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Woodruff MC, Atencia R, Cox D, Woodruff GT, Wheaton CJ, Lavin SR, Setchell JM. Successful acclimatization of mandrills ( Mandrillus sphinx) translocated to Conkouati-Douli National Park, Republic of Congo, as measured by fecal glucocorticoid metabolites. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad025. [PMID: 37179706 PMCID: PMC10170324 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Translocation and reintroduction are common tools in conservation management and can be very successful. However, translocation can be stressful for the animals involved, and stress is implicated as a major cause of failure in release programs. Conservation managers should therefore seek to understand how the stages of translocation impact stress physiology in the animals involved. We quantified fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) as a noninvasive measure of response to potential stressors during a translocation of 15 mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) into Conkouati-Douli National Park, Republic of Congo. The mandrills were initially housed in a sanctuary, transferred to a pre-release enclosure in the National Park and then released into the forest. We collected repeated fecal samples (n = 1101) from known individuals and quantified fGCMs using a previously validated enzyme immunoassay. Transfer from the sanctuary to the pre-release enclosure correlated with a significant 1.93-fold increase in fGCMs, suggesting that transfer was a stressor for the mandrills. fGCM values decreased over time in the pre-release enclosure, suggesting that the mandrills recovered from the transfer and acclimatized to the enclosure. Release to the forest was not linked to a significant increase in fGCMs over the final values in the enclosure. Following release, fGCMs continued to decrease, fell below sanctuary values after just over a month and were about half the sanctuary values after 1 year. Overall, our results suggest that the translocation, although initially presenting a physiological challenge to the animals, was not detrimental to the well-being of the animals over the timescale of the study and, in fact, may have been beneficial. Our findings show the value of non-invasive physiology in monitoring, evaluating and designing wildlife translocations and, ultimately, contributing to their success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles C Woodruff
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Rebeca Atencia
- The Jane Goodall Institute, 1120 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Debby Cox
- The Jane Goodall Institute, 1120 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Glenn T Woodruff
- The Jane Goodall Institute, 1120 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | | | - Shana R Lavin
- Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Bay Lake, FL, 32830, USA
| | - Joanna M Setchell
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
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Darwish AM, Sharaf A, Gaouar SBS, Ali NI, El-Aziz THA, Abushady AM, Kaouadji Z, Othman OE, Obornik M. Biochemical and genotyping analyses of camels (Camelus dromedaries) trypanosomiasis in North Africa. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7176. [PMID: 37137920 PMCID: PMC10156784 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34086-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Camels are considered an important food source in North Africa. Trypanosomiasis in camels is a life-threatening disease that causes severe economic losses in milk and meat production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the trypanosome genotypes in the North African region. Trypanosome infection rates were determined by microscopic examination of blood smears and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxides (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined in erythrocyte lysate. Furthermore, 18S amplicon sequencing was used to barcode and characterizes the genetic diversity of trypanosome genotypes in camel blood. In addition to Trypanosoma, Babesia and Thelieria were also detected in the blood samples. PCR showed that the trypanosome infection rate was higher in Algerian samples (25.7%) than in Egyptian samples (7.2%). Parameters such as MDA, GSH, SOD and CAT had significantly increased in camels infected with trypanosomes compared to uninfected control animals, while TAC level was not significantly changed. The results of relative amplicon abundance showed that the range of trypanosome infection was higher in Egypt than in Algeria. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis showed that the Trypanosoma sequences of Egyptian and Algerian camels are related to Trypanosoma evansi. Unexpectedly, diversity within T. evansi was higher in Egyptian camels than in Algerian camels. We present here the first molecular report providing a picture of trypanosomiasis in camels, covering wide geographical areas in Egypt and Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Darwish
- Cell Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Abdoallah Sharaf
- SequAna Core Facility, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
- Genetic Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Semir Bechir Suheil Gaouar
- Applied Genetic in Agriculture, Ecology and Public Health Laboratory, SNV/STU Faculty, University of Tlemcen, Chetouane, Algeria
| | - Neama I Ali
- Cell Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tamer H Abd El-Aziz
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M Abushady
