The scars left by childhood are not exclusive to humans. A growing number of studies show that wild animals also carry lasting marks of their traumatic experiences. An emerging concept highlights this phenomenon among wildlife.
The cumulative adversity index presents itself as a new measuring tool. Inspired by human psychology research, this index assesses the stress accumulated over the course of an animal's life, thus providing insights into its well-being. It serves as a true indicator of suffering in the animal kingdom.
Researchers have identified several sources of adversity. Extreme weather events, such as droughts or delayed springs, pose significant threats. These conditions not only affect food availability but also the survival of young animals. Environmental stress therefore has direct repercussions on their behavior and development.
Beyond ecology, family dynamics also play a fundamental role. Parental losses, especially the death of a mother, greatly affect young animals. Studies on yellow-bellied marmots show that maternal loss significantly reduces survival chances. Maternal behaviors, essential during the early stages of life, shape future behaviors.
The results of research on marmots illustrate the complexity of interactions between stress factors. Young marmots facing early adversities show reduced resilience. Additionally, sibling dynamics can influence their behavior. In fact, it has been observed that in litters with significantly more males than females, the females tended to develop masculinized behaviors.
The implementation of a cumulative adversity index could allow conservation strategies to be adapted. Rather than focusing solely on environmental threats, it would be relevant to adopt a more holistic approach. By identifying the most vulnerable populations, conservationists can design targeted interventions to protect these species.
Taking trauma into account in animal conservation could improve not only the well-being of species but also biodiversity. This new approach suggests a paradigm shift in the way wild animals are assessed and protected. Thus, researchers are paving the way for more effective and respectful practices aligned with the animals' needs.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND