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Mohanty CR, Radhakrishnan RV, Barik AK, Jain M, Chororia S, Sahu MR, Behera S, Poornima P, Patel RK, Ahmad SR. The injury pattern and outcomes among elephant attack survivors presenting to the emergency department: A retrospective observational study. Injury 2024; 55:111697. [PMID: 38976926 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human-elephant conflicts (HECs) are becoming a disturbing public health concern in eastern India. This study highlights the pattern of injuries, epidemiological factors, and outcomes among the victims who survived an elephant attack (EA). METHODS This retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Data were retrieved from the medical records of EA victims who presented to the emergency department of the hospital over five years (January 2019-January 2024). Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, injury mode, injury pattern, radiological findings, emergency procedures, and outcome variables (admission, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and death) were collected. RESULTS In total, 45 EA victims were included in this study. The mean participant age was 45.8 ± 14.57 years. Of the total participants, 35 (78 %) were men. Most EAs [n = 18 (40 %)] occurred in the forest area and during the early morning hours between 4am and 8am [n = 18 (40 %)] of the winter season [n = 37 (82 %)] and were unprovoked [38 (84 %)]. Of the total injuries, 26 (67 %) injuries were due to the direct mode of EA and 13 (33 %) were due to the indirect mode. The most common mechanism of EA was using the trunk and foot [20 (51 %)], followed by the tusk [6 (15 %)]. The median ISS in victims was 20 (13-29). The median AIS score of chest injuries was 1 (0-3). Thirteen (29 %) patients were positive on e-FAST. Of the total EA victims, 12 (26 %) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 17 were admitted to the wards. Severe chest injury (AIS score ≥ 3) (p = 0.003), direct mode of injury, and polytrauma (ISS > 16) were identified as significant factors contributing to ICU admission. The median ICU stay of the victims was 6 (3-8) days, and the median length of hospital stay was 7 (0.5-11) days. One inpatient mortality was noted. CONCLUSION Middle-aged men were the most common victims of EA occurring during the early morning hours. Extremity and soft tissue injuries were most common, followed by chest and abdominal injuries. Severe chest injury resulted in ICU admission and extended hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitta Ranjan Mohanty
- Department of Trauma and Emergency, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India.
| | | | - Amiya Kumar Barik
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Mantu Jain
- Department of Orthopedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Samata Chororia
- Department of Trauma and Emergency, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Manas Ranjan Sahu
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sudharshan Behera
- Department of Trauma and Emergency, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, India
| | - P Poornima
- Divisional Forest Officer, Forest and Environment Department, Government of Odisha, India
| | - Ranjan Kumar Patel
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Suma Rabab Ahmad
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha state, India
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Mohan M, Sathyakumar S, Krishnamurthy R. Predator in proximity: how does a large carnivore respond to anthropogenic pressures at fine-scales? Implications for interface area management. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17693. [PMID: 39006024 PMCID: PMC11246029 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Driven by habitat loss and fragmentation, large carnivores are increasingly navigating human-dominated landscapes, where their activity is restricted and their behaviour altered. This movement, however, raises significant concerns and costs for people living nearby. While intricately linked, studies often isolate human and carnivore impacts, hindering effective management efforts. Hence, in this study, we brought these two into a common framework, focusing on an interface area between the critical tiger habitat and the human-dominated multiple-use buffer area of a central Indian protected area. Methods We employed a fine-scale camera trap survey complemented by GPS-collar movement data to understand spatio-temporal activity patterns and adjustments of tigers in response to anthropogenic pressures. We used an occupancy framework to evaluate space use, Bayesian circular GLMs to model temporal activity, and home range and step length analyses to assess the movement patterns of tigers. Further, we used predation-risk models to understand conflict patterns as a function of tiger presence and other habitat variables. Results Despite disturbance, a high proportion of the sampled area was occupied by 17 unique tigers (ψ = 0.76; CI [0.73-0.92]). The distance to villages (β ± SE = 0.63 ± 0.21) and the relative abundance of large-bodied wild prey (β ± SE = 0.72 ± 0.37) emerged as key predictors of tiger space use probability, indicating a preference for wild prey by tigers, while human influences constrained their habitat utilisation. Distance to villages was also identified as the most significant predictor of the tigers' temporal activity (μ ± σ = 3.03 ± 0.06 rad) that exhibited higher nocturnality near villages. A total of 11% of tiger home ranges were within village boundaries, accompanied by faster movement in these areas (displacement 40-82% higher). Livestock depredation probability by tigers increased with proximity to villages (P = 0.002) and highway (P = 0.003). Although tiger space use probability (P = 0.056) and wild prey abundance (P = 0.134) were non-significant at the 0.05 threshold, their presence in the best-fit predation-risk model suggests their contextual relevance for understanding conflict risk. The results highlight the importance of appropriately managing livestock near human infrastructures to effectively mitigate conflict. Conclusions Shared space of carnivores and humans requires dynamic site-specific actions grounded in evidence-based decision-making. This study emphasises the importance of concurrently addressing the intricate interactions between humans and large carnivores, particularly the latter's behavioural adaptations and role in conflict dynamics. Such an integrated approach is essential to unravel cause-effect relationships and promote effective interface management in human-dominated landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Mohan
