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Martínez L, de Andrés PJ, Caperos JM, Silván G, Fernández-Morán J, Casares M, Crespo B, Vélez D, Sanz L, Cáceres S, Illera JC. Predicting Sex in White Rhinoceroses: A Statistical Model for Conservation Management. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2583. [PMID: 37627374 PMCID: PMC10451157 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ensuring the effective management of every rhinoceros population is crucial for securing a future for the species, especially considering the escalating global threat of poaching and the challenges faced in captive breeding programs for this endangered species. Steroid hormones play pivotal roles in regulating diverse biological processes, making fecal hormonal determinations a valuable non-invasive tool for monitoring adrenal and gonadal endocrinologies and assessing reproductive status, particularly in endangered species. The purpose of this study was to develop a statistical model for predicting the sex of white rhinoceroses using hormonal determinations obtained from a single fecal sample. To achieve this, 562 fecal samples from 15 individuals of the Ceratotherium simum species were collected, and enzyme immunoassays were conducted to determine the concentrations of fecal cortisol, progesterone, estrone, and testosterone metabolites. The biological validation of the method provided an impressive accuracy rate of nearly 80% in predicting the sex of hypothetically unknown white rhinoceroses. Implementing this statistical model for sex identification in white rhinoceroses would yield significant benefits, including a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of wild populations. Additionally, it would enhance conservation management efforts aimed at protecting this endangered species. By utilizing this innovative approach, we can contribute to the preservation and long-term survival of white rhinoceros populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Martínez
- Department of Animal Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Jimena de Andrés
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Caperos
- Clinical Psychology Unit (UNINPSI), Department of Psychology, Comillas Pontifical University, Calle Mateo Inurria 37, 28036 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Silván
- Department of Animal Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Miguel Casares
- Bioparc Valencia, Avenida Pio Baroja 3, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Crespo
- Department of Animal Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Vélez
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, Faculty of Mathematics, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Sanz
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, Faculty of Mathematics, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Cáceres
- Department of Animal Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Illera
- Department of Animal Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Troup G, Heinsohn R, King LE, Edwards KL. Exploring seasonal variation in the faecal glucocorticoid concentrations of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) living in a drought-prone, anthropogenic landscape. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/wr21003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Santamaria F, Schlagloth R, Palme R, Henning J. Over Time Decay of Cortisol Metabolites in Faecal Pellets of Koalas in Central Queensland. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123376. [PMID: 34944153 PMCID: PMC8698095 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123376] [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: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) are a useful, non-invasive tool for the assessment of stress in koalas. However, FCM stability after defecation is a critical issue. Therefore, we exposed faecal pellets of koalas to three different environmental conditions and measured FCMs with three recently evaluated enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Because water loss over time exerted the greatest influence on FCMs, we strongly recommend collecting freshly defecated pellets in koalas. Abstract Faecal material can be a valuable source of information for a range of animal health aspects and can be used to measure faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs). FCM values can relate to physiological stress responses. However, freshly defecated pellets are not always available and environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, might affect faecal pellet consistency and FCM levels. Therefore, the impact of environmental conditions on FCMs needs to be evaluated. We collected 107 pellets from two female and two male koalas, exposed them to three types of treatments, and analysed FCMs in these samples with three enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). After analysis, the original FCM values were mathematically corrected for water loss. Results show that the FCMs were more stable when measured using tetrahydrocorticosterone (50c) and 5α-pregnane-3β,11β,21-triol-20-one (37e) EIAs, and were less stable when measured with the cortisol EIA. With 50c, the FCM values did not vary significantly over time either before or after the adjustment with water in the environment treatment group. For samples kept under constant low (25 °C) and high (35 °C) temperatures, the 50c FCM values did not vary significantly over time, after adjustments were made for water loss. Thus, this study highlights the importance of considering the suitability of faecal field samples for FCM analysis. Because water loss was the main driver of FCM changes, we strongly recommend collecting koala pellets that are freshly defecated, despite the effort and time it might take to collect such pellets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Santamaria
- Koala Research-Central Queensland and Flora, Fauna and Freshwater Research, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Rolf Schlagloth
- Koala Research-Central Queensland and Flora, Fauna and Freshwater Research, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia;
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Joerg Henning
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
