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Oduor S, Gichuki NN, Brown JL, Parker J, Kimata D, Murray S, Goldenberg SZ, Schutgens M, Wittemyer G. Adrenal and metabolic hormones demonstrate risk-reward trade-offs for African elephants foraging in human-dominated landscapes. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 12:coae051. [PMID: 39100509 PMCID: PMC11295215 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coae051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
A key driver of the African savannah elephant population decline is the loss of habitat and associated human-elephant conflict. Elephant physiological responses to these pressures, however, are largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations as an indicator of adrenal activity and faecal thyroid metabolite (fT3) concentrations as an indicator of metabolic activity in relation to land use, livestock density, and human landscape modification, while controlling for the effects of seasonality and primary productivity (measured using the normalized difference vegetation index). Our best-fit model found that fGCM concentrations to be elevated during the dry season, in areas with higher human modification index values, and those with more agropastoral activities and livestock. There was also a negative relationship between primary productivity and fGCM concentrations. We found fT3 concentrations to be higher during the wet season, in agropastoral landscapes, in locations with higher human activity, and in areas with no livestock. This study highlights how elephants balance nutritional rewards and risks in foraging decisions when using human-dominated landscapes, results that can serve to better interpret elephant behaviour at the human-wildlife interface and contribute to more insightful conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Oduor
- Department of Biology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Nathaniel N Gichuki
- Department of Biology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Janine L Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Jenna Parker
- Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA 92027, USA
| | - Dennis Kimata
- Department of Biology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Suzan Murray
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shifra Z Goldenberg
- Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA 92027, USA
| | - Maurice Schutgens
- Conservation Science Department, Space for Giants, PO Box 174-10400, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - George Wittemyer
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Save the Elephants, P. O. Box, 54667 - 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
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Patel SK, Ruhela S, Biswas S, Bhatt S, Pandav B, Mondol S. The cost of sympatry: spatio-temporal patterns in leopard dietary and physiological responses to tiger competition gradient in Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand, India. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad039. [PMID: 38026804 PMCID: PMC10660413 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Apex predators have critical roles in maintaining the structure of ecosystem functioning by controlling intraguild subordinate populations. Such dominant-subordinate interactions involve agonistic interactions including direct or indirect impacts on the subordinates. As these indirect effects are often mediated through physiological processes, it is important to quantify such responses to better understand population parameters. We used a large carnivore intraguild system involving tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopard (Panthera pardus) to understand the dietary and physiological responses under a spatio-temporal gradient of tiger competition pressures in Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR) between 2015 and 2020. We conducted systematic faecal sampling in the winters of 2015 and 2020 from the park to assess diet and physiological measures. Analyses of leopard-confirmed faeces suggest a dietary-niche separation as a consequence of tiger competition. In 2020, we found an increased occurrence of large-bodied prey species without tiger competition in western-RTR. Physiological measures followed the dietary responses where leopards with large-sized prey in the diet showed higher fT3M and lower fGCM measures in western-RTR. In contrast, eastern-RTR leopards showed lower levels of fT3M and fGCM in 2020, possibly due to intense competition from tigers. Overall, these patterns strongly indicate a physiological cost of sympatry where competition with dominant tigers resulted in elevated nutritional stress. We recommend expansion of leopard monitoring and population estimation efforts to buffers, developing appropriate plans for human-leopard conflict mitigation and intensive efforts to understand leopard population dynamics patterns to ensure their persistence during the ongoing Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Kumari Patel
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Sourabh Ruhela
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Suvankar Biswas
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Supriya Bhatt
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Bivash Pandav
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Samrat Mondol
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
