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Amor MD, Barmos S, Cameron H, Hartnett C, Hodgens N, Jamieson LT, May TW, McMullan-Fisher S, Robinson A, Rutter NJ. On the trail of a critically endangered fungus: A world-first application of wildlife detection dogs to fungal conservation. iScience 2024; 27:109729. [PMID: 38799073 PMCID: PMC11123565 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109729] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant and animal conservation have benefited from the assistance of wildlife detection dogs (WDDs) since 1890, but their application to fungal conservation has not been trialed. In a world-first, we tested the effectiveness of WDDs and human surveyors when searching for experimentally outplanted fungi in natural habitat. We focused on a critically endangered fungus from Australia, Hypocreopsis amplectens, and showed that a WDD outperformed a human surveyor: our WDD detected a greater proportion of targets, had a faster time to first discovery, and had fewer false negatives. Our study highlights the tremendous potential for WDDs to enhance fungal conservation by demonstrating their utility in one of the most challenging fungal systems: a rare species with low population densities and low volatility. Our findings suggest that the application of WDDs to fungal conservation should enhance continuing efforts to document and conserve an understudied kingdom that is threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Amor
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Aquatic Zoology, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, WA 6106, Australia
| | - Shari Barmos
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Hayley Cameron
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Tom W. May
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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2
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Strahan EK, Witherbee J, Bergl R, Lonsdorf EV, Mwacha D, Mjungu D, Arandjelovic M, Ikfuingei R, Terio K, Travis DA, Gillespie TR. Potentially Zoonotic Enteric Infections in Gorillas and Chimpanzees, Cameroon and Tanzania. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:577-580. [PMID: 38407249 PMCID: PMC10902540 DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.230318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite zoonotic potential, data are lacking on enteric infection diversity in wild apes. We employed a novel molecular diagnostic platform to detect enteric infections in wild chimpanzees and gorillas. Prevalent Cryptosporidium parvum, adenovirus, and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli across divergent sites and species demonstrates potential widespread circulation among apes in Africa.
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3
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McKeague B, Finlay C, Rooney N. Conservation detection dogs: A critical review of efficacy and methodology. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10866. [PMID: 38371867 PMCID: PMC10869951 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10866] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Conservation detection dogs (CDD) use their exceptional olfactory abilities to assist a wide range of conservation projects through the detection of target specimens or species. CDD are generally quicker, can cover wider areas and find more samples than humans and other analytical tools. However, their efficacy varies between studies; methodological and procedural standardisation in the field is lacking. Considering the cost of deploying a CDD team and the limited financial resources within conservation, it is vital that their performance is quantified and reliable. This review aims to summarise what is currently known about the use of scent detection dogs in conservation and elucidate which factors affect efficacy. We describe the efficacy of CDD across species and situational contexts like training and fieldwork. Reported sensitivities (i.e. the proportion of target samples found out of total available) ranged from 23.8% to 100% and precision rates (i.e. proportion of alerts that are true positives) from 27% to 100%. CDD are consistently shown to be better than other techniques, but performance varies substantially across the literature. There is no consistent difference in efficacy between training, testing and fieldwork, hence we need to understand the factors affecting this. We highlight the key variables that can alter CDD performance. External effects include target odour, training methods, sample management, search methodology, environment and the CDD handler. Internal effects include dog breed, personality, diet, age and health. Unfortunately, much of the research fails to provide adequate information on the dogs, handlers, training, experience and samples. This results in an inability to determine precisely why an individual study has high or low efficacy. It is clear that CDDs can be effective and applied to possibly limitless conservation scenarios, but moving forward researchers must provide more consistent and detailed methodologies so that comparisons can be conducted, results are more easily replicated and progress can be made in standardising CDD work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth McKeague
- School of Biological SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | | | - Nicola Rooney
- Bristol Veterinary SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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4
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Influences of Indication Response Requirement and Target Prevalence on Dogs’ Performance in a Scent-detection Task. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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5