- Genetic Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Biotechnology School, Nile University, Sheikh Zayed, Giza, Egypt
| | - Zoubeyda Kaouadji
- Applied Genetic in Agriculture, Ecology and Public Health Laboratory, SNV/STU Faculty, University of Tlemcen, Chetouane, Algeria
| | - Othman E Othman
- Cell Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Miroslav Obornik
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Burgmeier NG, McCallen EB, Kenison EK, Williams RN. Comparing the Effects of Environmental Enrichment, Seasonality, and Soft Release on Site Retention and Survivorship of Captive-Reared Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis). HERPETOLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-21-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G. Burgmeier
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Emily B. McCallen
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Erin K. Kenison
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Rod N. Williams
- Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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CHALLENGES TO ANIMAL WELFARE DURING TRANSPORTATION OF WILD MAMMALS: A REVIEW (1990-2020). J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:1-13. [PMID: 33827156 DOI: 10.1638/2019-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild mammal transport is an important component of conservation translocation as well as the economic wildlife trade. This article reviews the physiological responses to transport that have been measured in wild mammalian species, factors associated with these responses, and interventions that have been applied to mitigate these responses. By organizing the literature review along the "five domains model" of animal welfare, namely, the physical-functional domains (nutrition, environment, health, behavior) and the mental domain (mental state), it can be demonstrated that wild mammal transport is associated with challenges to ensuring positive animal welfare in all five domains. Transported wild mammals can experience dehydration, catabolism, fatigue, immunosuppression, behavioral changes, and stress. Factors influencing these physiological responses to transport have only been researched in a few studies encompassing species, journey length, ambient temperature, vehicle motion, stocking density, orientation, habituation, vehicle speed allowance, and road type. The administration of tranquilizers has been shown to mitigate negative physiological responses to transport. There is a need to further investigate species and situation-specific physiological responses to transport and factors associated with these responses in order to identify challenges to ensuring animal welfare and improving translocation success.
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Klemme I, Hendrikx L, Ashrafi R, Sundberg L, Räihä V, Piironen J, Hyvärinen P, Karvonen A. Opposing health effects of hybridization for conservation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Klemme
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyvaskyla Jyvaskyla Finland
| | - Lysanne Hendrikx
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyvaskyla Jyvaskyla Finland
| | - Roghaieh Ashrafi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyvaskyla Jyvaskyla Finland
| | - Lotta‐Riina Sundberg
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyvaskyla Jyvaskyla Finland
| | - Ville Räihä
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyvaskyla Jyvaskyla Finland
| | - Jorma Piironen
- Aquatic Population Dynamics Natural Resources Institute Paltamo Finland
| | - Pekka Hyvärinen
- Aquatic Population Dynamics Natural Resources Institute Paltamo Finland
| | - Anssi Karvonen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyvaskyla Jyvaskyla Finland
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Blasco X, Manteca X, López-Béjar M, Carbajal A, Castellà J, Ortuño A. Intestinal Parasites and Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Multi-Unowned-Cat Environments: The Impact of Housing Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051300. [PMID: 33946549 PMCID: PMC8147201 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Multi-unowned-cat environments can be highly stressful for cats, and infectious and parasite diseases spread quickly and are difficult to prevent. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) in cat feces collected from different multi-cat environments and assess the effect of housing conditions on intestinal parasites and FCM levels in order to develop more efficient control strategies. Cat fecal samples from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies were analyzed with coprological methods to detect intestinal parasite patency and determine FCM. Helminth infection was mainly detected in free-roaming cats. In confined cats, protozoa infections were more likely detected in shelter cats than in cattery cats. Exposure to dogs was associated with parasite infection and cats highly exposed to dogs with visual contact and audible barking showed higher intestinal protozoa prevalence than cats that were not exposed to dogs. FCM levels were correlated with enclosure size and protozoa infection. Reducing stress by improving housing in terms of enclosure size and avoiding exposure to dogs may have an impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites, especially protozoa. Abstract Housing conditions were assessed in different unowned multi-cat management models in order to evaluate their impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels. Fresh stool fecal samples were collected from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies for coprological