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Chen F, Jiang F, Ma J, Alghamdi MA, Zhu Y, Yong JWH. Intersecting planetary health: Exploring the impacts of environmental stressors on wildlife and human health. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116848. [PMID: 39116691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review articulates critical insights into the nexus of environmental stressors and their health impacts across diverse species, underscoring significant findings that reveal profound effects on both wildlife and human health systems. Central to our examination is the role of pollutants, climate variables, and pathogens in contributing to complex disease dynamics and physiological disruptions, with particular emphasis on immune and endocrine functions. This research brings to light emerging evidence on the severe implications of environmental pressures on a variety of taxa, including predatory mammals, raptorial birds, seabirds, fish, and humans, which are pivotal as indicators of broader ecosystem health and stability. We delve into the nuanced interplay between environmental degradation and zoonotic diseases, highlighting novel intersections that pose significant risks to biodiversity and human populations. The review critically evaluates current methodologies and advances in understanding the morphological, histopathological, and biochemical responses of these organisms to environmental stressors. We discuss the implications of our findings for conservation strategies, advocating for a more integrated approach that incorporates the dynamics of zoonoses and pollution control. This synthesis not only contributes to the academic discourse but also aims to influence policy by aligning with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. It underscores the urgent need for sustainable interactions between humans and their environments, which are critical for preserving biodiversity and ensuring global health security. By presenting a detailed analysis of the interdependencies between environmental stressors and biological health, this review highlights significant gaps in current research and provides a foundation for future studies aimed at mitigating these pressing issues. Our study is significant as it proposes integrative and actionable strategies to address the challenges at the intersection of environmental change and public health, marking a crucial step forward in planetary health science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Chen
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Feifei Jiang
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Jing Ma
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Mohammed A Alghamdi
- Department of Laboratory & Blood Bank, Security Forces Hospital, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Yanfeng Zhu
- School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221000, China.
| | - Jean Wan Hong Yong
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp 23456, Sweden.
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Garcia F, Alves DA Silva A, Sousa JP, Alves J. The role of wild red deer on soil physical properties in a Mediterranean ecosystem: insights from a Portuguese mountain. Integr Zool 2024. [PMID: 39261980 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12894] [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] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
In this study we aimed to assess the role of wild red deer, along with other ungulates such as roe deer and wild boar, in the soil's physical properties, namely soil penetration resistance and depth (used as a proxy for soil compaction), hydraulic conductivity (a proxy for water infiltration), and the proportion of soil stable aggregates. Results showed that, at the density level found in our study area, red deer have a neutral effect at the soil level, not causing significant soil compaction or significantly influencing measured soil functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Garcia
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Associate Laboratory TERRA, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Alves DA Silva
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Associate Laboratory TERRA, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Paulo Sousa
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Associate Laboratory TERRA, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Alves
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Associate Laboratory TERRA, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Rosenberger JP, Edge AC, Killmaster CH, Johannsen KL, Osborn DA, Nibbelink NP, Miller KV, D’Angelo GJ. Female Deer Movements Relative to Firearms Hunting in Northern Georgia, USA. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1212. [PMID: 38672360 PMCID: PMC11047325 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081212] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Perceived risk associated with hunters can cause white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to shift their activity away from key foraging areas or alter normal movements, which are important considerations in managing hunting and its effects on a population. We studied the effects of seven firearms hunts on the movements of 20 female deer in two Wildlife Management Areas within the Chattahoochee National Forest of northern Georgia, USA, during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 hunting seasons. Deer populations and the number of hunters in our study area have declined significantly since the 1980s. In response, hunting regulations for the 2019-2020 hunting season eliminated opportunities for harvesting female deer. To evaluate the indirect effects of antlered deer hunting on non-target female deer, we calculated 90% utilization distributions (UDs), 50% UDs, and step lengths for pre-hunt, hunt, and post-hunt periods using the dynamic Brownian bridge movement model. Data included 30 min GPS locations for 44 deer-hunt combinations. Pre-hunt 50% UDs (x- = 7.0 ha, SE = 0.4 ha) were slightly greater than both hunt (x- = 6.0 ha, SE = 0.3 ha) and post-hunt (x- = 6.0 ha, SE = 0.2 ha) 50% UDs (F = 3.84, p = 0.03). We did not detect differences in step length, nor did we detect differences in size or composition of 90% UDs, among the periods. Overall, our results suggest that the low level of hunting pressure in our study area and lack of exposure to hunters led to no biologically significant changes in female deer movements. To the extent of the findings presented in this paper, adjustments to the management of hunting in our study area do not appear to be necessary to minimize hunting-related disturbances for female deer. However, managers should continue to consider female deer behavior when evaluating future changes to hunting regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacalyn P. Rosenberger
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA (G.J.D.)
