Faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations and their alteration post‐defaecation in African wild dogs Lycaon pictus from South Africa

Abstract

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A field-friendly alternative to freeze-drying faeces for glucocorticoid metabolite analyses of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

“…These findings are important, as results from Crossey et al. [8] indicate that wild dog fGCM concentrations continue to be affected by bacterial enzyme activity after samples have been frozen and then defrosted. In this study, measured wild dog fGCM concentrations reached an increase of ∼155% above the initial mean at 96 hours post-defrosting.…”

“…Under field conditions, where the freezing of samples is often delayed, or cannot be maintained over a longer period, this approach becomes more challenging. This is particularly true for studies focusing on wide-ranging species, such as the African wild dog ( Lycaon pictus ), where sampling is often conducted at field sites with a limited electrical supply [see [7] , [8] , [9] ]. In many such cases, a sporadic electrical supply provides a meaningful challenge to keep samples frozen over a prolonged period, including during the subsequent transport to an analytical laboratory.…”

Methodological Considerations for Using Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations as an Indicator of Physiological Stress in the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

“…Although we did observe initial declines in some but not all subsamples during the first 24 h after defecation, we also noted marked and consistent increases at exposure times of 3 d to 2 wk. Using an RIA assay, Stetz et al (2013) Crossey et al 2018). We interpret these inconsistencies as strong support for both assay-and species-dependent effects on metabolite stability (Palme 2019), as well as possibly for additional external factors such as gut and environmental bacteria.…”

Using faecal glucocorticoid metabolite analyses to elucidate stressors of African wild dogs Lycaon pictus from South Africa

“…While others which are translocated as part of the managed metapopulation are only held temporarily in captivity (mostly in bomas in conservation areas) after having lived under free‐ranging conditions. These circumstances add an extra degree of complexity in terms of isolating factors which may act as AWD perceived stressor complexes across captive sites (which are known to differ based on different husbandry techniques (van der Weyde et al 2016, Crossey et al 2018), as individuals with differing individual life histories may respond differently to the same perceived stressor (Wingfield et al 1998)).…”

“…Using faecal material to quantify GC metabolites is favourable as it facilitates safe and feedback‐free sampling from both captive and free‐ranging individuals and allows for a more cumulative hormone signal to be assessed (Hulsman et al 2011, Ganswindt et al 2012). The methods for a reliable monitoring of fGCM concentrations have already been established for AWDs (Vlamings 2011, Crossey et al 2018). Sex‐specific differences in the metabolism of GCs are suspected for AWDs (van der Weyde et al 2016).…”