Increased hormonal stress reactions induced in an Alpine Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix) population by winter sports

Abstract

In the Italian Alps the intensification of winter sports represents an increasing threat for Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix). During the winters 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, characterised by different amounts of snowfall, 58 droppings from as many snow burrows were collected in three areas with different human disturbance to evaluate its effects on Black Grouse stress responses. Subjects in highly disturbed area showed higher concentrations of corticosterone metabolites during the winter with high snow cover highlighting a relationship between animals' stress and regular winter sports. As human-induced stress may contribute to population decline, tourism management should be planned to support Grouse conservation.