 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We compared the glucocorticoid concentrations in response to various types of potential stressors present during standard operation of a temporary housing facility between three species, namely, ring-tailed lemurs, collared brown lemurs and white-headed lemurs. The levels of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) were measured non-invasively on a daily basis during a 30-day period. A total of 510 faecal samples were collected. Concentrations of immunoreactive glucocorticoid hormone metabolites were measured in the obtained extracts by using an enzyme immunoassay. The polyclonal antibodies used in this assay were directed against the metabolite 11-oxo-etiocholanolone I. We found all three monitored lemur species to respond to specific potentially stressful situations by increasing (p < 0.05) the FGM levels within one to two days after the event. Although housed in the same room, differences in response to potentially stressful situations were found in white-headed lemurs compared to ring-tailed lemurs. Increased mean levels of the FGMs were found more frequently in white-headed lemurs than in ring-tailed lemurs. The results suggest that this species may be more sensitive to changes in its surroundings. In general, the levels of the FGMs showed a similar pattern during 30 days of monitoring suggesting that all groups of lemurs responded in a similar manner to the same events. However, we recorded the differences in the absolute values of glucocorticoid concentrations between the monitored species likely due to the differences in sex ratios in the groups and presence of lactating females in the ring-tailed lemurs.
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15
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Thompson NA, Higham JP, Heistermann M, Vogel E, Cords M. Energy balance but not competitive environment corresponds with allostatic load during development in an Old World monkey. Horm Behav 2020; 119:104664. [PMID: 31899261 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Primates develop slowly relative to their body size, a pattern posited to result from ecological risk aversion. Little is known, however, about how energy balance contributes to allostatic load in juveniles. Using data collected over 8 consecutive months, we examined variation in energy balance (as measured by urinary C-peptide) and how energy balance, life history status, and social competition related to allostatic load (as measured by deviation from baseline fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, dfGCs) in 41 wild juvenile blue monkeys from 3 social groups. Juvenile energy balance was higher among females, older juveniles, when ripe fruit was more available, and when rainfall was lower. Energy balance, but not life history or competitive environments, predicted dfGC concentrations, such that juveniles generally had lower mean dfGCs when they had higher energy balance. An additional exploratory analysis of how dfGCs relate to social strategies revealed that subjects had lower dfGCs when they groomed less, and played more. Time spent grooming interacted with energy balance in predicting dfGC concentrations, so that individuals that groomed more actually had higher dfGCs when they had higher energy balance. Together these results reveal that energetic deficiencies are a true ecological risk factor in blue monkeys, and suggest that navigating the social environment via overt affiliative behavior is potentially both a stress-relieving and stress-inducing endeavor during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Thompson
- Columbia University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, United States of America; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, United States of America.
| | - James P Higham
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, United States of America; New York University, Department of Anthropology, United States of America
| | | | - Erin Vogel
- Rutgers University, Department of Anthropology, United States of America
| | - Marina Cords
- Columbia University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, United States of America; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, United States of America
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16
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Scheun J, Tordiffe ASW, Wimberger K, Ganswindt A. Validating a non-invasive technique for monitoring physiological stress in the samango monkey. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2020; 87:e1-e8. [PMID: 32129637 PMCID: PMC7059245 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v87i1.1720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-invasive monitoring of physiological stress can provide conservation and wildlife managers with an invaluable tool for assessing animal welfare and psychological health of captive and free-ranging populations. A significant decrease in free-ranging primate populations globally and an increase in captive-housed primates have led to a need to monitor the stress and general welfare of these animals. We examined the suitability of three enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring stress-related physiological responses in the samango monkey, Cercopithecus albogularis erythrarchus. We conducted an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge on a male and female at the National Zoological Garden, Pretoria, South Africa. Individual faecal samples were collected 8 days pre- and post-ACTH administration and subsequently analysed for faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations. During the study, biological stressors occurred for both the male and female. Two of the three EIAs tested (11-oxoetiocholanolone I and II) were able to reliably monitor fGCM alterations throughout the study period in both sexes. The 11-oxoetiocholanolone I EIA, however, had the lowest mean deviation from the calculated baseline value and was thus chosen as the preferred assay. Both the physiological activation of the stress response and the biological response to a stressor could be monitored with the chosen assay. The successful establishment of a reliable, non-invasive method for monitoring adrenocortical activity in C. albogularis erythrarchus will now allow conservationists, scientific researchers and wildlife managers to evaluate the level of stress experienced, and general welfare, by animals in captivity as well as free-ranging populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Scheun
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa; and, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Endocrine Research Laboratory, Mammal Research Institute, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
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17
