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Freeman AR, Arenas S, Lee DN, Singh B, Ophir AG. Characterization of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors in the Southern giant pouched rat and comparison to other rodents. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1390203. [PMID: 38803478 PMCID: PMC11128605 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1390203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Vasopressin and oxytocin are well known and evolutionarily ancient modulators of social behavior. The distribution and relative densities of vasopressin and oxytocin receptors are known to modulate the sensitivity to these signaling molecules. Comparative work is needed to determine which neural networks have been conserved and modified over evolutionary time, and which social behaviors are commonly modulated by nonapeptide signaling. To this end, we used receptor autoradiography to determine the distribution of vasopressin 1a and oxytocin receptors in the Southern giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) brain, and to assess the relative densities of these receptors in specific brain regions. We then compared the relative receptor pattern to 23 other species of rodents using a multivariate ANOVA. Pouched rat receptor patterns were strikingly similar to hamsters and voles overall, despite the variation in social organization among species. Uniquely, the pouched rat had dense vasopressin 1a receptor binding in the caudate-putamen (i.e., striatum), an area that might impact affiliative behavior in this species. In contrast, the pouched rat had relatively little oxytocin receptor binding in much of the anterior forebrain. Notably, however, oxytocin receptor binding demonstrated extremely dense binding in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, which is associated with the modulation of several social behaviors and a central hub of the social decision-making network. Examination of the nonapeptide system has the potential to reveal insights into species-specific behaviors and general themes in the modulation of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R. Freeman
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Biology, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, United States
| | - Samanta Arenas
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Danielle N. Lee
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, United States
| | - Bhupinder Singh
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Comparative Medicine Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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2
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Voigt AL, Nelissen S, Percival AJ, Voss HU, Lavin ES, Miller AD, Feldman ER. Spontaneous Pituitary Neoplasm in Two Female Geriatric Southern Giant Pouched Rats ( Cricetomys ansorgei). Comp Med 2023; 73:486-493. [PMID: 38217070 PMCID: PMC10752360 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-23-000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Southern giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei) are a small muroid species native to the sub-Saharan Africa. Their exceptionally developed olfactory system, trainability, and relatively small size makes them useful working animals for various applications in humanitarian work. At our institution, a breeding colony of Southern giant pouched rats is maintained to study their physiology and utility as scent detectors. This case report describes the occurrence of spontaneous pituitary neoplasms with distinct clinical presentations in 2 geriatric (approximately 7.5 y old) wild-caught female Southern giant pouched rats. The first pouched rat displayed vestibular deficits, including left-sided head tilt, ataxia, disorientation, and circling. MRI revealed a large, focal heterogeneous mass arising from the pituitary fossa. The second pouched rat presented with polyuria, polydipsia, and hyperglycemia but no neurologic signs. Examination after euthanasia revealed a prolactin (PRL)-expressing pituitary carcinoma and adenoma in the first and second pouched rat, respectively, associated with mammary hyperplasia in both animals. This is the first report of spontaneous PRL-producing pituitary tumors in Southern giant pouched rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Voigt
- Center of Animal Resources and Education, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Sophie Nelissen
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Aaron J Percival
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; and
| | - Henning U Voss
- Cornell MRI Facility, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Elizabeth S Lavin
- Center of Animal Resources and Education, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Andrew D Miller
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Erica R Feldman
- Center of Animal Resources and Education, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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3
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Linchamps P, Avery DM, Cornette R, Denys C, Matthews T, Stoetzel E. Quaternary rodents of South Africa: A companion guide for cranio-dental identification. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289812. [PMID: 38015919 PMCID: PMC10684104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodentia is the most species-rich order among mammals. The Republic of South Africa harbours a high rodent diversity whose taxonomy and phylogeny have been extensively studied using genetic tools. Such advances have led to the establishment of new faunal lists for the country. Because rodents are frequently recovered from archaeological cave site material and owl pellets, and constitute prime material for studying both past and present environmental conditions, it is necessary to characterize their osteological remains. The skull and teeth are the most useful diagnostic skeletal elements preserved in modern and fossil accumulations. This key provides updated craniodental criteria for identifying rodent genera found in Quaternary deposits, and modern material from the Republic of South Africa, thus facilitating research on past and present rodent diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Linchamps
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) UMR 7205, CNRS, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, UPMC, EPHE, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
- Histoire Naturelle de l’Homme Préhistorique (HNHP) UMR 7194, CNRS, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, UPVD, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | | | - Raphaël Cornette
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) UMR 7205, CNRS, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, UPMC, EPHE, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Christiane Denys
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) UMR 7205, CNRS, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, UPMC, EPHE, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Stoetzel
- Histoire Naturelle de l’Homme Préhistorique (HNHP) UMR 7194, CNRS, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, UPVD, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
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4
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Bentz EJ, Ophir AG. Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) and evolutionary analysis reveals evidence of olfactory specialization. Genomics 2022; 114:110521. [PMID: 36351561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The Southern giant pouched rat, Cricetomys ansorgei, is a large rodent best known for its ability to detect landmines using its impressive sense of smell. Their powerful chemosensory abilities enable subtle discrimination of chemical social signals, and female pouched rats demonstrate a unique reproductive physiology hypothesized to be mediated by pheromonal mechanisms. Thus, C. ansorgei represents a novel mammalian model for chemosensory physiology, social behavior, and pheromonal control of reproductive physiology. We present the first chromosome-scale genomic sequence of the pouched rat encoding 22,671 protein coding genes, including 1571 olfactory receptors, and provide a glance into the evolutionary history of this species. Functional enrichment analysis reveals genetic expansions specific to the pouched rat are enriched for functions related to olfactory specialization. Overall, this assembly is of reference-quality, and will serve as a useful and informative genomic sequence on which we can confidently base future molecular research involving the pouched rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehren J Bentz
