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Shamsi S, Brown K, Francis N, Barton DP, Jenkins DJ. First findings of Sarcocystis species in game deer and feral pigs in Australia. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 421:110780. [PMID: 38909489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Several wild game meat species, including deer and feral pigs are hunted and consumed in Australia. Feral pigs and deer are not indigenous to Australia, but they have proliferated extensively and established their presence in every state and territory. Following the report of a sambar deer displaying Sarcocystis like white cysts in its rump muscles, the present study was conducted to explore the prevalence of Sarcocystis infections in wild deer and feral pigs in the southeastern regions of Australia. Oesophagus, diaphragm, and heart tissue from 90 deer and eight feral pigs were examined visually for sarcocysts. All results were negative. PCR testing of randomly selected deer and feral pigs yielded positive results, which were subsequently supported by histopathology. This is the first study to report the presence of Sarcocystis spp. in deer and feral pigs in Australia. As no visual cysts were found on the heart or oesophagus that came back positive with PCR, infected animals, particularly those reared free-range, could be passing through meat quality checks unidentified. If people consume this meat without cooking it properly, it may lead to a human infection of Sarcocystis. However, a more targeted study focused on determining the parasite's prevalence and assessing its risks is necessary to determine if it constitutes a food safety issue. As this species has been found not only in feral pigs but also in domestic pigs, the potential for infection spreading between feral pigs and pigs in free-range livestock systems is high, potentially posing a large problem for the Australian pork industry, particularly with the increased emphasis on free-range pig husbandry. Future studies should concentrate on determining the species of Sarcocystis in feral animals commonly consumed as game meat to determine potential zoonotic risks. This could also include a more in-depth look at the prevalence of Sarcocystis infections in other game animals. Identifying where these parasites are present and to what extent, are important areas for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoofeh Shamsi
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia.
| | - Keira Brown
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia.
| | - Nidhish Francis
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia
| | - Diane P Barton
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia
| | - David J Jenkins
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2678, Australia
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2
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Brown K, Jenkins DJ, Gofton AW, Smith I, Francis N, Shamsi S, Barton DP. The first finding of Dictyocaulus cervi and Dictyocaulus skrjabini (Nematoda) in feral fallow deer ( Dama dama) in Australia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100953. [PMID: 38938270 PMCID: PMC11209017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100953] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Feral deer are widespread throughout Australia with the capacity to impact livestock production via transmission of parasites. Samples of Dama dama (fallow deer), Rusa unicolor (sambar deer), Cervus elaphus (red deer) and an unidentified deer were sourced from various locations in south-eastern Australia for examination for parasites. Adult nematodes were collected from the lungs of all deer species across four separate geographical locations. The nematodes were identified as species of Dictyocaulus through both morphological and molecular means. Species identification based on morphological features was difficult, with many measurements from described species overlapping. Molecular analyses targeting three markers, namely 18S rRNA, ITS2, and cox1 revealed the presence of two distinct species: Dictyocaulus cervi and Dictyocaulus skrjabini. These are the first genetically confirmed reports of species of Dictyocaulus in feral deer in Australia, and although cross-transmission of species of Dictyocaulus with livestock has not yet been reported, it cannot be completely discounted without further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keira Brown
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J. Jenkins
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander W. Gofton
- CSIRO, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Ina Smith
- CSIRO, Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nidhish Francis
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shokoofeh Shamsi
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Diane P. Barton
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Murray PJ, Nevard TD. The Ecological Separation of Deer and Domestic, Feral and Native Mammals in Tropical Northern Australia-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1576. [PMID: 38891624 PMCID: PMC11171043 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We explored the ecological and historical factors that led to formation of the unique guild of native and introduced mammalian herbivores between 5 and 1000 kg in northern Australia. Following the disappearance of large native herbivores about 46 kya, and until the arrival of Europeans and their livestock, the only herbivorous mammals were mid-sized endemic marsupial macropods, which continued to utilise the same vegetation as their much larger former neighbours. Only one species of contemporary native herbivore has an adult bodyweight approaching 100 kg, and for the past 150-200 years, the total biomass of introduced domestic and wild vertebrate herbivores has massively exceeded that of native herbivorous species. We conclude that the current guild of native and introduced mammalian herbivores differentially utilises the landscape ecologically. However, climate- and anthropogenically related changes due to fire, drought, flooding, predation and introduced weeds are likely to have significant impacts on the trajectory of their relative ecological roles and populations. Given their differing ecological and dietary characteristics, against this backdrop, it is unclear what the potential impact of the dispersal of deer species could have in northern Australia. We hence focus on whether sufficient knowledge exists against which the potential impacts of the range expansion of three deer species can be adequately assessed and have found a dearth of supporting evidence to inform appropriate sustainable management. We identify suitable research required to fill the identified knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Murray
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Timothy D. Nevard
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia;
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4
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McGann K, Johnson CN, Clinchy M, Zanette LY, Cunningham CX. Fear of the human 'super predator' in native marsupials and introduced deer in Australia. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232849. [PMID: 38775542 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2849] [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] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent experiments have demonstrated that carnivores and ungulates in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America fear the human 'super predator' far more than other predators. Australian mammals have been a focus of research on predator naiveté because it is suspected they show atypical antipredator responses. To experimentally test if mammals in Australia also most fear humans, we quantified the responses of four native marsupials (eastern grey kangaroo, Bennett's wallaby, Tasmanian pademelon, common brushtail possum) and introduced fallow deer to playbacks of predator (human, dog, Tasmanian devil, wolf) or non-predator control (sheep) vocalizations. Native marsupials most feared the human 'super predator', fleeing humans 2.4 times more often than the next most frightening predator (dogs), and being most, and significantly, vigilant to humans. These results demonstrate that native marsupials are not naïve to the peril humans pose, substantially expanding the taxonomic and geographic scope of the growing experimental evidence that wildlife worldwide generally perceive humans as the planet's most frightening predator. Introduced fallow deer fled humans, but not more than other predators, which we suggest may result from their being introduced. Our results point to both challenges concerning marsupial conservation and opportunities for exploiting fear of humans as a wildlife management tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McGann
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55 , Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Christopher N Johnson
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55 , Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Michael Clinchy
- Department of Biology, Western University , London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Liana Y Zanette
- Department of Biology, Western University , London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Calum X Cunningham
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55 , Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, College of the Environment, University of Washington , Seattle, WA 98195-2100, USA
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5
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Quin MJ, Morgan JW, Murphy NP. Assessing the diet and seed dispersal ability of non-native sambar deer ( Rusa unicolor) in native ecosystems of south-eastern Australia. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10711. [PMID: 38034333 PMCID: PMC10682569 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the influence of non-native herbivores on ecosystems by means of dietary foraging and seed dispersal is important for understanding how non-native species can alter an invaded landscape, yet requires multiple methodologies. In south-eastern Australia, introduced sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) are rapidly expanding in range and placing native ecosystems at risk through browsing and as vectors for seed dispersal. We simultaneously investigated sambar deer dietary composition and seed dispersal using DNA sequencing and germination trials, from faecal pellets collected in alpine and wet forest ecosystems. This allowed us to contrast the dietary impacts of introduced sambar deer in different environments, and to explore the potential for habitat-specific variation in diet. DNA sequencing of the trnL, ITS2 and rbcL gene regions revealed a diverse plant species dietary composition comprising 1003 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Sambar deer exhibited intermediate feeder behaviours dominated by forbs in alpine and shrubs in wet forest ecosystems. A large proportion of plant OTUs were considered likely to be native, however, the proportion of exotic species in the diet in both ecosystems was greater than would be expected based on the proportion of exotic species in each of the two landscapes. Seed germination trials indicated that sambar deer can disperse a substantial number of native and exotic species in both alpine and wet forest ecosystems. In alpine ecosystems, an individual sambar deer was estimated to disperse on average 816 (±193) seeds per day during the study period, of which 652 (±176) were exotic. Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that native plant species comprise the majority of sambar deer diets in Australian ecosystems and that the introduced species is dispersing both native and exotic plant species via endozoochory. However, exotic species seedling germination numbers were significantly higher in alpine ecosystems, and given the large daily movements of sambar deer, represents a significant vector for the spread of exotic plant species. Management of native plant species and vegetation communities of conservation significance, or at risk to sambar deer browsing is of high priority, through either the removal of sambar deer or implementation of exclusion-based methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Quin
- Department of Ecology, Environment and EvolutionLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityDouglasQueenslandAustralia
| | - John W. Morgan
- Department of Ecology, Environment and EvolutionLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
- Research Centre for Applied Alpine EcologyLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Nicholas P. Murphy
- Department of Ecology, Environment and EvolutionLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
