Stress steroid levels and the short-term impact of routine dehorning in female southern white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum) |
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Authors: | Marcha Badenhorst Michelle Otto Annemieke C van der Goot |
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Affiliation: | 1. Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa;2. Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa;3. Buffalo Dream Ranch Wildlife Veterinary Services, Klerksdorp, South Africa;4. Lapalala Wilderness, Vaalwater, South Africa |
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Abstract: | Rhinoceros populations in Africa are under severe threat as a result of surging poaching rates and risk-mitigation strategies are continuously adapted in an attempt to ensure the survival of the species. This study compared faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels of two age classes of limited free-ranging female white rhinos with fGCM levels of adult free-ranging female white rhinos. Subsequently, fGCM alterations in the limited free-ranging animals were monitored following routine dehorning as a measure of the animals’ short-term physiological stress response. Baseline fGCM levels differed significantly between tested groups, with both free-ranging and limited free-ranging adult animals showing significantly higher fGCM levels compared with limited free-ranging juvenile females. In contrast, baseline fGCM levels did not differ significantly between limited free-ranging and free-ranging adult individuals. Routine dehorning procedures resulted in a short-term stress response expressed by a significant increase in fGCM levels 48 h post-dehorning, with stress steroid levels returning to pre-dehorning concentrations 72 h after the procedure. |
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Keywords: | faecal glucocorticoid metabolites non-invasive hormone monitoring physiological stress South Africa |
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