Short-term telomere dynamics is associated with glucocorticoid levels in wild populations of roe deer

While evidence that telomere length is associated with health and mortality in humans birds accumulating, a large body of research currently seeking to identify factors modulate dynamics. We tested the hypothesis high levels glucocorticoids individuals under environmental stress should accelerate shortening two wild populations roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) living different ecological contexts. From consecutive annual sampling sessions, we found faster rates had higher concentrations fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, suggesting functional link between attrition rate. This relationship was consistent for both sexes populations. finding paves way further studies fitness consequences exposure stressors vertebrates.