- Research Centre for Applied Alpine EcologyLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
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6
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Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Doyle M, Forsyth DM, Helbig KJ, Carvalho TG. Evidence of Australian wild deer exposure to N. caninum infection and potential implications for the maintenance of N. caninum sylvatic cycle. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:153. [PMID: 37705000 PMCID: PMC10498561 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03712-2] [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] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with the coccidian parasite Neospora caninum affect domestic and wild animals worldwide. In Australia, N. caninum infections cause considerable losses to the cattle industry with seroprevalence of 8.7% in beef and 10.9% in dairy cattle. Conversely, the role of wild animals, in maintaining the parasite cycle is also unclear. It is possible that native or introduced herbivorous species could be reservoir hosts of N. caninum in Australia, but to date, this has not been investigated. We report here the first large-scale screening of N. caninum antibodies in Australian wild deer, spanning three species (fallow, red and sambar deer). Consequently, we also assessed two commercial cELISA tests validated for detecting N. caninum in cattle for their ability to detect N. caninum antibodies in serum samples of wild deer. N. caninum antibodies were detected in 3.7% (7/189, 95% CI 1.8 - 7.45) of the wild deer serum samples collected in south-eastern Australia (n = 189), including 97 fallow deer (Dama dama), 14 red deer (Cervus elaphus), and 78 sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Overall, our study provides the first detection of N. caninum antibodies in wild deer and quantifies deer's potential role in the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Huaman
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Doyle
- South East Local Land Services, Bega, NSW, Australia
| | - David M Forsyth
- Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW, Orange Agricultural Institute, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Karla J Helbig
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Teresa G Carvalho
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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7
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Kelly CL, Gordon IJ, Schwarzkopf L, Pintor A, Pople A, Hirsch BT. Invasive wild deer exhibit environmental niche shifts in Australia: Where to from here? Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10251. [PMID: 37404705 PMCID: PMC10316481 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive species have established populations around the world and, in the process, characteristics of their realized environmental niches have changed. Because of their popularity as a source of game, deer have been introduced to, and become invasive in, many different environments around the world. As such, deer should provide a good model system in which to test environmental niche shifts. Using the current distributions of the six deer species present in Australia, we quantified shifts in their environmental niches that occurred since introduction; we determined the differences in suitable habitat between their international (native and invaded) and their Australian ranges. Given knowledge of their Australian habitat use, we then modeled the present distribution of deer in Australia to assess habitat suitability, in an attempt to predict future deer distributions. We show that the Australian niches of hog (Axis porcinus), fallow (Dama dama), red (Cervus elaphus), rusa (C. timorensis), and sambar deer (C. unicolor), but not chital deer (A. axis), were different to their international ranges. When we quantified the potential range of these six species in Australia, chital, hog, and rusa deer had the largest areas of suitable habitat outside their presently occupied habitat. The other three species had already expanded outside the ranges that we predicted as suitable. Here, we demonstrate that deer have undergone significant environmental niche shifts following introduction into Australia, and these shifts are important for predicting the future spread of these invasive species. It is important to note that current Australian and international environmental niches did not necessarily predict range expansions, thus wildlife managers should treat these analyses as conservative estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine L. Kelly
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Iain J. Gordon
- Fenner School of Environment & SocietyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
- James Hutton InstituteAberdeenUK
- CSIROAustralian Tropical Science and Innovation PrecinctTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Central Queensland UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Lin Schwarzkopf
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Anna Pintor
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Anthony Pople
- Department of Agriculture and FisheriesBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Ben T. Hirsch
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
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8
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Hampton JO, Pain DJ, Buenz E, Firestone SM, Arnemo JM. Lead contamination in Australian game meat. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:50713-50722. [PMID: 36797390 PMCID: PMC10104915 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25949-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Lead-based ammunition (gunshot and bullets) frequently leaves small lead fragments embedded in the meat of wild-shot game animals. Australia produces several commercial game meat products from wild animals harvested with lead-based ammunition and has a growing population of recreational hunters. However, no studies have previously investigated the frequency of lead fragments or lead concentrations in Australian game meat. We examined 133 Australian minced game meat items of four types for evidence of lead contamination. Samples were meat from kangaroos (Macropus and Osphranter spp.; n=36) and Bennett's wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus; n=28) sold for human consumption, and deer ('venison'; multiple spp.; n=32) and stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis; n=37) harvested for private consumption by recreational hunters. All packages were studied by digital radiography to detect the presence of radio-dense fragments, assumed to be lead fragments from ammunition. Visible fragments were absent in commercially available kangaroo products, but were present in 4%, 28% and 35% of wallaby, venison and quail, respectively. Mean meat lead concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) were 0.01 ± 0.01 for kangaroo, 0.02 ± 0.01 for wallaby, 0.12 ± 0.07 for venison, and 1.76 ± 3.76 for quail. The Australian food standards threshold for livestock meat (0.1 mg/kg w.w.) was not exceeded by any kangaroo or wallaby products but was exceeded by 53% and 86% of venison and quail, respectively. Radiography only detected 35% of samples that were above the food safety threshold. While average lead concentrations in commercially available macropod (kangaroo and wallaby) meat were low, those in recreationally harvested game meat may pose health risks for hunters and associated consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Deborah J Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Eric Buenz
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Simon M Firestone
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jon M Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
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9
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Pulsford S, Roberts L, Elford M. Managing vertebrate pest Sambar Deer at low abundance in mountains. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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10
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Etges MF, Martínez-Lanfranco JA, Guadagnin DL. Spread risk assessment of invasive axis deer using bioclimatic niche models. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02928-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Harriott L, Amos M, Brennan M, Elsworth P, Gentle M, Kennedy M, Pople T, Scanlan J, Speed J, Osunkoya OO. State‐wide prioritisation of vertebrate pest animals in Queensland, Australia. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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12
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Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Kenchington-Evans L, Doyle M, Helbig KJ, Carvalho TG. First Evidence of Entamoeba Parasites in Australian Wild Deer and Assessment of Transmission to Cattle. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:883031. [PMID: 35755840 PMCID: PMC9226911 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.883031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Australian wild deer populations have significantly expanded in size and distribution in recent decades. Due to their role in pathogen transmission, these deer populations pose a biosecurity risk to the livestock industry. However, little is known about the infection status of wild deer in Australia. The intestinal parasite Entamoeba bovis has been previously detected in farm and wild ruminants worldwide, but its epidemiology and distribution in wild ruminants remain largely unexplored. To investigate this knowledge gap, faecal samples of wild deer and domestic cattle from south-eastern Australia were collected and analysed for the presence of Entamoeba spp. using PCR and phylogenetic analysis of the conserved 18S rRNA gene. E. bovis parasites were detected at high prevalence in cattle and wild deer hosts, and two distinct Entamoeba ribosomal lineages (RLs), RL1 and RL8, were identified in wild deer. Phylogenetic analysis further revealed the existance of a novel Entamoeba species in sambar deer and a novel Entamoeba RL in fallow deer. While we anticipated cross-species transmission of E. bovis between wild deer and cattle, the data generated in this study demonstrated transmission is yet to occur in Australia. Overall, this study has identified novel variants of Entamoeba and constitutes the first report of Entamoeba in fallow deer and sambar deer, expanding the host range of this parasite. Epidemiological investigations and continued surveillance of Entamoeba parasites in farm ruminants and wild animals will be required to evaluate pathogen emergence and transmission to livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Huaman
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lily Kenchington-Evans
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Doyle
- Far South Coast, South East Local Land Services, Bega, NSW, Australia
| | - Karla J Helbig
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Teresa G Carvalho
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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13
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Genetic analysis of hog deer (Axis porcinus) in Victoria, Australia, and its applications to invasive species and game management. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01592-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHog deer were introduced to Australia in the 1860s, where they have spread across the Gippsland region of Victoria. Due to its status as an introduced species and an important game animal within Victoria, management of the species is complex. Given this complexity, genetic studies can provide important information regarding population structure and diversity which can assist in controlling problematic populations of hog deer, while also ensuring viable game stock in sites managed as game reserves. The aim of this study was to investigate the population genetic structure and diversity of the Victorian hog deer 150 years after introduction using short tandem repeats (STRs). Hog deer samples were collected across 15 sites of differing management regimes in the Gippsland region of Victoria and genotyped for 13 polymorphic STR loci. Up to four distinct genetic clusters were identified across the sites sampled, suggesting that despite low observed genetic diversity, population structure is present across their range. It was also possible to detect evidence of recent translocations among populations. This study suggests that the presence of distinct genetic clusters may enable management of separate genetic units, considering invasive species and game management objectives.
