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Li GY, Li Y, Liu H. Distribution patterns of Phytoseiulus persimilis in response to climate change. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38837311 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biological control agent Phytoseiulus persimilis is a commercialized specialist predator of two agricultural pest mite species Tetranychus urticae and Tetranychus evansi. Biocontrol of these pest species by P. persimilis has achieved success in biological control in some areas. However, the lack of precise information about the influence of global climate change on the worldwide distribution of this biocontrol agent hampers international efforts to manage pest mites with P. persimilis. With 276 occurrence records and 19 bioclimatic variables, this study investigated the potential global distribution of P. persimilis. RESULTS The results demonstrated that the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model performed well, with the area under the curve being 0.956, indicating the high accuracy of this model. Two variables, the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio_6) and precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio_19) were the most important environmental variables that influenced the distribution of P. persimilis, contributing more than 30% to the model, respectively. The suitable area currently occupies 21.67% of the world's land area, spanning latitudes between 60°S and 60°N. Under shared socio-economic pathway (SSP) 5-8.5 (high-carbon emissions), the low suitable area would increase by 1.31% until the 2050s. CONCLUSION This study successfully identified that south-eastern China, parts of countries in the Mediterranean coastal regions, including Libya, Algeria, Portugal, Spain, and France, are climatically favorable regions for P. persimilis, providing valuable information about the potential areas where it can be effectively exploited as biocontrol agents in classical biological control programs to manage pest spider mites environmentally friendly. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Yun Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuchuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Morris DR, McWhorter TJ, Boardman WSJ, Simpson G, Wentzel J, Coetzee J, Moodley Y. Unravelling the maternal evolutionary history of the African leopard ( Panthera pardus pardus). PeerJ 2024; 12:e17018. [PMID: 38618571 PMCID: PMC11016244 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) has lost a significant proportion of its historical range, notably in north-western Africa and South Africa. Recent studies have explored the genetic diversity and population structure of African leopards across the continent. A notable genetic observation is the presence of two divergent mitochondrial lineages, PAR-I and PAR-II. Both lineages appeared to be distributed widely, with PAR-II frequently found in southern Africa. Until now, no study has attempted to date the emergence of either lineage, assess haplotype distribution, or explore their evolutionary histories in any detail. To investigate these underappreciated questions, we compiled the largest and most geographically representative leopard data set of the mitochondrial NADH-5 gene to date. We combined samples (n = 33) collected in an altitudinal transect across the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, where two populations of leopard are known to be in genetic contact, with previously published sequences of African leopard (n = 211). We estimate that the maternal PAR-I and PAR-II lineages diverged approximately 0.7051 (0.4477-0.9632) million years ago (Ma). Through spatial and demographic analyses, we show that while PAR-I underwent a mid-Pleistocene population expansion resulting in several closely related haplotypes with little geographic structure across much of its range, PAR-II remained at constant size and may even have declined slightly in the last 0.1 Ma. The higher genetic drift experienced within PAR-II drove a greater degree of structure with little haplotype sharing and unique haplotypes in central Africa, the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the South African Highveld. The phylogeographic structure of PAR-II, with its increasing frequency southward and its exclusive occurrence in south-eastern South Africa, suggests that this lineage may have been isolated in South Africa during the mid-Pleistocene. This hypothesis is supported by historical changes in paleoclimate that promoted intense aridification around the Limpopo Basin between 1.0-0.6 Ma, potentially reducing gene flow and promoting genetic drift. Interestingly, we ascertained that the two nuclear DNA populations identified by a previous study as East and West Mpumalanga correspond to PAR-I and PAR-II, respectively, and that they have come into secondary contact in the Lowveld region of South Africa. Our results suggest a subdivision of African leopard mtDNA into two clades, with one occurring almost exclusively in South Africa, and we identify the potential environmental drivers of this observed structure. We caution that our results are based on a single mtDNA locus, but it nevertheless provides a hypothesis that can be further tested with a dense sample of nuclear DNA data, preferably whole genomes. If our interpretation holds true, it would provide the first genetic explanation for the smaller observed size of leopards at the southernmost end of their range in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan R. Morris
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - Todd J. McWhorter
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - Wayne S. J. Boardman
