Effects of management strategies on glucocorticoids and behavior in Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis): Translocation and operant conditioning

Abstract

The ex situ Indian rhino population experienced a decrease in genetic diversity indicating that the breeding program could possibly benefit from novel reproductive management strategies to ensure population sustainability. We sought to determine how management tools used for reproductive management, specifically translocation and operant conditioning, impact physiological and behavioral measures of welfare in Indian rhinos. First, an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge performed in an adult male resulted in a 38-fold increase in urinary and a 3.5-fold increase in fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM). Mean and peak FGM differed among three females, but all demonstrated elevated (P < 0.0001) concentrations for variable durations after translocation that lasted up to 9 weeks. Lastly, behavioral and adrenal responses of two females to operant conditioning to stand during transrectal ultrasound exams were monitored and rhinos differed in their mean and peak FGM concentrations. However, FGM were not different before versus during training or on pasture versus in the barn. One female exhibited more stereotypic behavior during training in the barn than on pasture (P < 0.05); although, stereotypies (1.73% of time) were relatively uncommon overall. In summary, individual variation exists in FGM both at baseline levels and in response to a stressor. In addition, while a transient rise in glucocorticoid activity post-translocation indicated that Indian rhinos have a physiological response to changes in their environment, minor alterations in daily routines using operant conditioning only resulted in minimal changes in behaviors and FGM.

The effects of transport stress on the behaviour and adrenocortical activity of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata)

“…In pileated gibbons the peak response was determined from 22 to 55 h and the levels usually returned to pre-treatment baseline levels by day 5 (Pirovino et al 2011). The time course of change in FGM levels observed in our study is in agreement with the previous studies indicating that transport of animals results in an short-time increase of FGM levels (Goymann et al 1999;Terio et al 1999;Palme et al 2000;Möstl et al 2002;Dembiec et al 2004;Touma and Palme 2005;Laws et al 2007;Capiro et al 2014;Keller et al 2014;Bashaw et al 2016). The excretion of glucocorticoids into faeces is affected by many factors.…”

Differences in age-specific mortality between wild-caught and captive-born Asian elephants

“…To our knowledge, there are no comparable studies investigating capture effects on mortality for decades in any species (but see Saraux et al 59 on effects of tagging). However, stress levels after capture and translocation indicate that the long-term adverse effects may indeed continue several months after capture also in other large mammals, such as in zebra for 11–18 weeks 60 and rhinoceros for 9 weeks 61 . In contrast, results from some primates 62 , 63 and carnivores 64 suggest that handling, restraint, and confinement may have no effect on well-being, reproduction and longevity of these animals .…”

Technique for venipuncture of the transverse facial vein in the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

“…The management of most rhinoceros species in captivity involves the use of this technique for the facilitation of medical and basic husbandry procedures. Previous studies note that the use of OC has not resulted in significant stress to the rhinoceroses involved, as indicated by fecal corticoid output [Capiro et al, ]. Throughout the process of obtaining blood from the transverse facial site, the investigators appreciated no overt stress, as compared to other husbandry procedures for which the rhinoceros had been previously acclimated.…”

“…Operant conditioning and target training to facilitate venipuncture remains a regular component of the health care of captive black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis ). Venipuncture is routinely performed on this species to obtain blood and serum samples useful in the monitoring of reproductive status and serial monitoring for frequently described diseases such as iron storage disease [Miller et al, ; Capiro et al, ]. Present methods of venipuncture in this species use the radial vein on the medial surface of the forelimb for large volumes, or the smaller auricular veins of the ear for small volumes [Miller, ].…”