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Webb CE, Woodford P, Huchard E. Animal Ethics and Behavioral Science: An Overdue Discussion. Bioscience 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Animal ethics—the field of philosophy concerned with the moral status of animals—is experiencing a momentum unprecedented in its history. Surprisingly, animal behavior science remains on the sidelines, despite producing critical evidence on which many arguments in animal ethics rest. In the present article, we explore the origins of the divide between animal behavior science and animal ethics before considering whether behavioral scientists should concern themselves with it. We finally envision tangible steps that could be taken to bridge the gap, encouraging scientists to be aware of, and to more actively engage with, an ethical revolution that is partly fueled by the evidence they generate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Webb
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Elise Huchard
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, France
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18
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Poirotte C, Kappeler PM. Hygienic personalities in wild grey mouse lemurs vary adaptively with sex. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20190863. [PMID: 31387505 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Detecting the risk of infection and minimizing parasite exposure represent the first lines of host defence against parasites. Individuals differ in the expression of these behavioural defences, but causes of such variation have received little empirical attention. We therefore experimentally investigated the effects of several individual and environmental factors on the expression level of faecal avoidance in the context of feeding, drinking, sleeping and defecating in a wild primate population. We found a strong sex bias in the expression level of anti-parasite behaviours of grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus), with only females strongly avoiding contaminated food, water and nests, and exhibiting selective defecation. Our results further suggest that individuals adapted their protective behaviours according to variation in intrinsic and ecological factors that may influence the cost-benefit balance of behavioural defences. Overall, individuals exhibited high consistency of investment in protective behaviours across behavioural contexts and time, suggesting that grey mouse lemurs exhibit different hygienic personalities. Finally, the global hygienic score was negatively correlated with faecal-orally transmitted parasite richness, suggesting that variation in behavioural defence has fitness consequences. We suggest that integrating inter-individual variation in behavioural defences in epidemiological studies should improve our ability to model disease spread within populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Poirotte
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter M Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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19
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Scheun J, Greeff D, Medger K, Ganswindt A. Validating the use of dermal secretion as a matrix for monitoring glucocorticoid concentrations in African amphibian species. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz022. [PMID: 31110770 PMCID: PMC6521680 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The complex interaction between factors leading to amphibian declines is responsible for the inability to develop robust, standardized conservation action plans. Monitoring physiological stress responses in amphibians may provide an ideal tool to assist conservationists in this regard. This study aimed to validate dermal secretions as a robust matrix for monitoring glucocorticoid alterations in an African amphibian, the edible bullfrog (Pyxicephalus edulis). Both a biological (handling) and physiological (ACTH challenge) validation were conducted to determine which of five available enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) tested is most suited for monitoring alterations in dermal glucocorticoid (dGC) concentrations. Additionally, the most optimal body region for monitoring dGC concentrations in P. edulis was identified. To confirm the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis following ACTH administration, urinary glucocorticoid metabolites (uGCM) were also quantified. The tested corticosterone EIA was the only assay able to monitor alterations in dGC concentrations following the handling event in P. edulis. Further validation during the ACTH challenge supported the corticosterone EIA in this regard. Dermal secretions collected from both the ventral and dorsal regions were suitable for monitoring dGC concentrations in both sexes. A considerable increase in uGCM concentrations following ACTH administration was found, suggesting that the dGC concentrations observed were derived from the HPI axis. This study offers further support for the use of dermal secretions as an important matrix for monitoring physiological stress, and thus general health, in amphibian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Scheun
- Research & Scientific Services Department, National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Dominique Greeff
- Research & Scientific Services Department, National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Katarina Medger
- Research & Scientific Services Department, National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Research & Scientific Services Department, National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
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20
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The effects of transport stress on the behaviour and adrenocortical activity of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). ACTA VET BRNO 2019. [DOI: 10.2754/avb201988010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess behavioural and glucocorticoid changes in black-and-white ruffed lemur females transported for breeding purposes between Czech ZOOs. The frequency of the presented behaviour elements was recorded via direct observation. The faecal samples were collected from the floor and subsequently the faecal glucocorticoid values were determined using specifically designed assays for faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) analysis. While the frequency of certain comfort behaviour patterns decreased (P < 0.05) in response to transport and change of the environment, grooming, resting, sleeping as well as playful behaviour (chasing, climbing) were not affected (P > 0.05). No changes were found in the frequency of behaviour connected to metabolic events with the exception of defecation. Lemur females defecated more frequently (P < 0.05) in their new environment. The frequency of neither fear nor exploratory behaviour differed (P > 0.05) before and after transport. The positive effect of the novelty was shown by the reduction (P < 0.01) of behavioural signs of frustration and stereotypical behaviour after transport. In response to transport, a significant (P < 0.05) increase of FGM levels was found the second day after the transport, reaching peak levels in the morning and starting to decline to baseline levels in the afternoon. The results of both behaviour and adrenocortical activity analysis suggest that despite some presented changes in the monitored indices prior and after transport, the transportation under the studied conditions presented only a mild stressor with limited behavioural and glucocorticoid responses.
