What the study found
The study found that two enzyme immunoassays, called 72a and 72 T, were able to detect stress-related changes in faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, which are hormone breakdown products measured in droppings as indicators of physiological stress, in rehabilitated Temminck’s pangolins. The 72a assay also performed well in males.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that non-invasive hormone monitoring can help assess animal welfare, rehabilitation success, and conservation management in Temminck’s pangolins. They also say the findings are important for refining rehabilitation protocols to reduce stress from human interaction.
What the researchers tested
The researchers biologically validated enzyme immunoassays for faecal glucocorticoid metabolites using opportunistically collected faecal samples from pangolins in rehabilitation after confiscation from illegal wildlife trafficking. They tested cortisol, corticosterone, two 11-oxoaetiocholanolone assays (72a and 72 T), and a 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one assay (37e) across multiple individuals and facilities.
What worked and what didn't
Both 72a and 72 T detected significant increases of more than 150% in female pangolins after exposure to known stressors. The 72a assay also showed robust performance in male pangolins. The abstract does not report comparable strong validation for the cortisol, corticosterone, or 37e assays.
What to keep in mind
The study used opportunistic faecal sampling during rehabilitation, so the available summary does not describe controlled experimental handling of the animals. The abstract does not provide detailed limitations beyond the ethical, logistical, and conservation constraints that shaped the study design.
Key points
- Two assays, 72a and 72 T, detected stress-related changes in faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in rehabilitated pangolins.
- The 72a assay also performed robustly in male pangolins.
- Female pangolins showed significant increases of more than 150% in fGCM concentrations after known stressors when measured with 72a and 72 T.
- The study used faecal samples collected during rehabilitation after confiscation from illegal wildlife trafficking.
- The authors say non-invasive hormone monitoring may help assess welfare, rehabilitation success, and conservation management.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Two enzyme assays validated for stress monitoring in rehabilitated pangolins
- Authors:
- Juan Scheun, Kim Labuschagne, Raymond Jansen, Andre Ganswindt, Channen Long
- Institutions:
- Tshwane University of Technology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Zoological Society of London, University of Pretoria
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-05
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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