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White PA, Bertola LD, Kariuki K, de Iongh HH. Human procurement of meat from lion (Panthera leo) kills: Costs of disturbance and implications for carnivore conservation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308068. [PMID: 39141605 PMCID: PMC11324114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In Africa, humans and large carnivores compete over access to resources, including prey. Disturbance by humans to kills made by carnivores, often for purposes of obtaining all or portions of the carcass, constitutes a form of human-wildlife conflict. However the occurrence of this practice, known as human kleptoparasitism, and its impact on carnivores has received little scientific attention. We obtained expert opinions from African lion researchers and stakeholders via a standardized questionnaire to characterize the geographic extent and frequency of human kleptoparasitism as it occurs in modern times. Our survey found modern human kleptoparasitism on kills made by lions, and possibly other large carnivores in Africa, to be geographically more widespread than previously reported. Meat lost to humans requires carnivores to hunt and kill additional prey thereby causing stress, increasing their energetic costs and risks of natural injury, and exposing them to risk of direct injury or death from human usurpers. Because of their conspicuous behaviors and tendency towards killing large-bodied prey, lions are particularly susceptible to humans detecting their kills. While human kleptoparasitism was geographically widespread, socio-economic factors influenced the frequency of occurrence. Prey type (wild game or domestic livestock) influenced human attitudes towards meat theft; ownership allows for legal recovery of livestock carcasses, while possessing wild game meat is mostly illegal and may incur penalties. Meat theft was associated with other illegal activities (i.e., illegal mining) and most prevalent among people of low income, including underpaid game scouts. Despite quantifiable costs to carnivores of human disturbance to their kills, the majority of experts surveyed reported a lack of knowledge on this practice. We propose that human disturbance at kills, especially loss of prey through human kleptoparasitism, constitutes an important anthropogenic threat that may seriously impact energy budgets of individual lions and other scavengers when meat and carcasses are removed from the ecosystem, and that the costs incurred by carnivores warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. White
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Laura D. Bertola
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Leo Foundation, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kennedy Kariuki
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans H. de Iongh
- Leo Foundation, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Crosby CH, Schlacher TA, Kerwin K, Maslo B. Impacts of coyote colonization on coastal mammalian predators. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17868. [PMID: 39090258 PMCID: PMC11294349 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68698-9] [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: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Extreme ecosystem modification by humans has caused drastic reductions in populations and ranges of top mammalian predators, while simultaneously allowing synanthropic mesopredator species to expand. These conditions often result in inflated local densities of highly adaptable mesopredators that disrupt trophic dynamics and place unsustainable predation pressure on native prey populations. Colonization of a dominant predator may lead to top-down control of mesopredators and restore trophic balance. Coyotes are a novel colonizer of some coastal barrier islands of eastern North America, offering an opportunity to test how the addition of an apex predator impacts an established guild of mesopredators. To assess their trophic impact, we conducted 75,576 camera trapping hours over an 18-month study period, capturing > 1.5 million images across 108 coastal camera sites. Using two-species occupancy and habitat use models, we found sizeable effects of coyote habitat use on that of red foxes and free-ranging domestic cats, suggesting that coyotes function as apex predators in barrier island ecosystems. In fact, the only factor that determined the spatial pattern of highly ubiquitous red foxes was the sympatric habitat use of the largest carnivore in the food web-coyotes. That 'novel' apex predators can become established in coastal food webs illustrates the highly dynamic nature of conservation challenges for habitats and species at the edge of the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian H Crosby
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Thomas A Schlacher
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Kathleen Kerwin
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Brooke Maslo
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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Goodale E, Magrath RD. Species diversity and interspecific information flow. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:999-1014. [PMID: 38279871 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13055] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Interspecific information flow is known to affect individual fitness, population dynamics and community assembly, but there has been less study of how species diversity affects information flow and thereby ecosystem functioning and services. We address this question by first examining differences among species in the sensitivity, accuracy, transmissibility, detectability and value of the cues and signals they produce, and in how they receive, store and use information derived from heterospecifics. We then review how interspecific information flow occurs in communities, involving a diversity of species and sensory modes, and how this flow can affect ecosystem-level functions, such as decomposition, seed dispersal or algae removal on coral reefs. We highlight evidence that some keystone species are particularly critical as a source of information used by eavesdroppers, and so have a disproportionate effect on information flow. Such keystone species include community informants producing signals, particularly about predation risk, that influence other species' landscapes of fear, and aggregation initiators creating cues or signals about resources. We suggest that the presence of keystone species means that there will likely be a positive relationship in many communities between species diversity and information through a 'sampling effect', in which larger pools of species are more likely to include the keystone species by chance. We then consider whether the number and relative abundance of species, irrespective of the presence of keystone species, matter to interspecific information flow; on this issue, the theory is less developed, and the evidence scant and indirect. Higher diversity could increase the quantity or quality of information that is used by eavesdroppers because redundancy increases the reliability of information or because the species provide complementary information. Alternatively, there could be a lack of a relationship between species diversity and information if there is widespread information parasitism where users are not sources, or if information sourced from heterospecifics is of lower value than that gained personally or sourced from conspecifics. Recent research suggests that species diversity does have information-modulated community and ecosystem consequences, especially in birds, such as the diversity of species at feeders increasing resource exploitation, or the number of imitated species increasing responses to vocal mimics. A first step for future research includes comprehensive observations of information flow among different taxa and habitats. Then studies should investigate whether species diversity influences the cumulative quality or quantity of information at the community level, and consequently ecosystem-level processes. An applied objective is to conserve species in part for their value as sources of information for other species, including for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eben Goodale
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Robert D Magrath
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
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Asso AA, Koné NA, Salewski V. Cultural attitudes and human pressure towards vultures around the Comoé National Park, Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa). JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2024; 20:30. [PMID: 38419095 PMCID: PMC10903046 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00657-0] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Populations of vultures in Africa have experienced a rapid decline over recent decades, with some species suffering losses of more than 90%. Various forms of human pressures have been identified as the causes of this decline. However, very little is known about the complex interaction between cultural practises, traditional medicine and the vultures' natural environment. The purpose of this study was to analyse human pressures on vultures in relation with cultural attitudes such as their demand for magico-traditional medicine in Côte d'Ivoire, around the Comoé National Park (CNP), one of the last major refuges of these organisms in West Africa. METHODS Eleven surrounding villages were visited to carry out ethno-ornithology surveys. One hundred and ten people were interviewed, at a rate of ten people per village, using a semi-structured questionnaire and informal discussions. RESULTS The findings showed that vultures are still being seen both in and around the CNP. The most common species indicated to be observed and indicated by the interviewees were the Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and the White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis). Nevertheless, 98.2% of the interviewees indicated having observed a decrease in the abundance of vultures over the last few years in the study area, as well as a decline in the number of sightings of these organisms. Interviewees attributed this scarcity of vultures to (1) the limited availability of food resources, (2) pesticide and tobacco poisoning, (3) hunting, (4) rapid population growth, (5) annual bushfires and (6) habitat loss. The uses of the vulture or parts of vultures by the populations surrounding the CNP (traditional medicine, mystic practises, consumption as food, cultural heritage) were also highlighted as real threats to these organisms. And the vulture parts commonly used in this area are: feathers, legs, head, heart, stomach, brain and excrement. The Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) appears to be the most sought-after species and the most widely used for these practises in the study area. CONCLUSION Appropriate conservation and communication initiatives are required to ensure the survival of these raptors, crucial for ecosystem well-being, while also ensuring a respect of cultural practises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asso Armel Asso
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie et de Développement Durable (LEDD), UFR Sciences de la Nature (UFR SN), Université Nangui ABROGOUA, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
- Station de Recherche en Écologie du Parc National de La Comoé, 28 BP 847, Abidjan 28, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - N'golo Abdoulaye Koné
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie et de Développement Durable (LEDD), UFR Sciences de la Nature (UFR SN), Université Nangui ABROGOUA, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Station de Recherche en Écologie du Parc National de La Comoé, 28 BP 847, Abidjan 28, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Volker Salewski
- Station de Recherche en Écologie du Parc National de La Comoé, 28 BP 847, Abidjan 28, Côte d'Ivoire
- Michael-Otto-Institut Im NABU, Goosstroot 1, 24861, Bergenhusen, Germany
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Panda D, Krishna JS, Sharma A, Pandey P, Lee H, Singh R. Ecosystem services provided by striped hyenas in the human-dominated landscape of Rajasthan, India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166267. [PMID: 37579806 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
In human-dominated landscapes, quantifying ecosystem services in terms of economic benefits could contribute to establishing peaceful coexistence between humans and large carnivores. In this study, we estimated the monetary value of scavenging benefits provided by striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) in an anthropogenic landscape in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India. We converted the value of domestic livestock carcasses consumed by striped hyenas from opportunity costs to quantify the value of this important ecosystem service to local people. We determined the monetary value of carcass disposals using two methods, including (1) electric cremation, and (2) pyre burning of animal carcasses. To determine the minimum number of striped hyenas, present in the study area, we employed a photo-capture approach, and we used scat analysis to determine the livestock consumed by striped hyenas. We estimated that striped hyenas removed 23.13 tons (4.4 %) of livestock carcass waste from the total of 525.68 tons of waste generated per year in the Intensive Study Area (ISA). The annual monetary value of livestock carcass waste removal by striped hyenas in the ISA was estimated to be ~US$ 7095 for electric cremation and US$ 49,665 for pyre burning. Our study demonstrates the economic benefit of scavenging services provided by striped hyenas in areas where anthropogenic food is abundant. In such areas, as hyenas scavenge anthropogenic food, local communities benefit from waste management. Using alternative carcass disposal methods without striped hyenas would be expensive and likely environmentally damaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashish Panda
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jasti Sai Krishna
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ajay Sharma
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Puneet Pandey
- Conservation Genome Resource Bank for Korean Wildlife (CGRB), Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hang Lee
- Conservation Genome Resource Bank for Korean Wildlife (CGRB), Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Randeep Singh
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Torres-Blas I, Migura-García L, Cerdà-Cuéllar M, Carbajal A, Lopez-Bejar M, Mateo R, Herrero-Villar M, Llopis A, Marco I. HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF CAPTIVE BEARDED VULTURES ( GYPAETUS BARBATUS) IN CATALONIA (SPAIN). J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:464-472. [PMID: 37817612 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) populations are declining worldwide primarily due to anthropogenic factors. A captive breeding program has been established in Spain, a country with one of the largest free-living populations in Europe, to further enhance the conservation efforts of this emblematic species. However, captive vulture populations can be exposed to different risks through food, such as drug residues and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. Health surveillance of species involved in captive breeding programs is important to face introduction of healthy animals in situ and to obtain baseline clinical data. The objective of this study was to assess the general health status of bearded vultures held in captivity in Catalonia (northeastern Spain) by carrying out hematologic, biochemical, toxicologic, and bacteriologic analyses. A total of 16 bearded vultures were sampled; the data obtained from one vulture, with a chronic tibiotarsal fracture, were excluded from the statistical analysis. Hematologic and biochemical parameters of the bearded vultures were mostly within the range of standard values as stated in previous studies. Basal feather and serum corticosterone levels were analyzed and described for the first time in this species. A total of 15 Escherichia coli isolates were obtained that were resistant to fluoroquinolones (80%), tetracycline (60%), trimethoprim and ampicillin (40%), sulfamethoxazole (33%), and colistin (20%), with 40% of them being multidrug resistant. Three of 15 isolates were carriers of the mcr-1 gene. Only the injured bird previously treated with enrofloxacin was positive for fluoroquinolone residues. Periodic monitoring for the presence of AMR bacteria would be recommended in captive breeding programs as a preventive action to establish future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Torres-Blas
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Travessera dels Turons s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lourdes Migura-García
- Unitat mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Cerdà-Cuéllar
- Unitat mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anaïs Carbajal
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Lopez-Bejar
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marta Herrero-Villar
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alex Llopis
- VCF Vultures Captive Breeding Manager, Bearded Vulture EEP Coordinator, Centre de Fauna Vallcalent 63, 25199 Lleida, Spain
| | - Ignasi Marco
- Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Travessera dels Turons s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain,
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Duriez O, Sassi Y, Le Gall-Ladevèze C, Giraud L, Straughan R, Dauverné L, Terras A, Boulinier T, Choquet R, Van De Wiele A, Hirschinger J, Guérin JL, Le Loc'h G. Highly pathogenic avian influenza affects vultures' movements and breeding output. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3766-3774.e3. [PMID: 37597520 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
An exceptional highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak due to H5N1 virus genotypes belonging to clade 2.3.4.4.b has been affecting birds worldwide since autumn 2021.1,2,3 Mortality caused by viral infection has been well documented in poultry and more recently in wild birds, especially in seabird-breeding colonies.4,5,6 However, there is a critical lack of knowledge about how terrestrial birds deal with HPAI virus infections in terms of behavior and space use, especially during the breeding season.7,8,9 Understanding how birds move when they are infected could help evaluate the risk of spreading the virus at a distance among other populations of wild or domestic birds, this latter risk being especially important for commensal bird species. Through long-term GPS tracking, we described the changes in daily movement patterns of 31 adult griffon vultures Gyps fulvus in two French sites in 2022 compared with 3 previous years. In spring 2022, 21 vultures at both sites showed periods of immobility at the nest, during 5.6 days on average. Positive serological status of 2 individuals confirmed that they had been infected by HPAI viruses. Death was recorded for 3 of the 31 tracked individuals, whereas all others recovered and returned quickly to their foraging routine, although at least 9 birds failed breeding. Such immobility patterns and death rates were never observed in previous years and were not related to weather conditions. The high immobility behavior of infected birds could reduce the risks of transmission. The observed vulnerability to HPAI viruses questions the resistance of endangered vulture species worldwide if infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Duriez
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France.
