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Macdonald DW. Mitigating Human Impacts on Wild Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2906. [PMID: 37760306 PMCID: PMC10525650 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human activities negatively impact the welfare of wild vertebrates in many different contexts globally, and countless individual animals are affected. Growing concern for wild animal welfare, especially in relation to conservation, is evident. While research on wild animal welfare lags behind that focused on captive animals, minimising human-induced harm to wild animals is a key principle. This study examines examples of negative anthropogenic impacts on wild animal welfare, how these may be mitigated and what further research is required, including examples from wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, wildlife tourism and wildlife trade. Further, it discusses the relationship between animal welfare and biodiversity conservation, and synergies that may be achieved between these. Ultimately, it is discussed how the welfare of wild animals may be balanced with other priorities to ensure that welfare is afforded due consideration in interactions between people and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Macdonald
- The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney OX13 5QL, UK
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Baling M, Mitchell C. Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in translocated wild reptiles and effect of duration of quarantine on their body condition. N Z Vet J 2021; 69:174-179. [PMID: 33739909 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2021.1890647] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the prevalence of carriage of Salmonella spp. in wild reptiles translocated from multiple locations to a single island, and determine changes in their body condition (BC) during quarantine. METHODS Between 2007 and 2009, six endemic reptile species (Oligosoma aeneum, O. moco, O. ornatum, O. smithi, Dactylocnemis pacificus, and Woodworthia maculata) were caught from several locations in the northern North Island of New Zealand. Reptiles were held in quarantine for 14-41 days while being tested for carriage of Salmonella spp. Morphometric data were collected, and scaled body mass index for each species was calculated to determine changes in BC during the quarantine. RESULTS Of 221 individuals tested 12 (5%) were positive for Salmonella spp. All 12 were shore skinks (O. smithi; n = 30), with a test prevalence of 0.4 (95% CI = 0.25-0.58). Eleven were carrying Salmonella enterica Warragul and one S. enterica Mississipi. There was no difference in BC at the start of quarantine of shore skinks between those that tested negative and those that tested positive for Salmonella spp. (p = 0.184). Reptiles that were quarantined for 15-20 days (three species) lost 3-5% of BC (mean proportional change 0.03-0.05), while those quarantined for >30 days increased BC by 3-13% (mean proportional change 0.03-0.13). All animals except the one individual positive for S. Mississippi were translocated to the recipient island, while the latter was returned to the source site. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The prevalence of Salmonella spp. carriage in the translocated reptiles was low overall and consistent with other records of Salmonella spp. in wild New Zealand reptiles. However, the prevalence of 0.4 in shore skinks is the highest recorded in this species. In addition to time required for health-screening, we recommend that duration of quarantine should include time to allow animals to recover from captive stress and to provide an opportunity to increase their BC before release.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Baling
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University (Albany Campus), Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C Mitchell
- Friends of Matakohe/Limestone Island Society, Whangarei, New Zealand
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The synergistic interaction of thermal stress coupled with overstocking strongly modulates the transcriptomic activity and immune capacity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Sci Rep 2020; 10:14913. [PMID: 32913268 PMCID: PMC7483466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to identify and evaluate informative indicators for the welfare of rainbow trout exposed to (A) a water temperature of 27 °C and (B) a stocking density of 100 kg/m3 combined with a temperature of 27 °C. The spleen-somatic and condition index, haematocrit and the concentrations of haemoglobin, plasma cortisol and glucose revealed non-significant differences between the two stress groups and the reference group 8 days after the onset of the experiments. The transcript abundance of almost 1,500 genes was modulated at least twofold in in the spleen of rainbow trout exposed to a critical temperature alone or a critical temperature combined with crowding as compared to the reference fish. The number of differentially expressed genes was four times higher in trout that were simultaneously challenged with high temperature and crowding, compared to trout challenged with high temperature alone. Based on these sets of differentially expressed genes, we identified unique and common tissue- and stress type-specific pathways. Furthermore, our subsequent immunologic analyses revealed reduced bactericidal and inflammatory activity and a significantly altered blood-cell composition in challenged versus non-challenged rainbow trout. Altogether, our data demonstrate that heat and overstocking exert synergistic effects on the rainbow trout’s physiology, especially on the immune system.
