1
|
Zhu D, Xie T, Du R, Guo L. Characterizing the Gut Microbiota of Eurasian Otter ( Lutra lutra chinensis) and Snub-Nosed Monkey ( Rhinopithecus roxellana) to Enhance Conservation Practices in the Foping National Nature Reserve of China. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223097. [PMID: 36428325 PMCID: PMC9686598 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the interaction between the microbial composition in the habitat and the gut of wildlife will contribute to conservation efforts since changes in the gut microbiome have been proven to influence the healthy and nutritional status of the host. This study analyzed the relationship between soil microbes and the microbial diversity and structure of the distal gut of the terrestrial golden snub-nosed monkey and Eurasian otter in the Foping National Nature Reserve (FNNR). A total of 15 otter fecal samples and 18 monkey fecal samples were collected from which 5 and 6 samples, respectively, were randomly selected for microbiome analysis. The remaining samples were used for fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis. Soil samples from the otter and monkey habitats at each sampling point (eight in total) were also collected for microbiome analysis. The microbial phyla with the greatest relative abundance in soil or animal samples were Proteobacteria (41.2, 32.7, and 73.3% for soil, otters, and monkeys, respectively), Firmicutes (0.4% soil, 30.1% otters, and 14.4% monkeys), Bacteroidota (5.6% soil, 17.0% otters, and 8.3% monkeys), and Acidobacteriota (24.6% soil, 1.7% otters, and 0.1% monkeys). The estimation of alpha diversity indices revealed that the feature, Chao1, and Shannon indices of the soil microbiome were the greatest (p < 0.01) among the three groups, followed by those of the otter microbiome and those of the monkey microbiome (p < 0.01). Beta diversity analyses confirmed differences in the microbiota of the three types of samples. The determination of SCFA concentration in feces revealed that total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid were greater (p < 0.05) in otters than in monkeys, while propionic acid followed the opposite pattern (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis of the microbiome and SCFA contents showed that propionic acid was positively correlated with significantly different bacterial groups, while acetic and butyric acid and total volatile acids were negatively correlated. This study confirmed that the fecal microbes of Eurasian otters and golden snub-nosed monkeys in the reserve are related to the soil microbial communities of their habitats, but they have different bacterial community structures and compositions, and there are different SCFA metabolic patterns in the gut of the two animals. The present study will help to improve wildlife protection in the FNNR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Lanzhou 730020, China
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
- Foping National Nature Reserve, Hanzhong 723000, China
| | - Tongtong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Lanzhou 730020, China
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Ruifang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Lanzhou 730020, China
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Long Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Lanzhou 730020, China
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rohner S, Wohlsein P, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Ewers C, Waindok P, Strube C, Baechlein C, Becher P, Wilmes D, Rickerts V, Siebert U. Pathological Findings in Eurasian Otters ( Lutra lutra) Found Dead between 2015-2020 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:59. [PMID: 35011165 PMCID: PMC8749874 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In times of massive biodiversity loss and ongoing environmental crises, it is extremely important to ensure long-term conservation efforts of threatened species like Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra). To gain insights into the status of Northern Germany's otter population, 92 otters found dead in Schleswig-Holstein between 2015-2020 were collected and underwent detailed dissection with the aim to establish a monitoring program for this population. Examinations followed a protocol especially designed for otters, including various biological data assessments and extended sampling. The finding sites showed a clear concentration in the Continental region. Seasonal concentration differed among the years, yet peaks were seen from fall to winter. Overall, more males than females were found, although this differed among the years. The majority of otters that could be aged were between 1-3 years. Placental scars and pregnancy were recorded in only few females. Nutritional status was good in most cases. Infectious diseases found included Vagococcus lutrae, Toxoplasma gondii, and Emmonsia spp. A major cause of death was roadkill. Known sample bias in studies focusing on roadkill was considered in the finding interpretation. Continuation of the population health investigations is mandatory to analyze potential trends and to establish an actual monitoring program for Eurasian otters in Schleswig-Holstein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Rohner
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ellen Prenger-Berninghoff
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (E.P.-B.); (C.E.)
| | - Christa Ewers
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (E.P.-B.); (C.E.)
| | - Patrick Waindok
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (P.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (P.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Christine Baechlein
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (C.B.); (P.B.)
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul Becher
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (C.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Dunja Wilmes
- Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (D.W.); (V.R.)
| | - Volker Rickerts
- Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (D.W.); (V.R.)
