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Beatham SE, Stephens PA, Goodwin D, Coats J, Thomas E, Rochester I, Massei G. An assessment of seasonal bait uptake by individual grey squirrels to develop a delivery system for oral contraceptives. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39248040 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Globally, human-wildlife conflicts continue to increase, owing to human population growth and expansion. Many of these conflicts concern the impacts of invasive non-native species. In the UK, the invasive, non-native grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis negatively affects tree health and has caused the decline of the native red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris. Oral contraceptives are being developed to manage the impacts of the grey squirrel. To be effective, contraceptives will need to be deployed at a landscape scale, and will require a delivery system that is practical and economically viable. Understanding grey squirrel feeding behaviour is important so that delivery methods can be designed so that a sufficient number of target individuals receive an effective contraceptive dose at a time of year that will ensure their infertility throughout peak times of breeding. The main aims of this study were to assess how sex, season, squirrel density and bait point density influenced; (1) the probability of a squirrel visiting a feeder and (2) the amount of bait consumed from feeders. Field trials were conducted on six woodland populations of squirrels in three seasons, with four days of bait deployment via purpose-designed squirrel-specific bait hoppers with integrated PIT-tag readers. It was possible to deliver multiple doses on most days to most male and female grey squirrels, with bait deployment more likely to be effective in spring, immediately before the second annual peak in squirrel breeding, followed by winter, immediately before the first peak in breeding. The results from this study could be used to design methods for delivering oral contraceptive baits to grey squirrels in the future and the methods used could be applied to other small mammal species and other bait delivery systems. © 2024 Crown copyright and The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. This article is published with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the King's Printer for Scotland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Beatham
- National Wildlife Management Centre, APHA, York, UK
- Conservation Ecology Group, Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Philip A Stephens
- Conservation Ecology Group, Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | | | - Julia Coats
- National Wildlife Management Centre, APHA, York, UK
| | - Erin Thomas
- National Wildlife Management Centre, APHA, York, UK
| | | | - Giovanna Massei
- Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control, Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, UK
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Muhammed M, Tengku Azizan TRPB, Mohd Noor MH, Abu Hassim H, Che'Amat A, Saleh AB, Han MHW, Ab Latip MQ. In vitro evaluation of oral contraceptives on long-tailed macaque ( Macaca fascicularis) primary ovarian cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36185. [PMID: 39247268 PMCID: PMC11378886 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36185] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hormonal contraception has been advocated as an alternative population control method for the long-tailed macaque population, which has increased exponentially due to anthropogenic changes and incidental food subsidies from human food waste. Risks of increased zoonosis and conflict are imminent if the population growth of long-tailed macaques is unchecked. However, there's a gap in the literature about the effect of hormonal contraceptives on long-tailed macaque reproductive tissues cell line. The present study aims to investigate the effect of oral contraceptives (Nordette, Noriday, and Ella) on long-tailed macaque ovarian cells. We determine the cell viability and cytotoxicity as well as the morphological changes of the drugs on long-tailed macaque ovarian cells using the MTT assay, Acridine orange/propidium iodide double staining method, morphological examination, and the 4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining method. For the MTT assay, The drugs were dissolved in culture media before use to have a concentration ranging from 0.5 μg/mL, 2.5 μg/mL, 0.125 μg/mL, 0.0625 μg/mL, and 0.0315 μg/mL to have three replicates for each treatment. In contrast, the concentration of 0.0315 μg/mL was used for the morphological and histopathological analysis. The result of the study indicates that human oral contraceptives (Nordette, Noriday, and Ella) inhibit the growth of long-tailed macaque ovarian cells and induce apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (at a concentration of 0.0315 μg/mL and an IC50 lower than 10 μg/mL), With a statistically significant value of ****P < 0.001 for each drug compared to the negative control. The result of the present study contributes toward addressing the gap in the literature on the effect of oral contraceptives in long-tailed macaque ovarian cells. Hence, we conclude that human oral contraceptives (Nordette, Noriday, and Ella) are safe and effective in long-tailed macaque ovarian cells as such could be used to develop non-invasive oral contraceptives for controlling the population of long-tailed macaques as an alternative population control method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikail Muhammed
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 1610, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Tengku Rinalfi Putra Bin Tengku Azizan
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hezmee Mohd Noor
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Hasliza Abu Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Azlan Che'Amat
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Annas Bin Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Mark Hiew Wen Han
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Qayyum Ab Latip
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul-Ehsan, Malaysia
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Avdeev M, Tal S, Fishman R, Vortman Y, Shanas U. THE EFFECT OF 4-VINYLCYCLOHEXENE DIEPOXIDE ON FEMALE NUTRIA ( MYOCASTOR COYPUS) FERTILITY IN CAPTIVITY-A PILOT STUDY. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:412-423. [PMID: 38875197 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a globally widespread invasive species. Attempts to eradicate nutria by shooting, poisoning, and trapping have been mostly unsuccessful, leading to calls for the development of new control methods. The compound 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) is known to cause follicular atresia in mammals and may control conception when administered orally. It was hypothesized that VCD administered PO will cause follicular destruction in female nutria. VCD (250 mg/kg PO) was administered or coconut oil, as a control, to five nutria females each for 12 d. Sixty days following VCD exposure, males were introduced to the females. Over the following 7 mon, the effect of VCD on nutria fertility was assessed by conducting ultrasound monitoring to determine pregnancy status and measuring blood serum progesterone and estradiol levels. Finally, after performing ovariectomies, viable follicles were counted on histologic ovarian cortical sections. It was found that the female estrous cycles became synchronized, suggesting a Whitten effect in this species. Also, an increase in the females' serum progesterone levels following the introduction of males occurred, suggesting a male presence effect. Orally administered doses of 250 mg/kg VCD for 12 d had no significant effect on nutria pregnancy rates or on the number of follicles in the ovaries examined. Further studies, using a higher dose or longer administration period, are necessary to conclude whether orally administered VCD can be used as a contraceptive agent for nutria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Avdeev
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel,
| | - Smadar Tal
- Department of Animal Science, Tel Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Ruth Fishman
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 529002, Israel
| | - Yoni Vortman
- Department of Animal Science, Tel Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
| | - Uri Shanas
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Haifa-Oranim, Oranim, Tivon 3600600, Israel
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Massei G, Jacob J, Hinds LA. Developing fertility control for rodents: a framework for researchers and practitioners. Integr Zool 2024; 19:87-107. [PMID: 37277987 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fertility control is often heralded as a humane and effective technique for management of overabundant wildlife, including rodents. The intention is to reduce the use of lethal and inhumane methods, increase farm productivity and food security as well as reduce disease transmission, particularly of zoonoses. We developed a framework to guide researchers and stakeholders planning to assess the effectiveness of a potential contraceptive agent for a particular species. Our guidelines describe the overarching research questions which must be sequentially addressed to ensure adequate data are collected so that a contraceptive can be registered for use in broad-scale rodent management. The framework indicates that studies should be undertaken iteratively and, at times, in parallel, with initial research being conducted on (1) laboratory-based captive assessments of contraceptive effects in individuals; (2) simulation of contraceptive delivery using bait markers and/or surgical sterilization of different proportions of a field-based or enclosure population to determine how population dynamics are affected; (3) development of mathematical models which predict the outcomes of different fertility control scenarios; and (4) implementation of large-scale, replicated trials to validate contraceptive efficacy under various management-scale field situations. In some circumstances, fertility control may be most effective when integrated with other methods (e.g. some culling). Assessment of non-target effects, direct and indirect, and the environmental fate of the contraceptive must also be determined. Developing fertility control for a species is a resource-intensive commitment but will likely be less costly than the ongoing environmental and economic impacts by rodents and rodenticides in many contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Massei
- Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control, Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Jens Jacob
- Rodent Research, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI) Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants, Münster, Germany
| | - Lyn A Hinds
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Marliani G, Gelli D, Bellinello E, Costantin RS, Nicoloso S, Accorsi PA, Vaglio S. Effects of pharmacological castration on endocrinological and chemical profiles in captive red and fallow deer. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2023.2190351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G. Marliani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
- Animal Behaviour & Wildlife Conservation Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - D. Gelli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - E. Bellinello
- Azienda USL Bologna, Sanità Pubblica veterinaria, Vergato, Italy
| | | | | | - P. A. Accorsi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - S. Vaglio
- Animal Behaviour & Wildlife Conservation Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
- University College–The Castle, Durham University, Durham, UK
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Massei G. Fertility Control for Wildlife: A European Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:428. [PMID: 36766317 PMCID: PMC9913817 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Trends of human population growth and landscape development in Europe show that wildlife impacts are escalating. Lethal methods, traditionally employed to mitigate these impacts, are often ineffective, environmentally hazardous and face increasing public opposition. Fertility control is advocated as a humane tool to mitigate these impacts. This review describes mammalian and avian wildlife contraceptives' effect on reproduction of individuals and populations, delivery methods, potential costs and feasibility of using fertility control in European contexts. These contexts include small, isolated wildlife populations and situations in which lethal control is either illegal or socially unacceptable, such as urban settings, national parks and areas where rewilding occurs. The review highlights knowledge gaps, such as impact of fertility control on recruitment, social and spatial behaviour and on target and non-target species, provides a decision framework to assist decisions about the potential use of wildlife fertility control, and suggests eight reasons for Europe to invest in this area. Although developing and registering contraceptives in Europe will have substantial costs, these are relatively small when compared to wildlife's economic and environmental impact. Developing safe and effective contraceptives will be essential if European countries want to meet public demand for methods to promote human-wildlife coexistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Massei
- Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control Europe, Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, 290 Wentworth Way, Heslington, York YO10 5NG, UK
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Hinds LA, Belmain SR. Fertility control of rodent pests: recent developments from lab to field. Integr Zool 2022; 17:960-963. [PMID: 34936731 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lyn A Hinds
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Fertility Control and the Welfare of Free-Roaming Horses and Burros on U.S. Public Lands: The Need for an Ethical Framing. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192656. [PMID: 36230397 PMCID: PMC9559278 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To be effective and publicly acceptable, management of free-roaming horses and burros in the United States and elsewhere needs a consistent ethical framing of the animals and the land they occupy. In the U.S., the two laws that largely govern wild horse and burro management, the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act and the 1976 Federal Land Policy and Management Act ("FLPMA"), rest on conflicting foundations, the former based on an ethic of care and the latter on largely utilitarian principles. These conflicts specifically fuel debates over the selection of appropriate fertility control agents for horse and burro management. Because land-use and management decisions are largely controlled by the FLPMA, and because the ethical treatment of animals is typically considered under conditions established by their use, both the larger debate about equids and land management and the specific debate about fertility control are dominated by cost/benefit calculations and avoid broader ethical considerations. In our view, the long-term health and ethical treatment of free-roaming horses and burros, the lands they occupy, and the wildlife and people they share it with will require the replacement of the resource-use model with a more holistic, care-based approach.
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Pinkham R, Koon KK, To J, Chan J, Vial F, Gomm M, Eckery DC, Massei G. Long-term effect of a GnRH-based immunocontraceptive on feral cattle in Hong Kong. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272604. [PMID: 35976896 PMCID: PMC9385044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing human-wildlife conflicts worldwide are driving the need for multiple solutions to reducing “problem” wildlife and their impacts. Fertility control is advocated as a non-lethal tool to manage free-living wildlife and in particular to control iconic species. Injectable immunocontraceptives, such as GonaCon, stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn affects the release of reproductive hormones in mammals. Feral cattle (Bos indicus or Bos taurus) in Hong Kong are an iconic species whose numbers and impacts on human activities have increased over the last decade. Previous studies have proven that a primer vaccination and booster dose of GonaCon in female cattle are safe and effective in reducing pregnancy levels one year post-treatment. The aims of this project were 1. to evaluate the longevity of the effect of GonaCon in feral cattle up to four years post-vaccination; and 2. to assess if a second booster dose of GonaCon, administered at either two or four years post-vaccination, extends the contraceptive effect in this species. Vaccination with GonaCon, administered as a primer and booster dose, was effective in causing significant infertility in free-living cattle for at least three years post-vaccination, with the percentage of pregnant animals in the vaccinated group decreasing from 76% at vaccination to 35%, 19% and 7% in years 2, 3 and 4 post-vaccination, compared with 67% at vaccination to 50%, 57% and 14% respectively in the control group. A second booster dose of GonaCon administered either 2 or 4 years after vaccination rendered 100% of the Treated cattle infertile for at least another year. These results suggested that vaccination with GonaCon can reduce feral cattle population growth and that a second booster dose can extend the longevity of the contraceptive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Pinkham
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Ka-Kei Koon
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Animal Management (Operation) Division, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jason To
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Animal Management (Operation) Division, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jason Chan
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Animal Management (Operation) Division, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Flavie Vial
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Gomm
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas C. Eckery
- USDA APHIS, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Giovanna Massei
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
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Bar-Ziv E, Picardi S, Kaplan A, Avgar T, Berger-Tal O. Sex Differences Dictate the Movement Patterns of Striped Hyenas, Hyaena hyaena, in a Human-Dominated Landscape. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.897132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Large-carnivore populations have experienced significant declines in the past centuries in extended parts of the world. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and depletion of natural resources are some of the main causes of this decline. Consequently, behavioral flexibility, enabling the exploitation of anthropogenic food resources in highly disturbed human-dominated landscapes, is becoming critical for the survival of large carnivores. These behavioral changes increase the potential for human-large carnivore conflict and can further intensify carnivore persecution. Here, we examine how land cover types (representing a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance) alter the behavior of striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) in a human-dominated landscape in Israel, and whether differences in life history between males and females affect their reaction to such disturbances and consequently their level of exposure to humans. We used a Hidden Markov Model on GPS-tracking data for seven striped hyenas to segment individual-night trajectories into behavioral states (resting, searching, and traveling). We then used multinomial logistic regression to model hyenas’ behavioral state as a function of the interaction between land cover and sex. Females traveled less than males both in terms of average distance traveled per hour, per night, and nightly net displacement. Most steps were classified as “searching” for females and as “traveling” for males. Female hyenas spent a higher proportion of time in human-dominated areas and a lower proportion in natural areas compared to males, and they were also more likely to be found close to settlements than males. Females changed their time allocation between natural and human-dominated areas, spending more time resting than traveling in natural areas but not in human-dominated ones; males spent more time searching than resting in human-dominated areas but were equally likely to rest or search in natural ones. The differences in life history between male and female hyenas may reflect different motivations for space use as a means to optimize fitness, which affects their exposure to humans and therefore their potential involvement in human-hyenas conflict. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to behavioral change in response to human disturbance is important for adaptive management and promoting human large-carnivores co-existence in general.