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14
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Forsyth DM, Comte S, Davis NE, Bengsen AJ, Côté SD, Hewitt DG, Morellet N, Mysterud A. Methodology matters when estimating deer abundance: a global systematic review and recommendations for improvements. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Forsyth
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit New South Wales Department of Primary Industries 1447 Forest Road Orange NSW 2800 Australia
| | - Sebastien Comte
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit New South Wales Department of Primary Industries 1447 Forest Road Orange NSW 2800 Australia
| | - Naomi E. Davis
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Andrew J. Bengsen
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit New South Wales Department of Primary Industries 1447 Forest Road Orange NSW 2800 Australia
| | - Steeve D. Côté
- Département de biologie & Centre d'études Nordiques Université Laval Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - David G. Hewitt
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Texas A&M University–Kingsville Kingsville Texas 78363 USA
| | | | - Atle Mysterud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences University of Oslo P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, NO‐0316 Oslo Norway
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15
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Shively RD, Barboza PS. Monitoring diet with automated microhistology. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D. Shively
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University College Station TX 77843 USA
| | - Perry S. Barboza
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology Texas A&M University College Station TX 77843 USA
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Detection and Characterisation of an Endogenous Betaretrovirus in Australian Wild Deer. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020252. [PMID: 35215845 PMCID: PMC8877266 DOI: 10.3390/v14020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are the remnants of past retroviral infections that once invaded the host’s germline and were vertically transmitted. ERV sequences have been reported in mammals, but their distribution and diversity in cervids are unclear. Using next-generation sequencing, we identified a nearly complete genome of an endogenous betaretrovirus in fallow deer (Dama dama). Further genomic analysis showed that this provirus, tentatively named cervid endogenous betaretrovirus 1 (CERV β1), has typical betaretroviral genome features (gag-pro-pol-env) and the betaretrovirus-specific dUTPase domain. In addition, CERV β1 pol sequences were detected by PCR in the six non-native deer species with wild populations in Australia. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that CERV β1 sequences from subfamily Cervinae clustered as sister taxa to ERV-like sequences in species of subfamily Muntiacinae. These findings, therefore, suggest that CERV β1 endogenisation occurred after the split of these two subfamilies (between 3.3 and 5 million years ago). Our results provide important insights into the evolution of betaretroviruses in cervids.
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17
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Dynamics and predicted distribution of an irrupting ‘sleeper’ population: fallow deer in Tasmania. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02703-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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18
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Bengsen AJ, Forsyth DM, Ramsey DSL, Amos M, Brennan M, Pople AR, Comte S, Crittle T. OUP accepted manuscript. J Mammal 2022; 103:711-722. [PMID: 35707678 PMCID: PMC9189690 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, many wild deer populations are actively studied or managed for conservation, hunting, or damage mitigation purposes. These studies require reliable estimates of population state parameters, such as density or abundance, with a level of precision that is fit for purpose. Such estimates can be difficult to attain for many populations that occur in situations that are poorly suited to common survey methods. We evaluated the utility of combining camera trap survey data, in which a small proportion of the sample is individually recognizable using natural markings, with spatial mark–resight (SMR) models to estimate deer density in a variety of situations. We surveyed 13 deer populations comprising four deer species (Cervus unicolor, C. timorensis, C. elaphus, Dama dama) at nine widely separated sites, and used Bayesian SMR models to estimate population densities and abundances. Twelve surveys provided sufficient data for analysis and seven produced density estimates with coefficients of variation (CVs) ≤ 0.25. Estimated densities ranged from 0.3 to 24.6 deer km−2. Camera trap surveys and SMR models provided a powerful and flexible approach for estimating deer densities in populations in which many detections were not individually identifiable, and they should provide useful density estimates under a wide range of conditions that are not amenable to more widely used methods. In the absence of specific local information on deer detectability and movement patterns, we recommend that at least 30 cameras be spaced at 500–1,000 m and set for 90 days. This approach could also be applied to large mammals other than deer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David M Forsyth
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, 1447 Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Dave S L Ramsey
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Matt Amos
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Michael Brennan
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Anthony R Pople
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sebastien Comte
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, 1447 Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Troy Crittle
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Biosecurity and Food Safety, 4 Marsden Park Road, Calala, NSW 2340, Australia
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19
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Hampton JO, Bengsen AJ, Pople A, Brennan M, Leeson M, Forsyth DM. Animal welfare outcomes of helicopter-based shooting of deer in Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr21069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Context Helicopter-based shooting has been widely used to kill deer in Australasia, but the animal welfare outcomes of this technique have not been evaluated. Aim To assess the animal welfare outcomes of helicopter-based shooting of deer in Australia by quantifying the fates of deer seen and shot at, the duration of procedures and the number and location of bullet wounds in deer. Methods Three deer control operations were assessed. These operations targeted: (1) chital deer (Axis axis) in Queensland, (2) fallow deer (Dama dama) in Australian Capital Territory and (3) fallow deer in New South Wales. For each operation, an independent veterinarian conducted ante-mortem (i.e. from the helicopter as shooting occurred) and post-mortem (i.e. from the ground after shooting had ceased) observations. The ante-mortem data were used to estimate the proportion of deer seen that were shot, chase time (CT), time to insensibility (TTI) and total time (TT; CT + TTI). The numbers and locations of bullet wounds were recorded post-mortem. Key results Ante-mortem and post-mortem observations were performed for 114–318 and 60–105 deer, respectively, in the three operations. Shots were fired at 69–76% of deer that were observed. Median CT ranged from 73 to 145 s. Median TTI ranged from 17 to 37 s and median TT ranged from 109 to 162 s. The mean number of bullet wounds per deer ranged from 1.43 to 2.57. Animal welfare outcomes were better in the two fallow deer operations than in the chital deer operation. In both fallow deer operations, most deer were shot multiple times and at least once in the head or thorax. In contrast, chital deer were shot fewer times and less often in the head or thorax, and non-fatal wounding was observed. Conclusions The best animal welfare outcomes were achieved when helicopter-based shooting operations followed a fly-back procedure and mandated that multiple shots were fired into each animal. Implications Animal welfare outcomes for helicopter-based deer shooting in Australia could be improved with a national-level standard operating procedure requiring helicopters to fly back over shot animals and repeatedly shoot animals in the head or thorax.
