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The low reproductive rate of many mammal species is detrimental to their survival as it can lead to a decline in population size. The European mink (Mustela lutreola), the most endangered mammal in Europe, has difficulty reproducing in captivity due to sensitivity to maintenance and handling conditions. To improve captive breeding success, ex situ conservation programmes use vaginal cytology to determine the optimal time for mating. We investigated whether frequent vaginal cytology induced an increase in physiological stress response in European mink and affected the level of sex hormones metabolites. We collected faecal samples from eight females of various ages and quantified levels of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM), faecal progesterone metabolites (FPM) and faecal oestradiol metabolites (FEM). We found that FCM, FPM and FEM levels varied during the experiment and that there was a positive correlation between the three hormones. Furthermore, FCM levels were influenced by age and individual factors, with older minks showing the highest levels. Based on our study, we conclude that frequent vaginal cytology at this conservation centre appears not to infer any added stress negatively affecting the captive breeding rate, a finding crucial for ex situ conservation programmes. By better understanding this species' physiology, we can help ensure its survival and contribute to the conservation of other threatened mammal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We conducted a study in central Spain to understand the dietary habits of the Iberian wolf. Our aim was to evaluate the extent to which they prey on domestic ungulates. We analyzed the composition of their diet by examining prey hairs found in 671 wolf scat samples collected between 2017 and 2021. The wolves predominantly consumed wild ungulates rather than domestic ones. Among their preferred prey were wild boar and roe deer. Although their diet varied with seasons, years, and forest regions, a preference for wild ungulates over domestic ones remained consistent. The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is recolonizing historical distribution areas after decades of absence. As in other human-dominated landscapes, finding a balance to protect this species by favoring recolonization and mitigating human–wildlife conflicts is a challenge. Since wolves are often generalist opportunistic predators, we studied their diet composition in central Spain to evaluate the consumption of domestic ungulates and provide reliable data that could help local authorities to deal with the current wolf–cattle ranchers conflict and coexistence. Diet composition (% prey occurrence, % prey ingested biomass) was analyzed through the identification of prey hairs present in 671 scats collected between 2017 and 2021. The wolves fed more on wild ungulates (82% occurrence) than domestic ones (18%). Wild boar (Sus scrofa, 44% occurrence) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, 35%) were the most consumed prey. The wolves positively selected these two species. The wolves' diets varied between seasons, years, and forest regions, but a diet based on wild ungulates predominated over domestic ones. Food niche breadth showed variations depending on seasons and years. Preserving the availability and diversity of wild ungulates may favor reducing livestock attacks and would be an achievable goal that would help to conserve this species and reduce conservation conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities involving noise emission can affect wild animals. European mink was exposed to road noise and human voice playbacks to analyze how sound intensity level and duration of both noises altered the time that individuals were active and if their fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels varied. A Hierarchical Analysis Cluster was performed to establish 2 mink groups with respect to both noise source type: short duration/low intensity (SL) and long duration/high intensity (LH). We performed general linear mixed models to evaluate the variation in locomotor activity duration (s) and FCM (nanogram per gram) levels, respectively. The results showed both road noise and human voices decreased locomotor activity duration in SL more sharply compared with LH, and human voices were the triggers that induced the most pronounced response to both exposure conditions. FCM (ng/g) levels increased in SL compared with LH during road noise while the opposite happened during human voices. Differences based on sex and age of individuals were observed. In conclusion, noise characteristics given by the sound type determined the variations in locomotor activity duration while noise exposure level determined the variations in FCM (ng/g) levels. Attention should be paid to noisy activities (e.g. recreational activities for visitors in protected natural areas) and loud groups of people to conserve wildlife, especially noise sensitive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals face a variety of daily challenges to their reproduction and survival that can detect in time through to the environment cues. By using an individual focal sampling, we evaluated the variations in the time devoted to the perianal secretion marking behaviour (PSMB) of European mink when they were exposed to the simulated presence of conspecifics and two potential predators. Model results indicated that males and adult individuals dedicated more time to PSMB than females and subadults. The presence of conspecifics increased PSMB time only in adult and males, probably as an intrasexual territorial competence response. The heightened decrease in PSMB time in presence of a dog suggests an innate response due to the detection of volatile substances from faeces of carnivorous. In addition, simulated conspecific presence increased PSMB in absence of odours (control) and with owl faeces. However, when facing dog faeces, the simulated conspecific presence had no effects on PSMB. Thus, minks seem to prioritize the imminent risk of predation to avoid being detected. The stimulation of PSMB in captivity by simulated cues from conspecifics and potential predators could be useful to facilitate the reintroduction of individuals into nature, as well as their adaptation and survival. • The European mink performs perianal secretion marking behaviour (PSMB). • Visually simulated conspecific presence induces an increase in PSMB. • PSMB duration did not vary under simulated predation risk by owl. • Dog odour decreased PSMB, independently of conspecifics' presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The Iberian Peninsula is witnessing ever‐faster environmental changes, and new challenges for wild ungulates are continuously emerging as they become more abundant and widespread. We conducted a systematic review to analyse the knowledge on wild ungulates inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula. We used Web of Science and Scopus search engines, complemented by searches in nonindexed journals, to examine peer‐reviewed articles published between January 1990 and July 2023. The annual average growth rate in the number of publications was 17%. Most studies focussed on diseases and pathogens (36%), physiology, endocrinology and reproduction (19%), and behaviour, population and community ecology (17%). Red deer and wild boar are the most targeted species in scientific literature, followed by the Iberian wild goat, roe deer, fallow deer, Southern chamois, mouflon and aoudad. We identify key knowledge gaps that deserve further attention such as the ecological and social impacts of (re)introductions, the effects of increasing ungulate densities on ecosystem integrity and the impact of different hunting and management techniques (some unique to the Iberian Peninsula) on population dynamics. We also highlight the need to stimulate Iberian collaboration and extend the discussion to a wider range of stakeholders to integrate different perspectives on the research agenda for Iberian wild ungulates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Captive management of endangered species is a common conservation strategy. Monitoring the endocrine response related to reproduction and the increase of fecal cortisol metabolites is key to evaluating reproductive well-being and condition. We noninvasively assessed the endocrine status of captive European minks (Mustela lutreola) housed at Foundation for Research in Ethology and Biodiversity [FIEB] (a Spanish biodiversity conservation center) by measuring fecal glucocorticoid cortisol metabolite levels and testosterone, and progesterone metabolite levels. Males showed higher fecal cortisol and testosterone metabolite levels while no differences in fecal progesterone metabolite levels were found between sexes. Fecal levels of the three hormones were positively correlated. Individuals born in FIEB had lower fecal cortisol metabolites than those born in other centers and their values did not increase due to captivity duration. Hormone values obtained in FIEB could serve as a reference for this species management. However, further studies are required to ensure the well-being and reproductive success of captive and wild populations., (© 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)