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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5
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Veron G, Daniel C, Pagani P, Do Linh San E, Kitchener AC, Hassanin A. A tale of two African mongooses (Carnivora: Herpestidae): differing genetic diversity and geographical structure across a continent. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Gossé KJ, Gonedelé-Bi S, Justy F, Chaber AL, Kramoko B, Gaubert P. DNA-typing surveillance of the bushmeat in Côte d'Ivoire: a multi-faceted tool for wildlife trade management in West Africa. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01474-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Dossou H, Le Guyader M, Gauthier P, Badou S, Etougbetche J, Houemenou G, Djelouadji Z, Dobigny G. Fine-scale prevalence and genetic diversity of urban small mammal-borne pathogenic Leptospira in Africa: A spatiotemporal survey within Cotonou, Benin. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:643-654. [PMID: 35524648 PMCID: PMC9540415 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Around the world, one million people each year are infected, leading to 60,000 deaths. Infection occurs through contact with environmental pathogens excreted by mammals (notably rodents). Data on Leptospira and leptospirosis in Africa are rather scarce, especially in urban habitats though these appear to be favourable environments for the pathogen circulation and human contamination. Using qPCR, DNA sequencing as well as MST/VNTR approaches, we examined Leptospira occurrence and genetic diversity in 779 commensal small mammals that were sampled over 2 years in the city centre of Cotonou, Benin, from three neighbourhoods with contrasting socio-environmental conditions. Overall prevalence reached 9.1%. However, very marked variations in both space and time were observed, with local peaks of high prevalence but no clear seasonal pattern. In most sites that could be regularly sampled, Leptospira-positive rodents were found at least once, thus confirming the widespread circulation of the pathogen within small mammal communities of Cotonou. Interestingly, an unusual diversity of small mammal-borne Leptospira species and genotypes was retrieved, with up to four species and three different genovars within the same neighbourhood, and even instances of two species and two genovars identified simultaneously within the same household. To our knowledge, such a high genetic diversity has never been described at such a fine scale, a fortiori in Africa and, more generally, within an urban environment. Altogether, our results underline that much remains unknown about leptospirosis as well as the associated infectious risk in African cities where the disease may be massively over-looked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri‐Joël Dossou
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Ecole Polytechnique d'Abomey‐CalaviUniversité d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
- Institut de Géographie, Aménagement du Territoire et EnvironnementUniversité d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
- Institut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementCentre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations (UMR IRD, INRAE, Cirad, Institut d'Agronomie), MUSEMontferrier‐sur‐LezFrance
| | - Marine Le Guyader
- USC1233‐INRAE Rongeurs Sauvages, Risque Sanitaire et Gestion des PopulationsVetAgro SupMarcy‐l'EtoileFrance
| | - Philippe Gauthier
- Institut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementCentre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations (UMR IRD, INRAE, Cirad, Institut d'Agronomie), MUSEMontferrier‐sur‐LezFrance
| | - Sylvestre Badou
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Ecole Polytechnique d'Abomey‐CalaviUniversité d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
- Institut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementCentre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations (UMR IRD, INRAE, Cirad, Institut d'Agronomie), MUSEMontferrier‐sur‐LezFrance
| | - Jonas Etougbetche
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Ecole Polytechnique d'Abomey‐CalaviUniversité d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
- Institut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementCentre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations (UMR IRD, INRAE, Cirad, Institut d'Agronomie), MUSEMontferrier‐sur‐LezFrance
| | - Gualbert Houemenou
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Ecole Polytechnique d'Abomey‐CalaviUniversité d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Zouheira Djelouadji
- USC1233‐INRAE Rongeurs Sauvages, Risque Sanitaire et Gestion des PopulationsVetAgro SupMarcy‐l'EtoileFrance
| | - Gauthier Dobigny
- Institut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementCentre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations (UMR IRD, INRAE, Cirad, Institut d'Agronomie), MUSEMontferrier‐sur‐LezFrance
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8
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Kalemba LN, Morgan CN, Nakazawa YJ, Mauldin MR, Malekani JM, Doty JB. Activity patterns and burrowing ecology of the giant pouched rat ( Cricetomys emini) in Tshuapa Province, D. R. Congo. MAMMALIA 2022; 86:562-569. [PMID: 39071242 PMCID: PMC11274877 DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2021-0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Rodents of the genus Cricetomys have been reported to be nocturnal with a bimodal activity pattern and to frequently change burrows. However, no studies to date have examined these ecological aspects with the use of radio-telemetry. Five C. emini were captured and radio-collared to study their activity patterns and burrowing ecology from 9 March to 15 April 2016. Nocturnal activity ranged between the hours of 18:00 and 05:00 with a probable reduction of activities between 20:00-23:00 and around 04:00 with diurnal activity between 06:00 and 17:00 h with a reduction of activity between 11:00 and 14:00. While the present study does confirm nocturnal activity and a bimodal pattern, this study also suggests greater diurnal activity as compared to previous studies. Additionally, data presented here also suggest that C. emini may not change burrows as frequently as previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lem’s N. Kalemba
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa, P. O. Box 218 Kinshasa 11, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Clint N. Morgan
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE 30333, GA, Atlanta, USA
| | - Yoshinori J. Nakazawa
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE 30333, GA, Atlanta, USA
| | - Matthew R. Mauldin
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE 30333, GA, Atlanta, USA
| | - Jean M. Malekani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa, P. O. Box 218 Kinshasa 11, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jeffrey B. Doty
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE 30333, GA, USA
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9
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Freeman AR, Ophir AG. Sex differences in social odor discrimination by southern giant pouched rats (
Cricetomys ansorgei
). Ethology 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela R. Freeman
- Department of Psychology Cornell University Ithaca New York USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Salisbury University Salisbury Maryland USA
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10
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Decher J, Norris RW, Abedi-Lartey M, Oppong J, Hutterer R, Weinbrenner M, Koch M, Podsiadlowski L, Kilpatrick CW. A survey of small mammals in the Volta Region of Ghana with comments on zoogeography and conservation. ZOOSYSTEMA 2021. [DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2021v43a14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Decher
- Mammal Section, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn (Germany) and Department of Biology, University of Vermont. Burlington, Vermont 05405 (USA)
| | - Ryan W. Norris
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University at Lima, Lima, OH 45804 (USA)
| | - Michael Abedi-Lartey
- Golden Veroleum (Liberia) Inc., Monrovia Office: Unit 102, Wazni Building, 13th Street and Tubman Boulevard, Sinkor, Monrovia (Liberia)
