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Giunta F, Hernout BV, Langen TA, Twiss MR. A systematic review of trace elements in the tissues of bats (Chiroptera). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124349. [PMID: 38866315 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Bats constitute about 22% of known mammal species; they have various ecological roles and provide many ecosystem services. Bats suffer from several threats caused by anthropization, including exposure to toxic metals and metalloids. We analyzed 75 papers in a systematic literature review to investigate how species, diet, and tissue type impact bioaccumulation. Most studies documented element accumulation in fur, liver, and kidney; at least 36 metals and metalloids have been measured in bat tissues, among the most studied were mercury and zinc. Comparisons with known toxicological thresholds for other mammals showed concerning values for mercury and zinc in bat hair, lead and some essential metals in liver, and iron and calcium in kidneys. Moreover, accumulation patterns in tissues differed depending on bat diet: insectivorous bats showed higher metal concentrations in fur than in liver and kidney while frugivorous species showed higher values in liver and kidney than in fur. Finally, among the bat species that have been studied in more than two papers, the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) show values of mercury in hair and copper in liver that exceed the known thresholds; as does copper in the liver of the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus). Most studies have been conducted in temperate North America and Eurasia, areas with the lowest bat species diversity; there is a paucity of data on tropical bat species. This review points out several information gaps in the understanding of metal contamination in bats, including a lack of measured toxicity thresholds specific for bat tissues. Data on trace element bioaccumulation and its associated health effects on bats is important for conservation of bat species, many of which are threatened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Giunta
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, 13699, otsdam, NY, USA
| | - Beatrice V Hernout
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, 13699, otsdam, NY, USA; Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, 13699, Potsdam, NY, USA; Exponent Inc, 1075 Worcester St, Natick, MA, 01760, USA
| | - Tom A Langen
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, 13699, otsdam, NY, USA
| | - Michael R Twiss
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, 13699, otsdam, NY, USA; Faculty of Science, Algoma University, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6A 2G4, Canada.
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Sari M, Yalcin IE, Taner M, Cosgun T, Ozyigit II. Forecasting contamination in an ecosystem based on a network model. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:536. [PMID: 37010616 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11050-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to predict heavy metal pollution based on ecological factors with a new approach, using artificial neural networks (ANNs), by significantly removing typical obstacles like time-consuming laboratory procedures and high implementation costs. Pollution prediction is crucial for the safety of all living things, for sustainable development, and for policymakers to make the right decisions. This study focuses on predicting heavy metal contamination in an ecosystem at a significantly lower cost because pollution assessment still primarily relies on conventional methods, which are recognized to have disadvantages. To accomplish this, the data collected for 800 plant and soil materials have been utilized in the production of an ANN. This research is the first to use an ANN to predict pollution very accurately and has found the network models to be very suitable systemic tools for modelling in pollution data analysis. The findings appear are promising to be very illuminating and pioneering for scientists, conservationists, and governments to swiftly and optimally develop their appropriate work programs to leave a functioning ecosystem for all living things. It has been observed that the relative errors calculated for each of the polluting heavy metals for training, testing, and holdout data are significantly low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Sari
- Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Mathematical Engineering, 34469, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Ibrahim Ertugrul Yalcin
- Bahcesehir University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Civil Engineering, 34353, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mahmut Taner
- Istanbul Gelisim University, Department of Web Design and Development, 34310, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Tahir Cosgun
- Amasya University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Department of Mathematics, 05100, Amasya, Türkiye
| | - Ibrahim Ilker Ozyigit