- Post-Graduate Programme in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
- Department of Landscape Level Planning and Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sambandam Sathyakumar
- Department of Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ramesh Krishnamurthy
- Department of Landscape Level Planning and Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
- Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Yin Z, Kamimura Y, Imoto T. Public tolerance of lethal wildlife management in Japan: A best-worst scaling questionnaire analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118602. [PMID: 37451026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflict is a major problem for sustainable development worldwide. Lethal management options play an essential role in wildlife management. However, assessing public tolerance of lethal options is crucial. While this has been studied for specific targets, variations in public tolerance by wildlife characteristics such as biological class and nativeness remain unexplored. Accordingly, we administered a questionnaire survey (n = 1000) using best-worst scaling to reveal the comparative tolerance of lethal wildlife management for 10 wildlife species (including mammals, birds, fish, and plants) in Japan. We found that public tolerance of lethal wildlife management differed by species rather than biological class and nativeness. We then used cluster analysis to group respondents with similar lethal wildlife management tolerances and found commonalities based on age, sex, and beliefs. This study offers theoretical insights for understanding public tolerance of lethal wildlife management as well as practical recommendations for wildlife managers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Yin
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kamimura
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Japan
| | - Tomoko Imoto
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Japan.
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Sharma HP, Katuwal HB, Bhattarai BP, Bhandari S, Adhikari D, Aryal B, Tamang K, Nepali A, KC S, Baral BD, Devkota S, Koirala S, Mandal DN, Regmi S. Factors affecting the occupancy of sloth bear and its detection probability in Parsa-Koshi Complex, Nepal. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10587. [PMID: 37794874 PMCID: PMC10547580 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding factors associated with coexistence of human and wildlife in human-dominated landscapes is crucial for effective species conservation. Among the wildlife species, the sloth bears Melursus ursinus are found both inside and outside the protected areas of Nepal, and with increasing cases of human and bear conflicts in both areas. This highlights the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of anthropogenic and ecological factors that affect the occurrence of sloth bear. The understanding of these factors is important for its coexistence and conservation in human-dominated areas through establishing management and conservation action plan. We studied the sloth bear's occupancy and their coexistence in human-dominated environments with other large predators in the Parsa-Koshi Complex of Nepal using camera traps from December 2022 to March 2023. We identified the occupancy and detection probability of the sloth bear as 0.12 and 0.31, respectively. Our analysis reveals a positive relationship between sloth bear occurrence and the presence of large predators (βpredators = 3.104 ± 0.968), such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera pardus), as well as the number of humans detected (βhuman = 1.428 ± 1.216) and canopy cover percentage (βcc = 1.002 ± 0.737). However, the number of livestock detected shows a negative interaction with the occurrence of sloth bears (βlivestock = -2.240 ± 1.467). There was insignificant interaction between sloth bear occupancy and distance to human settlements, roads, and water bodies. These findings underscore the complex dynamics between sloth bears, humans, large predators, and livestock in human-dominated landscapes. To ensure the long-term survival of sloth bear populations and promote species conservation, comprehensive conservation strategies that account for both ecological and socio-economic factors are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Prasad Sharma
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
- Nepal Zoological SocietyKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
| | - Hem Bahadur Katuwal
- Nepal Zoological SocietyKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
| | - Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
- Nepal Zoological SocietyKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
| | - Shivish Bhandari
- Department of BiologyMorgan State UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Bishnu Aryal
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
| | - Krishna Tamang
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
| | - Amrit Nepali
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
| | - Sabin KC
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
| | - Bashu Dev Baral
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
| | - Surya Devkota