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Pinkham R, Eckery D, Mauldin R, Gomm M, Hill F, Vial F, Massei G. Longevity of an immunocontraceptive vaccine effect on fecundity in rats. Vaccine X 2022; 10:100138. [PMID: 35024602 PMCID: PMC8732792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2021.100138] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Increases in human-wildlife conflicts alongside cultural shifts against lethal control methods are driving the need for alternative wildlife management tools such as fertility control. Contraceptive formulations suitable for oral delivery would permit broader remote application in wildlife species. This study evaluated the contraceptive effect and immune response to two novel injectable immunocontraceptive formulations targeting the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH): MAF-IMX294 and MAF-IMX294P conjugates, both identified as having potential as oral contraceptives. The study also explored whether in multiparous species immunocontraceptives may either totally prevent reproduction or also affect litter size. Female rats, chosen as a model species, were given three doses of either MAF-IMX294 or MAF-IMX294P to compare anti-GnRH immune response and reproductive output up to 310 days post-treatment. Both formulations induced anti-GnRH antibody titres in 100% of rats and significantly impaired fertility compared to control animals. Following treatment with MAF-IMX294 and MAF-IMX294P 0 of 9 and 1 of 10 females respectively produced litters following the first mating challenge 45 days post-treatment, compared to 9 of 9 control animals. Across the whole 310 day study period 7 of 9 females from the MAF-IMX294 group and 10 of 10 females in the MAF-IMX294P group became fertile, producing at least one litter throughout six mating challenges. No significant differences were found between the two formulations in antibody titre response or duration of contraceptive effect, with an average time to first pregnancy of 166 days for MAF-IMX294 and 177 days for MAF-IMX294P for all females that became fertile. Following treatment with MAF-IMX294 and MAF-IMX294P the first litter produced post-infertility in treated females was significantly smaller than in control animals. This indicates treatment with immunocontraceptives may induce an overall suppression of fecundity extending past an initial infertility effect. This increases the potential long-term impact of these immunocontraceptives in multiparous species such as commensal rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pinkham
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - D Eckery
- USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA
| | - R Mauldin
- USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA
| | - M Gomm
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - F Hill
- Osivax, 99 rue de Gerland, Lyon, 69007 France
| | - F Vial
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - G Massei
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York YO41 1LZ, UK
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González-Crespo C, Lavín S. Use of Fertility Control (Nicarbazin) in Barcelona: An Effective yet Respectful Method towards Animal Welfare for the Management of Conflictive Feral Pigeon Colonies. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070856. [PMID: 35405845 PMCID: PMC8997112 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Feral pigeon is one of the most common urban species worldwide. Living free in urban areas, pigeons have found a favorable environment with the conditions to have a high fertility, thus leading to overcrowding, which causes thousands of millions in damages yearly. The management of overpopulated pigeon colonies presents numerous challenges, and several methods have been proposed and used. In recent decades, the concern in the society about animal welfare has grown, and now demands non-lethal methods in the management of wildlife, especially in cities. The management of feral pigeons in Barcelona, Spain, used to be carried out, like in many cities, by capture and elimination. However, as this method has been proven to be ineffective and the public concern about animal welfare has increased, in 2016, the Barcelona City Council decided to change the management towards a fertility control method. This study describes and evaluates, during three years, an efficient fertility control protocol that is able to reduce the number of pigeons in the treated colonies by 55.26% at the end of the study. The results of this study provide animal management administrations and companies with a non-lethal protocol to control pigeon populations while respecting animal welfare. Abstract This study describes a three-year evaluation (2017–2019) of a fertility control protocol using nicarbazin (Ovistop®) to reduce the abundance of the most conflictive colonies of feral pigeon, Columba livia var. domestica, in Barcelona, Spain, as a long-term strategy based on animal welfare. The treatment was supplied to 34 pigeon colonies by automatic hopper feeders installed in public areas. A superiority study and a population monitoring study were carried out to evaluate differences in the abundance of the colonies, as well as the proportion of juveniles, the possible intake of nicarbazin by non-target species and the movement of individuals among colonies. The results showed statistical differences in the population trends between the test (−22.03%) and control (+12.86%) groups, and a significant steady decreasing trend in the pigeon abundance (−55.26%) was registered until the end of 2019. The proportion of juveniles was significatively lower in the test colonies, and a non-target species (Eurasian collared doves, Streptopelia decaocto) was observed consuming in a residual form. The protocol using nicarbazin is able to both control the abundance of pigeons, with no impact over non-target species, and respond to the public interest about animal welfare by providing an ethical method to manage overabundant and/or conflictive populations.
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Wimpenny C, Hinds LA, Herbert CA, Wilson M, Coulson G. Fertility control for managing macropods – Current approaches and future prospects. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Gese EM, Terletzky PA. Space use in free-ranging canids: are gonadal hormones required for territory maintenance? CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fertility control among carnivores has been used to reduce depredations on livestock and wild neonates, population control, modify behavior, inhibit genetic introgression, and reduce human–wildlife conflicts. Although there is considerable knowledge on techniques to sterilize carnivores, there is little information concerning how the absence of gonadal hormones influences behavior, space use, and survival of wild canids. We examined territorial fidelity, home-range size and overlap, and survival of 179 surgically sterilized free-ranging canids (124 coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823), 55 coyote – red wolf (Canis rufus Audubon and Bachman, 1851) hybrids) with gonadal hormones present (tubal-ligated females (n = 70), vasectomized males (n = 73)) versus absent (spayed females (n = 22), neutered males (n = 14)). The absence of gonadal hormones did not influence annual home-range size and home-range overlap, territory fidelity, and annual survival rates. Additionally, no differences were detected across sexes and hormonal treatments in annual home-range size, percent home-range overlap, annual home-range residency rates, and annual survival rates. Methods of fertility control that do not keep gonadal organs intact may prove useful for management without concern for changes in behavior, mainly territoriality, space use, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M. Gese
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Deleuze S, Brotcorne F, Polet R, Soma G, Rigaux G, Giraud G, Cloutier F, Poncin P, Wandia N, Huynen MC. Tubectomy of Pregnant and Non-pregnant Female Balinese Macaques ( Macaca Fascicularis) With Post-operative Monitoring. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:688656. [PMID: 34568470 PMCID: PMC8458650 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.688656] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, primates, and humans increasingly share habitats and often enter in conflict when primates thrive in human-dominated environments, calling for special management measures. Reproductive control is increasingly used to manage population growth but very few monitoring data are available. Therefore, the efficiency and implications of such programs require a careful examination. In the context of a contraception program in wild female long-tailed macaques in Ubud, Bali, conducted over four successive campaigns between 2017 and 2019, including 140 females (i.e., 41.9% of the reproductive females of the population in 2019), modifications of an endoscopic tubectomy procedure, a permanent sterilization method, clinical evaluation of this method, and the post-operative monitoring results of the neutered females after release are described. This surgical approach was applicable for pregnant females: 28.6% of the treated females were pregnant at the time of the surgery. The procedure used a single lateral port to reach and cauterize both oviducts in non-pregnant as well as in early to mid-term pregnant females. Pregnant females nearer to term required a second lateral port to access both oviducts masked by the size of the gravid uterus. Moreover, bipolar thermocauterization was utilized successfully without resection to realize the tubectomy. The average duration of the laparoscopic surgery was 14 min for non-pregnant females and 22 min for pregnant females. Animals were released 3 h 22 min in average following their capture. This short holding time, recommended for free-ranging primates, was made possible by the minimal invasiveness of the sterilization approach. A laparoscopic post-operative evaluation conducted on two patients during the following campaign confirmed that the oviducts were definitely disrupted and no longer patent. Moreover, no new pregnancies in sterilized females were recorded during the 3-year observation period. The survival rate of the treated females 6 months after sterilization was high (96.3%) with no major post-operative complications clinically recorded. Among females that were pregnant during surgery, 81.1% were confirmed to experience term delivery. This study demonstrates the safety and efficiency of endoscopic tubectomy, even for pregnant females, as a mean of wild macaques' population control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Deleuze
- Research Unit FARAH, Equine and Companion Animal Reproduction Pathologies Clinic, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Fany Brotcorne
- Research Unit SPHERES, Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Sciences Faculty, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Roland Polet
- Research Unit SPHERES, Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Sciences Faculty, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gede Soma
- Primate Research Center, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | | | - Gwennan Giraud
- Research Unit SPHERES, Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Sciences Faculty, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Fanny Cloutier
- Research Unit SPHERES, Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Sciences Faculty, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pascal Poncin
- Research Unit FOCUS, Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nengah Wandia
- Primate Research Center, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | - Marie-Claude Huynen
