Hormonal adjustments to urban conditions: stress hormone levels in urban and rural populations of Apodemus agrarius

• DOI: 10.1007/s11252-019-0832-8
• Publication Date: 2019-01-26T15:02:25Z
• Authors: Rafał Łopucki; Daniel Klich; Agnieszka Ścibior; Dorota Gołębiowska
• Keywords: Apodemus agrarius; Stressor; Urban ecology; Corticosterone

Animals' adaptation to life in cities is a widely studied issue ecology. One such the adjustment of stress response new conditions and anthropogenic disturbances. There are various examples adjustments urban birds, but non-avian species has rarely been investigated. We an rural population small mammal, striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius. compared baseline corticosterone (CORT) concentration faecal samples from mice, using ELISA tests with antibodies for this hormone. found that although specimens have more stressors than their equivalents, they do not elevated level CORT. This confirms hypothesis animals undergo hormonal conditions. Moreover, CORT concentrations mice were lower conspecifics, while body weight we observed inverse relationship. A allows mammals redirect energy gain (body fat); probably effect pressure competitors areas, as well better food availability (access food). The results work show managed overcome fear humans adapt can therefore achieve measurable ecological benefits.