- Marmara University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 34722, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Karpenko EN, Kharlan AL, Zaitseva EV. Morphological criteria for Pipistrellus pygmaeus kidney indicators. RUDN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND ANIMAL INDUSTRIES 2023. [DOI: 10.22363/2312-797x-2023-18-1-59-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there is scientific and practical interest in the study of morphological and physiological features, criteria and tolerance of organs involved in protein metabolism in representatives of the order Chiroptera. Macro- and micrometric indicators of kidneys in soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), as a result of adaptive transformations of the body to habitat conditions in the Bryansk region were studied. The study was conducted in the period from 2011 to 2022, 40 captures were carried out with a total of 481 individuals, of which 100 were selected for further study. On histological preparations of kidneys of soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), morphometry of nephrons, podocyte parameters, nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, areas of nucleolar organizers and their total area were studied. It was established that biological adaptation of the bats (Chiroptera), on the example of soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), is manifested in development of biological properties of the species. The functional and protein-synthetic activity of cells, kidneys (cell volume, nucleus, cytoplasm and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio), the number and increase in the total area of the argentophilic region of nucleolar organizers were determined by organ topography, gender and influence of anthropogenic negative environmental effects. The data obtained showed gender differences in female bats (Chiroptera) of Pipistrellus pygmaeus species living in an urban environment, having a large number in the colony, against the background of a combined anthropogenic load, under the influence of hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen dioxides and suspended solids. It was found that phenotypic adaptation as an adaptation to flight triggers the main processes of biochemical cycles, the processes of endogenous intoxication and detoxification function in kidneys. In turn, it increases metabolism, which contributes to increase in the number of renal glomeruli and decrease in the cavity of renal glomerular capsule. New data characterizing nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, number and total area of regions of nucleolar organizers in podocytes of glomeruli in kidneys of soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), which may be a manifestation of genetic adaptation to environmental conditions, were obtained.
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Sánchez CA, Penrose MT, Kessler MK, Becker DJ, McKeown A, Hannappel M, Boyd V, Camus MS, Padgett-Stewart T, Hunt BE, Graves AF, Peel AJ, Westcott DA, Rainwater TR, Chumchal MM, Cobb GP, Altizer S, Plowright RK, Boardman WSJ. Land use, season, and parasitism predict metal concentrations in Australian flying fox fur. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156699. [PMID: 35710009 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Urban-living wildlife can be exposed to metal contaminants dispersed into the environment through industrial, residential, and agricultural applications. Metal exposure carries lethal and sublethal consequences for animals; in particular, heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, lead, mercury) can damage organs and act as carcinogens. Many bat species reside and forage in human-modified habitats and could be exposed to contaminants in air, water, and food. We quantified metal concentrations in fur samples from three flying fox species (Pteropus fruit bats) captured at eight sites in eastern Australia. For subsets of bats, we assessed ectoparasite burden, haemoparasite infection, and viral infection, and performed white blood cell differential counts. We examined relationships among metal concentrations, environmental predictors (season, land use surrounding capture site), and individual predictors (species, sex, age, body condition, parasitism, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio). As expected, bats captured at sites with greater human impact had higher metal loads. At one site with seasonal sampling, bats had higher metal concentrations in winter than in summer, possibly owing to changes in food availability and foraging. Relationships between ectoparasites and metal concentrations were mixed, suggesting multiple causal mechanisms. There was no association between overall metal load and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio, but mercury concentrations were positively correlated with this ratio, which is associated with stress in other vertebrate taxa. Comparison of our findings to those of previous flying fox studies revealed potentially harmful levels of several metals; in particular, endangered spectacled flying foxes (P. conspicillatus) exhibited high concentrations of cadmium and lead. Because some bats harbor pathogens transmissible to humans and animals, future research should explore interactions between metal exposure, immunity, and infection to assess consequences for bat and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia A Sánchez
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Michael T Penrose
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | | | - Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | | | | | - Victoria Boyd
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Melinda S Camus
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ticha Padgett-Stewart
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Brooklin E Hunt
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Amelia F Graves
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Alison J Peel
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center and Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, Georgetown, SC, USA
| | | | - George P Cobb
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Raina K Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Wayne S J Boardman
