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Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang K, Wang A, Sailikebieke D, Zhang Z, Ao T, Yan L, Zhang D, Li K, Huang H. Biological response to Przewalski's horse reintroduction in native desert grasslands: a case study on the spatial analysis of ticks. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:61. [PMID: 38734637 PMCID: PMC11088120 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02252-z] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reintroduction represents an effective strategy for the conservation of endangered wildlife, yet it might inadvertently impact the native ecosystems. This investigation assesses the impact of reintroducing endangered Przewalski's horses into the desert grassland ecosystem of the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (KNR), particularly its effect on the spatial distribution of ticks. In a 25 km2 core area of Przewalski's horse distribution, we set up 441 tick sampling sites across diverse habitats, including water sources, donkey trails, and grasslands, recording horse feces and characteristics to analyze the occurrence rate of ticks. Additionally, we gathered the data of 669 fresh feces of horses. To evaluate the spatial dynamics between these feces and ticks, we used methods such as Fixed Kernel Estimation (FKE), Moran's I spatial autocorrelation index, and Generalized Linear Models (GLM). RESULTS The dominant species of ticks collected in the core area were adult Hyalomma asiaticum (91.36%). Their occurrence rate was higher near donkey trails (65.99%) and water sources (55.81%), particularly in areas with the fresh feces of Przewalski's horses. The ticks' three risk areas, as defined by FKE, showed significant overlap and positive correlation with the distribution of Przewalski's horses, with respective overlap rates being 90.25% in high risk, 33.79% in medium risk, and 23.09% in low risk areas. Moran's I analysis revealed a clustering trend of the fresh feces of Przewalski's horses in these areas. The GLM confirmed a positive correlation between the distribution of H. asiaticum and the presence of horse fresh feces, alongside a negative correlation with the proximity to water sources and donkey trails. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the strong spatial correlation between Przewalski's horses and H. asiaticum in desert grasslands, underlining the need to consider interspecific interactions in wildlife reintroductions. The findings are crucial for shaping effective strategies of wildlife conservation and maintaining ecological balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining, China
| | - Anqi Wang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Duishan Sailikebieke
- Xinjiang Fuyun County Kizillike Township Agricultural Development Center, Altay, China
| | - Zexin Zhang
- Tongliao Forestry Pest Control Station, Tongliao, China
| | - Tegen Ao
- Tongliao Control and Quarantine Station of Forest Pest, Tongliao, China
| | - Liping Yan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
| | - Heqing Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Environmental Science, Chongqing, China.
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2
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Pérez JM. How many threatened lice are there? An approximation to the red list of the Spanish Phthiraptera. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100903. [PMID: 38283888 PMCID: PMC10820662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.100903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Although the idea of conserving parasites as part of biodiversity is not new, these in general and lice in particular, are not included in the threatened list of invertebrate fauna. Assuming that the conservation status of a lice species is similar to that of its host, the number of threatened lice within the Spanish entomofauna was estimated based on the known host-lice assemblages. The lice parasitizing many of the Spanish birds and mammals are unknown. Overall, I found 6 extinct (EX) species; 4 critically endangered (CR); 15 endangered (EN), 7 vulnerable (VU) and 1 species near threatened (NT), at regional level. Since the status of hosts varies through time and space, it, (together with those of their lice, must be periodically updated. In addition to a number of reasons that justify the conservation of parasites, lice deserve being conserved, particularly, because of their scientific value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús M. Pérez
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Área de Zoología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E-23071, Jaén, Spain
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3
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Esteban-Sánchez L, García-Rodríguez JJ, García-García J, Martínez-Nevado E, de la Riva-Fraga MA, Ponce-Gordo F. Wild Animals in Captivity: An Analysis of Parasite Biodiversity and Transmission among Animals at Two Zoological Institutions with Different Typologies. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:813. [PMID: 38473198 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050813] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We have conducted a 10-year-long coprological study of the animals housed in two zoological institutions (ZooAquarium and Faunia, Madrid, Spain) to assess the parasite biodiversity, prevalence, and their relation with host class, diet, and enclosure type (soil type and level of isolation from wild fauna). A total of 4476 faecal samples from 132 mammal species and 951 samples from 86 avian species were examined. The results indicated that only 12.8% of avian species had parasites at least once during the study period, whereas 62.1% of mammal species tested positive. Predominantly, protists (Entamoeba, flagellates, and ciliates) and nematodes (mainly Trichuris) were identified in the findings. Carnivorous species were primarily infected by nematodes, while herbivorous and omnivorous species were mainly infected by protists. The number of infected herbivorous and omnivorous species was significantly greater than carnivorous species. Differences were observed based on soil type (artificial, natural, mixed) and isolation level (isolated/accessible), but these differences were not statistically significant. Several parasites (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantidoides coli, Trichuris spp.) could potentially be transmitted between humans and some mammals and birds. Regular animal analyses and a personnel health program in the institutions would minimise transmission risks between zoo animals, wildlife, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Esteban-Sánchez
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José García-Rodríguez
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juncal García-García
- Veterinary Department, ZooAquarium de Madrid, Casa de Campo s/n, 28011 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Nevado
- Veterinary Department, ZooAquarium de Madrid, Casa de Campo s/n, 28011 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Ponce-Gordo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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4
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Lymbery AJ, Smit NJ. Conservation of parasites: A primer. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:255-263. [PMID: 37483309 PMCID: PMC10359719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Although parasites make up a substantial proportion of the biotic component of ecosystems, in terms of both biomass and number of species, they are rarely considered in conservation planning, except where they are thought to pose a threat to the conservation of their hosts. In this review, we address a number of unresolved questions concerning parasite conservation. Arguments for conserving parasite species refer to the intrinsic value conferred by their evolutionary heritage and potential, their functional role in the provision of ecosystem services, and their value as indicators of ecosystem quality. We propose that proper consideration of these arguments mean that it is not logically defensible to automatically exclude parasite species from conservation decisions; rather, endangered hosts and parasites should be considered together as a threatened ecological community. The extent to which parasites are threatened with extinction is difficult to estimate with any degree of confidence, because so many parasite species have yet to be identified and, even for those which have been formally described, we have limited information on the factors affecting their distribution and abundance. This lack of ecological information may partially explain the under-representation of parasites on threatened species lists. Effective conservation of parasites requires maintaining access to suitable hosts and the ecological conditions that permit successful transmission between hosts. When implementing recovery plans for threatened host species, this may be best achieved by attempting to restore the ecological conditions that maintain the host and its parasite fauna in dynamic equilibrium. Ecosystem-centred conservation may be a more effective strategy than species-centred (or host-parasite community-centred) approaches for preventing extinction of parasites, but the criteria which are typically used to identify protected areas do not provide information on the ecological conditions required for effective transmission. We propose a simple decision tree to aid the identification of appropriate conservation actions for threatened parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J. Lymbery
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, 6150, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nico J. Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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5
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Conservation of Host, Translocation of Parasites—Monitoring of Helminths during Population Reinforcement of the European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus). DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15020266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal helminth parasites can be transferred during conservation translocations and impact their outcome. The current study applied non-invasive coprological sampling to investigate the helminth infection rates and dynamics in translocated and resident European ground squirrels, during and after a population reinforcement. The FLOTAC method was calibrated and applied for the first time for the target species. In the studied coprological samples, helminth eggs belonging to Acanthocephala and Nematoda were found; the latter were morphologically identified as belonging to the families Capillariidae (Enoplida) and Trichostrongylidae (Strongylida) and superfamily Spiruroidea (Spirurida). The overall helminth prevalence and their diversity were higher in the donor colony compared to the resident one before the reinforcement. Pronounced seasonal dynamics in the parasite prevalence and diversity were observed, and their values were considerably lower in spring than in summer in both translocated and resident hosts. A year after the start of the translocation, the helminth prevalence and number of species detected in the reinforced colony had increased significantly. This is in accordance with epidemiological models and other empirical studies that predict a positive relationship between the population density of a host and the prevalence and species richness of parasites.
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6
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Schoeman AL, du Preez LH, Kmentová N, Vanhove MPM. A monogenean parasite reveals the widespread translocation of the African Clawed Frog in its native range. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anneke L. Schoeman
- African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North‐West University Potchefstroom South Africa
- DSI‐NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology Stellenbosch South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity Grahamstown South Africa
| | - Louis H. du Preez
- African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North‐West University Potchefstroom South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity Grahamstown South Africa
| | - Nikol Kmentová
- Hasselt University Centre for Environmental Sciences, Research Group Zoology: Biodiversity & Toxicology, Agoralaan Gebouw D Diepenbeek Belgium
| | - Maarten P. M. Vanhove
- Hasselt University Centre for Environmental Sciences, Research Group Zoology: Biodiversity & Toxicology, Agoralaan Gebouw D Diepenbeek Belgium
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7
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Unintentional Recovery of Parasitic Diversity Following Restoration of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in North-Western Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111433. [PMID: 35681897 PMCID: PMC9179837 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111433] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the early sixties, free ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus, L.) were absent in Piedmont. Human-driven translocations and spontaneous migration of red deer from Switzerland and France resulted in the successful redistribution of this wild ungulate. In parallel, host-specific parasites harbored by red deer populations disappeared in the same area until the restoration of red deer in north-western Italy. The parasitic community has been enriched with at least two species-specific taxa, Onchocerca jakutensis and Pharyngomyia picta, suggesting that the recovery of parasitic biodiversity could be included amongst future conservation goals of this intensively managed game. Abstract Red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations in north-western Italy have been remodeled in recent decades. Multiple translocations and the spontaneous migration from Switzerland and France resulted in the successful redistribution of the red deer after human-driven extirpation during the 18th century. The scarcely diverse parasitic community harbored by these cervids has been enriched with two species-specific taxa, Onchocerca jakutensis and Phayigomyia picta, suggesting that the recovery of parasitic biodiversity could be included amongst future conservation goals of this intensively managed game. Nodular onchocercosis was reported in three red deer populations since 2011, while nasal bots were reported since 2018. Hypoderma spp. larvae were identified for the first time in 1989, then a second record was made in 2014 in the province of Biella, where a yearling male in poor condition infested with Hypoderma diana was observed. In the perspective that the restoration of species-specific parasite communities of native mammals in Europe is increasingly perceived as a conservation target, with similar dignity as the conservation of their hosts, baseline data presented in this communication may give new insights for future parasite conservation efforts.
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8
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Szekeres S, Czabán D, Takács N, Széll Z, Gubányi A, Kontschán J, Hornok S, Sréter T. First report of molecular taxonomic analyses of European beaver metazoan parasites from Hungary. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1895-1902. [PMID: 35606605 PMCID: PMC9192500 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07547-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
European beaver (Castor fiber L. 1758) is the biggest rodent species living in Europe. Beavers are semi-aquatic animals; they are defecating directly into the water; thus, they have an important role in spreading parasites related to water (e.g., protozoa and flukes). The first specimens of this once extinct rodent species in Hungary turned up in Szigetköz (upper flow of the Hungarian Danube) in 1991 dispersed from Austria. The reintroduction to Hungary started in 1996, and the population slowly increased in number up to around 4000 individuals, but the knowledge about their parasites is lacking. This is the first report on the metazoan parasites of beavers in Hungary and their molecular taxonomy. In the 5-year study, 47 beavers were trapped in four locations and euthanized with permission. Three different metazoan parasites were collected: larvae and adults of Platypsyllus castoris beetles, nymphs and adults of Schizocarpus sp. mites and eggs and adults of Stichorchis subtriquetrus flukes. From these three parasite species, molecular taxonomic studies were also carried out. The low number of metazoan parasites species detected in Hungarian beavers compared to other European countries (e.g., Poland) might be attributed to host population bottleneck effect during reintroduction. As parasites represent a significant component of the biodiversity and ecosystem, the conservation efforts should focus not only on host species but also on their parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Dávid Czabán
- Department of Zoology, Hungarian National History Museum, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Széll
- National Reference Laboratory for Parasitology, Fish and Bee Diseases, National Food Chain Safety Office, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Gubányi