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20
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Hartley R, Blanchard W, Schroder M, Lindenmayer DB, Sato C, Scheele BC. Exotic herbivores dominate Australian high‐elevation grasslands. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renée Hartley
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | - Wade Blanchard
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | - Mellesa Schroder
- Southern Ranges Branch National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW Jindabyne Australia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | - Chloe Sato
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Canberra Australia
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21
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Wilson BR, Tulau M, Kuginis L, McInnes‐Clarke S, Grover S, Milford H, Jenkins BR. Distribution, nature and threats to soils of the Australian Alps: A review. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. Wilson
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law University of New England Armidale New South Wales 2351Australia
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Armidale New South WalesAustralia
| | - Mitch Tulau
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Port Macquarie New South WalesAustralia
| | - Laura Kuginis
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Dangar New South WalesAustralia
| | - Sally McInnes‐Clarke
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Gosford New South WalesAustralia
| | - Samantha Grover
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science RMIT University Melbourne VictoriaAustralia
| | - Humphrey Milford
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Parramatta New South WalesAustralia
| | - Brian R. Jenkins
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Queanbeyan New South Wales Australia
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22
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Bennett A, Fedrigo M, Greet J. A field method for rapidly assessing deer density and impacts in forested ecosystems. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Watter K, Thomas E, White N, Finch N, Murray PJ. Aging Sambar (
Rusa unicolor)
Using Cementum Annuli and Eruption and Wear: Implications for Predicting Populations. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Watter
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus 4343 Australia
| | - Elaine Thomas
- Parks Victoria, Mount Beauty Victoria 3699 Australia
| | - Neil White
- The University of Queensland, QAAFI Toowoomba 4350 Australia
| | - Neal Finch
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus 4343 Australia
| | - Peter J. Murray
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus 4343 Australia
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24
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Sudholz A, Denman S, Pople A, Brennan M, Amos M, Hamilton G. A comparison of manual and automated detection of rusa deer (. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Context Monitoring is an essential part of managing invasive species; however, accurate, cost-effective detection techniques are necessary for it to be routinely undertaken. Current detection techniques for invasive deer are time consuming, expensive and have associated biases, which may be overcome by exploiting new technologies. Aims We assessed the accuracy and cost effectiveness of automated detection methods in comparison to manual detection of thermal footage of deer captured by remotely piloted aircraft systems. Methods Thermal footage captured by RPAS was assessed using an algorithm combining two object-detection techniques, namely, YOLO and Faster-RCNN. The number of deer found using manual review on each sampling day was compared with the number of deer found on each day using machine learning. Detection rates were compared across survey areas and sampling occasions. Key results Overall, there was no difference in the mean number of deer detected using manual and that detected by automated review (P = 0.057). The automated-detection algorithm identified between 66.7% and 100% of deer detected using manual review of thermal imagery on all but one of the sampling days. There was no difference in the mean proportion of deer detected using either manual or automated review at three repeated sampling events (P = 0.174). However, identifying deer using the automated review algorithm was 84% cheaper than the cost of manual review. Low cloud cover appeared to affect detectability using the automated review algorithm. Conclusions Automated methods provide a fast and effective way to detect deer. For maximum effectiveness, imagery that encompasses a range of environments should be used as part of the training dataset, as well as large groups for herding species. Adequate sensing conditions are essential to gain accurate counts of deer by automated detection. Implications Machine learning in combination with RPAS may decrease the cost and improve the detection and monitoring of invasive species.
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25
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Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Forsyth DM, Pople A, Hampton JO, Helbig KJ, Carvalho TG. Evaluation of haemoparasite and Sarcocystis infections in Australian wild deer. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 15:262-269. [PMID: 34277336 PMCID: PMC8261462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Wild animals are natural reservoir hosts for a variety of pathogens that can be transmitted to other wildlife, livestock, other domestic animals, and humans. Wild deer (family Cervidae) in Europe, Asia, and North and South America have been reported to be infected with gastrointestinal and vector-borne parasites. In Australia, wild deer populations have expanded considerably in recent years, yet there is little information regarding which pathogens are present and whether these pathogens pose biosecurity threats to humans, wildlife, livestock, or other domestic animals. To address this knowledge gap, PCR-based screening for five parasitic genera was conducted in blood samples (n = 243) sourced from chital deer (Axis axis), fallow deer (Dama dama), rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) sampled in eastern Australia. These blood samples were tested for the presence of DNA from Plasmodium spp., Trypanosoma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp. and Sarcocystis spp. Further, the presence of antibodies against Babesia bovis was investigated in serum samples (n = 105) by immunofluorescence. In this study, neither parasite DNA nor antibodies were detected for any of the five genera investigated. These results indicate that wild deer are not currently host reservoirs for Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Babesia, Theileria or Sarcocystis parasites in eastern Australia. We conclude that in eastern Australia, wild deer do not currently play a significant role in the transmission of these parasites. This survey represents the first large-scale molecular study of its type in Australian wild deer and provides important baseline information about the parasitic infection status of these animals. The expanding populations of wild deer throughout Australia warrant similar surveys in other parts of the country and surveillance efforts to continually assess the level of threat wild deer could pose to humans, wildlife, livestock and other domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Huaman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - David M. Forsyth
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia
| | - Anthony Pople
- Invasive Plants & Animals Research, Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ecosciences Precinct, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Jordan O. Hampton
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- Ecotone Wildlife, PO Box 76, Inverloch, Victoria, 3996, Australia
| | - Karla J. Helbig
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Teresa G. Carvalho
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
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Molecular Epidemiology and Characterization of Picobirnavirus in Wild Deer and Cattle from Australia: Evidence of Genogroup I and II in the Upper Respiratory Tract. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081492. [PMID: 34452357 PMCID: PMC8402760 DOI: 10.3390/v13081492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) have been detected in several species of animals worldwide; however, data pertaining to their presence in Australian wild and domestic animals are limited. Although PBVs are mostly found in faecal samples, their detection in blood and respiratory tract samples raises questions concerning their tropism and pathogenicity. We report here PBV detection in wild deer and cattle from southeastern Australia. Through metagenomics, the presence of PBV genogroups I (GI) and II (GII) were detected in deer serum and plasma. Molecular epidemiology studies targeting the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene were performed in a wide range of specimens (serum, faeces, spleen, lung, nasal swabs, and trachea) collected from wild deer and cattle, with PCR amplification obtained in all specimen types except lung and spleen. Our results reveal the predominance of GI and concomitant detection of both genogroups in wild deer and cattle. In concordance with other studies, the detected GI sequences displayed high genetic diversity, however in contrast, GII sequences clustered into three distinct clades. Detection of both genogroups in the upper respiratory tract (trachea and nasal swab) of deer in the present study gives more evidence about the respiratory tract tropism of PBV. Although much remains unknown about the epidemiology and tropism of PBVs, our study suggests a wide distribution of these viruses in southeastern Australia.
