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Brasileiro L, Mayrink RR, Pereira AC, Costa FJV, Nardoto GB. Differentiating wild from captive animals: an isotopic approach. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16460. [PMID: 38025752 PMCID: PMC10680447 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Wildlife farming can be an important but complex tool for conservation. To achieve conservation benefits, wildlife farming should meet a variety of criteria, including traceability conditions to identify the animals' origin. The traditional techniques for discriminating between wild and captive animals may be insufficient to prevent doubts or misdeclaration, especially when labels are not expected or mandatory. There is a pressing need to develop more accurate techniques to discriminate between wild and captive animals and their products. Stable isotope analysis has been used to identify animal provenance, and some studies have successfully demonstrated its potential to differentiate wild from captive animals. In this literature review, we examined an extensive collection of publications to develop an overall picture of the application of stable isotopes to distinguish between wild and captive animals focusing on evaluating the patterns and potential of this tool. Survey methodology We searched peer-reviewed publications in the Web of Science database and the references list from the main studies on the subject. We selected and analyzed 47 studies that used δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, δ18O, and δ34S in tissues from fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. We built a database from the isotope ratios and metadata extracted from the publications. Results Studies have been using stable isotopes in wild and captive animals worldwide, with a particular concentration in Europe, covering all main vertebrate groups. A total of 80.8% of the studies combined stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen, and 88.2% used at least one of those elements. Fish is the most studied group, while amphibians are the least. Muscle and inert organic structures were the most analyzed tissues (46.81% and 42.55%). δ13C and δ15N standard deviation and range were significantly higher in the wild than in captive animals, suggesting a more variable diet in the first group. δ13C tended to be higher in wild fishes and in captive mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. δ15N was higher in the wild terrestrial animals when controlling for diet. Only 5.7% of the studies failed to differentiate wild and captive animals using stable isotopes. Conclusions This review reveals that SIA can help distinguish between wild and captive in different vertebrate groups, rearing conditions, and methodological designs. Some aspects should be carefully considered to use the methodology properly, such as the wild and captivity conditions, the tissue analyzed, and how homogeneous the samples are. Despite the increased use of SIA to distinguish wild from captive animals, some gaps remain since some taxonomic groups (e.g., amphibians), countries (e.g., Africa), and isotopes (e.g., δ2H, δ18O, and δ34S) have been little studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Brasileiro
- Diretoria de Fiscalização Ambiental, Brasilia Ambiental, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ribeiro Mayrink
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Setor Técnico-Científico, Policia Federal, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - André Costa Pereira
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela Bielefeld Nardoto
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Dufour PC, Miot EF, So TC, Tang SL, Jones EE, Kong TC, Yuan FL, Sung YH, Dingle C, Bonebrake TC. Home and hub: pet trade and traditional medicine impact reptile populations in source locations and destinations. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221011. [PMID: 36100029 PMCID: PMC9470258 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The pet trade and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consumption are major drivers of global biodiversity loss. Tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) are among the most traded reptile species worldwide. In Hong Kong, pet and TCM markets sell tokay geckos while wild populations also persist. To clarify connections between trade sources and destinations, we compared genetics and stable isotopes of wild tokays in local and non-local populations to dried individuals from TCM markets across Hong Kong. We found that TCM tokays are likely not of local origin. Most wild tokays were related to individuals in South China, indicating a probable natural origin. However, two populations contained individuals more similar to distant populations, indicating pet trade origins. Our results highlight the complexity of wildlife trade impacts within trade hubs. Such trade dynamics complicate local legal regulation when endangered species are protected, but the same species might also be non-native and possibly damaging to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline C. Dufour
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Elliott F. Miot
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Limited, Hong Kong
| | - Tsz Chun So
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Shun Long Tang
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Emily E. Jones
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tsz Ching Kong
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Felix Landry Yuan
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Caroline Dingle
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Timothy C. Bonebrake
- Ecology and Biodiversity Area, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Andersson AA, Gibson L, Baker DM, Cybulski JD, Wang S, Leung B, Chu LM, Dingle C. Stable isotope analysis as a tool to detect illegal trade in critically endangered cockatoos. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Andersson
- Division of Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong SAR China
| | - L. Gibson
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen China
| | - D. M. Baker