| | - Yohan Sassi
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Chloé Le Gall-Ladevèze
- IHAP, ENVT, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Léa Giraud
- LPO France - site Grands Causses, Le Bourg, 12720 Peyreleau, France
| | - Robert Straughan
- LPO France - site Grands Causses, Le Bourg, 12720 Peyreleau, France
| | - Lise Dauverné
- LPO Occitanie DT Aude, Ecluse de Mandirac, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - Anna Terras
- LPO Occitanie DT Aude, Ecluse de Mandirac, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - Thierry Boulinier
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Rémi Choquet
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Julien Hirschinger
- IHAP, ENVT, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Jean-Luc Guérin
- IHAP, ENVT, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Guillaume Le Loc'h
- IHAP, ENVT, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
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Zhai J, Wang Y, Tang B, Zheng S, He S, Zhao W, Chen H, Lin J, Li F, Bao Y, Lancuo Z, Sharshov K, Liu C, Wang W. Comparative analysis of gut DNA viromes in wild and captive Himalayan vultures. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1120838. [PMID: 37601346 PMCID: PMC10433386 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1120838] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Himalayan vultures (Gyps hinalayensis) are widely distributed on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by feeding on decayed corpses of wild and domestic animals. Large-scale culture and metagenomics studies have broadened our understanding of viral diversity in animals' gastrointestinal tracts. However, despite the importance of gut viral communities in regulating bacterial diversity and performing symbiotic functions, no gut viral study has been conducted on Himalayan vultures. Furthermore, the impact of captivity on the gut virome of these vultures remains unknown. Methods In this study, metagenomic sequencing methods targeting DNA of virus-like particles enriched from feces were used to characterize the gut DNA viromes of wild and captive Himalayan vultures. Results In total, 22,938 unique viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) were identified and assigned to 140 viral genera in 41 viral families. These families included viruses associated with bacteria, animals, plants, insects, and archaea. Phage communities, including Siphoviridae, Microviridae, Myoviridae, Inoviridae, and Herelleviridae, dominated the gut virome of Himalayan vultures. Wild vultures exhibited higher viral richness and diversity compared with those in captivity. The functional capacity of the gut virome was characterized by identifying 93 KEGG pathways, which were significantly enriched in metabolism and genetic information processing. Abundant auxiliary metabolic genes, such as carbohydrate-active enzyme, and antibiotic resistance genes, were also found in the vultures' gut virome. Discussion Our findings reveal the complex and diverse viral community present in the gut virome of Himalayan vultures, which varies between wild, and captive states. The DNA virome dataset establishes a baseline for the vultures' gut virome and will serve as a reference for future virus isolation and cultivation. Understanding the impact of captivity on the gut virome contributes to our knowledge of vultures' response to captivity and aids in optimizing their rehabilitation and implementing protective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jundie Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - You Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Boyu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Sisi Zheng
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Qinghai Province, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Shunfu He
- Xining Wildlife Park of Qinghai Province, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Wenxin Zhao
- Xining Wildlife Park of Qinghai Province, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Hanxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Jun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Yuzi Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Zhuoma Lancuo
- College of Finance and Economics, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Kirill Sharshov
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Chuanfa Liu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, China
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Raposo C, Serrano I, Cunha E, Couto MP, Lopes F, Casero M, Tavares L, Oliveira M. Phenotypic Characterization of Oral Mucor Species from Eurasian Vultures: Pathogenic Potential and Antimicrobial Ability. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1638. [PMID: 37629495 PMCID: PMC10455617 DOI: 10.3390/life13081638] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to poisoning and decline in the food resources of Eurasian vultures, there has been a rise in the number of Griffon (Gyps fulvus) and Cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) needing veterinary care. In captivity, vultures often develop oral and other infectious diseases which can affect their survival and the probability of reintroduction in the wild. Therefore, it is important to characterize relevant microbial species present in the oral cavity of vultures, such as Mucor spp. In this work, seven Mucor spp. isolates previously obtained from Gyps fulvus and Aegypius monachus oral swabs collected at two rehabilitation centers in Portugal were characterized regarding their pathogenic enzymatic profile and antimicrobial activity. Isolates were identified by macro and microscopic observation, and PCR and ITS sequencing. Their antimicrobial activity was determined using a collection of pathogenic bacteria and two yeast species. Results showed that 86% of the isolates produced α-hemolysis, 71% expressed DNase, 57% produce lecithinase and lipase, 29% expressed gelatinase, and 29% were biofilm producers. Four isolates showed inhibitory activity against relevant human and veterinary clinical isolates, including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Neisseria zoodegmatis, and Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, accurate management programs should consider the benefits and disadvantages of Mucor spp. presence in the oral mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Raposo
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isa Serrano
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eva Cunha
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Patrícia Couto
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Lopes
- CERAS—Centro de Estudos e Recuperação de Animais Selvagens, Quinta da Senhora de Mércules, 6000-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - María Casero
- RIAS Centro de Recuperação e Investigação de Animais Selvagens, Rua do Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Quelfes, 8700-194 Olhão, Portugal;
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.); (E.C.); (M.P.C.); (L.T.); (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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10
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Garcês A, Pires I, Sargo R, Sousa L, Prada J, Silva F. Admission Causes, Morbidity, and Outcomes in Scavenger Birds in the North of Portugal (2005-2022). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2093. [PMID: 37443896 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132093] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Portugal is the habitat of three species of vultures. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Neophron percnopterus is an Endangered species, Aegypius monachus is nearly Threatened, and Gyps fulvus is of Least Concern. This study aims to investigate the admission causes, morbidity, and outcomes of vultures admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and necropsy service in Northern Portugal. Over 17 years (2005-2022), 84 animals were admitted: 10 A. monachus, 69 G. fulvus, and 5 N. percnopterus. The main causes of admission to the centre were 80% (n = 63) unknown cause, 13% (n = 10) found debilitated, 6 % (n = 5) vehicle collision, 4% (n = 3) captivity, 1% (n = 1) gunshot, and 1% (n = 1) electrocution. Most animals were admitted during the summer (45.2%) and autumn (36.9%). Analysis of outcome data showed that 73% (n = 58) of the animals that arrived alive at the centre could be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Thirteen animals died during treatment and five were found dead. This is the first time that such a lengthy study of results and mortality has been carried out for these species in Portugal. Although the data are limited, they can already provide some information about these populations, particularly for the endangered species that are so rare to observe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Garcês
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Roberto Sargo
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Sousa
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Filipe Silva
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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11
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Joe HI, Choi JW, Lee JY, Sung H, Jeong SW, Jeong YS, Lee JY, Bae JW. Description of Luteibacter aegosomatis sp. nov., Luteibacter aegosomaticola sp. nov., and Luteibacter aegosomatissinici sp. nov. isolated from the Intestines of Aegosoma sinicum Larvae. J Microbiol 2023:10.1007/s12275-023-00051-7. [PMID: 37145290 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-023-00051-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Three novel bacterial strains, 321T, 335T, and 353T, were isolated from the intestines of Aegosoma sinicum larvae collected from Paju-Si, South Korea. The strains were Gram-negative, obligate aerobe and had rod-shaped cells with a single flagellum. The three strains belonged to the genus Luteibacter in the family Rhodanobacteraceae and shared < 99.2% similarity in their 16S rRNA gene sequence and < 83.56% similarity in thier whole genome sequence. Strains 321T, 335T, and 353T formed a monophyletic clade with Luteibacter yeojuensis KACC 11405T, L. anthropi KACC 17855T, and L. rhizovicinus KACC 12830T, with sequence similarities of 98.77-98.91%, 98.44-98.58%, and 97.88-98.02%, respectively. Further genomic analyses, including the construction of the Up-to-date Bacterial Core Gene (UBCG) tree and assessment of other genome-related indices, indicated that these strains were novel species belonging to the genus Luteibacter. All three strains contained ubiquinone Q8 as their major isoprenoid quinone and iso-C15:0 and summed feature 9 (C16:0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17:1 ω9c) as their major cellular fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol were the major polar lipids in all the strains. The genomic DNA G + C contents of strains 321T, 335T, and 353T were 66.0, 64.5, and 64.5 mol%, respectively. Based on multiphasic classification, strains 321T, 335T, and 353T were classified into the genus Luteibacter as the type strains of novel species, for which the names Luteibacter aegosomatis sp. nov., Luteibacter aegosomaticola sp. nov., and Luteibacter aegosomatissinici sp. nov. are proposed, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-In Joe
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Won Choi
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - June-Young Lee
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojun Sung
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Won Jeong
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Seok Jeong
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yun Lee
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Woo Bae
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Szilágyi A, Kovács VP, Czárán T, Szathmáry E. Evolutionary ecology of language origins through confrontational scavenging. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20210411. [PMID: 36688391 PMCID: PMC9869442 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A dynamic model and an agent-based simulation model implementing the assumptions of the confrontational scavenging hypothesis on early protolanguage as an adaptive response of Homo erectus to gradual change in their habitat has been developed and studied. The core assumptions of the hypothesis and the model scenario are the pre-adaptation of our ancestors to occupy the ecological niche that they constructed for themselves by having evolved displaced communication and a rudimentary tool manufacture, two features allowing them to use a new, concentrated and abundant resource-megafauna carrion-on the savannahs replacing arboreal habitats owing to the drying climate of East Africa at about 2 Ma. The shift in diet required coordinated cooperation by the hominin scavengers confronted with concurrent predators. Power scavenging compelled displaced symbolic communication featuring a limited semantic range; syntax was not yet required. We show that phenotypic evolution on the accuracy of information transfer between cooperating hominins is a necessary and sufficient condition for the population of agents to survive the diet shift. Both the individual and the group fitness of the hominin horde increased with the accuracy of their protolanguage, with decreasing time allocated to foraging and thus more time left for culture. This article is part of the theme issue 'Human socio-cultural evolution in light of evolutionary transitions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Szilágyi
- Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33. 1121, Budapest, Hungary,MTA–ELTE Theoretical Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. s. 1C 1117 Budapest, Hungary,Center for Conceptual Foundation of Science, Parmenides Foundation, Hindenburgstrasse 15, 82343 Pöcking, Germany
| | - Viktor P. Kovács
- Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33. 1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Czárán
- Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33. 1121, Budapest, Hungary,MTA–ELTE Theoretical Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. s. 1C 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eörs Szathmáry
- Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33. 1121, Budapest, Hungary,MTA–ELTE Theoretical Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. s. 1C 1117 Budapest, Hungary,Center for Conceptual Foundation of Science, Parmenides Foundation, Hindenburgstrasse 15, 82343 Pöcking, Germany
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13
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Davidović S, Marinković S, Hribšek I, Patenković A, Stamenković-Radak M, Tanasković M. Sex ratio and relatedness in the Griffon vulture ( Gyps fulvus) population of Serbia. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14477. [PMID: 36523455 PMCID: PMC9745909 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14477] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Once a widespread species across the region of Southeast Europe, the Griffon vulture is now confined to small and isolated populations across the Balkan Peninsula. The population from Serbia represents its biggest and most viable population that can serve as an important reservoir of genetic diversity from which the birds can be used for the region's reintroduction programmes. The available genetic data for this valuable population are scarce and as a protected species that belongs to the highly endangered vulture group, it needs to be well described so that it can be properly managed and used as a restocking population. Considering the serious recent bottleneck event that the Griffon vulture population from Serbia experienced we estimated the overall relatedness among the birds from this population. Sex ratio, another important parameter that shows the vitality and strength of the population was evaluated as well. Methods During the annual monitoring that was performed in the period from 2013-2021, we collected blood samples from individual birds that were marked in the nests. In total, 169 samples were collected and each was used for molecular sexing while 58 presumably unrelated birds from different nests were used for inbreeding and relatedness analyses. The relatedness was estimated using both biparentally (10 microsatellite loci) and uniparentally (Cytb and D-loop I of mitochondrial DNA) inherited markers. Results The level of inbreeding was relatively high and on average it was 8.3% while the mean number of relatives for each bird was close to three. The sex ratio was close to 1:1 and for the analysed period of 9 years, it didn't demonstrate a statistically significant deviation from the expected ratio of 1:1, suggesting that this is a stable and healthy population. Our data suggest that, even though a relatively high level of inbreeding can be detected among the individual birds, the Griffon vulture population from Serbia can be used as a source population for restocking and reintroduction programmes in the region. These data combined with previously observed genetic differentiation between the populations from the Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas suggest that the introduction of foreign birds should be avoided and that local birds should be used instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slobodan Davidović
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia,Birds of Prey Protection Foundation, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Saša Marinković
- Birds of Prey Protection Foundation, Belgrade, Serbia,Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Hribšek
- Birds of Prey Protection Foundation, Belgrade, Serbia,Natural History Museum Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Patenković
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Stamenković-Radak
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia,Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Tanasković
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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14
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Carcass detection and consumption by facultative scavengers in forest ecosystem highlights the value of their ecosystem services. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16451. [PMID: 36180480 PMCID: PMC9525280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20465-4] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Scavenging is a common feeding behavior that provides ecosystem services by removing potentially infectious waste from the landscape. The importance of facultative scavenging is often overlooked, but likely becomes especially important in ecosystems without obligate scavengers. Here, we investigated the ecological function of vertebrate facultative scavengers in removing ungulate carcasses from Japanese forests that lack obligate scavengers. We found that mammals detected carcasses first more often than birds, and that raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were the most frequent scavenger to first detect carcasses. However, we found no evidence of there being species that signal the location of carrion to other species via social cues. Instead, higher temperatures promoted earlier detection of the carcasses by scavengers, likely related to increased olfactory signals. The carcasses were completely consumed on average in 7.0 days, reasonably similar to other systems regardless of habitat, indicating that facultative scavengers are providing ecosystem services. Larger carcasses tended to take longer to deplete, but carcasses were consumed faster in warmer temperatures. Our results indicate that facultative scavengers were capable of consuming carrion and contributing ecosystem services in a forest ecosystem that lacks obligate scavengers.
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15
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Hughes EC, Edwards DP, Thomas GH. The homogenization of avian morphological and phylogenetic diversity under the global extinction crisis. Curr Biol 2022; 32:3830-3837.e3. [PMID: 35868322 PMCID: PMC9616725 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Biodiversity is facing a global extinction crisis that will reduce ecological trait diversity, evolutionary history, and ultimately ecosystem functioning and services.1-4 A key challenge is understanding how species losses will impact morphological and phylogenetic diversity at global scales.5,6 Here, we test whether the loss of species threatened with extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) leads to morphological and phylogenetic homogenization7,8 across both the whole avian class and within each biome and ecoregion globally. We use a comprehensive set of continuous morphological traits extracted from museum collections of 8,455 bird species, including geometric morphometric beak shape data,9 and sequentially remove species from those at most to least threat of extinction. We find evidence of morphological, but not phylogenetic, homogenization across the avian class, with species becoming more alike in terms of their morphology. We find that most biome and ecoregions are expected to lose morphological diversity at a greater rate than predicted by species loss alone, with the most imperiled regions found in East Asia and the Himalayan uplands and foothills. Only a small proportion of assemblages are threatened with phylogenetic homogenization, in particular parts of Indochina. Species extinctions will lead to a major loss of avian ecological strategies, but not a comparable loss of phylogenetic diversity. As the decline of species with unique traits and their replacement with more widespread generalist species continues, the protection of assemblages at most risk of morphological and phylogenetic homogenization should be a key conservation priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Hughes
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP, UK.
| | - David P Edwards
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Gavin H Thomas
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP, UK.
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16
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Almaraz P, Martínez F, Morales-Reyes Z, Sánchez-Zapata JA, Blanco G. Long-term demographic dynamics of a keystone scavenger disrupted by human-induced shifts in food availability. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2579. [PMID: 35279905 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Scavenging is a key ecological process controlling energy flow in ecosystems and providing valuable ecosystem services worldwide. As long-lived species, the demographic dynamics of vultures can be disrupted by spatiotemporal fluctuations in food availability, with dramatic impacts on their population viability and the ecosystem services provided. In Europe, the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2001 prompted a restrictive sanitary regulation banning the presence of livestock carcasses in the wild on a continental scale. In long-lived vertebrate species, the buffering hypothesis predicts that the demographic traits with the largest contribution to population growth rate should be less temporally variable. The BSE outbreak provides a unique opportunity to test for the impact of demographic buffering in a keystone scavenger suffering abrupt but transient food shortages. We studied the 42-year dynamics (1979-2020) of one of the world's largest breeding colonies of Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). We fitted an inverse Bayesian state-space model with density-dependent demographic rates to the time series of stage-structured abundances to investigate shifts in vital rates and population dynamics before, during, and after the implementation of a restrictive sanitary regulation. Prior to the BSE outbreak the dynamics was mainly driven by adult survival: 83% of temporal variance in abundance was explained by variability in this rate. Moreover, during this period the regulation of population size operated through density-dependent fecundity and subadult survival. However, after the onset of the European ban, a 1-month delay in average laying date, a drop in fecundity, and a reduction in the number of fledglings induced a transient increase in the impact of fledgling and subadult recruitment on dynamics. Although adult survival rate remained constantly high, as predicted by the buffering hypothesis, its relative impact on the temporal variance in abundance dropped to 71% during the sanitary regulation and to 54% after the ban was lifted. A significant increase in the relative impact of environmental stochasticity on dynamics was modeled after the BSE outbreak. These results provide empirical evidence on how abrupt environmental deterioration may induce dramatic demographic and dynamic changes in the populations of keystone scavengers, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystem functioning worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Almaraz
- Department of Ecology and Coastal Management, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, ICMAN-CSIC, Campus Río San Pedro, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Félix Martínez
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Móstoles, Spain
| | - Zebensui Morales-Reyes
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - José A Sánchez-Zapata
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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17
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Oliva‐Vidal P, Sebastián‐González E, Margalida A. Scavenging in changing environments: woody encroachment shapes rural scavenger assemblages in Europe. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Oliva‐Vidal
- Inst. for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC‐UCLM‐JCCM) Ciudad Real Spain
- Dept of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, Univ. of Lleida Lleida Spain
| | | | - Antoni Margalida
- Inst. for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC‐UCLM‐JCCM) Ciudad Real Spain
- Pyrenean Inst. of Ecology (CSIC) Jaca Spain
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Stara K, Saravia-Mullin V, Tsiakiris R, Adefolu S, Akyol A, Akyol Rİ, Asswad NG, Çetin T, Dayyoub M, Dushi G, Ivande ST, Kordopatis P, Kret E, Özuslu S, Petrovski N, Simeonova I, Spassova Y, Qaneer TE, Pourchier C, Saad LJ, ElSafoury H, Topi M, Trajҫe A, Ziu D, Nikolov SC. Following the White Vulture: Ethno-ornithology along the Flyway of the Egyptian Vulture ( Neophron percnopterus). HUMAN ECOLOGY: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL 2022; 50:725-738. [PMID: 35729956 PMCID: PMC9188277 DOI: 10.1007/s10745-022-00340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Vultures constitute globally the most rapidly declining group of birds. Across their wide distribution range, they share common ecological functions and unfavourable conservation status while being associated with varying habitats, lifestyles, cultural standing, and threats. We reveal conceptualisations about the emblematic yet critically endangered Egyptian vulture along its migratory flyway from the Balkans through the Middle East to Africa. Information was gathered through interviews, focus group discussions, and market surveys, with 420 people in 11 participating countries contributing overall. Our results showed that all vultures are recognised primarily for the environmental cleaning services, but the level of awareness differs between countries. Τhe Egyptian vulture has some perceptual advantages based on its white color, migratory nature, and endangered conservation status. This underlines its suitability as a charismatic flagship species that can potentially benefit other vulture species and thus enforce broader vulture conservation initiatives. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10745-022-00340-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Stara
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, University campus, Ioannina, 45110 Greece
- Hellenic Ornithological Society/BirdLife Greece, Ag. Konstantinou 52, Athens, 10437 Greece
| | | | - Rigas Tsiakiris
- Department of Forest Administration and Management, Forestry Service of Ioannina, Ministry of Environment and Energy, Marikas Kotopouli 62, Ioannina, 45445 Greece
| | - Solomon Adefolu
- Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Km 19 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Adem Akyol
- Doğa Derneği/BirdLife Turkey, Orhanli Mah. 7102 Sk. No:1, Seferihisar, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Raziye İçtepe Akyol
- Doğa Derneği/BirdLife Turkey, Orhanli Mah. 7102 Sk. No:1, Seferihisar, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Turan Çetin