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Beausoleil NJ, Mellor DJ, Baker L, Baker SE, Bellio M, Clarke AS, Dale A, Garlick S, Jones B, Harvey A, Pitcher BJ, Sherwen S, Stockin KA, Zito S. "Feelings and Fitness" Not "Feelings or Fitness"-The Raison d'être of Conservation Welfare, Which Aligns Conservation and Animal Welfare Objectives. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:296. [PMID: 30538995 PMCID: PMC6277474 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasingly, human activities, including those aimed at conserving species and ecosystems (conservation activities) influence not only the survival and fitness but also the welfare of wild animals. Animal welfare relates to how an animal is experiencing its life and encompasses both its physical and mental states. While conservation biology and animal welfare science are both multi-disciplinary fields that use scientific methods to address concerns about animals, their focus and objectives sometimes appear to conflict. However, activities impacting detrimentally on the welfare of individual animals also hamper achievement of some conservation goals, and societal acceptance is imperative to the continuation of conservation activities. Thus, the best outcomes for both disciplines will be achieved through collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Despite this recognition, cross-disciplinary information-sharing and collaborative research and practice in conservation are still rare, with the exception of the zoo context. This paper summarizes key points developed by a group of conservation and animal welfare scientists discussing scientific assessment of wild animal welfare and barriers to progress. The dominant theme emerging was the need for a common language to facilitate cross-disciplinary progress in understanding and safeguarding the welfare of animals of wild species. Current conceptions of welfare implicit in conservation science, based mainly on "fitness" (physical states), need to be aligned with contemporary animal welfare science concepts which emphasize the dynamic integration of "fitness" and "feelings" (mental experiences) to holistically understand animals' welfare states. The way in which animal welfare is characterized influences the way it is evaluated and the emphasis put on different features of welfare, as well as, the importance placed on the outcomes of such evaluations and how that information is used, for example in policy development and decision-making. Salient examples from the New Zealand and Australian context are presented to illustrate. To genuinely progress our understanding and evaluation of wild animal welfare and optimize the aims of both scientific disciplines, conservation and animal welfare scientists should work together to evolve and apply a common understanding of welfare. To facilitate this, we propose the formal development of a new discipline, Conservation Welfare, integrating the expertise of scientists from both fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngaio J. Beausoleil
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David J. Mellor
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Liv Baker
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandra E. Baker
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Mariagrazia Bellio
- Institute of Land Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison S. Clarke
- Veterinary Emergency Centre and Hospital, JCU Vet, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Arnja Dale
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Steve Garlick
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Possumwood Wildlife Recovery and Research, Bungendore, NSW, Australia
| | - Bidda Jones
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Andrea Harvey
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Karen A. Stockin
- Coastal Marine Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Zito
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Auckland, New Zealand
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Santos N, Rio-Maior H, Nakamura M, Roque S, Brandão R, Álvares F. Characterization and minimization of the stress response to trapping in free-ranging wolves (Canis lupus): insights from physiology and behavior. Stress 2017; 20:513-522. [PMID: 28845717 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1368487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Wildlife capture is an essential management tool that induces a reactive homeostasis response in the captured animals. The aim of this study was to characterize the reactive homeostatic response to trapping in free-ranging wolves and assess the mitigation achieved by reducing the duration of restraint. MATERIALS AND METHODS Making use of wolves captured for ecological research as a model for wildlife acute stress, we characterize 25 reactive homeostasis mediators and we assess the effect on these mediators of reducing the duration of restraint in trap by using remote trap activation alarms. RESULTS Free-ranging wolves trapped by leg-hold snares (n = 15) showed higher stress leukogram, tissue injury and hematocrit; while lower glucose, ions and cardiac rate compared with captive wolves. They also showed higher leukocyte count and creatine kinase; but lower hematocrit, cardiac rate and rectal body temperature compared to wolves captured by darting from a helicopter. Daily distance travelled was significantly lower up to day 12 post-capture compared to the remainder of the telemetry follow-up and this effect was more noticeable on the nocturnal distance travelled. Reducing the duration of restraint on trap significantly lowered the stress leukogram and dehydration. Daily distance travelled during the night by wolves captured using trap-alarms was significantly lower only up to day 4 post-capture compared to up to day 28 for wolves captured without trap-alarms. DISCUSSION The capture method and duration of restraint influence the reactive homeostasis response of free-ranging wolves. Technological solutions that reduce the duration of restraint on trap significantly dampen this influence. CONCLUSIONS Wildlife trapping actions should strive to minimize the delay from capture to manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Santos
- a CIBIO/InBio , Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Universidade do Porto , Vairão , Portugal
| | - Helena Rio-Maior
- a CIBIO/InBio , Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Universidade do Porto , Vairão , Portugal
| | - Mónia Nakamura
- a CIBIO/InBio , Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Universidade do Porto , Vairão , Portugal
| | - Sara Roque
- b Grupo Lobo, Faculdade de Ciências , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
- c cE3c, Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais, Faculdade de Ciências , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Ricardo Brandão
- d Associação ALDEIA , Centro de Ecologia, Recuperação e Vigilância de Animais Selvagens (CERVAS) , Gouveia , Portugal
| | - Francisco Álvares
- a CIBIO/InBio , Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Universidade do Porto , Vairão , Portugal
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Anderson LE, Cree A, Towns DR, Nelson NJ. Moving house: long-term dynamics of corticosterone secretion are unaltered in translocated populations of a rare reptile (the tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 3:cov014. [PMID: 27293699 PMCID: PMC4778483 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Translocations are an important conservation tool used to restore at-risk species to their historical range. Unavoidable procedures during translocations, such as habitat disturbance, capture, handling, processing, captivity, transport and release to a novel environment, have the potential to be stressful for most species. In this study, we examined acute and chronic stress (through the measurement of the glucocorticoid corticosterone) in a rare reptile (the tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus). We found that: (i) the acute corticosterone response remains elevated during the initial translocation process but is not amplified by cumulative stressors; and (ii) the long-term dynamics of corticosterone secretion are similar in translocated and source populations. Taken together, our results show that translocated tuatara are generally resistant to cumulative acute stressors and show no hormonal sign of chronic stress. Translocation efforts in tuatara afford the potential to reduce extinction risk and restore natural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E. Anderson
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
- Corresponding author:Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand. Tel: +1 250 551 2884.
| | - Alison Cree
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - David R. Towns
- Ecosystem Development Team, Science and Technical Group, Department of Conservation, Private Bag 68-908 Newton, Auckland 1145, New Zealand
| | - Nicola J. Nelson
- Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
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Harrington LA, Moehrenschlager A, Gelling M, Atkinson RPD, Hughes J, Macdonald DW. Conflicting and complementary ethics of animal welfare considerations in reintroductions. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2013; 27:486-500. [PMID: 23506045 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite differences in focus, goals, and strategies between conservation biology and animal welfare, both are inextricably linked in many ways, and greater consideration of animal welfare, although important in its own right, also has considerable potential to contribute to conservation success. Nevertheless, animal welfare and animal ethics are not always considered explicitly within conservation practice. We systematically reviewed the recent scientific peer-reviewed and online gray literature on reintroductions of captive-bred and wild-caught animals (mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles) to quantify the occurrence of animal welfare issues. We considered monitoring that could be indicative of the animal's welfare status and supportive management actions that could improve animal welfare (regardless of whether the aim was explicitly animal-welfare orientated). Potential welfare issues (of variable nature and extent) were recorded in 67% of 199 projects reviewed; the most common were mortality >50%, dispersal or loss of animals, disease, and human conflict. Most (>70%) projects monitored survival, 18% assessed body condition, and 2% monitored stress levels. Animal welfare, explicitly, was referred to in 6% of projects. Supportive actions, most commonly use of on-site prerelease pens and provision of supplemental food or water, were implemented in 79% of projects, although the extent and duration of support varied. Practitioners can address animal-welfare issues in reintroductions by considering the potential implications for individual animals at all stages of the release process using the decision tree presented. We urge practitioners to report potential animal-welfare issues, describe mitigation actions, and evaluate their efficacy to facilitate transparent evaluation of common moral dilemmas and to advance communal strategies for dealing with them. Currently, comparative mortality rates, health risks, postrelease stress, effectiveness of supportive measures, and behavior of individuals warrant further research to improve animal welfare in reintroductions and to increase success of such projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Harrington
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxon, OX13 5QL, United Kingdom
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