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gregory Simpson
- Department of Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary of Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jeanette Wentzel
- Department of Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary of Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jannie Coetzee
- Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa
| | - Yoshan Moodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, South Africa
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Robin VV. Population genetics of animals in the wild to aid conservation: Uma Ramakrishnan-Recipient of the 2023 Molecular Ecology Prize. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17290. [PMID: 38339857 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- V V Robin
- IISER Tirupati, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
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4
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Sharma HP, Bhattarai BP, Regmi S, Bhandari S, Adhikari D, Aryal B, Tamang K, Nepali A, K C S, Rawal B, Parajuli S, Baral BD, Devkota S, Koirala S, Belant JL, Katuwal HB. Occurrence and temporal overlap of sympatric jungle cats and leopard cats in Parsa‒Koshi Complex, Nepal. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2387. [PMID: 38287050 PMCID: PMC10825126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52644-w] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Co-occurrence and spatial and temporal overlap of sympatric jungle and leopard cats are influenced by habitat preferences, and interspecific competition. Understanding these factors influence is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. We conducted a camera survey in Parsa‒Koshi Complex (PKC), Nepal during December 2022-March 2023 to investigate factors influencing occupancy and spatial and temporal overlap between jungle cats (Felis chaus) and leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis). The mean detection probability (t = 0.664, p = 0.507) did not differ between jungle cats (p = 0.500 ± 0.289) and leopard cats (p = 0.501 ± 0.288); however, occupancy (t = 31.008, p < 0.001) was greater for jungle cats (ψ = 0.247 ± 0.020) than leopard cats (ψ = 0.178 ± 0.019). Jungle cats and leopard cats were positively associated with large predators, and jungle cats were positively associated with human presence and negatively associated with canopy cover. We observed high diel overlap between leopard cats and jungle cats (Dhat1 = 0.802, norm0CI: 0.720-0.884), with both species largely nocturnal. Co-existence of jungle cats and leopard cats in PKC appears to be facilitated by spatial segregation. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex ecological dynamics and interactions between sympatric jungle and leopard cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Prasad Sharma
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Nepal Zoological Society, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Nepal Zoological Society, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sandeep Regmi
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Shivish Bhandari
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, 21251, USA
| | | | - Bishnu Aryal
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Krishna Tamang
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Amrit Nepali
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sabin K C
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Basudha Rawal
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sagar Parajuli
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bashu Dev Baral
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Surya Devkota
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Jerrold L Belant
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Hem Bahadur Katuwal
- Nepal Zoological Society, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China.
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5
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Yuan J, Kitchener AC, Lackey LB, Sun T, Jiangzuo Q, Tuohetahong Y, Zhao L, Yang P, Wang G, Huang C, Wang J, Hou W, Liu Y, Chen W, Mi D, Murphy WJ, Li G. The genome of the black-footed cat: Revealing a rich natural history and urgent conservation priorities for small felids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310763120. [PMID: 38165928 PMCID: PMC10786289 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310763120] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Habitat degradation and loss of genetic diversity are common threats faced by almost all of today's wild cats. Big cats, such as tigers and lions, are of great concern and have received considerable conservation attention through policies and international actions. However, knowledge of and conservation actions for small wild cats are lagging considerably behind. The black-footed cat, Felis nigripes, one of the smallest felid species, is experiencing increasing threats with a rapid reduction in population size. However, there is a lack of genetic information to assist in developing effective conservation actions. A de novo assembly of a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of the black-footed cat was made, and comparative genomics and population genomics analyses were carried out. These analyses revealed that the most significant genetic changes in the evolution of the black-footed cat are the rapid evolution of sensory and metabolic-related genes, reflecting genetic adaptations to its characteristic nocturnal hunting and a high metabolic rate. Genomes of the black-footed cat exhibit a high level of inbreeding, especially for signals of recent inbreeding events, which suggest that they may have experienced severe genetic isolation caused by habitat fragmentation. More importantly, inbreeding associated with two deleterious mutated genes may exacerbate the risk of amyloidosis, the dominant disease that causes mortality of about 70% of captive individuals. Our research provides comprehensive documentation of the evolutionary history of the black-footed cat and suggests that there is an urgent need to investigate genomic variations of small felids worldwide to support effective conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