analyses in order to detect intestinal parasite patency and fecal cortisol metabolites. A questionnaire provided information about the facilities, management and housing conditions of cats, including information about dog exposure, enclosure size, environment enrichment and changes to group composition. Overall, intestinal parasite infection was detected in 58.2% of fecal samples collected. The occurrence of intestinal parasites detected in free-roaming cats was 82.2%, mainly due to helminth infection. The parasite infection rate was 57.3% in rescue shelters and 34.6% in catteries. In confined cats, protozoa infection was more likely detected in rescue shelters than in catteries (RR = 2.02 (1.30–3.14), p = 0.0012). Although the FCM values were very variable between cats, the enclosure size and parasite infection were correlated with the average FCM. A small enclosure size was correlated with high fecal cortisol metabolites (p = 0.016). Protozoa-positive samples showed higher FCM levels than negative samples (p = 0.0150). High dog exposure was statistically associated with protozoa infection (p = 0.0006). The results indicated that improving housing, especially in terms of floor space and avoiding dog exposure, reduces stress and can thus be applied to make control strategies in multi-unowned-cat environments more efficient, especially when cats are confined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Blasco
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Xavier Manteca
- Animal Science Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Anaïs Carbajal
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Joaquim Castellà
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Anna Ortuño
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Dell B, Newman SJ, Purple K, Miller B, Ramsay E, Donnell R, Gerhold RW. Retrospective investigation of Echinococcus canadensis emergence in translocated elk (Cervus canadensis) in Tennessee, USA, and examination of canid definitive hosts. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:330. [PMID: 32605660 PMCID: PMC7325358 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few reports of Echinococcus spp. have been described in the USA; however, the geographical distribution of Echinococcus spp. in wild hosts is increasing consequent to human activities. In the early 2000's, 253 elk (Cervus canadensis) originating from Alberta, Canada were released into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area in an effort to re-establish their historical range. METHODS We investigated the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in re-established elk populations in the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via a retrospective analysis of banked elk tissues and helminth examinations on intestinal contents from coyotes (Canis latrans) from the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. RESULTS Four elk were PCR and sequence positive for E. canadensis. Each sequence had 98% or greater coverage and identity to multiple E. canadensis genotypes on GenBank. Adult Echinococcus spp. were not detected in any of the coyotes examined in this study. CONCLUSIONS Continued surveillance of this disease in susceptible species in these areas is warranted, and these data further underscore the risk of zoonotic pathogen introduction secondary to wildlife translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- BreeAnna Dell
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Shelley J. Newman
- Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548 USA
| | - Kathryn Purple
- Department of Biology, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752 USA
| | - Brad Miller
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, 3030 Wildlife Way, Morristown, TN 37814 USA
| | - Edward Ramsay
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Robert Donnell
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Richard W. Gerhold
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
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Defolie C, Merkling T, Fichtel C. Patterns and variation in the mammal parasite-glucocorticoid relationship. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:74-93. [PMID: 31608587 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Parasites are ubiquitous and can strongly affect their hosts through mechanisms such as behavioural changes, increased energetic costs and/or immunomodulation. When parasites are detrimental to their hosts, they should act as physiological stressors and elicit the release of glucocorticoids. Alternatively, previously elevated glucocorticoid levels could facilitate parasite infection due to neuroimmunomodulation. However, results are equivocal, with studies showing either positive, negative or no relationship between parasite infection and glucocorticoid levels. Since factors such as parasite type, infection severity or host age and sex can influence the parasite-glucocorticoid relationship, we review the main mechanisms driving this relationship. We then perform a phylogenetic meta-analysis of 110 records from 65 studies in mammalian hosts from experimental and observational studies to quantify the general direction of this relationship and to identify ecological and methodological drivers of the observed variability. Our review produced equivocal results concerning the direction of the relationship, but there was stronger support for a positive relationship, although causality remained unclear. Mechanisms such as host manipulation for parasite survival, host response to infection, cumulative effects of multiple stressors, and neuro-immunomodulatory effects of