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Shultz S, Britnell JA, Harvey N. Untapped potential of physiology, behaviour and immune markers to predict range dynamics and marginality. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:16446-16461. [PMID: 34938448 PMCID: PMC8668750 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Linking environmental conditions to the modulators of individual fitness is necessary to predict long-term population dynamics, viability, and resilience. Functional physiological, behavioral, and reproductive markers can provide this mechanistic insight into how individuals perceive physiological, psychological, chemical, and physical environmental challenges through physiological and behavioral responses that are fitness proxies. We propose a Functional Marginality framework where relative changes in allostatic load, reproductive health, and behavior can be scaled up to evidence and establish causation of macroecological processes such as local extirpation, colonization, population dynamics, and range dynamics. To fully exploit functional traits, we need to move beyond single biomarker studies to develop an integrative approach that models the interactions between extrinsic challenges, physiological, and behavioral pathways and their modulators. In addition to providing mechanistic markers of range dynamics, this approach can also serve as a valuable conservation tool for evaluating individual- and population-level health, predicting responses to future environmental change and measuring the impact of interventions. We highlight specific studies that have used complementary biomarkers to link extrinsic challenges to population performance. These frameworks of integrated biomarkers have untapped potential to identify causes of decline, predict future changes, and mitigate against future biodiversity loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Shultz
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Jake A. Britnell
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Chester ZooUpton‐By‐ChesterUK
| | - Nicholas Harvey
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Chester ZooUpton‐By‐ChesterUK
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4
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Rios E, Benchimol M, De Vleeschouwer K, Cazetta E. Spatial predictors and species’ traits: evaluating what really matters for medium‐sized and large mammals in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Rios
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz – UESC Rodovia Jorge Amado, km 16, Bairro Salobrinho, S/N Ilheus Bahia CEP 45662‐900Brazil
- Centre for Research and Conservation Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp Koningin Astridplein 26 B‐2018 Antwerp Belgium
| | - Maíra Benchimol
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz – UESC Rodovia Jorge Amado, km 16, Bairro Salobrinho, S/N Ilheus Bahia CEP 45662‐900Brazil
| | - Kristel De Vleeschouwer
- Centre for Research and Conservation Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp Koningin Astridplein 26 B‐2018 Antwerp Belgium
| | - Eliana Cazetta
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz – UESC Rodovia Jorge Amado, km 16, Bairro Salobrinho, S/N Ilheus Bahia CEP 45662‐900Brazil
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5
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Kumari Patel S, Biswas S, Goswami S, Bhatt S, Pandav B, Mondol S. Effects of faecal inorganic content variability on quantifying glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone metabolites in large felines: Implications for physiological assessments in free-ranging animals. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 310:113833. [PMID: 34089705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113833] [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: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Faecal glucocorticoid (GC) and triiodothyronine (T3) metabolites and their interactions are increasingly used to monitor perceived stress and nutritional challenges in free-ranging animals. However, a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors including hormone-inert dietary materials, inorganic matters etc. are known to affect reliable hormone metabolite quantifications. In this study, the impacts of inorganic matter (IOM) on faecal GC (fGCMs) and T3 (fT3Ms) metabolite measure were addressed in wild tiger (n = 193 from Terai Arc landscape, India) and captive lion (n = 120 from Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Gujarat, India) and possible corrective measures were evaluated. The wild tiger samples contained highly variable IOM content (9-98%, mostly with > 40% IOM) compared to captive Asiatic lion (17-57%, majority with < 40% IOM). Significant correlations were observed between IOM content and tiger fGCM (r = -0.46, p = 0.000), fT3M (r = -0.58, p = 0.000) and lion fT3M measures (r = -0.43, p = 0.003). Two corrective measures viz. removing samples with ≥ 80% IOM and subsequently expressing concentrations as per gram of organic dry matter (instead of total dry matter) reduced IOM influence on tiger fGCM, fT3M and lion fT3M, without affecting lion fGCM measures. The corrective measures changed the interpretations of fT3M data of field-collected tiger samples with no significant changes in fGCM (both tiger and lion) and fT3M (lion) data. As faecal IOM content is common in many wild species, the results emphasize the need to reduce IOM-driven hormone data variation for ecologically relevant interpretations towards species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Kumari Patel
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 India
| | - Suvankar Biswas
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 India
| | - Sitendu Goswami
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 India
| | - Supriya Bhatt
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 India
| | - Bivash Pandav
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 India
| | - Samrat Mondol
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 India.