- Research Unit SPHERES, Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Sciences Faculty, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Jacoblinnert K, Jacob J, Zhang Z, Hinds LA. The status of fertility control for rodents-recent achievements and future directions. Integr Zool 2021; 17:964-980. [PMID: 34549512 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Management of overabundant rodents at a landscape scale is complex but often required to sustainably reduce rodent abundance below damage thresholds. Current conventional techniques such as poisoning are not species specific, with some approaches becoming increasingly unacceptable to the general public. Fertility control, first proposed for vertebrate pest management over 5 decades ago, has gained public acceptance because it is perceived as a potentially more species-specific and humane approach compared with many lethal methods. An ideal fertility control agent needs to induce infertility across one or more breeding seasons, be easily delivered to an appropriate proportion of the population, be species specific with minimal side-effects (behavioral or social structure changes), and be environmentally benign and cost effective. To date, effective fertility control of rodents has not been demonstrated at landscape scales and very few products have achieved registration. Reproductive targets for fertility control include disrupting the hormonal feedback associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, gonad function, fertilization, and/or early implantation. We review progress on the oral delivery of various agents for which laboratory studies have demonstrated efficacy in females and/or males and synthesize progress with the development and/or use of synthetic steroids, plant extracts, ovarian specific peptides, and immunocontraceptive vaccines. There are promising results for field application of synthetic steroids (levonorgestrel, quinestrol), chemosterilants (4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide), and some plant extracts (triptolide). For most fertility control agents, more research is essential to enable their efficient and cost-effective delivery such that rodent impacts at a population level are mitigated and food security is improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Jacoblinnert
- Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Münster, Germany.,Department of Behavioral Biology, University Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Jens Jacob
- Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Vertebrate Research, Münster, Germany
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management on Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lyn A Hinds
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Ovariectomy As a Management Technique for Suburban Deer Populations. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Keuling O, Strauß E, Siebert U. How Do Hunters Hunt Wild Boar? Survey on Wild Boar Hunting Methods in the Federal State of Lower Saxony. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092658. [PMID: 34573623 PMCID: PMC8468578 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High wild boar population densities lead to human–wildlife conflicts. For proper wildlife management, knowledge of wildlife biology as well as human attitudes is needed. We conducted inquiries on hunting methods and on hunters’ attitudes in the German Federal State of Lower Saxony to better understand hunting strategies. Single hunt, especially at bait, is still the most widely used method for hunting wild boar. The proportion of drive hunts within the hunting bag is increasing. The proportions of hunting methods vary regionally due to wild boar densities, geographical conditions and hunters’ practices. Private hunting is important for wild boar management, although it is just insufficient. Besides promoting more efficient hunting methods and motivating hunters, in the future, additionally, administrative wildlife managers could be established as coordinators of wild boar management, and as such, could manage hunting, the incorporation of regional conditions and investigating hunters’ attitudes and abilities. Abstract High wild boar population densities lead to demands for a population reduction to avoid crop damages or epidemic diseases. Along with biological studies, a better understanding of the human influence on wildlife and on wildlife management is important. We conducted inquiries on hunting methods and on hunters’ attitudes in the Federal State of Lower Saxony, Germany, to better understand hunting strategies and the influence on increasing wild boar population, as well as to underpin game management concepts. Single hunt, especially at bait, is still the most widely used method for hunting wild boar. The proportion of drive hunts within the hunting bag is increasing. The proportions of hunting methods vary regionally due to wild boar densities, geographical features (vegetation, terrain, etc.) and hunters’ practices. Hunters increased the proportion of conjoint hunts on wild boar. Baiting remains an important hunting method in wild boar management and the proportion of drive hunts should be fostered. Private hunting is important for wild boar management, although it is just insufficient. Additionally, administrative wildlife managers are recommended for the near future as coordinators of wild boar management, and as such, could manage hunting, the incorporation of regional conditions and investigating hunters’ attitudes and abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Keuling
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (E.S.); (U.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-856-7396
| | - Egbert Strauß
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (E.S.); (U.S.)
- Hunting Association of Lower Saxony, Landesjägerschaft Niedersachsen e.V., 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (E.S.); (U.S.)
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Schwarzenberger F, Krawinkel P, Jeserschek SM, Schauerte N, Geiger C, Balfanz F, Knauf-Witzens T, Sicks F, Martinez Nevado E, Anfray G, Hein A, Kaandorp-Huber C, Marcordes S, Venshøj B. Immunocontraception of male and female giraffes using the GnRH vaccine Improvac®. Zoo Biol 2021; 41:50-64. [PMID: 34478196 PMCID: PMC9292419 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21651] [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: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop protocols for contraception in both sexes of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) by using the GnRH vaccine Improvac®. We evaluated the success of immunization by analyzing fecal reproductive hormone metabolites in female (n = 20) and male (n = 9) giraffes. Endocrine analysis provided the basis for the successful immunization protocol, as well as for assessing long-term effects. Reliable reduction of fecal steroid metabolites to baseline levels in female giraffes was achieved with three, and in males with four or five injections at 4-week intervals. Effective booster injections were administered at 2-month intervals in the first year of treatment and at three to 4-month intervals in the following years. In addition to endocrine analysis, we determined vaccination efficacy in bulls by assessing testicular atrophy. Long-term (>2 years) use in females was often accompanied by prolonged periods of persistent corpus luteum activity, although normal cycles were not observed. Problems might occur with reversibility, because in a few males and females, even after more than 2 years since treatment had been stopped, fecal hormone metabolites have not returned to pretreatment levels. The results are somewhat ambiguous, as reproduction can be suppressed by use of Improvac®, but the question of reversibility remains unsolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Schwarzenberger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Physiology-Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Sophia-Maria Jeserschek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Physiology-Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Chang AM, Chen CC, Hou DL, Ke GM, Lee JW. Effects of a Recombinant Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Vaccine on Reproductive Function in Adult Male ICR Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:808. [PMID: 34451933 PMCID: PMC8402355 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates the reproductive endocrine system in mammals. The GnRH immunocontraception vaccine can aid animal population control and management. We evaluated a recombinant GnRH fusion protein with the adjuvant MONTANIDE ISA 206 VG as a GnRH vaccine in adult male ICR mice by evaluating anti-GnRH antibodies; concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone; testis size and histomorphology; and semen quality. Response was assessed after intramuscular administration of the vaccine to mice in weeks 0, 4, and 8. The vaccine induced specific antibody response by week 5, with peak of antibody levels observed by week 13 and a declining level thereafter until the end of the study at week 24. Furthermore, it reduced serum FSH, LH, and testosterone concentrations. The vaccinated mice exhibited testicular atrophy and reduced sperm quality, concentration, morphology, and viability compared to control males. The outcomes of pairings of treated males with untreated females revealed reduced mating, pregnancy rates and number of litters compared to control pairings. Assessment of this GnRH vaccine in different species could assist its development for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Mei Chang
- International Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan; (A.-M.C.); (G.-M.K.)
- Research Center for Animal Biologics, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chih Chen
- Research Center for Animal Biologics, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan;
| | - Ding-Liang Hou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan;
| | - Guan-Ming Ke
- International Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan; (A.-M.C.); (G.-M.K.)
- Research Center for Animal Biologics, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan;
- Institute of Animal Vaccine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Jai-Wei Lee
- International Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan; (A.-M.C.); (G.-M.K.)
- Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
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Polyacrylate-GnRH Peptide Conjugate as an Oral Contraceptive Vaccine Candidate. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13071081. [PMID: 34371772 PMCID: PMC8308917 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Contraceptive vaccines are designed to elicit immune responses against major components of animal reproductive systems. These vaccines, which are most commonly administered via injection, typically target gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). However, the need to restrain animals for treatment limits the field applications of injectable vaccines. Oral administration would broaden vaccine applicability. We explored contraceptive vaccine candidates composed of GnRH peptide hormone, universal T helper PADRE (P), and a poly(methylacrylate) (PMA)-based delivery system. When self-assembled into nanoparticles, PMA-P-GnRH induced the production of high IgG titers after subcutaneous and oral administration in mice. PADRE was then replaced with pig T helper derived from the swine flu virus, and the vaccine was tested in pigs. High levels of systemic antibodies were produced in pigs after both injection and oral administration of the vaccine. In conclusion, we developed a simple peptide–polymer conjugate that shows promise as an effective, adjuvant-free, oral GnRH-based contraceptive vaccine.