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Maughan MN, Best EM, Gadberry JD, Sharpes CE, Evans KL, Chue CC, Nolan PL, Buckley PE. The Use and Potential of Biomedical Detection Dogs During a Disease Outbreak. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:848090. [PMID: 35445042 PMCID: PMC9014822 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.848090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomedical detection dogs offer incredible advantages during disease outbreaks that are presently unmatched by current technologies, however, dogs still face hurdles of implementation due to lack of inter-governmental cooperation and acceptance by the public health community. Here, we refine the definition of a biomedical detection dog, discuss the potential applications, capabilities, and limitations of biomedical detection dogs in disease outbreak scenarios, and the safety measures that must be considered before and during deployment. Finally, we provide recommendations on how to address and overcome the barriers to acceptance of biomedical detection dogs through a dedicated research and development investment in olfactory sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric M. Best
- Penn State Harrisburg, Harrisburg, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Kelley L. Evans
- Biochemistry Branch, U.S. Army DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | - Calvin C. Chue
- Biochemistry Branch, U.S. Army DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | | | - Patricia E. Buckley
- Biochemistry Branch, U.S. Army DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
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6
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Petroelje TR, Fowler NL, Kautz TM, Lutto AL, Davidson GA, Beyer DE, Belant JL. Conservation Detection Dogs Increase Efficacy for Prey Detection at Carnivore GPS Cluster Sites During Summer. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R. Petroelje
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | - Nicholas L. Fowler
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | - Todd M. Kautz
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | - Ashley L. Lutto
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | | | - Dean E. Beyer
- Wildlife Division Michigan Department of Natural Resources 1990 US Highway 41 S Marquette MI 49855 USA
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
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7
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Orkin JD, Kuderna LFK, Marques-Bonet T. The Diversity of Primates: From Biomedicine to Conservation Genomics. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2020; 9:103-124. [PMID: 33197208 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-061220-023138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Until now, the field of primate genomics has focused on two major themes: understanding human evolution and advancing biomedical research. We propose that it is now time for a third theme to receive attention: conservation genomics. As a result of anthropogenic effects, the majority of primate species have become threatened with extinction. A more robust primate conservation genomics will allow for genetically informed population management. Thanks to a steady decline in the cost of sequencing, it has now become feasible to sequence whole primate genomes at the population level. Furthermore, technological advances in noninvasive genomic methods have made it possible to acquire genome-scale data from noninvasive biomaterials. Here, we review recent advances in the analysis of primate diversity, with a focus on genomic data sets across the radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Orkin
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva, Pompeu Fabra University and Spanish National Research Council, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; , ,
| | - Lukas F K Kuderna
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva, Pompeu Fabra University and Spanish National Research Council, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; , ,
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva, Pompeu Fabra University and Spanish National Research Council, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; , , .,Sequencing Unit, National Genomic Analysis Center, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.,Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Bennett EM, Hauser CE, Moore JL. Evaluating conservation dogs in the search for rare species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:314-325. [PMID: 31696558 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Detecting rare species is important for both threatened species management and invasive species eradication programs. Conservation scent dogs provide an olfactory survey tool that has advantages over traditional visual and auditory survey techniques for some cryptic species. From the literature, we identified 5 measures important in evaluating the use of scent dogs: precision, sensitivity, effort, cost, and comparison with other techniques. We explored the scale at which performance is evaluated and examined when field testing under real working conditions is achievable. We also identified cost differences among studies. We examined 61 studies published in 1976-2018 that reported conservation dog performance, and considered the inconsistencies in the reporting of scent dog performance among these studies. The majority of studies reported some measure of performance; however, only 8 studies reported all 3 aspects necessary for performance evaluation: precision, sensitivity, and effort. Although effort was considered in 43 studies, inconsistent methods and incomplete reporting prevented meaningful evaluation of performance and comparison among studies. Differences in cost between similar studies were influenced by geographical location and how the dog and handler were sourced for the study. To develop consistent reporting for evaluation, we recommend adoption of sensitivity, precision, and effort as standard performance measures. We recommend reporting effort as the total area and total time spent searching and reporting sensitivity and precision as proportions of the sample size. Additionally, reporting of costs, survey objectives, dog training and experience, type of detection task, and human influences will provide better opportunities for comparison within and among studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Bennett
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Cindy E Hauser
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Joslin L Moore
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
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9
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Zemanova MA. Towards more compassionate wildlife research through the 3Rs principles: moving from invasive to non-invasive methods. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A. Zemanova