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21
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Chen D, Yu J, Zhang Z, Su X, Li L, Li L. Controlling Preanalytical Process in High-Coverage Quantitative Metabolomics: Spot-Sample Collection for Mouse Urine and Fecal Metabolome Profiling. Anal Chem 2019; 91:4958-4963. [PMID: 30900868 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Deying Chen
- State Key Laboratory and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jiong Yu
- State Key Laboratory and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Zhehua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaoling Su
- State Key Laboratory and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Liang Li
- State Key Laboratory and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
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22
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Thompson NA, Higham JP, Heistermann M, Vogel E, Cords M. Energy balance but not competitive environment corresponds with allostatic load during development in an Old World monkey. Horm Behav 2019; 108:30-41. [PMID: 30597140 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primates develop slowly relative to their body size, a pattern posited to result from ecological risk aversion. Little is known, however, about how energy balance contributes to allostatic load in juveniles. Using data collected over 8 consecutive months, we examined variation in energy balance (as measured by urinary C-peptide) and how energy balance, life history status, and social competition related to allostatic load (as measured by deviation from baseline fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, dfGCs) in 41 wild juvenile blue monkeys from 3 social groups. Juvenile energy balance was higher among females, when ripe fruit was more available, and when rainfall was lower. Energy balance, but not life history or competitive environments, predicted dfGC concentrations, such that juveniles generally had lower mean dfGCs when they had higher energy balance. An additional exploratory analysis of how dfGCs relate to social strategies revealed that subjects had lower dfGCs when they groomed less, and played more. Time spent grooming interacted with energy balance in predicting dfGC concentrations, so that individuals that groomed more actually had higher dfGCs when they had higher energy balance. Together these results reveal that energetic deficiencies are a true ecological risk factor in blue monkeys, and suggest that navigating the social environment via overt affiliative behavior is potentially both a stress-relieving and stress-inducing endeavor during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Thompson
- Columbia University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, United States of America; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, United States of America.
| | - James P Higham
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, United States of America; New York University, Department of Anthropology, United States of America
| | | | - Erin Vogel
- Rutgers University, Department of Anthropology, United States of America
| | - Marina Cords
- Columbia University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, United States of America; New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, United States of America
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23
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Fischer CP, Romero LM. Chronic captivity stress in wild animals is highly species-specific. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz093. [PMID: 31824674 PMCID: PMC6892464 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Wild animals are brought into captivity for many reasons-conservation, research, agriculture and the exotic pet trade. While the physical needs of animals are met in captivity, the conditions of confinement and exposure to humans can result in physiological stress. The stress response consists of the suite of hormonal and physiological reactions to help an animal survive potentially harmful stimuli. The adrenomedullary response results in increased heart rate and muscle tone (among other effects); elevated glucocorticoid (GC) hormones help to direct resources towards immediate survival. While these responses are adaptive, overexposure to stress can cause physiological problems, such as weight loss, changes to the immune system and decreased reproductive capacity. Many people who work with wild animals in captivity assume that they will eventually adjust to their new circumstances. However, captivity may have long-term or permanent impacts on physiology if the stress response is chronically activated. We reviewed the literature on the effects of introduction to captivity in wild-caught individuals on the physiological systems impacted by stress, particularly weight changes, GC regulation, adrenomedullary regulation and the immune and reproductive systems. This paper did not review studies on captive-born animals. Adjustment to captivity has been reported for some physiological systems in some species. However, for many species, permanent alterations to physiology may occur with captivity. For example, captive animals may have elevated GCs and/or reduced reproductive capacity compared to free-living animals even after months in captivity. Full adjustment to captivity may occur only in some species, and may be dependent on time of year or other variables. We discuss some of the methods that can be used to reduce chronic captivity stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L Michael Romero
- Department of Biology, 200 College Ave. Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155 USA
- Corresponding author: Department of Biology, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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24
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Hernández MC, Navarro-Castilla Á, Planillo A, Sánchez-González B, Barja I. The landscape of fear: Why some free-ranging rodents choose repeated live-trapping over predation risk and how it is associated with the physiological stress response. Behav Processes 2018; 157:125-132. [PMID: 30266620 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Live trapping is an essential element of field ecological studies. However, the act of trapping provides two types of conditional benefits (food from the bait when hungry, and refuge from a predator when threatened) against one type of drawback (confinement). Our understanding of how animals assess the two benefits against the lone risk determines how we interpret classic field studies in chemical ecology and wildlife management. Here, we studied wood mice responses to these risks and rewards of field trapping by examining experience through recapture and faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCM) as a physiological response indicator. Wood mice were live-trapped in two different plots subjected to two distinct phases: phase 1, absence of predator cues, and phase 2, in which traps were treated with red fox faeces. During phase 1, the recapture percentage was lower indicating that mice avoided traps while FCM levels in recaptured mice were higher. On the contrary, during phase 2, despite the total number of captures was lower we found an increase in the recapture percentage and FCM levels did not increase in recaptured mice. Our results suggest that under increased risk perception traps could be likely considered as a suitable shelter and thus, for some individuals the benefits of traps may outweigh their risks. In addition, we discovered that the effects of combining two stressors do not result in the addition of the response originated by each factor separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Hernández
