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Roselli-Laclau A, García-Alonso J, Valdés-Goméz A, Freitas-Souza M, de Rezende CE, Franco-Trecu V. Unveiling mercury levels: Trophic habits influence on bioaccumulation in two Otariid species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 361:124804. [PMID: 39181301 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Mercury, a toxic metal released by various human activities, exerts environmental stress through its bioaccumulation and biomagnification, particularly in marine habitats. South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) and sea lions (Otaria flavescens) reproduce on the Atlantic coast of Uruguay. As top predators, they can accumulate toxic levels of mercury and are often used as sentinel species for monitoring ecosystem health. Fur seals prey on pelagic species, such as fish and squid, while sea lions consume coastal-benthic prey. We analyzed the total mercury concentration (THg) in hair and the trophic habits (δ13C and δ15N) of females from both species. The average THg concentration in adult female sea lions (30.5 ± 9.3 μg/g dry weight) was significantly higher than in fur seals (6.3 ± 2.5 μg/g dry weight). Additionally, the mean δ15N and δ13C values were significantly higher in sea lion (δ15N: 19.2 ± 0.6‰, δ13C: -13.8 ± 0.2‰) compared to fur seals (δ15N: 16.5 ± 0.5‰, δ13C: -15.5 ± 0.6‰). Our results suggest that different trophic levels and feedings areas affect the THg concentration in Uruguayan Otariids. Notably, at the intraspecific level, the THg concentration in sea lions increased with δ13C values, suggesting a link to coastal feeding habits. This indicates that coastal feeding behaviors, compared to feeding in pelagic environments, enhance mercury bioaccumulation in Otariids along the Uruguayan coast, with the discharge of freshwater from the Río de la Plata (one of the largest estuaries in South America) basin identified as a potential mercury source. THg concentrations found in female sea lion hair are the highest reported in Otariids globally. Mercury levels exceeded toxic thresholds observed in other mammals and could pose significant health risks. Our findings may explain why sea lions were particularly affected by the avian influenza outbreak in Uruguay compared to fur seals. Monitoring the declining sea lion population is crucial, making our results significant for integrated conservation and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaclara Roselli-Laclau
- Departamento de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400, Montevideo Uruguay; Departamento de Ecología y Gestión Ambiental, Centro Universitario Región Este, Universidad de la República, Cachimba del Rey y Aparicio Saravia, 20000, Maldonado, Uruguay.
| | - Javier García-Alonso
- Departamento de Ecología y Gestión Ambiental, Centro Universitario Región Este, Universidad de la República, Cachimba del Rey y Aparicio Saravia, 20000, Maldonado, Uruguay.
| | - Alex Valdés-Goméz
- Departamento de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400, Montevideo Uruguay; Departamento de Ecología y Gestión Ambiental, Centro Universitario Región Este, Universidad de la República, Cachimba del Rey y Aparicio Saravia, 20000, Maldonado, Uruguay
| | - Mariana Freitas-Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28.013-602, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28.013-602, Brazil.
| | - Valentina Franco-Trecu
- Departamento de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400, Montevideo Uruguay.
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Orfanou E, Zach B, Rohrlach AB, Schneider FN, Paust E, Lucas M, Hermes T, Ilgner J, Scott E, Ettel P, Haak W, Spengler R, Roberts P. Biomolecular evidence for changing millet reliance in Late Bronze Age central Germany. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4382. [PMID: 38388679 PMCID: PMC10883991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54824-0] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The Bronze Age of Central Europe was a period of major social, economic, political and ideological change. The arrival of millet is often seen as part of wider Bronze Age connectivity, yet understanding of the subsistence regimes underpinning this dynamic period remains poor for this region, in large part due to a dominance of cremation funerary rites, which hinder biomolecular studies. Here, we apply stable isotope analysis, radiocarbon dating and archaeobotanical analysis to two Late Bronze Age (LBA) sites, Esperstedt and Kuckenburg, in central Germany, where human remains were inhumed rather than cremated. We find that people buried at these sites did not consume millet before the Middle Bronze Age (MBA) (ca. 1600 BCE). However, by the early LBA (ca. 1300-1050 BCE) people consumed millet, often in substantial quantities. This consumption appears to have subsequently diminished or ceased around 1050-800 BCE, despite charred millet grains still being found in the archaeological deposits from this period. The arrival of millet in this region, followed by a surge in consumption spanning two centuries, indicates a complex interplay of cultural and economic factors, as well as a potential use of millet to buffer changes in aridity in a region increasingly prone to crop failure in the face of climate change today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Orfanou
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany.
- Chair of Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - Barbara Zach
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Chair of Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Domestication and Anthropogenic Evolution Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Adam B Rohrlach
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Florian N Schneider
- Chair of Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Enrico Paust
- Chair of Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Mary Lucas
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Lars Thørings Veg 10, 9006, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Taylor Hermes
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Anthropology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, 72701, USA
| | - Jana Ilgner
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Erin Scott
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Ettel
- Chair of Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Haak
- Department of Archaeogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Spengler
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Domestication and Anthropogenic Evolution Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Patrick Roberts
- Department of Archaeology, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany.
- isoTROPIC Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, 07745, Jena, Germany.
- Institut Für Ur- Und Frühgeschichte, Philosophische Fakultät, Universität Zu Köln, Cologne, Germany.
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3
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Saiyed ST, Fuentes A, Shaw E, Schurr MR, Gettler LT. Barbary macaques show sex-related differences in body weight based on anthropogenic food exposure despite comparable female-male stable isotope ratios. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3320. [PMID: 38336986 PMCID: PMC10858218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53641-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
As the human-primate interface expands, many nonhuman primate (NHP) populations exploit anthropogenic foods to survive, while some populations opportunistically target them. Though anthropogenic food consumption is sometimes associated with greater reproductive output and survival in these populations, there is a dearth of research on possible health effects. We explore how differential exposure to anthropogenic foods is linked to variation in isotopic compositions (δ13C and δ15N) and body weights in Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, Gibraltar. We placed monkeys into three categories based on anthropogenic food exposure. We then analyzed individuals for isotopic signatures (N = 147) and body weight measurements (N = 80). Using the lowest exposure category as the comparison, we found body weights and δ15N values, but not δ13C values, significantly differed across key categories. Within categories, we found no significant associations between sex and δ13C or δ15N values, suggesting that individuals within categories consumed similar foods regardless of sex. We found a significant interaction effect between category and sex for predicting body weights. These results suggest that sex plays a role in how anthropogenic foods are accessed and consumed regardless of exposure, which may result in differential health profiles for female and male macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana T Saiyed
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Agustin Fuentes
- Department of Anthropology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Eric Shaw
- Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS), Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Mark R Schurr
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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Monk CT, Power M, Freitas C, Harrison PM, Heupel M, Kuparinen A, Moland E, Simpfendorfer C, Villegas-Ríos D, Olsen EM. Atlantic cod individual spatial behaviour and stable isotope associations in a no-take marine reserve. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:2333-2347. [PMID: 37843043 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Foraging is a behavioural process and, therefore, individual behaviour and diet are theorized to covary. However, few comparisons of individual behaviour type and diet exist in the wild. We tested whether behaviour type and diet covary in a protected population of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Working in a no-take marine reserve, we could collect data on natural behavioural variation and diet choice with minimal anthropogenic disturbance. We inferred behaviour using acoustic telemetry and diet from stable isotope compositions (expressed as δ13 C and δ15 N values). We further investigated whether behaviour and diet could have survival costs. We found cod with shorter diel vertical migration distances fed at higher trophic levels. Cod δ13 C and δ15 N values scaled positively with body size. Neither behaviour nor diet predicted survival, indicating phenotypic diversity is maintained without survival costs for cod in a protected ecosystem. The links between diet and diel vertical migration highlight that future work is needed to understand whether the shifts in this behaviour during environmental change (e.g. fishing or climate), could lead to trophic cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Monk
- Institute of Marine Research, Flødevigen Marine Research Station, His, Norway
- Centre for Coastal Research, Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Power
- Biology Department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carla Freitas
- Institute of Marine Research, Flødevigen Marine Research Station, His, Norway
- MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Center, Madeira Tecnopolo, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Philip M Harrison
- Department of Biology and Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Michelle Heupel
- Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Anna Kuparinen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Even Moland
- Institute of Marine Research, Flødevigen Marine Research Station, His, Norway
- Centre for Coastal Research, Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Colin Simpfendorfer
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Esben M Olsen
- Institute of Marine Research, Flødevigen Marine Research Station, His, Norway
- Centre for Coastal Research, Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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5
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Navarro-Castilla Á, Hernández MC, Barja I. An Experimental Study in Wild Wood Mice Testing Elemental and Isotope Analysis in Faeces to Determine Variations in Food Intake Amount. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071176. [PMID: 37048432 PMCID: PMC10093285 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of carbon and nitrogen elemental (C, N) and isotopic compositions (δ13C, δ15N) in faeces are considered reliable methodologies for the study of diet in wildlife. Here, we tested the suitability of these techniques to detect variations in the amount of food intake. We captured wild wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) with Sherman live traps where bait access was initially free, and later it was experimentally limited inside by four different devices to cause intended variations in the amount ingested. The total C and N (%) and stable δ13C and δ15N isotopic values were determined for the bait and in mice faecal samples. Faecal values were lower than bait ones except for N, likely due to animal matter ingested before capture. No significant differences in total C, N and δ13C were found due to individual traits. However, breeding males showed higher δ15N values than breeding females, probably due to differences in energy and protein demands between both sexes during the breeding season. Only δ13C detected food intake variations (≥2 g). Despite further research being needed, these results initially support the potential of δ13C to provide information on the amount ingested, thus being useful to complement trophic ecology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Navarro-Castilla
- Eco- and Ethophysiology Lab, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - M. Carmen Hernández
- Eco- and Ethophysiology Lab, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Barja
- Eco- and Ethophysiology Lab, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Lewis AC, Hughes C, Rogers TL. Living in human-modified landscapes narrows the dietary niche of a specialised mammalian scavenger. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3582. [PMID: 36869089 PMCID: PMC9984462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30490-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic impacts on carnivores can be complex, posing numerous threats to many species, yet also benefits to those able to exploit certain resources. This balancing act is particularly precarious for those adapters that exploit dietary resources provided by humans, but still require other resources only available in native habitat. Here we measure the dietary niche of one such species, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), a specialised mammalian scavenger, across an anthropogenic habitat gradient stretching from cleared pasture to undisturbed rainforest. Populations inhabiting areas of greater disturbance showed restricted dietary niches, suggesting that all individuals fed on similar food items, even within regenerated native forest. Populations in undisturbed rainforest habitats had comparatively broad diets and showed evidence of niche partitioning by body size, which may reduce intraspecific competition. Despite the potential benefits of reliable access to high-quality food items in anthropogenically-modified habitats, the constrained niches we observed may be harmful, indicating altered behaviours and potentially increasing the rate of fights between individuals over food. This is of particular concern for a species at risk of extinction due to a deadly cancer primarily transmitted through aggressive interactions. The lack of diversity in devil diets within regenerated native forest compared to those in old-growth rainforest also indicates the conservation value of the latter for both the devil and the species which they consume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Lewis
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- The Carnivore Conservancy, Ulverstone, TAS, Australia.