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27
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Nicosia G, Rodríguez-Planes LI, Maranta AA, Morel A, Gürtler RE. Combining citizen science and recreational hunters to monitor exotic ungulates and native wildlife in a protected area of northeastern Argentina. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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28
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Burns H, Gibbons P, Claridge A. Quantifying variations in browsing pressure caused by feral deer for a range of threatened ecological communities and plant growth forms. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Burns
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University B141 Linnaeus Way Acton ACT 2601Australia
| | - Philip Gibbons
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University B141 Linnaeus Way Acton ACT 2601Australia
| | - Andrew Claridge
- Vertebrate Pests Research Unit New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Queanbeyan NSWAustralia
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29
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Geary WL, Buchan A, Allen T, Attard D, Bruce MJ, Collins L, Ecker TE, Fairman TA, Hollings T, Loeffler E, Muscatello A, Parkes D, Thomson J, White M, Kelly E. Responding to the biodiversity impacts of a megafire: A case study from south‐eastern Australia’s Black Summer. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- William L. Geary
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Anne Buchan
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Teigan Allen
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - David Attard
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Matthew J. Bruce
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Luke Collins
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
| | - Tiarne E. Ecker
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Thomas A. Fairman
- Forests, Fire and Regions Group Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Tracey Hollings
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Ella Loeffler
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Angela Muscatello
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - David Parkes
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Jim Thomson
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Matt White
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Ella Kelly
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning East Melbourne Vic. Australia
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30
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Lamb J, Doyle E, Barwick J, Chambers M, Kahn L. Prevalence and pathology of liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) in fallow deer (Dama dama). Vet Parasitol 2021; 293:109427. [PMID: 33872935 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A survey conducted on fallow deer (n = 79) in northern New South Wales Australia, aimed to ascertain the prevalence and gross pathology of liver fluke. In total, three deer populations were assessed (1 farmed and 2 wild) across 2 sites (site A and B) by conducting total fluke counts in the liver and fluke egg counts in faecal samples. At site A, 16 of 19 farmed deer (84.2 %) and 9 of 20 wild deer (45 %) had active or resolved infections. At site B, 16 of 40 wild deer (40 %) had active or resolved infections. Deer with active infections had low fluke burdens (1-11 fluke) which were in the adult development stage, shedding eggs with faeces (0-121.7 eggs per gram). Liver pathology score did not exceed 3.5 out of 5 with gross pathomorphological lesions predominately confined to the peripheral regions of the left lobe. Farmed deer, confined within a fluky habitat, attained the highest group mean pathology score, with dense fibrosis and concomitant atrophy of the left lobe (site A: farmed - 1.8, wild- 0.6; site B: wild - 0.3). Well-defined fibrotic capsules captured and restricted fluke migration beyond the peripheral region of the left lobe of the liver. The presence of live and dead fluke within the fibrotic capsules confirms the inherent ability of fallow deer to resolve infections. This survey has highlighted the susceptibility of fallow deer to liver fluke within an endemic region. Recurrent exposure, as seen in the farmed deer confined within a fluky habitat, appears to strengthen tissue response in terms of gross pathology and may impede the release of fluke eggs from the liver. Low fluke burdens and limited lesions suggest fallow deer have a strong level of resistance to liver fluke. Nevertheless, within this endemic region, fallow deer are widespread and clearly facilitating the liver fluke life cycle. Further research is warranted to ascertain the impact of fallow deer on disease transmission in livestock production when cohabiting the grazing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Lamb
- University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - Emma Doyle
- University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Jamie Barwick
- University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia; Precision Agricultural Research Group, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Michael Chambers
- Invetus Pty Ltd, Locked Bag 6865, West Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - Lewis Kahn
- University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
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Bengsen AJ, Hampton JO, Comte S, Freney S, Forsyth DM. Evaluation of helicopter net-gunning to capture wild fallow deer (Dama dama). WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr21007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ContextSafe and effective capture methods are crucial for improving our understanding and management of many wildlife species. The adaptation of established capture methods to novel situations requires critical evaluation because differences in environmental conditions and species’ susceptibility to trauma and capture myopathy can produce unexpected outcomes. Helicopter net-gunning has been a valuable tool for capturing wild deer in New Zealand and the Americas, but there are no practical records of its use in Australia and only one report of it being used to capture three fallow deer (Dama dama) elsewhere.
AimsThe present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a helicopter-based net-gun capture technique for wild fallow deer by quantifying the efficacy of the technique and the frequency of injuries and deaths.
MethodsWe captured fallow deer over two 3-day operations at a 135 km2 site in eastern Australia. We collected data on operational efficiency and variables expected to affect animal health and welfare, such as injuries and the duration of stressful procedures. We used GPS tracking collars with an accelerometer and a mortality-sensing function to monitor post-release survival and activity of fallow deer.
Key resultsIn total, 127 deer were targeted for capture, with nets fired at 64 deer (50%) and 27 deer captured (21%). Mortality within 30 days of capture was zero. Mean chase time was 2 min 46 s and mean total time from start of chase until release was 11 min 19 s. No animals were severely injured or euthanased, but hyperthermia was observed in 33% of captured animals.
ConclusionsHelicopter net-gunning was an effective and safe method for capturing wild fallow deer when compared with alternative methods.
ImplicationsWe recommend that researchers consider using helicopter net-gunning to capture fallow deer in Australia and elsewhere, and other deer species in Australia.
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Ali NANG, Abdullah ML, Nor SAM, Pau TM, Kulaimi NAM, Naim DM. A review of the genus Rusa in the indo-malayan archipelago and conservation efforts. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:10-26. [PMID: 33424278 PMCID: PMC7783680 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Genus Rusa, belonging to the deer family Cervidae is native to the Indo-Malaya Archipelago (IMA). However, detailed information on the Rusa genus in the IMA is limited. This review provides comprehensive information on the Rusa genus in the IMA including, threats and conservation efforts. There are four species of deer in Rusa genus, which is Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), Javan deer (Rusa timorensis), Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi) and Philippine deer (Rusa marianna). Despite their wide distribution in the South Asian and Southeast Asian regions, they are under serious threats. Some conservation efforts that are being done to protect and conserve them among others are; (1) facilities protection, (2) habitat enrichment programme, (3) Ex-situ conservation, (4) legislations, and (5) captive breeding. Conservation through genetics is also an important step in conserving these species. Recommendations for conservation of the genus are also discussed; 1. maintenance of ecosystem. 2. more effective monitoring system on the existing protected area. 3. ex-situ conservation, and 4. habitat monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Alizati Nabila Giarat Ali
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Lutfi Abdullah
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Azizah Mohd Nor
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Tan Min Pau
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | - Darlina Md Naim
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Davies C, Wright W, Wedrowicz F, Pacioni C, Hogan FE. Delineating genetic management units of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in south-eastern Australia, using opportunistic tissue sampling and targeted scat collection. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Hampton JO, Amos M, Pople A, Brennan M, Forsyth DM. Minimising mortalities in capturing wildlife: refinement of helicopter darting of chital deer (Axis axis) in Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextHelicopter darting has been used to capture wild deer, but this method has never been used for chital deer (Axis axis).
AimThe aims of this study were to develop, assess and refine a helicopter darting technique for wild chital deer in northern Australia by quantifying: (1) reliable pharmacological doses for immobilisation; (2) the efficacy of the technique (including the duration of procedures); and (3) the frequency of adverse animal welfare events.
MethodsThe study was conducted in three stages: an initial protocol (n=25 deer captured) in July−August 2018; a refined second protocol implemented in June 2019 (n=12 deer captured); and a further refined third protocol implemented in June 2019 (n=12 deer captured). Parameters to estimate the duration of procedures were measured and the frequency of several adverse animal welfare events during capture were quantified: mortality (at the time of capture and within 14 days of capture), hyperthermia, hypoxaemia, dart inaccuracy and manual restraint. Finally, GPS location collars with a mortality-sensing function were used to monitor post-release mortality.
