Perceived predation risk predicts glucocorticoid hormones, but not reproductive success in a colonial rodent.

The Cort-Adaptation hypothesis suggests that elevated glucocorticoids (GCs) can facilitate an adaptive response to environmental and physiological challenges. Most previous studies have focused on avian species, which may limit their generalizability to mammals, where lactation is known to be a major physiological challenge. Furthermore, the effect of predation risk on GC levels has not been tested in the Cort-Adaptation hypothesis.

Investigation of the utility of feces and hair as non-invasive measures of glucocorticoids in wild black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus).

Non-invasive measures of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones and their metabolites, particularly in feces and hair, are gaining popularity as wildlife management tools, but species-specific validations of these tools remain rare. We report the results of a validation on black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), a highly social engineer of the grasslands ecosystem that has experienced recent population declines. We captured adult female prairie dogs and brought them into temporary captivity to conduct an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, assessing the relationship between plasma GC and fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) levels following a single injection of a low (4 IU/kg) or high dose (12 IU/kg) of ACTH, compared to a single injection of saline.