| | - Channing Hughes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Carnivore Conservancy, Ulverstone, TAS, Australia
| | - Tracey L Rogers
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Eglite E, Mohm C, Dierking J. Stable isotope analysis in food web research: Systematic review and a vision for the future for the Baltic Sea macro-region. AMBIO 2023; 52:319-338. [PMID: 36269552 PMCID: PMC9589642 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01785-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Food web research provides essential insights into ecosystem functioning, but practical applications in ecosystem-based management are hampered by a current lack of knowledge synthesis. To address this gap, we provide the first systematic review of ecological studies applying stable isotope analysis, a pivotal method in food web research, in the heavily anthropogenically impacted Baltic Sea macro-region. We identified a thriving research field, with 164 publications advancing a broad range of fundamental and applied research topics, but also found structural shortcomings limiting ecosystem-level understanding. We argue that enhanced collaboration and integration, including the systematic submission of Baltic Sea primary datasets to stable isotope databases, would help to overcome many of the current shortcomings, unify the scattered knowledge base, and promote future food web research and science-based resource management. The effort undertaken here demonstrates the value of macro-regional synthesis, in enhancing access to existing data and supporting strategic planning of research agendas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvita Eglite
- Marine Ecology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Clarissa Mohm
- Marine Ecology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan Dierking
- Marine Ecology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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Gupta A, David Figueroa H, O'Gorman E, Jones I, Woodward G, Petchey OL. How many predator guts are required to predict trophic interactions? FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Shiozuka N, Katano I, Kanzaki T, Kikuchi R, Sato N, Nakashita R, Kudo S, Ikeda H, Azuma N. Isotopic Diet Analysis of the Japanese Water Shrew Chimarrogale platycephala to Estimate Their Feeding Habits and the Usefulness of Body Hair Samples. MAMMAL STUDY 2022. [DOI: 10.3106/ms2022-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nao Shiozuka
- Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki 036-8561, Japan
| | - Izumi Katano
- Faculty, Division of Natural Science, Nara Women's University, Kitauoya-higashimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Toko Kanzaki
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki 036-8561, Japan
| | - Ryota Kikuchi
- Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki 036-8561, Japan
| | - Nozomu Sato
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki 036-8561, Japan
| | - Rumiko Nakashita
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Forest Research and Management Organization, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba 305-8687, Japan
| | - Seiya Kudo
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki 036-8561, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ikeda
- Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki 036-8561, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Azuma
- Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki 036-8561, Japan
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Isotopic signature in isolated south-western populations of European brown bear (Ursus arctos). MAMMAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-022-00654-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractStable isotope analysis of animal tissue samples is increasingly used to study the trophic ecology of target species. The isotopic signatures respond to the type of diet, but also to the environmental conditions of their habitat. In the case of omnivorous, seasonal or opportunistic feeding species, the interpretation of isotopic values is more complex, as it is largely determined by food selection, either due to individual choice or because of availability. We analysed C and N isotopes in brown bear (Ursus arctos) hair from four isolated populations of south-western Europe (Cantabrian, Pyrenees, Central Apennines and Alpine) accounting for the geographical and climatic differences among the four areas. We found inter-population differences in isotopic signatures that cannot be attributed to climatic differences alone, indicating that at least some bears from relatively higher altitude populations experiencing higher precipitation (Pyrenees) show a greater consumption of animal foods than those from lower altitudes (Cantabrian and Apennines). The quantification of isotopic niche space using Layman’s metrics identified significant similarities between the Cantabrian and Central Apennine samples that markedly differ from the Pyrenean and Alpine. Our study provides a baseline to allow further comparisons in isotopic niche spaces in a broad ranged omnivorous mammal, whose European distribution requires further conservation attention especially for southern isolated populations.
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Hinton B, Stockin KA, Bury SJ, Peters KJ, Betty EL. Isotopic Niche Analysis of Long-Finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) in Aotearoa New Zealand Waters. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101414. [PMID: 36290319 PMCID: PMC9598128 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Isotopic niche analyses can elucidate a species’ foraging ecology. Using isotopic values of δ13C, δ15N and δ34S, the isotopic niche of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) in Aotearoa New Zealand was investigated for animals that stranded in six different events across two locations between 2009 and 2017. Generalised additive models revealed that stranding event was a stronger predictor for δ13C and δ15N values than body length, sex, or reproductive status, indicating that spatiotemporal differences explained isotopic variation of G. m. edwardii in New Zealand waters better than ontogenetic factors. Abstract The quantification of a species’ trophic niche is important to understand the species ecology and its interactions with the ecosystem it resides in. Despite the high frequency of long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas edwardii) strandings on the Aotearoa New Zealand coast, their trophic niche remains poorly understood. To assess the isotopic niche of G. m. edwardii within New Zealand, ontogenetic (sex, total body length, age, maturity status, reproductive group) and spatiotemporal (stranding location, stranding event, and stranding year) variation were investigated. Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were examined from skin samples of 125 G. m. edwardii (67 females and 58 males) collected at mass-stranding events at Onetahua Farewell Spit in 2009 (n = 20), 2011 (n = 20), 2014 (n = 27) and 2017 (n = 20) and at Rakiura Stewart Island in 2010 (n = 19) and 2011 (n = 19). Variations in δ34S values were examined for a subset of 36 individuals. General additive models revealed that stranding event was the strongest predictor for δ13C and δ15N values, whilst sex was the strongest predictor of δ34S isotopic values. Although similar within years, δ13C values were lower in 2014 and 2017 compared to all other years. Furthermore, δ15N values were higher within Farewell Spit 2017 compared to any other stranding event. This suggests that the individuals stranded in Farewell Spit in 2017 may have been feeding at a higher trophic level, or that the nitrogen baseline may have been higher in 2017 than in other years. Spatiotemporal differences explained isotopic variation of G. m. edwardii in New Zealand waters better than ontogenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Hinton
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (E.L.B.)
| | - Karen A. Stockin
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - Sarah J. Bury
- Environmental Isotopes and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Katharina J. Peters
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Global Ecology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Emma L. Betty
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (E.L.B.)