glucocorticoids could explain the positive relationship. Our meta-analysis results revealed an overall positive relationship between glucocorticoids and parasitism among both experimental and observational studies. Because all experimental studies included were parasite manipulations, we conclude that parasites caused in general an increase in glucocorticoid levels. To obtain a better understanding of the directionality of this link, experimental manipulation of glucocorticoid levels is now required to assess the causal effects of high glucocorticoid levels on parasite infection. Neither parasite type, the method used to assess parasite infection nor phylogeny influenced the relationship, and there was no evidence for publication bias. Future studies should attempt to be as comprehensive as possible, including moderators potentially influencing the parasite-glucocorticoid relationship. We particularly emphasise the importance of testing hosts of a broad age range, concomitantly measuring sex hormone levels or at least reproductive status, and for observational studies, also considering food availability, host body condition and social stressors to obtain a better understanding of the parasite-glucocorticoid relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Defolie
- Sociobiology/Anthropology Department, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Leibniz ScienceCampus "Primate Cognition", German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Merkling
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Macdonald-Stewart Building, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Claudia Fichtel
- Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Leibniz ScienceCampus "Primate Cognition", German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
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9
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Jensen MA, Moseby KE, Paton DC, Fanson KV. Non-invasive monitoring of adrenocortical physiology in a threatened Australian marsupial, the western quoll ( Dasyurus geoffroii). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz069. [PMID: 31687147 PMCID: PMC6822536 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Reintroduction has become an increasingly important conservation tool in Australia, yet the effects of stress on species during reintroduction programs have received little attention. The use of enzyme immunoassays to measure faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) is a useful non-invasive technique to monitor adrenal activity but requires validation before they can be reliably used. As part of a large reintroduction project, the goals of this study were to 1) monitor FGM in 53 western quolls (Dasyurus geoffroii) following capture from the wild and transfer to a holding facility and use this stressor to biologically validate an enzyme immunoassay; 2) determine if biological factors, such as sex, age, weight or source population affect baseline FGM levels; and 3) examine individual variation in the acute adrenal response of quolls to the capture and transfer associated with reintroductions. We successfully validated an assay that targets glucocorticoid metabolites with a 5α-3β,11β-diol structure and found that sex significantly influenced both baseline and peak FGM output in western quolls, whereas age, weight and source population did not. We also observed considerable variation among individuals in the magnitude and duration of their physiological response to capture and transfer. Using the methods described here, FGM analysis may provide further information about the adrenal activity of the western quoll and improve future conservation efforts for this threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Jensen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Katherine E Moseby
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - David C Paton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Kerry V Fanson
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
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Northover AS, Thompson RCA, Lymbery AJ, Wayne AF, Keatley S, Ash A, Elliot AD, Morris K, Godfrey SS. Altered parasite community structure in an endangered marsupial following translocation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 10:13-22. [PMID: 31334028 PMCID: PMC6617222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fauna translocations play an integral role in the management of threatened wildlife, though we are limited by our understanding of how the host-parasite community changes during translocation. During this longitudinal field-based study, we monitored gastrointestinal, blood-borne and ectoparasite taxa infecting woylies (Bettongia penicillata) for up to 12 months following two fauna translocations to supplement existing wild woylie populations in three different sites (Dryandra, Walcott and Warrup East) within the south-west of Western Australia. We aimed to (a) identify changes in parasite community structure of both translocated and resident woylies following translocation; and (b) evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin treatment in translocated hosts. Destination site and time since translocation had the strongest effects on parasite prevalence and mean faecal egg counts following translocation. Ivermectin treatment did not significantly reduce parasite prevalence or mean faecal egg counts in treated hosts. Prior to translocation, parasite community composition differed significantly between woylies selected for translocation and resident woylies within each release site. Following translocation, the parasite communities of