- Department of Zoology, Hungarian National History Museum, Budapest, Hungary.,Hungarian Natural History Museum, Main Office, Budapest , Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Sréter
- National Reference Laboratory for Parasitology, Fish and Bee Diseases, National Food Chain Safety Office, Budapest, Hungary
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9
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Dunlop JA, Watson MJ. The hitchhiker's guide to Australian conservation: A parasitological perspective on fauna translocations. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judy A. Dunlop
- School of Agriculture and Environment University of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
- Western Australian Feral Cat Working Group Perth Western Australia Australia
- Institute for Land, Water & Society Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
- Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute 2/133 St George's Terrace Perth Western Australia 6000 Australia
| | - Maggie J. Watson
- Institute for Land, Water & Society Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
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10
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Kang JH, Yi DA, Kuprin AV, Han C, Bae YJ. Phylogeographic Investigation of an Endangered Longhorn Beetle, Callipogon relictus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), in Northeast Asia: Implications for Future Restoration in Korea. INSECTS 2021; 12:555. [PMID: 34203723 PMCID: PMC8232212 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The longhorn beetle, Callipogon (Eoxenus) relictus Semenov, is the only remnant species found in the Palearctic region, while all other Callipogon species are distributed mainly in Central America and partly in South America. This species has been placed in the first category (as 'critically endangered') of the Red Data Book in Russia and designated as one of the top-priority target species among all endangered invertebrate species for restoration in South Korea since 2006. Although its restricted distribution in Northeast Asia with a high conservational value has been highlighted, genetic features of C. relictus from different geographic regions remain unexplored. We first investigated the level of genetic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of C. relictus to evaluate the current conservational status and the feasibility of the implementation of a restoration program. The average genetic divergence of mitochondrial gene COI based on Kimura-2-parameter distance among the four regions in Russia, China, North Korea, and South Korea was 2.2%, which lies within the range of intraspecific levels. However, two separate clades with 3.8% divergence were identified, despite no geographical clustering of haplotypes. The linear pattern of the haplotype network with a high level of haplotype and nucleotide diversities suggests that the wide range of currently fragmented populations might be the remnant of genetically diverse populations in the past. This study will provide crucial information on the genetic characteristics and phylogeographic history of C. relictus, which will help to establish conservation strategies for this cherished insect species in Northeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyoun Kang
- Korean Entomological Institute, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Dae-Am Yi
- Research Center of Natural Monument Insects, Yeongwol Insect Museum, Yeongwol 26210, Korea;
| | - Alexander V. Kuprin
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia;
| | - Changdo Han
- Wildlife Research Center, Korea University, Ogawa-chô, Kodaira City, Tokyo 187-0032, Japan;
| | - Yeon Jae Bae
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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11
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Mwaya RT, Mremi R, Eustace A, Ndibalema V. Prevalence of Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) Parasitism on Pancake Tortoises, Malacochersus tornieri (Testudinidae), Is Lower Inside than Outside Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1438.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reginald T. Mwaya
- College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, PO Box 3031, Moshi, Tanzania [; ]
| | - Rudolf Mremi
- College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, PO Box 3031, Moshi, Tanzania [; ]
| | - Abraham Eustace
- Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority, PO Box 2658, Morogoro, Tanzania []
| | - Vedasto Ndibalema
- College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3009, Morogoro, Tanzania []
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12
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Åhlen PA, Sjöberg G, Stéen M. Parasitic fauna of Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) in Sweden (1997-1998). Acta Vet Scand 2021; 63:23. [PMID: 34078419 PMCID: PMC8176557 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-021-00588-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The parasitic fauna of beavers (Castor fiber and C. canadensis) has been well studied in many parts of their respective areas of distribution. In Scandinavia there have, however, been limited investigations conducted on the parasites of beavers in recent times. The present study is the first quantitative survey of parasites on beavers living in Sweden and elsewhere in Scandinavia. We investigated the parasitic fauna of the Eurasian beaver (C. fiber) in a North-South gradient in Sweden. The aim of the study was to investigate parasite distribution and prevalence in particular, related to average yearly air temperature and different age groups of beavers. A total of 30 beavers were sampled at eight localities, spanning a 720 km North-South gradient during the