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Feeding ecology of the endangered Asiatic wild dogs (Cuon alpinus) across tropical forests of the Central Indian Landscape. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14029. [PMID: 35982090 PMCID: PMC9388674 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17906-5] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on resource utilisation by carnivores are essential as they aid in assessing their role in a community, by unravelling predator–prey relationships. Globally, prey depletion is one of the primary causes of declining Asiatic wild dog (dhole) populations. Therefore, it is essential to examine their diet across their range. Our study presents insights into dhole feeding ecology across multiple sites from the central Indian landscape of Maharashtra, India, for the first time. We conducted scat analysis using a subset of genetically identified scats and collected additional data from kills observed while tracking radio-collared dholes and other known packs from 2 study sites. We analysed 861 scats, and 191 dhole kills to identify species and age class of prey. We estimated the relative contribution of various prey, utilising non-linear biomass models of prey consumption. Overall, wild ungulates like sambar and chital were the principal prey in terms of biomass (sambar 61.08%; chital 19.08%) and number of prey consumed (sambar 39.28%; chital 13.83%). An analysis of kill data also suggested that dholes strongly preferred the two deer species; and differential selection of age classes was observed at the 2 study sites. Our study can potentially help manage and conserve this important population of an endangered carnivore.
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13
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Canales-Cerro C, Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Cabello J, Sacristán I, Cevidanes A, Di Cataldo S, Napolitano C, Moreira-Arce D, Klarian S, Millán J. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic similarity between the endangered Darwin's fox ( Lycalopex fulvipes) and sympatric free-ranging dogs in Chiloé Island, Chile. ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2022; 58:316-326. [PMID: 35968628 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2022.2106225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Darwin's fox is an opportunistic omnivorous predator native to Chile classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List. Habitat use by Darwin's foxes can be negatively affected by the presence of free-ranging dogs that range freely across native and non-native habitats and can be a source of fox mortality. The objective of this study was to analyze the isotopic similarity of Darwin's fox and sympatric free-ranging dogs in Chiloé Island to determine the impact of anthropogenic environmental alterations on wild predators. We use hair samples to characterise and compare their δ13C and δ15N values and to evaluate isotopic similarity and isotope niches overlap. A generalised linear model was used to associate the isotope value with landscape variables (forest cover and vegetation type) and distance to the nearest house. We found no significant differences in δ13C or δ15N values between foxes and dogs, and a marginally significant isotope niche overlap (59.4 %). None of the selected variables at landscape and site scale were related to isotope values. Although our study is not a probe of direct contact between foxes and free-ranging dogs, the high isotopic similarity highlights the risk of pathogen spillover from free-ranging dogs to Darwin's foxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Canales-Cerro
- Centro de Investigación Marina Quintay (CIMARQ), Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile
- Earth Sciences Department, Lemu, Frutillar, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - E Hidalgo-Hermoso
- Conservation and Research Department, Parque Zoologico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - J Cabello
- Chiloé Silvestre Center for the Conservation of Biodiversity, Ancud, Chile
| | - I Sacristán
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - A Cevidanes
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Derio, Spain
| | - S Di Cataldo
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - C Napolitano
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Santiago-Concepción, Chile
- Centro Internacional Cabo de Hornos (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - D Moreira-Arce
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Santiago-Concepción, Chile
- Fundación ARAID, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - S Klarian
- Centro de Investigación Marina Quintay (CIMARQ), Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - J Millán
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Zaragoza, Spain
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14
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Franco‐Trecu V, Botta S, de Lima RC, Negrete J, Naya DE. Testing the niche variation hypothesis in pinnipeds. Mamm Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12297] [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)
- Valentina Franco‐Trecu
- Departamento de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de la República Igua 4225 11400 Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Silvina Botta
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha – EcoMega, Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande – FURG Avenida Italia km8 s/n Rio Grande RS 96203900 Brazil
| | - Renan C. de Lima
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha – EcoMega, Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande – FURG Avenida Italia km8 s/n Rio Grande RS 96203900 Brazil
| | - Javier Negrete
- Departamento de Biología de Predadores Tope Instituto Antártico Argentino Av. 25 de Mayo 1143(B1650HMK) San Martin Buenos Aires Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de La Plata Av. 122 y 60 S/N (1900) La Plata Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Daniel E. Naya
- Departamento de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de la República Igua 4225 11400 Montevideo Uruguay
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15
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Vedel G, de la Peña E, Moreno-Rojas JM, Gómez JCM, Carranza J. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values in hair reveal management differences and hidden practices in wild boar populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 823:154071. [PMID: 35219677 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of stable isotopes in different tissues has been widely used to obtain information on the ecology and nutritional patterns of wildlife. The isotope ratios of the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) analysed in different tissues are directly related to the animal's diet and, to some extent, to the environment where the individual has growth. Specifically, this type of analysis in hair samples has become relevant as it provides information on the quality and long-term composition of the diet that produced the isotope accumulation during the tissue growth. We took samples of wild boar (Sus scrofa) hair from 7 different populations in the south-west of Spain (Mediterranean habitats), in the 2018/2019 hunting season. The main objectives of this study were (i) to investigate the use of hair stable isotopes to reveal differences in composition and quality of the diet of wild boar within the same population or between populations, and (ii) to use hair isotopes as a tool to uncover hidden management practices that may occur in hunting areas associated with the use of supplementary feeding or even captive breeding and release. Each animal had a hair (long 10 cm) analysed in duplicate, previously cut into parts of equal size (from the oldest part of the hair to the most recent part), that were analysed separately. We found differences in δ13C and δ 15N between hair parts and populations, which can be related to management actions at different times during the hair growth. Moreover, the use of corn, a type of plant not occurring naturally in the study area, can be documented with the isotope analysis to prove unauthorized supplementary feeding or captive origin of wild boar in hunting areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vedel
- Wildlife Research Unit (UiRCP), University of Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Eva de la Peña
- Wildlife Research Unit (UiRCP), University of Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Manuel Moreno-Rojas
- Department of Food Science and Health, Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), Spain, Alameda del Obispo, Avda. Menéndez Pidal, s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Carlos Montenegro Gómez
- Department of Food Science and Health, Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), Spain, Alameda del Obispo, Avda. Menéndez Pidal, s/n, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Carranza
- Wildlife Research Unit (UiRCP), University of Córdoba, Spain
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16
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Black-backed jackal niche analysis: a stable isotope approach to a generalist mesopredator. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00241-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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17
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Gupta A, Furrer R, Petchey OL. Simultaneously estimating food web connectance and structure with uncertainty. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8643. [PMID: 35342563 PMCID: PMC8928887 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8643] [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: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Food web models explain and predict the trophic interactions in a food web, and they can infer missing interactions among the organisms. The allometric diet breadth model (ADBM) is a food web model based on the foraging theory. In the ADBM, the foraging parameters are allometrically scaled to body sizes of predators and prey. In Petchey et al. (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2008; 105: 4191), the parameterization of the ADBM had two limitations: (a) the model parameters were point estimates and (b) food web connectance was not estimated.The novelty of our current approach is: (a) We consider multiple predictions from the ADBM by parameterizing it with approximate Bayesian computation, to estimate parameter distributions and not point estimates. (b) Connectance emerges from the parameterization, by measuring model fit using the true skill statistic, which takes into account prediction of both the presences and absences of links.We fit the ADBM using approximate Bayesian computation to 12 observed food webs from a wide variety of ecosystems. Estimated connectance was consistently greater than previously found. In some of the food webs, considerable variation in estimated parameter distributions occurred and resulted in considerable variation (i.e., uncertainty) in predicted food web structure.These results lend weight to the possibility that the observed food web data is missing some trophic links that do actually occur. It also seems likely that the ADBM likely predicts some links that do not exist. The latter could be addressed by accounting in the ADBM for additional traits other than body size. Further work could also address the significance of uncertainty in parameter estimates for predicted food web responses to environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubhav Gupta
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental StudiesUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Reinhard Furrer
- Department of Mathematics and Department of Computational ScienceUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Owen L. Petchey
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental StudiesUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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18
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O'Sullivan R, Schmidt O, Monahan FJ. Stable isotope ratio analysis for the authentication of milk and dairy ingredients: A review. Int Dairy J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2021.105268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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19
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Marker J, Lafage D, Bergman E, Bowes RE. Greater than the sum of your parts: Nonlethal stable isotope sampling methods in spiders. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery Marker
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences Karlstad University Karlstad Sweden
| | - Denis Lafage
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences Karlstad University Karlstad Sweden
- UMR Ecobio, Université de Rennes Rennes Cedex France
| | - Eva Bergman
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences Karlstad University Karlstad Sweden
| | - Rachel E. Bowes
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences Karlstad University Karlstad Sweden
- Department of Biological Sciences Emporia State University Emporia Kansas USA
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20
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Lewis AC, Hughes C, Rogers TL. Effects of intraspecific competition and body mass on diet specialization in a mammalian scavenger. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8338. [PMID: 35126999 PMCID: PMC8794717 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals that rely extensively on scavenging rather than hunting must exploit resources that are inherently patchy, dangerous, or subject to competition. Though it may be expected that scavengers should therefore form opportunistic feeding habits in order to survive, a broad species diet may mask specialization occurring at an individual level. To test this, we used stable isotope analysis to analyze the degree of specialization in the diet of the Tasmanian devil, one of few mammalian species to develop adaptations for scavenging. We found that the majority of individuals were dietary specialists, indicating that they fed within a narrow trophic niche despite their varied diet as a species. Even in competitive populations, only small individuals could be classified as true trophic generalists; larger animals in those populations were trophic specialists. In populations with reduced levels of competition, all individuals were capable of being trophic specialists. Heavier individuals showed a greater degree of trophic specialization, suggesting either that mass is an important driver of diet choice or that trophic specialization is an efficient foraging strategy allowing greater mass gain. Devils may be unique among scavenging mammals in the extent to which they can specialize their diets, having been released from the competitive pressure of larger carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C. Lewis
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- The Carnivore ConservancyUlverstoneTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Channing Hughes
- The Carnivore ConservancyUlverstoneTasmaniaAustralia
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tracey L. Rogers
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
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21
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Seasonal fishery facilitates a novel transmission pathway in an emerging animal reservoir of Guinea worm. Curr Biol 2021; 32:775-782.e4. [PMID: 34910949 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Exploitation of natural resources is a driver of human infectious disease emergence. The emergence of animal reservoirs of Guinea worm Dracunculus medinensis, particularly in domestic dogs Canis familiaris, has become the major impediment to global eradication of this human disease. 93% of all Guinea worms detected worldwide in 2020 were in dogs in Chad. Novel, non-classical pathways for transmission of Guinea worm in dogs, involving consumption of fish, have been hypothesized to support the maintenance of this animal reservoir. We quantified and analyzed variation in Guinea worm emergence in dogs in Chad, across three climatic seasons, in multiple villages and districts. We applied forensic stable isotope analyses to quantify dietary variation within and among dogs and GPS tracking to characterize their spatial ecology. At the end of the hot-dry season and beginning of the wet season, when fishing by people is most intensive, Guinea worm emergence rates in dogs were highest, dogs ate most fish, and fish consumption was most closely associated with disease. Consumption of fish by dogs enables a non-classical transmission pathway for Guinea worm in Chad. Seasonal fisheries and the facilitation of dogs eating fish are likely contributing to disease persistence and to this key impediment to human disease eradication. Interrelated natural resource use, climatic variation, companion animal ecology, and human health highlight the indispensability of One Health approaches to the challenges of eradicating Guinea worm and other zoonotic diseases.
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22
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Brewer CT, Rauch-Davis WA, Fraser EE. The Use of Intrinsic Markers for Studying the Migratory Movements of Bats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3477. [PMID: 34944252 PMCID: PMC8698158 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality of migratory bat species at wind energy facilities is a well-documented phenomenon, and mitigation and management are partially constrained by the current limited knowledge of bat migratory movements. Analyses of biochemical signatures in bat tissues ("intrinsic markers") can provide information about the migratory origins of individual bats. Many tissue samples for intrinsic marker analysis may be collected from living and dead bats, including carcasses collected at wind energy facilities. In this paper, we review the full suite of available intrinsic marker analysis techniques that may be used to study bat migration, with the goal of summarizing the current literature and highlighting knowledge gaps and opportunities. We discuss applications of the stable isotopes of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur; radiogenic strontium isotopes; trace elements and contaminants; and the combination of these markers with each other and with other extrinsic markers. We further discuss the tissue types that may be analyzed for each and provide a synthesis of the generalized workflow required to link bats to origins using intrinsic markers. While stable hydrogen isotope techniques have clearly been the leading approach to infer migratory bat movement patterns across the landscape, here we emphasize a variety of lesser used intrinsic markers (i.e., strontium, trace elements, contaminants) that may address new study areas or answer novel research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erin E. Fraser
- School of Science and the Environment, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 20 University Drive, Corner Brook, NL A2H 5G4, Canada; (C.T.B.); (W.A.R.-D.)
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23
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Rodríguez-Malagón MA, Speakman CN, Sutton GJ, Angel LP, Arnould JPY. Temporal and spatial isotopic variability of marine prey species in south-eastern Australia: Potential implications for predator diet studies. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259961. [PMID: 34847167 PMCID: PMC8631622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259961] [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: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable isotope analyses, particularly of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), are used to investigate ecological relationships among species. For marine predators, research has shown the main factors influencing their intra-specific and intra-individual isotopic variation are geographical movements and changes in the composition of diet over time. However, as the differences seen may be the result of changes in the prey items consumed, a change in feeding location or the combination of both, knowledge of the temporal and spatial consistency in the isotopic values of prey becomes crucial for making accurate inferences about predator diets. This study used an abundant marine predator, the Australasian gannet (Morus serrator), as prey sampler to investigate the annual variation in fish and squid prey isotope values over a four-year period (2012–2015) and the geographic variation between two sites with contrasting oceanographic conditions. Significant inter-annual variation was observed in δ13C and/or δ15N values of five of the eight prey species analysed. The strongest inter-annual variation in both δ13C and δ15N values occurred in 2015, which coincided with a strong El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This may suggest a temporal fluctuation in the geographic source of prey or the origin of their nutrients. These results suggest that it is important to consider the potential significant differences in isotopic values within the prey assemblages that predators consume. This is important to improve the interpretation of marine predator isotope results when determining the influence of environmental variability on their diets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cassie N Speakman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grace J Sutton
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren P Angel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - John P Y Arnould
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Sugden S, Murray M, Edwards MA, St. Clair CC. Inter-population differences in coyote diet and niche width along an urban–suburban–rural gradient. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Many generalist species thrive in urban environments by supplementing their diets with anthropogenic food, which creates numerous challenges for managing urban wildlife. Management could be advanced with more information on how spatial and temporal variation in habitat use by urban animals predicts variation in their dietary ecology. In this study, we used stable isotope analysis complemented with GPS collar location data to determine how diet composition and the dietary niche of coyotes (Canis latrans) varied across a sample of 169 individuals collected along an urban-to-rural gradient in Alberta, Canada. We further categorized urban individuals as either matrix (frequent use of developed areas) or greenspace (use of natural areas) via GPS locations. Matrix coyotes were isotopically distinct from all other coyote populations: they had the largest dietary niche, exhibited the most among-individual variation in diet, consumed the most anthropogenic food and fruit, and consumed the least amount of prey. Greenspace coyotes consumed more anthropogenic food than rural and suburban coyotes but otherwise exhibited similar niche width, among-individual heterogeneity, and prey consumption. We further tested for seasonal dietary variation and found that urban coyotes had a larger dietary niche during the summer, when they also consumed more anthropogenic food. Our conclusions were robust to our choice of mixing model parameters, including discrimination factors, suggesting that these methodological choices have limited effect when discerning relative trends among populations. Overall, our results suggest that management of urban coyotes should target the food sources accessible to coyotes in the urban matrix to reduce human–coyote conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Sugden
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Maureen Murray
- Department of Conservation and Science, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL, 60614, USA
| | - Mark A Edwards
- Mammalogy Department, Royal Alberta Museum, 9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G2, Canada
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 751 General Services Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada
| | - Colleen Cassady St. Clair
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
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25
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Hata A, Nakashita R, Fukasawa K, Minami M, Fukue Y, Higuchi N, Uno H, Nakajima Y, Saeki M, Kozakai C, Takada MB. Occurrence patterns of crop-foraging sika deer distribution in an agriculture-forest landscape revealed by nitrogen stable isotopes. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15303-15311. [PMID: 34765179 PMCID: PMC8571634 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflicts arising from the consumption of anthropogenic foods by wildlife are increasing worldwide. Conventional tools for evaluating the spatial distribution pattern of large terrestrial mammals that consume anthropogenic foods have various limitations, despite their importance in management to mitigate conflicts. In this study, we examined the spatial distribution pattern of crop-foraging sika deer by performing nitrogen stable isotope analyses of bone collagen. We evaluated whether crop-foraging deer lived closer to agricultural crop fields during the winter and spring, when crop production decreases. We found that female deer in proximity to agricultural crop fields during the winter and spring were more likely to be crop-foraging individuals. Furthermore, the likelihood of crop consumption by females decreased by half as the distance to agricultural crop fields increased to 5-10 km. We did not detect a significant trend in the spatial distribution of crop-foraging male deer. The findings of spatial distribution patterns of crop-foraging female deer will be useful for the establishment of management areas, such as zonation, for efficient removal of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Hata
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland ScienceNational Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)TsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Rumiko Nakashita
- Forestry and Forest Products Research InstituteTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Keita Fukasawa
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem StudiesNational Institute for Environmental StudiesTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Masato Minami
- School of Veterinary MedicineAzabu UniversitySagamiharaKanagawaJapan
| | - Yuko Fukue
- Insutitute for Biodiversity Research and Education EarthwormKaruizawaNaganoJapan
| | - Naoko Higuchi
- Insutitute for Biodiversity Research and Education EarthwormKaruizawaNaganoJapan
| | - Hikaru Uno
- Advanced Analysis CenterNAROTsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | | | - Midori Saeki
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland ScienceNational Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)TsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Chinatsu Kozakai
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland ScienceNational Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)TsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Mayura B. Takada
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringChuo UniversityBunkyo‐kuTokyoJapan
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26
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Cecchetti M, Crowley SL, Goodwin CED, Cole H, McDonald J, Bearhop S, McDonald RA. Contributions of wild and provisioned foods to the diets of domestic cats that depredate wild animals. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cecchetti
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Sarah L. Crowley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Cecily E. D. Goodwin
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Holly Cole
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Jennifer McDonald
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Stuart Bearhop
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Robbie A. McDonald
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
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27
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Crossey B, Chimimba C, du Plessis C, Ganswindt A, Hall G. African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) show differences in diet composition across landscape types in Kruger National Park, South Africa. J Mammal 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The Kruger National Park (KNP) is home to the last genetically viable, minimally managed population of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus, wild dogs) in South Africa. Until 2004, this population remained stable, but since has been declining. In this study, we aimed to improve our understanding of the ecology of KNP wild dogs by estimating the relative contribution of different prey types to their diet across landscape types. Based on a Bayesian mixing model, we assessed wild dog diet and foraging preferences using stable isotope analysis. We sampled 73 individuals from 40 packs found in six different landscape types. In thickets, packs predominantly prey on small browsing and mixed-feeding species (accounting for ~73% of their diet), but occasionally hunt large grazers (~24%) and large browsers (~3%). In open landscape types where lions (Panthera leo) are more or less absent, such as in the Lowveld sour bushveld, wild dogs prey on large browsers and large grazers (~67%). Our results demonstrate that KNP wild dogs occupy a broader ecological niche than previously thought, with small browsers forming an integral part of their diet. We also present the first data describing differences in wild dog diet–tissue discrimination factors for tail hair and whiskers compared to respective stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) values obtained from feces of captive wild dogs, as well as from those of South Africa’s broader managed metapopulation. While these data should be considered preliminary, we suggest that until wild dog diet–tissue discrimination factors are calculated through a controlled feeding study, the discrimination factors calculated for the gray wolf (Canis lupus) should be used for wild dog-related isotope studies, rather than the often cited values for red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Crossey
- Mammal Research Institute (MRI), Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Christian Chimimba
- Mammal Research Institute (MRI), Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB), Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Cole du Plessis
- Carnivore Conservation Program, Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), Wierda Park, South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute (MRI), Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Grant Hall
- Mammal Research Institute (MRI), Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- University of Pretoria Stable Isotope Laboratory, Mammal Research Institute (MRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Koch CW, Cooper LW, Woodland RJ, Grebmeier JM, Frey KE, Stimmelmayr R, Magen C, Brown TA. Female Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) show greater partitioning of sea ice organic carbon than males: Evidence from ice algae trophic markers. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255686. [PMID: 34411125 PMCID: PMC8376070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255686] [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: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The expected reduction of ice algae with declining sea ice may prove to be detrimental to the Pacific Arctic ecosystem. Benthic organisms that rely on sea ice organic carbon (iPOC) sustain benthic predators such as the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens). The ability to track the trophic transfer of iPOC is critical to understanding its value in the food web, but prior methods have lacked the required source specificity. We analyzed the H-Print index, based on biomarkers of ice algae versus phytoplankton contributions to organic carbon in marine predators, in Pacific walrus livers collected in 2012, 2014 and 2016 from the Northern Bering Sea (NBS) and Chukchi Sea. We paired these measurements with stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) to estimate trophic position. We observed differences in the contribution of iPOC in Pacific walrus diet between regions, sexes, and age classes. Specifically, the contribution of iPOC to the diet of Pacific walruses was higher in the Chukchi Sea (52%) compared to the NBS (30%). This regional difference is consistent with longer annual sea ice persistence in the Chukchi Sea. Within the NBS, the contribution of iPOC to walrus spring diet was higher in females (~45%) compared to males (~30%) for each year (p < 0.001), likely due to specific foraging behavior of females to support energetic demands associated with pregnancy and lactation. Within the Chukchi Sea, the iPOC contribution was similar between males and females, yet higher in juveniles than in adults. Despite differences in the origin of organic carbon fueling the system (sea ice versus pelagic derived carbon), the trophic position of adult female Pacific walruses was similar between the NBS and Chukchi Sea (3.2 and 3.5, respectively), supporting similar diets (i.e. clams). Given the higher quality of organic carbon from ice algae, the retreat of seasonal sea ice in recent decades may create an additional vulnerability for female and juvenile Pacific walruses and should be considered in management of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea W. Koch
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Lee W. Cooper
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ryan J. Woodland
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline M. Grebmeier
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Karen E. Frey
- Graduate School of Geography, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management, Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States of America
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Cédric Magen
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thomas A. Brown
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Planque Y, Spitz J, Authier M, Guillou G, Vincent C, Caurant F. Trophic niche overlap between sympatric harbour seals ( Phoca vitulina) and grey seals ( Halichoerus grypus) at the southern limit of their European range (Eastern English Channel). Ecol Evol 2021; 11:10004-10025. [PMID: 34367555 PMCID: PMC8328439 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sympatric harbour (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are increasingly considered potential competitors, especially since recent local declines in harbour seal numbers while grey seal numbers remained stable or increased at their European core distributions. A better understanding of the interactions between these species is critical for conservation efforts. This study aimed to identify the trophic niche overlap between harbour and grey seals at the southern limit of their European range, in the Baie de Somme (BDS, Eastern English Channel, France), where numbers of resident harbour seals and visiting grey seals are increasing exponentially. Dietary overlap was identified from scat contents using hierarchical clustering. Isotopic niche overlap was quantified using δ13C and δ15N isotopic values from whiskers of 18 individuals, by estimating isotopic standard ellipses with a novel hierarchical model developed in a Bayesian framework to consider both intraindividual variability and interindividual variability. Foraging areas of these individuals were identified from telemetry data. The three independent approaches provided converging results, revealing a high trophic niche overlap due to consumption of benthic flatfish. Two diet clusters were dominated by either small or large benthic flatfish; these comprised 85.5% [CI95%: 80.3%-90.2%] of harbour seal scats and 46.8% [35.1%-58.4%] of grey seal scats. The narrower isotopic niche of harbour seals was nested within that of grey seals (58.2% [22.7%-100%] overlap). Grey seals with isotopic values similar to harbour seals foraged in coastal waters close to the BDS alike harbour seals did, suggesting the niche overlap may be due to individual grey seal strategies. Our findings therefore provide the basis for potential competition between both species (foraging on benthic flatfish close to the BDS). We suggest that a continued increase in seal numbers and/or a decrease in flatfish supply in this area could cause/amplify competitive interactions and have deleterious effects on harbour seal colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Planque
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de ChizéCEBC, UMR 7372 CNRS/La Rochelle UniversitéLa RochelleFrance
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de ChizéCEBC, UMR 7372 CNRS/La Rochelle UniversitéLa RochelleFrance
- Observatoire PelagisUMS 3462 CNRS/La Rochelle UniversitéLa RochelleFrance
| | - Matthieu Authier
- Observatoire PelagisUMS 3462 CNRS/La Rochelle UniversitéLa RochelleFrance
- ADERAPessac CedexFrance
| | - Gaël Guillou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés, LIENSsUMR 7266 CNRS/La Rochelle UniversitéLa RochelleFrance
| | - Cécile Vincent
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de ChizéCEBC, UMR 7372 CNRS/La Rochelle UniversitéLa RochelleFrance
| | - Florence Caurant
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de ChizéCEBC, UMR 7372 CNRS/La Rochelle UniversitéLa RochelleFrance
- Observatoire PelagisUMS 3462 CNRS/La Rochelle UniversitéLa RochelleFrance
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Moyo S, Bennadji H, Laguaite D, Pérez-Umphrey AA, Snider AM, Bonisoli-Alquati A, Olin JA, Stouffer PC, Taylor SS, López-Duarte PC, Roberts BJ, Hooper-Bui L, Polito MJ. Stable isotope analyses identify trophic niche partitioning between sympatric terrestrial vertebrates in coastal saltmarshes with differing oiling histories. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11392. [PMID: 34316388 PMCID: PMC8288111 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioindicator species are commonly used as proxies to help identify the ecological effects of oil spills and other stressors. However, the utility of taxa as bioindicators is dependent on understanding their trophic niche and life history characteristics, as these factors mediate their ecological responses. Seaside sparrows (Ammospiza maritima) and marsh rice rats (Oryzomys palustris) are two ubiquitous terrestrial vertebrates that are thought to be bioindicators of oil spills in saltmarsh ecosystems. To improve the utility of these omnivorous taxa as bioindicators, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis to quantify their trophic niches at saltmarshes in coastal Louisiana with differing oiling histories. We found that rats generally had lower trophic positions and incorporated more aquatic prey relative to seaside sparrows. The range of resources used (i.e.,trophic niche width) varied based on oiling history. Seaside sparrows had wider trophic niches than marsh rice rats at unoiled sites, but not at oiled sites. Trophic niche widths of conspecifics were less consistent at oiled sites, although marsh rice rats at oiled sites had wider trophic niches than rats at unoiled sites. These results suggest that past oiling histories may have imparted subtle, yet differing effects on the foraging ecology of these two co-occurring species. However, the temporal lag between initial oiling and our study makes identifying the ultimate drivers of differences between oiled and unoiled sites challenging. Even so, our findings provide a baseline quantification of the trophic niches of sympatric seaside sparrows and marsh rice rats that will aid in the use of these species as indicators of oiling and other environmental stressors in saltmarsh ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Moyo
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America.,Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN, United States of America
| | - Hayat Bennadji
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Danielle Laguaite
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Anna A Pérez-Umphrey
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Allison M Snider
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Andrea Bonisoli-Alquati
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, Pomona, CA, United States of America
| | - Jill A Olin
- Great Lakes Research Center, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, United States of America
| | - Philip C Stouffer
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Sabrina S Taylor
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Paola C López-Duarte
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States of America
| | - Brian J Roberts
- Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin, LA, United States of America
| | - Linda Hooper-Bui
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Michael J Polito
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
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Lerner JE, Forster I, Hunt BPV. Experimentally derived trophic enrichment and discrimination factors for Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9092. [PMID: 33788330 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stable isotope analysis (SIA) can provide important insights into food web structure and is a widely used tool in ecological conservation and management. It has recently been augmented by compound-specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA-AA), an innovation that can provide greater precision when analyzing trophic level and food web connectivity. The utility of SIA rests on confidence in its constituent parameters such as the trophic enrichment factor (TEF). There is increasing emphasis on the need to experimentally derive species and tissue specific TEFs for studies utilizing SIA. Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, is a species with high potential for study using SIA due to the difficulty in observing its ecology during its marine phase and the significance of the conservation consequences of recent population declines. METHODS Bulk and amino acid-specific TEFs were determined for juvenile and adult Chinook salmon fed specific diets. Three controlled feeding studies were performed: adult salmon were fed a biofeed, juvenile salmon were fed a biofeed, and juvenile salmon were fed krill. Bulk and compound-specific stable isotope data were collected from diet samples and from salmon muscle tissue after a minimum of 8 weeks of controlled feeding. Bulk isotope signatures were measured using EA-IRMS and CSIA-AA signatures using GC/C-IRMS, allowing the TEFs to be calculated. RESULTS The bulk isotope TEFs were higher than those predicted for similar marine organisms and averaged 3.5‰ for ∆15 N and 1.3‰ for ∆13 C. The TEFs derived for nitrogen isotopes of amino acids were in line with expectations for this approach: the mean value for ∆15 NGlu - ∆15 NPhe was 7.06‰ and, using a multi-AA approach, the value for ∆15 NTrophic - ∆15 NSource was 6.67‰. For carbon isotopes of amino acids, the derived TEFs of Iso, Leu and Phe were near 0‰, as was that of Met, supporting their use of as source amino acids in future CSIA studies. CONCLUSIONS This study presents Chinook salmon-specific TEFs for bulk and amino acid SIA. It supports the application of future research applying SIA to the study of Chinook salmon and validates previous research on species-specific TEFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Lerner
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, AERL, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ian Forster
- Pacific Science Enterprise Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 4160 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H2, Canada
| | - Brian P V Hunt
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, AERL, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Hakai Institute, Tula Foundation, PO Box 309, Heriot Bay, BC, V0P 1H0, Canada
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Bubadué J, Cáceres N, Melo G, Sponchiado J, Battistella T, Newton J, Meloro C. Niche partitioning in small mammals: interspecific and biome-level analyses using stable isotopes. J Mammal 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Small mammal assemblages from South America provide a unique opportunity to measure coexistence and niche partitioning between marsupials and placentals. We tested how these two major clades partition environmental resources by comparing stable isotopic ratios of similar sized Didelphidae and Sigmodontinae in four Brazilian biomes: Pampas grassland, Pantanal wetland, Cerrado woodland savanna, and Atlantic Forest. Generally, didelphid isotopic niche follows a scaling law, because we found an association between δ15N enrichment and body mass. Sigmodontines that primarily partition the environment via forest strata showed a greater intake of C4 or/and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants than didelphids, as reflected by their wider trophic niche. Values of δ13C were highest in savannas and grasslands (Cerrado and Pampas biomes), and values of δ15N were highest in the Atlantic Forest (in sigmodontines) and Pampas (in didelphids). While assessing patterns between the two major Brazilian biomes (Atlantic Forest and Cerrado), we found evidence of a broader trophic niche for both clades in the Cerrado. In the Atlantic Forest, niche occupation by Didelphidae was completely enclosed within the Sigmodontinae trophic niche. Both clades showed less overlap in the Cerrado, a less productive environment. Our results highlight the importance of a comparative framework and the use of stable isotopes for testing ecological questions related to how small mammalian communities partition their niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamile Bubadué
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Mastozoologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nilton Cáceres
- Laboratório de Mastozoologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Geruza Melo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Mastozoologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Jonas Sponchiado
- Laboratório de Mastozoologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Thaís Battistella
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Mastozoologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Jason Newton
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará, IFCE, Jaguaribe, CE, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Farroupilha, IFFar, Alegrete, RS, Brazil
- National Environmental Isotope Facility, East Kilbride, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Meloro
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology, School of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Webster AM, Cleckner LB, Razavi NR. Mercury Concentrations in Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus) of the Finger Lakes Region, New York. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 81:1-14. [PMID: 33796893 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00839-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The northeastern United States receives elevated mercury (Hg) deposition from United States and global emissions, making it critical to understand the fate of Hg in watersheds with a variety of aquatic habitats and land use types, such as the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Bats are valuable and important organisms to study chronic Hg exposure, because they are at risk of sublethal effects from elevated Hg exposure. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) of the Finger Lakes region; (2) assess whether morphometric, temporal, or spatial factors predict bat Hg concentrations; and (3) investigate the role of trophic position and diet represented by stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in explaining variations in bat Hg concentrations. We found comparable THg and MeHg concentrations to previous studies (THg range 1-45 ppm, MeHg range 0.5-38 ppm) in big brown bat fur collected throughout the Finger Lakes region. On average, MeHg made up 81% of THg in bat fur. Fifteen percent of our samples showed higher THg than a proposed toxicity threshold of 10 ppm. Together, dominant land cover and % wetland cover explained bat THg in the Finger Lakes. Trophic position (i.e., δ15N) was strongest in predicting bat THg in forests but was a weaker predictor of Hg bioaccumulation in bats from agricultural and urban areas. The range of Hg concentrations found in this study warrants further examination into the potential toxicological impacts of Hg to wildlife and the role of land use in Hg exposure to terrestrial organisms of the Finger Lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby M Webster
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
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Hixon SW, Douglass KG, Godfrey LR, Eccles L, Crowley BE, Rakotozafy LMA, Clark G, Haberle S, Anderson A, Wright HT, Kennett DJ. Ecological Consequences of a Millennium of Introduced Dogs on Madagascar. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.689559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduced predators currently threaten endemic animals on Madagascar through predation, facilitation of human-led hunts, competition, and disease transmission, but the antiquity and past consequences of these introductions are poorly known. We use directly radiocarbon dated bones of introduced dogs (Canis familiaris) to test whether dogs could have aided human-led hunts of the island’s extinct megafauna. We compare carbon and nitrogen isotope data from the bone collagen of dogs and endemic “fosa” (Cryptoprocta spp.) in central and southwestern Madagascar to test for competition between introduced and endemic predators. The distinct isotopic niches of dogs and fosa suggest that any past antagonistic relationship between these predators did not follow from predation or competition for shared prey. Radiocarbon dates confirm that dogs have been present on Madagascar for over a millennium and suggest that they at least briefly co-occurred with the island’s extinct megafauna, which included giant lemurs, elephant birds, and pygmy hippopotamuses. Today, dogs share a mutualism with pastoralists who also occasionally hunt endemic vertebrates, and similar behavior is reflected in deposits at several Malagasy paleontological sites that contain dog and livestock bones along with butchered bones of extinct megafauna and extant lemurs. Dogs on Madagascar have had a wide range of diets during the past millennium, but relatively high stable carbon isotope values suggest few individuals relied primarily on forest bushmeat. Our newly generated data suggest that dogs were part of a suite of animal introductions beginning over a millennium ago that coincided with widespread landscape transformation and megafaunal extinction.