| | - Andrew C. Kitchener
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland, EdinburghEH1 1JF, United Kingdom
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH9 3PX, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ting Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
| | - Qigao Jiangzuo
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100044, China
| | | | - Le Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
- QinLing-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Bioscience and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong723099, China
| | - Peng Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
| | - Guiqiang Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
| | - Chen Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
| | - Jinhong Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
| | - Wenhui Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
| | - Wu Chen
- Guangzhou Zoo, Guangzhou Wildlife Research Center, Guangzhou510070, China
| | - Da Mi
- Xi’an Haorui Genomics Technology Co., Ltd., Xi’an710116, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an710049, China
| | - William J. Murphy
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Gang Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an710119, China
- Guangzhou Zoo, Guangzhou Wildlife Research Center, Guangzhou510070, China
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Mahato S, Ghosh T, Sinha SK, Yardi K, Bharucha E. Jungle cat ( Felis chaus) in farmlands: potential benefits of coexistence and human-wildlife conflicts in West Bengal, India. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2022.2152102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Mahato
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research (BVIEER), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
- Biopsychology Laboratory and Institution of Excellence, University of Mysore, Mysuru, India
| | - Tanmoy Ghosh
- Belun Biodiversity Research Centre, Katwa, Purba Bardhaman, India
| | - Shuvra K. Sinha
- Department of Zoology, Sreegopal Banerjee College, Hooghly, India
| | - Kranti Yardi
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research (BVIEER), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
| | - Erach Bharucha
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research (BVIEER), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
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Not all is black and white: phylogeography and population genetics of the endemic blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra). CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Current Genetic Structure Analysis of Leopard Cats Reveals a Weak Disparity Trend in Subpopulations in Beijing, China. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101478. [PMID: 36290381 PMCID: PMC9598953 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Habitat fragmentation is an important factor leading to the decline in the leopard cat population in Beijing. Habitat loss may further result in population shrinkage, which increases the risk of inbreeding and genetic decline. To reveal the segregation effects of highway construction and infrastructure expansion on population genetic variation, this study analyzed the genetic structure of leopard cats in five nature reserves in the mountain surroundings of Beijing. The results showed that a mild disparity trend exists in Baihuashan and Songshan subpopulations, due to habitat segregation and dispersal difficulties. We suggest that the genetic structures of the leopard cat population be monitored every 5 years to detect any changes. If needed, individuals can be artificially exchanged among different subpopulations to maintain the viability of this wild cat in Beijing. Abstract In the face of habitat shrinkage and segregation, the survival of wild cats looks bleak. Interpreting their population genetic structure during habitat fragmentation is critical in planning effective management strategies. To reveal the segregation effects of road construction and human settlements on the population genetic structure, we analyzed non-invasive fecal DNA samples from leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) from five nature reserves in mountainous areas around Beijing. We focused on microsatellite markers. A total of 112 individual leopard cats were identified among 601 samples of scat, and moderate population genetic diversity was detected. Microsatellite-marker-based genetic differentiation (Fst) and gene flow (Nm) showed a weak trend toward discrepancies in the Baihuashan and Songshan subpopulations, which indicated habitat fragmentation effects on individual dispersal. Because the segregated subpopulations may suffer a high risk of genetic diversity loss, we suggest that their genetic structure be monitored with more molecular markers to detect any changes, and that female individuals be artificially introduced as needed to maintain the viability of the leopard cat subpopulations in Beijing.