| | - James Oppong
- Wildlife Division, Forestry Commission, P. O. Box M239, Accra (Ghana)
| | - Rainer Hutterer
- Mammal Section, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn (Germany)
| | | | - Martin Koch
- Department of Biogeography, University of Trier, Universitätsring 15, D-54296 Trier (Germany)
| | - Lars Podsiadlowski
- Mammal Section, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn (Germany)
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11
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Couvreur TL, Dauby G, Blach‐Overgaard A, Deblauwe V, Dessein S, Droissart V, Hardy OJ, Harris DJ, Janssens SB, Ley AC, Mackinder BA, Sonké B, Sosef MS, Stévart T, Svenning J, Wieringa JJ, Faye A, Missoup AD, Tolley KA, Nicolas V, Ntie S, Fluteau F, Robin C, Guillocheau F, Barboni D, Sepulchre P. Tectonics, climate and the diversification of the tropical African terrestrial flora and fauna. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:16-51. [PMID: 32924323 PMCID: PMC7821006 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tropical Africa is home to an astonishing biodiversity occurring in a variety of ecosystems. Past climatic change and geological events have impacted the evolution and diversification of this biodiversity. During the last two decades, around 90 dated molecular phylogenies of different clades across animals and plants have been published leading to an increased understanding of the diversification and speciation processes generating tropical African biodiversity. In parallel, extended geological and palaeoclimatic records together with detailed numerical simulations have refined our understanding of past geological and climatic changes in Africa. To date, these important advances have not been reviewed within a common framework. Here, we critically review and synthesize African climate, tectonics and terrestrial biodiversity evolution throughout the Cenozoic to the mid-Pleistocene, drawing on recent advances in Earth and life sciences. We first review six major geo-climatic periods defining tropical African biodiversity diversification by synthesizing 89 dated molecular phylogeny studies. Two major geo-climatic factors impacting the diversification of the sub-Saharan biota are highlighted. First, Africa underwent numerous climatic fluctuations at ancient and more recent timescales, with tectonic, greenhouse gas, and orbital forcing stimulating diversification. Second, increased aridification since the Late Eocene led to important extinction events, but also provided unique diversification opportunities shaping the current tropical African biodiversity landscape. We then review diversification studies of tropical terrestrial animal and plant clades and discuss three major models of speciation: (i) geographic speciation via vicariance (allopatry); (ii) ecological speciation impacted by climate and geological changes, and (iii) genomic speciation via genome duplication. Geographic speciation has been the most widely documented to date and is a common speciation model across tropical Africa. We conclude with four important challenges faced by tropical African biodiversity research: (i) to increase knowledge by gathering basic and fundamental biodiversity information; (ii) to improve modelling of African geophysical evolution throughout the Cenozoic via better constraints and downscaling approaches; (iii) to increase the precision of phylogenetic reconstruction and molecular dating of tropical African clades by using next generation sequencing approaches together with better fossil calibrations; (iv) finally, as done here, to integrate data better from Earth and life sciences by focusing on the interdisciplinary study of the evolution of tropical African biodiversity in a wider geodiversity context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gilles Dauby
- AMAP Lab, IRD, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- Laboratoire d'évolution Biologique et Ecologie, Faculté des SciencesUniversité Libre de BruxellesCP160/12, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50Brussels1050Belgium
| | - Anne Blach‐Overgaard
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityNy Munkegade 114Aarhus CDK‐8000Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityNy Munkegade 114Aarhus CDK‐8000Denmark
| | - Vincent Deblauwe
- Center for Tropical Research (CTR), Institute of the Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)Los AngelesCA90095U.S.A.
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)YaoundéCameroon
| | | | - Vincent Droissart
- AMAP Lab, IRD, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- Laboratoire de Botanique Systématique et d'Écologie, École Normale SupérieureUniversité de Yaoundé IPO Box 047YaoundéCameroon
- Herbarium et Bibliothèque de Botanique AfricaineUniversité Libre de BruxellesBoulevard du TriompheBrusselsB‐1050Belgium
- Africa & Madagascar DepartmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. LouisMOU.S.A.
| | - Oliver J. Hardy
- Laboratoire d'évolution Biologique et Ecologie, Faculté des SciencesUniversité Libre de BruxellesCP160/12, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50Brussels1050Belgium
| | - David J. Harris
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh20A Inverleith RowEdinburghU.K.
| | | | - Alexandra C. Ley
- Institut für Geobotanik und Botanischer GartenUniversity Halle‐WittenbergNeuwerk 21Halle06108Germany
| | | | - Bonaventure Sonké
- Laboratoire de Botanique Systématique et d'Écologie, École Normale SupérieureUniversité de Yaoundé IPO Box 047YaoundéCameroon
| | | | - Tariq Stévart
- Herbarium et Bibliothèque de Botanique AfricaineUniversité Libre de BruxellesBoulevard du TriompheBrusselsB‐1050Belgium
- Africa & Madagascar DepartmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. LouisMOU.S.A.
| | - Jens‐Christian Svenning
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityNy Munkegade 114Aarhus CDK‐8000Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityNy Munkegade 114Aarhus CDK‐8000Denmark
| | - Jan J. Wieringa
- Naturalis Biodiversity CenterDarwinweg 2Leiden2333 CRThe Netherlands
| | - Adama Faye
- Laboratoire National de Recherches sur les Productions Végétales (LNRPV)Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA)Route des Hydrocarbures, Bel Air BP 1386‐ CP18524DakarSenegal
| | - Alain D. Missoup
- Zoology Unit, Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of DoualaPO Box 24157DoualaCameroon
| | - Krystal A. Tolley
- South African National Biodiversity InstituteKirstenbosch Research CentrePrivate Bag X7, ClaremontCape Town7735South Africa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandPrivate Bag 3Wits2050South Africa
| | - Violaine Nicolas
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHEUniversité des AntillesCP51, 57 rue CuvierParis75005France
| | - Stéphan Ntie
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des SciencesUniversité des Sciences et Techniques de MasukuFrancevilleBP 941Gabon
| | - Frédiéric Fluteau
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRSUniversité de ParisParisF‐75005France
| | - Cécile Robin
- CNRS, Géosciences Rennes, UMR6118University of RennesRennes35042France
| | | | - Doris Barboni
- CEREGE, Aix‐Marseille University, CNRS, IRD, Collège de France, INRA, Technopole Arbois MéditerranéeBP80Aix‐en‐Provence cedex413545France
| | - Pierre Sepulchre
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, LSCE/IPSL, CEA‐CNRS‐UVSQUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteF‐91191France
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12
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Mamba ML, Dalton DL, Mahlaba TAM, Kropff AS, Monadjem A. Small mammals of a West African hotspot, the Ziama-Wonegizi-Wologizi transfrontier forest landscape. MAMMALIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2020-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The Upper Guinea rainforest zone in West Africa is considered a biodiversity hotspot and contains important habitats for threatened and endemic mammals, yet this region remains poorly known particularly for small mammals. The aim of this study was to survey small mammals in a Liberian and Guinean cross-border conservation area, the Ziama-Wonegizi-Wologizi landscape. We recorded a total of 52 small mammal species, including 26 bats, 15 rodents, 10 shrews, one otter-shrew, of which one rodent species was new to science (Colomys sp. nov.). We also documented the first country records of the bats Chaerephon aloysiisabaudiae, Pseudoromicia brunnea and Pipistrellus inexspectatus from Guinea, and the shrews Crocidura douceti and Crocidura grandiceps from Liberia. Furthermore, we recorded the recently described bat Nycticeinops