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Contrasting gut microbiota in captive Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) by age. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:5405-5416. [PMID: 34398307 PMCID: PMC8502154 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the gut microbiota characteristics of endangered species such as the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), especially in their early stages of life, could be essential for improving their management and ex situ conservation strategies. Here, we analyzed the gut microbiota diversity, composition, and function of captive Eurasian otters at different ages using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that: (1) Clostridiaceae was abundant in all age stages; (2) Lactococcus in cubs is thought to predominate for digesting milk; (3) bacteria associated with amino acid metabolism increase with age, while bacteria associated with carbohydrate metabolism decrease with age, which is likely due to decrease in dietary carbohydrate content (e.g., milk) and increase in dietary protein contents (e.g., fishes) with age; and (4) fish-related bacteria were detected in feces of healthy adults and juveniles. Overall, the gut microbiota of captive Eurasian otters was taxonomically and functionally different by age, which is thought to be attributed to the difference in the diet in their life stages. This study provided baseline information regarding the gut microbiota of Eurasian otters for the first time and contributes to improvement in their management in captivity.
Collapse
|
4
|
The Gut Microbiota of the Egyptian Mongoose as an Early Warning Indicator of Ecosystem Health in Portugal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093104. [PMID: 32365625 PMCID: PMC7246908 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Egyptian mongoose is a carnivore mammal species that in the last decades experienced a tremendous expansion in Iberia, particularly in Portugal, mainly due to its remarkable ecological plasticity in response to land-use changes. However, this species may have a disruptive role on native communities in areas where it has recently arrived due to predation and the potential introduction of novel pathogens. We report reference information on the cultivable gut microbial landscape of widely distributed Egyptian mongoose populations (Herpestes ichneumon, n = 53) and related antimicrobial tolerance across environmental gradients. The panel of isolated species is consistent with the typical protein-based diet of a carnivore: Firmicutes predominate (89% of individuals), while Clostridiales, Enterobacteriales, and Lactobacillales are the major classes. Forty-one individuals (77.4%) harbour Clostridium spp. A spatial influence on mongooses’ microbiota is confirmed by nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis, with a significant contribution of municipality to their microbiota composition. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of mongoose commensal bacteria to 28 compounds evidences xenobiotic tolerance of Escherichia coli (E. coli), enterococci, Salmonella Spartel and Mbandaka serotypes and Pseudomonas bacteria, among others. The common isolation of antimicrobial tolerant microbiota from the mongoose’s gut suggests this species is exposed to anthropogenic influence and is affected by forestry and agricultural-related practices, reflecting its easy adaptation to ecological gradients across agroecosystems. We thus propose regular microbial and phenotypic resistance profiling of widely distributed mongooses as a sentinel tool for xenobiotics’ lifecycle and ecosystem health in Portugal.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lim SR, Lee DH, Park SY, Lee S, Kim HY, Lee MS, Lee JR, Han JE, Kim HK, Kim JH. Wild Nutria ( Myocastor coypus) Is a Potential Reservoir of Carbapenem-Resistant and Zoonotic Aeromonas spp. in Korea. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E224. [PMID: 31366125 PMCID: PMC6723217 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7080224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant Aeromonas spp. is a serious public and animal health concern. Wild animals serve as reservoirs, vectors, and sentinels of these bacteria and can facilitate their transmission to humans and livestock. The nutria (Myocastor coypus), a semi-aquatic rodent, currently is globally considered an invasive alien species that has harmful impacts on natural ecosystems and carries various zoonotic aquatic pathogens. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant zoonotic Aeromonas spp. in wild invasive nutrias captured in Korea during governmental eradication program. Three potential zoonotic Aeromonas spp. (A. hydrophila, A. caviae, and A. dhakensis) were identified among isolates from nutria. Some strains showed unexpected resistance to fluoroquinolones, third-generation cephalosporins, and carbapenems. In carbapenem-resistant isolates, the cphA gene, which is related to intrinsic resistance of Aeromonas to carbapenems, was identified, and phylogenetic analysis based on this gene revealed the presence of two major groups represented by A. hydrophila (including A. dhakensis) and other Aeromonas spp. These results indicate that wild nutrias in Korea are a potential reservoir of zoonotic and antibiotic-resistant Aeromonas spp. that can cause infection and treatment failure in humans. Thus, measures to prevent contact of wild nutrias with livestock and humans are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se Ra Lim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Do-Hun Lee
- Division of Ecological Conservation Research, National Institute of Ecology, Seocheon 33657, Korea
| | - Seon Young Park
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Seungki Lee
- Biological and Genetic Resources Assessment Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon 22689, Korea