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6
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Is livestock husbandry more stressing than other anthropic activities to wild carnivores? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Moraes RN, Laske TG, Leimgruber P, Stabach JA, Marinari PE, Horning MM, Laske NR, Rodriguez JV, Eye GN, Kordell JE, Gonzalez M, Eyring T, Lemons C, Helmick KE, Delaski KM, Ware LH, Jones JC, Songsasen N. Inside out: heart rate monitoring to advance the welfare and conservation of maned wolves ( Chrysocyon brachyurus). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab044. [PMID: 34188936 PMCID: PMC8224209 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic change is a major threat to individual species and biodiversity. Yet the behavioral and physiological responses of animals to these changes remain understudied. This is due to the technological challenges in assessing these effects in situ. Using captive maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus, n = 6) as a model, we deployed implantable biologgers and collected physiological data on heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) over a 1-year period. To test for links between HR and changes in the environment we analysed HR daily rhythms and responses to potential stressors (e.g. physical restraint, change in housing conditions, short-distance transportation and unfamiliar human presence). The 2-min HR averages ranged from 33 to 250 bpm, with an overall rest average of 73 bpm and a maximum of 296 bpm. On average, HRV was higher in females (227 ± 51 ms) than in males (151 ± 51 ms). As expected, HR increased at dusk and night when animals were more active and in response to stressors. Sudden decreases in HR were observed during transportation in three wolves, suggestive of fear bradycardia. We provide the first non-anesthetic HR values for the species and confirm that behaviour does not always reflect the shifts in autonomic tone in response to perceived threats. Because strong HR responses often were not revealed by observable changes in behaviour, our findings suggest that the number and variety of stressors in ex situ or in situ environments for maned wolves and most wildlife species may be underestimated. Our study also shows that integrating biologging with behavioral observations can provide vital information to guide captive management. Similar technology can be used to advance in situ research for developing more effective welfare, management and conservation plans for the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana N Moraes
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, 81530-900, Brazil
| | - Timothy G Laske
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- AF Solutions, Medtronic Inc., Mounds View, MN, 55112, USA
| | - Peter Leimgruber
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Jared A Stabach
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Paul E Marinari
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Megan M Horning
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Noelle R Laske
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Juan V Rodriguez
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
- Department of Parks and Recreation, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning commission, Clinton, MD, 20735, USA
| | - Ginger N Eye
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Jessica E Kordell
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Marissa Gonzalez
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Tom Eyring
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Christopher Lemons
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Kelly E Helmick
- Department of Conservation Medicine, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Kristina M Delaski
- Department of Conservation Medicine, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Lisa H Ware
- Department of Conservation Medicine, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Julia C Jones
- Department of Conservation Medicine, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
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Touitou S, Heistermann M, Schülke O, Ostner J. Triiodothyronine and cortisol levels in the face of energetic challenges from reproduction, thermoregulation and food intake in female macaques. Horm Behav 2021; 131:104968. [PMID: 33872928 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.104968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Energy availability drives an individual's fitness and can be affected by diverse energetic challenges. The assessment of hormones involved in metabolic activity and energy mobilization provides a gateway to the study of physiological adaptations in response to changes in energy availability. Here, we investigated immunoreactive urinary total triiodothyronine (uTT3, thyroid hormone secreted through the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis and regulating the basal metabolic rate) alongside glucocorticoids (i.e. urinary cortisol, uCort, secreted through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and mediating energy mobilization) in wild female Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis). Combining more than 2900; of behavioral data from 42 adult females with physiological data from 382 urine samples, we evaluated both uTT3 and uCort in relation to potential energetic challenges encountered by a female, namely fluctuations in energy intake, travel distance, reproductive state and minimum ambient temperature. As predicted, levels of both hormones changed in response to variation in energy intake with a tendency toward a positive effect on uTT3 and a significant negative effect on uCort levels. Unexpectedly, neither hormone was influenced by variation in travel distance. Reproductive state affected both hormones with higher levels of uTT3 and uCort in the second half of gestation. Finally, a decrease of minimum temperature triggered an increase in uCort but unexpectedly not in uTT3. Collectively, our results highlight the respective contribution of two endocrine axes when facing energetic challenges and the underlying metabolic strategies to cope with them. Overall, assessing thyroid hormones together with glucocorticoids provides an integrative picture in the evaluation of an individual's energy status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Touitou
