Non-invasive measurement of glucocorticoids: Advances and problems

Physiology & Behavior, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 199, P. 229 - 243

Published: Nov. 20, 2018

Language: Английский

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The cognition of ‘nuisance’ species

Animal Behaviour, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 147, P. 167 - 177

Published: May 30, 2018

Language: Английский

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Predator–Prey Interactions in the Anthropocene: Reconciling Multiple Aspects of Novelty

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 34(7), P. 616 - 627

Published: March 19, 2019

Language: Английский

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Glucocorticoid responses of wildlife to anthropogenic stressors are influenced by disturbance type and species traits

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 3, 2025

Abstract Ecological and conservation research has focused on documenting wildlife's behavioural demographic responses to anthropogenic disturbance. Yet, a significant gap remains in our understanding of the physiological mechanisms that underlie or adaptations human activities. Glucocorticoid concentrations (GCCs) are widely considered as relevant endpoints assess response wildlife natural stressors, yet recent studies show mixed outcomes concerning GCC shifts disturbed populations. Consequently, uncertainties remain around role GCCs reliable indicators effect disturbance organisms' physiology, likely due masking several confounding factors. To unveil generalizable patterns effects wildlife, we collected measured conspecific populations living undisturbed areas from 121 114 species terrestrial vertebrates, assessed roles type traits shaping using phylogenetic meta‐analysis log ratios (lnRRΔ). We found 36% increase mammals (lnRRΔ = 0.304), but no evidence for birds, non‐avian reptiles amphibians. Mammals showed similar all forms disturbance, while birds 24.6% habitat conversion only 0.221). Furthermore, change tended be higher large‐sized than small‐sized mammals, comparatively lower herbivorous mammals. Finally, non‐migratory elicit stronger compared with migratory 0.234). Our study provides novel supporting influential diet body mass behaviours glucocorticoid establishing link between magnitude pace‐of‐life‐related traits. trends coherent known responses, suggesting might costly sustain, thus serving potential early‐warning signals population decline. consistency facing types highlighting even seemingly innocuous interactions humans may still induce substantial changes. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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An altered microbiome in urban coyotes mediates relationships between anthropogenic diet and poor health

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 10(1)

Published: Dec. 17, 2020

Generalist species able to exploit anthropogenic food sources are becoming increasingly common in urban environments. Coyotes (Canis latrans) one such generalist that now resides cities across North America, where diseased or unhealthy coyotes frequently reported cases of human-wildlife conflict. Coyote health and fitness may be related habitat use diet via the gut microbiome, which has far-reaching effects on animal nutrition physiology. In this study, we used stomach contents, stable isotope analysis, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, measures body condition identify relationships among use, diet, fecal microbiome composition, rural coyotes. Three distinct emerged: (1) Urban consumed more food, was associated with increased diversity, higher abundances Streptococcus Enterococcus, poorer average condition. (2) Conversely, harbored microbiomes rich Fusobacteria, Sutterella, Anaerobiospirillum, were protein-rich diets improved (3) Diets Erysipelotrichiaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Coriobacteriaceae, correlated larger spleens also had an prevalence zoonotic parasite Echinococcus multilocularis, but there no detectable connections between infection composition. Our results demonstrate how consumption carbohydrate-rich by alters negatively affect condition, potential susceptibility conflict-prone behavior.

Language: Английский

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Stress in the city: meta-analysis indicates no overall evidence for stress in urban vertebrates

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 287(1936), P. 20201754 - 20201754

Published: Oct. 7, 2020

As cities continue to grow it is increasingly important understand the long-term responses of wildlife urban environments. There have been increased efforts determine whether urbanization imposes chronic stress on wild animals, but empirical evidence mixed. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis test there is, average, detrimental effect based baseline and stress-induced glucocorticoid levels vertebrates. We found no levels, none sex, season, life stage, taxon, size city nor methodology accounted for variation in observed sizes. At face value, our results suggest that areas are more stressful than rural or non-urban areas, offer few reasons why this conclusion could be premature. propose refining methods data collection will improve understanding how affects health survival wildlife.

Language: Английский

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Toward a unified framework for studying behavioural tolerance

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 39(5), P. 446 - 455

Published: Jan. 4, 2024

Language: Английский

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Towards the validation of endogenous steroid testing in wildlife hair

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 56(3), P. 547 - 561

Published: Nov. 17, 2018

Abstract Hair analysis is emerging as a popular tool to examine stress and reproduction hormone levels in wild mammals. The reliability of this approach, however, depends on an understanding steroid incorporation into hair well appropriate validations. We reviewed studies that have examined hormones wildlife with the goal summarizing analytical, physiological, biological evidence approach meaningful. Accordingly, we differentiated among validations aimed at evaluating analytical method versus those designed assess whether reflect physiologically meaningful processes target species. Our literature survey revealed endogenous steroids been from 40 species nonhuman animals across seven mammalian classes. Although majority (85%) 72 reported method, physiological only for five Moreover, results were inconsistent studies. This highlights need further research, carefully differentiate between multiple purported models different types growth patterns. To complement our review published studies, present new data supporting positive relationship steroid, cortisol, blood eight In addition, novel laboratory‐based study showing variable genetically identical laboratory mice kept under controlled conditions. Synthesis applications . Collectively, Review reveals substantial progress towards validation assays variety Further reproductive steroids, combined validations, would expand potential analyses research. As key example, can provide mechanistic insights species’ responses change may therefore contribute conservation planning.

Language: Английский

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Effects of urban-induced mutations on ecology, evolution and health

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 8(6), P. 1074 - 1086

Published: April 19, 2024

Language: Английский

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Space use by animals on the urban fringe: interactive effects of sex and personality

Behavioral Ecology, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 31(2), P. 330 - 339

Published: Oct. 31, 2019

Abstract Personality traits shape individual perceptions of risks and rewards, so, should affect how animals value use their environment. Evidence is emerging that personality affects foraging, space use, exploitation novel environments such as urban habitat. But the influence also hypothesized to be sex-dependent when primary motivation for differs between sexes, often occurs in polygynous species. We tested traits, interacting with sex, on by common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, an urban-woodland boundary Sydney, Australia. quantified including exploration, using behavioral assays artificial arena. GPS-tracked free-ranging individuals, measured range size, core area: home range, proportional range. found affected either a main effect or, predicted, interaction sex. More exploratory animals, regardless had higher ratios proportionally larger ranges within However, less females yet more males ranges. Our findings provide new insight into movement ecology demonstrating, first time, personality. The demonstrated possums suggests filter wildlife, populations transition areas. Finally, individuals at interface natural habitat are conduit two, corollary our there may personality-mediated spread disease across this boundary.

Language: Английский

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