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Tyagi A, Khan A, Thatte P, Ramakrishnan U. Genome‐wide
SNP
markers from fecal samples reveal anthropogenic impacts on connectivity: case of a small carnivore in the central Indian landscape. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Tyagi
- National Centre for Biological Sciences Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Bangalore India
- SASTRA Deemed to be University Thanjavur India
| | - A. Khan
- National Centre for Biological Sciences Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Bangalore India
| | - P. Thatte
- National Centre for Biological Sciences Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Bangalore India
- World Wide Fund for Nature‐India New Delhi India
| | - U. Ramakrishnan
- National Centre for Biological Sciences Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Bangalore India
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Adhikari B, Baral K, Bhandari S, Szydlowski M, Kunwar RM, Panthi S, Neupane B, Koirala RK. Potential risk zone for anthropogenic mortality of carnivores in Gandaki Province, Nepal. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8491. [PMID: 35136552 PMCID: PMC8809436 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic pressures in human-dominated landscapes often contribute to wildlife mortality. Carnivores are especially vulnerable to human-induced mortality due to the perceived threat to livestock and humans. Despite having widespread conservation implications, carnivore mortality data have been largely underutilized within Nepal. This study utilized Maxent to identify high-risk areas and explore the contribution of habitat attributes associated with carnivore mortality using the casualty database within the Gandaki province of central Nepal. We categorized the risk to carnivore species in three taxonomic groups, Felid, Viverridae, and Herpestidae, and identified a 3704-km2 area within the province at high risk for carnivore casualty. The middle mountains were the riskiest physiographic zone, and the Annapurna Conservation Area represented the largest risk zone among the four protected areas. Agricultural land was the most problematic area in terms of carnivore casualty. The human population was positively associated with high-risk areas and the number of casualties, whereas protected area cover had a negative association. This study identified that the common leopard was at the highest risk of mortality and therefore would benefit from the implementation of an action plan and species-specific conservation strategies, especially within identified high-risk zones. An expansion of protected areas in the middle mountain region would serve to greatly reduce carnivore casualty. Species distribution modeling can be further used with national-level spatial and temporal mortality data to identify the most prominent casualty times and pinpoint potential casualty locations throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binaya Adhikari
- Institute of ForestryTribhuvan UniversityPokharaNepal
- Pokhara Zoological Park & Wildlife Rescue CenterKaskiNepal
| | - Kedar Baral
- Division Forest OfficeKaskiNepal
- School of Natural and Computational ScienceMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Forest, Environment and Soil ConservationPokharaNepal
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Katna A, Kulkarni A, Thaker M, Vanak AT. Habitat specificity drives differences in space‐use patterns of multiple mesocarnivores in an agroecosystem. J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Katna
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) Bangalore Karnataka India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education Manipal Karnataka India
| | - A. Kulkarni
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - M. Thaker
- Centre for Ecological Sciences Indian Institute of Science Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - A. T. Vanak
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) Bangalore Karnataka India
- DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Hyderabad Telangana India
- School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal Westville Durban South Africa
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Rostro‐García S, Kamler JF, Minge C, Caragiulo A, Crouthers R, Groenenberg M, Gray TNE, In V, Pin C, Sovanna P, Kéry M, Macdonald DW. Small cats in big trouble? Diet, activity, and habitat use of jungle cats and leopard cats in threatened dry deciduous forests, Cambodia. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:4205-4217. [PMID: 33976804 PMCID: PMC8093725 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry deciduous dipterocarp forests (DDF) cover about 15%-20% of Southeast Asia and are the most threatened forest type in the region. The jungle cat (Felis chaus) is a DDF specialist that occurs only in small isolated populations in Southeast Asia. Despite being one of the rarest felids in the region, almost nothing is known about its ecology. We investigated the ecology of jungle cats and their resource partitioning with the more common leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in a DDF-dominated landscape in Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia. We used camera-trap data collected from 2009 to 2019 and DNA-confirmed scats to determine the temporal, dietary and spatial overlap between jungle cats and leopard cats. The diet of jungle cats was relatively diverse and consisted of murids (56% biomass consumed), sciurids (15%), hares (Lepus peguensis; 12%), birds (8%), and reptiles (8%), whereas leopard cats had a narrower niche breadth and a diet dominated by smaller prey, primarily murids (73%). Nonetheless, dietary overlap was high because both felid species consumed predominantly small rodents. Both species were primarily nocturnal and had high temporal overlap. Two-species occupancy modelling suggested jungle cats were restricted to DDF and had low occupancy, whereas leopard cats had higher occupancy and were habitat generalists. Our study confirmed that jungle cats are DDF specialists that likely persist in low numbers due to the harsh conditions of the dry season in this habitat, including annual fires and substantial decreases in small vertebrate prey. The lower occupancy and more diverse diet of jungle cats, together with the broader habitat use of leopard cats, likely facilitated the coexistence of these species. The low occupancy of jungle cats in DDF suggests that protection of large areas of DDF will be required for the long-term conservation of this rare felid in Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Rostro‐García
- Department of ZoologyWildlife Conservation Research UnitUniversity of OxfordThe Recanati‐Kaplan CentreAbingdonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jan F. Kamler
- Department of ZoologyWildlife Conservation Research UnitUniversity of OxfordThe Recanati‐Kaplan CentreAbingdonUnited Kingdom
| | - Christin Minge
- Institute of Ecology and EvolutionFriedrich‐Schiller University of JenaGermany
| | - Anthony Caragiulo
- Sackler Institute for Comparative GenomicsAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Prum Sovanna
- Tigers Alive InitiativeWWF‐MalaysiaKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Marc Kéry
- Swiss Ornithological InstituteSempachSwitzerland
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Department of ZoologyWildlife Conservation Research UnitUniversity of OxfordThe Recanati‐Kaplan CentreAbingdonUnited Kingdom
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Closely related species show species-specific environmental responses and different spatial conservation needs: Prionailurus cats in the Indian subcontinent. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18705. [PMID: 33127966 PMCID: PMC7599212 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74684-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Phylogenetically closely related species are often assumed to have similar responses to environmental conditions, but species-specific responses have also been described. These two scenarios may have different conservation implications. We tested these two hypotheses for Prionailurus cats (P. rubiginosus, P. bengalensis, P. viverrinus) in the Indian subcontinent and show its implications on species current protected area coverage and climatic suitability trends through time. We fitted ecological niche models with current environmental conditions and calculated niche overlap. In addition, we developed a model for the Jungle Cat Felis chaus to compare species responses and niche overlap estimates within Prionailurus with those for a related sympatric small cat species. Then we estimated the proportion of current suitable environment covered by protected area and projected climatic models from past (last interglacial) to future (2070; RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) conditions to show implications on population management and conservation. The hypothesis of a similar response and niche overlap among closely related species is not supported. Protected area coverage was lowest for P. viverrinus (mean = 0.071, SD = 0.012) and highest for P. bengalensis (mean = 0.088, SD = 0.006). In addition, the proportion of the subcontinent with suitable climate varied through time and was species-specific. For P. bengalensis, climatic suitability shrunk since at least the mid-Holocene, a trend that can be intensified by human-induced climate warming. Concerning P. viverrinus, most predictions show stable future climatic suitability, but a few indicated potential loss. Climatic suitability for P. rubiginous was predicted to remain stable but the species exhibited a negative association with intensive agriculture. Similar responses to environmental change by phylogenetically closely related species should not be assumed and have implications on protected area coverage and natural trends of species climatic suitability over time. This should be taken into account during conservation and management actions.