| | - Adam C. Edge
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA (G.J.D.)
| | - Charlie H. Killmaster
- Game Management Section, Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Social Circle, GA 30025, USA
| | - Kristina L. Johannsen
- Game Management Section, Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Social Circle, GA 30025, USA
| | - David A. Osborn
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA (G.J.D.)
| | - Nathan P. Nibbelink
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA (G.J.D.)
| | - Karl V. Miller
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA (G.J.D.)
| | - Gino J. D’Angelo
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA (G.J.D.)
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Dziki-Michalska K, Tajchman K, Kowalik S, Wójcik M. The Levels of Cortisol and Selected Biochemical Parameters in Red Deer Harvested during Stalking Hunts. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1108. [PMID: 38612347 PMCID: PMC11010865 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071108] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
As a reactive species, the red deer is sensitive to both negative exogenous and endogenous stimuli. An intensive hunting period may have a particularly negative impact on game animals. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma cortisol level and biochemical parameters in 25 wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) harvested during stalking hunts in correlation with the sex and age of the animals. The mean cortisol concentrations in the stags and hinds analyzed in this study were similar (20.2 and 21.5 ng/mL, respectively). Higher HDL cholesterol values were found in the blood of the hinds than in stags (p < 0.05). Similarly, the mean levels of LDL cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and alanine aminotransferase were higher by 21%, 16%, and 42%, respectively, in the blood of the hinds. In contrast, the levels of alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase were higher in the stags (by 30%, 49%, and 36%, respectively). There was a negative correlation of the cortisol concentration with urea and bilirubin and a positive correlation between cortisol and aspartate aminotransferase in the stags (p < 0.05). In turn, a negative correlation was found between the cortisol and urea levels in the hinds (p < 0.05). In summary, the stress caused by stalking hunts and the characteristic behavior of red deer during the mating season had an impact on chosen biochemical parameters. The increased concentration of cortisol resulted in a decrease in the carcass mass, which may lead to the deterioration of the physical condition of animals on hunting grounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Dziki-Michalska
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Tajchman
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Sylwester Kowalik
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Wójcik
- Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Lublin, Czechowska 4, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
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Weterings MJA, Ebbinge EYC, Strijker BN, Spek G, Kuipers HJ. Insights from a 31-year study demonstrate an inverse correlation between recreational activities and red deer fecundity, with bodyweight as a mediator. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11257. [PMID: 38654717 PMCID: PMC11035974 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Human activity is omnipresent in our landscapes. Animals can perceive risk from humans similar to predation risk, which could affect their fitness. We assessed the influence of the relative intensity of recreational activities on the bodyweight and pregnancy rates of red deer (Cervus elaphus) between 1985 and 2015. We hypothesized that stress, as a result of recreational activities, affects the pregnancy rates of red deer directly and indirectly via a reduction in bodyweight. Furthermore, we expected non-motorized recreational activities to have a larger negative effect on both bodyweight and fecundity, compared to motorized recreational activities. The intensity of recreational activities was recorded through visual observations. We obtained pregnancy data from female red deer that were shot during the regular hunting season. Additionally, age and bodyweight were determined through a post-mortem examination. We used two Generalized-Linear-Mixed Models (GLMM) to test the effect of different types of recreation on (1) pregnancy rates and (2) bodyweight of red deer. Recreation had a direct negative correlation with the fecundity of red deer, with bodyweight, as a mediator as expected. Besides, we found a negative effect of non-motorized recreation on fecundity and bodyweight and no significant effect of motorized recreation. Our results support the concept of humans as an important stressor affecting wild animal populations at a population level and plead to regulate recreational activities in protected areas that are sensitive. The fear humans induce in large-bodied herbivores and its consequences for fitness may have strong implications for animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn J. A. Weterings
- Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied SciencesLeeuwardenThe Netherlands
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Beau N. Strijker
- Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied SciencesLeeuwardenThe Netherlands
| | - Gerrit‐Jan Spek
- Vereniging Wildbeheer Veluwe/FBE Gelderland/Natuurlijk Fauna Advies MtsVaassenThe Netherlands
| | - Henry J. Kuipers
- Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied SciencesLeeuwardenThe Netherlands
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Dziki-Michalska K, Tajchman K, Kowalik S. Physiological response of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) during stalking hunts depending on age. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:266. [PMID: 38071359 PMCID: PMC10709921 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03833-8] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a species particularly reactive to all kinds of negative stimuli. Hunting activity is one of the most potent stressors that disturbs the welfare of wild animals. During stress, various endocrine responses are elicited to improve the physical performance of the affected individual. A commonly assessed hormone for overcoming stressful situations is cortisol (CORT). In this study, plasma CORT levels in roe deer were assessed during the season of the most intense stalking hunts in Poland (summer vs. late autumn), the sex of the harvested animals (males vs. females), and age of harvest animal. In addition, the health status of the roe doe was evaluated on the basis of selected indices of blood chemistry, which could be associated with circulating cortisol levels. RESULTS The mean cortisol levels were 58.066 ng/ml in the male group (summer) and 27.694 ng/ml in the female group (late autumn). Higher CORT levels were associated with a significantly lower of total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and uric acid (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mean concentration of uric acid was negatively correlated with the level of CORT in the male and female groups (p < 0.05). Together with the increase in mean CORT level, the HDL cholesterol of all the tested animals increased significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Higher CORT in males during the summer than in females during the late autumn were most likely due to the arousal with the mating season. The level of CORT increased with the animals' age. Uric acid and age are both predictors of roe deer's serum CORT level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Dziki-Michalska
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, Lublin, 20-950, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Tajchman
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, Lublin, 20-950, Poland.