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Esteves SB, Gaeta NC, Batista JMN, Dias RA, Heinemann MB. Leptospira sp. infection in bats: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2456-e2473. [PMID: 35533065 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bats are the only flying mammalian animals and are distributed worldwide. Bats are well-known hosts of several zoonotic viruses and bacteria, including Leptospira sp. Here, we performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of evidence of Leptospira sp. infection in bats by examining studies published between 1964 and 2021. We reported the frequencies of various species and serogroups on all continents, several species and feeding habits of bats, and different diagnostic tools. Together, 33 papers from all continents with seven to 2077 individuals from one to 31 species were included. Molecular detection was conducted in most studies, followed by MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test) and isolation and identification. Molecular characterization of Leptospira sp. revealed L. borgpetersenii as the most frequent species. Moreover, 179 positive samples for MAT contained the most likely infecting serogroups described, particularly the Australis serogroup. The percentage of positive tests in isolation and identification ranged between zero and 0.5%. The highest frequency of Leptospira infection among the continents was observed in Asia, whereas South America had the lowest percentage. Finally, Nycteridae and Rhinonycteridae were the most frequently infected bat families. Our study provides valuable information about the epidemiology of Leptospira sp. infection in bats. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Bergmann Esteves
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natália Carrillo Gaeta
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Maria Nunes Batista
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Augusto Dias
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Bryan Heinemann
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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6
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Sari M, Yalcin IE, Taner M, Cosgun T, Ozyigit II. An investigation on environmental pollution due to essential heavy metals: a prediction model through multilayer perceptrons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2022; 25:89-97. [PMID: 35400247 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2022.2059056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This research is to predict heavy metal levels in plants, particularly in Robinia pseudoacacia L., and soils using an effective artificial intelligence approach with some ecological parameters, thereby significantly eliminating common defects such as high cost and seriously tedious and time-consuming laboratory procedures. In this respect, the artificial neural network (ANN) is employed to estimate the concentrations of essential heavy metals such as Fe, Mn and Ni, depending on the Cu and Zn concentrations of plant and soil samples collected from five different locations. The derived relative errors for the constructed ANN model have been computed within the ranges 0.041-0.051, 0.017-0.025, and 0.026-0.029 for the training, testing and holdout data regarding Fe, Mn, and Ni, respectively. In addition, it has been realized that the relative errors could be diminished up to 0.007 for Fe, 0.014 for Mn and 0.022 for Ni by considering the Cu, Zn, location and plant parts as independent variables during the analysis. The results produced seem instructive and pioneering for environmentalists and scientists to design optimal study programs to leave a livable ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Sari
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Ertugrul Yalcin
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Taner
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tahir Cosgun
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Amasya University, Amasya, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Ilker Ozyigit
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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7
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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Oliveira PA. Biomonitoring metals and metalloids in wild mammals: invasive versus non-invasive sampling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:18398-18407. [PMID: 35032272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal and metalloid pollution is a matter of concern in animal, human and environmental health (One Health) and also in wildlife conservation worldwide. Studying wild mammals in toxicology has been contributing significantly to our knowledge, namely to find out the most critical regions, to understand bioaccumulation and biomagnification phenomena or to evaluate their toxic effects. However, not all the animal tissues and organs provide the same information or should be interpreted in the same way. The best sample to use will depend on the objectives and conditions of the study. This review aims to compare invasive and non-invasive samples to biomonitor heavy metals, providing a brief resume of their advantages, limitations and examples of use. Further research, using a wider range of mammalian species, is required to establish what information can be obtained in biomonitoring studies that use non-invasive samples (such as hair, faeces and parasites) and/or invasive samples (such as blood, liver, kidney, bone and other organs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071, Leon, Spain.