ResultsMortality within 14 days of capture was 40% for the first stage, 25% for the second stage and 17% for the third stage. Considerable refinement of procedures occurred between stages in consultation with an Animal Ethics Committee. One-third of all 15 mortalities occurred at the time of capture and were attributed to ballistic trauma from dart impact and acute capture myopathy. The majority (n=10) of mortalities, however, occurred post-release and were only detected by mortality-sensing GPS location collars. These post-release mortalities were attributed to capture myopathy.
ConclusionsHelicopter darting of wild chital deer poses animal welfare risks, but these can be minimised through the selection of the most appropriate pharmacological agents and attempts at preventing factors such as hyperthermia and hypoxaemia that contribute to the development of capture myopathy. Further research into capture protocols is needed for helicopter-based immobilisation of chital deer. Fitting animals with GPS location collars enabled post-release mortality, which was significant, to be evaluated.
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Fattorini N, Lovari S, Watson P, Putman R. The scale-dependent effectiveness of wildlife management: A case study on British deer. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 276:111303. [PMID: 32947117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Impacts of herbivory by wild ungulates represent a significant issue world-wide. To be effective, management of populations and impacts needs to be coordinated above the site scale, yet little research has investigated the appropriate spatial scale over which management should be integrated to be fully effective. In consideration of reduction of impacts in deciduous or mixed woodland habitats, we tested scale-specific management effectiveness in a lowland area of UK where moderate- to high-density populations of four deer species were the target of deliberate control programmes, and nonhuman predators were absent. We modelled the annual impact recorded between 2009 and 2015 in 98 woodlands as a function of cumulative culls of deer taken since the commencement of management. Analysis was repeated at different spatial scales by increasing the circular area around each focal woodland, from 2.5 km-radius up to 100 km-radius. Our findings suggest for the first time the geographical scale over which deer management needs to be coordinated for optimum effectiveness in decreasing their impact on woodland across relatively homogenous landscapes. For small bodied and relatively sedentary species (roe deer Capreolus capreolus; Reeves' muntjac Muntiacus reevesi), reductions in impacts within woodlands can be achieved by culling at the immediately local level, but some modest increase in effectiveness (probably relating to reductions in the degree of source-sink movement) may be expected with an increase in spatial scale of culling to around 30-70 km-radius. For larger-bodied, herding species with more extensive home-ranges (fallow deer Dama dama; red deer Cervus elaphus) management for reduction of woodland impacts was only really effective when coordinated above the single woodland-scale, with marked increases shown again up to a scale of 100 km-radius. Whilst future studies for different landscape types are still needed, our work emphasises that the spatial scale at which control plans are conducted can determine the effectiveness of wildlife management, possibly providing an advance on how to manage wildlife populations more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Fattorini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy; Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milano, Via G. Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Sandro Lovari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy; Maremma Natural History Museum, Strada Corsini 5, 58100, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Peter Watson
- The Deer Initiative, The Carriage House, Brynkinalt Business Centre, Chirk, Wrexham, LL14 5NS, UK; Harper Adams University, Edgmond, Newport, TF10 8NB, UK
| | - Rory Putman
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK; British Deer Society, The Walled Garden, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hants, SP6 1EF, UK.
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Watter K, Thomas E, White N, Finch N, Murray PJ. Reproductive seasonality and rate of increase of wild sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in a new environment, Victoria, Australia. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 223:106630. [PMID: 33166829 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sambar (Rusa unicolor) are the most numerous and rapidly expanding of Australia's six introduced deer species, however, there is little information about the reproductive biology of sambar deer in their natural habitat. To better predict and manage wild sambar populations in Australia it is important to understand their reproductive seasonality and rate of population growth. From results of the present study, there is reporting of field estimates of age at first breeding, reproductive lifespan, juvenile survival, adult bodyweights and fecundity to derive estimates of the current and intrinsic rates of increase for sambar in Victoria, Australia. Mean age of first reproduction was estimated to be 1.8 years, approximately 80 % of hinds calved between April and August, juvenile survival was estimated as 0.81 and age of last reproduction 12.75 years. Seasonality of reproduction is apparently compressed at 36° latitude compared to sambar at the equator indicating a response to photoperiod. Demographic data were used to estimate the current rate of growth of the Victorian population using the two stage Lotke-Euler equation and age-specific schedules of survival and fecundity in a lifetable. These estimates of r were 0.21 and 0.14, respectively, inferring annual rates of population increase of 24 % and 15 %. These data are in the context of a population which, even though there is a marked harvesting, is reportedly growing and dispersing northwards. Suggestions for how this information can inform management decisions directed at the conservation for sustainable use and/or population reduction in Australia are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Watter
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, 4343, Australia
| | - E Thomas
- Parks Victoria, Mt Beauty, Victoria, 3699, Australia
| | - N White
- The University of Queensland, QAAFI, Toowoomba, 4350, Australia
| | - N Finch
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, 4343, Australia
| | - P J Murray
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, 4343, Australia.
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Effect of Sex and Age on Nutritional Content in Wild Axis Deer ( Axis axis Erx.) Meat. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091560. [PMID: 32887479 PMCID: PMC7552240 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Game meat is perceived as more nutritious than meat originating from domestic farm-ranged animal species. However, meat composition is affected by numerous factors, and differences between game species can be found. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of sex and age on the content of macro- and micro-nutrients in meat from axis deer. Sixteen animals were hunt-harvested and assigned to groups according to sex and age. Samples of m. longissumus thoracis were examined to determine proximate chemical, fatty acid, amino acid and mineral composition. Minor differences were found in the analysed traits between sex and age groups. Regardless of sex and age, axis deer meat is characterised as having a high protein and low-fat content, favourable fatty acid composition and ratios. It is a good source of essential amino acids and micro-minerals. As data regarding axis deer meat are limited, the results of this study are a valuable contribution to describing the quality and nutritional composition of meat of different deer species. Axis deer meat can be recommended as a healthier substitute to red meat. Abstract The aim of this study is to examine the effect of sex and age on proximate chemical, fatty acid, amino acid and mineral content of axis deer (Axis axis Erx.) meat. Sixteen (n = 16) animals were hunt-harvested and assigned to groups according sex and age (sub-adult and adult). All analyses were made on m. longissimus thoracis sampled between the 9th and 13th ribs. Minor differences in nutritional composition of axis deer meat were found between analysed sex and age groups. Axis deer meat has a high protein (22.8%) and low fat (1.39%) content. Saturated fatty acids accounted for 44.97% and polyunsaturated for 29.66% of the total fatty acids. Ratios of fatty acids were within the recommended values. Glutamic and aspartic acid were the most abundant non-essential, and lysine and leucine the most common essential amino acids. The ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids was <1. Potassium and phosphorous were the dominant macro-minerals, while iron and zinc were the dominant micro-minerals. The results of this study show that regardless of sex or age, axis deer meat can be considered a good source of basic macro- and micro-nutrients, and can be recommended as a substitute for red meat from domestic animals.