translocated and resident hosts converged to become more similar over time, with loss of parasite taxa and novel host-parasite associations emerging. This is the first study to examine changes to the broader parasite community in translocated and resident animals following translocation. The dominant site-specific response of parasites following translocation reinforces the importance of incorporating parasite studies to enhance our fundamental understanding of perturbations in host-parasite systems during translocation, in particular the site-level drivers of parasite dynamics. Perturbations to host-parasite systems during translocation are poorly understood. Parasite dynamics were strongly impacted by site and time since translocation. The parasite communities of translocated and resident hosts converged over time. Ivermectin treatment had no significant impact on target parasites. Translocation protocols should consider the intrinsic biodiversity value of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Northover
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Alan J Lymbery
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Adrian F Wayne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Brain Street, Manjimup, Western Australia, 6258, Australia
| | - Sarah Keatley
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Amanda Ash
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Aileen D Elliot
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Keith Morris
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Wildlife Place, Woodvale, Western Australia, 6946, Australia
| | - Stephanie S Godfrey
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 362 Leith Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
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Northover AS, Keatley S, Elliot AD, Hobbs RP, Yang R, Lymbery AJ, Godfrey SS, Wayne AF, Thompson RCA. Identification of a novel species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 from the woylie, Bettongia penicillata Gray (Diprotodontia: Potoroidae) and the genetic characterisation of three Eimeria spp. from other potoroid marsupials. Syst Parasitol 2019; 96:553-563. [PMID: 31332672 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-019-09870-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Faecal samples (n = 1,093) collected from the woylie Bettongia penicillata Gray, in south-western Australia were examined for the presence of coccidian parasites. Eimeria sp. oöcysts were detected in 15.2% of samples. Faecal samples obtained from the eastern bettong Bettongia gaimardi (Desmarest) (n = 4) and long-nosed potoroo Potorous tridactylus (Kerr) (n = 12) in Tasmania, were also screened for the presence of Eimeria spp. (prevalence 50% and 41.7%, respectively). Morphological and genetic comparison with other known species of Eimeria indicates that the material identified in woylies is novel. This study aimed to (i) morphologically describe and genetically characterise Eimeria woyliei n. sp. found in woylies; and (ii) genetically characterise Eimeria gaimardi Barker, O'Callaghan & Beveridge, 1988, Eimeria potoroi Barker, O'Callaghan & Beveridge, 1988, and Eimeria mundayi Barker, O'Callaghan & Beveridge, 1988, from other potoroid marsupials. Molecular phylogenetic analyses conducted at the 18S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) loci revealed that E. woyliei n. sp. was most closely related to Eimeria setonicis Barker, O'Callaghan & Beveridge, 1988, at the 18S rDNA locus, and Eimeria trichosuri O'Callaghan & O'Donoghue, 2001, at the cox1 locus. Eimeria woyliei n. sp. is the sixth species of Eimeria to be formally described from potoroid marsupials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Northover
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.
| | - Sarah Keatley
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Aileen D Elliot
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Russell P Hobbs
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Rongchang Yang
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Alan J Lymbery
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Stephanie S Godfrey
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 362 Leith Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Adrian F Wayne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Brain Street, Manjimup, WA, 6258, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
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12
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Edwards KL, Edes AN, Brown JL. Stress, Well-Being and Reproductive Success. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:91-162. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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13
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Page KD, Ruykys L, Miller DW, Adams PJ, Bateman PW, Fleming PA. Influences of behaviour and physiology on body mass gain in the woylie (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) post-translocation. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/wr18105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Temperament can affect an individual’s fitness and survival if it also influences behaviours associated with predator avoidance, interactions with conspecifics, refuge selection and/or foraging. Furthermore, temperament can determine an individual’s response to novel stimuli and environmental challenges, such as those experienced through translocation. Increasing our understanding of the effect of temperament on post-translocation fitness is thus necessary for improving translocation outcomes.