- M. A. Zemanova (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5002-3388) ✉ , Dept of Philosophy, Univ. of Basel, Steinengraben 5, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Sykes N, Beirne P, Horowitz A, Jones I, Kalof L, Karlsson E, King T, Litwak H, McDonald RA, Murphy LJ, Pemberton N, Promislow D, Rowan A, Stahl PW, Tehrani J, Tourigny E, Wynne CDL, Strauss E, Larson G. Humanity's Best Friend: A Dog-Centric Approach to Addressing Global Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E502. [PMID: 32192138 PMCID: PMC7142965 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
No other animal has a closer mutualistic relationship with humans than the dog (Canis familiaris). Domesticated from the Eurasian grey wolf (Canis lupus), dogs have evolved alongside humans over millennia in a relationship that has transformed dogs and the environments in which humans and dogs have co-inhabited. The story of the dog is the story of recent humanity, in all its biological and cultural complexity. By exploring human-dog-environment interactions throughout time and space, it is possible not only to understand vital elements of global history, but also to critically assess our present-day relationship with the natural world, and to begin to mitigate future global challenges. In this paper, co-authored by researchers from across the natural and social sciences, arts and humanities, we argue that a dog-centric approach provides a new model for future academic enquiry and engagement with both the public and the global environmental agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Sykes
- Department of Archaeology, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QE, UK;
| | - Piers Beirne
- Department of Criminology, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME 04104, USA;
| | - Alexandra Horowitz
- Department of Psychology, Barnard College, 3009 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA;
| | - Ione Jones
- Department of Math and Sciences, Exeter College, Exeter EX4 4HF, UK;
| | - Linda Kalof
- Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Elinor Karlsson
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA;
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tammie King
- WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds LE14 4RT, UK;
| | - Howard Litwak
- Annenberg PetSpace Foundation, 12005 Bluff Creek Dr, Playa Vista, CA 90094, USA;
| | - Robbie A. McDonald
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK;
| | - Luke John Murphy
- Department of Archaeology, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland;
| | - Neil Pemberton
- Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHSTM), University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Daniel Promislow
- Department of Biology and Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Andrew Rowan
- Wellbeing International, 9812 Falls Road #114-288, Potomac, MD 20854-3963, USA;
| | - Peter W. Stahl
- Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada;
| | - Jamshid Tehrani
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham DH1 1LE, UK;
| | - Eric Tourigny
- School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK;
| | - Clive D. L. Wynne
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Box 871104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA;
| | - Eric Strauss
- LMU Center for Urban Resilience, Loyola Marymount University, LMU Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659, USA;
| | - Greger Larson
- Palaeogenomics & Bio-Archaeology Research Network, School of Archaeology, 1 South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3TG, UK
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11
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Arnesen CH, Johnsen CB, Costanzi JM, Rosell F. Canines (Canis lupus familiaris) as biodetectors for conservation work: Can they discriminate the rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) from the willow grouse (L. lagopus) in a yes/no task? PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228143. [PMID: 31990940 PMCID: PMC6986717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpine and arctic bird populations have shown an unmistakable decrease over the last three decades, and the need for conservation is highly necessary. We investigated the use of five privately-owned dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) as a non-invasive tool to determine the presence of rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), through sniffing out faecal pellets, using a yes/no training regime. We carried out 36 double-blind experimental trials per dog and hypothesised that dogs could discriminate the rock ptarmigan from similar species, such as black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), western capercaillie (T. urogallus) and willow grouse (L. lagopus). Our dogs detected differences between the avian species with an average accuracy of 65.9%, sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 65.3%. We showed that privately-owned dogs have the potential to be used as biodetectors for conservational work within controlled laboratory conditions for declining species, but overall, only one dog was considered proficient enough. We concluded that dogs could be used as a non-invasive tool to detect the rock ptarmigan, and with further field training and testing, operate in the field for detection surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Holmstad Arnesen
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø i Telemark, Norway
| | - Christin Beate Johnsen
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø i Telemark, Norway
| | - Jean-Marc Costanzi
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø i Telemark, Norway
| | - Frank Rosell
- Faculty of Technology, Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø i Telemark, Norway
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12