- Doğa Derneği/BirdLife Turkey, Orhanli Mah. 7102 Sk. No:1, Seferihisar, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Maher Dayyoub
- Syrian Society for the Conservation of Wildlife, Latakia, Boka suburb Syria
| | - Gligor Dushi
- Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment of Albania (PPNEA), Rr. Janos Hunyadi, P.32/A.11, 1019 Tirana, Albania
| | - Samuel Tertese Ivande
- A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI), University of Jos Biological Conservatory, P.O. Box 13404, Jos-East LGA, Laminga, Plateau State 930001 Nigeria
| | - Panagiotis Kordopatis
- Hellenic Ornithological Society/BirdLife Greece, Ag. Konstantinou 52, Athens, 10437 Greece
| | | | - Serdar Özuslu
- Doğa Derneği/BirdLife Turkey, Orhanli Mah. 7102 Sk. No:1, Seferihisar, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nenad Petrovski
- Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), Boris Trajkovski st. 7 No. 7A, Skopje, 1000 North Macedonia
| | | | - Yana Spassova
- ESTAT Agency, 9, Sv.Sedmochislenitsi str, Sofia, 1421 Bulgaria
| | - Tareq Emad Qaneer
- Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN)/BirdLife Jordan, Dahiat Al-Rasheed, Building No. 4, Baker Al-Baw Street, Amman, Jordan
| | - Cloé Pourchier
- Sahara Conservation Fund, Yantala Haut, Niamey, YN-121 Niger
| | - Louis Junior Saad
- Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon/Birdlife Lebanon, Awad Bldg, 6th floor, Abdul Aziz Street, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hana ElSafoury
- Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE), 1 Bin Kutiba St, Nasr City, Cairo, 11487 Egypt
| | - Mirjan Topi
- Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment of Albania (PPNEA), Rr. Janos Hunyadi, P.32/A.11, 1019 Tirana, Albania
| | - Aleksandër Trajҫe
- Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment of Albania (PPNEA), Rr. Janos Hunyadi, P.32/A.11, 1019 Tirana, Albania
| | - Denada Ziu
- Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment of Albania (PPNEA), Rr. Janos Hunyadi, P.32/A.11, 1019 Tirana, Albania
| | - Stoyan C. Nikolov
- Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB)/BirdLife Bulgaria, PO box 50, Yavorov complex, bl. 71, en. 4, Sofia, 1111 Bulgaria
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Butler-Valverde MJ, DeVault TL, Beasley JC. Trophic interactions at avian carcasses: Do scavengers feed on vulture carrion? FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hairong D, Xiaoliang Z, Minghai Z, Xiangdong R, Lee TM. Spatial Distribution and Conservation Strategies of Large Carnivores in Human-Dominated Landscape: A Case Study of Asiatic Black Bear in Jilin, China. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.882282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Large carnivores maintain the balance of ecosystems. Understanding distribution and population changes are necessary prerequisites for scientific conservation strategy. The east of Jilin Province is the habitat of endangered Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). The Chinese government has focused the monitoring on protecting the Amur tiger. However, little is known about Asiatic black bear (ABB, Ursus thibetanus) distribution, population dynamics in the wild, and protection awareness of local residents in Jilin Province, China. We conducted a integrative survey in mountain areas of eastern Jilin to determine ABB distribution. We explored the drivers of the distribution of ABB in Jilin using logstic regression, we further predicted the habitat suitability and potential suitable habitat of the ABB. Totally, we surveyed 112 grids (15 km × 15 km) from November 2015 to January 2019. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the main factors driving ABB distribution in Jilin are forest coverage, distance from protected areas, distance from main roads (railways and highways), and distance from water bodies. The results of questionnaire survey showed that the local residents’ understanding of ABB distribution is congruent with our field research. They believed that the number of ABBs has gradually increased in the past ten years. Nevertheless, the local residents have a negative attitude toward the ABBs, which may adversely affect efforts to protect them, possibly leading to more conflicts between humans and bears. Therefore, there is a need to consider ways to change the attitude of the locals through the strengthening of the protection propaganda and advocating management as being critical for the protection of ABBs. Our research provides a scientific basis for future conservation planning. We recommend taking local people’s attitude into consideration during conservation management strategy making to reduce human-bear conflicts and promote the coexistence of humans and bears.
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21
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Bhattacharjee K, Shuvadip Adhikari. A checklist of avifauna from different habitats of semi-arid landscape in western parts (Mandsaur and Ratlam districts) of Madhya Pradesh, India. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2022. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.6705.14.5.20988-21001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We prepared a checklist of avian species recorded from two western districts (Mandsaur and Ratlam) of Madhya Pradesh, situated in a semi-arid region with comments on their habitat preference, feeding habits, migratory, and conservation status; 133 bird species belonging to 47 families were recorded during the present study. About 30% of the species were migratory in status. In terms of habitat fidelity, 74 avian species were found only in a single habitat. Habitat-wise avian richness varied widely. Among five habitats identified during the present study, wetland supported the highest number (69) of avian species of which 58 species were exclusively recorded from this habitat. Eight foraging guilds were identified among which omnivores were dominant. Six species of globally threatened and seven species of near-threatened species were recorded during the present study. The presence of significant numbers of winter migrants and globally threatened species indicated the importance, both ecologically and biologically, of the semi-arid landscape for breeding and migratory birds. Therefore, this work will provide baseline information to conservationists for the development of conservation and management policies for the two districts.
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22
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Aguilera-Alcalá N, Arrondo E, Pascual-Rico R, Morales-Reyes Z, Gil-Sánchez JM, Donázar JA, Moleón M, Sánchez-Zapata JA. The value of transhumance for biodiversity conservation: Vulture foraging in relation to livestock movements. AMBIO 2022; 51:1330-1342. [PMID: 34874529 PMCID: PMC8931130 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01668-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, intensive techniques of livestock raising have flourished, which has largely replaced traditional farming practices such as transhumance. These changes may have affected scavengers' behaviour and ecology, as extensive livestock is a key source of carrion. This study evaluates the spatial responses of avian scavengers to the seasonal movements of transhumant herds in south-eastern Spain. We surveyed the abundance of avian scavengers and ungulates, and analysed the factors affecting the space use by 30 GPS-tracked griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). Griffons' foraging activity increased in the pasturelands occupied by transhumant herds, which implied greater vulture abundance at the landscape level during the livestock season. In contrast, facultative scavengers were more abundant without transhumant livestock herds, and the abundance of wild ungulates did not change in relation to livestock presence. We conclude that fostering transhumance and other traditional farming systems, to the detriment of farming intensification, could favour vulture conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natividad Aguilera-Alcalá
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Eneko Arrondo
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
- Department of Conservation Biology, EBD-CSIC, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Roberto Pascual-Rico
- Research Institute of Hunting Resources (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Zebensui Morales-Reyes
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - José M. Gil-Sánchez
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - José A. Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, EBD-CSIC, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Marcos Moleón
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - José A. Sánchez-Zapata
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
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Jalihal S, Rana S, Sharma S. Systematic mapping on the importance of vultures in the Indian public health discourse. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (SINGAPORE) 2022; 5:135-143. [PMID: 37521585 PMCID: PMC9004616 DOI: 10.1007/s42398-022-00224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Vultures are of immense ecological significance to forest and urban ecosystems. These birds play a major role in curbing environmental contamination through scavenging on carcasses. Prevention of spread of diseases is pivotal for public health and is an inexorable economic burden for any country. We present the crucial role vultures can play in disease mitigation and public health by regulating or decreasing the spread of zoonotic diseases. We elaborate examples from three zoonotic diseases; rabies, brucellosis and tuberculosis, which spread among dogs and cattle as well as human population. We establish the viable links in the transmission of these diseases from the infected dead and alive animals to humans and their possible exacerbation in the absence of vultures. These indirect links help formulate the case for increased interventions for disease spread and control along with conservation of these scavengers. Their role as natural and effective cleaners of the environment in the Indian health discourse is of importance because they can reduce the expenses of the government in waste management and maintenance of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Jalihal
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune, 412115 India
| | - Shweta Rana
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune, 412115 India
| | - Shailja Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, 342005 India
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24
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Bhattacharjee A, Sadadev BM, Karmacharya DK, Baral R, Pérez‐García JM, Giménez Casalduero A, Sánchez‐Zapata JA, Anadón JD. Local ecological knowledge and education drive farmers' contrasting perceptions of scavengers and their function in Nepal. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10315] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biology, Queens College City University of New York Queens NY USA
- Biology Doctoral Program, Graduate Center City University of New York New York NY USA
| | | | | | - Rishi Baral
- National Trust for Nature Conservation Annapurna Conservation Area Project Pokhara Nepal
| | | | | | | | - José D. Anadón
- Department of Biology, Queens College City University of New York Queens NY USA
- Biology Doctoral Program, Graduate Center City University of New York New York NY USA
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25
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Buechley ER, Murgatroyd M, Ruffo AD, Bishop RC, Christensen T, Marra PP, Sillett TS, Şekercioğlu ÇH. Declines in scavenging by endangered vultures in the Horn of Africa. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Evan R. Buechley
- HawkWatch International 2240 South 900 East Salt Lake City UT 84106 USA
| | - Megan Murgatroyd
- HawkWatch International 2240 South 900 East Salt Lake City UT 84106 USA
| | - Alazar Daka Ruffo
- Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Zoological Sciences Ethiopia
| | - Rebecca C. Bishop
- School of Biological Sciences University of Utah 257 S 1400 E Salt Lake City UT 84112 USA
| | - Tara Christensen
- School of Biological Sciences University of Utah 257 S 1400 E Salt Lake City UT 84112 USA
| | - Peter P. Marra
- Department of Biology and McCourt School of Public Policy Georgetown University 37th and O Streets NW Washington DC 20057 USA
| | - T. Scott Sillett
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute National Zoological Park, MRC 5503 Washington DC 20013‐7012
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Using Different Migratory Game Bird Hunter Types to Explore Drivers of Support for Hunter Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation Policies in North Carolina, USA. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14073820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Policies designed to retain, recruit, and reactivate hunters have been developed to stimulate a range of motivations, although knowledge of which hunter types are more driven by various motivations remains deficient. To help fill this gap, we use survey responses from two types of migratory bird hunters in North Carolina as a case study to better understand hunter attitudes towards and motivational drivers of support for/opposition against the Sunday hunting of migratory birds. The results indicate that support for the legalization of Sunday migratory waterfowl hunting was driven by the importance of including as many weekends as possible each season, beliefs about increasing youth participation, and the potential for economic benefits, whereas opposition was driven by the importance of providing time for waterfowl to rest from hunting pressure. Opposition to the legalization of Sunday webless migratory bird hunting was driven by the belief that legalization may harm webless migratory bird populations. These findings provide agencies with an understanding of the differences in migratory waterfowl and webless migratory bird hunters’ motivations and encourage the inclusion of both social and ecological motivations when designing recruitment, retention, and reactivation policies.