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Leibniz Science Campus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany; Primate Social Evolution Group, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Schülke
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Leibniz Science Campus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany; Primate Social Evolution Group, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Julia Ostner
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Leibniz Science Campus Primate Cognition, Goettingen, Germany; Primate Social Evolution Group, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
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Braga Lima KC, Passamani M, Rosa C. Daily tayra (Eira barbara, Linnaeus 1758) activity patterns and habitat use in high montane tropical forests. ACTA OECOLOGICA 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2020.103624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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10
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Pritchard CE, Palme R, Langkilde T. Glucocorticoid and triiodothyronine concentrations do not correlate with behavior in vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 286:113299. [PMID: 31606464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
State-dependent foraging theory posits that animals should make foraging decisions based on energetic condition, where animals with fewer energetic reserves prioritize foraging over other behaviors, including antipredator behaviors. However, few studies have investigated these trade-offs at an individual level in wild, free-ranging animals. We investigated the relationships between internal condition and behavior in a wild mammal, the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), which makes state-dependent decisions about the use of two habitats with different characteristics that contribute to their internal condition. Using non-invasively collected fecal samples, we measured glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) and thyroid hormones (THs) as indicators of combined stress (predation and nutritional), and just nutritional stress, respectively. We video recorded 20-minute behavioral observations and focused on behaviors which often demand a trade-off between energy acquisition and antipredator behaviors-vigilance and foraging. We found differences in expression of these behaviors between the two sites but found no relationships between physiological parameters (GCMs and THs) and behavior (vigilance and foraging) at either site. We suggest that state-dependent foraging may be difficult to observe in large mammals under baseline conditions and that GCMs and THs may be insensitive to small changes in stress stimuli at this scale, and where these wild animals have the entire suite of behavioral responses available to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine E Pritchard
- 208 Mueller Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA.
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- 208 Mueller Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA.
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Kozlowski CP, Clawitter H, Guglielmino A, Schamel J, Baker S, Franklin AD, Powell D, Coonan TJ, Asa CS. Factors Affecting Glucocorticoid and Thyroid Hormone Production of Island Foxes. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Corinne P. Kozlowski
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral SciencesSaint Louis Zoo St. Louis MO 63110 USA
| | - Helen Clawitter
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral SciencesSaint Louis Zoo St. Louis MO 63110 USA
| | - Angela Guglielmino
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of California Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | | | - Stacy Baker
- Channel Islands National Park Ventura CA 93001 USA
| | | | - David Powell
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral SciencesSaint Louis Zoo St. Louis MO 63110 USA
| | | | - Cheryl S. Asa
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral SciencesSaint Louis Zoo St. Louis MO 63110 USA
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Mannise N, Cosse M, González S, Emmons LH, Barbanti Duarte JM, Beccaceci MD, Maldonado JE. Maned wolves retain moderate levels of genetic diversity and gene flow despite drastic habitat fragmentation. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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13