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Balčiauskas L, Skipitytė R, Garbaras A, Stirkė V, Balčiauskienė L, Remeikis V. Stable Isotopes Reveal the Dominant Species to Have the Widest Trophic Niche of Three Syntopic Microtus Voles. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061814. [PMID: 34204576 PMCID: PMC8233935 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diets and the trophic positions of animals are fundamental issues in their ecology. We analysed the isotopic niches (as a proxy for trophic niches) of common (Microtus arvalis), field (M. agrestis), and root (M. oeconomus) voles co-occurring in orchards, berry plantations, and nearby meadows using isotopic (δ15N and δ13C) compositions from hair samples. We tested if the niche of the dominant common vole was widest, whether its width was related to the presence of other Microtus species, and whether there were intraspecific differences in average δ13C and δ15N stable isotope values. The obtained results showed relative stability in the trophic niche across the vegetative period. The isotopic niche of the common vole was the widest, exceeding the other two Microtus species by 1.6–3 times. Co-occurring vole species were separated according to δ13C (i.e., used different plants as main food), but they maintained similarity according to δ15N distribution. The effect of animal age and gender on the width of the trophic niche was strongest in root vole, which is a species that has spread across the country in the last 70 years. These results give new insights into the trophic ecology small herbivores, showing the impact of species co-occurrence. Abstract Diets and trophic positions of co-occurring animals are fundamental issues in their ecology, and these issues in syntopic rodents have been studied insufficiently. Using carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios from hair samples, we analysed the trophic niches of common (Microtus arvalis), field (M. agrestis), and root (M. oeconomus) voles co-occurring in orchards, berry plantations, and nearby meadows (as control habitat to orchards and plantations). We tested if the niche of the dominant common vole was the widest, whether its width depended on the presence of other vole species, and whether there were intraspecific differences. Results suggest stability in the trophic niches of all three Microtus species, as season explained only 2% of the variance. The widest trophic niche was a characteristic of the dominant common vole, the range of δ13C values exceeding the other two species by 1.6, the range of δ15N values exceeding the other two species by 1.9, and the total area of niche exceeding that of the other voles by 2.3–3 times. In the meadows and apple orchards, co-occurring vole species were separated according to δ13C (highest values in the dominant common vole), but they maintained similar δ15N values. Results give new insights into the trophic ecology small herbivores, showing the impact of species co-occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linas Balčiauskas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-685-34141
| | - Raminta Skipitytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.G.); (V.R.)
| | - Andrius Garbaras
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.G.); (V.R.)
| | - Vitalijus Stirkė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Laima Balčiauskienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (R.S.); (V.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Vidmantas Remeikis
- Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Saulėtekio av. 3, 02300 Vilnius, Lithuania; (A.G.); (V.R.)
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Tsukada H, Nishikawa Y, Shimada H, Hijikata K, Minami M. A refined method for estimating the number of earthworm chaetae in carnivore feces. Ecol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12223] [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)
- Hideharu Tsukada
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine Azabu University Sagamihara Japan
| | - Yuka Nishikawa
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine Azabu University Sagamihara Japan
| | - Haruka Shimada
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine Azabu University Sagamihara Japan
| | - Koji Hijikata
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine Azabu University Sagamihara Japan
| | - Masato Minami
- Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine Azabu University Sagamihara Japan
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Blackburn RC, Barber NA, Jones HP. Reintroduced bison diet changes throughout the season in restored prairie. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C. Blackburn
- School of Forestry Northern Arizona University Flagstaff AZ 86011 U.S.A
| | - Nicholas A. Barber
- Department of Biology San Diego State University San Diego CA 92182 U.S.A
| | - Holly P. Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy Northern Illinois University 155 Castle Drive DeKalb IL 60115 U.S.A
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Camargo NF, Reis GG, Camargo ACL, Nardoto GB, Kneitel JM, Vieira EM. Seasonal isotopic niche of a rodent: High between‐individual variation but no changes in individual niche width during the rich‐resource period. Biotropica 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nícholas F. Camargo
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade de Brasília Brasília DF Brazil
| | - Guilherme G. Reis
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade de Brasília Brasília DF Brazil
| | - Anna Carla L. Camargo
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade de Brasília Brasília DF Brazil
| | - Gabriela B. Nardoto
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade de Brasília Brasília DF Brazil
| | - Jamie M. Kneitel
- Department of Biological Sciences California State University Sacramento CA USA
| | - Emerson M. Vieira
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade de Brasília Brasília DF Brazil
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Modernizing the Toolkit for Arthropod Bloodmeal Identification. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12010037. [PMID: 33418885 PMCID: PMC7825046 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The ability to identify the source of vertebrate blood in mosquitoes, ticks, and other blood-feeding arthropod vectors greatly enhances our knowledge of how vector-borne pathogens are spread. The source of the bloodmeal is identified by analyzing the remnants of blood remaining in the arthropod at the time of capture, though this is often fraught with challenges. This review provides a roadmap and guide for those considering modern techniques for arthropod bloodmeal identification with a focus on progress made in the field over the past decade. We highlight genome regions that can be used to identify the vertebrate source of arthropod bloodmeals as well as technological advances made in other fields that have introduced innovative new ways to identify vertebrate meal source based on unique properties of the DNA sequence, protein signatures, or residual molecules present in the blood. Additionally, engineering progress in miniaturization has led to a number of field-deployable technologies that bring the laboratory directly to the arthropods at the site of collection. Although many of these advancements have helped to address the technical challenges of the past, the challenge of successfully analyzing degraded DNA in bloodmeals remains to be solved. Abstract Understanding vertebrate–vector interactions is vitally important for understanding the transmission dynamics of arthropod-vectored pathogens and depends on the ability to accurately identify the vertebrate source of blood-engorged arthropods in field collections using molecular methods. A decade ago, molecular techniques being applied to arthropod blood meal identification were thoroughly reviewed, but there have been significant advancements in the techniques and technologies available since that time. This review highlights the available diagnostic markers in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA and discusses their benefits and shortcomings for use in molecular identification assays. Advances in real-time PCR, high resolution melting analysis, digital PCR, next generation sequencing, microsphere assays, mass spectrometry, and stable isotope analysis each offer novel approaches and advantages to bloodmeal analysis that have gained traction in the field. New, field-forward technologies and platforms have also come into use that offer promising solutions for point-of-care and remote field deployment for rapid bloodmeal source identification. Some of the lessons learned over the last decade, particularly in the fields of DNA barcoding and sequence analysis, are discussed. Though many advancements have been made, technical challenges remain concerning the prevention of sample degradation both by the arthropod before the sample has been obtained and during storage. This review provides a roadmap and guide for those considering modern techniques for arthropod bloodmeal identification and reviews how advances in molecular technology over the past decade have been applied in this unique biomedical context.