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Hecht L. The importance of considering age when quantifying wild animals' welfare. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2602-2616. [PMID: 34155749 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Wild animals experience different challenges and opportunities as they mature, and this variety of experiences can lead to different levels of welfare characterizing the day-to-day lives of individuals of different ages. At the same time, most wild animals who are born do not survive to adulthood. Individuals who die as juveniles do not simply experience a homogeneous fraction of the lifetimes of older members of their species; rather, their truncated lives may be characterized by very different levels of welfare. Here, I propose the concept of welfare expectancy as a framework for quantifying wild animal welfare at a population level, given individual-level data on average welfare with respect to age. This concept fits conveniently alongside methods of analysis already used in population ecology, such as demographic sensitivity analysis, and is applicable to evaluating the welfare consequences of human interventions and natural pressures that disproportionately affect individuals of different ages. In order to understand better and improve the state of wild animal welfare, more attention should be directed towards young animals and the particular challenges they face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Hecht
- Wild Animal Initiative, 115 Elm Street, Suite I, PMB 2321, Farmington, MN, 55024, U.S.A.,Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K
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Selemani M, Makundi RH, Massawe AW, Mhamphi G, Mulungu LS, Belmain SR. Impact of contraceptive hormones on the reproductive potential of male and female commensal black rats (Rattus rattus). Integr Zool 2021; 17:991-1001. [PMID: 34047451 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The black rat is considered one of the world's top pests. With increased restrictions on rodenticides, new alternatives to manage rats are urgently needed. Research on the use of contraceptive hormones, levonorgestrel (LE), and quinestrol (QU), have been evaluated against some rodent species, and this research is the first study to assess these on black rats. Hormones were incorporated into rodent bait at 10 and 50 ppm concentrations singly and in combination (EP-1). Groups of 10 animals of each sex were fed the baits over 7 days. Lower bait consumption was observed with slight body mass reductions. On dissection, it was observed that the uterus was in a state of edema and male reproductive organs weighed less with reduced sperm counts/motility. The 2 most promising baits, 50 ppm QU and EP-1, were used to assess impact on pregnancy and litter size. Pregnancy was reduced from 70% success when both males and females consumed untreated bait, down to 30% when males had consumed contraceptive bait but females had not, and down to 0% when females had consumed contraceptive bait, regardless of whether they had paired with a treated or untreated male. Litter size in the untreated pairs was 8 pups, but only 4 pups in those cases where the male only had consumed the contraceptive. Further studies should investigate how long the effect lasts and its reversibility. Field studies at the population level may also shed light on the practicality of using contraceptive baits for black rats in different habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwajabu Selemani
- Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Rhodes H Makundi
- Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Apia W Massawe
- Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Ginethon Mhamphi
- Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Loth S Mulungu
- Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
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Pujol-Navarro N, Kubiak-Ossowska K, Ferro V, Mulheran P. Simulating Peptide Monolayer Formation: GnRH-I on Silica. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115523. [PMID: 34073815 PMCID: PMC8197186 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can provide a detailed view of molecule behaviour at an atomic level, which can be useful when attempting to interpret experiments or design new systems. The decapeptide gonadotrophin-releasing hormone I (GnRH-I) is known to control fertility in mammals for both sexes. It was previously shown that inoculation with silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) coated with GnRH-I makes an effective anti-fertility vaccine due to how the peptide adsorbs to the nanoparticle and is presented to the immune system. In this paper, we develop and employ a protocol to simulate the development of a GnRH-I peptide adlayer by allowing peptides to diffuse and adsorb in a staged series of trajectories. The peptides start the simulation in an immobile state in solution above the model silica surface, and are then released sequentially. This facile approach allows the adlayer to develop in a natural manner and appears to be quite versatile. We find that the GnRH-I adlayer tends to be sparse, with electrostatics dominating the interactions. The peptides are collapsed to the surface and are seemingly free to interact with additional solutes, supporting the interpretations of the GNRH-I/SiNP vaccine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neret Pujol-Navarro
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK;
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Karina Kubiak-Ossowska
- ARCHIE-WeSt, Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde, 107 Rottenrow East, Glasgow G4 0NG, UK;
| | - Valerie Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK;
| | - Paul Mulheran
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK;
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Senar JC, Navalpotro H, Pascual J, Montalvo T. Nicarbazin has no effect on reducing feral pigeon populations in Barcelona. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:131-137. [PMID: 32652833 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6000] [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: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicarbazin is an anti-coccidial product sometimes used as a contraceptive to reduce the size of feral pigeon populations. However, its effectiveness in reducing pigeon population size in cities has caused some controversy. Here, we evaluate its effectiveness in the city of Barcelona. RESULTS In 2017, the Barcelona City Council set 23 feeding stations with nicarbazin and ten with placebo (untreated corn). Censuses were undertaken before and after one year of treatment, within a 200-m radius around each feeder. We also censused 28 circles of 200 m radius distributed randomly 200 m from the feeders and 28 circles > 500 m from the feeders, which acted as controls. Population size across the whole city was also evaluated pre- and post treatment. We found that feral pigeon density did not change after one year of treatment, either in the circles around feeding stations with nicarbazin or in the areas around control stations at 200 and > 500 m from the feeders. Population size in placebo circles rose after a year by 10%. A pigeon census for the whole of Barcelona showed a 10% increase. CONCLUSION Overall, our results indicate that the nicarbazin treatment had no effect on feral pigeon population size, and we advise against its use as a pigeon control method, at least in large cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Senar
- Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Castell dels Tres Dragons, Parc Ciutadella, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Helena Navalpotro
- Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Castell dels Tres Dragons, Parc Ciutadella, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Jordi Pascual
- Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Castell dels Tres Dragons, Parc Ciutadella, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- Agencia de Salut Publica de Barcelona, and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Pl. Lesseps, 1, Barcelona, 08023, Spain
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Agencia de Salut Publica de Barcelona, and CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Pl. Lesseps, 1, Barcelona, 08023, Spain
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A spatially explicit population model to compare management using culling and fertility control to reduce numbers of grey squirrels. Ecol Modell 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Fehlmann G, O'riain MJ, FÜrtbauer I, King AJ. Behavioral Causes, Ecological Consequences, and Management Challenges Associated with Wildlife Foraging in Human-Modified Landscapes. Bioscience 2021; 71:40-54. [PMID: 33442328 PMCID: PMC7791362 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have altered up to half of the world's land surface. Wildlife living within or close to these human-modified landscapes are presented with opportunities and risks associated with feeding on human-derived foods (e.g., agricultural crops and food waste). Understanding whether and how wildlife adapts to these landscapes is a major challenge, with thousands of studies published on the topic over the past 10 years. In the present article, we build on established theoretical frameworks to understand the behavioral causes of crop and urban foraging by wildlife. We then develop and extend this framework to describe the multifaceted ecological consequences of crop and urban foraging for the individuals and populations in which they arise, with emphasis on social species for which interactions with people are, on balance, negative (commonly referred to as raiding species). Finally, we discuss the management challenges faced by urban and rural land managers, businesses, and government organizations in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and propose ways to improve the lives of both wildlife and humans living in human-modified landscapes and to promote coexistence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Justin O'riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife, Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ines FÜrtbauer
- Behavioural Ecology and Endocrinology Laboratory and Andrew King is an associate professor and head of the SHOAL group in the Department of Biosciences at Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J King
- Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, Bodensee, Germany
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Human-Elephant Conflicts and Villagers' Attitudes and Knowledge in the Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17238910. [PMID: 33266140 PMCID: PMC7730466 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we analyzed the accidents associated with the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus Linnaeus) and issues pertaining to compensation in Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve from 2011 to 2018. We conducted interviews and a questionnaire survey with 217 villagers. The results show that: (1) the main Asian elephants damage is crop loss (more than 95% of the total damage), and the villagers suffer economic losses; (2) through the influence of traditional culture and natural education, the majority of local villagers still have a favorable impression of Asian elephants; (3) female respondents, those engaged in agricultural production, those who had experienced crop loss and those who had never seen Asian elephants had more negative attitudes toward Asian elephants; (4) most villagers believe that the Asian elephant population has increased in the past decade; and (5) the villagers are quite passive in the human–elephant conflict, and most of them do not take action. Finally, based on the research results, this paper discusses the causes of human elephant conflict and proposes targeted mitigation measures.
