Applying alternative statistical methods, such as GLMs, to complex
ecological and physiological datasets can contribute to better understand
the metabolic relationships between T4, steroid hormones and
other physiological and environmental variables in this and other wildlife
species, particularly those inhabiting remote areas and those in
which experimental manipulation is not possible (e.g., threatened or
endangered species). In addition, GLMs can be used to understand the
endogenous variability of biomarkers and which biological and exogenous
factors are associated to them, as well as to evaluate which biomarkers
are sufficiently sensitive and efficient to be used in health
status assessment studies of wildlife populations. The latter could provide
insight towards biologically and ecologically sound population
management recommendations before the responses to environmental
changes and habitat perturbation negatively affects population dynamic
processes.