springs of 1997 and 1998. RESULTS Five parasite taxa were identified. Four of these were present in all of the examined beavers, Stichorchis subtriquetrus (trematode), Travassosius rufus (nematode), Platypsyllus castoris (coleopteran), and Schizocarpus spp. (arachnid). A higher number of new infections of S. subtriquetrus, and more adults of T. rufus, were seen in beavers in southern Sweden where temperatures are higher. One-year old beavers had a higher infestation of S. subtriquetrus, but not of T. rufus, than older individuals. CONCLUSIONS The parasite fauna of Swedish beavers mirrored the impoverished parasite fauna of the original Norwegian population, and the high prevalence of parasites could be due to low major histocompatibility complex (MHC) polymorphism. Young beavers had a higher load of trematodes, probably depending on behavioural and ecological factors. Warmer temperatures in southern localities likely contributed to increased endoparasite loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per-Arne Åhlen
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
- Present Address: Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management, Öster Malma, 611 91 Nyköping, Sweden
| | - Göran Sjöberg
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Margareta Stéen
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO. Box 7011, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Durden LA, Kessler SE, Boundenga L, Ngoubangoye B, Tsoumbou TA, Moussadji-Kinga CI, Halbwax M, Setchell JM, Nichols J, Greiman SE. A New Species of Sucking Louse from the Mandrill from Gabon with a Review of Host Associations and Geographical Distributions, and Identification Keys to Members of the Genus pedicinus (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Pedicinidae). J Parasitol 2020; 106:221-232. [PMID: 32164028 DOI: 10.1645/19-170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the sucking louse genus Pedicinus are ectoparasites of cercopithecid primates in Africa, Asia, and Gibraltar. Pedicinus gabonensis n. sp. is described on the basis of adult male and female specimens collected from the mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) in Gabon. The new species is compared morphologically with other members of the genus Pedicinus, and a nuclear elongation factor 1 alpha gene sequence is provided. Host associations and geographical distributions of the 18 previously recognized species of the genus and of P. gabonensis n. sp. are reviewed. Updated identification keys are provided for males and females of all known valid species of Pedicinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
| | - Sharon E Kessler
- University of Stirling, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland.,Durham University, Department of Anthropology, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K
| | - Larson Boundenga
- Centre de Primatologie, Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), B.P. 769 Franceville, Gabon
| | - Barthélemy Ngoubangoye
- Centre de Primatologie, Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), B.P. 769 Franceville, Gabon
| | - Thierry A Tsoumbou
- Centre de Primatologie, Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), B.P. 769 Franceville, Gabon
| | - Cyr I Moussadji-Kinga
- Centre de Primatologie, Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), B.P. 769 Franceville, Gabon
| | - Michel Halbwax
- Centre de Primatologie, Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), B.P. 769 Franceville, Gabon.,Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux, B.P. 20379, Libreville, Gabon
| | | | - Jennifer Nichols
- Durham University, Department of Anthropology, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K
| | - Stephen E Greiman
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
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14
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First description of sarcoptic mange in the endangered Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardinus): clinical and epidemiological features. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019; 65:40. [PMID: 32214948 PMCID: PMC7087905 DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A 6-month-old female Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) cub that was severely affected by mange died in September 2016 in the Montes de Toledo (Spain) with crusts and fissures on its face, outer ears, nipples and footpads. The body condition of the cub was very poor, and it also had a mandibular abscess and a severely ankylosed luxation on its left knee. After confirming that the origin of the deceased cub’s dermal lesions was Sarcoptes scabiei, the subsequent search for ectoparasites and a comparison of histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in all sympatric lynxes handled (n = 30) and submitted for necropsy (n = 4) during 2016 and 2017 revealed the presence of S. scabiei mites and/or milder mange compatible lesions in five members of her family group, which was treated against mange together with two exposed contiguous family groups. An ELISA developed by the authors showed the presence of antibodies against S. scabiei in the deceased female cub and one brother. The presence of concomitant immunosuppressive factors in the dead female cub and the results obtained for the other sympatric lynxes studied since 2016 suggest that S. scabiei had a limited effect on immune-competent Iberian lynxes in the local population of the Montes de Toledo. However, a different evolution and relevance of sarcoptic mange in different populations—or even in the same one in the presence of immunosuppressive factors—cannot be ruled out, thus confirming the need for further research in order to attain a complete comprehension of the epidemiology and the real threat that this ectoparasitic disease may imply for L. pardinus.