- Division of Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong SAR China
| | - J. D. Cybulski
- Division of Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong SAR China
| | - S. Wang
- School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - B. Leung
- School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - L. M. Chu
- School of Life Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin NT, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - C. Dingle
- Division of Ecology & Biodiversity School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong SAR China
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Sousa LMD, Lucanus O, Arroyo-Mora JP, Kalacska M. Conservation and trade of the endangered Hypancistrus zebra (Siluriformes, Loricariidae), one of the most trafficked Brazilian fish. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Warne RW, Wolf BO. Nitrogen stable isotope turnover and discrimination in lizards. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9030. [PMID: 33332668 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Nitrogen stable isotope ratio (δ15 N) processes are not well described in reptiles, which limits reliable inference of trophic and nutrient dynamics. In this study we detailed δ15 N turnover and discrimination (Δ15 N) in diverse tissues of two lizard species, and compared these results with previously published carbon data (δ13 C) to inform estimates of reptilian foraging ecology and nutrient physiology. METHODS We quantified 15 N incorporation and discrimination dynamics over 360 days in blood fractions, skin, muscle, and liver of Sceloporus undulatus and Crotaphytus collaris that differed in body mass. Tissue samples were analyzed on a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer. RESULTS Δ15 N for plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) ranged between +2.7 and +3.5‰; however, skin, muscle, and liver did not equilibrate, hindering estimates for these somatic tissues. 15 N turnover in plasma and RBCs ranged from 20.7 ± 4 to 303 ± 166 days among both species. Comparison with previously published δ13 C results for these same samples showed that 15 N and 13 C incorporation patterns were uncoupled, especially during winter when hibernation physiology could have played a role. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide estimates of 15 N turnover rates and discrimination values that are essential to using and interpreting isotopes in studies of diet reconstruction, nutrient allocation, and trophic characterization in reptiles. These results also suggest that somatic tissues can be unreliable, while life history shifts in nutrient routing and metabolism potentially cause 15 N and 13 C dynamics to be decoupled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin W Warne
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Blair O Wolf
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Hill KGW, Nielson KE, Tyler JJ, McInerney FA, Doubleday ZA, Frankham GJ, Johnson RN, Gillanders BM, Delean S, Cassey P. Pet or pest? Stable isotope methods for determining the provenance of an invasive alien species. NEOBIOTA 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.59.53671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The illegal pet trade facilitates the global dispersal of invasive alien species (IAS), providing opportunities for new pests to establish in novel recipient environments. Despite the increasing threat of IAS to the environment and economy, biosecurity efforts often lack suitable, scientifically-based methods to make effective management decisions, such as identifying an established IAS population from a single incursion event. We present a proof-of-concept for a new application of a stable isotope technique to identify wild and captive histories of an invasive pet species. Twelve red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) from historic Australian incursions with putative wild, captive and unknown origins were analysed to: (1) present best-practice methods for stable isotope sampling of T. s. elegans incursions; (2) effectively discriminate between wild and captive groups using stable isotope ratios; and (3) present a framework to expand the methodology for use on other IAS species. A sampling method was developed to obtain carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios from the keratin layer of the carapace (shells), which are predominantly influenced by dietary material and trophic level respectively. Both δ13C and δ15N exhibited the potential to distinguish between the wild and captive origins of the samples. Power simulations demonstrated that isotope ratios were consistent across the carapace and a minimum of eight individuals were required to effectively discriminate wild and captive groups, reducing overall sampling costs. Statistical classification effectively separated captive and wild groups by δ15N (captive: δ15N‰ ≥ 9.7‰, minimum of 96% accuracy). This study outlines a practical and accessible method for detecting IAS incursions, to potentially provide biosecurity staff and decision-makers with the tools to quickly identify and manage future IAS incursions.
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Meier-Augenstein W. From stable isotope ecology to forensic isotope ecology - Isotopes' tales. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 300:89-98. [PMID: 31085431 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Stable isotope ecology and forensic isotope ecology are not only linked by name. More often than not, knowledge and insights gained through the former serve as a springboard for application focused work of the latter. This review aims to offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of both though with more emphasis on forensic isotope ecology. To this end a selection of past and recent published work is presented and discussed to highlight both potential and limitations of isotopic analytical approaches to the detection of illegal trade in plants and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfram Meier-Augenstein
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, The Sir Ian Wood Building, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7GJ, UK.