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Gallardo FFR, DeMatteo KE, Rinas MA, Argüelles CF. Heterologous microsatellite primers are informative for paca (Cuniculus paca), a large rodent with economic and ecological importance. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:470. [PMID: 33028373 PMCID: PMC7542955 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05312-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to facilitate genetic studies that would allow information on population structure and genetic diversity of natural or captive stocks of paca (Cuniculus paca), a species of ecological and socioeconomic importance, by testing cross-amplification of 20 heterologous microsatellite primer pairs developed for guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). RESULTS Those primers that showed the best amplification profile in blood samples were subsequently applied to scats and saliva samples, to evaluate their efficiency. Of the 13 microsatellite pairs that amplified in blood, one-third (32%) were successfully amplified in saliva and scat samples. This initial work demonstrates successful cross-amplification in paca providing a solid and promising foundation for future genetic studies with this species. The ability to quantify genetic diversity using noninvasive samples from free-ranging paca is essential to developing applied management strategies for this large neotropical rodent that is not only a prey favored by wide-ranging carnivores [e.g., jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor)], but is also a species targeted by illegal hunting and wildlife trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco F Roldán Gallardo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales, Departamento de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Misiones (UNaM), Posadas, Misiones, Argentina.,Grupo de Investigación en Genética Aplicada (GIGA), Instituto de Biología Subtropical (IBS) - Nodo Posadas, UNaM - CONICET, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Karen E DeMatteo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales, Departamento de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Misiones (UNaM), Posadas, Misiones, Argentina.,Department of Biology & Environmental Studies, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.,WildCare Institute at the Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Miguel A Rinas
- Ministerio de Ecología y Recursos Naturales Renovables, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Carina F Argüelles
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales, Departamento de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Misiones (UNaM), Posadas, Misiones, Argentina. .,Grupo de Investigación en Genética Aplicada (GIGA), Instituto de Biología Subtropical (IBS) - Nodo Posadas, UNaM - CONICET, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina.
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Jang JE, Kim NH, Lim S, Kim KY, Lee HJ, Park YC. Genetic integrity and individual identification-based population size estimate of the endangered long-tailed goral, Naemorhedus caudatus from Seoraksan National Park in South Korea, based on a non-invasive genetic approach. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2020; 24:171-179. [PMID: 33209197 PMCID: PMC7651850 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2020.1784273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-tailed goral (also called the Amur goral) Naemorhedus caudatus (subfamily Caprinae), a vulnerable and protected species designated by IUCN and CITES, has sharply been declining in the population size and is now becoming critically endangered in South Korea. This species has been conserved as a natural monument by the Korean Cultural Heritage Administration since 1968. In this study, using 78 fecal DNA samples with a non-invasive genetic approach, we assessed the genetic integrity and individual identification-based population size for the goral population from Seoraksan National Park representing the largest wild population in Korea. Using the successfully isolated 38 fecal DNA, phylogeographic and population genetic analyses were performed with mitochondrial DNA control region (CR) sequences and nine microsatellite loci. We found seven CR haplotypes, of which five were unique to the Seoraksan population, considering previously determined haplotypes in Korean populations. The Seoraksan population showed higher haplotype diversity (0.777 ± 0.062) and mean number of alleles (4.67 ± 1.563) relative to southern populations in Korea reported from previous studies, with no signal of a population bottleneck. Microsatellite-based individual identification estimate based on probability of identity (PID) indicated a population size of ≥30 in this population. Altogether, we suggest that for future management efforts of this species in the Seoraksan National Park, conserving its genetic integrity as an ‘endemic’ lineage, and curbing a decrease in its number through mitigating habitat destruction might be key to secure the population for the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Eun Jang
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biological Science, College of Science and Engineering, Sangji University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Nam Hyeong Kim
- Department of Forest Environment Protection, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Sangjin Lim
- Department of Forest Environment Protection, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Ki Yoon Kim
- Department of Forest Environment Protection, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hyuk Je Lee
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biological Science, College of Science and Engineering, Sangji University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Yung Chul Park
- Department of Forest Environment Protection, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
