Franceschini, M.D., Rubenstein, D.I., Low, B. and Romero, L.M. 2008.Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite analysis as an indicator of stress during translocation and acclimation in an endangered large mammal, the Grevy’s zebra. Animal Conservation 11: 263-269.
Stress in animals is complex and there is a limited variety of non-invasive methods to monitor stress levels especially with endangered species. Monitoring the stress response in species that undergo conservation projects is crucial in indicating the overall success of the projects. Animals that are chronically stressed are typically more susceptible to developing diseases and reproductive output can be restricted. Translocation, reintroduction and rehabilitation practices aim to re-populate endangered species. Guidance in regards to these methods of re-population is important to determine the least stressful approaches (Franceschini 2008). The least stressful approach would entail the least amount of human handling/disturbance in the species’ natural environment, and the optimal duration of captivity.
Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) analyses provide very effective means for detecting the concentration of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) in mammalian species. It is accurate, non-invasive, can be obtained after the animal fleas the scene, and is versatile in its application. FGM measurements have been used in several wildlife projects such as, social interactions and status, anesthetic procedures, anthropogenic activity, radio-transmitters, zoo/captive lifestyle and environmental enrichment (Franceschini 2008). As part of a re-population project, park managers of the Meru National Park in Kenya monitored FGM levels during a translocation project in an attempt to determine just how stressful a translocation project can be for the endangered species at hand, the Grevy’s zebra. A small population of zebras was translocated from a privately owned park (Lewa Downs just north of Mount Kenya) to Meru Park, in which only two zebras were present at the time. The project followed strict guidelines and FGM samples were compared to a control group consisting of non-translocated zebras. Opportunistic fecal samples from the small population were taken just after tranquilization of the mammals, during captivity, and pre and post release.
The results identified that concentrations of FGM were highest during captivity (indicating a very stressful period) and the concentration returned to pre-capture levels during post release, indicating successful acclimation and translocation. Even though FGM analyses are accurate in detecting changes physiologically and biochemically, it does not give information about long-term survival and reproductive abilities in the translocated species. FGM is a promising tool in assessing amount of enrichment in the lives of captive animals, the best approach to translocation involving the least amount of stress, and the health of wild populations (Franceschini 2008).
Words: 383
This is pretty cool. Although the sampling may not be the coolest job, it is an interesting method for measuring stress. Maybe we should all do this pre, during, and post exams?!? Haha. But seriously though, how long did they hold them captive for? They must have had them captive im assuming for at least a week, in order to get enough data and ensure that the "material" reflected their time in captivity. I was also wondering if the FGM concentrations started to decline after they got accustomed to surroundings in captivity?
ReplyDeleteThis is a really cool study, and not something I would really have thought of. I wonder if this kind of method can be expanded to being used with strictly wild species as well. For example, perhaps this method can be used to measure the stress level of certain animal species that live in the area surrounding a residential development, industrial facility or logging operation. Perhaps knowing the effect of these projects on the stress levels of the animals living near them can be added to the environmental impact assessment. I doubt that this would happen though, because it would probably result in more money going out and less coming in for the companies and government involved.
ReplyDeleteI never thought measuring fecal matter could produce these kind of results. When I first started reading this I thought, "yeah, measure blood cortisol levels to get an idea of how stressed the animal is, good idea!". Then I figured if you caught and pinned down an animal while taking a blood sample, they'd have cortisol levels through the roof. But through feces! It's perfect, no contact necessary. Great idea whoever thought up this method.
ReplyDeleteThis approach of measuring stress level sounds great what i don't understand though is how reliable is this method? can it be apply to other species regardless of their conservation status?
ReplyDelete