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Jenkins DJ, Baker A, Porter M, Shamsi S, Barton DP. Wild fallow deer (Dama dama) as definitive hosts of Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) in alpine New South Wales. Aust Vet J 2020; 98:546-549. [PMID: 32743841 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To determine the extent to which wild deer are contributing in the transmission of Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) livers from deer shot by hunters, farmers undertaking population control on their farms and vertebrate pest controllers were collected and frozen. The livers were later thawed, sliced and examined for the presence of adult flukes or evidence of past infection. Livers from 19 deer were examined (18 fallow [Dama dama] and one sambar [Rusa unicolor]). Seventeen of the fallow deer were animals collected on farms near Jindabyne, New South Wales. The remaining fallow deer was collected in the Australian Capital Territory and one sambar deer was collected in north-eastern Victoria. Nine of the 17 deer (53%) from the Jindabyne area were either infected with Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) or had thickened bile ducts indicating past infection. Infection levels in the infected animals varied widely from 3 liver fluke to over 50 per liver. No sign of infection was present in the deer from the Australian Capital Territory or Victoria. Fallow deer are wide-spread in the Jindabyne area and their population is increasing. It is likely their contribution to the maintenance and distribution of F. hepatica to livestock in the Jindabyne area, and in other livestock rearing areas of south-eastern Australia, is important and increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Jenkins
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia.,Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Department of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2650, Australia
| | - A Baker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia
| | - M Porter
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia
| | - S Shamsi
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia.,Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Department of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2650, Australia
| | - D P Barton
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia
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Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Forsyth DM, Pople A, Hampton JO, Carvalho TG, Helbig KJ. Serosurveillance and Molecular Investigation of Wild Deer in Australia Reveals Seroprevalence of Pestivirus Infection. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070752. [PMID: 32668730 PMCID: PMC7412320 DOI: 10.3390/v12070752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since deer were introduced into Australia in the mid-1800s, their wild populations have increased in size and distribution, posing a potential risk to the livestock industry, through their role in pathogen transmission cycles. In comparison to livestock, there are limited data on viral infections in all wildlife, including deer. The aim of this study was to assess blood samples from wild Australian deer for serological evidence of exposure to relevant viral livestock diseases. Blood samples collected across eastern Australia were tested by ELISA to detect antigens and antibodies against Pestivirus and antibodies against bovine herpesvirus 1. A subset of samples was also assessed by RT-PCR for Pestivirus, Simbu serogroup, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus and bovine ephemeral fever virus. Our findings demonstrated a very low seroprevalence (3%) for ruminant Pestivirus, and none of the other viruses tested were detected. These results suggest that wild deer may currently be an incidental spill-over host (rather than a reservoir host) for Pestivirus. However, deer could be a future source of viral infections for domestic animals in Australia. Further investigations are needed to monitor pathogen activity and quantify possible future infectious disease impacts of wild deer on the Australian livestock industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Huaman
- Department of Physiology, Molecular Virology Laboratory, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia;
- Department of Physiology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia;
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg 3084, Australia;
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - David M. Forsyth
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Orange 2800, Australia;
| | - Anthony Pople
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Invasive Plants & Animals Research, Biosecurity Queensland, Ecosciences Precinct, Brisbane 4102, Australia;
| | - Jordan O. Hampton
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia;
- Ecotone Wildlife, P.O. Box 76, Inverloch, VIC 3996, Australia
| | - Teresa G. Carvalho
- Department of Physiology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia;
| | - Karla J. Helbig
- Department of Physiology, Molecular Virology Laboratory, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-9479-6650
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40
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Saunders ME. Conceptual ambiguity hinders measurement and management of ecosystem disservices. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manu E. Saunders
- School of Environmental and Rural Sciences University of New England Armidale NSW Australia
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Rahman DA, Condro AA, Rianti P, Masy’ud B, Aulagnier S, Semiadi G. Geographical analysis of the Javan deer distribution in Indonesia and priorities for landscape conservation. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Verification of rabbits as intermediate hosts for Linguatula serrata (Pentastomida) in Australia. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1553-1562. [PMID: 32236709 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We confirm the presence of nymphs of the introduced pentastomid, Linguatula serrata, in the introduced rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in Australia, based on morphological and molecular results. Two nymphs were collected from a single rabbit near the Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales. Unlike reports of nymphs from domestic animals, these nymphs were not encapsulated, despite having the morphological features of infective nymphs. The possibility of different development pathways in lagomorphs is discussed. Examination of feral deer for L. serrata was unsuccessful and potential reasons for a lack of infection in these animals are postulated. Our results reiterate the need for a combined morphological and molecular approach to the identification of L. serrata. Further sampling of a range of feral and native animals is required to determine the true range of intermediate hosts and their relative importance in the transmission of L. serrata in Australia.
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Camp A, Croxford AE, Ford CS, Baumann U, Clements PR, Hiendleder S, Woolford L, Netzel G, Boardman WSJ, Fletcher MT, Wilkinson MJ. Dual-locus DNA metabarcoding reveals southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons Owen) have a summer diet dominated by toxic invasive plants. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229390. [PMID: 32142513 PMCID: PMC7059939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat degradation and summer droughts severely restrict feeding options for the endangered southern hairy-nosed wombat (SHNW; Lasiorhinus latifrons). We reconstructed SHNW summer diets by DNA metabarcoding from feces. We initially validated rbcL and ndhJ diet reconstructions using autopsied and captive animals. Subsequent diet reconstructions of wild wombats broadly reflected vegetative ground cover, implying local rather than long-range foraging. Diets were all dominated by alien invasives. Chemical analysis of alien food revealed Carrichtera annua contains high levels of glucosinolates. Clinical examination (7 animals) and autopsy (12 animals) revealed that the most degraded site also contained most individuals showing signs of glucosinolate poisoning. We infer that dietary poisoning through the ingestion of alien invasives may have contributed to the recent population crashes in the region. In floristically diverse sites, individuals appear to be able to manage glucosinolate intake by avoidance or episodic feeding but this strategy is less tractable in the most degraded sites. We conclude that recovery of the most affected populations may require effective Carrichtera management and interim supplementary feeding. More generally, we argue that protection against population decline by poisoning in territorial herbivores requires knowledge of their diet and of those food plants containing toxic principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Camp
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science and Davies Research Centre, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Adam E. Croxford
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Ute Baumann
- Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Peter R. Clements
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stefan Hiendleder
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science and Davies Research Centre, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lucy Woolford
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science and Davies Research Centre, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Netzel
- Centre for Animal Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wayne S. J. Boardman
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science and Davies Research Centre, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mary T. Fletcher
- Centre for Animal Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mike J. Wilkinson
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Polzyk M. Large herbivores in restricted ecosystems: assessment of water sources value by high-usage movement pathways at Byriuchyi Island spit. THERIOLOGIA UKRAINICA 2020. [DOI: 10.15407/tu2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An animal population permanently living in a certain area not only adapts to environmental conditions, but changes the environment as a result of their activities. The constant movement of animals between valuable resources in a certain territory forms a system of permanent trails. They are valuable source of information for solving problems of directed formation of ecosystems, organisation of protection and rational use of the territory. The territory of our study — Byriuchyi Island — is an alluvial type of sand and shell rock spit. It is covered with a variety of wetlands, meadows, and steppe vegetation. There are no natural sources of fresh water. Since the 1950s, several species of large herbivores have lived here: red deer, fallow deer, onagers, and feral horses. To provide animals with fresh water, artificial ponds called “kopanki” were created in the 1970s. In order to determine the intensity of use of drinking water on the Biryuchy Island spit, we assessed them based on the analysis of the system of permanent trails. Materials used in the work consist of data collected in 2014–2018 during field research and satellite images of the area. During the study period, the total number of ungulates ranged between 2700 to 3400 individuals. To assess the intensity of water use, the number and direction of permanent paths were determined, the distance to other water and fodder sources, shelter, microrelief and climatic features, anthropogenic factors were estimated. Data were collected for 31 artificial water sources. It has been found that permanent trails can extend from the source in up to 25 directions. However, more often they are concentrated in the northern and north-eastern directions. This is due to the most weather-protected area of the island — providing cover with reeds and a variety of nutritious food — being located in the north. The nearest sources of fresh water are in 2.5–3 km from the coast of the estuary. In general, the average distance between water crates on the spit is 0.9 km. Analysis of the permanent trails system of the island showed that 45 % of water resources are intensively used by ungulates, and 22 % have no visible trails.
