Are physiological and behavioural responses to stressors displayed concordantly by wild urban rodents?

• DOI: 10.1007/s00114-020-01716-8
• Publication Date: 2021-01-07T11:20:18Z
• Authors: Loren L. Fardell; Miguel A. Bedoya-...; Christopher R. Di...; Mathew S. Crowther; Chris R. Pavey; Edward J. Narayan
• Keywords: Stressor; Olfactory cues

Abstract Understanding wild animal responses to stressors underpins effective wildlife management. In order for be correctly interpreted, it is critical that measurements are taken on animals using minimally invasive techniques. Studies investigating often measure either a single physiological or behavioural variable, but whether such comparable and concordant remains uncertain. We investigated this question in pilot study measured of wild-caught urban brown black rats ( Rattus norvegicus , rattus ) fur-based olfactory cues from predator, the domestic cat Felis catus ); novel herbivore, koala Phascolarctos cinereus familiar herbivore competitor, common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula ). Physiological responses, by assaying faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, were compared observed via video recordings. found expressed concordantly. There was no sizeable response observed, when considered across night negligible. However, predator competitor changed observation period, with activity increasing hours exposure. Our results indicate rodents nuanced, stress modulated behaviour changes vary over time according severity perceived threat as gather further information. If alone had been assessed, moderated may not have evident, terms management, vital information would lost.