North American Crane Working Group
Date of this Version
2022
Document Type
Article
Citation
WHOOPING CRANE GLUCOCORTICOID RESPONSE TO TRANSFER • Brown et al. Proc. North Am. Crane Workshop 15:2022
Abstract
The ability to transfer animals between different facilities for genetic management is a critical component to the success of any cooperatively managed captive animal population despite the high cost and the need for a high level of coordination in logistical planning. Two issues of concern are the magnitude of potential stress responses incurred during shipment of adult cranes to a new facility and the duration of elevated glucocorticoid production during the acclimation periods. The objectives of this project were to assess adrenal responses of whooping cranes (Grus americana) during transfer from the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) to other facilities across North America and the influence of transit time on acclimation duration. We conducted 2 separate studies to assess patterns of glucocorticoid production. When comparing the 3 stages of transfer (study 1), fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations were significantly higher in samples collected from the crate compared to both before and after transfer. During the acclimation period at the new facilities (study 2), 2 patterns emerged, where some birds showed an immediate response then little change in FGM production while others displayed variable production throughout the sampling period. We believe that these different patterns may be due to differences in personality and is an avenue for future investigation. Results from this study help inform future management decisions for individuals being transferred and acclimation to new facilities.
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Comments
Used by permission.