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Meier‐Augenstein W. Forensic stable isotope signatures: Comparing, geo‐locating, detecting linkage. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wfs2.1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Brandis KJ, Meagher PJB, Tong LJ, Shaw M, Mazumder D, Gadd P, Ramp D. Novel detection of provenance in the illegal wildlife trade using elemental data. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15380. [PMID: 30337606 PMCID: PMC6194005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33786-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being the fourth largest criminal market in the world, no forensic tools have been sufficiently developed to accurately determine the legal status of seized animals and their parts. Although legal trading is permissible for farmed or captive-bred animals, many animals are illegally removed from the wild and laundered by masquerading them as captive bred. Here we present high-resolution x-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a non-invasive and cost-effective tool for forensic classification. We tested the efficacy of this technique by using machine learning on a training set of zoo specimens and wild-caught individuals of short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus), a small insectivorous monotreme in Australia. XRF outperformed stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N), reducing overall classification error below 4%. XRF has the added advantage of providing samples every 200 μm on a single quill, enabling 100% classification accuracy by taking the consensus of votes per quill. This accurate and cost-effective forensic technique could provide a much needed in situ solution for combating the illegal laundering of wildlife, and conversely, assist with certification of legally bred animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Brandis
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, 2052 NSW, Australia.
| | - Phoebe J B Meagher
- Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, 2088 NSW, Australia
| | - Lydia J Tong
- Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, 2088 NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Shaw
- Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, 2088 NSW, Australia
| | - Debashish Mazumder
- Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, 2234 NSW, Australia
| | - Patricia Gadd
- Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, 2234 NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, 2007 NSW, Australia
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Applying the principles of isotope analysis in plant and animal ecology to forensic science in the Americas. Oecologia 2018; 187:1077-1094. [PMID: 29955984 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The heart of forensic science is application of the scientific method and analytical approaches to answer questions central to solving a crime: Who, What, When, Where, and How. Forensic practitioners use fundamentals of chemistry and physics to examine evidence and infer its origin. In this regard, ecological researchers have had a significant impact on forensic science through the development and application of a specialized measurement technique-isotope analysis-for examining evidence. Here, we review the utility of isotope analysis in forensic settings from an ecological perspective, concentrating on work from the Americas completed within the last three decades. Our primary focus is on combining plant and animal physiological models with isotope analyses for source inference. Examples of the forensic application of isotopes-including stable isotopes, radiogenic isotopes, and radioisotopes-span from cotton used in counterfeit bills to anthrax shipped through the U.S. Postal Service and from beer adulterated with cheap adjuncts to human remains discovered in shallow graves. Recent methodological developments and the generation of isotope landscapes, or isoscapes, for data interpretation promise that isotope analysis will be a useful tool in ecological and forensic studies for decades to come.
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Dittrich C, Struck U, Rödel MO. Stable isotope analyses-A method to distinguish intensively farmed from wild frogs. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:2525-2534. [PMID: 28428844 PMCID: PMC5395441 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumption of frog legs is increasing worldwide, with potentially dramatic effects for ecosystems. More and more functioning frog farms are reported to exist. However, due to the lack of reliable methods to distinguish farmed from wild-caught individuals, the origin of frogs in the international trade is often uncertain. Here, we present a new methodological approach to this problem. We investigated the isotopic composition of legally traded frog legs from suppliers in Vietnam and Indonesia. Muscle and bone tissue samples were examined for δ15N, δ13C, and δ18O stable isotope compositions, to elucidate the conditions under which the frogs grew up. We used DNA barcoding (16S rRNA) to verify species identities. We identified three traded species (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, Fejervarya cancrivora and Limnonectes macrodon); species identities were partly deviating from package labeling. Isotopic values of δ15N and δ18O showed significant differences between species and country of origin. Based on low δ15N composition and generally little variation in stable isotope values, our results imply that frogs from Vietnam were indeed farmed. In contrast, the frogs from the Indonesian supplier likely grew up under natural conditions, indicated by higher δ15N values and stronger variability in the stable isotope composition. Our results indicate that stable isotope analyses seem to be a useful tool to distinguish between naturally growing and intensively farmed frogs. We believe that this method can be used to improve the control in the international trade of frog legs, as well as for other biological products, thus supporting farming activities and decreasing pressure on wild populations. However, we examined different species from different countries and had no access to samples of individuals with confirmed origin and living conditions. Therefore, we suggest improving this method further with individuals of known origin and history, preferably including samples of the respective nutritive bases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Dittrich
- Museum für Naturkunde Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science Berlin Germany
| | - Ulrich Struck
- Museum für Naturkunde Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science Berlin Germany
| | - Mark-Oliver Rödel
- Museum für Naturkunde Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science Berlin Germany
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Is there more than one Crocodile Lizard? An Integrative Taxonomic Approach Reveals Vietnamese and Chinese Shinisaurus crocodilurus Represent Separate Conservation and Taxonomic Units. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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