We studied seasonal changes in fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM), which have been widely used as indicators of stress, in a population of Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) in the Cadí Range of northeastern Spain. We collected fecal samples from 2001 to 2003 in 3 particular locations with different altitudes and male or female presence, and we analyzed them for FCM and fecal nitrogen as an indicator of diet quality. We observed a clear seasonal pattern, with the highest FCM in winter, and we obtained correlations between FCM and monthly mean minimum temperatures and fecal nitrogen. We observed no effects of tourism presence, trophy hunting, or rut season on FCM. Analysis of cortisol metabolites in feces can be a good measure of winter stress in Pyrenean chamois.
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1 February 2007
Seasonal Changes in Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Pyrenean Chamois
ANTONI DALMAU,
ALFRED FERRET,
GEMA CHACON,
XAVIER MANTECA
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Journal of Wildlife Management
Vol. 71 • No. 1
February 2007
Vol. 71 • No. 1
February 2007
Cadí-Moixeró
chamois
cortisol metabolites
feces
hunting reserve
nature reserve
Pyrenees