happoldorum from Wologizi and Ziama, and we documented the presence of Micropotamogale lamottei at Wologizi, which represents the fourth known locality for this globally threatened species. Finally, the forests of Wologizi and Ziama support numerous threatened species. The results of our survey demonstrate the importance of this region for small mammals and support the creation of a transboundary protected area that will encompass the entire forest landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mnqobi L. Mamba
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Eswatini , Private Bag 4 , Kwaluseni , Eswatini
| | - Desire L. Dalton
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Eswatini , Private Bag 4 , Kwaluseni , Eswatini
- South African National Biodiversity Institute , P.O. Box 754 , Pretoria , 0001 , South Africa
| | | | - Anna S. Kropff
- South African National Biodiversity Institute , P.O. Box 754 , Pretoria , 0001 , South Africa
| | - Ara Monadjem
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Eswatini , Private Bag 4 , Kwaluseni , Eswatini
- Department of Zoology and Entomology , Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria , Private Bag 20 , Hatfield 0028 , Pretoria , South Africa
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Giarla TC, Demos TC, Monadjem A, Hutterer R, Dalton D, Mamba ML, Roff EA, Mosher FM, Mikeš V, Kofron CP, Kerbis Peterhans JC. Integrative taxonomy and phylogeography of Colomys and Nilopegamys (Rodentia: Murinae), semi-aquatic mice of Africa, with descriptions of two new species. Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The semi-aquatic African murine genera Colomys and Nilopegamys are considered monotypic and thought to be closely related to one another. Colomys occurs across forested regions of equatorial Africa, whereas Nilopegamys is known only from the Ethiopian holotype, making it among the rarest mammalian genera in the world – and possibly extinct. Using morphological and genetic data, we reassess the taxonomy of Colomys and Nilopegamys. A multilocus phylogeny with outgroups demonstrates that Nilopegamys is sister to Colomys. In addition, we recognize at least four morphologically diagnosable and genetically distinct species within Colomys: C. eisentrauti (elevated from subspecies and restricted to north-west Cameroon), C. goslingi (with a more restricted range than previously reported) and two new species (one from Liberia and Guinea and one from central and southern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola). We also review the status of four other taxa currently recognized within Colomys goslingi (bicolor, denti, goslingi and ruandensis) and demonstrate that these names lack phylogenetic and/or morphological support. Finally, we discuss potential biogeographic barriers that may have played a role in the evolution of Colomys and Nilopegamys, emphasizing the importance of rivers in both facilitating and, possibly, limiting dispersal within these genera.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terrence C Demos
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ara Monadjem
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Desiré Dalton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mnqobi L Mamba
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini
| | - Emily A Roff
- Department of Biology, Siena College, Loudonville, NY, USA
| | - Frank M Mosher
- Department of Biology, Siena College, Loudonville, NY, USA
| | - Václav Mikeš
- Museum of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Julian C Kerbis Peterhans
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA
- College of Arts and Sciences, Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL, USA
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14
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Freeman AR, Ophir AG, Sheehan MJ. The giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) olfactory receptor repertoire. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0221981. [PMID: 32240170 PMCID: PMC7117715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For rodents, olfaction is essential for locating food, recognizing mates and competitors, avoiding predators, and navigating their environment. It is thought that rodents may have expanded olfactory receptor repertoires in order to specialize in olfactory behavior. Despite being the largest clade of mammals and depending on olfaction relatively little work has documented olfactory repertoires outside of conventional laboratory species. Here we report the olfactory receptor repertoire of the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei), a Muroid rodent distantly related to mice and rats. The African giant pouched rat is notable for its large cortex and olfactory bulbs relative to its body size compared to other sympatric rodents, which suggests anatomical elaboration of olfactory capabilities. We hypothesized that in addition to anatomical elaboration for olfaction, these pouched rats might also have an expanded olfactory receptor repertoire to enable their olfactory behavior. We examined the composition of the olfactory receptor repertoire to better understand how their sensory capabilities have evolved. We identified 1145 intact olfactory genes, and 260 additional pseudogenes within 301 subfamilies from the African giant pouched rat genome. This repertoire is similar to mice and rats in terms of size, pseudogene percentage and number of subfamilies. Analyses of olfactory receptor gene trees revealed that the pouched rat has 6 expansions in different subfamilies compared to mice, rats and squirrels. We identified 81 orthologous genes conserved among 4 rodent species and an additional 147 conserved genes within the Muroid rodents. The orthologous genes shared within Muroidea suggests that there may be a conserved Muroid-specific olfactory receptor repertoire. We also note that the description of this repertoire can serve as a complement to other studies of rodent olfaction, as the pouched rat is an outgroup within Muroidea. Thus, our data suggest that African giant pouched rats are capable of both natural and trained olfactory behaviors with a typical Muriod olfactory receptor repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R. Freeman
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alexander G. Ophir
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Sheehan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
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15
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Nicolas V, Fabre PH, Bryja J, Denys C, Verheyen E, Missoup AD, Olayemi A, Katuala P, Dudu A, Colyn M, Kerbis Peterhans J, Demos T. The phylogeny of the African wood mice (Muridae, Hylomyscus) based on complete mitochondrial genomes and five nuclear genes reveals their evolutionary history and undescribed diversity. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 144:106703. [PMID: 31816395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Wood mice of the genus Hylomyscus, are small-sized rodents widely distributed in lowland and montane rainforests in tropical Africa, where they can be locally abundant. Recent morphological and molecular studies have increased the number of recognized species from 8 to 18 during the last 15 years. We used complete mitochondrial genomes and five nuclear genes to infer the number of candidate species within this genus and depict its evolutionary history. In terms of gene sampling and geographical and taxonomic coverage, this is the most comprehensive review of the genus Hylomyscus to date. The six species groups (aeta, alleni, anselli, baeri, denniae and parvus) defined on morphological grounds are monophyletic. Species delimitation analyses highlight undescribed diversity within this genus: perhaps up to 10 taxa need description or elevation from synonymy, pending review of type specimens. Our divergence dating and biogeographical analyses show that diversification of the genus occurred after the end of the Miocene and is closely linked to the history of the African forest. The formation of the Rift Valley combined with the declining global temperatures during the Late Miocene caused the fragmentation of the forests and explains the first split between the denniae group and remaining lineages. Subsequently, periods of increased climatic instability during Plio-Pleistocene probably resulted in elevated diversification in both lowland and montane forest taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violaine Nicolas
