A field-friendly alternative to freeze-drying faeces for glucocorticoid metabolite analyses of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus).

Endocrine studies using faeces as hormone matrix have become increasingly popular to examine adrenocortical activity in wildlife. A prerequisite for this approach is to minimize alteration of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) composition post-defecation. This is done by freezing the collected material as soon as possible after collection, and removing moisture from the frozen faecal samples afterwards (usually by freeze-drying). In remote areas, freeze-drying opportunities are often limited, and in the case of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), established assays revealed that fGCM concentrations remain comparable for only ∼24h post-defaecation. In the present study, three cost-effective drying treatments (exposure to sunlight, placement in a solar oven, and use of a food dehydrator) were investigated as alternatives to the golden standard of freeze-drying faeces.•In comparison to freeze-dried material, African wild dog faecal samples dried through sunlight exposure, a solar oven, and use of a food dehydrator revealed no significant differences in respective fGCM concentrations measured.•A food dehydrator would be the preferable option to dry African wild dog faeces if limited electrical supply is available. This technique dries faeces the fastest, and negates any reliance on weather conditions.

Social and Seasonal Factors Contribute to Shifts in Male African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Foraging and Activity Patterns in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) are well-known as ecosystem engineers with the ability to modify vegetation structure. The present study aimed to examine how male elephant foraging behaviour is affected across (a) season (wet versus dry); (b) time of day (before or after noon); (c) presence or absence of other elephants; and (d) reproductive state (musth versus no musth). Six radio-collared adult elephant bulls were observed twice per week from June 2007-June 2008 in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Using generalized linear mixed effect modeling, results indicate that elephant bulls graze more during the wet season and browse more during the dry season. To potentially offset the costs associated with thermoregulation during the heat of the day, KNP elephants spent more time foraging during the morning, and more time resting during the afternoon. Male elephants also foraged significantly less when they were associated with females compared to when they were alone or with other males. This is likely due to male-female associations formed mainly for reproductive purposes, thus impeding on male foraging behaviours. In contrast, the condition of musth, defined by the presence of related physical signs, had no significant effect on foraging behaviour.