Aims
The aim was to test whether differences in an individual’s behaviour or physiology could help predict body mass changes post-translocation in the woylie (brush-tailed bettong, Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi). In the absence of predation (due to release into a predator-free exclosure), body mass was used as a proxy for an individual’s success in securing resources in the new habitat, and therefore fitness.
Methods
Forty woylies were translocated from two predator-free exclosures to a larger exclosure, all in Western Australia. Behavioural and physiological measures were recorded during trapping, processing, holding, and release, and again at re-capture ~100 days post-release.
Key results
Translocated woylies generally increased in body mass post-translocation. This suggests that, in the absence of predation, the selected candidates were able to cope with the stress of translocation and possessed the behavioural plasticity to successfully find resources and adapt to a novel environment. The strongest predictors of body mass gain were sex, heart rate lability and escape behaviour when released (a convoluted escape path).
Conclusions
There was no significant difference in body mass between males and females pre-translocation but females showed greater mass gain post-translocation than did males, which could reflect greater investment in reproduction (all females had pouch young). Heart rate lability and escape behaviour are likely to reflect reactivity or fearfulness, a significant temperament trait in the context of translocation success.
Implications
Behavioural measures that can be easily incorporated into the translocation process – without increasing stress or affecting welfare of individuals – may hold promise for predicting the fate of translocated animals.
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Cooper C, Andrew Thompson RC, Rigby P, Buckley A, Peacock C, Clode PL. The marsupial trypanosome Trypanosoma copemani is not an obligate intracellular parasite, although it adversely affects cell health. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:521. [PMID: 30236162 PMCID: PMC6148770 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3092-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi invades and replicates inside mammalian cells, which can lead to chronic Chagas disease in humans. Trypanosoma copemani infects Australian marsupials and recent investigations indicate it may be able to invade mammalian cells in vitro, similar to T. cruzi. Here, T. cruzi 10R26 strain (TcIIa) and two strains of T. copemani [genotype 1 (G1) and genotype 2 (G2)] were incubated with marsupial cells in vitro. Live-cell time-lapse and fluorescent microscopy, combined with high-resolution microscopy (transmission and scanning electron microscopy) were used to investigate surface interactions between parasites and mammalian cells. RESULTS The number of parasites invading cells was significantly higher in T. cruzi compared to either genotype of T. copemani, between which there was no significant difference. While capable of cellular invasion, T. copemani did not multiply in host cells in vitro as there was no increase in intracellular amastigotes over time and no release of new trypomastigotes from host cells, as observed in T. cruzi. Exposure of host cells to G2 trypomastigotes resulted in increased host cell membrane permeability within 24 h of infection, and host cell death/blebbing was also observed. G2 parasites also became embedded in the host cell membrane. CONCLUSIONS Trypanosoma copemani is unlikely to have an obligate intracellular life-cycle like T. cruzi. However, T. copemani adversely affects cell health in vitro and should be investigated in vivo in infected host tissues to better understand this host-parasite relationship. Future research should focus on increasing understanding of the T. copemani life history and the genetic, physiological and ecological differences between different genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Cooper
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia. .,Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia.
