Meet our grantees
Wild Animal Initiative funds academic research on high-priority questions in wild animal welfare.
The goal of our grants program is to fund research that deepens scientific knowledge of the welfare of wild animals in order to better understand how to improve the welfare of as many wild animals as possible, regardless of what causes the threats to their well-being.
We showcase our grantees and their projects here and continuously update this page as new projects are added.
Characterization of fecal oxytocin and immunoglobulin A in lions (Panthera leo): Exploring a multi-biomarker approach in animal welfare research
Grantee: Paula Serres Corral
Institution: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Project summary
This project will validate the measurement of oxytocin (OT) and secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), markers of neuroendocrine and immune function, as biomarkers of wild animals’ welfare states. Both indicators have been measured in the saliva and urine of a limited set of wild mammalian species, but work on their analysis in fecal samples has been even more limited. This project will validate the measurement of OT and IgA in the feces of lions as a model for social carnivores, and evaluate their applicability as additional physiological indicators in wild animal welfare studies. The researchers will evaluate baseline levels for the species based on a small number of captive individuals and assess how these biomarkers are correlated with GCs and behavior.
Investigating ways to assess and improve the welfare of leopards captured in response to conflict, in Nepal
Grantee: Jessica Bodgener
Institutions: University of Kent, Wildlife Vets International
Project summary
In Nepal, the successful recovery of tiger populations is displacing leopards from protected parks and forcing them into urban areas. This has caused an increase in conflict with people and farmed animals. Organizations responding to conflicts have limited resources and must attempt to balance animal welfare and conservation aims with public safety and sociopolitical demands. This has resulted in an ad hoc approach, with frequent interventions but little opportunity to evaluate their success. This project will focus on validating non-invasive post-release monitoring techniques, including photogrammetric assessment of body condition and measurement of hair cortisol from fecal samples, to monitor the welfare impact of translocation of leopards away from conflict areas.
Drivers of welfare in American pikas (Ochotona princeps)
Grantee: Johanna Varner
Institution: Colorado Mesa University
Project summary
Pikas (Ochotona princeps) in alpine habitats have recently faced population losses and range retractions. Declines are most prominent in isolated mountain ranges with limited high-elevation habitat, like the La Sals, where pikas are consequently likely to experience lower welfare. This project will assess the welfare of pikas in the La Sals through patterns of survival, population demographics, physiological stress, body condition, ectoparasite load, and hydration. The researchers will also test hypotheses correlating these indicators to habitat quality, and investigate resource competition between pikas and mountain goats.