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Erkenswick GA, Watsa M, Gozalo AS, Dudaie S, Bailey L, Muranda KS, Kuziez A, Parker PG. A multiyear survey of helminths from wild saddleback (Leontocebus weddelli) and emperor (Saguinus imperator) tamarins. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e23063. [PMID: 31692027 PMCID: PMC7029814 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of baseline data on parasites from wild primates is essential to understand how changes in habitat or climatic disturbances will impact parasite-host relationships. In nature, multiparasitic infections of primates usually fluctuate temporally and seasonally, implying that the acquisition of reliable data must occur over time. Individual parasite infection data from two wild populations of New World primates, the saddleback (Leontocebus weddelli) and emperor (Saguinus imperator) tamarin, were collected over 3 years to establish baseline levels of helminth prevalence and parasite species richness (PSR). Secondarily, we explored variation in parasite prevalence across age and sex classes, test nonrandom associations of parasite co-occurrence, and assess the relationship between group size and PSR. From 288 fecal samples across 105 individuals (71 saddleback and 34 emperor tamarins), 10 parasite taxa were identified by light microscopy following centrifugation and ethyl-acetate sedimentation. Of these taxa, none were host-specific, Dicrocoeliidae and Cestoda prevalences differed between host species, Prosthenorchis and Strongylida were the most prevalent. Host age was positively associated with Prosthenorchis ova and filariform larva, but negatively with cestode and the Rhabditoidea ova. We detected no differences between expected and observed levels of co-infection, nor between group size and parasite species richness over 30 group-years. Logistic models of individual infection status did not identify a sex bias; however, age and species predicted the presence of four and three parasite taxa, respectively, with saddleback tamarins exhibiting higher PSR. Now that we have reliable baseline data for future monitoring of these populations, next steps involve the molecular characterization of these parasites, and exploration of linkages with health parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon A. Erkenswick
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis,
One University Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA
- Field Projects International, 7331 Murdoch Ave, Saint
Louis, MO 63119, USA
| | - Mrinalini Watsa
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis,
One University Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA
- Field Projects International, 7331 Murdoch Ave, Saint
Louis, MO 63119, USA
| | - Alfonso S. Gozalo
- Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892,
USA
| | - Shay Dudaie
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis,
One University Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA
| | - Lindsey Bailey
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis,
One University Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA
| | - Kudakwashe S. Muranda
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis,
One University Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA
| | - Alaa Kuziez
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis,
One University Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA
| | - Patricia G. Parker
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis,
One University Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA
- WildCare Institute, Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Dr.,
Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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13
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DeMatteo KE, Davenport B, Wilson LE. Back to the basics with conservation detection dogs: fundamentals for success. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen E. DeMatteo
- K. E. DeMatteo (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9115-6857) ✉ , Dept of Biology and Environmental Studies, Washington Univ. in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Box 1137, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, USA, and: WildCare Inst. at the Sai
| | - Barbara Davenport
- B. Davenport, PackLeader Dog Training LLC, Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
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14
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Comparing performance of multiple non-invasive genetic capture–recapture methods for abundance estimation: a case study with the Sonoran pronghorn Antilocapra americana sonoriensis. ORYX 2018. [DOI: 10.1017/s003060531800011x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractDemographic monitoring is required in threatened species management, yet effective and efficient monitoring is challenging for species that are difficult to capture or susceptible to capture stress. One possible monitoring approach for such species is non-invasive genetic sampling with capture–recapture methods (genetic capture–recapture). We evaluated the performance of genetic capture–recapture in a challenging model system, monitoring the threatened Sonoran pronghorn Antilocapra americana sonoriensis. In an effort to determine the best (i.e. efficient, accurate, precise, cost-effective) method for abundance estimation, we used simulations to examine the optimal genetic capture–recapture faecal sampling design for this population. We simulated encounter histories for 100–300 individuals, with 0.33–3.33 samples/individual/session, in 1–3 sampling sessions. We explored trade-offs between sample size, number of sessions and multi-session (MARK) versus single-session (capwire) closed capture–recapture abundance estimators, and an accurate and precise estimate. We also compared the cost between the genetic capture–recapture approaches and current aerial monitoring methods. Abundance was biased positively in capwire and negatively in MARK. Bias increased and precision decreased with fewer samples/individual/session. Annual genetic capture–recapture monitoring cost was nearly twice the cost of aerial surveys, although genetic capture–recapture methods provided much higher precision. However at the current estimated abundance (c. 200), the same level of precision achieved with aerial methods can be obtained by collecting 0.75 samples/individual in a single session, for an annual cost saving of > USD 4,000. This approach of comparing estimator performance and cost can easily be applied to other systems and is a useful evaluation for managers to implement prior to designing capture–recapture studies.