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin 2, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Á Navarro-Castilla
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin 2, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Planillo
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG), Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain; Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - B Sánchez-González
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin 2, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - I Barja
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin 2, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Sepp T, Desaivre S, Lendvai AZ, Németh J, McGraw KJ, Giraudeau M. Feather corticosterone levels are not correlated with health or plumage coloration in juvenile house finches. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tuul Sepp
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Vanemuise, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Steve Desaivre
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Adam Z Lendvai
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - József Németh
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem, Hungary
| | - Kevin J McGraw
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Mathieu Giraudeau
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
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Cornils JS, Hoelzl F, Huber N, Zink R, Gerritsmann H, Bieber C, Schwarzenberger F, Ruf T. The insensitive dormouse: reproduction skipping is not caused by chronic stress in Glis glis. J Exp Biol 2018; 221:jeb.183558. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.183558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Entire populations of edible dormice (Glis glis) can skip reproduction in years without mast seeding of deciduous trees (particularly beech or oak seed), because juveniles require high caloric seeds for growth and fattening prior to hibernation. We hypothesized that, in mast failure years, female dormice may be forced to spend larger amounts of time foraging for low-quality food, which should increase their exposure to predators, mainly owls. This may lead to chronic stress, i.e., long-term increased secretion of Glucocorticoids (GC), which can have inhibitory effects on reproductive function in both female and male mammals. We monitored reproduction in free-living female dormice over three years with varying levels of food availability, and performed a supplemental feeding experiment. To measure stress hormone levels, we determined fecal GC metabolite (GCM) concentrations collected during the day, which reflect hormone secretion rates in the previous nocturnal activity phase. We found that year-to-year differences in beech mast significantly affected fecal GCM levels and reproduction. However, contrary to our hypothesis, GCM levels were lowest in a non-mast year without reproduction, and significantly elevated in full-mast and intermediate years, as well as under supplemental feeding. Variation in owl density in our study area had no influence on GCM levels. Consequently, we conclude that down-regulation of gonads and reproduction skipping in mast-failure years in this species is not caused by chronic stress. Thus, in edible dormice, delayed reproduction apparently is profitable in response to the absence of energy-rich food in non-mast years, but not in response to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Cornils
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Hoelzl
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Huber
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Zink
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanno Gerritsmann
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Bieber
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Schwarzenberger
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Ruf
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
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Rakotoniaina JH, Kappeler PM, Kaesler E, Hämäläinen AM, Kirschbaum C, Kraus C. Hair cortisol concentrations correlate negatively with survival in a wild primate population. BMC Ecol 2017; 17:30. [PMID: 28859635 PMCID: PMC5579956 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-017-0140-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glucocorticoid hormones are known to play a key role in mediating a cascade of physiological responses to social and ecological stressors and can therefore influence animals’ behaviour and ultimately fitness. Yet, how glucocorticoid levels are associated with reproductive success or survival in a natural setting has received little empirical attention so far. Here, we examined links between survival and levels of glucocorticoid in a small, short-lived primate, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), using for the first time an indicator of long-term stress load (hair cortisol concentration). Using a capture-mark-recapture modelling approach, we assessed the effect of stress on survival in a broad context (semi-annual rates), but also under a specific period of high energetic demands during the reproductive season. We further assessed the power of other commonly used health indicators (body condition and parasitism) in predicting survival outcomes relative to the effect of long-term stress. Results We found that high levels of hair cortisol were associated with reduced survival probabilities both at the semi-annual scale and over the reproductive season. Additionally, very good body condition (measured as scaled mass index) was related to increased survival at the semi-annual scale, but not during the breeding season. In contrast, variation in parasitism failed to predict survival. Conclusion Altogether, our results indicate that long-term increased glucocorticoid levels can be related to survival and hence population dynamics, and suggest differential strength of selection acting on glucocorticoids, body condition, and parasite infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12898-017-0140-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué H Rakotoniaina
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077, Göttingen, Germany. .,Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Peter M Kappeler
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eva Kaesler
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anni M Hämäläinen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Psychology, TU Dresden, Andreas-Schubert-Bau, Zellescher Weg 19, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kraus
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
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28