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
| | | | | | - Sandeep Regmi
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and TechnologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipur, KathmanduNepal
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesMenglaChina
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Lamba A, Teo HC, Sreekar R, Zeng Y, Carrasco LR, Koh LP. Climate co-benefits of tiger conservation. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:1104-1113. [PMID: 37231303 PMCID: PMC10333118 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02069-x] [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: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity conservation is increasingly being recognized as an important co-benefit in climate change mitigation programmes that use nature-based climate solutions. However, the climate co-benefits of biodiversity conservation interventions, such as habitat protection and restoration, remain understudied. Here we estimate the forest carbon storage co-benefits of a national policy intervention for tiger (Panthera tigris) conservation in India. We used a synthetic control approach to model avoided forest loss and associated carbon emissions reductions in protected areas that underwent enhanced protection for tiger conservation. Over a third of the analysed reserves showed significant but mixed effects, where 24% of all reserves successfully reduced the rate of deforestation and the remaining 9% reported higher-than-expected forest loss. The policy had a net positive benefit with over 5,802 hectares of averted forest loss, corresponding to avoided emissions of 1.08 ± 0.51 MtCO2 equivalent between 2007 and 2020. This translated to US$92.55 ± 43.56 million in ecosystem services from the avoided social cost of emissions and potential revenue of US$6.24 ± 2.94 million in carbon offsets. Our findings offer an approach to quantitatively track the carbon sequestration co-benefits of a species conservation strategy and thus help align the objectives of climate action and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakash Lamba
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Hoong Chen Teo
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachakonda Sreekar
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yiwen Zeng
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Luis Roman Carrasco
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lian Pin Koh
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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6
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Rana AK, Kumar N. Current wildlife crime (Indian scenario): major challenges and prevention approaches. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2023; 32:1473-1491. [PMID: 37063172 PMCID: PMC10025790 DOI: 10.1007/s10531-023-02577-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The constant depletion of wild flora and fauna in India due to uncontrolled human activities, natural habitat destruction and covert poaching activities is threatening the ecological balance. The poaching and trafficking of wild species in the lure of money as well as fashion has wiped out a range of wildlife species that call for critical attention to tackle this menace. There are many transit routes through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, which are major hubs for wildlife trafficking in India, in both domestic and international markets. The poaching of wild animals and plants slowly erases biodiversity, which in turn affects the survival of humans and other living species. Therefore, there is an urgent need to check ongoing wildlife crimes, raise the number of endangered species, rehabilitate exotic/extinct species and restore natural ecosystems. In this article, we collected wildlife crime data from web portals of various stakeholders, government agencies and authentic news sources, and discuss the current crime trends, challenges, and prevention approaches required to control and restore wildlife biodiversity in India. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10531-023-02577-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Rana
- Division of Biology, Central Forensic Science Laboratory Hyderabad, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Amberpet post, Ramanthapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500013 India
| | - Nishant Kumar
- Quality Control, Bihar, Patna, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Patna, 800001 India
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7
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Ma B, Cai Z, Hou Y, Wen Y. Estimating the Household Costs of Human–Wildlife Conflict in China’s Giant Panda National Park. J Nat Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Braczkowski AR, O'Bryan CJ, Lessmann C, Rondinini C, Crysell AP, Gilbert S, Stringer M, Gibson L, Biggs D. The unequal burden of human-wildlife conflict. Commun Biol 2023; 6:182. [PMID: 36823291 PMCID: PMC9950466 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04493-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflict is one of the most pressing sustainable development challenges globally. This is particularly the case where ecologically and economically important wildlife impact the livelihoods of humans. Large carnivores are one such group and their co-occurrence with low-income rural communities often results in real or perceived livestock losses that place increased costs on already impoverished households. Here we show the disparities associated with the vulnerability to conflict arising from large carnivores on cattle (Bos taurus) globally. Across the distribution of 18 large carnivores, we find that the economic vulnerability to predation losses (as measured by impacts to annual per capita income) is between two and eight times higher for households in transitioning and developing economies when compared to developed ones. This potential burden is exacerbated further in developing economies because cattle keepers in these areas produce on average 31% less cattle meat per animal than in developed economies. In the lowest-income areas, our estimates suggest that the loss of a single cow or bull equates to nearly a year and a half of lost calories consumed by a child. Finally, our results show that 82% of carnivore range falls outside protected areas, and five threatened carnivores have over one third of their range located in the most economically sensitive conflict areas. This unequal burden of human-carnivore conflict sheds light on the importance of grappling with multiple and conflicting sustainable development goals: protecting life on land and eliminating poverty and hunger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Braczkowski