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Functional representativeness and distinctiveness of reintroduced birds and mammals in Europe. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4081. [PMID: 35260728 PMCID: PMC8904635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07991-x] [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: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reintroduction, the human-mediated movement of organisms to re-establish locally extinct populations, has become a popular conservation tool. However, because reintroductions often focus on local or national conservation issues, their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity at large scale remains unclear. While taxonomic biases have already been identified in reintroduction programs at regional scales, studies have stressed the need to account for other facets of biodiversity when assessing the relevance of the allocation of conservation efforts. In particular, it may be very fruitful to discriminate if and how such taxonomic biases may influence the functional complementarity of reintroduction targets, and to which extent reintroduction practitioners may have focused on species performing more singular functions than others. Here, we investigate the diversity of functional traits supported by reintroduced species of terrestrial birds and mammals in Europe. For each taxonomic group, we explored the functional representativeness of reintroduction targets at the European scale, i.e., whether species involved in reintroduction programs collectively represent the range of functional trait variation observed in the regional assemblage. Because additional conservation value could have been given by practitioners to species performing singular functions, we also measured the functional distinctiveness of reintroduced species. We found that reintroductions of birds did not focus on functionally distinct species, and that the subset of reintroduced birds is representative of the functional diversity at a continental scale. However, reintroductions of mammals involved more functionally distinct species than expected, even though reintroduced mammals are not collectively representative of the functional diversity of the continental assemblage.
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28
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Davidović S, Marinković S, Kukobat M, Mihajlović M, Tanasić V, Hribšek I, Tanasković M, Stamenković-Radak M. Genetic Diversity Analysis of Mitochondrial Cytb Gene, Phylogeny and Phylogeography of Protected Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) from Serbia. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020164. [PMID: 35207453 PMCID: PMC8880743 DOI: 10.3390/life12020164] [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: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Once a widespread and common species across the region of southeast Europe, the Griffon vulture is now confined to small and isolated populations across the Balkan Peninsula. The population from Serbia with 290 couples represents its biggest and most viable population that can serve as an important reservoir of genetic diversity from which the birds can be used for the region’s reintroduction or recolonization programs. To estimate the level of genetic diversity, the mitochondrial Cytb gene from 58 unrelated birds sampled during the marking in the nests was sequenced and compared to the homologous Griffon vulture sequences available in publicly accessible online databases. Phylogeographic analysis based on Cytb sequences showed that the most frequent haplotype is found in all Griffon vulture populations and that each population possesses private haplotypes. Our data suggest that the Griffon vulture population from Serbia should be used as a source population for restocking and reintroduction programs in the region. The observed genetic differentiation between the populations from the Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas suggest that the introduction of foreign birds from remote populations should be avoided and that birds from indigenous or neighboring populations, if available, should be used instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slobodan Davidović
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.T.); (M.S.-R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Saša Marinković
- Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Mila Kukobat
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Milica Mihajlović
- Center for Forensic and Applied Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Vanja Tanasić
- Center for Forensic and Applied Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.M.); (V.T.)
| | - Irena Hribšek
- Birds of Prey Protection Foundation, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Marija Tanasković
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.T.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - Marina Stamenković-Radak
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.T.); (M.S.-R.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
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Pascual-Rico R, Morales-Reyes Z, Aguilera-Alcalá N, Olszańska A, Sebastián-González E, Naidoo R, Moleón M, Lozano J, Botella F, von Wehrden H, Martín-López B, Sánchez-Zapata JA. Usually hated, sometimes loved: A review of wild ungulates' contributions to people. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149652. [PMID: 34438159 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nature's contributions to people (NCP) may be both beneficial and detrimental to humans' quality of life. Since our origins, humans have been closely related to wild ungulates, which have traditionally played an outstanding role as a source of food or raw materials. Currently, wild ungulates are declining in some regions, but recovering in others throughout passive rewilding processes. This is reshaping human-ungulate interactions. Thus, adequately understanding the benefits and detriments associated with wild ungulate populations is necessary to promote human-ungulate co-existence. Here, we reviewed 575 articles (2000-2019) on human-wild ungulate interactions to identify key knowledge gaps on NCP associated with wild ungulates. Wild ungulate research was mainly distributed into seven research clusters focussing on: (1) silvicultural damage in Eurasia; (2) herbivory and natural vegetation; (3) conflicts in urban areas of North America; (4) agricultural damage in Mediterranean agro-ecosystems; (5) social research in Africa and Asia; (6) agricultural damage in North America; (7) research in natural American Northwest areas. Research mostly focused on detrimental NCP. However, the number of publications mentioning beneficial contributions increased after the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services conceptual framework was implemented. Human-ungulate interactions' research was biased towards the Global North and Cervidae, Suidae and Bovidae families. Regarding detrimental NCP, most publications referred to production damage (e.g. crops), followed by biodiversity damage, and material damage (e.g. traffic collisions). Regarding beneficial NCP, publications mainly highlighted non-material contributions (e.g. recreational hunting), followed by material NCP and regulating contributions (e.g. habitat creation). The main actions taken to manage wild ungulate populations were lethal control and using deterrents and barriers (e.g. fencing), which effectiveness was rarely assessed. Increasing research and awareness about beneficial NCP and effective management tools may help to improve the conservation of wild ungulates and the ecosystems they inhabit to facilitate people-ungulate co-existence in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Pascual-Rico
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo, 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Zebensui Morales-Reyes
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain; Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain.
| | - Natividad Aguilera-Alcalá
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain; Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Agnieszka Olszańska
- Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Adama Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
| | - Esther Sebastián-González
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain; Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, Ctra San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - Robin Naidoo
- WWF-US, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC VfT 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marcos Moleón
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Av. de Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Jorge Lozano
- Departamento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Botella
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain; Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Henrik von Wehrden
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Berta Martín-López
- Faculty of Sustainability, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - José A Sánchez-Zapata
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain; Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
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Pirastru M, Mereu P, Manca L, Bebbere D, Naitana S, Leoni GG. Anthropogenic Drivers Leading to Population Decline and Genetic Preservation of the Eurasian Griffon Vulture ( Gyps fulvus). Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101038. [PMID: 34685409 PMCID: PMC8540517 DOI: 10.3390/life11101038] [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: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human activities are having increasingly devastating effects on the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Studying the adaptive responses of animal species to changes in their habitat can be useful in mitigating this impact. Vultures represent one of the most virtuous examples of adaptation to human-induced environmental changes. Once dependent on wild ungulate populations, these birds have adapted to the epochal change resulting from the birth of agriculture and livestock domestication, maintaining their essential role as ecological scavengers. In this review, we retrace the main splitting events characterising the vultures’ evolution, with particular emphasis on the Eurasian griffon Gyps fulvus. We summarise the main ecological and behavioural traits of this species, highlighting its vulnerability to elements introduced into the habitat by humans. We collected the genetic information available to date, underlining their importance for improving the management of this species, as an essential tool to support restocking practices and to protect the genetic integrity of G. fulvus. Finally, we examine the difficulties in implementing a coordination system that allows genetic information to be effectively transferred into management programs. Until a linking network is established between scientific research and management practices, the risk of losing important wildlife resources remains high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pirastru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Paolo Mereu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.P.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43b, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Daniela Bebbere
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.B.); (S.N.); (G.G.L.)
| | - Salvatore Naitana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.B.); (S.N.); (G.G.L.)
| | - Giovanni G. Leoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.B.); (S.N.); (G.G.L.)