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15
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Hagemann L, Boesch C, Robbins MM, Arandjelovic M, Deschner T, Lewis M, Froese G, Vigilant L. Long-term group membership and dynamics in a wild western lowland gorilla population (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) inferred using non-invasive genetics. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22898. [PMID: 30024040 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The social organization of a group-living animal is defined by a balance between group dynamic events such as group formation, group dissolution, and dispersal events and group stability in membership and over time. Understanding these processes, which are relevant for questions ranging from disease transmission patterns to the evolution of polygyny, requires long-term monitoring of multiple social units over time. Because all great ape species are long-lived and elusive, the number of studies on these key aspects of social organization are limited, especially for western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). In this study, we used non-invasive genetic samples collected within an approximately 100 km2 area of Loango National Park, Gabon to reconstruct group compositions and changes in composition over more than a decade. We identified 98 gorillas and 11 mixed sex groups sampled during 2014-2017. Using published data from 85 individuals and 12 groups surveyed between 2005 and 2009 at the same locality, we tracked groups and individuals back in time. The identification of 11 silverbacks via parentage analyses and the genetic tracking of 39 individuals across studies allowed us to infer six group formations, five group dissolutions, and 40 dispersal events within 12 years. We also observed four groups persisting across the sampling periods with a maximum inferred existence of nearly 17 years and exhibiting variation in membership stability. Our results highlight the variation in composition and stability among groups of western lowland gorillas and illustrate the power of non-invasive genetic sampling for long-term monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hagemann
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christophe Boesch
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martha M Robbins
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mimi Arandjelovic
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthew Lewis
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Graden Froese
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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Arandjelovic M, Vigilant L. Non-invasive genetic censusing and monitoring of primate populations. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22743. [PMID: 29457631 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Knowing the density or abundance of primate populations is essential for their conservation management and contextualizing socio-demographic and behavioral observations. When direct counts of animals are not possible, genetic analysis of non-invasive samples collected from wildlife populations allows estimates of population size with higher accuracy and precision than is possible using indirect signs. Furthermore, in contrast to traditional indirect survey methods, prolonged or periodic genetic sampling across months or years enables inference of group membership, movement, dynamics, and some kin relationships. Data may also be used to estimate sex ratios, sex differences in dispersal distances, and detect gene flow among locations. Recent advances in capture-recapture models have further improved the precision of population estimates derived from non-invasive samples. Simulations using these methods have shown that the confidence interval of point estimates includes the true population size when assumptions of the models are met, and therefore this range of population size minima and maxima should be emphasized in population monitoring studies. Innovations such as the use of sniffer dogs or anti-poaching patrols for sample collection are important to ensure adequate sampling, and the expected development of efficient and cost-effective genotyping by sequencing methods for DNAs derived from non-invasive samples will automate and speed analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Arandjelovic
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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17
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Granjon AC, Rowney C, Vigilant L, Langergraber KE. Evaluating genetic capture-recapture using a chimpanzee population of known size. J Wildl Manage 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Céline Granjon
- Department of Primatology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Deutscher Platz 6 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Carolyn Rowney
- Department of Primatology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Deutscher Platz 6 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Deutscher Platz 6 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Kevin E. Langergraber
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change and Institute of Human Origins; Arizona State University; 900 Cady Mall Tempe AZ 85287 USA
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18
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Beebe SC, Howell TJ, Bennett PC. Using Scent Detection Dogs in Conservation Settings: A Review of Scientific Literature Regarding Their Selection. Front Vet Sci 2016; 3:96. [PMID: 27840815 PMCID: PMC5083854 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2016.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are widely used for scent detection work, assisting in searches for, among other things, missing persons, explosives, and even cancers. They are also increasingly used in conservation settings, being deployed for a range of diverse purposes. Although scent detecting dogs have been used in conservation roles for over 100 years, it is only recently that the scientific literature has begun to document their effectiveness and, importantly, how suitable dogs should initially be selected by organizations wanting to develop a detection program. In this paper, we review this literature, with the aim of extracting information that might be of value to conservation groups considering whether to invest in the use of dogs. We conclude that selection of appropriate dogs is no easy task. While olfactory ability is critical, so also are a range of other characteristics. These include biological, psychological, and social traits. At present, no validated selection tools have been published. Existing organizations have adapted selection instruments from other contexts for their use, but very little published information is available regarding the effectiveness of these instruments in a conservation setting. In the absence of clear guidelines, we urge those wanting to invest in one or more dogs for conservation purposes to proceed with extreme caution and, preferably, under the watchful eyes of an experienced professional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Beebe
- Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Tiffani J. Howell
- Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Pauleen C. Bennett
- Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
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19
