Physiological and behavioral indices of short-term stress in wild vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) in Jujuy Province, Argentina

Abstract

The management of wild vicuñas can trigger a stress response that may compromise welfare. In Santa Catalina, Jujuy Province, Argentina, indices of short-term stress associated with capture, handling, and shearing were studied in 105 wild vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna). The study included 2 groups (n = 59 and n = 46) of wild vicuñas captured in 2 consecutive days. Independent variables analyzed included sex, restraint time, and groups. Cortisol, creatine kinase, glucose, white blood cells, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory frequency were higher than published values. Respiratory rate increased during handling and correlated with holding time and group size, while heart rate decreased. Packed cell volume was higher in females. Cortisol concentrations differed between restraint groups and sex and inversely correlated with agonistic behavior. The most common behavior was increased vigilance. Sternal recumbency increased over holding time. During handling procedures, frequency of sudden movements like kicking and attempts to stand increased as restraint time increased. Females vocalized more than males. In conclusion, the methods used triggered measurable changes suggestive of short-term stress that appeared to be physiologically tolerated by the vicuñas.

Epidemiology of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna): a cross-sectional study in Andean highland communities in Peru

“… Gómez-Puerta et al (2022) do not report differences, by sex or age, between vicuñas affected with S. scabiei in Cuzco. Although there is no consensus on susceptibility according to sex ( Acebes et al, 2022 ), in Argentina, female vicuñas show a higher level of cortisol during the capture ( Marcoppido et al, 2018 ) and this can affect the immune response, giving greater susceptibility to scabies. Furthermore, females, unlike males, spend more time grouped together, in close contact with their offspring, and near the areas of wallowing, where we have identified the presence of mites ( Siguas et al, 2022 ).…”

Vicugna vicugna: Acebes, P., Wheeler, J., Baldo, J., Tuppia, P., Lichtenstein, G., Hoces, D. & Franklin, W.L.

“…Recent studies have shown that capture, handling, live-shearing and releasing wild Vicuñas under strict sustainable management and welfare protocols (although showing subtle and transitory behavioural and social structure changes after being released) does not compromise the conservation or maintenance of ecologically functional wild populations (Sahley et al 2007, Marcoppido et al 2017). Among the two widely used methods for capturing Vicuñas, the traditional 'Chaku' (surround-capture by people on foot) results in less stress on animals than the use of motor vehicles to chase the animals (Sarno et al 2009, Arzamendia et al 2010.…”