Behavioral Endocrinology
Behavioral endocrinology (B.E.) is the study of how hormones and behavior interact. The goal of this project is to develop a better understanding of the behavioral endocrinology of stress and reproduction in Canada lynx so that we may improve lynx management and conservation.
Specific Objectives1) Describe normative patterns of hormone expression associated with female reproduction, male reproduction, and stress in Canada lynx.
2) Compare patterns of hormone expression between captive, wild, and reintroduced populations of lynx. 3) Examine individual variation in behavior and physiology to see if lynx have distinct coping strategies (i.e. behavioral types or “personalities”). 4) Monitor individual changes in physiology and behavior after reintroduction to determine what factors may contribute to the success or failure of a reintroduction effort. 5) Examine how husbandry styles and housing conditions are related to patterns of adrenal activity in captive lynx. |