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Carpio AJ, Apollonio M, Acevedo P. Wild ungulate overabundance in Europe: contexts, causes, monitoring and management recommendations. Mamm Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J. Carpio
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (UCLM‐CSIC‐JCCM) Ronda Toledo 12 Ciudad Real13071 Spain
- Department of Zoology University of Cordoba Campus of Rabanales Córdoba14071 Spain
| | - Marco Apollonio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Sassari Via Vienna 2 Sassari07100 Italy
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (UCLM‐CSIC‐JCCM) Ronda Toledo 12 Ciudad Real13071 Spain
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Croft S, Franzetti B, Gill R, Massei G. Too many wild boar? Modelling fertility control and culling to reduce wild boar numbers in isolated populations. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238429. [PMID: 32946480 PMCID: PMC7500663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild boar and feral swine number and range are increasing worldwide in parallel with their impact on biodiversity and human activities. The ecological and economic impact of this species include spread of diseases, vehicle collisions, damage to crops, amenities and infrastructures and reduction in plant and animal abundance and richness. As traditional methods such as culling have not contained the growth and spread of wild boar and feral pigs, alternative methods such as fertility control are now advocated. We used empirical data on two isolated wild boar populations to model and compare the effects of different regimes of culling and fertility control on population trends. We built a Bayesian population model and applied it to explore the implications for population control of various management options combining culling and/or contraception. The results showed that, whilst fertility control on its own was not sufficient to achieve the target reduction in wild boar number, adding fertility control to culling was more effective than culling alone. In particular, using contraceptives on 40% of the population to complement the culling of 60% of the animals, halved the time to achieve our target reduction compared with culling only. We conclude that, assuming the effort of adding fertility control to culling was found to be cost-effective in terms of population reduction, these two methods should be used simultaneously if a rapid decrease in wild boar number is required for a closed population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Croft
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Franzetti
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Rome, Italy
| | - Robin Gill
- Centre for Ecosystems, Society and Biosecurity, Forest Research, Farnham, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanna Massei
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
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Reply to Wolf et al.: Why Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Is Not an Ethical Solution for Stray Cat Management. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091525. [PMID: 32872227 PMCID: PMC7552220 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We provide a rebuttal to Wolf et al. (2019), outlining biological, ethical, and economic flaws in their argument that Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is an ethical solution for stray cat management. We contend that suppression of supplementary feeding of stray cats accompanied by proactive adoption or prompt euthanasia is more effective, humane, and economical. Abstract We critique the recent article by Wolf et al. (2019) that claims scientific merit for reducing the number of stray cats in Australia through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, and then we provide an inventory of biological, welfare, and economic reasons why TNR is less successful than adoption and euthanasia for managing unowned cats. Like Crawford et al. (2019) and multiple other comprehensive and unbiased Australian and international scientific reviews, we refute the idea that returning neutered unowned cats to stray populations has any valid role in responsible, ethical, affordable, and effective cat management, or in wildlife conservation. The main purported objective of TNR proponents along with animal welfare, human health, and wildlife advocacy stakeholders is to reduce the number of unhomed cats. We contend that cessation of provisioning unowned cats with food is the most effective approach to achieve this objective. We also present evidence from the Brisbane City Council that informed cat management policy, advocacy, and laws, backed up by responsible rehoming or prompt ethical euthanasia, are together effective at reducing the stray cat problem.
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Effect of vaccination with a novel GnRH-based immunocontraceptive on immune responses and fertility in rats. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03781. [PMID: 32322739 PMCID: PMC7170952 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
1. As human-wildlife conflicts increase worldwide, novel methods are required for mitigating these conflicts. Fertility control, based on immunocontraceptives, has emerged as an alternative option to lethal methods for managing wildlife. 2. Immunocontraceptives are vaccines that generate an immune response to key components of an animal's reproductive system. Some of these vaccines target the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and have been used successfully as contraceptives for many wildlife species. However, the need to capture animals for treatment limits the field applications of injectable vaccines. The availability of orally delivered immunocontraceptives would increase the breadth of applications of fertility control for wildlife management. 3. This study explored a new approach to developing an oral immunocontraceptive, exploiting the bioadhesive and immunologically active properties of killed Mycobacterium avium cell wall fragments (MAF). The MAF was conjugated to a GnRH recombinant protein called IMX294, used as a GnRH-specific immunogen. 4. An initial trial using the MAF-IMX294 conjugate provided the first evidence that an orally delivered immunocontraceptive vaccine could generate anti-GnRH antibody titres in laboratory rats. 5. Increasing the dose and frequency of vaccine administered to rats, in a second trial, enhanced the immune response, eliciting titres that reduced the proportion of females giving birth. This provided the first evidence of the contraceptive effect of an oral anti-GnRH vaccine. 6. Future work is required to further increase the immunogenic effect of the oral vaccine and to establish a dosing schedule that is effective for practical field applications.
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Cowan DP, Waal Z, Pidcock S, Gomm M, Stephens N, Brash M, White PC, Mair L, Mill AC. Adaptive management of an iconic invasive goat
Capra hircus
population. Mamm Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dave P. Cowan
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Sand Hutton Campus, Sand Hutton York YO41 1LZ UK
| | - Zelda Waal
- Modelling Evidence and Policy Group School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU UK
| | - Sally Pidcock
- Great Orme Country Park Conwy County Borough Council, E.R.F Mochdre Offices, Conwy Road Mochdre LL28 5AB UK
| | - Matthew Gomm
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Sand Hutton Campus, Sand Hutton York YO41 1LZ UK
| | - Nathalie Stephens
- Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Foss House York YO1 7PX UK
| | - Matthew Brash
- ARKVETS Givendale House, Givendale Pocklington YO42 ITT UK
| | - Piran C.L. White
- Department of Environment and Geography University of York Wentworth Way York YO10 5NG UK
| | - Louise Mair
- Modelling Evidence and Policy Group School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU UK
| | - Aileen C. Mill
- Modelling Evidence and Policy Group School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU UK
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Whisson DA, Ashman KR. When an iconic native animal is overabundant: The koala in southern Australia. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Desley A. Whisson
- Deakin University, Geelong, AustraliaSchool of Life and Environmental Sciences, 221 Burwood Highway Burwood Victoria Australia
| | - Kita R. Ashman
- Deakin University, Geelong, AustraliaSchool of Life and Environmental Sciences, 221 Burwood Highway Burwood Victoria Australia
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Nunny L. Animal Welfare in Predator Control: Lessons from Land and Sea. How the Management of Terrestrial and Marine Mammals Impacts Wild Animal Welfare in Human-Wildlife Conflict Scenarios in Europe. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E218. [PMID: 32013173 PMCID: PMC7070940 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of predators, on land and in the sea, is a complex topic. Both marine and terrestrial mammal predators come into conflict with humans in Europe in many ways and yet their situations are rarely compared. Areas of conflict include the predation of livestock and farmed fish, and the perceived competition for wild prey (for example wolves competing with hunters for deer and seals competing with fishermen for salmon). A lethal method (shooting) and non-lethal methods of conflict reduction (including enclosures, guarding, and aversion) used for terrestrial large carnivores (e.g., bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx) and marine mammals (seals) are discussed. Control measures tend to be species- and habitat-specific, although shooting is a widely used method. Potential impacts on predator welfare are described and welfare assessments which have been developed for other wildlife control scenarios, e.g., control of introduced species, are considered for their potential use in assessing predator control. Such assessments should be applied before control methods are chosen so that decisions prioritizing animal welfare can be made. Further work needs to be carried out to achieve appropriate and widely-accepted animal welfare assessment approaches and these should be included in predator management planning. Future research should include further sharing of approaches and information between terrestrial and marine specialists to help ensure that animal welfare is prioritized.
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Smith LM, Hartmann S, Munteanu AM, Dalla Villa P, Quinnell RJ, Collins LM. The Effectiveness of Dog Population Management: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E1020. [PMID: 31766746 PMCID: PMC6940938 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide population of domestic dogs is estimated at approximately 700 million, with around 75% classified as "free-roaming". Where free-roaming dogs exist in high densities, there are significant implications for public health, animal welfare, and wildlife. Approaches to manage dog populations include culling, fertility control, and sheltering. Understanding the effectiveness of each of these interventions is important in guiding future dog population management. We present the results of a systematic review of published studies investigating dog population management, to assess: (1) where and when studies were carried out; (2) what population management methods were used; and (3) what was the effect of the method. We evaluated the reporting quality of the published studies for strength of evidence assessment. The systematic review resulted in a corpus of 39 papers from 15 countries, reporting a wide disparity of approaches and measures of effect. We synthesised the management methods and reported effects. Fertility control was most investigated and had the greatest reported effect on dog population size. Reporting quality was low for power calculations (11%), sample size calculations (11%), and the use of control populations (17%). We provide recommendations for future studies to use common metrics and improve reporting quality, study design, and modelling approaches in order to allow better assessment of the true impact of dog population management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Smith
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (L.M.S.); (R.J.Q.)
| | - Sabine Hartmann
- VIER PFOTEN International, 1150 Vienna, Austria; (S.H.); (A.M.M.)
| | | | - Paolo Dalla Villa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Rupert J. Quinnell
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (L.M.S.); (R.J.Q.)
| | - Lisa M. Collins
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (L.M.S.); (R.J.Q.)