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Center (CECAV), AL4Animals, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
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Ramos-H D, Williams M, Medellín RA. Inter-Taxon and Seasonal Variations of Mineral Concentrations in Soft Tissues of Frugivorous Phyllostomid Bats in a Mineral-Limited Ecosystem. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2021.23.2.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ramos-H
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Av. La Molina s/n, La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Marta Williams
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Av. La Molina s/n, La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Rodrigo A. Medellín
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Conservación de Vertebrados Terrestres, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Aeluro S, Kavanagh TJ. Domestic cats as environmental lead sentinels in low-income populations: a One Health pilot study sampling the fur of animals presented to a high-volume spay/neuter clinic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:57925-57938. [PMID: 34100205 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14769-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-human animals serve as sentinels for numerous issues affecting humans, including exposure to toxic heavy metals like lead. Lead plays a role in perpetuating cycles of poverty in low-income communities due to the inequitable distributions of indoor health risks from lower-quality housing and outdoor health risks from industry and polluters, compounded by inequitable distributions of heath care and education. In this pilot study, we explore the potential for studying lead in low-income populations by partnering with nonprofit veterinary outreach programs. We investigate the lead concentration in fur samples of 85 domestic cats (Felis catus) presented to a high-volume spay/neuter clinic and report a mean of 0.723 μg of lead per gram of fur. This study reveals new information about lead exposure in cats in the USA, including that females had greater lead exposure than males, lead exposure increased with increasing amount of access to the outdoors, and lead exposure increased in cats with decreased body condition. We propose that pet, feral, and free-roaming cats presented to high-volume spay/neuter clinics could serve as a source of data about lead exposure in disadvantaged communities where these clinics already operate. Such a non-invasive surveillance system using inert, unobtrusively obtained samples could be deployed to detect highly exposed cats, prompting to follow up contact to a cat's caretakers to recommend seeking lead testing for themselves, their families, and their neighbors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Aeluro
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, UW Center for One Health Research, University of Washington, Box 357234, Seattle, WA, 98195-7234, USA.
| | - Terrance J Kavanagh
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Box, Seattle, WA, 354695, USA
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Lacasse C, Rose K, Allen M, Ward MP, Pulscher LA, Giles A, Hall J, Phalen DN. Investigation into clinicopathological and pathological findings, prognosis, and aetiology of lorikeet paralysis syndrome in rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus). Aust Vet J 2021; 99:432-444. [PMID: 34258761 PMCID: PMC8518122 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective To report the temporal and spatial distribution of rainbow lorikeets presenting with lorikeet paralysis syndrome (LPS) and their clinicopathologic and pathologic findings, exposure to toxins, and response to treatment. Methods Records of lorikeets admitted in 2017 and 2018 to facilities in south‐east Queensland (QLD) were reviewed and LPS and non‐LPS cases were mapped and their distribution compared. Plasma biochemistries and complete blood counts were done on 20 representative lorikeets from south‐east QLD and Grafton, New South Wales (NSW). Tissues from 28 lorikeets were examined histologically. Samples were tested for pesticides (n = 19), toxic elements (n = 23), botulism (n = 15) and alcohol (n = 5). Results LPS occurred in warmer months. Affected lorikeets were found across south‐east QLD. Hotspots were identified in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Lorikeets had a heterophilic leucocytosis, elevated muscle enzymes, uric acid and sodium and chloride. Specific lesions were not found. Exposure to cadmium was common in LPS and non‐LPS lorikeets. Treated lorikeets had a 60–93% See Table 2 depending on severity of signs. Clinical significance The primary differential diagnosis for lorikeets presenting with lower motor neuron signs during spring, summer and autumn in northern NSW and south‐east Queensland should be LPS. With supportive care, prognosis is fair to good.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lacasse
- RSPCA Queensland, 139 Wacol Station Road, Wacol, Queensland, 4076, Australia
| | - K Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society, Bradleys Head Rd., Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia
| | - M Allen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - L A Pulscher
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - A Giles
- Grafton Veterinary Clinic, 128 Baron St., Grafton, New South Wales, 2460, Australia
| | - J Hall
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society, Bradleys Head Rd., Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia
| | - D N Phalen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia.,Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center, Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Sciences and Biomedical Education, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
