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Abstract <p>Using a noninvasive approach, we assessed the stress dynamics in speckled ground squirrels upon their translocation to a new site of semi-free conditions. The 0.16-hectare enclosure provided speckled ground squirrels with natural conditions and resources and was protected from predators. First, using physiological validation approach (administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone), we validated a commercial cortisol enzyme immunoassay kit (Xema-Medica Co. Ltd) for assessing the glucocorticoid response as the stress indicator, this parameter was measured in feces. Then, individual stress levels were assessed based on the content of immunoreactive glucocorticoid metabolites in feces immediately after capture in the wild (background level in the donor population), after transportation before release into a specially prepared outdoor enclosure, three days after release, and one month before hibernation. Three days after the translocation, the stress level of the ground squirrels was lower than that at the transportation stage, and did not differ significantly from the background level in the donor population. Successful adaptation is confirmed by the absence of body weight loss in young animals in the first days after translocation and their successful fattening before hibernation. A survey of speckled ground squirrels after awakening in the spring of 2024 showed that 72.5% of them had successfully overwintered. This ratio exceeds known indicators in nature.</p>

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Stress in Speckled Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus suslicus Güld. 1770) When Moving from a Natural Population to Semi-Free Conditions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月6日

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  • O. N. Shekarova,
  • L. E. Savinetskaya,
  • O. A. Burkanova,
  • E. N. Surkova,
  • A. V. Tchabovsky,
  • K. A. Rogovin

摘要

Abstract

Using a noninvasive approach, we assessed the stress dynamics in speckled ground squirrels upon their translocation to a new site of semi-free conditions. The 0.16-hectare enclosure provided speckled ground squirrels with natural conditions and resources and was protected from predators. First, using physiological validation approach (administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone), we validated a commercial cortisol enzyme immunoassay kit (Xema-Medica Co. Ltd) for assessing the glucocorticoid response as the stress indicator, this parameter was measured in feces. Then, individual stress levels were assessed based on the content of immunoreactive glucocorticoid metabolites in feces immediately after capture in the wild (background level in the donor population), after transportation before release into a specially prepared outdoor enclosure, three days after release, and one month before hibernation. Three days after the translocation, the stress level of the ground squirrels was lower than that at the transportation stage, and did not differ significantly from the background level in the donor population. Successful adaptation is confirmed by the absence of body weight loss in young animals in the first days after translocation and their successful fattening before hibernation. A survey of speckled ground squirrels after awakening in the spring of 2024 showed that 72.5% of them had successfully overwintered. This ratio exceeds known indicators in nature.