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Burke CR, Peterson MN, Sawyer DT, Moorman CE, Serenari C, Pacifici K. A method for mapping hunting occurrence using publicly available, geographic variables. WILDLIFE SOC B 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Conner R. Burke
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental ResourcesNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - M. Nils Peterson
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental ResourcesNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - David T. Sawyer
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - Christopher E. Moorman
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental ResourcesNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | | | - Krishna Pacifici
- Applied Ecology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental ResourcesNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
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Evaluation of a single-shot gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunocontraceptive vaccine in captive badgers. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1296-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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40
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Croft S, Aegerter JN, Massei G, Smith GC. The risk of foot-and-mouth disease becoming endemic in a wildlife host is driven by spatial extent rather than density. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218898. [PMID: 31242228 PMCID: PMC6594678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 20 years, free living populations of feral wild boar have re-established in several locations across the UK. One of the largest populations is in the Forest of Dean where numbers have been steadily increasing since monitoring began in 2008, with estimates from 2016 reporting a population of more than 1500. Feral wild boar have significant ecological and environmental impacts and may present a serious epidemiological risk to neighbouring livestock as they are a vector for a number of important livestock diseases. This includes foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) which is currently absent from the UK. We developed an individual-based spatially explicit modelling approach to simulate feral wild boar populations in the Forest of Dean (England, UK) and use it to explore whether current or future populations might be sufficient to produce long-lived outbreaks of FMD in this potential wildlife reservoir. Our findings suggest that if you exclude the spread from feral wild boar to other susceptible species, the current population of boar is insufficient to maintain FMD, with 95% of unmanaged simulations indicating disease burn-out within a year (not involving boar management specifically for disease). However, if boar are allowed to spread beyond their current range into the adjacent landscape, they might maintain a self-sustaining reservoir of infection for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Croft
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
| | - James N. Aegerter
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanna Massei
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
| | - Graham C. Smith
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
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McEvoy OK, Miller SM, Beets W, Bodasing T, Borrego N, Burger A, Courtenay B, Ferreira S, Hanekom C, Hofmeyr M, Packer C, Robertson D, Stratford K, Slotow R, Parker DM. The use of contraceptive techniques in managed wild African lion (Panthera leo) populations to mimic open system cub recruitment. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/wr18079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Managed wild lions (Panthera leo) are lions found in smaller (<1000 km2), fenced protected areas that hold a substantial portion of South Africa’s wild lion population. Because the natural population control mechanisms are compromised within these properties, managers must actively control population growth rates. Fecundity control is used by wildlife managers, but long-term, empirical data on the impact and consequences of such interventions in lions are lacking.
Aims
The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of two methods of contraception (deslorelin implant and unilateral hysterectomy) in reducing cub recruitment of managed wild lions.
Methods
Survey data spanning 14 years from 94 managed wild lions on 19 protected areas were used to evaluate the effectiveness of deslorelin implant treatments and unilateral hysterectomies on population growth rates through mimicking open system cub recruitment.
Key results
Deslorelin implants were effective at increasing the age of first reproduction and lengthening inter-birth intervals. There was also an unexpected decrease in litter size. Behavioural side-effects were recorded in 40% of individuals: 19% pride fragmentation; 13% lack of receptiveness towards males; 8% other. The more successive deslorelin implants a lioness had, the more likely it was that weight gain was reported. Unilateral hysterectomy resulted in a decrease in litter size post-surgery, but this was not statistically significant. No behavioural or physiological side-effects were noted after unilateral hysterectomy.
Conclusions
Deslorelin treatment was more effective in reducing the reproductive output of managed wild lionesses than unilateral hysterectomy surgery. While more side-effects were associated with deslorelin implants than unilateral hysterectomies, a single deslorelin treatment is currently a good option for fecundity reduction. More research is required on unilateral hysterectomy surgery.
Implications
Neither deslorelin implants nor unilateral hysterectomies offer a ‘silver bullet’ solution for reducing rapid population growth in managed wild lions. Reproductive control should be integrated with other best-practice approaches.
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Fertility Control in Wildlife: Review of Current Status, Including Novel and Future Technologies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:507-543. [PMID: 31471808 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife conservation requires varying degrees of management of endangered species as well as management of their potential predators and competitors. Conservation also depends on ameliorating human-wildlife conflict, especially where there is a threat to the safety of people and of their pets and livestock. In addition, sustainability of wildlife populations can be affected by feral domestic animals or invasive species, that require removal or control. With the increasing concern for animal welfare, non-lethal methods of limiting population size and distribution, such as fertility control, are gaining favor. Breeding programs in zoos depend on highly effective and selective contraception to manage sustainable insurance populations. This review covers fertility control methods currently in use, those that have not lived up to past promises, and others that are under development and present hope for addressing remaining challenges.
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Smith GC, Delahay RJ. Modeling as a Decision Support Tool for Bovine TB Control Programs in Wildlife. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:276. [PMID: 30460248 PMCID: PMC6232866 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Computer modeling has a long history of association with epidemiology, and has improved our understanding of the theory of disease dynamics and provided insights into wildlife disease management. A summary of badger bovine TB models and their role in decision making is presented, from a simple initial SEI model, to SEIR (inclusion of a recovered category) and SEI1I2 (inclusion of two stages of disease progression) variants, and subsequent spatially-explicit individual-based models used to assess historical badger management strategies. The integration of cattle into TB models allowed comparison of the predicted impacts of different badger management strategies on cattle herd breakdown rates, and provided an economic dimension to the outputs. Estimates of R0 for bovine TB in cattle and badgers are little higher than unity implying that the disease should be relatively easy to control, which is at odds with practical experience. A cohort of recent models have suggested that combined strategies, involving management of both host species and including vaccination may be most effective. Future models of badger vaccination will need to accommodate the partial protection from infection and likely duration of immunity conferred by the currently available vaccine (BCG). Descriptions of how models could better represent the ecological and epidemiological complexities of the badger-cattle TB system are presented, along with a wider discussion of the utility of modeling for bovine TB management interventions. This includes consideration of the information required to maximize the utility of the next generation of models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham C Smith
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Delahay
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
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Massei G, Koon KK, Law SI, Gomm M, Mora DSO, Callaby R, Palphramand K, Eckery DC. Fertility control for managing free-roaming feral cattle in Hong Kong. Vaccine 2018; 36:7393-7398. [PMID: 30361121 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.09.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflicts are increasing worldwide. For instance, growing numbers of free-roaming feral cattle in Hong Kong are causing traffic accidents and damaging crops. Public antipathy towards lethal methods to manage wildlife has promoted research into alternative options, such as fertility control. The aims of this study were to assess the potential side effects and effectiveness of the injectable immunocontraceptive vaccine GonaCon on free-roaming feral cattle in Hong Kong. Sixty female cattle were captured and randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Treatment animals were administered one dose of GonaCon, followed by a booster dose 3-6 months later. Control animals were administered an equivalent dose of a saline solution. The side effects of GonaCon were assessed by monitoring injection site, body condition and body weight at vaccination, at the booster stage and one year after initial vaccination. At the same times, blood samples were collected to quantify antibodies to the vaccine and to assess pregnancy status. GonaCon did not affect the body weight or body condition of cattle and had no adverse side effects such as injection site reactions, limping or abnormal behaviour. GonaCon did not appear to interrupt ongoing pregnancies but reduced fertility significantly: the proportion of pregnant animals in the GonaCon-treated group decreased from 76% at initial vaccination to 6% one year after vaccination, compared to 67% and 57% respectively in the control group. There was no difference between antibody titres at the booster stage or one year post vaccination, suggesting the booster dose maintained antibody levels. This study confirmed that GonaCon is safe and effective in inducing infertility in feral cattle, with a booster dose critical for maintaining infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Massei
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, UK.
| | - Ka-Kei Koon
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Animal Management (Operation) Division, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Siu-Iun Law
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Animal Management (Operation) Division, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Matt Gomm
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, UK.
| | - Darcy S O Mora
- USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Rebecca Callaby
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, UK.
| | - Kate Palphramand
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, UK.