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Non-Invasive Determination of Annual Fecal Cortisol, Androstenedione, and Testosterone Variations in a Herd of Male Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus) and Their Relation to Some Climatic Variables. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092723. [PMID: 34573690 PMCID: PMC8467623 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Studies of physiology, animal welfare, and behavior in endangered species are gaining more importance with the aim of contributing to their conservation, and studies that use non-invasive methods for hormonal determinations are especially valuable. In this study, feces were used to assess whether the adrenal and gonadal hormones showed variation in male Asian elephants in a 14-month period and to evaluate whether there were any influences of climatic variables with respect to hormonal secretion. We show here that the use of non-invasive methods to measure the levels of steroid hormones in Asian elephant feces allows us to obtain useful results without having to subject the animals to stressful activity or requiring specific training to obtain the samples. Additionally, this research provides a deeper understanding of endocrine regulation in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in order to enhance reproduction programs in captivity and conserve the species. Abstract The measurement of stress and reproductive hormones in wild animal species by non-invasive methods is of special interest. To assess whether the adrenal and gonadal hormones show annual variations in male Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and to evaluate whether there is any influence of climatic variables on hormonal secretion, fecal samples were taken from a herd of 7 Asian elephants over a 14-month period to subsequently determine the concentrations of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4), and cortisol (C) by a validated immunoassay technique. Data referring to three climatic variables in the place and period of study were collected, namely monthly mean values of temperature, humidity and rainfall. Levels of T and A4 showed two major increases in July (T: 1088.35 ± 131.04 ng/g; A4: 480.40 ± 50.86 ng/g) and October (T: 825.09 ± 31.60 ng/g; A4: 319.96 ± 32.69 ng/g) (p < 0.05). Our results show a secretion of fecal androgens dependent on temperature (T and A4), and humidity (T). Male musth was detected during the initial increases of T and A4 levels. The highest concentrations of C were observed in September (156.67 ± 60.89 ng/g) (p < 0.05), probably due to the stressful fights that occurred during the musth period. The observed results of the fecal levels of T, A4 and C were similar to those obtained by invasive methods. In conclusion, fecal secretion of the three hormones in these captive male Asian elephants showed variations related in some cases to different weather factors.
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Tang R, Li W, Zhu D, Shang X, Guo X, Zhang L. Raging elephants: effects of human disturbance on physiological stress and reproductive potential in wild Asian elephants. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coz106. [PMID: 32010447 PMCID: PMC6985900 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human disturbance has become a widespread threat to wildlife viability. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), an endangered and disturbance-prone species, is under severe threat from habitat loss and fragmentation, human-elephant conflict and poaching. Establishing connections between human disturbance, stress responses and reproduction is crucial for assessing the long-term survivability of a species and will provide critical information for conservation management. The current study investigated the effects of human disturbance on population-level stress responses and stress-related effects on reproductive potential of wild Asian elephants in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, China. We used a radioimmunoassay to measure the concentration of fecal cortisol and estradiol in 257 samples collected from five local populations at 15 sites over 4 years. Human disturbance in Xishuangbanna was quantified based on the Ecological-Niche Factor Analysis model. We found that fecal cortisol concentrations were strongly positively correlated with the degree of human disturbance and increased markedly with the expansion of tea plantations. Percentage of non-stressed individuals in a population was higher depending on the extend of undisturbed area in their home ranges. Fecal estradiol concentrations decreased significantly with increasing stress levels. Our results suggest that human disturbance poses environmental challenges to wild Asian elephant populations, and chronic exposure to human disturbance could lead to population decline. The study demonstrates the efficacy of non-invasive endocrine monitoring for further informing management decisions and developing conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchun Tang
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaotong Shang
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xianming Guo
- Research Institute of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, Jinghong 666100, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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Pokharel SS, Singh B, Seshagiri PB, Sukumar R. Lower levels of glucocorticoids in crop‐raiders: diet quality as a potential ‘pacifier’ against stress in free‐ranging Asian elephants in a human‐production habitat. Anim Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. S. Pokharel
- Centre for Ecological Sciences Indian Institute of Science Bangalore India
| | - B. Singh
- Centre for Ecological Sciences Indian Institute of Science Bangalore India
| | - P. B. Seshagiri
- Department of Molecular Reproduction and Developmental Genetics Indian Institute of Science Bangalore India
| | - R. Sukumar
- Centre for Ecological Sciences Indian Institute of Science Bangalore India
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Madliger CL, Love OP, Hultine KR, Cooke SJ. The conservation physiology toolbox: status and opportunities. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy029. [PMID: 29942517 PMCID: PMC6007632 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