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Orkin JD, Yang Y, Yang C, Yu DW, Jiang X. Cost-effective scat-detection dogs: unleashing a powerful new tool for international mammalian conservation biology. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34758. [PMID: 27721442 PMCID: PMC5056371 DOI: 10.1038/srep34758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, detection dogs have been utilized to collect fecal samples from cryptic and rare mammals. Despite the great promise of this technique for conservation biology, its broader application has been limited by the high cost (tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars) and logistical challenges of employing a scat-detection dog team while conducting international, collaborative research. Through an international collaboration of primatologists and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, we trained and used a detection dog to find scat from three species of unhabituated, free-ranging primates, for less than $3,000. We collected 137 non-human primate fecal samples that we confirmed by sequencing taxonomically informative genetic markers. Our detection dog team had a 92% accuracy rate, significantly outperforming our human-only team. Our results demonstrate that detection dogs can locate fecal samples from unhabituated primates with variable diets, locomotion, and grouping patterns, despite challenging field conditions. We provide a model for in-country training, while also building local capacity for conservation and genetic monitoring. Unlike previous efforts, our approach will allow for the wide adoption of scat-detection dogs in international conservation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D. Orkin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiaochang Donglu, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Yuming Yang
- Kunming Police Dog Training Base, Chinese Ministry of Security, 579 Baiyunlu Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiaochang Donglu, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Douglas W. Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiaochang Donglu, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR47TJ, UK
| | - Xuelong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiaochang Donglu, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
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20
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McCarthy MS, Lester JD, Howe EJ, Arandjelovic M, Stanford CB, Vigilant L. Genetic censusing identifies an unexpectedly sizeable population of an endangered large mammal in a fragmented forest landscape. BMC Ecol 2015; 15:21. [PMID: 26303656 PMCID: PMC4549125 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-015-0052-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As habitat degradation and fragmentation continue to impact wildlife populations around the world, it is critical to understand the behavioral flexibility of species in these environments. In Uganda, the mostly unprotected forest fragment landscape between the Budongo and Bugoma Forests is a potential corridor for chimpanzees, yet little is known about the status of chimpanzee populations in these fragments. Results From 2011 through 2013, we noninvasively collected 865 chimpanzee fecal samples across 633 km2 and successfully genotyped 662 (77%) at up to 14 microsatellite loci. These genotypes corresponded to 182 chimpanzees, with a mean of 3.5 captures per individual. We obtained population size estimates of 256 (95% confidence interval 246–321) and 319 (288–357) chimpanzees using capture-with-replacement and spatially explicit capture–recapture models, respectively. The spatial clustering of associated genotypes suggests the presence of at least nine communities containing a minimum of 8–33 individuals each. Putative community distributions defined by the locations of associated genotypes correspond well with the distribution of 14 Y-chromosome haplotypes. Conclusions These census figures are more than three times greater than a previous estimate based on an extrapolation from small-scale nest count surveys that tend to underestimate population size. The distribution of genotype clusters and Y-chromosome haplotypes together indicate the presence of numerous male philopatric chimpanzee communities throughout the corridor habitat. Our findings demonstrate that, despite extensive habitat loss and fragmentation, chimpanzees remain widely distributed and exhibit distinct community home ranges. Our results further imply that elusive and rare species may adapt to degraded habitats more successfully than previously believed. Their long-term persistence is unlikely, however, if protection is not afforded to them and habitat loss continues unabated. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12898-015-0052-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen S McCarthy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 107, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0371, USA. .,Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Jack D Lester
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Eric J Howe
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9LZ, UK.
| | - Mimi Arandjelovic
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Craig B Stanford
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 107, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0371, USA.
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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21
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Hans JB, Haubner A, Arandjelovic M, Bergl RA, Fünfstück T, Gray M, Morgan DB, Robbins MM, Sanz C, Vigilant L. Characterization of MHC class II B polymorphism in multiple populations of wild gorillas using non-invasive samples and next-generation sequencing. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:1193-206. [PMID: 26283172 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Genes encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are crucial for the recognition and presentation of antigens to the immune system. In contrast to their closest relatives, chimpanzees and humans, much less is known about variation in gorillas at these loci. This study explored the exon 2 variation of -DPB1, -DQB1, and -DRB genes in 46 gorillas from four populations while simultaneously evaluating the feasibility of using fecal samples for high-throughput MHC genotyping. By applying strict similarity- and frequency-based analysis, we found, despite our modest sample size, a total of 18 alleles that have not been described previously, thereby illustrating the potential for efficient and highly accurate MHC genotyping from non-invasive DNA samples. We emphasize the importance of controlling for multiple potential sources of error when applying this massively parallel short-read sequencing technology to PCR products generated from low concentration DNA extracts. We observed pronounced differences in MHC variation between species, subspecies and populations that are consistent with both the ancient and recent demographic histories experienced by gorillas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg B Hans
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Haubner
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mimi Arandjelovic
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Richard A Bergl
- North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Maryke Gray
- International Gorilla Conservation Program, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Martha M Robbins
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Linda Vigilant
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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