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Walker MA, Uribasterra M, Asher V, Getz WM, Ryan SJ, Ponciano JM, Blackburn JK. Anthrax Surveillance and the Limited Overlap Between Obligate Scavengers and Endemic Anthrax Zones in the United States. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:675-684. [PMID: 34077293 PMCID: PMC8563459 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, with potential for high fatality rate, especially in herbivores. Upon host death, spores can enter the soil surrounding the carcass and be ingested by other animals feeding in the same location. Accordingly, surveillance to quickly identify and decontaminate anthrax carcasses is crucial to outbreak prevention. In endemic anthrax areas such as Texas and Africa, vultures are used as a surveillance tool for identifying presence and location of dead animals. However, many anthrax outbreaks in the United States have occurred in areas outside the ranges of both black and turkey vultures. Here, we used a longitudinal camera trap survey at carcass sites in southwestern Montana to investigate the utility of facultative avian scavengers on disease and carcass surveillance in a reemerging anthrax risk zone. From August 2016 to September 2018, camera traps at 11 carcass sites were triggered 1996 times by avian scavengers. While the majority were facultative avian scavengers such as corvids and eagles, our results suggest that facultative scavengers cannot replace vultures as a surveillance tool in this ecosystem due to their absence during the anthrax risk period (June to August), reduced search efficiency, or low flight patterns. We found that the conditions in Montana likely parallel systems elsewhere in the continental United States. Using ecological niche models of B. anthracis distribution overlaid with relative abundance maps of turkey vultures, we found that much of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa have areas of anthrax risk, but low or absent turkey vulture populations. Without vultures in these areas, surveillance capacity is reduced, and it becomes more difficult to identify anthrax cases, meaning fewer carcasses are decontaminated, and consequently, outbreaks could become more frequent or severe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A. Walker
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Maria Uribasterra
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Valpa Asher
- Turner Enterprises, Inc., Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Wayne M. Getz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sadie J. Ryan
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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32
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Sebastián-González E, Morales-Reyes Z, Botella F, Naves-Alegre L, Pérez-García JM, Mateo-Tomás P, Olea PP, Moleón M, Barbosa JM, Hiraldo F, Arrondo E, Donázar JA, Cortés-Avizanda A, Selva N, Lambertucci SA, Bhattacharjee A, Brewer AL, Abernethy EF, Turner KL, Beasley JC, DeVault TL, Gerke HC, Rhodes OE, Ordiz A, Wikenros C, Zimmermann B, Wabakken P, Wilmers CC, Smith JA, Kendall CJ, Ogada D, Frehner E, Allen ML, Wittmer HU, Butler JRA, du Toit JT, Margalida A, Oliva-Vidal P, Wilson D, Jerina K, Krofel M, Kostecke R, Inger R, Per E, Ayhan Y, Sancı M, Yılmazer Ü, Inagaki A, Koike S, Samson A, Perrig PL, Spencer EE, Newsome TM, Heurich M, Anadón JD, Buechley ER, Gutiérrez-Cánovas C, Elbroch LM, Sánchez-Zapata JA. Functional traits driving species role in the structure of terrestrial vertebrate scavenger networks. Ecology 2021; 102:e03519. [PMID: 34449876 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Species assemblages often have a non-random nested organization, which in vertebrate scavenger (carrion-consuming) assemblages is thought to be driven by facilitation in competitive environments. However, not all scavenger species play the same role in maintaining assemblage structure, as some species are obligate scavengers (i.e., vultures) and others are facultative, scavenging opportunistically. We used a database with 177 vertebrate scavenger species from 53 assemblages in 22 countries across five continents to identify which functional traits of scavenger species are key to maintaining the scavenging network structure. We used network analyses to relate ten traits hypothesized to affect assemblage structure with the "role" of each species in the scavenging assemblage in which it appeared. We characterized the role of a species in terms of both the proportion of monitored carcasses on which that species scavenged, or scavenging breadth (i.e., the species "normalized degree"), and the role of that species in the nested structure of the assemblage (i.e., the species "paired nested degree"), therefore identifying possible facilitative interactions among species. We found that species with high olfactory acuity, social foragers, and obligate scavengers had the widest scavenging breadth. We also found that social foragers had a large paired nested degree in scavenger assemblages, probably because their presence is easier to detect by other species to signal carcass occurrence. Our study highlights differences in the functional roles of scavenger species and can be used to identify key species for targeted conservation to maintain the ecological function of scavenger assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Sebastián-González
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain.,Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, Cra. San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, E-03690, Spain
| | - Zebensui Morales-Reyes
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
| | - Francisco Botella
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
| | - Lara Naves-Alegre
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
| | - Juan M Pérez-García
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain.,Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, E-25002, Spain
| | - Patricia Mateo-Tomás
- Biodiversity Research Institute, University of Oviedo -Spanish National Research Council- Principality of Asturias, Mieres, E-33600, Spain.,Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, 3000-456, Portugal
| | - Pedro P Olea
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, E-28049, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, E-28049, Spain
| | - Marcos Moleón
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Granada, E-18071, Spain
| | - Jomar Magalhães Barbosa
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, E-41092, Spain
| | - Eneko Arrondo
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain.,Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, E-41092, Spain
| | - José A Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, E-41092, Spain
| | - Ainara Cortés-Avizanda
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, E-41092, Spain.,Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Avda. Reina Mercedes s/n, Seville, E-41012, Spain
| | - Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, PL-31-120, Poland
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Aishwarya Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York, 10010, USA.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10010, USA
| | - Alexis L Brewer
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York, 10010, USA.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10010, USA
| | - Erin F Abernethy
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA
| | - Kelsey L Turner
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - Travis L DeVault
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - Hannah C Gerke
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, USA
| | - Andrés Ordiz
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, NO-1432, Norway
| | - Camilla Wikenros
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Riddarhyttan, 73993, Sweden
| | - Barbara Zimmermann
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, 2318, Norway
| | - Petter Wabakken
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, 2318, Norway
| | - Christopher C Wilmers
- Center for Integrated Spatial Research, Environmental Studies Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, 95064, USA
| | - Justine A Smith
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Corinne J Kendall
- North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, North Carolina, 27205, USA
| | - Darcy Ogada
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, Idaho, 83709, USA
| | - Ethan Frehner
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, USA
| | - Maximilian L Allen
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, 61801, USA
| | - Heiko U Wittmer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | | | - Johan T du Toit
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 84322-5230, USA
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, E-25002, Spain.,Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, E-13071, Spain
| | - Pilar Oliva-Vidal
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, E-25002, Spain
| | - David Wilson
- The Biodiversity Consultancy, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ, United Kingdom
| | - Klemen Jerina
- Department of Forestry, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Miha Krofel
- Department of Forestry, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SI-1000, Slovenia
| | | | - Richard Inger
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Esra Per
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Gazi University, Teknikokullar, Ankara, 06560, Turkey.,DEDE Nature Team, İvedik Organize Sanayi Bölgesi 1122.cad. 1473.Sok. No:4-6-8 Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06374, Turkey
| | - Yunus Ayhan
- DEDE Nature Team, İvedik Organize Sanayi Bölgesi 1122.cad. 1473.Sok. No:4-6-8 Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06374, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sancı
- DEDE Nature Team, İvedik Organize Sanayi Bölgesi 1122.cad. 1473.Sok. No:4-6-8 Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06374, Turkey
| | - Ünsal Yılmazer
- DEDE Nature Team, İvedik Organize Sanayi Bölgesi 1122.cad. 1473.Sok. No:4-6-8 Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06374, Turkey
| | - Akino Inagaki
- Department of Environment Conservation, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-0054, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Koike
- Department of Environment Conservation, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-0054, Japan
| | - Arockianathan Samson
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, Government Arts College, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, 643002, India
| | - Paula L Perrig
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina.,Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - Emma E Spencer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas M Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Marco Heurich
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Straße 2, Grafenau, 94481, Germany.,Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, Freiburg, 79106, Germany
| | - José D Anadón
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York, 10010, USA.,Biology Program, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, 10010, USA.,Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y el Medio Natural, Universidad de Zaragoza, Huesca, E-50009, Spain
| | - Evan R Buechley
- Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Washington, D.C., 20013, USA.,HawkWatch International, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84106, USA
| | | | - L Mark Elbroch
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street, New York, New York, 10018, USA
| | - José A Sánchez-Zapata
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Elche, E-03202, Spain
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33
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Tobajas J, Descalzo E, Ferreras P, Mateo R, Margalida A. Effects on carrion consumption in a mammalian scavenger community when dominant species are excluded. Mamm Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-021-00163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCarrion is a valuable resource exploited not only by obligate scavengers but also by a wide variety of facultative scavengers. These species provide several important ecosystem services which can suffer if the scavenger community composition is altered, thus reducing the ecosystem provided. We studied the response of the Mediterranean facultative scavenger community to the exclusion of larger scavenger species (red fox Vulpes vulpes, European badger Meles meles, and wild boar Sus scrofa) using an exclusion fence permeable to small scavenger species (mainly Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon, common genet Genetta genetta, and stone marten Martes foina). The exclusion of dominant facultative scavengers led to a significant reduction in the amount of carrion consumed and an increase in carrion available for smaller species and decomposers, over a longer period of time. Although carrion consumption by the non-excluded species increased inside the exclusion area relative to the control area, it was insufficient to compensate for the carrion not eaten by the dominant scavengers. Of the small scavenger species, only the Egyptian mongoose significantly increased its carrion consumption in the exclusion area, and was the main beneficiary of the exclusion of dominant facultative scavengers. Therefore, altering the facultative scavenger community in Mediterranean woodlands can reduce the efficiency of small carcass removal and benefit other opportunistic species, such as the Egyptian mongoose, by increasing the carrion available to them. This interaction could have substantial implications for disease transmission, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem function.
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Marneweck CJ, Katzner TE, Jachowski DS. Predicted climate-induced reductions in scavenging in eastern North America. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:3383-3394. [PMID: 33894030 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Scavenging is an important function within ecosystems where scavengers remove organic matter, reduce disease, stabilize food webs, and generally make ecosystems more resilient to environmental changes. Global change (i.e., changing climate and increasing human impact) is currently influencing scavenger communities. Thus, understanding what promotes species richness in scavenger communities can help prioritize management actions. Using a long-term dataset from camera traps deployed with animal carcasses as bait along a 1881 km latitudinal gradient in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern USA, we investigated the relative impact of climate and humans on the species richness and diversity of vertebrate scavengers. Our most supported models for both mammalian and avian scavengers included climatic, but not human, variables. The richness of mammalian and avian scavengers detected was highest during relatively warm (5-10°C) and dry (100-150 mm precipitation) winters, when food was likely limited and both reliance on and detection of carrion was high. The diversity of mammalian and avian scavengers detected was highest under drier conditions. We then used these results to project the future species richness of scavengers that would be detected within our sampling area and under the climate scenario of 2070 (emissions level RCP8.5). Our predictions suggest up to 80% and 67% reductions, respectively, in the richness of avian and mammalian scavengers that would be detected at baited sites. Climate-induced shifts in behavior (i.e., reduction in scavenging, even if present) at this scale could have cascading implications for ecosystem function, resilience, and human health. Further, our study highlights the importance of conducting studies of scavenger community dynamics within ecosystems across wide spatial gradients within temperate environments. More broadly, these findings build upon our understanding of the impacts of climate-induced adjustments in behavior that can likely have negative impacts on systems at a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney J Marneweck
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Todd E Katzner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | - David S Jachowski
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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Salom A, Suárez ME, Destefano CA, Cereghetti J, Vargas FH, Grande JM. Human-Wildlife Conflicts in the Southern Yungas: What Role do Raptors Play for Local Settlers? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051428. [PMID: 34067506 PMCID: PMC8156693 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife persecution due to human-wildlife conflict has become a serious concern for biodiversity conservation, especially for many endangered species. In this context, conservation approaches need to consider the socio-ecological dimensions of each particular situation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence, extent and social characteristics of Human-Raptor Conflicts (HRC) in the Southern Yungas region in northwestern Argentina. We conducted 115 semi-structured interviews in 21 sites and analyzed attitudes and associations between sociodemographic variables and the existence of HRC. Forty percent of interviewees showed negative attitudes towards raptors, mainly with those species considered livestock predators rather than poultry predators. A total of 11 species were regarded as conflictive because of predation on domestic animals, of which Andean condors showed the highest conflict. The only socio-demographic factor affecting conflicts was livestock and poultry rearing, independently of age, gender and occupation of interviewees. The fact that only 8.7% of interviewees reported taking direct actions towards conflictive species indicates a relatively peaceful coexistence of people with raptors. Nevertheless, negative attitudes towards Andean condor together with their extreme susceptibility to any increase in non-natural mortality indicate the need of an integral conservation approach to tackle future threats for this species' conservation in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Salom
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC-CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia 9410, Argentina
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA; (F.H.V.); (J.M.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - María Eugenia Suárez
- Grupo de Etnobiología, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, e Instituto de Micología y Botánica (INMIBO), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET-UBA, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Cecilia Andrea Destefano
- Área de Agroecología, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 4453, Buenos Aires C1417, Argentina;
| | | | - Félix Hernán Vargas
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA; (F.H.V.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Juan Manuel Grande
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA; (F.H.V.); (J.M.G.)