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela University, George Campus, Madiba Drive, 6530, George, South Africa
| | - Christopher J O'Bryan
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Christian Lessmann
- Technische Universität Dresden, 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Ifo Institute & CESifo, Poschingerstr. 5, 81679, Munich, Germany
| | - Carlo Rondinini
- Center for Global Wildlife Conservation, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Anna P Crysell
- Department of Political Science, University of California Los Angeles, Bunche Hall, 4289, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sophie Gilbert
- Nature Capital Development, 443 Fillmore Street 380-1418, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA
- Affiliate faculty, Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83843, USA
| | - Martin Stringer
- W.H. Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 4, Sir James Foots Building, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Luke Gibson
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Duan Biggs
- Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Olajos-Goslow Chair of Environmental Science and Policy, Northern Arizona University, 624 Knoles Dr, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
- Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, 19 Jonkershoek Rd, Mostertsdrift, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
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Gupta SK. Zona pellucida glycoproteins: Relevance in fertility and development of contraceptive vaccines. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13535. [PMID: 35249246 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian zona pellucida (ZP) is composed of three to four glycoproteins, which plays an important role during fertilization. Mutations in the genes encoding zona proteins are reported in women with empty follicle syndrome, degenerated oocytes and those with an abnormal or no ZP further emphasizing their relevance during fertility. Immunization with either native or recombinant ZP glycoproteins/proteins leads to curtailment of fertility in various animal species. Observed infertility is frequently associated with ovarian pathology characterized by follicular atresia and degenerative changes in ZP, which may be due to oophoritogenic T cell epitope(s) within ZP glycoproteins. To avoid ovarian dystrophy, B cell epitopes of ZP glycoproteins have been mapped by using bio-effective monoclonal antibodies. Immunization with the immunogens encompassing the mapped B cell epitopes by and large led to amelioration of follicular atresia. However, their use for human application will require more rigorous research to establish their safety and reversibility of the contraceptive effect. Nonetheless, to minimize human-animal conflicts, ZP-based contraceptive vaccines have been used successfully in the population management of free-ranging animal species such as feral horses, white-tailed deer and elephants. To control zoonotic diseases, attempts are also underway to control the population of other animal species including stray dogs, which acts as one of the major vectors for the rabies virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish K Gupta
- Basic Medical Sciences Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
Balancing the competing, and often conflicting, needs of people and wildlife in shared landscapes is a major challenge for conservation science and policy worldwide. Connectivity is critical for wildlife persistence, but dispersing animals may come into conflict with people, leading to severe costs for humans and animals and impeding connectivity. Thus, conflict mitigation and connectivity present an apparent dilemma for conservation. We present a framework to address this dilemma and disentangle the effects of barriers to animal movement and conflict-induced mortality of dispersers on connectivity. We extend random-walk theory to map the connectivity-conflict interface, or areas where frequent animal movement may lead to conflict and conflict in turn impedes connectivity. We illustrate this framework with the endangered Asian elephant Elephas maximus, a species that frequently disperses out of protected areas and comes into conflict with humans. We mapped expected movement across a human-dominated landscape over the short- and long-term, accounting for conflict mortality. Natural and conflict-induced mortality together reduced expected movement and connectivity among populations. Based on model validation, our conflict predictions that explicitly captured animal movement better explained observed conflict than a model that considered distribution alone. Our work highlights the interaction between connectivity and conflict and enables identification of location-specific conflict mitigation strategies that minimize losses to people, while ensuring critical wildlife movement between habitats. By predicting where animal movement and humans collide, we provide a basis to plan for broad-scale conservation and the mutual well-being of wildlife and people in shared landscapes.
