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Barbosa-Moyano H, Sobral G, de Oliveira CA. Glucocorticoid metabolites in an ex situ nocturnal bird, the tropical screech owl Megascops choliba: effects of sex, activity period and inter-individual variation. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad016. [PMID: 37101705 PMCID: PMC10123863 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids mediate physiological processes to obtain energy, presenting daily variation in basal levels that may be related to behavioural activity pattern. Identification of plasticity in the secretion of these hormones is essential to understand their effects on physiology and behaviour of wild birds and, therefore, their success in their natural or artificial environment. Serial endocrine evaluations are facilitated by implementing non-invasive methodologies that minimize possible effects of manipulation on the animal's physiological variables. However, non-invasive endocrine-behavioural studies in nocturnal birds, such as owls, are immature. The present work aimed to validate an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to quantify glucocorticoid metabolites (MGC) in Megascops choliba as well as to evaluate differences in their production at the individual, sexual or daily level. We recorded the behaviour of nine owls during three continuous days to establish activity budget under captive conditions and aiming to correlate with daily MGC variation. The EIA proved to be effective in analytical assays and in pharmacological testing with synthetic ACTH, validating this immunoassay for the species. Additionally, individual differences in MGC production were confirmed in relation to the time of day, especially at 1700 and 2100, but not in relation to sex. During night hours, the owls showed greater behavioural activity, positively related to MGC values. Higher MGC concentrations were significantly related to greater expressions of active behaviours, such as maintenance, while lower MGC concentrations were recorded during moments of higher alertness and resting. The results presented show daily MGC variation to be inversed in this nocturnal species. Our findings can aid future theoretical studies of daily rhythm and evaluations of challenging and/or disturbing situations that result in changes in behaviour or hormonal cascades of these changes in ex situ populations of owls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Barbosa-Moyano
- Corresponding author: Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP: 05508270, São Paulo (SP), Brazil. Tel: +55 11 94856-3251;
| | - Gisela Sobral
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM/UFRJ, Av. São José do Barreto, 764–São José do Barreto, Macaé – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), 27965-045, Brazil
| | - Claudio Alvarenga de Oliveira
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP: 05508270, São Paulo (SP), Brazil
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Driscoll MV, Tuttle AD, Romano TA. Fecal glucocorticoid analysis as a health monitoring tool for endangered African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114147. [PMID: 36272448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are an endangered species, with approximately 70,000 mature adults remaining in the wild. Population loss is linked to a combination of environmental and anthropogenic stressors. The aim of the study was to validate a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to assess adrenal activity and measure the response to stressors in the feces of African penguins. Fecal samples (n = 609) were collected from 12 African penguins housed at Mystic Aquarium throughout their natural lifecycle, including breeding and molt, where measurable changes in fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) levels are predicted to occur. Fecal samples collected post-veterinary exam were used for biological validation. Longitudinal analysis shows a significant difference (p = <0.0001) between the average FGM levels during baseline and breeding season, 33.97 ± 1.30 ng/g and 50.21 ± 3.18 ng/g, respectively. Females displayed significantly higher FGM levels than males during both baseline (p = 0.0386; females = 38.80 ± 2.19 ng/g; males = 29.34 ± 1.37 ng/g) and breeding periods (p = 0.0175; females = 57.53 ± 4.84 ng/g; males = 42.69 ± 3.95 ng/g). Average FGM levels decreased significantly over the three-week molting period, from 85.40 ± 20.35 ng/g at week one to 20.23 ± 5.30 ng/g at week three. A seasonal difference in FGM levels was observed in both male and female fecal samples, with Fall having the highest average FGM levels, 54.38 ± 3.64 ng/g, and Summer the lowest, 30.87 ± 2.21 ng/g. General linear mixed model analysis determined that lifecycle (females) and visitor presence (males) were the two factors which best explained the variation in FGM levels observed, however neither factor was found to be significant. These results show FGM analysis can detect physiologically meaningful changes in endocrine activity in African penguins and can be used to monitor health for penguins in aquaria and in the wild, thus contributing to conservation efforts for the survival of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen V Driscoll
- Sea Research Foundation Inc., d/b/a Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355, USA; University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| | - Allison D Tuttle
- Sea Research Foundation Inc., d/b/a Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355, USA
| | - Tracy A Romano
- Sea Research Foundation Inc., d/b/a Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355, USA; University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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Rice EA, Lewis TR, Griffin RK, Grant PBC. Heads nods and boat bobs: Behavior of
Iguana iguana
is affected by environment and boat traffic in riparian tropical forest. Biotropica 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Bird Welfare in Zoos and Aquariums: General Insights across Industries. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is a priority across accredited zoological institutions; however, historically, research has been prioritized for mammals. Bird-focused studies accounted for less than 10% of welfare research in zoos and aquariums over the last ten years. Due to the lack of scientific publications on bird welfare, zoo scientists and animal practitioners can look to other industries such as agriculture, laboratories, and companion animal research for insight. This qualitative review highlights findings across industries to inform animal care staff and scientists on the welfare needs of birds within zoos and aquariums. Specifically, the review includes an overview of research on different topics and a summary of key findings across nine resources that affect bird welfare. We also highlight areas where additional research is necessary. Future welfare research in zoos and aquariums should prioritize studies that consider a diversity of bird species across topics and work to identify animal-based measures with empirical evidence. Moving forward, research from other industries can help develop innovative research on bird welfare within zoos and aquariums.