| | - Sylwester Kowalik
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 12, Lublin, 20-033, Poland
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Garcia F, Alves da Silva A, Freitas H, Sousa JP, Alves J. The effect of COVID-19 confinement on the activity behaviour of red deer. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023; 45:e02525. [PMID: 37265595 PMCID: PMC10212594 DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected people's social habits, especially those related to outdoor activities. We intended to understand the effects of the two national lockdowns in Portugal on the presence and activity of a wild population of red deer (Cervus elaphus) by analysing data from camera traps installed at Lousã mountain, in the central part of Portugal. The cameras were set between 2019 and 2021, and a total of 2434 individual contacts of red deer and 182 contacts of people were recorded. Results showed a higher human presence in the mountain area during the COVID-19 outbreak, especially during the first lockdown in 2020 (0.05 ± 0.17 individuals/day), compared to the same period of the year before the pandemic (0.02 ± 0.05 individuals/day), which resulted in an increase of people by 150%. The increase in human presence did not have a significant direct effect on the presence of red deer. Despite the low overlap of activity patterns between people and red deer, deer showed avoidance behaviour in the 24 h after the detection of human presence on camera traps, as well as an increase in daily activity during the 2020 lockdown, showing red deer's awareness of human visitation. These results showed that people's increased search for cultural services in wild environments during COVID-19 lockdowns, such as hiking and biking, seemed to influence the population of red deer, albeit momentarily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Garcia
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), TERRA Associate Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Alves da Silva
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), TERRA Associate Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Helena Freitas
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), TERRA Associate Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Paulo Sousa
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), TERRA Associate Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Alves
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), TERRA Associate Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
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Hariohay KM, Hunninck L, Ranke PS, Fyumagwa RD, Palme R, Røskaft E. Between hunter and climate: the effects of hunting and environmental change on fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in two sympatric ungulate species in the Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem, Tanzania. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad002. [PMID: 38026801 PMCID: PMC10660377 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the drivers of animal population decline is a key focus of conservation biologists. Anthropogenic activities such as hunting have long been established as potentially detrimental to a population's persistence. However, environmental perturbations such as increased temperature variability, exacerbated by climate change, can also have important effects on animal populations. Animals can respond to these challenges by adjusting both their behavior and physiology. We measured fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) of common impala (Aepyceros melampus) and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), both currently in stable populations, to examine effects of hunting, forage availability, daily variability in temperature and group size on their physiological stress response. The study was conducted across two adjacent protected areas, (i) one non-hunted area (Ruaha National Park; RNP) and (ii) one area used for trophy hunting (Rungwa Game Reserve; RGR). Both impala and kudu had significantly higher FGM levels in the area that allows hunting, while FGM levels decreased with increasing forage availability and increasing daily temperature. Moreover, impala (but not kudu) had lower FGM levels with larger group sizes. Our results indicate that the management regime can significantly alter the physiological state of wild ungulate populations. We also highlight the importance of considering the combined effects of anthropogenic, environmental and social contexts when studying the stress response of wild populations. Our results emphasize the value of protected areas and continued monitoring of hunting quota in order to maintain ungulate populations that are less vulnerable to population declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwaslema Malle Hariohay
- Department of Wildlife Management, College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, P. O. Box 3031, Moshi, Tanzania
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Louis Hunninck
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Peter S Ranke
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Robert D Fyumagwa
- Department of Wildlife Management, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), P.O. Box 661, Arusha
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
| | - Eivin Røskaft
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
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Roffler GH, Karpovich S, Charapata P, Keogh MJ. Validation and measurement of physiological stress and reproductive hormones in wolf hair and claws. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen H. Roffler
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation 801 3rd Street Douglas AK 99824 USA
| | - Shawna Karpovich
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation 1300 College, Road Fairbanks AK 99701 USA
| | - Patrick Charapata