| | - Douglas C Eckery
- USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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Ferretti F, Coats J, Cowan DP, Pietravalle S, Massei G. Seasonal variation in effectiveness of the boar-operated system to deliver baits to wild boar. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2018; 74:422-429. [PMID: 28869327 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wild boar and feral pig numbers are growing worldwide and have substantial economic and environmental impacts. Bait-delivered pharmaceuticals such as disease vaccines, toxicants and contraceptives are advocated to mitigate these impacts. Effective campaigns based on these pharmaceuticals rely on optimising the target species' bait uptake, which may differ between seasons. We investigated seasonal differences in the use of Boar-Operated Systems (BOSs) by wild boar and non-target species in an English woodland. RESULTS In a pre-trial phase (BOS left open), wild boar, wild mammals, birds, livestock and companion animals fed on the peanuts and maize used as bait in the BOS. During the trial (BOS closed), only wild boar consumed the baits. Wild boar visited and fed from a larger number of BOSs in spring than in summer or winter. No aggressive intra-group interactions were recorded when wild boar fed from the BOSs but adult males were observed to monopolise two BOSs. Group size was highest in spring and bait uptake was lowest in winter. CONCLUSION The study confirmed the species-specificity of the BOS throughout the year and highlighted that, at least in this area, bait uptake by wild boar for baits delivered through the BOS would be maximised in spring. © 2017 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferretti
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
- Maremma Regional Park Agency, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Julia Coats
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, UK
| | - Dave P Cowan
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, UK
| | - Stéphane Pietravalle
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, UK
| | - Giovanna Massei
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, UK
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Hobbs RJ, Hinds LA. Could current fertility control methods be effective for landscape-scale management of populations of wild horses (Equus caballus) in Australia? WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr17136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Fertility control is seen as an attractive alternative to lethal methods for control of population size and genetic diversity in managed animal populations. Immunocontraceptive vaccines have emerged as the most promising agents for inducing long-term infertility in individual animals. However, after over 20 years of scientific testing of immunocontraceptive vaccines in the horse, the scientific consensus is that their application as a sole management approach for reducing population size is not an effective strategy.
Aims
The purpose of this review is to evaluate currently available non-lethal fertility-control methods that have been tested for their contraceptive efficacy in Equidae, and to assess their suitability for effective management of wild (feral) horses in an Australian setting.
Key results
(1) Fertility-control agents, particularly injectable immunocontraceptive vaccines based on porcine zona pellucida (PZP) or gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), can induce multi-year infertility (up to 3 years) in the horse. Some formulations require annual or biennial booster treatments. Remote dart delivery (on foot) to horses is possible, although the efficacy of this approach when applied to large numbers of animals is yet to be determined. (2) The proportion of females that must be treated with a fertility-control agent, as well as the frequency of treatment required to achieve defined management outcomes (i.e. halting population growth in the short term and reducing population size in the long term) is likely to be >50% per annum. In national parks, treatment of a large number of wild horses over such a broad area would be challenging and impractical. (3) Fertility control for wild horses could be beneficial, but only if employed in conjunction with other broad-scale population-control practices to achieve population reduction and to minimise environmental impacts.
Conclusions
In Australia, most populations of wild horses are large, dispersed over varied and difficult-to-access terrain, are timid to approach and open to immigration and introductions. These factors make accessing and effectively managing animals logistically difficult. If application of fertility control could be achieved in more than 50% of the females, it could be used to slow the rate of increase in a population to zero (2–5 years), but it will take more than 10–20 years before population size will begin to decline without further intervention. Thus, use of fertility control as the sole technique for halting population growth is not feasible in Australia.
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Massawe AW, Makundi RH, Zhang Z, Mhamphi G, Liu M, Li HJ, Belmain SR. Effect of synthetic hormones on reproduction in Mastomys natalensis. JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE 2018; 91:157-168. [PMID: 29367841 PMCID: PMC5750330 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-017-0894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Rodent pest management traditionally relies on some form of lethal control. Developing effective fertility control for pest rodent species could be a major breakthrough particularly in the context of managing rodent population outbreaks. This laboratory-based study is the first to report on the effects of using fertility compounds on an outbreaking rodent pest species found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Mastomys natalensis were fed bait containing the synthetic steroid hormones quinestrol and levonorgestrel, both singly and in combination, at three concentrations (10, 50, 100 ppm) for 7 days. Consumption of the bait and animal body mass was mostly the same between treatments when analysed by sex, day and treatment. However, a repeated measures ANOVA indicated that quinestrol and quinestrol + levonorgestrel treatments reduced consumption by up to 45%, particularly at the higher concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm. Although there was no clear concentration effect on animal body mass, quinestrol and quinestrol + levonorgestrel lowered body mass by up to 20% compared to the untreated and levonorgestrel treatments. Quinestrol and quinestrol + levonorgestrel reduced the weight of male rat testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles by 60-80%, and sperm concentration and motility were reduced by more than 95%. No weight changes were observed to uterine and ovarian tissue; however, high uterine oedema was observed among all female rats consuming treated bait at 8 and 40 days from trial start. Trials with mate pairing showed there were significant differences in the pregnancy rate with all treatments when compared to the untreated control group of rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apia W. Massawe
- Pest Management Centre, Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Rhodes H. Makundi
- Pest Management Centre, Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pest Management of Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Ginethon Mhamphi
- Pest Management Centre, Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Hong-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pest Management of Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Steven R. Belmain
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB UK
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Takeshita RS, Huffman MA, Kinoshita K, Bercovitch FB. Effect of castration on social behavior and hormones in male Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). Physiol Behav 2017; 181:43-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Croft S, Chauvenet ALM, Smith GC. A systematic approach to estimate the distribution and total abundance of British mammals. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176339. [PMID: 28658248 PMCID: PMC5489149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Robust policy decisions regarding the protection and management of terrestrial mammals require knowledge of where species are and in what numbers. The last comprehensive review, presenting absolute estimates at a national scale, was published nearly 20 years ago and was largely based on expert opinion. We investigated and propose a systematic data driven approach combing publically available occurrence data with published density estimates to predict species distribution maps and derive total abundance figures for all terrestrial mammals inhabiting Britain. Our findings suggest that the methodology has potential; generally producing plausible predictions consistent with existing information. However, inconsistencies in the availability and recording of data impact the certainty of this output limiting its current application for policy. Restrictions on access and use of occurrence data at a local level produces "data deserts" for which models cannot compensate. This leads to gaps in spatial distribution of species and consequently underestimates abundance. For many species the limited number of geo-referenced densities hampered the extrapolation from habitat suitability to absolute abundance. Even for well-studied species, further density estimates are required. Many density estimates used were pre-1995 and therefore the derived abundance should not be considered a current estimate. To maximise a systematic approach in the future we make the following recommendations: To mitigate the attitudes of a minority of local data providers occurrence records must be submitted to national surveys such as the Mammal Society's Mammal Tracker.Studies are required to estimate density for common species and in areas of low or no abundance.To ensure such studies can be collated and used efficiently we propose a standardised approach reporting density estimates based on the 1km resolution British National Grid, or habitat representative of the 1km square, with digital maps to accompany publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Croft
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
| | - Alienor L. M. Chauvenet
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
| | - Graham C. Smith
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Hall SE, Nixon B, Aitken RJ. Non-surgical sterilisation methods may offer a sustainable solution to feral horse (Equus caballus) overpopulation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:1655-1666. [DOI: 10.1071/rd16200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Feral horses are a significant pest species in many parts of the world, contributing to land erosion, weed dispersal and the loss of native flora and fauna. There is an urgent need to modify feral horse management strategies to achieve public acceptance and long-term population control. One way to achieve this is by using non-surgical methods of sterilisation, which are suitable in the context of this mobile and long-lived species. In this review we consider the benefits of implementing novel mechanisms designed to elicit a state of permanent sterility (including redox cycling to generate oxidative stress in the gonad, random peptide phage display to target non-renewable germ cells and the generation of autoantibodies against proteins essential for conception via covalent modification) compared with that of traditional immunocontraceptive approaches. The need for a better understanding of mare folliculogenesis and conception factors, including maternal recognition of pregnancy, is also reviewed because they hold considerable potential in providing a non-surgical mechanism for sterilisation. In conclusion, the authors contend that non-surgical measures that are single shot and irreversible may provide a sustainable and effective strategy for feral horse control.
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