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP51, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Pierre-Henri Fabre
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution (ISEM, UMR 5554 CNRS-IRD-UM), Université de Montpellier, Place E. Bataillon CC 064 - 34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Josef Bryja
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Christiane Denys
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP51, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Erik Verheyen
- Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences, Operational Direction Taxonomy and Phylogeny, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alain Didier Missoup
- Zoology Unit, Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Ayodeji Olayemi
- Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, HO 220005 Ile Ife, Nigeria
| | - Pionus Katuala
- Animal Ecology and Resource Management, Laboratory (LEGERA), University of Kisangani, B.P. 2012, Kisangani, Congo
| | - Akaibe Dudu
- Animal Ecology and Resource Management, Laboratory (LEGERA), University of Kisangani, B.P. 2012, Kisangani, Congo
| | - Marc Colyn
- Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, UMR 6553 Ecobio, Station Biologique, 35380 Paimpont, France
| | - Julian Kerbis Peterhans
- Science & Education, Field Museum of Natural History, 60605 Chicago, IL, USA; College of Arts & Sciences, Roosevelt University, 430 S Michigan, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Terrence Demos
- College of Arts & Sciences, Roosevelt University, 430 S Michigan, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
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16
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Yadok BG, Pech R, Chapman H. Perception of predation risk by African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys sp. nov) is higher in forest-edge microhabitats. Behav Processes 2019; 168:103953. [PMID: 31493493 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2019.103953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
How rodents perceive predation risk may alter their seed foraging behaviour and therefore potentially influence the recruitment of tree species. In this study we used two methods to investigate the effect of predation risk on habitat use by the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys sp. nov) in Ngel Nyaki forest reserve, Nigeria. The first method was 'giving up density' (GUD), an index of perceived risk of predation at an artificial food patch, and the second was the 'spool-and-line' approach, whereby unravelling spools attached to rodent bodies are used to trace their tracks. For our GUD experiment, we chose four major sites in the forest; two representative of core habitat and two at the forest edge. Additionally, three characteristic microsites were used in the GUD experiment: dense understory, open understory and near-burrows. We hypothesised that GUDs would be lower on every succeeding observation day as rats learn to use the food patches, higher GUDs would be observed in the forest edges and open microsites, and rats would show preference for the microhabitats with least exposure to potential predators. In support of our first hypothesis, we found that GUDs were highest on the first experimental nights of every session. We also found that GUDs in the forest edges were higher than GUDs in the forest core. Lower GUDs were observed close to the rat burrows and in dense understory microsites, even though these differences were not statistically significant. Tracking of rat movements using the spool-and-line method overall revealed an even use across microhabitats, with a weak preference for those with logs, dense understory or exposed ground. Overall, our results suggest that vegetation density on a microhabitat scale has little or no effect on the perception of predation risk by African giant pouched rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplang G Yadok
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, PB 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand; Nigerian Montane Forest Project, Yelwa village, Taraba State, Nigeria.
| | - Roger Pech
- Landcare Research, Lincoln, P. O. Box 69040, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Hazel Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, PB 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand; Nigerian Montane Forest Project, Yelwa village, Taraba State, Nigeria
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17
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Yadok BG, Forget PM, Gerhard D, Chapman H. Low fruit-crop years of Carapa oreophila drive increased seed removal and predation by scatterhoarding rodents in a West African forest. ACTA OECOLOGICA 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2019.103448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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18
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Weber N, Wistuba R, Astrin JJ, Decher J. New records of bats and terrestrial small mammals from the Seli River in Sierra Leone before the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Biodivers Data J 2019; 7:e34754. [PMID: 31258375 PMCID: PMC6592978 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.7.e34754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sierra Leone is situated at the western edge of the Upper Guinean Forests in West Africa, a recognised biodiversity hotspot which is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation and loss through anthropogenic impacts. The small mammal fauna of Sierra Leone is poorly documented, although bats and rodents account for the majority of mammalian diversity. Based on morphological, genetic and echolocation data, we recorded 30 bat (Chiroptera), three shrew (Soricomorpha) and eleven rodent (Rodentia) species at the Seli River in the north of the country in 2014 and 2016, during a baseline study for the Bumbuna Phase II hydroelectric project. In 2016, 15 bat species were additionally documented at the western fringe of the Loma Mountains, a recently established national park and biodiversity offset for the Bumbuna Phase I dam. Three bat species were recorded for the first time in Sierra Leone, raising the total number for the country to 61. Further, two bat species are threatened and endemic to the Upper Guinean Forest and several taxa of small mammals are poorly known or represent undescribed species. Overall, the habitats of the project area supported a species-rich small mammal fauna including species of global conservation concern. Suitable mitigation measures and/or offsets are necessary to maintain biodiversity and ecosystems in a region that is under high human pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Weber
- Independent Research Consultant, Fuerth, Germany Independent Research Consultant Fuerth Germany
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19
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Doshi RH, Guagliardo SAJ, Doty JB, Babeaux AD, Matheny A, Burgado J, Townsend MB, Morgan CN, Satheshkumar PS, Ndakala N, Kanjingankolo T, Kitembo L, Malekani J, Kalemba L, Pukuta E, N'kaya T, Kangoula F, Moses C, McCollum AM, Reynolds MG, Mombouli JV, Nakazawa Y, Petersen BW. Epidemiologic and Ecologic Investigations of Monkeypox, Likouala Department, Republic of the Congo, 2017. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:281-289. [PMID: 30666937 PMCID: PMC6346463 DOI: 10.3201/eid2502.181222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox, caused by a zoonotic orthopoxvirus, is endemic in Central and West Africa. Monkeypox has been sporadically reported in the Republic of the Congo. During March 22-April 5, 2017, we investigated 43 suspected human monkeypox cases. We interviewed suspected case-patients and collected dried blood strips and vesicular and crust specimens (active lesions), which we tested for orthopoxvirus antibodies by ELISA and monkeypox virus and varicella zoster virus DNA by PCR. An ecologic investigation was conducted around Manfouété, and specimens from 105 small mammals were tested for anti-orthopoxvirus antibodies or DNA. Among the suspected human cases, 22 met the confirmed, probable, and possible case definitions. Only 18 patients had available dried blood strips; 100% were IgG positive, and 88.9% (16/18) were IgM positive. Among animals, only specimens from Cricetomys giant pouched rats showed presence of orthopoxvirus antibodies, adding evidence to this species' involvement in the transmission and maintenance of monkeypox virus in nature.