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Chen H, Yao H, Yang W, Fan P, Xiang Z. Assessing the utility of urinary and fecal cortisol as an indicator of stress in golden snub-nosed monkeys ( Rhinopithecus roxellana). PeerJ 2017; 5:e3648. [PMID: 28852589 PMCID: PMC5572531 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortisol concentration (CC) is often used as a stress indicator in animals, as high CC is associated with elevated stress levels. During field research, non-invasive methods of measuring CC, such as collection of urine and feces, are superior to using blood samples when monitoring free-ranging animals’ stress levels. However, due to different metabolic pathways, whether CC can be detected in urine and feces to reliably assess stress varies across species. Therefore, it is important to ascertain whether urine and fecal samples are a reliable source for determining CCs and to determine a suitable sampling regime. In this study, we subjected three captive adult golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) to a high-stress situation (capture and injection). Urine and feces were collected for four days before and for four days after the manipulations for laboratory analysis. Immunoreactive CC was detected with a commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit and showed distinct rises. Peak CC values in urine were detected within 5 h, while peak fecal CC ranged between 5 and 24 hours post-interference. These results provide evidence that CC in urine and feces can be used to assess stress levels in the golden snub-nosed monkey. The optimal time frame to collect urinary and fecal samples for CC analysis is within one day of a potential stressful event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haochun Chen
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Biology, Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China.,College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Yao
- Key Lab of Conservation Biology for Shennongjia Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, Hubei Province, Shennongjia Forest District, China
| | - Wanji Yang
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Biology, Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Penglai Fan
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Biology, Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zuofu Xiang
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Biology, Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China.,College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
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29
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Mausbach J, Braga Goncalves I, Heistermann M, Ganswindt A, Manser MB. Meerkat close calling patterns are linked to sex, social category, season and wind, but not fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175371. [PMID: 28467419 PMCID: PMC5414979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that animal vocalizations can encode information regarding a sender's identity, sex, age, body size, social rank and group membership. However, the association between physiological parameters, particularly stress hormone levels, and vocal behavior is still not well understood. The cooperatively breeding African meerkats (Suricata suricatta) live in family groups with despotic social hierarchies. During foraging, individuals emit close calls that help maintain group cohesion. These contact calls are acoustically distinctive and variable in rate across individuals, yet, information on which factors influence close calling behavior is missing. The aim of this study was to identify proximate factors that influence variation in call rate and acoustic structure of meerkat close calls. Specifically, we investigated whether close calling behavior is associated with sex, age and rank, or stress hormone output (i.e., measured as fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations) as individual traits of the caller, as well as with environmental conditions (weather) and reproductive seasonality. To disentangle the effects of these factors on vocal behavior, we analyzed sound recordings and assessed fGCM concentrations in 64 wild but habituated meerkats from 9 groups during the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. Dominant females and one-year old males called at significantly higher rates compared to other social categories during the reproductive season. Additionally, dominant females produced close calls with the lowest mean fundamental frequencies (F0) and the longest mean pulse durations. Windy conditions were associated with significantly higher call rates during the non-reproductive season. Fecal GCM concentrations were unrelated to close calling behavior. Our findings suggest that meerkat close calling behavior conveys information regarding the sex and social category of the caller, but shows no association with fGCM concentrations. The change in call rate in response to variation in the social and ecological environments individuals experience indicates some degree of flexibility in vocal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Mausbach
- Animal Behaviour, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Kalahari Meerkat Project, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, South Africa
| | - Ines Braga Goncalves
- Animal Behaviour, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Kalahari Meerkat Project, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, South Africa
| | | | - André Ganswindt
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Dept. of Anatomy & Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Marta B. Manser
- Animal Behaviour, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Kalahari Meerkat Project, Kuruman River Reserve, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
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30
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Beehner JC, Bergman TJ. The next step for stress research in primates: To identify relationships between glucocorticoid secretion and fitness. Horm Behav 2017; 91:68-83. [PMID: 28284709 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are hormones that mediate the energetic demands that accompany environmental challenges. It is therefore not surprising that these metabolic hormones have come to dominate endocrine research on the health and fitness of wild populations. Yet, several problems have been identified in the vertebrate research that also apply to the non-human primate research. First, glucocorticoids should not be used as a proxy for fitness (unless a link has previously been established between glucocorticoids and fitness for a particular population). Second, stress research in behavioral ecology has been overly focused on "chronic stress" despite little evidence that chronic stress hampers fitness in wild animals. Third, research effort has been disproportionately focused on the causes of glucocorticoid variation rather than the fitness consequences. With these problems in mind, we have three objectives for this review. We describe the conceptual framework behind the "stress concept", emphasizing that high glucocorticoids do not necessarily indicate a stress response, and that a stress response does not necessarily indicate an animal is in poor health. Then, we conduct a comprehensive review of all studies on "stress" in wild primates, including any study that examined environmental factors, the stress response, and/or fitness (or proxies for fitness). Remarkably, not a single primate study establishes a connection between all three. Finally, we provide several recommendations for future research in the field of primate behavioral endocrinology, primarily the need to move beyond identifying the factors that cause glucocorticoid secretion to additionally focus on the relationship between glucocorticoids and fitness. We believe that this is an important next step for research on stress physiology in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta C Beehner
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Thore J Bergman
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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31