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Zhou X, Mammides C, Zhou X, Hobson KA, Zhu H, Wen Y, Jiang A. Food web structure in exotic eucalyptus plantations in Southern China: Stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) analyses reveal the importance of understory and landscape-level planning. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Westover M, Lizewski K, Klingler K, Smith F. Isotopic niche of the American pika (Ochotona princeps) through space and time. CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is influencing the ecology and distribution of animals. The American pika (Ochotona princeps (Richardson, 1828)) is considered a model species for studying the effects of climate on small alpine mammals and has experienced local extirpation across its range. Using stable isotope analysis of two seasonal molts and bone collagen, we characterize the isotopic carbon and nitrogen niche of pika populations across their range and through time. We find pika isotopic diet to be stable across both time and space compared with other animals and considering the geographic and environmental extent of their range. We find that climatic, not geographic, factors explain part of the isotopic variation across their range. Both δ13C and δ15N from the fall-onset molt decrease with relative humidity of the environment and δ15N values from bone collagen increase with temperature and precipitation. We find a small but significant seasonal difference in δ13C, which could be explained by microbial enrichment of cached haypiles. We establish a baseline of pika isotopic diet and patterns related to climate across their range. We conclude that differences in isotopic signature between pika populations likely reflect the physiology of their forage plants in different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.L. Westover
- University of New Mexico, Department of Biology, MSC03-2020, 219 Yale Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - K.A. Lizewski
- University of New Mexico, Department of Biology, MSC03-2020, 219 Yale Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - K.B. Klingler
- University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Biology, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - F.A. Smith
- University of New Mexico, Department of Biology, MSC03-2020, 219 Yale Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Scholz C, Firozpoor J, Kramer‐Schadt S, Gras P, Schulze C, Kimmig SE, Voigt CC, Ortmann S. Individual dietary specialization in a generalist predator: A stable isotope analysis of urban and rural red foxes. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:8855-8870. [PMID: 32884662 PMCID: PMC7452770 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Some carnivores are known to survive well in urban habitats, yet the underlying behavioral tactics are poorly understood. One likely explanation for the success in urban habitats might be that carnivores are generalist consumers. However, urban populations of carnivores could as well consist of specialist feeders. Here, we compared the isotopic specialization of red foxes in urban and rural environments, using both a population and an individual level perspective. We measured stable isotope ratios in increments of red fox whiskers and potential food sources. Our results reveal that red foxes have a broad isotopic dietary niche and a large variation in resource use. Despite this large variation, we found significant differences between the variance of the urban and rural population for δ13C as well as δ15N values, suggesting a habitat-specific foraging behavior. Although urban regions are more heterogeneous regarding land cover (based on the Shannon index) than rural regions, the dietary range of urban foxes was smaller compared with that of rural conspecifics. Moreover, the higher δ13C values and lower δ15N values of urban foxes suggest a relatively high input of anthropogenic food sources. The diet of most individuals remained largely constant over a longer period. The low intraindividual variability of urban and rural red foxes suggests a relatively constant proportion of food items consumed by individuals. Urban and rural foxes utilized a small proportion of the potentially available isotopic dietary niche as indicated by the low within-individual variation compared to the between-individual variation. We conclude that generalist fox populations consist of individual food specialists in urban and rural populations at least over those periods covered by our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Scholz
- Department of Ecological DynamicsLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife ResearchBerlinGermany
| | - Jasmin Firozpoor
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife ResearchBerlinGermany
| | - Stephanie Kramer‐Schadt
- Department of Ecological DynamicsLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife ResearchBerlinGermany
- Institute of EcologyTechnische Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB)BerlinGermany
| | - Pierre Gras
- Department of Ecological DynamicsLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife ResearchBerlinGermany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB)BerlinGermany
| | | | - Sophia E. Kimmig
- Department of Ecological DynamicsLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife ResearchBerlinGermany
| | - Christian C. Voigt
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife ResearchBerlinGermany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB)BerlinGermany
- Institute of BiologyFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Sylvia Ortmann
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife ResearchBerlinGermany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB)BerlinGermany
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Bell O, Jones ME, Ruiz‐Aravena M, Hamede RK, Bearhop S, McDonald RA. Age-related variation in the trophic characteristics of a marsupial carnivore, the Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:7861-7871. [PMID: 32760570 PMCID: PMC7391331 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related changes in diet have implications for competitive interactions and for predator-prey dynamics, affecting individuals and groups at different life stages. To quantify patterns of variation and ontogenetic change in the diets of Tasmanian devils Sarcophilus harrisii, a threatened marsupial carnivore, we analyzed variation in the stable isotope composition of whisker tissue samples taken from 91 individual devils from Wilmot, Tasmania from December 2014 to February 2017. Both δ13C and δ15N decreased with increasing age in weaned Tasmanian devils, indicating that as they age devils rely less on small mammals and birds, and more on large herbivores. Devils <12 months old had broader group isotopic niches, as estimated by Bayesian standard ellipses (SEAB mode = 1.042) than devils from 12 to 23 months old (mode = 0.541) and devils ≥24 months old (mode = 0.532). Devils <24 months old had broader individual isotopic niches (SEAB mode range 0.492-1.083) than devils ≥24 months old (mode range 0.092-0.240). A decrease in δ15N from the older whisker sections to the more recently grown sections in devils <24 months old likely reflects the period of weaning in this species, as this pattern was not observed in devils ≥24 months old. Our data reveal changes in the isotopic composition of devil whiskers with increasing age, accompanied by a reduction in isotopic variation both among population age classes and within individuals, reflecting the effect of weaning in early life, and a likely shift from an initially diverse diet of small mammals, birds, and invertebrates towards increasing consumption of larger herbivores in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Bell
- Environment and Sustainability InstituteUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTas.Australia
| | - Manuel Ruiz‐Aravena
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTas.Australia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMontana State UniversityBozemanMTUSA
| | | | - Stuart Bearhop
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
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Djagoun CA, Sinsin B, Wrage-Mönnig N. Stable isotope niche segregation between rare topi antelope (Damaliscus lunatus korrigum) and other sympatric bulk grazers in Pendjari Biosphere Reserve (Northern Benin): Implication for topi conservation. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Flores-Escobar E, Sanpera C, Jover L, Cortés-Ortiz L, Rangel-Negrín A, Canales-Espinosa D, Dias PAD. Isotopic niche partitioning in two sympatric howler monkey species. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 172:438-446. [PMID: 32091131 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ecological similarity between species can lead to interspecific trophic competition. However, when ecologically similar species coexist, they may differ in foraging strategies and habitat use, which can lead to niche partitioning. As the body tissues of consumers contain a stable isotope signature that reflects the isotopic composition of their diet, stable isotope analysis is a useful tool to study feeding behavior. We measured the isotopic niche width, which is a proxy for trophic niche width, of mantled (Alouatta palliata) and black (A. pigra) howler monkeys. Specifically, studied populations in allopatry and sympatry to assess whether these species showed niche partitioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2008 and 2012, we collected hair samples from 200 subjects (113 black and 87 mantled howler monkeys) and used continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry to estimate δ13 C and δ15 N. We described the isotopic niche width of each species in allopatry and sympatry with the Bayesian estimation of the standard ellipse areas. RESULTS In allopatry, isotopic niche width and isotopic variation were similar in both species. In sympatry, black howler monkeys had a significantly broader isotopic niche, which was mainly determined by high δ15 N values, and included the majority of mantled howler monkeys' isotopic niche. The isotopic niche of mantled howler monkeys did not differ between sympatry and allopatry. CONCLUSIONS The coexistence of these ecologically similar species may be linked to trophic niche adjustments by one species, although the particular features of such adjustments (e.g., dietary, spatial, or sensory partitioning) remain to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Flores-Escobar
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Carolina Sanpera
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lluís Jover
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Liliana Cortés-Ortiz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ariadna Rangel-Negrín
- Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Domingo Canales-Espinosa
- Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Pedro Américo D Dias
- Primate Behavioral Ecology Lab, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
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Magioli M, Moreira MZ, Fonseca RCB, Ribeiro MC, Rodrigues MG, Ferraz KMPMDB. Human-modified landscapes alter mammal resource and habitat use and trophic structure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:18466-18472. [PMID: 31451670 PMCID: PMC6744859 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904384116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The broad negative consequences of habitat degradation on biodiversity have been studied, but the complex effects of natural-agricultural landscape matrices remain poorly understood. Here we used stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes to detect changes in mammal resource and habitat use and trophic structure between preserved areas and human-modified landscapes (HMLs) in a biodiversity hot spot in South America. We classified mammals into trophic guilds and compared resource use (in terms of C3- and C4-derived carbon), isotopic niches, and trophic structure across the 2 systems. In HMLs, approximately one-third of individuals fed exclusively on items from the agricultural matrix (C4), while in preserved areas, ∼68% depended on forest remnant resources (C3). Herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores were the guilds that most incorporated C4 carbon in HMLs. Frugivores maintained the same resource use between systems (C3 resources), while insectivores showed no significant difference. All guilds in HMLs except insectivores presented larger isotopic niches than those in preserved areas. We observed a complex trophic structure in preserved areas, with increasing δ15N values from herbivores to insectivores and carnivores, differing from that in HMLs. This difference is partially explained by species loss and turnover and mainly by the behavioral plasticity of resilient species that use nitrogen-enriched food items. We concluded that the landscape cannot be seen as a habitat/nonhabitat dichotomy because the agricultural landscape matrix in HMLs provides mammal habitat and opportunities for food acquisition. Thus, favorable management of the agricultural matrix and slowing the conversion of forests to agriculture are important for conservation in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Magioli
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Manejo e Conservação de Fauna Silvestre, Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz," Universidade de São Paulo, 13418-900 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil;
- National Research Center for Carnivores Conservation, Chico Mendes Institute for the Conservation of Biodiversity, 12952-011 Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Zacharias Moreira
- Laboratório de Ecologia Isotópica, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, 13416-903 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Cristina Batista Fonseca
- Departamento de Ciência Florestal, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho," 18610-307 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milton Cezar Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Ecologia Espacial e Conservação, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho," 13506-900 Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcia Gonçalves Rodrigues
- Área de Relevante Interesse Ecológico Matão de Cosmópolis, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, 13070-040 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katia Maria Paschoaletto Micchi de Barros Ferraz
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Manejo e Conservação de Fauna Silvestre, Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz," Universidade de São Paulo, 13418-900 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ogurtsov SS. The Diet of the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) in the Central Forest Nature Reserve (West-European Russia), Based on Scat Analysis Data. BIOL BULL+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359018090145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Abstract
This study describes the use of hair traps as a complementary method to obtain samples for stable isotope analysis from medium- and large-sized mammals. We sampled three protected areas within the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Traps formed an enclosure of ~16 m2 composed of two barbed-wire strands at different heights, baited with corn, salt, fruits and cinnamon powder. Samples were identified using hair microstructure. We identified 11 species – four globally and six nationally threatened – of which 63.6% were frugivorous. We found high species richness with a small sampling effort, indicating that hair traps can prove useful for isotopic ecology and other applied ecological studies.
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50
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Chilvers BL. Whisker stable isotope values indicate long-term foraging strategies for female New Zealand sea lions. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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