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Watter K, Baxter GS, Pople A, Murray PJ. Dietary overlap between cattle and chital in the Queensland dry tropics. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rj20075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Chital deer (Axis axis) are an ungulate species introduced to northern Queensland, Australia, in an environment where land is managed for large scale cattle production. Rainfall and pasture growth are markedly seasonal and cattle experience a nutritional shortfall each year before monsoon rain. The presence of chital is perceived by land managers to reduce dry-season grass availability and this study sought to estimate the potential effect of free-living chital on regional cattle production. Diet overlap was greatest during the wet season when both ungulates principally consumed grass, and least during the dry season when chital diet comprised only ~50% grass. Using local estimates for energy values of wet and dry season grass, and the maintenance energy requirements of chital and cattle, we estimated the relative dry-matter seasonal grass intakes of both ungulates. The grass consumed annually by 100 chital could support an additional 25 cattle during the wet season and an additional 14 cattle during the dry season.
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Davies C, Wright W, Wedrowicz F, Hogan FE. A DNA toolbox for non-invasive genetic studies of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/am18032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Invasive sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) are having significant detrimental impacts on natural environments in south-eastern Australia. Little, however, is known about their ecology, limiting evidence-based management strategies directed at reducing deer impacts. Genetic data, generated from DNA isolated from deer scats, can be used to fill ecological knowledge gaps. This study outlines a non-invasive genetic sampling strategy by which good-quality DNA from a single deer scat can be used to determine (1) species of origin, (2) sex and (3) a unique DNA profile. DNA from deer tissue and sambar deer scat samples were used to develop and optimise molecular methods to collect reliable genetic information. A DNA toolbox is presented that describes how to find, collect and store scat samples, isolate DNA and use molecular markers to generate informative genetic data. Generating genetic data using this approach will support studies aimed at acquiring ecological knowledge about sambar deer. Such knowledge will be critical for developing evidence-based recommendations to improve on-ground management decisions for sambar deer.
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Watter K, Baxter G, Brennan M, Pople T, Murray P. Seasonal diet preferences of chital deer in the northern Queensland dry tropics, Australia. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rj20015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Chital deer (Axis axis) were introduced to the Burdekin dry tropics of north Queensland, Australia, in the late 1800s. Here rainfall and plant growth are highly seasonal and a nutritional bottleneck for grazing animals occurs annually before the wet season. This study describes the seasonal changes in diet and diet preference of chital in this seasonally-variable environment. Rumen samples were taken from 162 deer from two sites over the wet and dry seasons of two consecutive years and sorted macroscopically for identification. Relative seasonal availability of plant groups was estimated using step point sampling of areas grazed by chital. Chital alter their diet seasonally according to availability and plant phenology. Chital utilised 42 plant genera including grasses, forbs, subshrubs, shrubs, trees and litter. Grass consumption ranged from 53% of biomass intake during the dry season to 95% during the wet season. The predominance of grass in the wet season diet exceeded relative availability, indicating a strong preference. Although grass contributed more than half of the dry season diet it was the least preferred plant group, given availability, and the least actively growing. Shrubs were the preferred plant type in the dry season, and least subject to seasonal senescence. Composition and quantity of seasonal pastures vary markedly in north Queensland, and chital alter their diet by consuming those plants most actively growing. The increased dry season intake of non-grass forage appears to be a strategy to limit the detriment resulting from the progressive deterioration in the quality of grass.
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Davies C, Wright W, Hogan F, Visintin C. Predicting deer–vehicle collision risk across Victoria, Australia. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/am19042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The risk of deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) is increasing in south-east Australia as populations of introduced deer expand rapidly. There are no investigations of the spatial and temporal patterns of DVC or predictions of where such collisions are most likely to occur. Here, we use an analytical framework to model deer distribution and vehicle movements in order to predict DVC risk across the State of Victoria. We modelled the occurrence of deer using existing occurrence records and geographic climatic variables. We estimated patterns of vehicular movements from records of average annual daily traffic and speeds. Given the low number of DVCs reported in Victoria, we used a generalised linear regression model fitted to DVCs in California, USA. The fitted model coefficients suggested high collision risk on road segments with high predicted deer occurrence, moderate traffic volume and high traffic speed. We used the California deer model to predict collision risk on Victorian roads and validated the predictions with two independent datasets of DVC records from Victoria. The California deer model performed well when comparing predictions of collision risk to the independent DVC datasets and generated plausible DVC risk predictions across the State of Victoria.
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Davies C, Wright W, Hogan FE, Davies H. Detectability and activity patterns of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in Baw Baw National Park, Victoria. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/am19029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduced sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) are increasing in abundance and distribution across much of south-eastern Australia and causing damage to native ecosystems. However, the current paucity of knowledge surrounding many aspects of sambar deer ecology is limiting our capacity to make informed management decisions, and properly gauge the extent of deer impacts. Here we investigate correlates of sambar deer detectability and describe activity patterns of sambar deer in Baw Baw National Park (BBNP) to inform control operations. Camera traps were deployed in BBNP between October and December 2016. We used an occupancy modelling framework to investigate sambar deer detectability and camera trap record time stamps to determine sambar deer activity patterns. Sambar deer were found to be significantly more detectable near roads and in areas of sparse tree density and displayed strong crepuscular activity patterns. Control operations carried out along roads at dawn and dusk could be effective, at least in the short term. Likewise, aerial culling could be an effective control option for sambar deer populations in BBNP. This study highlights the utility of camera trap data to inform the application of control operations for cryptic invasive species.
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Forsyth DM, Pople A, Woodford L, Brennan M, Amos M, Moloney PD, Fanson B, Story G. Landscape-scale effects of homesteads, water, and dingoes on invading chital deer in Australia’s dry tropics. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Identifying landscape features and processes that facilitate the persistence of populations is particularly important for invasive mammal species, because it can focus management interventions on relatively small areas. We used camera traps to test predictions concerning the relative abundance of invading chital deer (Axis axis) on seven cattle ranches in northern Australia: that abundance of chital deer would be highest near permanent water and near homesteads, and that dingoes (Canis dingo) reduce abundance of chital deer. Distance from the nearest homestead determined deer abundance (as indexed by images per camera-day), with negligible abundance > 4 km from homesteads. In contrast, distance from homestead did not predict abundance of feral pigs (Sus scrofa), macropods, or dingoes. Abundance of chital deer also declined with increasing distance from water, as did feral pig abundance. There was no relationship between either macropod or dingo abundance and distance to water. The abundance of chital deer was unaffected by dingo abundance, but 75–100% of dingo scats collected within 1 km of homesteads contained chital deer. The high abundances of chital deer near homesteads are likely due to increased food quality or quantity, or protection from dingoes, but these hypotheses require further testing. We conclude that homesteads and permanent water are important determinants of the distribution and abundance of invasive chital deer in northern Australia (i.e., they are “invasion hubs” for this species). Our results suggest that, during the dry season, managers should survey for and attempt to control chital deer within 4 km of homesteads and within 3 km of water.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Forsyth
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony Pople
- Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke Woodford
- Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Brennan
- Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matt Amos
- Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul D Moloney
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben Fanson
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgeanna Story
- Scats About Ecological, Majors Creek, New South Wales, Australia
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