PROCEEDINGS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN CRANE WORKSHOP

Title:
HOW STRESSFUL IS IT TO MOVE? WHOOPING CRANE GLUCOCORTICOID RESPONSE DURING FACILITY TRANSFER

Date: 2022

Authors:
MEGAN E. BROWN,Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
CHRISTOPHER MARTIN, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
CHRISTOPHER CROWE, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
SPRINA LUI, Dallas Zoo
NUCHARIN SONGSASEN, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

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Citation:
Brown, M. E., C. Martin, C. Crowe, S. Lui, and N. Songsasen. 2022. How stressful is it to move? Whooping crane glucocorticoid response during facility transfer. Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop 15:116-122.

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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