Capture and restraint of reptiles has been found
to increase stress-related corticosterone levels in
most of the animal stested,2 although this does not
occur consistently in gopher tortoises (Gopherus
polyphemus).11 Problems associated with stress-
related increases in reptile corticosterone levels can
be attenuated by measuring the glucocorticoid
levels in the animal’s feces. Fecal sample collection
does not require capture or containment of the
animal; therefore,variations in secretion patterns
are minimized.Although corticosterone levels are
usually determined through blood sample
measurements,fecal and skin samples may also be
used to measure stress.12,13