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Dias PAD, Coyohua-Fuentes A, Canales-Espinosa D, Chavira-Ramírez R, Rangel-Negrín A. Hormonal correlates of energetic condition in mantled howler monkeys. Horm Behav 2017; 94:13-20. [PMID: 28602941 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hormones have a key role in energy allocation, so their study allows understanding individual metabolic strategies. Because different hormones convey different information on the responses of individuals to energetic demands, a simultaneous analysis of variation in multiple hormones may offer a more reliable picture of metabolic strategies than single hormone assessments. In this study we focused on determining which factors were related to variation in fecal glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone metabolites in wild mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata). Over 12months, we determined fecal glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone metabolite levels of 11 adults belonging to two groups, and examined the relationship between hormone metabolites and a variety of behavioral, physiological, and ecological factors (e.g., food intake, sex/reproductive state, activity, participation in agonistic interactions). We found that glucocorticoids were elevated in gestating and lactating females compared to males and cycling females, and were also higher when individuals were more active and participated in agonistic interactions. Thyroid hormone levels were also related to sex/reproductive state and activity, but were additionally positively related to fruit intake and negatively related to young leaf intake. Our study demonstrates that the non-invasive measurement of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones of howler monkeys allows assessing different underlying physiological processes. By combining different biomarkers, which has seldom been done with wildlife, we could also parse the influence of psychological vs. metabolic challenges for individual energetic condition, which may be instrumental for deciding which factors should be accounted for when studying different hormone-behavior interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Américo D Dias
- Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Alejandro Coyohua-Fuentes
- Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Domingo Canales-Espinosa
- Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | | | - Ariadna Rangel-Negrín
- Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
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14
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Escobar-Ibarra I, Mayagoitia-Novales L, Alcántara-Barrera A, Cerda-Molina AL, Mondragón-Ceballos R, Ramírez-Necoechea R, Alonso-Spilsbury M. Long-term quantification of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations reveals that Mexican grey wolves may habituate to captivity. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2017.1332111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- I. Escobar-Ibarra
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
- Depto. de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Área de Investigación: Ecodesarrollo de la Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
| | - L. Mayagoitia-Novales
- Depto. de Etología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Tlalpan, México, DF, Mexico
| | - A. Alcántara-Barrera
- Depto. de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Área de Investigación: Ecodesarrollo de la Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
| | - A. L. Cerda-Molina
- Depto. de Etología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Tlalpan, México, DF, Mexico
| | - R. Mondragón-Ceballos
- Depto. de Etología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Tlalpan, México, DF, Mexico
| | - R. Ramírez-Necoechea
- Depto. de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Área de Investigación: Ecodesarrollo de la Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
| | - M. Alonso-Spilsbury
- Depto. de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Área de Investigación: Ecodesarrollo de la Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
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Bogoni JA, Cherem JJ, Hettwer Giehl EL, Oliveira-Santos LG, de Castilho PV, Picinatto Filho V, Fantacini FM, Tortato MA, Luiz MR, Rizzaro R, Graipel ME. Landscape features lead to shifts in communities of medium- to large-bodied mammals in subtropical Atlantic Forest. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Defaunation is a key ecological issue that has only recently been given sufficient attention. As predicted, evidence so far indicates loss of larger species followed by medium-sized species, leading to cascading effects that propagate throughout entire communities and ecosystems. The Atlantic Forest is among the most important global biodiversity hotspots. These regions have historically been impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation, resulting in landscape changes and negative impacts upon animal communities. This study evaluates community characteristics of medium- and large-sized mammals in subtropical Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil. We gathered data on mammal occurrence using 108 cameras traps located across 8 protected areas. We then tested whether landscape differences impact mammal richness, composition, and community complexity. Specifically, we used a regression tree to evaluate compositional differences as a function of landscape configuration. We analyzed data for 26 species in total, with the number of species per area ranging from 9 to 17. Changes in mammal composition at the landscape scale were most strongly associated with human occupation. Areas with strong human occupation had low species richness, with a predominance of medium-sized omnivores and insectivores species; these conditions led to high defaunation indices. Community complexity was greater in areas with low human occupation, where carnivores (Felidae) were more abundant. Differences in species composition were also linked to altitudinal bands and the ratio of period of time with protected status versus history of land exploitation in a particular area. Analysis of functional groups indicated that intense human occupation had negative effects on larger species, a process that may have impending consequences. Despite defaunation being a serious ecological issue, we assert that taking prompt action may limit or potentially reverse effects of defaunation before the most dramatic changes take place.