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de la Torre JA, Cheah C, Lechner AM, Wong EP, Tuuga A, Saaban S, Goossens B, Campos‐Arceiz A. Sundaic elephants prefer habitats on the periphery of protected areas. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14286] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Antonio de la Torre
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences & Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Mengla China
- Programa Jaguares de la Selva Maya Bioconciencia A.C. Ciudad de Mexico Mexico
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
| | - Cheryl Cheah
- WWF‐Malaysia Centre Point Complex Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
| | - Alex M. Lechner
- Urban Transformations Hub Monash University Indonesia The Breeze BSD City Indonesia
| | - Ee Phin Wong
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
- Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
| | | | - Salman Saaban
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Benoit Goossens
- Sabah Wildlife Department Wisma MUIS Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
- Organisms and Environment Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff UK
- Danau Girang Field Centre c/o Sabah Wildlife Department Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
| | - Ahimsa Campos‐Arceiz
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences & Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Mengla China
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
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Chatterjee M, Chatterjee N, Chandel P, Bhattacharya T, Kaul R. Predicting negative human-tiger (Panthera tigris) interactions in mosaic landscapes around Dudhwa and Pilibhit tiger reserves in India. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.999195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Negative interactions between humans and large carnivores like tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera pardus) are of concern for the conservation of these carnivores, as well as for the health and wellbeing of people who experience such interactions routinely. Such interactions not only lead to human deaths, injuries and loss of domestic animals, but also can result in retaliatory persecution of carnivores and cause their population declines. The Dudhwa-Pilibhit landscape in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is popularly regarded to be the second most affected hotspot of human-tiger conflicts in the country. Yet, very little information is published on human-tiger conflicts in this landscape. In this study, we recorded 7.4 ± 5.8 (range: 1-20) negative interactions per year between people and tigers that led directly to human deaths and injuries. Although there appeared to be peaks in negative interactions in more recent years, these were found to be statistically non-significant. The peaks in the numbers of cases in 2009-10 and 2016-17 can be attributed to higher numbers of human casualties cause by individual ‘problem’ tigers, and not due to an increase in the number of tigers engaging in conflicts. We used binomial generalized linear modelling to model the risk to humans from being attacked by tigers depending on landscape characteristics. This approach demonstrated that the mosaics of forests and human settlements, especially the presence of agriculture, forest patches and waterbodies, were the predominant factors at play. Notably, higher risks were not mediated by the presence of larger cattle population. Proximity of villages to forests or natural vegetation patches was the most significantly contributing factor identified by the model output. This suggested that despite the prevalent perception of attacks on humans occurring in human-dominated areas of this landscape, areas with forests or other natural vegetation entailed higher risks. This was corroborated by field observations, with most attacks occurring within, or close to, forests or dense vegetation. Based on these findings, we recommend that restricting human movements and taking precautionary measures in high-risk areas can significantly reduce negative interactions with tigers in our study area.
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Soga M, Gaston KJ. The dark side of nature experience: Typology, dynamics and implications of negative sensory interactions with nature. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10383] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Soga
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo Bunkyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Kevin J. Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
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Gupta SK, Toor S, Minhas V, Chaudhary P, Raman M, Anoop S, Panda AK. Contraceptive efficacy of recombinant porcine zona proteins and fusion protein encompassing canine ZP3 fragment and GnRH in female beagle dogs. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 87:e13536. [PMID: 35249251 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To manage population of dogs (Canis familiaris), the efficacy of recombinant proteins-based contraceptive vaccines to inhibit fertility has been evaluated in female beagle dogs. METHOD OF STUDY Female beagle dogs (n = 4) were immunized with physical mixture of Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant porcine ZP3 with promiscuous T cell epitope of tetanus toxoid (TT-KK-pZP3) and porcine ZP4 with promiscuous T cell epitope of bovine RNase (bRNase-KK-pZP4), or with a fusion protein encompassing dog ZP3 fragment and two copies of GnRH with appropriate promiscuous T cell epitopes (dZP3-GnRH2 ); control animals received only alum, the adjuvant. The immunized animals were followed-up for antibody titres by ELISA as well as for fertility status subsequent to mating with male dogs. RESULTS Active immunization of female dogs following a three injections schedule at 4-week intervals with a physical mixture of TT-KK-pZP3 + bRNase-KK-pZP4 as well as dZP3-GnRH2 , led to generation of significant antibody titres against respective recombinant proteins. Active immunization with dZP3-GnRH2 also led to generation of antibodies reactive with both dZP3 and GnRH. A booster dose on day 383 led to an increase in antibody titres and circulating antibodies against respective recombinant proteins could be observed on day 528. Antibodies in immune serum samples from dogs immunized with TT-KK-pZP3 + bRNase-KK-pZP4 or dZP3-GnRH2 reacted with