- Colaboratorio de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Conservación (ColBEC), INCITAP (CONICET-UNLPam), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (UNLPam), Avda, Uruguay 151, Santa Rosa 6300, Argentina
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36
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Lambertucci SA, Margalida A, Speziale KL, Amar A, Ballejo F, Bildstein KL, Blanco G, Botha AJ, Bowden CG, Cortés‐Avizanda A, Duriez O, Green RE, Hiraldo F, Ogada D, Plaza P, Sánchez‐Zapata JA, Santangeli A, Selva N, Spiegel O, Donázar JA. Presumed killers? Vultures, stakeholders, misperceptions, and fake news. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC) INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue—CONICET) Bariloche Argentina
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research IREC (CSIC‐UCLM) Ciudad Real Spain
| | - Karina L. Speziale
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC) INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue—CONICET) Bariloche Argentina
| | - Arjun Amar
- Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Fernando Ballejo
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC) INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue—CONICET) Bariloche Argentina
| | | | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC) Madrid Spain
| | | | | | | | - Olivier Duriez
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS—Université de Montpellier—Université Paul‐Valéry Montpellier—EPHE Montpellier France
| | - Rhys E. Green
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC) Sevilla Spain
| | - Darcy Ogada
- The Peregrine Fund Boise Idaho USA
- National Museums of Kenya Nairobi Kenya
| | - Pablo Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC) INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue—CONICET) Bariloche Argentina
| | | | - Andrea Santangeli
- Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
- The Helsinki Lab of Ornithology Finnish Museum of Natural History, FI‐00014 University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of Sciences Krakow Poland
| | - Orr Spiegel
- School of Zoology Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - José A. Donázar
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC) Sevilla Spain
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Blanco G, Díaz de Tuesta JA. Seasonal and spatial occurrence of zoonotic Salmonella serotypes in griffon vultures at farmland environments: Implications in pathogen pollution and ecosystem services and disservices. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143681. [PMID: 33250252 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Livestock production is a large source of microbial, pharmaceutical, and antimicrobial pollution worldwide. Vultures are one group of birds with particularly high exposure to food-borne pathogens due to frequent consumption of infected livestock carcasses. The potential origin and spatial-temporal shedding patterns of livestock-adapted Salmonella serotypes of zoonotic importance were evaluated in adult and nestling Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). We specifically assessed the exposure source and subsequent elimination of Salmonella-infected carcasses (ecosystem services) or transmission back to livestock (ecosystem disservices) by vultures, thus contributing respectively to disease mitigation or amplification in natural and farmed environments. The results show a seasonal high occurrence and turnover of a high variety of serotypes, especially swine-adapted ones isolated at high frequency. This suggests that vultures can be reservoirs and long-distance carriers of faecal Salmonella shed in supplementary feeding stations and breeding colonies. Contrary to their conservation purposes, feeding stations can act as Salmonella hotspots and reservoirs. However, a role for vultures in the transmission back to food-producing animals seems impossible because they do not come into contact at indoor farms, while transmission to free-ranging ruminants was not supported by the presence of ruminant-adapted serotypes in the vultures. Therefore, vultures do not promote disservices associated with the re-infection of livestock with Salmonella, but can provide quantitatively important ecosystem services by removing carrion contaminated with these and other zoonotic pathogens potentially affecting their health. Sanitary vigilance of the farms authorised to provide food for avian scavengers should avoid the disposal of swine and poultry carcasses with Salmonella and the antibiotics used to treat it. Extensive free-ranging livestock and their carcasses exploited in the countryside should be a priority for the conservation of vultures and their ecological function as cleaners and disease mitigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan A Díaz de Tuesta
- Laboratorio Regional de Sanidad Animal, Ordenación del Territorio y Sostenibilidad, Comunidad de Madrid, Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain
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Predation and Scavenging in the City: A Review of Spatio-Temporal Trends in Research. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many researchers highlight the role of urban ecology in a rapidly urbanizing world. Despite the ecological and conservation implications relating to carnivores in cities, our general understanding of their potential role in urban food webs lacks synthesis. In this paper, we reviewed the scientific literature on urban carnivores with the aim of identifying major biases in this topic of research. In particular, we explored the number of articles dealing with predation and scavenging, and assessed the geographical distribution, biomes and habitats represented in the scientific literature, together with the richness of species reported and their traits. Our results confirmed that scavenging is largely overlooked compared to predation in urban carnivore research. Moreover, research was biased towards cities located in temperate biomes, while tropical regions were less well-represented, a pattern that was more evident in the case of articles on scavenging. The species reported in both predation and scavenging articles were mainly wild and domestic mammals with high meat-based diets and nocturnal habits, and the majority of the studies were conducted in the interior zone of cities compared to peri-urban areas. Understanding the trophic role of carnivores in urban environments and its ecological consequences will require full recognition of both their predation and scavenging facets, which is especially desirable given the urban sprawl that has been predicted in the coming decades.
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Not avian but mammalian scavengers efficiently consume carcasses under heavy snowfall conditions: a case from northern Japan. Mamm Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00097-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractInterest in trophic interactions and ecosystem functions derived from carcass consumption by scavengers has been increasing. Here, we conducted the first evaluation of scavenging processes in an ecosystem with heavy snow, located in northern Japan, which is characterized by the limitations of visual and odor cues to detect carcasses. In this study, we verified the behavioral traits and assemblage compositions of avian and mammalian scavengers, which consumed six different carcass types buried in snow. We measured the visits of scavengers using camera traps between 2010 and 2020. The total scavenger richness observed was relatively low (only 12 species) compared to warmer biomes. We observed seven avian scavenger species, but their visit frequencies were extremely low compared with those of nocturnal mammalian scavengers, such as raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and martens (Martes melampus), which were able to detect carcasses more rapidly and frequently. Our findings imply that large snow piles significantly prevent avian scavengers from detecting carcasses. In contrast, the snow piles could protect carcasses from the freezing air and ensure the occurrence of a basal level of microbial decomposition, possibly leading to carcass decomposition. This probably results in carcasses still providing odor cues for mammalian scavengers with heightened sense of smell. Moreover, considering the high carcass consumption rate (91.3% of full-body carcass; n = 23) and short carcass detection times (approximately 90 h) observed, it is possible that scavenging in heavy snowfall conditions has become systematically integrated into the foraging tactics of many mammalian scavengers.
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40
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The Role of Carrion in the Landscapes of Fear and Disgust: A Review and Prospects. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Animal behavior is greatly shaped by the ‘landscape of fear’, induced by predation risk, and the equivalent ‘landscape of disgust’, induced by parasitism or infection risk. However, the role that carrion may play in these landscapes of peril has been largely overlooked. Here, we aim to emphasize that animal carcasses likely represent ubiquitous hotspots for both predation and infection risk, thus being an outstanding paradigm of how predation and parasitism pressures can concur in space and time. By conducting a literature review, we highlight the manifold inter- and intra-specific interactions linked to carrion via predation and parasitism risks, which may affect not only scavengers, but also non-scavengers. However, we identified major knowledge gaps, as reviewed articles were highly biased towards fear, terrestrial environments, vertebrates, and behavioral responses. Based on the reviewed literature, we provide a conceptual framework on the main fear- and disgust-based interaction pathways associated with carrion resources. This framework may be used to formulate predictions about how the landscape of fear and disgust around carcasses might influence animals’ individual behavior and ecological processes, from population to ecosystem functioning. We encourage ecologists, evolutionary biologists, epidemiologists, forensic scientists, and conservation biologists to explore the promising research avenues associated with the scary and disgusting facets of carrion. Acknowledging the multiple trophic and non-trophic interactions among dead and live animals, including both herbivores and carnivores, will notably improve our understanding of the overlapping pressures that shape the landscape of fear and disgust.
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Slocum SK, Morris KL. Assessing Preference in a Paired-Stimulus Arrangement with Captive Vultures ( Aegypius Monachus). J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2020; 25:362-367. [PMID: 33305965 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2020.1857253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Vultures play an important role in our ecosystem by filtering out bacteria and viruses harmful to humans (e.g., rabies, botulism). However, many vultures remain in human care due to skill deficits and behavioral excesses, which can be treated using behavior-management practices that rely on effective (often edible) reinforcers. The current study replicated the forced-choice or paired-stimulus preference assessment with five birds of prey. Across all vultures, participants displayed a preference for animal (e.g., meat) over nonanimal stimuli (e.g., fruit), and mice meat was the most preferred edible for 4 of the 5 vultures. The application of this methodology to birds of prey might allow rehabilitators, conservationists, and other caretakers to make greater gains in training vultures to both acquire new skills and decrease problem behavior using highly preferred edible items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Slocum
- Department of Severe Behavior, Marcus Autism Center and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Kristen L Morris
- Department of Health Professions, Rollins College, Winter Park, United States
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García-Alfonso M, van Overveld T, Gangoso L, Serrano D, Donázar JA. Vultures and Livestock: The Where, When, and Why of Visits to Farms. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112127. [PMID: 33207713 PMCID: PMC7698296 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent changes in European legislation have legalized the abandonment of carcasses around livestock farms, but our understanding of how vultures exploit these semi-predictable food sources is still very limited. For filling this gap, we determine the individual and ecological drivers influencing vulture visits to farms. We assessed the effects of individual characteristics of both birds and farms on the frequency of vultures' visits to livestock facilities using data collected from 45 GPS-tagged Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus) and 318 farms (>94% of livestock) on Fuerteventura Island, Spain. Farms were more visited during the vultures' breeding season. Farms located closer to highly predictable feeding places (i.e., vulture restaurants and garbage dumps) or with more available feeding resources were visited by more vultures, whereas those located close to roads and vultures' breeding territories received fewer visits. Younger territorial birds visited a farm more frequently than older territorial ones, whereas older non-territorial individuals concentrated those visits on farms closer to their activity core areas compared with younger ones. Our findings indicate that visits to farms were determined by their spatial distribution in relation to the age-specific birds' activity centers, the availability of carcasses, seasonality, and individual characteristics of vultures. These interacting factors should be considered in vulture conservation, avoiding very general solutions that ignore population structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina García-Alfonso
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; (T.v.O.); (D.S.); (J.A.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Thijs van Overveld
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; (T.v.O.); (D.S.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - David Serrano
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; (T.v.O.); (D.S.); (J.A.D.)
| | - José A. Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; (T.v.O.); (D.S.); (J.A.D.)
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López de la Lama R, Puente S, Sueiro JC, Chan KMA. Reconnecting with the past and anticipating the future: A review of fisheries‐derived cultural ecosystem services in pre‐Hispanic Peru. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío López de la Lama
- Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability – IRES The University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Santiago Puente
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries – IOF The University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| | | | - Kai M. A. Chan
- Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability – IRES The University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
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Samson A, Ramakrishnan B. The Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis in Sigur Plateau, Western Ghats, India: Population, breeding ecology, and threats. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2020. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.3034.12.13.16752-16763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the population status, breeding ecology, and conservation threats of Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture in Sigur Plateau, Tamil Nadu, India from June 2011 to May 2012. The population of White-rumped vulture was estimated in the roosting and nesting sites twice in a month. Nesting colonies were systematically visited four times in a month during the breeding season to study nesting and breeding ecology. Carcasses and vulture counting was done by opportunistic count method. Two sets of questionnaires namely ‘precise and closed’ and ‘broad and open-ended’ were developed to asses the people’s perception on vulture conservation. The overall population of White-rumped Vultures was estimated about 70 to 115 individuals. In total, 68 nests were observed in two nesting colonies. Most of the nests (97%) were recorded on Terminalia arjuna and only 3% on Spondias mangifera. Among the 68 constructed nests, 34 were incubated and 30 chicks were fledged out from the nests with 88% breeding success. Feeding behavior was observed from 28 carcasses, Vultures were attended only 15 caracasses an average of 56.04±3.29 individuals of vultures were recorded. Interestingly, Elephant (61.8±5.1) and Indian Gaur (58.5±0.3) carcasses were attracted in greater numbers of vultures in susiquent days (3.5±0.2) than other carcasses. People’s attitude to vulture conservation was positive and useful in 90.82% of the cases (n=99). Cattle carcass disposal method favored to vultures in these regions. The Sigur Plateau to be declared as “Vulture Sanctuary” in order to legally protect and conserve the country’s southern-most wild and viable Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture population in the landscape.