Defaunação é uma questão ecológica chave e que só recentemente tem recebido atenção suficiente. Como previsto, as evidências até agora indicam perda de espécies de maior porte, seguida por espécies de médio porte, levando à efeitos em cascata que se propagam em todas as comunidades e ecossistemas. A Mata Atlântica está entre os mais importantes hotspots de biodiversidade mundiais. Essa região tem sido historicamente impactada pela perda e fragmentação de hábitat, resultando em mudanças na paisagem e impactos negativos nas comunidades animais. Este estudo avalia características de comunidades de mamíferos de médio e grande porte na Mata Atlântica subtropical, sul do Brasil. Nós reunimos dados sobre ocorrência de mamíferos utilizando 108 armadilhas fotográficas instaladas em oito áreas protegidas. Em seguida, avaliamos se as diferenças de paisagem impactam a riqueza, composição e a complexidade das comunidades de mamíferos. Especificamente, nós usamos uma análise de árvore de regressão para avaliar as diferenças na composição das comunidades em função da configuração da paisagem. Analisamos dados de 26 espécies no total, com o número de espécies por área variando 9 a 17. As alterações na composição de mamíferos na escala da paisagem foram mais fortemente associadas à ocupação humana. As áreas com maior ocupação humana tiveram baixa riqueza de espécies, com predominância de espécies onívoras e insetívoras de médio porte, e, estas condições geraram índices de defaunação elevados. A complexidade das comunidades foi maior em áreas com baixa ocupação humana, onde carnívoros (Felidae) foram mais frequentes. As diferenças na composição de espécies também foram ligadas às quotas de altitude, assim como à razão entre o período de tempo com estatuto de proteção e o tempo de exploração de cada área. A análise com abordagem de grupos funcionais indicou que a maior ocupação humana teve efeitos negativos sobre as espécies maiores, um processo com consequências negativas iminentes. Apesar da defaunação ser uma importante questão ecológica, nós acreditamos que um conjunto de ações conservacionistas imediatas podem potencialmente limitar ou reverter os efeitos da defaunação antes que mudanças mais dramáticas acontecem.
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Madliger CL, Cooke SJ, Crespi EJ, Funk JL, Hultine KR, Hunt KE, Rohr JR, Sinclair BJ, Suski CD, Willis CKR, Love OP. Success stories and emerging themes in conservation physiology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cov057. [PMID: 27382466 PMCID: PMC4922248 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The potential benefits of physiology for conservation are well established and include greater specificity of management techniques, determination of cause-effect relationships, increased sensitivity of health and disturbance monitoring and greater capacity for predicting future change. While descriptions of the specific avenues in which conservation and physiology can be integrated are readily available and important to the continuing expansion of the discipline of 'conservation physiology', to date there has been no assessment of how the field has specifically contributed to conservation success. However, the goal of conservation physiology is to foster conservation solutions and it is therefore important to assess whether physiological approaches contribute to downstream conservation outcomes and management decisions. Here, we present eight areas of conservation concern, ranging from chemical contamination to invasive species to ecotourism, where physiological approaches have led to beneficial changes in human behaviour, management or policy. We also discuss the shared characteristics of these successes, identifying emerging themes in the discipline. Specifically, we conclude that conservation physiology: (i) goes beyond documenting change to provide solutions; (ii) offers a diversity of physiological metrics beyond glucocorticoids (stress hormones); (iii) includes approaches that are transferable among species, locations and times; (iv) simultaneously allows for human use and benefits to wildlife; and (v) is characterized by successes that can be difficult to find in the primary literature. Overall, we submit that the field of conservation physiology has a strong foundation of achievements characterized by a diversity of conservation issues, taxa, physiological traits, ecosystem types and spatial scales. We hope that these concrete successes will encourage the continued evolution and use of physiological tools within conservation-based research and management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L. Madliger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4. Tel: +1 519 253 3000.
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Erica J. Crespi
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Funk
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Kevin R. Hultine
- Department of Research, Conservation and Collections, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
| | - Kathleen E. Hunt
- John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory, Research Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Jason R. Rohr
- Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Brent J. Sinclair
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Cory D. Suski
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Craig K. R. Willis
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3B 2E9
| | - Oliver P. Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4
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