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11
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Pulscher LA, Dierenfeld ES, Welbergen JA, Rose KA, Phalen DN. A comparison of nutritional value of native and alien food plants for a critically endangered island flying-fox. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250857. [PMID: 34010334 PMCID: PMC8133443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss and alteration are two of the biggest threats facing insular flying-foxes. Altered habitats are often re-vegetated with introduced or domestic plant species on which flying-foxes may forage. However, these alien food plants may not meet the nutritional requirements of flying-foxes. The critically endangered Christmas Island flying-fox (CIFF; Pteropus natalis) is subject to habitat alteration and the introduction of alien food plants, and therefore is a good model species to evaluate the potential impact of alien plant species on insular flying-foxes. In this study, we evaluated nutritional content of native food plants to determine how flying-foxes historically met their nutritional requirements. Furthermore, we compared the nutritional content of native and alien fruits to predict possible impacts of alien plants on insular flying-foxes. Native and alien fruits and flowers, and native foliage (leaves, petals, and petioles) commonly consumed by the CIFF were collected and evaluated for soluble sugars, crude protein, non-fiber carbohydrates, and nine minerals. Evaluation of native food plants suggests that flying-foxes meet energy requirements by consuming fruit and nectar. However, fruit and nectar are low in protein and essential minerals required for demanding life periods; therefore, flying-foxes likely supplement their diets with pollen and foliage. Thus, flying-foxes require a diverse array of plants to meet their nutritional requirements. Compared to native fruits, alien fruits contained significantly higher non-fiber carbohydrates, and this may provide an important energy source, particularly from species that bear fruit year-round. Median mineral concentrations in alien fruit species, however, were deficient compared to native fruits, suggesting major (or even seasonal) shifts in the proportion of alien species in the CIFF diet could lead to nutritional imbalances. This study confirms the need to quantify nutritional parameters in addition to feeding ecology when evaluating habitat quality to inform conservation actions that can be applied both locally and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Pulscher
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Ellen S. Dierenfeld
- Ellen S. Dierenfeld, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, United Kingdom
| | - Justin A. Welbergen
- Hawksbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karrie A. Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David N. Phalen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Pulscher LA, Gray R, McQuilty R, Rose K, Welbergen JA, Phalen DN. Evidence of chronic cadmium exposure identified in the critically endangered Christmas Island flying-fox (Pteropus natalis). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:144374. [PMID: 33421794 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Christmas Island flying-fox (Pteropus natalis) is the last native mammal on Christmas Island and its population is in decline. Phosphate mining occurs across much of the eastern side of Christmas Island. The phosphate deposits are naturally rich in cadmium, and potentially other metals, which may be threatening the Christmas Island flying-fox population. To test this, concentrations of metals (cadmium, copper, iron, mercury, lead, and zinc) were measured in fur and urine collected from Christmas Island flying-foxes and interpreted concurrently with urinalysis and serum biochemistry data. In addition, metal concentrations in liver and kidney samples from two Christmas Island flying-foxes and associated histological findings from one of these individuals are reported. Fur cadmium concentrations were significantly higher in the Christmas Island flying-fox compared to concentrations found in flying-foxes in mainland Australia. Additionally, 30% of Christmas Island flying-foxes had urine cadmium concentrations exceeding maximum concentrations previously reported in flying-foxes in mainland Australia. Glucosuria and proteinuria were identified in two Christmas Island flying-foxes, suggestive of renal dysfunction. In one aged flying-fox, kidney cadmium concentrations were four-fold higher than toxic thresholds reported for domestic mammals. Microscopic evaluation of this individual identified bone lesions consistent with those described in laboratory animals with chronic cadmium poisoning. These results suggest that Christmas Island flying-foxes are being exposed to cadmium and identification of these sources is recommended as a focus of future research. Unexpectedly, urine iron concentrations in Christmas Island flying-foxes were higher compared to previous studies of Australian mainland flying-foxes, which suggests that urinary excretion of iron may be an important aspect of iron homeostasis in this species whose diet is iron rich.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Pulscher
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rachael Gray
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Robert McQuilty
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Level 7 Building 65, Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia.
| | - Justin A Welbergen
- Hawksbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia.
| | - David N Phalen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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