Kiwilolo t1_iqmivnn wrote on October 1, 2022 at 2:04 PM

Can you talk more about the non-invasive data collection methods you use (or perhaps which invasive methods you have avoided using)? What made you decide to restrict your methods in this way? I'm always curious about the potential trade-off between getting more data to potentially help the species vs causing distress or damage to individuals.

UniversityofBath OP t1_iqmz56a wrote on October 1, 2022 at 4:03 PM

I chose to use non-invasive methods to collect my data (behavioural data, feacal samples, and ano-genital odour samples via positive reinforcement training) both to avoid distress the study subjects (safeguard animal health) and to not affect the results. I avoided to use blood to analyse hormone levels and to capture animals to collect odour samples. In most cases I think we can opt for non-invasive methods, it is logistically more difficult but a better ethical choice - I believe.