Comparison of the Glucocorticoid Concentrations between Three Species of Lemuridae Kept in a Temporary Housing Facility

Abstract

We compared the glucocorticoid concentrations in response to various types of potential stressors present during standard operation of a temporary housing facility between three species, namely, ring-tailed lemurs, collared brown lemurs and white-headed lemurs. The levels of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) were measured non-invasively on a daily basis during a 30-day period. A total of 510 faecal samples were collected. Concentrations of immunoreactive glucocorticoid hormone metabolites were measured in the obtained extracts by using an enzyme immunoassay. The polyclonal antibodies used in this assay were directed against the metabolite 11-oxo-etiocholanolone I. We found all three monitored lemur species to respond to specific potentially stressful situations by increasing (p < 0.05) the FGM levels within one to two days after the event. Although housed in the same room, differences in response to potentially stressful situations were found in white-headed lemurs compared to ring-tailed lemurs. Increased mean levels of the FGMs were found more frequently in white-headed lemurs than in ring-tailed lemurs. The results suggest that this species may be more sensitive to changes in its surroundings. In general, the levels of the FGMs showed a similar pattern during 30 days of monitoring suggesting that all groups of lemurs responded in a similar manner to the same events. However, we recorded the differences in the absolute values of glucocorticoid concentrations between the monitored species likely due to the differences in sex ratios in the groups and presence of lactating females in the ring-tailed lemurs.

Non-Invasive Assessment of the Seasonal Stress Response to Veterinary Procedures and Transportation of Zoo-Housed Lesser Anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla)

“…Above all, faecal samples offer the advantage of an easy stress-free collection without the need for animal handling, and measured metabolites reflect adrenocortical activity over longer periods. For this reason, there has been an increase in the analysis of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in zoos and wildlife facilities, e.g., [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Longitudinal Analysis of Variability in Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations in Three Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus and Pongo pygmaeus abelii) before, during, and after Transition from a Regular Habitat Environment to Temporary Housing in Indoor Holding Facilities

“…It appears that, so far, no formal studies have been conducted on the adrenal responses of orangutans transferred to temporary housing facilities within the same institution and their subsequent acclimation to those facilities. However, a recent study conducted on three species of lemur ( Lemur catta, Eulemur albifrons, and Eulemur collaris ) showed increased frequencies of elevated fGM concentrations in the latter-half of a 30-day period when the lemurs were housed in temporary facilities [ 8 ].…”

“…Our study aims to quantify how intra-institutional transfers and prolonged temporary housing in an indoor holding facility impacted the adrenal physiology of the orangutans at the Oregon Zoo. Due to the information presented in previous research (e.g., the increased frequencies in elevated fGM concentrations over time at temporary holding facilities in lemurs [ 8 ]), and the fact that the orangutans would be returning to their previous enclosure (RAR) after the time spent in indoor holding (VMC), we predicted that the average fGM concentrations of the two species, P. p. abelii and P. p. pygmaeus , would likely increase while the orangutans were housed at the VMC and decrease when they returned to the familiar RAR. Furthermore, based on previous findings [ 5 , 6 ] on how other orangutans have reacted to institutional changes and transport itself, we predicted a significant peak of fGM concentrations in direct response to the crated transport across the Zoo to a different location.…”