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Yue L, Wang C, Meng B, Xie B, Cao H, Su H, Zhang M. The Food Niche Overlap and Interspecific Relationship between the Sympatric Tibetan Macaque and Grey Snub-Nosed Monkey. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2536. [PMID: 37570344 PMCID: PMC10417265 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessing the trophic niche and interspecific relationships between related species and determining how the species maintain differences in nutritional niches while coexisting in the same area are important topics in ecological research. Therefore, exploring the mechanism of food resource utilization, competition and coexistence among species distributed in the same region is important. In this study, we used fecal samples and metagenome sequencing technology to study the plant feeding habits and coexistence mechanisms of Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) and grey snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi) within the same area. In the winter of 2020, we collected a total of 40 fecal samples from Tibetan macaques and grey snub-nosed monkeys; of those, 29 samples were considered valid and were analyzed using DNA metabarcoding. The results showed that in winter, Tibetan macaques consumed plants from 117 families and 184 genera, whereas grey snub-nosed monkeys consumed plants from 109 families and 165 genera. Diversity analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in the food composition of Tibetan macaques and grey snub-nosed monkeys. Tibetan macaques had a broader food niche width than grey snub-nosed monkeys at the family and genus levels. In winter, the food niches of Tibetan macaques and grey snub-nosed monkeys almost entirely overlapped (0.99). Our research provides detailed dietary data for Tibetan macaques and grey snub-nosed monkeys and valuable information that can aid in conservation efforts targeting these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yue
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Zhangjiajie Giant Salamander National Nature Reserve Affairs Center, Zhangjiajie 427400, China
| | - Bingshun Meng
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Bo Xie
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Heqin Cao
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Haijun Su
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- College of Forestry, Research Center for Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Parchizadeh J, Schooler SL, Adibi MA, Arias MG, Rezaei S, Belant JL. A review of caracal and jungle cat diets across their geographical ranges during 1842-2021. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10130. [PMID: 37250441 PMCID: PMC10212689 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-occurring carnivore species that are phylogenetically related or of similar size, morphology, and ecological needs often reduce competition by partitioning shared resources through temporal, spatial, and dietary niche segregation via behavioral adaptations. Caracals (Caracal caracal) and jungle cats (Felis chaus) co-occur in portions of their geographical ranges and are expected to display resource segregation in these ranges. We compiled scat, stomach content, and prey remains found data from published and unpublished sources to summarize information on the diets of caracals and jungle cats across their geographical ranges during 1842-2021. We obtained 63 sources from 26 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, in which caracal diet included 151 species while jungle cat diet included 61 species. We found that caracals and jungle cats did not exhibit dietary niche partitioning and had greater dietary similarities in areas of range overlap. We also found that caracals consumed more diverse prey species including prey with greater average body mass compared to jungle cats. Our results suggest that greater prey diversity in areas of range overlap, caracal predation on wide range of prey, and opportunistic feeding behavior that facilitates consumption of more diverse prey species compared to jungle cats, may facilitate co-occurrence between these two felid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Parchizadeh
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Sarah L. Schooler
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
- Global Wildlife Conservation CenterState University of New York College of Environmental Science and ForestrySyracuseNew YorkUSA
| | - Mohammad Ali Adibi
- Department of Habitats and Biodiversity, Faculty of Environment and EnergyIslamic Azad UniversityTehranIran
| | - Mariano G. Arias
- Environmental Biology DepartmentState University of New York College of Environmental Science and ForestrySyracuseNew YorkUSA
| | - Sahar Rezaei
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science EngineeringUniversity of ArkansasLittle RockArkansasUSA
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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Prpić J, Kunić A, Keros T, Lojkić I, Brnić D, Jemeršić L. Absence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Circulation in the Most Widespread Wild Croatian Canine Species, the Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) and Jackal ( Canis aureus moreoticus). Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040834. [PMID: 37110256 PMCID: PMC10145003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, and the identification of new host species is reported successively worldwide. Nevertheless, its zoonotic potential and natural transmission, especially in wildlife remains unclear, primarily due to the discrete nature of HEV infections. Since the red fox (Vulpus vulpus) is the most widespread carnivore worldwide, and has been recognized as a potential HEV reservoir, its role as a potent host species is of increasing interest. Another wild canine species, the jackal (Canis aureus moreoticus), is becoming more important within the same habitat as that of the red fox since its number and geographical distribution have been rapidly growing. Therefore, we have chosen these wild species to determine their potential role in the epidemiology and persistence of HEV in the wilderness. The main reason for this is the finding of HEV and a rather high HEV seroprevalence in wild boars sharing the same ecological niche as the wild canine species, as well as the risk of the spread of HEV through red foxes into the outskirts of cities, where possible indirect and even direct contact with people are not excluded. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the possibility of natural HEV infection of free-living wild canines, by testing samples for the presence of HEV RNA and anti-HEV antibodies to gain better epidemiological knowledge of the disease. For this purpose, 692 red fox and 171 jackal muscle extracts and feces samples were tested. Neither HEV RNA nor anti-HEV antibodies were detected. Although HEV circulation was not detected in the tested samples, to our knowledge, these are the first results that include jackals as a growing and important omnivore wildlife species for the presence of HEV infection in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Prpić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Kunić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Keros
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Lojkić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dragan Brnić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lorena Jemeršić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Zalewski A, Wereszczuk A, Brzeziński M. Polecat body size and sex ratio change over time: Impact of invasive competitor or climate warming? Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Van Den Berge K, van der Veken T, Gouwy J, Verschelde P, Eeraerts M. Dietary composition and overlap among small‐ and medium‐sized carnivores in Flanders, Belgium. Ecol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koen Van Den Berge
- Department of Wildlife Management and Invasive Species Research Institute of Forest and Nature Geraardsbergen Belgium
| | - Timo van der Veken
- Department of Wildlife Management and Invasive Species Research Institute of Forest and Nature Geraardsbergen Belgium
| | - Jan Gouwy
- Department of Wildlife Management and Invasive Species Research Institute of Forest and Nature Geraardsbergen Belgium
| | - Pieter Verschelde
- Department of Biometry, Methodology and Quality Assurance Research Institute of Forest and Nature Geraardsbergen Belgium
| | - Maxime Eeraerts
- Department of Wildlife Management and Invasive Species Research Institute of Forest and Nature Geraardsbergen Belgium
- Department of Horticulture Washington State University Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center Mount Vernon WA USA
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Balčiauskas L, Skipitytė R, Garbaras A, Stirkė V, Balčiauskienė L, Remeikis V. Stable Isotopes Reveal the Dominant Species to Have the Widest Trophic Niche of Three Syntopic Microtus Voles. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061814. [PMID: 34204576 PMCID: PMC8233935 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diets and the trophic positions of animals are fundamental issues in their ecology. We analysed the isotopic niches (as a proxy for trophic niches) of common (Microtus arvalis), field (M. agrestis), and root (M. oeconomus) voles co-occurring in orchards, berry plantations, and nearby meadows using isotopic (δ15N and δ13C) compositions from hair samples. We tested if the niche of the dominant common vole was widest, whether its width was related to the presence of other Microtus species, and whether there were intraspecific differences in average δ13C and δ15N stable isotope values. The obtained results showed relative stability in the trophic niche across the vegetative period. The isotopic niche of the common vole was the widest, exceeding the other two Microtus species by 1.6–3 times. Co-occurring vole species were separated according to δ13C (i.e., used different plants as main food), but they maintained similarity according to δ15N distribution. The effect of animal age and gender on the width of the trophic niche was strongest in root vole, which is a species that has spread across the country in the last 70 years. These results give new insights into the trophic ecology small herbivores, showing the impact of species co-occurrence. Abstract Diets and trophic positions of co-occurring animals are fundamental issues in their ecology, and these issues in syntopic rodents have been studied insufficiently. Using carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios from hair samples, we analysed the trophic niches of common (Microtus arvalis), field (M. agrestis), and root (M. oeconomus) voles co-occurring in orchards, berry plantations, and nearby meadows (as control habitat to orchards and plantations). We tested if the niche of the dominant common vole was the widest, whether its width depended on the presence of other vole species, and whether there were intraspecific differences. Results suggest stability in the trophic niches of all three Microtus species, as season explained only 2% of the variance. The widest trophic niche was a characteristic of the dominant common vole, the range of δ13C values exceeding the other two species by 1.6, the range of δ15N values exceeding the other two species by 1.9, and the total area of niche exceeding that of the other voles by 2.3–3 times. In the meadows and apple orchards, co-occurring vole species were separated according to δ13C (highest values in the dominant common vole), but they maintained similar δ15N values. Results give new insights into the trophic ecology small herbivores, showing the impact of species co-occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linas Balčiauskas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-685-34141
| | - Raminta Skipitytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.G.); (V.R.)
| | - Andrius Garbaras
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.G.); (V.R.)
| | - Vitalijus Stirkė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Laima Balčiauskienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Vidmantas Remeikis
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.G.); (V.R.)