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Margalida A, Schulze-Hagen K, Wetterauer B, Domhan C, Oliva-Vidal P, Wink M. What do minerals in the feces of Bearded Vultures reveal about their dietary habits? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 728:138836. [PMID: 32570318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The diet of Bearded Vultures Gypaetus barbatus consists mainly of bones, which are completely digested in the gastrointestinal tract, unwanted bone minerals being discarded via the feces. Chemical analyses of feces therefore provide a noninvasive technique for studying the diet of this species. We analysed the inorganic and organic remains in feces collected from Bearded Vulture nests in the Spanish Pyrenees and discussed these results with the diet of individuals determined by video camera observations. Of the food items delivered to the nest, taxonomically 65% were bone fragments of Ovis/Capra spp. (range 56-75%) and anatomically 76% (74-81%) bones from the extremities, indicating a selective preference. At least 15% of the diet was meat based, mainly originating from small prey (e.g. small carnivores, birds). The fecal analyses show that calcium and phosphorus are the most abundant mineral constituents, accounting for 41.3-44.4% of the mineral part of the feces. Among the minor elements identified, the variation in the concentrations of iron, silicon and zinc suggest differences in food selection between territories, although this could be related to varying amounts of accidentally ingested soil particles present in the food. We found variation in the content of uric acid in the feces, ranging between 0.5 and 4.6%. Higher values of uric acid might be due to a more meat or marrow bone-based diet. However, no relationship was found between the amount of calcium and uric acid levels, suggesting that the metabolites of meat digestion (uric acid) and those of bone digestion (calcium) are not negatively correlated as expected. In conclusion, our chemical analyses of feces collected from the nests of Bearded Vultures confirm that their diet consists mainly of bone remains and that these bones are digested completely. However, the direct observations of the prey items delivered to the nest produced more detailed information than the chemical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Margalida
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), E-13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | | | - Bernhard Wetterauer
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, INF 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelius Domhan
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, INF 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pilar Oliva-Vidal
- University of Lleida, Department of Animal Science, Avda. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, E25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Michael Wink
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, INF 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Pitarch A, Gil C, Blanco G. Vultures from different trophic guilds show distinct oral pathogenic yeast signatures and co-occurrence networks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 723:138166. [PMID: 32224410 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138166] [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: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Vultures have evolved adaptive mechanisms to prevent infections associated with their scavenging lifestyle. However, food-borne exposure to antimicrobial pharmaceuticals can promote opportunistic infections with adverse outcomes. Here, we used multivariate and network analyses to increase understanding of the behavior of the yeast communities causing oral mycosis outbreaks recently reported in wild nestling cinereous (Aegypius monachus), griffon (Gyps fulvus) and Egyptian (Neophron percnopterus) vultures (CV, GV and EV, respectively) exposed to antibiotics from livestock farming. Common and unique yeast signatures (of Candida, Debaromyces, Diutina, Meyerozyma, Naganishia, Pichia, Rhodotorula, Trichosporon and Yarrowia species) associated with oral mycoses were identified in the three vulture species. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that oral lesions from CV and GV shared similar yeast signatures (of major causative pathogens of opportunistic mycoses, such as Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis), while EV had a distinct yeast signature (of uncommon pathogenic species, such as Candida dubliniensis, Candida zeylanoides, Pichia fermentans and Rhodotorula spp.). Synergistic interactions between yeast species from distinct fungal phyla were found in lesions from CV and GV, but not in EV. These formed co-occurrence subnetworks with partially or fully connected topology. This study reveals that the composition, assembly and co-occurrence patterns of the yeast communities causing oral mycoses differ between vulture species with distinct feeding habits and scavenging lifestyles. Yeast species widely pathogenic to humans and animals, and yeast co-occurrence relationships, are distinctive hallmarks of oral mycoses in CV and GV. These vulture species are more exposed to antibiotics from intensively medicated livestock carcasses provided in supplementary feeding stations and show higher incidence of thrush-like oral lesions than EV. These findings may be useful for development of new initiatives or changes in the conservation of these avian scavengers affected by anthropogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Pitarch
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and Ramón y Cajal Institute of Health Research (IRYCIS), Spain; Ramón y Cajal University Hospital (HURC) Foundation for Biomedical Research, Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Concha Gil
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and Ramón y Cajal Institute of Health Research (IRYCIS), Spain; Ramón y Cajal University Hospital (HURC) Foundation for Biomedical Research, Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI), Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Ramírez F, Afán I, Bouten W, Carrasco JL, Forero MG, Navarro J. Humans shape the year-round distribution and habitat use of an opportunistic scavenger. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:4716-4725. [PMID: 32551055 PMCID: PMC7297764 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Research focused on evaluating how human food subsidies influence the foraging ecology of scavenger species is scarce but essential for elucidating their role in shaping behavioral patterns, population dynamics, and potential impacts on ecosystems. We evaluate the potential role of humans in shaping the year-round distribution and habitat use of individuals from a typical scavenger species, the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), breeding at southwestern Spain. To do this, we combined long-term, nearly continuous GPS-tracking data with spatially explicit information on habitat types and distribution of human facilities, as proxied by satellite imagery of artificial night lights. Overall, individuals were mainly associated with freshwater habitats (mean proportion, 95% CI: 40.6%, 36.9%-44.4%) followed by the marine-related systems (40.3, 37.7%-42.8%), human-related habitats (13.5%, 13.2%-13.8%), and terrestrial systems (5.5%, 4.6%-6.5%). However, these relative contributions to the overall habitat usage largely changed throughout the annual cycle as a likely response to ecological/physiological constraints imposed by varying energy budgets and environmental constraints resulting from fluctuations in the availability of food resources. Moreover, the tight overlap between the year-round spatial distribution of gulls and that of human facilities suggested that the different resources individuals relied on were likely of anthropogenic origin. We therefore provide evidence supporting the high dependence of this species on human-related food resources throughout the annual cycle. Owing to the ability of individuals to disperse and reach transboundary areas of Spain, Portugal, or Morocco, international joint efforts aimed at restricting the availability of human food resources would be required to manage this overabundant species and the associated consequences for biodiversity conservation (e.g., competitive exclusion of co-occurring species) and human interests (e.g., airports or disease transmission).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ramírez
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències AmbientalsFacultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Isabel Afán
- Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratory (LAST‐EBD)Estación Biológica de Doñana CSICSevilleSpain
| | - Willem Bouten
- Theoretical and Computational EcologyInstitute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem DynamicsUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Josep Lluís Carrasco
- Departament de Fonaments Clínics, BioestadísticaFacultat de MedicinaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Joan Navarro
- Institut de Ciències del Mar - CSICBarcelonaSpain
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Frank SC, Blaalid R, Mayer M, Zedrosser A, Steyaert SMJG. Fear the reaper: ungulate carcasses may generate an ephemeral landscape of fear for rodents. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:191644. [PMID: 32742677 PMCID: PMC7353961 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Animal carcasses provide an ephemeral pulse of nutrients for scavengers that use them. Carcass sites can increase species interactions and/or ephemeral, localized landscapes of fear for prey within the vicinity. Few studies have applied the landscape of fear to carcasses. Here, we use a mass die-off of reindeer caused by lightning in Norway to test whether rodents avoided larger scavengers (e.g. corvids and fox). We used the presence and abundance of faeces as a proxy for carcass use over the course of 2 years and found that rodents showed the strongest avoidance towards changes in raven abundance (β = -0.469, s.e. = 0.231, p-value = 0.0429), but not fox, presumably due to greater predation risk imposed by large droves of raven. Moreover, the emergence of rodent occurrence within the carcass area corresponded well with the disappearance of raven during the second year of the study. We suggest that carcasses have the potential to shape the landscape of fear for prey, but that the overall effects of carcasses on individual fitness and populations of species ultimately depend on the carcass regime, e.g. carcass size, count, and areal extent, frequency and the scavenger guild. We discuss conservation implications and how carcass provisioning and landscapes of fear could be potentially used to manage populations and ecosystems, but that there is a gap in understanding that must first be bridged.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. C. Frank
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800 Bø i Telemark, Norway
| | - R. Blaalid
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Thormøhlensgate 55, 5006 Bergen
| | - M. Mayer
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| | - A. Zedrosser
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800 Bø i Telemark, Norway
- Department of Integrative Biology, Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - S. M. J. G. Steyaert
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800 Bø i Telemark, Norway
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, 7711 Steinkjer, Norway
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da Rosa DSX, Hanazaki N, Cantor M, Simões-Lopes PC, Daura-Jorge FG. The ability of artisanal fishers to recognize the dolphins they cooperate with. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2020; 16:30. [PMID: 32471453 PMCID: PMC7257239 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-020-00383-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human-animal interactions with mutual benefits in the wild are rare. Such positive interactions seem to require an intricate knowledge from the human side on the animals' behavior and their habitat. In southern Brazil, dolphins and human net-casting fishers have specialized in a cooperative foraging, in which fishers report being able to identify and name dolphins. Here, we evaluate the consensus in their ability to recognize the individual dolphins they interact with. By investigating the reliability of this recognition process, we assess the pros and cons of relying on the fishers' traditional knowledge to further understand the behavior and ecology of dolphins at the individual level. We also assess the potential role of traditional knowledge for the maintenance of this unusual interaction. METHODS We interviewed 38 fishers using a semi-structured questionnaire. During each interview, we evaluate their recognition ability of dolphins by showing high-quality photos of dorsal fins of different dolphins, asking questions about the dolphins' behavior and traits, and about how fishers recognize each dolphin. We also evaluated information about the fishers. Different indices were used to measure the fishers' ability to recognize dolphins via photos, and their consensus on individual identification. These indices were modeled as functions of traits of both dolphins and fishers to investigate which ones influence the recognition process. RESULTS We found that fishers can primarily recognize dolphins by natural marks in the dorsal fin but there was little consensus in recognition. Fishers also tend to repeat the name of the most "popular" dolphins for different photos, indicating low reliability in individual recognition. We also found that fishers who learned from relatives (vertical learning) how to interact with dolphins tend to be more accurate and have higher consensus in dolphin recognition than those fishers who learned from friends (horizontal learning) or individually. CONCLUSION Artisanal fishers have a deep understanding of the dolphins and the system they are inserted in. However, the lack of consensus in identifying individual dolphins herein reported indicates that using their traditional knowledge to further understand dolphin behavior and ecology at the individual level requires caution. Our study also suggests that the transmission of this tradition from parents to sons can be crucial to preserve such a unique human-animal positive interaction in its original form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane S X da Rosa
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brasil
| | - Natalia Hanazaki
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brasil
| | - Maurício Cantor
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brasil
- Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Radolfzell, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Paulo C Simões-Lopes
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brasil
| | - Fábio G Daura-Jorge
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brasil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Margalida
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain. .,Division of Conservation Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Darcy Ogada
- The Peregrine Fund, Boise, ID 83709, USA.,Ornithology Section, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - André Botha
- Endangered Wildlife Trust, Modderfontein, South Africa
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