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Paul Rigby
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Alysia Buckley
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Christopher Peacock
- Marshall Centre, School of Pathology and Laboratory and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Peta L Clode
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.,UWA School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
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15
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Northover AS, Elliot AD, Keatley S, Lim Z, Botero A, Ash A, Lymbery AJ, Wayne AF, Godfrey SS, Thompson RCA. Debilitating disease in a polyparasitised woylie ( Bettongia penicillata): A diagnostic investigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:274-279. [PMID: 30094176 PMCID: PMC6077177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During monitoring of critically endangered woylie (Bettongia penicillata) populations within the south-west of Western Australia, an adult female woylie was euthanased after being found in extremely poor body condition with diffuse alopecia, debilitating skin lesions and severe ectoparasite infestation. Trypanosoma copemani G2 and Sarcocystis sp. were detected molecularly within tissue samples collected post-mortem. Potorostrongylus woyliei and Paraustrostrongylus sp. nematodes were present within the stomach and small intestine, respectively. Blood collected ante-mortem revealed the presence of moderate hypomagnesaemia, mild hypokalaemia, mild hyperglobulinaemia and mild hypoalbuminaemia. Diffuse megakaryocytic hypoplasia was evident within the bone marrow. We propose various hypotheses that may explain the presence of severe ectoparasite infection, skin disease and poor body condition in this woylie. Given the potential deleterious effects of parasite infection, the importance of monitoring parasites cannot be over-emphasised. Severe ectoparasite infestation, skin disease and poor body condition in a woylie. Trypanosoma copemani genotype 2 and Sarcocystis sp. identified molecularly in tissues. Clinical signs similar to those observed during the woylie decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Northover
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Aileen D Elliot
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Sarah Keatley
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Ziyuan Lim
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Adriana Botero
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Amanda Ash
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Alan J Lymbery
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Adrian F Wayne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Brain Street, Manjimup, Western Australia, 6258, Australia
| | - Stephanie S Godfrey
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 362 Leith Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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Cooper C, Keatley S, Northover A, Gofton AW, Brigg F, Lymbery AJ, Pallant L, Clode PL, Thompson RCA. Next generation sequencing reveals widespread trypanosome diversity and polyparasitism in marsupials from Western Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:58-67. [PMID: 29988778 PMCID: PMC6031965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In Western Australia a number of indigenous Trypanosoma spp. infect susceptible native marsupials, such as the woylie (Bettongia penicillata), brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), and chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii). Two genotypes of Trypanosoma copemani (identified as G1 and G2) have been found in the woylie, and G2 has been implicated in the decline of this host species, making its presence of particular interest. Here we used targeted amplicon next generation sequencing (NGS) of the Trypanosoma 18S rDNA loci on 70 Trypanosoma-positive marsupial blood samples, to identify T. copemani genotypes and multiple Trypanosoma infections (polyparasitism) in woylies and cohabiting species in Western Australia. Polyparasitism with Trypanosoma spp. was found in 50% of the wildlife sampled, and within species diversity was high, with 85 zero-radius operational taxonomic units (ZOTUs) identified in nine putative parasite species. Trypanosoma copemani was assigned 17 ZOTUs and was identified in 80% of samples. The most abundant ZOTU isolated (63%) differed slightly from the published genotype of G1, and G2 was the second most abundant ZOTU (14%). Trypanosome diversity was significantly greater in woylies than in brushtail possums, and parasite community composition also differed significantly between these host species. One novel Trypanosoma spp. genotype (Trypanosoma sp. ANU2) was found in 20% of samples. A species of Crithidia was detected in a woylie, and two avian trypanosomes (Trypanosoma avium and Trypanosoma sp. AAT) were identified in woylies for the first time. Extensive trypanosome diversity and polyparasitism in south Western Australia. A significant difference between trypanosomes infecting woylies and brushtail possums. Evidence that the current species-level taxonomy of Australian trypanosomes may need revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Cooper
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, University of Western Australia, Stirling HWY, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Sarah Keatley
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Amy Northover
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Alex W Gofton
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Frances Brigg
- State Agriculture and Biotechnology Institute, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Alan J Lymbery
- Fish Health Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Louise Pallant
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Peta L Clode
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, University of Western Australia, Stirling HWY, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv Baker
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
- Institute for Compassionate Conservation, Calgary, AB, Canada
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