| | - Hyo Yeon Kim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Moo-Seung Lee
- Environmental Diseases Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- Division of Ecological Conservation Research, National Institute of Ecology, Seocheon 33657, Korea
| | - Jee Eun Han
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Hye Kwon Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Ji Hyung Kim
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Oliveira M, Freire D, Pedroso NM. Escherichia coli is not a suitable fecal indicator to assess water fecal contamination by otters. BRAZ J BIOL 2017; 78:155-159. [PMID: 28658391 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.167279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of pathogenic microorganisms in aquatic environments is extremely relevant in terms of public health. As these laboratorial methodologies are usually difficult, expensive and time-consuming, they are frequently replaced by the assessment of fecal indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. This study aimed to assess the presence of E. coli in fecal samples from Neotropical otters, to evaluate its potential as fecal indicator to be applied to the determination of water microbiological quality in areas where otters' populations are high. Twenty-six otter fecal samples, collected in Alto Paranapanema river basin, São Paulo State, Brazil, were analyzed for the presence of E. coli, using conventional bacteriological methods. Only 8 scat samples (30%) were E. coli positive, indicating that this microorganism is not a suitable fecal indicator to assess water fecal contamination by Neotropical otters, and should not be used to infer the presence of otter related pathogens in waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Oliveira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - D Freire
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - N M Pedroso
- Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
AN C, OKAMOTO Y, XU S, EO KY, KIMURA J, YAMAMOTO N. Comparison of fecal microbiota of three captive carnivore species inhabiting Korea. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:542-546. [PMID: 28049922 PMCID: PMC5383174 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.16-0472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at characterizing fecal microbiota of three captive carnivore species of leopard cats Prionailurus bengalensis, Eurasian otters Lutra lutra and raccoon dogs Nyctereutes procyonoides. We used DNA barcoding sequencing to analyze 16S rRNA genes of uncultured bacteria in the feces collected in the Seoul Zoo. The sequencing analyses revealed that: 1) Firmicutes was the most dominant phylum for all three animals; 2) bacterial genus-rank compositions were distinct across species of the animals; and 3) bacterial community memberships were different across species of the studied animals. We expect such baseline information is useful for better understanding of these endangered species and future management of their health in zoos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Choa AN
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, South
Korea
| | - Yumiko OKAMOTO
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 151–742, South Korea
| | - Siyu XU
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, South
Korea
| | - Kyung Yeon EO
- Conservation and Research Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon 13829, South Korea
| | - Junpei KIMURA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 151–742, South Korea
| | - Naomichi YAMAMOTO
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, South
Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Conceição-Neto N, Zeller M, Heylen E, Lefrère H, Mesquita JR, Matthijnssens J. Fecal virome analysis of three carnivores reveals a novel nodavirus and multiple gemycircularviruses. Virol J 2015; 12:79. [PMID: 25986582 PMCID: PMC4459443 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-015-0305-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More knowledge about viral populations in wild animals is needed in order to better understand and assess the risk of zoonotic diseases. In this study we performed viral metagenomic analysis of fecal samples from three healthy carnivores: a badger (Meles meles), a mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) and an otter (Lutra lutra) from Portugal. RESULTS We detected the presence of novel highly divergent viruses in the fecal material of the carnivores analyzed, such as five gemycircularviruses. Four of these gemycircularviruses were found in the mongoose and one in the badger. In addition we also identified an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene from a putative novel member of the Nodaviridae family in the fecal material of the otter. CONCLUSIONS Together these results underline that many novel viruses are yet to be discovered and that fecal associated viruses are not always related to disease. Our study expands the knowledge of viral species present in the gut, although the interpretation of the true host species of such novel viruses needs to be reviewed with great caution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Conceição-Neto
- Laboratory of viral metagenomics, Rega Institute for Medical Research Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium.
| | - Mark Zeller
- Laboratory of viral metagenomics, Rega Institute for Medical Research Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Heylen
- Laboratory of viral metagenomics, Rega Institute for Medical Research Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium.
| | - Hanne Lefrère
- Laboratory of viral metagenomics, Rega Institute for Medical Research Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium.
| | - João Rodrigo Mesquita
- Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Department of Animal Science, Rural Engineering and Veterinary, Viseu, Portugal.