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Durden LA, Blanco MB, Seabolt MH. Two New Species of Sucking Lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Polyplacidae) From Endangered, Hibernating Lemurs (Primates: Cheirogaleidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:568-575. [PMID: 28399297 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Lemurpediculus robbinsi sp. nov. is described from Crossley's dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus crossleyi A. Grandidier, and Lemurpediculus claytoni sp. nov. is described from Sibree's dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus sibreei Forsyth Major, from Madagascar. Both sexes of each new louse species are illustrated and distinguished from the two previously known species of Lemurpediculus: L. verruculosus (Ward) and L. petterorum Paulian. With the addition of two new species to the genus, an amended description of Lemurpediculus is provided. The two hosts of the new louse species are morphologically similar, endangered, obligately hibernating lemurs. These two species of lemurs are sometimes sympatric in rainforests in eastern Madagascar. Despite the morphological similarity of the two host species, their lice are morphologically distinct and are easiest to identify based on the shape of the subgenital plate of the female and the shape of the genitalia in the male. Both new species of lice should be considered to be endangered because their hosts are endangered. It is not known if either of the new species of lice are vectors of pathogens or parasites to their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Rd., Statesboro, GA 30458 (; )
| | | | - Matthew H Seabolt
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Rd., Statesboro, GA 30458 (; )
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Brown MJF, Sainsbury AW, Vaughan-Higgins RJ, Measures GH, Jones CM, Gammans N. Bringing Back a Healthy Buzz? Invertebrate Parasites and Reintroductions: A Case Study in Bumblebees. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:74-83. [PMID: 26732074 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1093-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Reintroductions can play a key role in the conservation of endangered species. Parasites may impact reintroductions, both positively and negatively, but few case studies of how to manage parasites during reintroductions exist. Bumblebees are in decline at regional and global scales, and reintroductions can be used to re-establish extinct local populations. Here we report on how the risks associated with parasites are being managed in an ongoing reintroduction of the short-haired bumblebee, Bombus subterraneus, to the UK. Disease risk analysis was conducted and disease risk management plans constructed to design a capture-quarantine-release system that minimised the impacts on both the bumblebees and on their natural parasites. Given that bumblebee parasites are (i) generalists, (ii) geographically ubiquitous, and (iii) show evidence of local adaptation, the disease risk management plan was designed to limit the co-introduction of parasites from the source population in Sweden to the destination site in the UK. Results suggest that this process at best eliminated, or at least severely curtailed the co-introduction of parasites, and ongoing updates of the plan enabled minimization of impacts on natural host-parasite dynamics in the Swedish source population. This study suggests that methods designed for reintroductions of vertebrate species can be successfully applied to invertebrates. Future reintroductions of invertebrates where the parasite fauna is less well known should take advantage of next-generation barcoding and multiple survey years prior to the start of reintroductions, to develop comprehensive disease risk management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J F Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Anthony W Sainsbury
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Rebecca J Vaughan-Higgins
- Wildlife & Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Gavin H Measures
- Natural England, Suite D, Unex House, Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, PE1 1NG, UK
| | - Catherine M Jones
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 NJT, UK
| | - Nikki Gammans
- Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling, FK9 4NF, UK
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Blackburn TM, Ewen JG. Parasites as Drivers and Passengers of Human-Mediated Biological Invasions. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:61-73. [PMID: 26822780 PMCID: PMC5357264 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1092-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of parasites in biological invasions by alien species. Parasites have frequently been invoked as drivers of invasions, but have received less attention as invasion passengers. The evidence to date that parasites drive invasions by hosts is weak: while there is abundant evidence that parasites have effects in the context of alien invasions, there is little evidence to suggest that parasites have differential effects on alien species that succeed versus fail in the invasion process. Particular case studies are suggestive but not yet informative about general effects. What evidence there is for parasites as aliens suggests that the same kind of factors determine their success as for non-parasites. Thus, availability is likely to be an important determinant of the probability of translocation. Establishment and spread are likely to depend on propagule pressure and on the environment being suitable (all necessary hosts and vectors are present); the likelihood of both of these dependencies being favourable will be affected by traits relating to parasite life history and demography. The added complication for the success of parasites as aliens is that often this will depend on the success of their hosts. We discuss how these conclusions help us to understand the likely effects of parasites on the success of establishing host populations (alien or native).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim M Blackburn
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London (UCL), Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
- Distinguished Scientist Fellowship Program, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 1145, Saudi Arabia.