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20
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Freeman AR, Ophir AG. Scent-marking behavior of the southern giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei). J Mammal 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander G Ophir
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY, USA
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21
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Olayemi A, Obadare A, Oyeyiola A, Fasogbon S, Igbokwe J, Igbahenah F, Ortsega D, Günther S, Verheyen E, Fichet-Calvet E. Small mammal diversity and dynamics within Nigeria, with emphasis on reservoirs of the lassa virus. SYST BIODIVERS 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2017.1358220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji Olayemi
- Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Adeoba Obadare
- Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Akinlabi Oyeyiola
- Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | - Joseph Igbokwe
- Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Felix Igbahenah
- Geography Department, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Ortsega
- Geography Department, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - Stephan Günther
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Erik Verheyen
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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22
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Ellis H, Mulder C, Valverde E, Poling A, Edwards T. Reproducibility of African giant pouched rats detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:298. [PMID: 28438117 PMCID: PMC5402322 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background African pouched rats sniffing sputum samples provided by local clinics have significantly increased tuberculosis case findings in Tanzania and Mozambique. The objective of this study was to determine the reproducibility of rat results. Methods Over an 18-month period 11,869 samples were examined by the rats. Intra-rater reliability was assessed through Yule’s Q. Inter-rater reliability was assessed with Krippendorff’s alpha. Results Intra-rater reliability was high, with a mean Yule’s Q of 0.9. Inter-rater agreement was fair, with Krippendorf’s alpha ranging from 0.15 to 0.45. Both Intra- and Inter-rater reliability was independent of the sex of the animals, but they were positively correlated with age. Both intra- and inter-rater agreement was lowest for samples designated as smear-negative by the clinics. Conclusion Overall, the reproducibility of tuberculosis detection rat results was fair and diagnostic results were therefore independent of the rats used. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2347-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Ellis
- Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling - APOPO, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. .,Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand.
| | - Christiaan Mulder
- Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling - APOPO, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.,Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emilio Valverde
- Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling - APOPO, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.,Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, USA
| | - Alan Poling
- Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling - APOPO, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.,Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5200, USA
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23
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Edwards TL, Valverde E, Mulder C, Cox C, Poling A. Pouched rats as detectors of tuberculosis: comparison to concentrated smear microscopy. Eur Respir J 2016; 48:579-82. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00264-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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24
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Amori G, Segniagbeto GH, Decher J, Assou D, Gippoliti S, Luiselli L. Non-marine mammals of Togo (West Africa): an annotated checklist. ZOOSYSTEMA 2016. [DOI: 10.5252/z2016n2a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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25
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Igbokwe JO, Awodiran MO, Oladejo OS, Olayemi AO, Awopetu JI. Chromosomal analysis of small mammals from Southwestern Nigeria. MAMMAL RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-015-0254-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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26
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Hutson CL, Nakazawa YJ, Self J, Olson VA, Regnery RL, Braden Z, Weiss S, Malekani J, Jackson E, Tate M, Karem KL, Rocke TE, Osorio JE, Damon IK, Carroll DS. Laboratory Investigations of African Pouched Rats (Cricetomys gambianus) as a Potential Reservoir Host Species for Monkeypox Virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004013. [PMID: 26517724 PMCID: PMC4627651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease endemic to central and western Africa, where it is a major public health concern. Although Monkeypox virus (MPXV) and monkeypox disease in humans have been well characterized, little is known about its natural history, or its maintenance in animal populations of sylvatic reservoir(s). In 2003, several species of rodents imported from Ghana were involved in a monkeypox outbreak in the United States with individuals of three African rodent genera (Cricetomys, Graphiurus, Funisciurus) shown to be infected with MPXV. Here, we examine the course of MPXV infection in Cricetomys gambianus (pouched Gambian rats) and this rodent species' competence as a host for the virus. We obtained ten Gambian rats from an introduced colony in Grassy Key, Florida and infected eight of these via scarification with a challenge dose of 4X104 plaque forming units (pfu) from either of the two primary clades of MPXV: Congo Basin (C-MPXV: n = 4) or West African (W-MPXV: n = 4); an additional 2 animals served as PBS controls. Viral shedding and the effect of infection on activity and physiological aspects of the animals were measured. MPXV challenged animals had significantly higher core body temperatures, reduced activity and increased weight loss than PBS controls. Viable virus was found in samples taken from animals in both experimental groups (C-MPXV and W-MPXV) between 3 and 27 days post infection (p.i.) (up to 1X108 pfu/ml), with viral DNA found until day 56 p.i. The results from this work show that Cricetomys gambianus (and by inference, probably the closely related species, Cricetomys emini) can be infected with MPXV and shed viable virus particles; thus suggesting that these animals may be involved in the maintenance of MPXV in wildlife mammalian populations. More research is needed to elucidate the epidemiology of MPXV and the role of Gambian rats and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L. Hutson
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yoshinori J. Nakazawa
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joshua Self
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Victoria A. Olson
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Russell L. Regnery
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Zachary Braden
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sonja Weiss
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jean Malekani
- Department of Biology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Eddie Jackson
- Animal Resources Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mallory Tate
- Animal Resources Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kevin L. Karem
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Tonie E. Rocke
- U.S. Geological Survey-National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jorge E. Osorio
- Department of Pathobiological Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Inger K. Damon
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Darin S. Carroll
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Canopy gaps promote selective stem-cutting by small mammals of two dominant tree species in an African lowland forest: the importance of seedling chemistry. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467415000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Small mammals can impede tree regeneration by injuring seedlings and saplings in several ways. One fatal way is by severing their stems, but apparently this type of predation is not well-studied in tropical rain forest. Here, we report on the incidence of ‘stem-cutting’ to new, wild seedlings of two locally dominant, canopy tree species monitored in 40 paired forest understorey and gap-habitat areas in Korup, Cameroon following a 2007 masting event. In gap areas, which are required for the upward growth and sapling recruitment of both species, 137 seedlings of the long-lived, light-demanding, fast-growing large tropical tree (Microberlinia bisulcata) were highly susceptible to stem-cutting (83% of deaths) — it killed 39% of all seedlings over a c. 2-y period. In stark contrast, seedlings of the more shade-tolerant, slower-growing tree species (Tetraberlinia bifoliolata) were hardly attacked (4.3%). In the understorey, however, stem-cutting was virtually absent. Across the gap areas, the incidence of stem-cutting of M. bisulcata seedlings showed significant spatial variation that could not be explained significantly by either canopy openness or Janzen–Connell type effects (proximity and basal area of conspecific adult trees). To examine physical and chemical traits that might explain the species difference to being cut, bark and wood tissues were collected from a separate sample of seedlings in gaps (i.e. not monitored for stem-cutting). These analyses suggested that, compared with T. bifoliolata, the lower stem density, higher Mg and K and fatty acid concentrations in bark, and fewer phenolic and terpene compounds in M. bisulcata seedlings made them more palatable and attractive to small-mammal predators, likely rodents. We conclude that selective stem-cutting is a potent countervailing force to the current local canopy dominance of the grove-forming M. bisulcata by limiting the recruitment and abundance of its saplings. Given the ubiquity of gaps and ground-dwelling rodents in pantropical forests, it would be surprising if this form of lethal browsing was restricted to Korup.
