Importance of health assessments for conservation in noncaptive wildlife

Abstract

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.Wildlife health assessments help identify populations at risk of starvation, disease, and decline from anthropogenic impacts on natural habitats. Here, we provide an overview of available health assessment studies in non-captive vertebrates, and propose a framework to strategically integrate health assessments in population monitoring. Using a systematic approach, we performed a thorough assessment of studies examining multiple health parameters of non-captive vertebrate species from 1982 to 2020 (n=261). We quantified trends in study design and diagnostic methods across taxa. We found a spatial mismatch between biodiversity hotspots and study location. Only 35% of studies involved international or cross-border collaboration. IUCN Red List non-threatened species represented 49% of species assessed, a trend likely associated with the regional focus of most studies. We identified a critical need for using statistically adequate sample sizes for studies establishing reference ranges, and strongly suggest following strict protocols when planning the study design. The main health assessment methods used across all taxa were blood analysis (89%), body composition assessment methods (81%), physical examination (72%) and faecal analysis (24% of studies). Based on our findings, we propose a conceptual framework for improved design and standardization for quality wildlife health assessments. Integrating a physiological and ecological understanding of species resilience towards threatening processes will enable informed decision making regarding the conservation of threatened species.

Developing Immune Profiles of Endangered Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Pups Within the Context of Endemic Hookworm (Uncinaria sanguinis) Infection

“…Only a small proportion of wildlife health assessment studies are carried out on threatened species [reviewed in ( 67 )], such as the endangered Australian sea lion. Disease and associated population declines have been reported in some free-living pinnipeds ( 10 , 11 , 68 – 71 ).…”

Use of Remote Camera Traps to Evaluate Animal-Based Welfare Indicators in Individual Free-Roaming Wild Horses

“…To date, published studies have predominantly used invasive measures of health that require physically capturing the animal to perform procedures such as physical examination and blood collection (reviewed by [63]). Whilst these measures are informative, if available, it is preferable to use the least invasive methods for welfare assessments.…”

Welfare threatened species

“…So, follow-up studies should consider conducting endocrinological investigations to estimate/monitor stress levels. Kophamel et al (2021) also stress the importance of strategic international collaboration, which may allow more testing of Eastern Hermann's Tortoise, as these were shown to be infected by mycoplasma.…”

“…In February this year, a review paper on health assessments in wildlife was published (Kophamel et al 2021). Amongst others, it shows reptilia/chelonia are relatively well-represented among publications.…”