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - John G Ewen
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
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Weinersmith KL, Earley RL. Better with your parasites? Lessons for behavioural ecology from evolved dependence and conditionally helpful parasites. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Dougherty ER, Carlson CJ, Bueno VM, Burgio KR, Cizauskas CA, Clements CF, Seidel DP, Harris NC. Paradigms for parasite conservation. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2016; 30:724-33. [PMID: 26400623 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic species, which depend directly on host species for their survival, represent a major regulatory force in ecosystems and a significant component of Earth's biodiversity. Yet the negative impacts of parasites observed at the host level have motivated a conservation paradigm of eradication, moving us farther from attainment of taxonomically unbiased conservation goals. Despite a growing body of literature highlighting the importance of parasite-inclusive conservation, most parasite species remain understudied, underfunded, and underappreciated. We argue the protection of parasitic biodiversity requires a paradigm shift in the perception and valuation of their role as consumer species, similar to that of apex predators in the mid-20th century. Beyond recognizing parasites as vital trophic regulators, existing tools available to conservation practitioners should explicitly account for the unique threats facing dependent species. We built upon concepts from epidemiology and economics (e.g., host-density threshold and cost-benefit analysis) to devise novel metrics of margin of error and minimum investment for parasite conservation. We define margin of error as the risk of accidental host extinction from misestimating equilibrium population sizes and predicted oscillations, while minimum investment represents the cost associated with conserving the additional hosts required to maintain viable parasite populations. This framework will aid in the identification of readily conserved parasites that present minimal health risks. To establish parasite conservation, we propose an extension of population viability analysis for host-parasite assemblages to assess extinction risk. In the direst cases, ex situ breeding programs for parasites should be evaluated to maximize success without undermining host protection. Though parasitic species pose a considerable conservation challenge, adaptations to conservation tools will help protect parasite biodiversity in the face of an uncertain environmental future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Dougherty
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720, U.S.A
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720, U.S.A
| | - Veronica M Bueno
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, U.S.A
| | - Kevin R Burgio
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, U.S.A
| | - Carrie A Cizauskas
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, 106A Guyot Hall, Princeton, NJ, 08544, U.S.A
| | - Christopher F Clements
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dana P Seidel
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720, U.S.A
| | - Nyeema C Harris
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 830 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, U.S.A
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Strona G. Past, present and future of host-parasite co-extinctions. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2015; 4:431-41. [PMID: 26835251 PMCID: PMC4699984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Human induced ecosystem alterations and climate change are expected to drive several species to extinction. In this context, the attention of public opinion, and hence conservationists' efforts, are often targeted towards species having emotional, recreational and/or economical value. This tendency may result in a high number of extinctions happening unnoticed. Among these, many could involve parasites. Several studies have highlighted various reasons why we should care about this, that go far beyond the fact that parasites are amazingly diverse. A growing corpus of evidence suggests that parasites contribute much to ecosystems both in terms of biomass and services, and the seemingly paradoxical idea that a healthy ecosystem is one rich in parasites is becoming key to the whole concept of parasite conservation. Although various articles have covered different aspects of host-parasite co-extinctions, I feel that some important conceptual issues still need to be formally addressed. In this review, I will attempt at clarifying some of them, with the aim of providing researchers with a unifying conceptual framework that could help them designing future studies. In doing this, I will try to draw a more clear distinction between the (co-)evolutionary and the ecological dimensions of co-extinction studies, since the ongoing processes that are putting parasites at risk now operate at a scale that is extremely different from the one that has shaped host-parasite networks throughout million years of co-evolution. Moreover, I will emphasize how the complexity of direct and indirect effects of parasites on ecosystems makes it much challenging to identify the mechanisms possibly leading to co-extinction events, and to predict how such events will affect ecosystems in the long run.
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Schulte-Hostedde AI, Mastromonaco GF. Integrating evolution in the management of captive zoo populations. Evol Appl 2015; 8:413-22. [PMID: 26029256 PMCID: PMC4430766 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Both natural animal populations and those in captivity are subject to evolutionary forces. Evolutionary changes to captive populations may be an important, but poorly understood, factor that can affect the sustainability of these populations. The importance of maintaining the evolutionary integrity of zoo populations, especially those that are used for conservation efforts including reintroductions, is critical for the conservation of biodiversity. Here, we propose that a greater appreciation for an evolutionary perspective may offer important insights that can enhance the reproductive success and health for the sustainability of captive populations. We provide four examples and associated strategies that highlight this approach, including minimizing domestication (i.e., genetic adaptation to captivity), integrating natural mating systems into captive breeding protocols, minimizing the effects of translocation on variation in photoperiodism, and understanding the interplay of parasites/pathogens and inflammation. There are a myriad of other issues that may be important for captive populations, and we conclude that these may often be species specific. Nonetheless, an evolutionary perspective may mitigate some of the challenges currently facing captive populations that are important from a conservation perspective, including their sustainability.
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