For over a century, physiological tools and techniques have been allowing researchers to characterize how organisms respond to changes in their natural environment and how they interact with human activities or infrastructure. Over time, many of these techniques have become part of the conservation physiology toolbox, which is used to monitor, predict, conserve, and restore plant and animal populations under threat. Here, we provide a summary of the tools that currently comprise the conservation physiology toolbox. By assessing patterns in articles that have been published in 'Conservation Physiology' over the past 5 years that focus on introducing, refining and validating tools, we provide an overview of where researchers are placing emphasis in terms of taxa and physiological sub-disciplines. Although there is certainly diversity across the toolbox, metrics of stress physiology (particularly glucocorticoids) and studies focusing on mammals have garnered the greatest attention, with both comprising the majority of publications (>45%). We also summarize the types of validations that are actively being completed, including those related to logistics (sample collection, storage and processing), interpretation of variation in physiological traits and relevance for conservation science. Finally, we provide recommendations for future tool refinement, with suggestions for: (i) improving our understanding of the applicability of glucocorticoid physiology; (ii) linking multiple physiological and non-physiological tools; (iii) establishing a framework for plant conservation physiology; (iv) assessing links between environmental disturbance, physiology and fitness; (v) appreciating opportunities for validations in under-represented taxa; and (vi) emphasizing tool validation as a core component of research programmes. Overall, we are confident that conservation physiology will continue to increase its applicability to more taxa, develop more non-invasive techniques, delineate where limitations exist, and identify the contexts necessary for interpretation in captivity and the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Madliger
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, Canada
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin R Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Wang H, Gao Y, Ji L, Bai W. Soleus muscle H-reflex monitoring in endoscopic surgery under general anesthesia percutaneous interlaminar approach. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:4409-4413. [PMID: 29725381 PMCID: PMC5920342 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5979] [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: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical value of soleus muscle H-reflex monitoring in general anesthesia percutaneous interlaminar approach was investigated. A total of 80 cases with unilateral L5-S1 disc herniation between January 2015 and October 2016 were randomly divided into control group (without soleus muscle H-reflex monitoring, n=40) and observation group (with soleus muscle H-reflex monitoring, n=40). Results showed that the operation time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the blood loss during the operation was less than that of the control group (P<0.05). The length of postoperative hospital stay was shorter than that of the control group (P<0.05). At 24 h after operation, the amplitude of H-reflex in diseased side soleus muscle was significantly lower than that in healthy side (P<0.05). The preoperative, postoperative and 24 h postoperatively, the latency of H-reflex in diseased side soleus muscle was shorter than that of healthy side (P<0.05). The latency and amplitude of H-reflex latency in soleus muscle were significantly lower (P<0.05), and the height of intervertebral space in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The total percentage of postsurgical sensory dysfunction, dyskinesia, post-root canal stenosis, disc herniation and cerebrospinal fluid leakage was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Japanese Orthopaedic Association score of the observation group was significantly higher at 1 month, and 1 year after operation lower than the control group (P<0.05). Taken together, soleus muscle H-reflex monitoring can effectively reduce the damage to the nerve roots under percutaneous endoscopic intervertebral endoscopic surgery under general anesthesia, improve the accuracy of surgery, reduce the complications, shorten the operation time and reduce the surgical bleeding, which is more beneficial to patients smooth recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixue Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, People's Hospital of Linyi, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Yingji Gao
- Department of Spinal Surgery, People's Hospital of Linyi, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Lixin Ji
- Department of Spinal Surgery, People's Hospital of Linyi, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R. China
| | - Wanshan Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
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Yarnell K, Walker SL. Environmental Impact on Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations in Grevy's Zebra (Equus grevyi). AFRICAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.3957/056.047.0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Yarnell
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, Nottingham, United Kingdom, NG25 0QF
| | - Susan L. Walker
- North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Caughall Road, Upton-by-Chester, United Kingdom, CH2 1LH
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Yarnell K, Walker SL. Glucocorticoid assessment in the domestic horse: The impacts of time and climatic variables on sample integrity. Equine Vet J 2017; 50:270-272. [PMID: 28727902 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) offers a noninvasive method of monitoring adrenal activity in domestic horses. Samples are collected on an opportunistic basis and, if they are not fresh or have been exposed to the elements before they are identified, may not accurately reflect FGM concentrations. OBJECTIVES To explore the impact of a range of environmental conditions upon the integrity of FGM levels in equine faeces. STUDY DESIGN In vitro experiment. METHOD Equine faeces were exposed to six controlled environmental conditions intended to simulate a range of weather and seasonal patterns (temperate climate, high heat, high heat and rainfall, temperate climate and rainfall, high heat/temperate climate, freeze/thaw) over a period of 5 days. FGM were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. RESULTS Faecal samples exposed to room temperature and high heat demonstrated significant increases in FGM levels over time. No changes in FGM levels were observed in the remaining treatments. MAIN LIMITATIONS The study should be repeated in field conditions and with known high and low levels of FGM to further inform sampling regimes. CONCLUSIONS Adrenal monitoring in the domestic horse should be performed with consideration of the impact of climate on the integrity of faecal samples in order to further inform sampling schedules and improve the reliability of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yarnell
- Department of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - S L Walker
- North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, UK
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