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Salivary cortisol assessment for stress detection in the Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus ): A pilot study
Author(s) -
Dathe Holger H.,
Kuckelkorn Bernd,
Minnemann Dieter
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430110408
Subject(s) - elephas , biology , saliva , asian elephant , herd , physiology , hydrocortisone , zoology , endocrinology , biochemistry
Effects of introducing an unfamiliar female into an Asian elephant herd at Tierpark Berlin were monitored by means of salivary cortisol assessment. Saliva samples were obtained from a second female for comparative purposes. The period of familiarization was characterized by an enhanced cortisol level in both animals, with a maximum on the second day after joining. Cortisol returned to normal on the following day. Manipulations of the keepers caused a transitory increase on two other days. Possibilities for the use of this noninvasive method of stress monitoring in various management situations are indicated. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss Inc.