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Jacquet F, Denys C, Verheyen E, Bryja J, Hutterer R, Kerbis Peterhans JC, Stanley WT, Goodman SM, Couloux A, Colyn M, Nicolas V. Phylogeography and evolutionary history of the Crocidura olivieri complex (Mammalia, Soricomorpha): from a forest origin to broad ecological expansion across Africa. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:71. [PMID: 25900417 PMCID: PMC4422046 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0344-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to reconstruct the evolutionary history of African shrews referred to the Crocidura olivieri complex. We tested the respective role of forest retraction/expansion during the Pleistocene, rivers (allopatric models), ecological gradients (parapatric model) and anthropogenic factors in explaining the distribution and diversification within this species complex. We sequenced three mitochondrial and four nuclear markers from 565 specimens encompassing the known distribution of the complex, i.e. from Morocco to Egypt and south to Mozambique. We used Bayesian phylogenetic inference, genetic structure analyses and divergence time estimates to assess the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of these animals. Results The C. olivieri complex (currently composed of C. olivieri, C. fulvastra, C. viaria and C. goliath) can be segregated into eight principal geographical clades, most exhibiting parapatric distributions. A decrease in genetic diversity was observed between central and western African clades and a marked signal of population expansion was detected for a broadly distributed clade occurring across central and eastern Africa and portions of Egypt (clade IV). The main cladogenesis events occurred within the complex between 1.37 and 0.48 Ma. Crocidura olivieri sensu stricto appears polyphyletic and C. viaria and C. fulvastra were not found to be monophyletic. Conclusions Climatic oscillations over the Pleistocene probably played a major role in shaping the genetic diversity within this species complex. Different factors can explain their diversification, including Pleistocene forest refuges, riverine barriers and differentiation along environmental gradients. The earliest postulated members of the complex originated in central/eastern Africa and the first radiations took place in rain forests of the Congo Basin. A dramatic shift in the ecological requirements in early members of the complex, in association with changing environments, took place sometime after 1.13 Ma. Some lineages then colonized a substantial portion of the African continent, including a variety of savannah and forest habitats. The low genetic divergence of certain populations, some in isolated localities, can be explained by their synanthropic habits. This study underlines the need to revise the taxonomy of the C. olivieri complex. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0344-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Jacquet
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 51, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Christiane Denys
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 51, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Erik Verheyen
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Direction Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Molecular Laboratory, Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium. .,Biology Department, University of Antwerpen, Evolutionary Ecology Group, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Josef Bryja
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology ASCR, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic. .,Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Rainer Hutterer
- Zoologisches Forschungmuseum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, D-53113, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Julian C Kerbis Peterhans
- College of Professional Studies, Roosevelt University, 430 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA. .,Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA.
| | - William T Stanley
- Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA.
| | - Steven M Goodman
- Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA. .,Association Vahatra, BP 3972, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar.
| | - Arnaud Couloux
- Génoscope, Centre National de Séquençage, 2 rue Gaston Crémieux, CP5706, 91057, Evry Cedex, France.
| | - Marc Colyn
- Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, UMR 6553 Ecobio, Station Biologique, 35380, Paimpont, France.
| | - Violaine Nicolas
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 51, 75005, Paris, France.
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Garba M, Dalecky A, Kadaoure I, Kane M, Hima K, Veran S, Gagare S, Gauthier P, Tatard C, Rossi JP, Dobigny G. Spatial segregation between invasive and native commensal rodents in an urban environment: a case study in Niamey, Niger. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110666. [PMID: 25379785 PMCID: PMC4224371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive rodents have been responsible for the diffusion worldwide of many zoonotic agents, thus representing major threats for public health. Cities are important hubs for people and goods exchange and are thus expected to play a pivotal role in invasive commensal rodent dissemination. Yet, data about urban rodents' ecology, especially invasive vs. native species interactions, are dramatically scarce. Here, we provide results of an extensive survey of urban rodents conducted in Niamey, Niger, depicting the early stages of rodent bioinvasions within a city. We explore the species-specific spatial distributions throughout the city using contrasted approaches, namely field sampling, co-occurrence analysis, occupancy modelling and indicator geostatistics. We show that (i) two species (i.e. rural-like vs. truly commensal) assemblages can be identified, and that (ii) within commensal rodents, invasive (Rattus rattus and Mus musculus) and native (Mastomys natalensis) species are spatially segregated. Moreover, several pieces of arguments tend to suggest that these exclusive distributions reflect an ongoing native-to-invasive species turn over. The underlying processes as well as the possible consequences for humans are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madougou Garba
- Centre Régional Agrhymet, Département Formation Recherche, Niamey, Niger
- Université Abdou Moumouni, Faculté des Sciences, Niamey, Niger
- Direction Générale de la Protection des Végétaux, Ministère de l′Agriculture, Niamey, Niger
| | - Ambroise Dalecky
- IRD, Aix Marseille Université, LPED (UMR IRD-AMU), Marseille, France
- IRD, CBGP (UMR IRD-INRA-Cirad-SupAgro Montpellier), Campus International de Baillarguet, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
| | | | - Mamadou Kane
- IRD, CBGP, Campus ISRA-IRD de Dakar-Bel-Air, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Karmadine Hima
- Université Abdou Moumouni, Faculté des Sciences, Niamey, Niger
| | - Sophie Veran
- INRA, CBGP, Campus International de Baillarguet, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
| | - Sama Gagare
- Centre Régional Agrhymet, Département Formation Recherche, Niamey, Niger
| | - Philippe Gauthier
- IRD, CBGP (UMR IRD-INRA-Cirad-SupAgro Montpellier), Campus International de Baillarguet, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
| | - Caroline Tatard
- INRA, CBGP, Campus International de Baillarguet, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Rossi
- INRA, CBGP, Campus International de Baillarguet, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
| | - Gauthier Dobigny
- Centre Régional Agrhymet, Département Formation Recherche, Niamey, Niger
- IRD, CBGP (UMR IRD-INRA-Cirad-SupAgro Montpellier), Campus International de Baillarguet, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
- * E-mail:
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Gaubert P, Njiokou F, Olayemi A, Pagani P, Dufour S, Danquah E, Nutsuakor MEK, Ngua G, Missoup AD, Tedesco PA, Dernat R, Antunes A. Bushmeat genetics: setting up a reference framework for the DNA typing of African forest bushmeat. Mol Ecol Resour 2014; 15:633-51. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Gaubert
