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Pérez-Ortega B, Hendry AP. A meta-analysis of human disturbance effects on glucocorticoid hormones in free-ranging wild vertebrates. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1459-1471. [PMID: 37095625 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Free-ranging wild vertebrates need to cope with natural and anthropogenic stressors that cause short and/or long-term behavioural and physiological responses. In areas of high human disturbance, the use of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones as biomarkers to measure stress responses is an increasingly common tool for understanding how animals cope with human disturbance. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate how human disturbances such as habitat conversion, habitat degradation, and ecotourism influence baseline GC hormones of free-ranging wild vertebrates, and we further test the role of protected areas in reducing the impact of such disturbances on these hormones. A total of 58 studies met the inclusion criteria, providing 152 data points for comparing levels of GC hormones under disturbed and undisturbed conditions. The overall effect size suggests that human disturbance does not cause a consistent increase in levels of GC hormones (Hedges' g = 0.307, 95% CI = -0.062 to 0.677). However, when the data were analysed by disturbance type, living in unprotected areas or in areas with habitat conversion were found to increase GC hormone levels compared to living in protected or undisturbed areas. By contrast, we found no evidence that ecotourism or habitat degradation generates a consistent increase in baseline GC hormone levels. Among taxonomic groups, mammals appeared more sensitive to human disturbance than birds. We advocate the use of GC hormones for inferring major human-caused contributors to the stress levels of free-ranging wild vertebrates - although such information needs to be combined with other measures of stress and interpreted in the context of an organism's life history, behaviour, and history of interactions with human disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betzi Pérez-Ortega
- McGill University, Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C4, Canada
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, PO Box 0843-03092, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Andrew P Hendry
- McGill University, Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C4, Canada
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Majelantle TL, Bennett NC, Ganswindt SB, Hart DW, Ganswindt A. Validation of Enzyme Immunoassays via an Adrenocorticotrophic Stimulation Test for the Non-Invasive Quantification of Stress-Related Hormone Metabolites in Naked Mole-Rats. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081424. [PMID: 37106986 PMCID: PMC10135013 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081424] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Small size in mammals usually restricts long-term, frequent monitoring of endocrine function using plasma as a matrix. Thus, the non-invasive monitoring of hormone metabolite concentrations in excreta may provide an invaluable approach. The aim of the current study was to examine the suitability of enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring responses to stressors in the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber, NMR) using urine and feces as hormone matrices. A saline control administration, and a high- and low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge were performed on six male and six female disperser morph NMRs. The results revealed that a 5α-pregnane-3β,11β,21-triol-20-one EIA detecting glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) with a 5α-3β-11β-diol structure is the most suitable assay for measuring concentrations in male urine samples, whereas an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIA detecting GCMs with a 5β-3α-ol-11-one structure appears the most suitable EIA for quantifying GCMs in female urine. An 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIA detecting 11,17 dioxoandrostanes was the most suitable EIA for quantifying GCMs in the feces of both sexes. There were sex-related differences in response to the high- and low-dose ACTH challenge. We recommend using feces as a more suitable matrix for non-invasive GCM monitoring for NMRs which can be valuable when investigating housing conditions and other welfare aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshepiso Lesedi Majelantle
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Nigel Charles Bennett
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Stefanie Birgit Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Daniel William Hart
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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Different Types of Glucocorticoids to Evaluate Stress and Welfare in Animals and Humans: General Concepts and Examples of Combined Use. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13010106. [PMID: 36677031 PMCID: PMC9865266 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The main glucocorticoids involved in the stress response are cortisol and cortisone in most mammals and corticosterone in birds and rodents. Therefore, these analytes are currently the biomarkers more frequently used to evaluate the physiological response to a stressful situation. In addition, "total glucocorticoids", which refers to the quantification of various glucocorticoids by immunoassays showing cross-reactivity with different types of glucocorticoids or related metabolites, can be measured. In this review, we describe the characteristics of the main glucocorticoids used to assess stress, as well as the main techniques and samples used for their quantification. In addition, we analyse the studies where at least two of the main glucocorticoids were measured in combination. Overall, this review points out the different behaviours of the main glucocorticoids, depending on the animal species and stressful stimuli, and shows the potential advantages that the measurement of at least two different glucocorticoid types can have for evaluating welfare.