native canine ZP as assessed by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Mating studies revealed a reduced number of pregnancies as well as a significant reduction in the number of pups born in the female dogs immunized with dZP3-GnRH2 as compared to the adjuvanted control. Curtailment of pregnancy in dZP3-GnRH2 immunized group was associated with antibody titres against dZP3-GnRH2 . However, immunization with recombinant TT-KK-pZP3 + bRNase-KK-pZP4 did not significantly decrease the number of pups born as compared to the adjuvanted control. CONCLUSION These studies revealed the potential of recombinant dZP3-GnRH2 -based contraceptive vaccine to curtail fertility in female dogs. Large scale studies to establish the efficacy and safety of this recombinant protein for the management of community dog population are thus warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish K Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.,Basic Medical Sciences Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Sagarika Toor
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vidisha Minhas
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Piyush Chaudhary
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Muthusamy Raman
- Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - S Anoop
- Palamur Biosciences Private Limited, Mahabubnagar, Telangana, India
| | - Amulya K Panda
- Product Development Cell, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
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Gorchiya A, Jadav D, Singh Shekhawat R. An Unusual Attack by a Blue Bull Resulting in Penetrating Horn Injuries. Wilderness Environ Med 2022; 33:232-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Baral K, Sharma HP, Rimal B, Thapa-Magar K, Bhattarai R, Kunwar RM, Aryal A, Ji W. Characterization and management of human-wildlife conflicts in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260307. [PMID: 34797885 PMCID: PMC8604285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
With the intent to better management human wildlife conflict (HWC) and wildlife conservation in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal, we analyzed the patterns and drivers of HWC. Using data collected from literature, government records and questionnaire survey, we investigated temporal, seasonal and spatial distribution of human casualties caused by wildlife attacks. We also appraised the perception of local people towards wildlife conservation. We have recorded 77 cases (69 human injuries and 8 mortalities) during the period of nine year between 2011 and 2019. The number of wildlife attacks increased over this period. Wildlife attacks were more frequent in winter with 50% (42) of attacks occurred between September and December. Common leopard (Panthera pardus) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) were the major species involved in these conflicts. Common leopard was the most feared species that causes highest number of human mortalities (87%, n = 67); the most severe type of HWC outcome. Forty-eight percent (n = 37) attacks were reported at human settlement areas followed by 27% attacks in agriculture land (n = 21) and 24% (n = 19) in forest. Generalized linear model analysis on spatial variables showed that the probability of human attacks increases with decreasing elevation (β = -0.0021, Z = -1.762, p = 0.078) and distance from the forest (β = -0.608, Z = -0.789, p = 0.429). We recommend to decrease habitat degradation / fragmentation, carry out habitat management program within forest to increase prey availability to decrease the wildlife invasion into human settlement area, and decrease dependency of people on forest resources by providing alternative livelihood opportunities. Simplified relief fund distribution mechanism at local level also helps alleviate the impact of HWC. The knowledge obtained by this study and management measures are important for better human-wildlife co-existence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar Baral
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Division Forest Office, Kaski, Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Hari P. Sharma
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bhagawat Rimal
- College of Applied Science (CAS-Nepal), Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Khum Thapa-Magar
- Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | | | - Ripu M. Kunwar
- Department of Geosciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
| | - Achyut Aryal
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Weihong Ji
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Tripathy BR, Liu X, Songer M, Kumar L, Kaliraj S, Chatterjee ND, Wickramasinghe WMS, Mahanta KK. Descriptive Spatial Analysis of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) Distribution and Mapping HEC Hotspots in Keonjhar Forest Division, India. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.640624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Escalation of human-elephant conflict (HEC) in India threatens its Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) population and victimizes local communities. India supports 60% of the total Asian elephant population in the world. Understanding HEC spatial patterns will ensure targeted mitigation efforts and efficient resource allocation to high-risk regions. This study deals with the spatial aspects of HEC in Keonjhar forest division, where 345 people were killed and 5,145 hectares of croplands were destroyed by elephant attacks during 2001–2018. We classified the data into three temporal phases (HEC1: 2001–2006, HEC2: 2007–2012, and HEC3: 2013–2018), in order to (1) derive spatial patterns of HEC; (2) identify the hotspots of HEC and its different types along with the number of people living in the high-risk zones; and (3) assess the temporal change in the spatial risk of HEC. Significantly dense clusters of HEC were identified in Keonjhar and Ghatgaon forest ranges throughout the 18 years, whereas Champua forest range became a prominent hotspot since HEC2. The number of people under HEC risk escalated from 14,724 during HEC1 and 34,288 in HEC2, to 65,444 people during HEC3. Crop damage was the most frequent form of HEC in the study area followed by house damage and loss of human lives. Risk mapping of HEC types and high priority regions that are vulnerable to HEC, provides a contextual background for researchers, policy makers and managers.
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