Faecal cortisol metabolites to assess stress in wildlife: evaluation of a field method in free‐ranging chamois

作者: Ulrike Hadinger , Agnes Haymerle , Felix Knauer , Franz Schwarzenberger , Chris Walzer

DOI: 10.1111/2041-210X.12422

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摘要: Summary 1. Non-invasive faecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) analysis is a well-established tool to quantify stress in captive and free-ranging species. While the method has great potential, its suitability field studies might be limited when samples from unknown individuals are used. Possible factors affecting final results thus jeopardizing correct data interpretation individual sex-specific variation, storage conditions uneven distribution of metabolites faeces. 2. We tested these on population Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra Austrian Alps. Faecal (n = 183) were analysed with an established enzyme immunoassay (EIA). To further validate assay for FCM chamois, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed. Sex-specific differences excretion evaluated. Effects length temperature two experiments. The faeces determined by subsamples single samples. Potential effects levels individually variable reactions stressful events evaluated simulation experiment. 3. Patterns immunoreactive peaks after HPLC separation similar different samples, except one sample male. In stability tests, time at ambient prior freezing most important variables modulating FCM. Concentrations within varied significantly between pellets. Analysis collected June October showed highly significant seasonal trend (P <0 � 001) considerable variance population. Simulations confirmed that stressors terms varying gradients can explain observed patterns. 4. Using assess adrenocortical function requires measuring extensively metabolized products glucocorticoids, whose detection depend several environmental, endogenous methodological factors. wildlife, intrinsic generate systemic noise substantially distort results. Therefore, sampling inevitably jeopardizes meaningful data, if above named not taken into consideration.

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