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Reece SJ, Radloff FGT, Leslie AJ, Amin R, Tambling CJ. A camera trap appraisal of species richness and community composition of medium and large mammals in a Miombo woodland reserve. Afr J Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sally J. Reece
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences Cape Peninsula University of Technology Cape Town South Africa
| | - Frans G. T. Radloff
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences Cape Peninsula University of Technology Cape Town South Africa
| | - Alison J. Leslie
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology Stellenbosch University Matieland South Africa
| | - Rajan Amin
- Conservation Programmes Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park London UK
| | - Craig J. Tambling
- Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Fort Hare Fort Hare South Africa
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Jepsen EM, Scheun J, Dehnhard M, Kumar V, Umapathy G, Ganswindt A. Non-invasive monitoring of glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in native Indian, as well as captive and re-wilded tigers in South Africa. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 308:113783. [PMID: 33862051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Over the last century, wild tiger (Panthera tigris) numbers have declined from over 100 000 individuals to fewer than 4 000, with animals now confined to less than 5% of their historic range due to habitat loss, persecution, inadequate management, and poaching. In contrast, 15 000-20 000 tigers are estimated to be housed in captivity, experiencing conditions vastly different than their wild counterparts. A total of 280 tigers are currently held at 44 different facilities within South Africa, including zoos, semi-captive 're-wilded' populations, and pets; these animals provide a unique opportunity to measure the impact of extrinsic factors, found in exotic habitats, on the adrenocortical activity of tigers. By monitoring and comparing stress-related faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations of tigers housed at different locations, and free ranging tigers in natural tiger reserves, this project aimed to get a better understanding of the impact of extrinsic factors on adrenocortical function as a measure of stress. The results of this study showed no significant difference in fGCM concentrations between captive, re-wilded, and free-ranging tigers with the exception of one site. Furthermore, factors such as sex and season were not significant drivers of fGCM concentrations. One study group had elevated fGCM concentrations, showing population variation in the stress response. This indicates that populations are able to cope with exotic environments, however, as population-specific differences in the stress response exist, we suggest management protocols be created for each population. This study offered the unique opportunity to see how well tigers are faring outside of their native range and if having re-wilded tigers in exotic locations is a potential welfare-acceptable management option for tiger conservation globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Jepsen
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Juan Scheun
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa; National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa
| | - Martin Dehnhard
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Govindhaswamy Umapathy
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - André Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, South Africa
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Majelantle TL, Ganswindt A, Jordaan RK, Slip DJ, Harcourt R, McIntyre T. Increased population density and behavioural flexibility of African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) in specific anthropogenic environments. Urban Ecosyst 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-020-01068-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Medger K, Bennett NC, Prins A, Lutermann H, Ganswindt A. Sex and dose-dependent responses of urinary and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations following an ACTH challenge in eastern rock sengis (Elephantulus myurus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 245:110696. [PMID: 32268194 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive methods for measuring glucocorticoids and their metabolites are frequently used in ecological, behavioural and physiological studies of mammals. Using faeces, urine and other matrices for such a measurement has considerable advantages in comparison to more traditional methods, but also requires thorough validation of the methods used. Eastern rock sengis (Elephantulus myurus) are fascinating African mammals and the non-invasive monitoring of the adrenocortical activity opens up new opportunities to study their biology. We were able to validate two assays for measuring urinary (uGCM) and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations in this species using a dose-dependent challenge with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). A higher concentration of ACTH elicited higher uGCM and fGCM concentrations in both males and females. Interestingly, uGCM and fGCM concentrations and the responses to ACTH were higher in females than in males and small changes in faecal glucocorticoid metabolites could not be reliably detected in males. In contrast to ACTH, a saline injection did not result in an increase in uGCM or fGCM concentrations. The study also provided insight into when responses to a stressor are likely to be detected in the urine and faeces of sengis and opens up new opportunities to study the stress physiology of this and other sengi species. It further emphasises the importance of thoroughly validating non-invasive methods for measuring hormones in both sexes of a species and for incorporating dose-dependent approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Medger
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa.
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, SARChI Chair of Mammal Behavioural Ecology and Physiology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - André Prins
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Heike Lutermann
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
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