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Sikes RS, Bryan JA. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Considerations for the Use of Wildlife in Research and Education. ILAR J 2016; 56:335-41. [PMID: 26912719 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilv071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethical and effective oversight of the use of wildlife species in research and education requires consideration of issues and methods not relevant to work with traditional laboratory or domesticated animals, just as the effective oversight of biomedical research requires consideration of issues and methods not germane to wildlife research. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees or other institutional review committees can meet their responsibilities in these disparate types of animal activities only by using resources tailored to the animals and situations encountered. Here we review the issues and the resources that facilitate effective oversight of such activities in the wildlife research arena available to researchers, institutional review committees, regulatory bodies, and accrediting bodies. Issues covered include an understanding of the fundamental differences between wildlife research and biomedical research; the profound differences between wildlife species and traditional laboratory subjects, most of which are domesticated animals; and the unique issues presented when the research subjects are members of wild populations and communities. We review the resources available for effective oversight of wildlife projects and emphasize that competent oversight of wildlife research demands the use of appropriate resources. These resources include guidelines designed for the use of wild species (taxon-specific guidelines) and protocol forms tailored for the species and situations encountered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Sikes
- Robert Sikes, PhD, is Director of the Basic Animal Services Unit and Professor of Biology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas, and Chair of the Animal Care Committee of the American Society of Mammalogists. John Bryan, DVM, is a public service assistant and wildlife veterinarian at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia. He is also a member of the American Society of Mammalogists Animal Care Committee
| | - John A Bryan
- Robert Sikes, PhD, is Director of the Basic Animal Services Unit and Professor of Biology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas, and Chair of the Animal Care Committee of the American Society of Mammalogists. John Bryan, DVM, is a public service assistant and wildlife veterinarian at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia. He is also a member of the American Society of Mammalogists Animal Care Committee
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32
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Carlsson AM, Mastromonaco G, Vandervalk E, Kutz S. Parasites, stress and reindeer: infection with abomasal nematodes is not associated with elevated glucocorticoid levels in hair or faeces. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cow058. [PMID: 27957334 PMCID: PMC5147723 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Stress hormones (glucocorticoids), incorporated into hair/fur and faeces, have been proposed as biomarkers of overall health in wildlife. Although such biomarkers may be helpful for wildlife conservation and management, their use has rarely been validated. There is a paucity of studies examining the variation of stress hormones in mammals and how they relate to other health measures, such as parasitism. Parasites are ubiquitous in wildlife and can influence the fitness of individual animals and populations. Through a longitudinal experiment using captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), we tested whether animals infected with Ostertagia gruehneri, a gastrointestinal nematode with negative impacts on fitness of the host, had higher stress levels compared with those that had been treated to remove infection. Faecal samples were collected weekly for 12 weeks (June-September) and hair was collected at the start and end of the study; glucocorticoids were quantified using enzyme immunoassays. Contrary to what was expected, infected reindeer had similar levels of cortisol in hair and slightly lower glucocorticoid metabolites in faeces compared with uninfected reindeer. Faecal corticosterone levels were higher than faecal cortisol levels, and only corticosterone increased significantly after a handling event. These results suggest that reindeer may use a tolerance strategy to cope with gastrointestinal nematodes and raise the question as to whether moderate infection intensities with nematodes are beneficial to the host. By removing nematodes we may have altered the gut microbiota, leading to the observed elevated faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in the treated reindeer. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering both cortisol and corticosterone in physiological studies, as there is mounting evidence that they may have different functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Carlsson
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4Z6
| | - G. Mastromonaco
- Reproductive Physiology Unit, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario,CanadaM1B 5K7
| | - E. Vandervalk
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 4Z6
| | - S. Kutz
- Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre Alberta, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N4Z6, Canada
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33
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Short-term effects of tagging on activity and movement patterns of Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-1051-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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34
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Higham JP. Field endocrinology of nonhuman primates: past, present, and future. Horm Behav 2016; 84:145-55. [PMID: 27469069 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, research on nonhuman primate endocrinology has moved from the lab to the field, leading to a huge increase in both the breadth and depth of primate field studies. Here, I discuss the past, present, and future of primate field endocrinology. I review the history of the field, and go on to discuss methodological developments and the issues that they sometimes entail. Next, I consider ways in which we might conceptualize the role of hormones, and focus on the need to distinguish proximate from ultimate levels of explanation. Current potentially problematic issues in the field include: 1) an inability to obtain noninvasive measurements of Central Nervous System (CNS) rather than peripheral hormone concentrations; 2) research questions that become stuck (e.g., questions regarding sexual swelling expression mechanisms); 3) data dredging and post-hoc linking of hormones to any plausible variable, leading to a lack of clarity on their role in animal ecology and behavior. I finish by discussing several unanswered questions that might benefit from further research. These are how we might: 1) best obtain measurements for CNS hormone concentrations non-invasively; 2) measure hormone receptor expression alongside hormone concentrations; 3) consider the human endocrinology literature more thoroughly and perhaps take more multimarker approaches; 4) better consider the social environment, including audience and dyadic familiarity effects; and 5) apply our findings to conservation issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Higham
- Dept. of Anthropology, New York University, 25 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003.