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier - UM2-CNRS-IRD; Université Montpellier 2; Place Eugène Bataillon - CC 64 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05 France
| | - Flobert Njiokou
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et d'Ecologie; Faculté des Sciences; Université de Yaoundé I; BP 812 Yaoundé Cameroon
| | - Ayodeji Olayemi
- Natural History Museum; Obafemi Awolowo University; Ho 220005 Ile-Ife Osun State Nigeria
| | - Paolo Pagani
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Yalelaan 1 3584 CL Utrecht The Netherlands
| | | | - Emmanuel Danquah
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management; Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; University Post Office; Kumasi Ghana
| | - Mac Elikem K. Nutsuakor
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management; Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; University Post Office; Kumasi Ghana
| | - Gabriel Ngua
- Amigos de la Naturaleza y del Desarrollo de Guinea Ecuatorial (ANDEGE); Barrió Ukomba, S/N Bata Equatorial Guinea
| | - Alain-Didier Missoup
- Biologie de l'Evolution - Mammalogie; Département de Biologie des Organismes Animaux; Faculté des Sciences; Université de Douala; BP 24157 Douala Cameroon
| | - Pablo A. Tedesco
- Département Milieux et Peuplements Aquatiques; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle; UMR Biologie des ORganismes et des Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (UMR BOREA IRD 207-CNRS 7208-UPMC-MNHN); 43 rue Cuvier FR-75231 Paris Cedex France
| | - Rémy Dernat
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution - CNRS UMR 5554; Plateforme Bioinformatique LabEx; Université Montpellier 2; Place Eugène Bataillon 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05 France
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental; Universidade do Porto; Rua dos Bragas, 177 4050-123 Porto Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia; Faculdade de Ciências; Universidade do Porto; Rua do Campo Alegre 4169-007 Porto Portugal
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Denys C, Didier Missoup A, Nicolas V, Fülling O, Delapré A, Bilong Bilong CF, J. Taylor PJ, Hutterer R. African highlands as mammal diversity hotspots: new records ofLamottemys okuensisPetter, 1986 (Rodentia: Muridae) and other endemic rodents from Mt Oku, Cameroon. ZOOSYSTEMA 2014. [DOI: 10.5252/z2014n3a6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Aliyu B, Adamu H, Moltchanova E, Forget PM, Chapman H. The Interplay of Habitat and Seed Type on Scatterhoarding Behavior in a Fragmented Afromontane Forest Landscape. Biotropica 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Babale Aliyu
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Canterbury; PB 4800 Christchurch New Zealand
- Nigerian Montane Forest Project; Yelwa village Taraba State Nigeria
- Department of Biology; Gombe State University; Tudan Wada Street Gombe Gombe State Nigeria
| | - Hammadu Adamu
- Nigerian Montane Forest Project; Yelwa village Taraba State Nigeria
| | - Elena Moltchanova
- Department of Math and Statistics; University of Canterbury; PB 4800 Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Pierre Michel Forget
- Département Ecologie et Gestion de la Biodiversité; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle; CNRS UMR 7179; 1 avenue du Petit Château 91800 Brunoy France
| | - Hazel Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Canterbury; PB 4800 Christchurch New Zealand
- Nigerian Montane Forest Project; Yelwa village Taraba State Nigeria
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Dutton PE, Chapman HM, Moltchanova E. Secondary removal of seeds dispersed by chimpanzees in a Nigerian montane forest. Afr J Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Dutton
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Canterbury; Private Bag 4800 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand
| | - Hazel M. Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Canterbury; Private Bag 4800 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand
| | - Elena Moltchanova
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics; University of Canterbury; Private Bag 4800 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand
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Laudisoit A, Falay D, Amundala N, Akaibe D, de Bellocq JG, Van Houtte N, Breno M, Verheyen E, Wilschut L, Parola P, Raoult D, Socolovschi C. High prevalence of Rickettsia typhi and Bartonella species in rats and fleas, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 90:463-8. [PMID: 24445202 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and identity of Rickettsia and Bartonella in urban rat and flea populations were evaluated in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by molecular tools. An overall prevalence of 17% Bartonella species and 13% Rickettsia typhi, the agent of murine typhus, was found in the cosmopolitan rat species, Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus that were infested by a majority of Xenopsylla cheopis fleas. Bartonella queenslandensis, Bartonella elizabethae, and three Bartonella genotypes were identified by sequencing in rat specimens, mostly in R. rattus. Rickettsia typhi was detected in 72% of X. cheopis pools, the main vector and reservoir of this zoonotic pathogen. Co-infections were observed in rodents, suggesting a common mammalian host shared by R. typhi and Bartonella spp. Thus, both infections are endemic in DRC and the medical staffs need to be aware knowing the high prevalence of impoverished populations or immunocompromised inhabitants in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Laudisoit
- EEID, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Evolutionary Ecology, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium; University Clinic of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Science Faculty, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, DRC; Biodiversity Monitoring Center (Centre de Surveillance de la Biodiversité, CSB), Kisangani, DRC; Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium; Faculty of Geosciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Aix Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, 13005 Marseille, France
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Morphometrical and genetic comparison of two nematode species: H. spumosa and H. dahomensis (Nematoda, Heterakidae). Acta Parasitol 2013; 58:389-98. [PMID: 23990438 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-013-0156-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Heterakis is a genus of parasitic nematodes, the majority of which are found in ground-feeding birds and only rarely in mammals. The best-known species is Heterakis spumosa, a parasite associated with the cosmopolitan invasive rodent Rattus rattus of Asiatic origin. Heterakis dahomensis was described in 1911 as a parasite of the Gambian giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) from Benin (Africa), subsequently synonymized to H. spumosa by Hall (1916). The study of helminths in African rodents is scarce and patchy. Since the original description of H. dahomensis, there have been only a few reports from Africa of species belonging to the genus Heterakis and the validity of this species has never in fact been confirmed or rejected. In the present study individual Heterakis spp. were collected from C. gambianus from Senegal. The morphological data taken point to differences between Heterakis dahomensis and H. spumosa, specifically in the number of tail papillae in males and in the vulva cuticular processes of females. In addition, molecular data revealed differences between these taxa and so H. dahomensis should be considered as a valid species. Moreover, recent changes in the systematics of the genus Cricetomys mean that it is now necessary to study the morphology and genetics of the Heterakis specimens collected from Cricetomys spp. (previously assigned to C. gambianus) in order to determine their taxonomic status as either H. dahomensis o H. spumosa.
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