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation 1300 College, Road Fairbanks AK 99701 USA
| | - Mandy J. Keogh
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation 801 3rd Street Douglas AK 99824 USA
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Coppes J, Kämmerle J, Grünschachner‐Berger V, Palme R, Nopp‐Mayr U. No evidence of increased fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in capercaillie ( Tetrao urogallus) due to wind turbines. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:8487-8494. [PMID: 34257911 PMCID: PMC8258217 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7587] [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: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Wind energy facilities (WEFs) are a relatively novel impact on wildlife habitats, and an increasing number of studies show negative effects on wildlife. Increased stress-associated hormone levels are an indicator of disturbance effects, and measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FCM) levels is an established noninvasive method to study disturbance effects on wildlife. We studied whether FCM levels of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), a locally threatened forest bird species with proven behavioral responses to WEF, are affected by WEF. Using a before-after-control-impact (BACI) study design at sites in Austria, Germany and Sweden we investigated whether mean FCM levels changed after the construction of WEF and whether there was spatial variation in FCM levels in relation to WEF impacts. By analyzing 553 fecal samples from five wind farms and five control sites, we did not find evidence of increased FCM levels due to WEF when comparing wind farm sites before and after WEF construction with control sites. We further could not detect any spatial variation in FCM levels at wind farms related to turbine effects. There was, however, temporal variation in FCM, with lower FCM levels toward the end of the winter season. Differences among individual study sites emphasize the importance of larger studies with a BACI study design. Facing some methodological limitations, we currently find no evidence for an increase in FCM levels in capercaillie due to WEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Coppes
- FVA Wildlife InstituteForest Research Inst. of Baden‐Wuerttemberg FVAFreiburgGermany
| | - Jim‐Lino Kämmerle
- FVA Wildlife InstituteForest Research Inst. of Baden‐Wuerttemberg FVAFreiburgGermany
| | | | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
| | - Ursula Nopp‐Mayr
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game ManagementDepartment of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity ResearchUniversity of Natural Resources and Life ScienceViennaAustria
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de la Peña E, Barja I, Carranza J. Social environment with high intrasexual competition enhances the positive relationship between faecal testosterone and cortisol metabolite levels in red deer. Mamm Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-021-00100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Azevedo A, Bailey L, Bandeira V, Fonseca C, Wauters J, Jewgenow K. Decreasing glucocorticoid levels towards the expansion front suggest ongoing expansion in a terrestrial mammal. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab050. [PMID: 34249365 PMCID: PMC8253928 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the causes of range expansions in abundant species can help predict future species distributions. During range expansions, animals are exposed to novel environments and are required to cope with new and unpredictable stressors. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are mediators of the hormonal and behavioural mechanisms allowing animals to cope with unpredictable changes in the environment and are therefore expected to differ between populations at expansion edge and the historic range. However, to date, very few studies have evaluated the relationship between GCs and range expansion. The Egyptian mongoose has been rapidly expanding its range in Portugal over the past 30 years. In this study, we applied an information theoretic approach to determine the most important spatial and environmental predictors of hair GCs (hGCs) in the population, after controlling for normal patterns of hGC variation in the species. We observed a decrease in hGC as distance from the historic range increased (i.e. closer to the expansion front). This distance term was present in all of the top models and had a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) that did not overlap with zero, strongly supporting its influence on hGC. We estimated a 0.031 pg/mg (95% CI: -0.057, -0.004) decrease in hGCs for each kilometre distance to the Tagus River, which was once the limit of the species' distribution. Our results indicate that the species' expansion is unlikely to be limited by mechanisms related to or mediated by the physiological stress response. The decrease in hGC levels towards the expansion edge coupled with limited evidence of a negative effect of human population density suggests that the species' northward expansion in Portugal could continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Azevedo
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar - University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Corresponding author: Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Liam Bailey
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Bandeira
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- ForestWISE - Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest and Fire Management, Quinta de Prados, Campus da UTAD 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Jella Wauters
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katarina Jewgenow
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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