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Behavioral variation according to feeding organ diversification in glossiphoniid leeches (Phylum: Annelida). Sci Rep 2021; 11:10940. [PMID: 34035418 PMCID: PMC8149456 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive radiation is a phenomenon in which various organs are diversified morphologically or functionally as animals adapt to environmental inputs. Leeches exhibit a variety of ingestion behaviors and morphologically diverse ingestion organs. In this study, we investigated the correlation between behavioral pattern and feeding organ structure of leech species. Among them, we found that Alboglossiphonia sp. swallows prey whole using its proboscis, whereas other leeches exhibit typical fluid-sucking behavior. To address whether the different feeding behaviors are intrinsic, we investigated the behavioral patterns and muscle arrangements in the earlier developmental stage of glossiphoniid leeches. Juvenile Glossiphoniidae including the Alboglossiphonia sp. exhibit the fluid ingestion behavior and have the proboscis with the compartmentalized muscle layers. This study provides the characteristics of leeches with specific ingestion behaviors, and a comparison of structural differences that serves as the first evidence of the proboscis diversification.
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Zalewski A, Szymura M, Kowalczyk R, Brzeziński M. Low individual diet variation and high trophic niche overlap between the native polecat and invasive American mink. J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Zalewski
- Mammal Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences Białowieża Poland
| | - M. Szymura
- Mammal Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences Białowieża Poland
| | - R. Kowalczyk
- Mammal Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences Białowieża Poland
| | - M. Brzeziński
- Faculty of Biology University of Warsaw Warszawa Poland
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Identification of Hepatitis E Virus in the Feces of Red Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes). Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101841. [PMID: 33050408 PMCID: PMC7601027 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Orthohepeviruses, commonly known as Hepatitis E virus (HEV), is a diverse virus group belonging to the family of Hepeviridae and is responsible for acute hepatitis in humans worldwide. These viruses show a relatively strict host specificity, e.g., rodent-related, avian-related, or even bat-related virus groups. However, similar (HEV-like) viruses have been identified in carnivores; some of them form a new genetically separated group, while others show a close evolutionary relationship with the rodent-related group, thus makes the strict host-specificity questionable and the classification of these new strains uncertain. Herein, we investigated feces of red foxes, the most widespread carnivore species worldwide, to identify the Hepatitis E virus and to ascertain their evolutionary origin via sequencing. The non-invasively collected fecal samples can provide information about the presence of viruses specific to the host and viruses derived from their prey as well. The virus we detected from our samples showed a very close relationship (91% identity) with rodent-related HEV described before from common voles, whilst a more distant relationship (85%) with fox-specific HEV strains was observed. Our results strongly support “the dietary-origin” of unclassified HEV-like strains described from various predator species. Abstract Orthohepeviruses (HEV) can infect a wide range of animals, showing a relatively strict host specificity; however, its zoonotic potential, natural transmission in the wildlife are less known. Several new HEV-like viruses have been identified in various animal species, including carnivores; however, the phylogenetic relationship among these viruses is poorly resolved, since some of them were known as rodent-related so far. The red fox, the most widespread carnivore worldwide, is a known reservoir of several viruses that transmit from wildlife to humans or domestic animals; they might have a defined role in the circulation of rodent-borne HEV. In this study, we performed a HEV survey by heminested RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR) on red fox fecal samples to investigate the presence of HEV in red foxes living in natural conditions, and to explore the origin of the virus via phylogenetic analysis. Out of the 26 investigated samples, HEV RNA was identified in one sample. Following Sanger sequencing, the novel sequence displayed 91% identity on the nucleotide level with recently published European common vole-HEV derived from Microtus arvalis. In contrast, it shared 85% nucleotide similarity with HEV strains described previously in red foxes. Our results strongly support “the dietary-origin” of unclassified HEV-like strains described from predators that usually prey on rodents.
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Exotic Prey Facilitate Coexistence between Pumas and Culpeo Foxes in the Andes of Central Chile. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12090317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coexistence between species with similar ecological niches implies species must segregate along one or more niche axes to survive. Space, time, and trophic resources are regarded as the principal axes upon which species segregate. We examined segregation along these niche axes to determine mechanisms underlying coexistence between the two main predators, puma (Puma concolor) and culpeo foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) in the Andes of Central Chile. We used occupancy modeling to examine space use and overlap, Kernel Density Estimation to determine temporal activity patterns and overlap, and analysis of prey remains in feces to assess diet breadth and similarity. We found high spatial overlap and positive associations between detection of the carnivores lending little support for spatial segregation. Similarly, we found high nocturnal, temporal overlap between pumas and foxes that matched peaks in activity of prey. In contrast, we found relatively low dietary overlap indicating niche segregation likely occurs along the dietary axis. The Puma diet was dominated by introduced, exotic hares and foxes appeared to shift away from hares to rabbits, small mammals, and seeds. Given that lagomorphs are the main dietary resource for pumas in particular, management decisions regarding the control or eradication of such exotic species could negatively affected puma survival.
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