Seasonal variations in immunoreactive cortisol and fecal immunoglobulin levels in Sichuan golden monkey ( Rhinopithecus roxellana )

The Sichuan golden monkey is deserving of conservation and the welfare of this species is receiving increasing attention. However, it is difficult to identify physiological parameters for assessing its conservation status. In the present study, we employed noninvasive sampling methods and immunochemical assays to determine if measurements of cortisol and immunoglobulin in feces allowed monitoring of physiological status. The results indicated that the cortisol and immunoglobulin concentrations in feces could serve as biomarkers for monitoring stress and immune status, and that there was a relationship between stress and the immune response. A tendency toward seasonal fluctuation in immunoreactive cortisol and fecal immunoglobulin concentrations emerged, indicating that these indices could be useful tools for monitoring the welfare of the monkey and could be used in the field of wildlife research.