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35
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Dantzer B, Santicchia F, van Kesteren F, Palme R, Martinoli A, Wauters LA. Measurement of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris): effects of captivity, sex, reproductive condition, and season. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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36
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Dantzer B, Westrick SE, van Kesteren F. Relationships between Endocrine Traits and Life Histories in Wild Animals: Insights, Problems, and Potential Pitfalls. Integr Comp Biol 2016; 56:185-97. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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37
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Nowak K, Richards SA, le Roux A, Hill RA. Influence of live-capture on risk perceptions of habituated samango monkeys. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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38
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Braga Goncalves I, Heistermann M, Santema P, Dantzer B, Mausbach J, Ganswindt A, Manser MB. Validation of a Fecal Glucocorticoid Assay to Assess Adrenocortical Activity in Meerkats Using Physiological and Biological Stimuli. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153161. [PMID: 27077741 PMCID: PMC4831846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, glucocorticoid (i.e. GC) levels have been associated with specific life-history stages and transitions, reproductive strategies, and a plethora of behaviors. Assessment of adrenocortical activity via measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in feces (FGCM) has greatly facilitated data collection from wild animals, due to its non-invasive nature, and thus has become an established tool in behavioral ecology and conservation biology. The aim of our study was to validate a fecal glucocorticoid assay for assessing adrenocortical activity in meerkats (Suricata suricatta), by comparing the suitability of three GC enzyme immunoassays (corticosterone, 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone and 11oxo-etiocholanolone) in detecting FGCM increases in adult males and females following a pharmacological challenge with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and biological stimuli. In addition, we investigated the time course characterizing FGCM excretion, the effect of age, sex and time of day on FGCM levels and assessed the potential effects of soil contamination (sand) on FGCM patterns. Our results show that the group specific 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone assay was most sensitive to FGCM alterations, detecting significant and most distinctive elevations in FGCM levels around 25 h after ACTH administration. We found no age and sex differences in basal FGCM or on peak response levels to ACTH, but a marked diurnal pattern, with FGCM levels being substantially higher in the morning than later during the day. Soil contamination did not significantly affect FGCM patterns. Our results emphasize the importance of conducting assay validations to characterize species-specific endocrine excretion patterns, a crucial step to all animal endocrinology studies using a non-invasive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Braga Goncalves
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Animal Behaviour, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Santema
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jelena Mausbach
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Animal Behaviour, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Marta B. Manser
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Animal Behaviour, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
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Carroll G, Turner E, Dann P, Harcourt R. Prior exposure to capture heightens the corticosterone and behavioural responses of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) to acute stress. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cov061. [PMID: 27293742 PMCID: PMC4732403 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Studies of physiology can provide important insight into how animals are coping with challenges in their environment and can signal the potential effects of exposure to human activity in both the short and long term. In this study, we measured the physiological and behavioural response of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) that were naïve to human activity over 30 min of capture and handling. We assessed relationships between corticosterone secretion, behaviour, sex and time of day in order to characterize the determinants of the natural stress response. We then compared the response of these naïve penguins with the responses of female little penguins that had been exposed to research activity (bimonthly nest check and weighing) and to both research activity (monthly nest check and weighing) and evening viewing by tourists. We found that corticosterone concentrations increased significantly over 30 min of capture, with naïve penguins demonstrating a more acute stress response during the day than at night. Penguins that had previously been exposed to handling at the research and research/visitor sites showed elevated corticosterone concentrations and consistently more aggressive behaviour after 30 min compared with naïve birds, although there were no significant differences in baseline corticosterone concentrations. Our findings demonstrate that these little penguins have not habituated to routine capture, but rather mount a heightened physiological and behavioural response to handling by humans. Less invasive research monitoring techniques, such as individual identification with PIT tags and automatic recording and weighing, and a reduction in handling during the day should be considered to mitigate some of the potentially negative effects of disturbance. Given the paucity of data on the long-term consequences of heightened stress on animal physiology, our study highlights the need for further investigation of the relationship between the corticosterone stress response and fitness outcomes, such as breeding success and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Carroll
