[science] birds stressed out to see what happens

In a study of European black grouse, the researchers first put captive birds under stress to measure the levels of stress hormone corticosterone that emerged in their faeces.

The scientists then took that knowledge and used it to measure the stress hormone levels in animals in the south-western Swiss Alps. What they found was that native birds in outdoor recreation areas are suffering higher stress levels than birds in undisturbed habitats.

So, first the "correct" conclusion that off piste skiing is disturbing native wildlife in alpine regions and that indeed is a terrible thing. However, the bit which got me was: " researchers first put captive birds under stress to measure …" Could you, yourself, put some birds in your care under stress, immune to their cries of anguish, convinced that by torturing them, you were saving the planet?

Call me weak but I couldn't and certainly not if all it was going to prove was that off piste skiing can disturb wildlife. There appears to be a disconnection here between what the scientific community deems acceptable and humane and what is achieved by this.