Biological validation, degradation post-defaecation, and longitudinal monitoring of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) in captive honey badgers

Biological validation, degradation post-defaecation, and longitudinal monitoring of fGCMs in captive honey badgers. The study combined non-invasive faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) analysis with behavioural observations to evaluate stress in two honey badgers at Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo (JCPZ). This study also establishes a non-invasive approach for monitoring stress in captive honey badgers, with broader applications for assessing welfare in free-ranging populations. The findings highlight the need for larger, more complex enclosures, structured enrichment programmes, and improved visitor management to mitigate stress-related endocrine responses and associated behavioural manifestations.