Abstract
Small mammal trapping is a commonly taught field technique in ecology and population biology. However, there are still open questions regarding the extent to which trapping affects the welfare of small animals. This study investigated faecal cortisol as a non-invasive measurement of the physiological stress response of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) to live-trapping. Faecal cortisol concentrations were similar between samples collected from trapped and non-trapped voles, but were negatively correlated with capture duration. This result may suggest that any physiological stress response was short-lasting and the animals habituated to the trap. As such, effects on faecal cortisol were not apparent as mean faecal cortisol concentration was determined from multiple collected faeces. Future work should focus on characterising the potential stress response to trapping with greater temporal resolution.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
