Stress hormone level and the welfare of captive European bison (Bison bonasus): the effects of visitor pressure and the social structure of herds.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Captive European bison (Bison bonasus) play an active role in conservation measures for this species; this includes education, which may conflict with these animals' welfare. The effect of the presence of visitors on the welfare of captive animals can be negative, positive or neutral. However, the response of a given species to visitors is difficult to predict, since even closely related species display varying levels of tolerance to captivity. The aim of the study was to compare immunoreactive fecal cortisol levels (regarded as an indicator of the level of physiological stress) in groups of captive European bison that differed in terms of their social structure and the level of visitor pressure. The second aim was to determine if there was a correlation between intestin

SUBMITTER: Klich D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8193117 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature