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Whinfield J, Warren K, Vogelnest L, Vaughan-Higgins R. Applying a modified streamlined disease risk analysis framework to a platypus conservation translocation, with special consideration for the conservation of ecto- and endoparasites. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100948. [PMID: 38966858 PMCID: PMC11222941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Platypuses are the world's most evolutionarily distinct mammal and have several host-specific ecto- and endoparasites. With platypus populations declining, consideration should also be given to preserving these high conservation priority parasites alongside their charismatic host. A disease risk analysis (DRA) was performed for a platypus conservation translocation, using a modified streamlined methodology that incorporated a parasite conservation framework. DRA frameworks rarely consider parasite conservation. Rather, parasites are typically considered myopically in terms of the potential harm they may cause their host. To address this, a previously proposed parasite conservation framework was incorporated into an existing streamlined DRA methodology. Incorporation of the two frameworks was achieved readily, although there is opportunity for further refinement of this process. This DRA is significant as it is the first performed for any monotreme species, and implements the emerging approach of balancing the health and disease risk of the host with parasite conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Whinfield
- The Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristin Warren
- The Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Larry Vogelnest
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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First monotreme from the Late Cretaceous of South America. Commun Biol 2023; 6:146. [PMID: 36797304 PMCID: PMC9935847 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04498-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Monotremata is a clade of egg-lying mammals, represented by the living platypus and echidnas, which is endemic to Australia, and adjacent islands. Occurrence of basal monotremes in the Early Cretaceous of Australia has led to the consensus that this clade originated on that continent, arriving later to South America. Here we report on the discovery of a Late Cretaceous monotreme from southern Argentina, demonstrating that monotremes were present in circumpolar regions by the end of the Mesozoic, and that their distinctive anatomical features were probably present in these ancient forms as well.
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Mijangos JL, Bino G, Hawke T, Kolomyjec SH, Kingsford RT, Sidhu H, Grant T, Day J, Dias KN, Gongora J, Sherwin WB. Fragmentation by major dams and implications for the future viability of platypus populations. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1127. [PMID: 36329312 PMCID: PMC9633709 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04038-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily unique platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) has experienced major declines and extinctions from a range of historical and recent interacting human-mediated threats. Although spending most of their time in the water, platypuses can move over land. Nevertheless, uncertainties remain whether dams are barriers to movement, thus limiting gene flow and dispersal, essential to evolution and ecology. Here we examined disruption of gene flow between platypus groups below and above five major dams, matched to four adjacent rivers without major dams. Genetic differentiation (FST) across dams was 4- to 20-fold higher than along similar stretches of adjacent undammed rivers; FST across dams was similar to differentiation between adjacent river systems. This indicates that major dams represent major barriers for platypus movements. Furthermore, FST between groups was correlated with the year in which the dam was built, increasing by 0.011 every generation, reflecting the effects of these barriers on platypus genetics. This study provides evidence of gene flow restriction, which jeopardises the long-term viability of platypus populations when groups are fragmented by major dams. Mitigation strategies, such as building of by-pass structures and translocation between upstream and downstream of the dam, should be considered in conservation and management planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Mijangos
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Science, UNSW, Canberra, Australia ,grid.1039.b0000 0004 0385 7472Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gilad Bino
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tahneal Hawke
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen H. Kolomyjec
- grid.258898.60000 0004 0462 9201College of Science and the Environment, Lake Superior State University, Sault Sainte Marie, USA
| | - Richard T. Kingsford
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Harvinder Sidhu
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Science, UNSW, Canberra, Australia
| | - Tom Grant
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jenna Day
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kimberly N. Dias
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jaime Gongora
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - William B. Sherwin
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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Luu DD, Owens AM, Mebrat MD, Van Horn WD. A molecular perspective on identifying TRPV1 thermosensitive regions and disentangling polymodal activation. Temperature (Austin) 2021; 10:67-101. [PMID: 37187836 PMCID: PMC10177694 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2021.1983354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TRPV1 is a polymodal receptor ion channel that is best known to function as a molecular thermometer. It is activated in diverse ways, including by heat, protons (low pH), and vanilloid compounds, such as capsaicin. In this review, we summarize molecular studies of TRPV1 thermosensing, focusing on the cross-talk between heat and other activation modes. Additional insights from TRPV1 isoforms and non-rodent/non-human TRPV1 ortholog studies are also discussed in this context. While the molecular mechanism of heat activation is still emerging, it is clear that TRPV1 thermosensing is modulated allosterically, i.e., at a distance, with contributions from many distinct regions of the channel. Similarly, current studies identify cross-talk between heat and other TRPV1 activation modes, such as protons and capsaicin, and that these modes can generally be selectively disentangled. In aggregate, this suggests that future TRPV1 molecular studies should define allosteric pathways and provide mechanistic insight, thereby enabling mode-selective manipulation of the polymodal receptor. These advances are anticipated to have significant implications in both basic and applied biomedical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin D. Luu