| | - Jelle Matthijnssens
- Laboratory of viral metagenomics, Rega Institute for Medical Research Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Duarte MD, Henriques AM, Barros SC, Fagulha T, Mendonça P, Carvalho P, Monteiro M, Fevereiro M, Basto MP, Rosalino LM, Barros T, Bandeira V, Fonseca C, Cunha MV. Snapshot of viral infections in wild carnivores reveals ubiquity of parvovirus and susceptibility of Egyptian mongoose to feline panleukopenia virus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59399. [PMID: 23527182 PMCID: PMC3603882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The exposure of wild carnivores to viral pathogens, with emphasis on parvovirus (CPV/FPLV), was assessed based on the molecular screening of tissue samples from 128 hunted or accidentally road-killed animals collected in Portugal from 2008 to 2011, including Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon, n = 99), red fox (Vulpes vulpes, n = 19), stone marten (Martes foina, n = 3), common genet (Genetta genetta, n = 3) and Eurasian badger (Meles meles, n = 4). A high prevalence of parvovirus DNA (63%) was detected among all surveyed species, particularly in mongooses (58%) and red foxes (79%), along with the presence of CPV/FPLV circulating antibodies that were identified in 90% of a subset of parvovirus-DNA positive samples. Most specimens were extensively autolysed, restricting macro and microscopic investigations for lesion evaluation. Whenever possible to examine, signs of active disease were not present, supporting the hypothesis that the parvovirus vp2 gene fragments detected by real-time PCR possibly correspond to viral DNA reminiscent from previous infections. The molecular characterization of viruses, based on the analysis of the complete or partial sequence of the vp2 gene, allowed typifying three viral strains of mongoose and four red fox's as feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) and one stone marten's as newCPV-2b type. The genetic similarity found between the FPLV viruses from free-ranging and captive wild species originated in Portugal and publicly available comparable sequences, suggests a closer genetic relatedness among FPLV circulating in Portugal. Although the clinical and epidemiological significance of infection could not be established, this study evidences that exposure of sympatric wild carnivores to parvovirus is common and geographically widespread, potentially carrying a risk to susceptible populations at the wildlife-domestic interface and to threatened species, such as the wildcat (Felis silvestris) and the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarida D. Duarte
- INIAV, I.P.- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Henriques
- INIAV, I.P.- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Carla Barros
- INIAV, I.P.- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Fagulha
- INIAV, I.P.- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paula Mendonça
- INIAV, I.P.- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Carvalho
- INIAV, I.P.- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Madalena Monteiro
- INIAV, I.P.- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Fevereiro
- INIAV, I.P.- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mafalda P. Basto
- Universidade de Lisboa, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Miguel Rosalino
- Universidade de Lisboa, Centro de Biologia Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório de Ecologia Isotópica/CENA, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Tânia Barros
- Departamento de Biologia and CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Victor Bandeira
- Departamento de Biologia and CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Departamento de Biologia and CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mónica V. Cunha
- INIAV, I.P.- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Unidade Estratégica de Produção e Saúde Animal, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Parry GS, Burton S, Cox B, Forman DW. Diet of coastal foraging Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra L.) in Pembrokeshire south-west Wales. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-010-0457-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
11
|
Schwab C, Cristescu B, Boyce MS, Stenhouse GB, Gänzle M. Bacterial populations and metabolites in the feces of free roaming and captive grizzly bears. Can J Microbiol 2010; 55:1335-46. [PMID: 20029525 DOI: 10.1139/w09-083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gut physiology, host phylogeny, and diet determine the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) belong to the Order Carnivora, yet feed on an omnivorous diet. The role of intestinal microflora in grizzly bear digestion has not been investigated. Microbiota and microbial activity were analysed from the feces of wild and captive grizzly bears. Bacterial composition was determined using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. The feces of wild and captive grizzly bears contained log 9.1 +/- 0.5 and log 9.2 +/- 0.3 gene copies x g(-1), respectively. Facultative anaerobes Enterobacteriaceae and enterococci were dominant in wild bear feces. Among the strict anaerobes, the Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas group was most prominent. Enterobacteriaceae were predominant in the feces of captive grizzly bears, at log 8.9 +/- 0.5 gene copies x g(-1). Strict anaerobes of the Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas group and the Clostridium coccoides cluster were present at log 6.7 +/- 0.9 and log 6.8 +/- 0.8 gene copies x g(-1), respectively. The presence of lactate and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) verified microbial activity. Total SCFA content and composition was affected by diet. SCFA composition in the feces of captive grizzly bears resembled the SCFA composition of prey-consuming wild animals. A consistent data set was obtained that associated fecal microbiota and metabolites with the distinctive gut physiology and diet of grizzly bears.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Schwab
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Ag/For Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|