Abstract
Simple SummaryFecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations were examined in captive Asian elephants in relation to sex, body condition score, and working conditions. A total of 870 samples from 37 elephants in four elephant facilities were collected. We used a cortisol enzyme immunoassay for quantification of fGCM concentrations in fecal samples. Mean fGCM varied significantly across elephant facilities. Female elephants born in the wild exhibited elevated fGCM concentrations across all the facilities compared to males and captive-born elephants.Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) populations, both in the wild and in captivity, have been continually declining over the decades. The present study examined the physiological stress response of captive Asian elephants in relation to body condition score and different working conditions. A total of 870 dung samples of 37 captive elephants (24 males and 13 females) from four facilities were collected to examine fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (fGCM). The elephants in forest camps with exposure to natural habitats had a higher body condition score than those in more confined spaces. Wild born elephants and females (except in one case) had higher concentrations of fGCM than captive born elephants and males, respectively. Elephants engaged in the Dussehra festival had elevated fGCM concentrations than their counterparts at Mysore zoo. We recommend a few management practices for the long-term survival of rapidly declining captive elephant populations.
Highlights
The Asian elephant, an endangered species, occurs in south and south-east Asia, with a population estimated between 40,000 and 50,000 individuals [1]
About 14,000 to 16,000 (22% to 30%) Asian elephants live in captivity [3], and these elephants are used extensively for logging, patrolling, tourism, and religious activities
We aimed to examine fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations
Summary
The Asian elephant, an endangered species, occurs in south and south-east Asia, with a population estimated between 40,000 and 50,000 individuals [1]. Elephant populations have continued to decline for centuries in most of their range, especially in south-east Asia, due to loss, degradation, and fragmentation of their habitat, and poaching [2,3]. The south Indian populations in the Western Ghats are increasing in some areas due to effective conservation measures [4]. About 14,000 to 16,000 (22% to 30%) Asian elephants live in captivity [3], and these elephants are used extensively for logging, patrolling, tourism, and religious activities. Captive populations continue to decline due to failure in reproduction, diseases, and poor husbandry practices [5,6]. Increased use of non-traditional or unskilled and inexperienced mahouts leads to physiological and psychological
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