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Scheun J, Miller RJ, Ganswindt A, Waller LJ, Pichegru L, Sherley RB, Maneveldt GW. Urofaecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in African penguin ( Spheniscus demersus) chick populations experiencing different levels of human disturbance. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab078. [PMID: 34532057 PMCID: PMC8439262 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the importance of ecotourism in species conservation, little is known about the industry's effects on wildlife. In South Africa, some African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) colonies have become tourist attractions. The species is globally endangered, with population sizes decreasing over the past 40 years. As African penguin chicks are altricial and unable to move away from anthropogenic stressors, it is important to evaluate the effect of tourist activities on baseline glucocorticoid levels as a measure of potential disturbance. Chicks at three study sites within two breeding colonies (Robben Island, Stony Point), with varying levels of exposure to tourism (low/moderate/high) were monitored. Urofaecal samples were collected to determine urofaecal glucocorticoid metabolite (ufGCM) concentrations as an indication of baseline stress physiology. Morphometric measurements were taken to compare body condition between sites. Penguin chicks experiencing low, infrequent human presence had significantly higher mean (± standard deviation) ufGCM levels [1.34 ± 1.70 μg/g dry weight (DW)] compared to chicks experiencing both medium (0.50 ± 0.40 μg/g DW, P = 0.001) and high levels of human presence (0.57 ± 0.47 μg/g DW, P = 0.003). There was no difference in chick body condition across sites. These results suggest that exposure to frequent human activity may induce habituation/desensitization in African penguin chicks. Acute, infrequent human presence was likely an important driver for comparatively higher ufGCM levels in chicks, though several other environmental stressors may also play an important role in driving adrenocortical activity. Nevertheless, as unhabituated chicks experiencing infrequent anthropogenic presence showed significantly higher ufGCM levels, managers and legislation should attempt to minimize all forms of activity around important breeding colonies that are not already exposed to regular tourism. Although the results of this study are crucial for developing enhanced conservation and management protocols, additional research on the long-term effect of anthropogenic activities on African penguin physiology is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Scheun
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Roodepoort, 1724, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - Rebecca J Miller
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa
| | - Lauren J Waller
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Table View, 7441, South Africa
| | - Lorien Pichegru
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology and Institute for Coastal and Marine Research at the Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Richard B Sherley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penry Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Gavin W Maneveldt
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
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Chiew SJ, Butler KL, Fanson KV, Eyre S, Coleman GJ, Sherwen SL, Melfi V, Hemsworth PH. Effects of the presence of zoo visitors on zoo-housed little penguins (Eudyptula minor). NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2021.1896560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. Chiew
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kym L. Butler
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Biometrics Team, Agriculture Victoria Research, Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions, Hamilton, Australia
| | - Kerry V. Fanson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Simon Eyre
- Department of Animal Science and Care, Wellington Zoo, Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Grahame J. Coleman
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sally L. Sherwen
- Department of Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Australia
| | - Vicky Melfi
- Animal & Agriculture Research Centre, Hartpury University, Gloucester, UK
| | - Paul H. Hemsworth
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Scheun J, Ludynia K, Snyman A, Ganswindt A. Non-invasive hormone monitoring as a robust method for determining adrenocortical activity in injured, emaciated and oil-contaminated African penguins undergoing rehabilitation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 303:113703. [PMID: 33359663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activity is a major driver of seabird injury and mortality in the 21st century. Although most seabirds perish within the natural environment as a result of human activities, some are rescued and admitted to rehabilitation centres. Despite the considerable number of admissions, little is known regarding the physiological response seabirds have to specific admission reasons and the rehabilitation process. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of injury, emaciation, oiling, individual removal from the natural environment and the rehabilitation process on the physiological stress response of the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). Urofaecal samples were collected from African penguins throughout a three-stage rehabilitation process and quantified for glucocorticoid metabolites (ufGCM). The three stages included an initial ICU crate stage (Stage 1), an ICU pen stage (Stage 2) and a rehabilitation stage (Stage 3). Data were analysed using a generalised linear model in order to determine the effect of admission reason, age and rehabilitation stage (Stage 1, 2 and 3) on ufGCM levels. Although the model indicated that only Stage 1 was a significant driver of adrenocortical activity in the study population, ufGCM levels of injured and emaciated animals within Stage 1 were considerably higher than those of birds with any other admission reason across all stages. This is the first study examining the causes and effect of rehabilitation on the physiological stress response in African penguins. Enhanced care and attention should be given to rescued individuals, especially during the first stage of rehabilitation, to reduce perception of additional stressors and thus increase the chance of full recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scheun
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa; National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - K Ludynia
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A Snyman
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A Ganswindt
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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