Faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels of intensive captive, free-range captive and wild Tasmanian devils

Captivity can alter the stress physiology and behaviour of an animal in both the short- and long-term through repetitive exposure to novel stressors and, subsequently, may reduce the success of conservation efforts such as translocation and reintroduction. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is threatened with extinction from a fatal facial tumour disease which has led to the establishment of an insurance meta-population designed for future reintroductions of disease-free devils. The meta-population is comprised of intensive captive and free-range captive environments; however, no study has yet examined the long-term physiological implications of captivity on devils. We used non-invasive faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) monitoring to determine if there were any differences in adrenal activity among intensive captive, free-range captive and wild devils. FGM levels were not age or sex dependent, and we found that all population types had similar intra-population variability and mean FGMs. In conclusion, both types of captive environment appear to maintain stress profiles similar to wild devils.

Automated summary

Captivity can have physiological and behavioral effects on animals, potentially affecting conservation efforts. This study investigated the long-term effects of captivity on Tasmanian devils and found that both intensive captive and free-range captive environments maintained stress profiles similar to wild devils, indicating potential success in future reintroductions.