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- The Biodesign Institute Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics,Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona,USA
| | - Aerial M. Owens
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- The Biodesign Institute Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics,Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona,USA
| | - Mubark D. Mebrat
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- The Biodesign Institute Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics,Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona,USA
| | - Wade D. Van Horn
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- The Biodesign Institute Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics,Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona,USA
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Stewart J, Bino G, Hawke T, Kingsford RT. Seasonal and geographic variation in packed cell volume and selected serum chemistry of platypuses. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15932. [PMID: 34354187 PMCID: PMC8342447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95544-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) inhabit the permanent rivers and creeks of eastern Australia, from north Queensland to Tasmania, but are experiencing multiple and synergistic anthropogenic threats. Baseline information of health is vital for effective monitoring of populations but is currently sparse for mainland platypuses. Focusing on seven hematology and serum chemistry metrics as indicators of health and nutrition (packed cell volume (PCV), total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, and triglycerides), we investigated their variation across the species' range and across seasons. We analyzed 249 unique samples collected from platypuses in three river catchments in New South Wales and Victoria. Health metrics significantly varied across the populations' range, with platypuses from the most northerly catchment, having lower PCV, and concentrations of albumin and triglycerides and higher levels of globulin, potentially reflecting geographic variation or thermal stress. The Snowy River showed significant seasonal patterns which varied between the sexes and coincided with differential reproductive stressors. Male creatinine and triglyceride levels were significantly lower than females, suggesting that reproduction is energetically more taxing on males. Age specific differences were also found, with juvenile PCV and TP levels significantly lower than adults. Additionally, the commonly used body condition index (tail volume index) was only negatively correlated with urea, and triglyceride levels. A meta-analysis of available literature revealed a significant latitudinal relationship with PCV, TP, albumin, and triglycerides but this was confounded by variation in sampling times and restraint methods. We expand understanding of mainland platypuses, providing reference intervals for PCV and six blood chemistry, while highlighting the importance of considering seasonal variation, to guide future assessments of individual and population condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Stewart
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Gilad Bino
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Tahneal Hawke
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Richard T Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Bino G, Hawke T, Kingsford RT. Synergistic effects of a severe drought and fire on platypuses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 777:146137. [PMID: 33684764 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146137] [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: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The strong inter-dependence between terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, mediated by the character of vegetation and landscapes, can have significant impacts to freshwater species. A changing climate towards hotter and drier climates is already increasing fire frequencies and severity around the world. The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is an iconic freshwater Australia species, facing increasing threats since European colonisation and with a distribution which coincides with fire prone areas. While some evidence suggest platypuses are resilience to fires, the combination of severe wildfires and reduced water availability may significantly impact platypus populations. In this short communication we investigated the effects of fire on platypus populations in two rivers, following an extreme drought, comparing burnt and unburnt in adjacent river catchments, with similar habitat and geomorphology. Findings suggests significantly low platypus numbers in burned sites compared to those on the unburnt river, as well as to known densities across the species' range. Whether the fires directly impacted platypuses remains undetermined but the timing of the fires as well as an extreme drought likely impacted recruitment as we did not record any juveniles on both rivers. Platypuses are increasingly under threat from direct and indirect human developments across much of their range and increased frequency and severity of fires and droughts will further strain the viability of platypus populations, particularly in small streams more likely to dry out. Improving the resilience of platypus populations and their freshwater environments to both droughts and fires needs to become a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Bino
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, 2052, NSW, Australia.