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Emma Turner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, PO Box 97, Cowes, Phillip Island, VIC 3922, Australia
| | - Rob Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Marty PR, van Noordwijk MA, Heistermann M, Willems EP, Dunkel LP, Cadilek M, Agil M, Weingrill T. Endocrinological correlates of male bimaturism in wild Bornean orangutans. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:1170-8. [PMID: 26235914 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Among primates, orangutans are unique in having pronounced male bimaturism leading to two fully adult morphs that differ in both physical appearance and behavior. While unflanged males have a female-like appearance, flanged males have the full suite of secondary sexual characteristics, including cheek flanges and a large throat sac. So far, hormonal correlates of arrested development in unflanged males and the expression of secondary sexual characteristics in flanged males have only been studied in zoo-housed individuals. In this study, we investigated fecal androgen and glucocorticoid metabolites as hormonal correlates of male bimaturism in 17 wild adult Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. We predicted and found higher androgen levels in flanged males compared to unflanged males, probably due to ongoing strong competition among flanged males who meet too infrequently to establish a clear linear dominance hierarchy. Furthermore, we found no difference in fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations between flanged and unflanged males, indicating that social stress is unlikely to explain arrested development in unflanged wild orangutans. The only actively developing male in our study showed significantly higher androgen levels during the period of development than later as a fully flanged male. This supports earlier findings from zoo studies that elevated androgen levels are associated with the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal R Marty
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Switzerland.,Junior Research Group Sexual Selection in Primates, German Primate Centre, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Erik P Willems
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lynda P Dunkel
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Cadilek
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agriculture University, Indonesia
| | - Tony Weingrill
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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Lapointe MA, Bauer CM, Ebensperger LA, Reed JM, Romero LM. Livetrapping is not biased by the endocrine stress response: a preliminary study in the degu (Octodon degus). J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Hämäläinen A, Heistermann M, Kraus C. The stress of growing old: sex- and season-specific effects of age on allostatic load in wild grey mouse lemurs. Oecologia 2015; 178:1063-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3297-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Barelli C, Rovero F, Hodges K, Araldi A, Heistermann M. Physiological stress levels in the endemic and endangered Udzungwa red colobus vary with elevation. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2015.1021163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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44
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Losing grip: Senescent decline in physical strength in a small-bodied primate in captivity and in the wild. Exp Gerontol 2015; 61:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Balestri M, Barresi M, Campera M, Serra V, Ramanamanjato JB, Heistermann M, Donati G. Habitat degradation and seasonality affect physiological stress levels of Eulemur collaris in littoral forest fragments. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107698. [PMID: 25229944 PMCID: PMC4168001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The littoral forest on sandy soil is among the most threatened habitats in Madagascar and, as such, it represents a hot-spot within a conservation hot-spot. Assessing the health of the resident lemur fauna is not only critical for the long-term viability of these populations, but also necessary for the future re-habilitation of this unique habitat. Since the Endangered collared brown lemur, Eulemur collaris, is the largest seed disperser of the Malagasy south-eastern littoral forest its survival in this habitat is crucial. In this study we compared fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels, a measure of physiological stress and potential early indicator of population health, between groups of collared brown lemurs living in a degraded forest fragment and groups occurring in a more preserved area. For this, we analysed 279 fecal samples collected year-round from 4 groups of collared brown lemurs using a validated 11-oxoetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay and tested if fGCM levels were influenced by reproductive stages, phenological seasons, sex, and habitat degradation. The lemurs living in the degraded forest had significantly higher fGCM levels than those living in the more preserved area. In particular, the highest fGCM levels were found during the mating season in all animals and in females during gestation in the degraded forest. Since mating and gestation are both occurring during the lean season in the littoral forest, these results likely reflect a combination of ecological and reproductive pressures. Our findings provide a clear indication that habitat degradation has additive effects to the challenges found in the natural habitat. Since increased stress hormone output may have long-term negative effects on population health and reproduction, our data emphasize the need for and may add to the development of effective conservation plans for the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Balestri
- Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Barresi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Campera
- Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Donati
- Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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