Validation of a field-friendly faeces drying and storage method for quantifying faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) opens up new perspectives for conservationists

Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) provide relevant information on wildlife welfare but remain underapplied in conservation due to sample preservation issues. We validated a field-friendly drying and storage method for preserving African elephant faeces, addressing logistical challenges of fGCM quantification, while anticipating the growing interest in considering welfare in conservation management.

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