| | - Tahneal Hawke
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard T Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, 2052, NSW, Australia
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Hawke T, Bino G, Kingsford RT, Iervasi D, Iervasi K, Taylor MD. Long-term movements and activity patterns of platypus on regulated rivers. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3590. [PMID: 33574364 PMCID: PMC7878892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal, endemic to freshwater habitats of eastern Australia. There are gaps in the understanding of platypus movement behaviour within river systems, including spatial and temporal organization of individuals. We tracked movements of 12 platypuses on the regulated Snowy and Mitta Mitta Rivers for up to 12-months, the longest continuous tracking of platypus using acoustic telemetry. Platypuses remained relatively localized, occupying 0.73-8.45 km of river over 12 months, consistent with previous tracking studies over shorter periods. Males moved further than females, and larger males had higher cumulative movements, suggesting a possible relationship to metabolic requirements. Platypuses moved greater distances on the Mitta Mitta River, possibly associated with impacts of altered flow regimes to their macroinvertebrate diet. Increased movements and diurnal activity during winter were primarily driven by males, possibly attributable to breeding behaviours, rather than increased costs of winter foraging. Evidence for relatively small movements has implications for declining populations, given areas of localised declines are unlikely to be supplemented by migrating platypuses, especially when dispersal is restricted by dam walls. Understanding platypus movement behaviour is pertinent for their conservation, as water resource development and habitat modification continue to reduce connectivity between populations across their distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahneal Hawke
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Gilad Bino
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Richard T Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Dion Iervasi
- Austral Research and Consulting, PO Box 267, Port Fairy, VIC, 3284, Australia
| | - Kylie Iervasi
- Austral Research and Consulting, PO Box 267, Port Fairy, VIC, 3284, Australia
| | - Matthew D Taylor
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach Rd, Taylors Beach, NSW, 2316, Australia
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Platypus predation has differential effects on aquatic invertebrates in contrasting stream and lake ecosystems. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13043. [PMID: 32747705 PMCID: PMC7398909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69957-1] [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: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Predators can have strong impacts on prey populations, with cascading effects on lower trophic levels. Although such effects are well known in aquatic ecosystems, few studies have explored the influence of predatory aquatic mammals, or whether the same predator has similar effects in contrasting systems. We investigated the effects of platypus (Monotremata: Ornithorhynchus anatinus) on its benthic invertebrate prey, and tested predictions that this voracious forager would more strongly affect invertebrates—and indirectly, epilithic algae—in a mesotrophic lake than in a dynamic stream ecosystem. Hypotheses were tested using novel manipulative experiments involving platypus-exclusion cages. Platypuses had strongly suppressive effects on invertebrate prey populations, especially detritivores and omnivores, but weaker or inconsistent effects on invertebrate taxon richness and composition. Contrary to expectation, predation effects were stronger in the stream than the lake; no effects were found on algae in either ecosystem due to weak effects of platypuses on herbivorous invertebrates. Platypuses did not cause redistribution of sediment via their foraging activities. Platypuses can clearly have both strong and subtle effects on aquatic food webs that may vary widely between ecosystems and locations, but further research is needed to replicate our experiments and understand the contextual drivers of this variation.
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Hawke T, Bino G, Kingsford RT. Platypus: Paucities and peril. A response to: Limitations on the use of historical and database sources to identify changes in distribution and abundance of the platypus. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Hawke T, Bino G, Kingsford RT. A silent demise: Historical insights into population changes of the iconic platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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