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Chatterjee N, Nigam P, Habib B. Population density and habitat use of two sympatric small cats in a central Indian reserve. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233569. [PMID: 32497053 PMCID: PMC7271992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite appreciable advances in carnivore ecology, studies on small cats remain limited with carnivore research in India being skewed towards large cats. Small cats are more specialized than their larger cousins in terms of resource selection. Studies on small cat population and habitat preference are critical to evaluate their status to ensure better management and conservation. We estimated abundance of two widespread small cats, the jungle cat, and the rusty-spotted cat, and investigated their habitat associations based on camera trap captures from a central Indian tiger reserve. We predicted fine-scale habitat segregation between these sympatric species as a driver of coexistence. We used an extension of the spatial count model in a Bayesian framework approach to estimate the population density of jungle cat and rusty-spotted cat and used generalized linear models to explore their habitat associations. Densities of rusty-spotted cat and jungle cat were estimated as 6.67 (95% CI 4.07–10.74) and 4.01 (95% CI 2.65–6.12) individuals/100 km2 respectively. Forest cover and evapotranspiration were positively associated with rusty-spotted cat occurrence whereas both factors had a significant negative relation with jungle cat occurrence. The results directed habitat segregation between these small cats with affinities of rusty-spotted cat and jungle cat towards well-forested and open scrubland areas respectively. Our estimates highlight the widespread applicability of this model for density estimation of species with no individual identification. Moreover, the study outcomes can aid in targeted management decisions and serve as the baseline for species conservation as these models allow robust population estimation of elusive species along with predicting their habitat preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parag Nigam
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Bilal Habib
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
- * E-mail:
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17
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Size Matters: Zoo Data Analysis Shows that the White Blood Cell Ratio Differs between Large and Small Felids. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10060940. [PMID: 32485881 PMCID: PMC7341519 DOI: 10.3390/ani10060940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The total number of white blood cells (WBCs) is related the immune system. In mammals, it is affected by the body mass, but it is unclear how the numbers of different WBC types correlate with this parameter. We analyzed the effect of body mass on WBC number and ratio in felids, where species are similar in diet (warm-blood vertebrates) and reproductive strategy (promiscuity). Based on zoo veterinary data (ZIMS database) we analyzed the effect of body mass on WBC number and neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio in 26 species of felids. The number of WBCs correlated with the body masses of animals: large cats had more WBC, which may be due to greater risks of infection associated with larger body surface, lifespan and home range size. For the first time we found obvious differences in the number of WBC types. Large cats also had more neutrophils and monocytes but fewer lymphocytes than smaller cats. The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes is greater in large felids. This phenomenon may be related to diet (relative prey size and kill utilization time), which suggests regular contact of large cats with bacterial and protozoal pathogens in contrast to the small cats.
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Singh G, Srinivas Y, Kumar GC, Singh A, Sharma CP, Gupta SK. Identification of selected wild felids using hair morphology and forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS): Wildlife forensics prospective. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 44:101692. [PMID: 32208347 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We describe the identification of the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), jungle cat (Felis chaus) fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinusis), wild cat (Felis silvestris) and caracal (Caracal caracal) using combined approach of morphological and molecular based analysis. Three mitochondrial genes [12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and cytochrome b (Cyt b)] and hair characteristics (cuticle and medulla patterns) were analysed and variation was observed among few selected wild felids. We did not find conclusive morphological difference among these examined felids. We observed maximum variation in Cyt b in comparison to12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes. Therefore, despite poor hair morphological difference, forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS) exhibited unambiguous variation among the examined felids. We suggest the use of FINS for differentiating biological samples of closely related wild felids to avoid any false identification of species in illicit trade. Furthermore, the data generated from the present work would help in strengthening the DNA database of Indian small cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Wildlife Forensic and Conservation Genetics Cell, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Yellapu Srinivas
- Wildlife Forensic and Conservation Genetics Cell, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Gandla Chethan Kumar
- Wildlife Forensic and Conservation Genetics Cell, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Wildlife Forensic and Conservation Genetics Cell, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Chandra Prakash Sharma
- Wildlife Forensic and Conservation Genetics Cell, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Gupta
- Wildlife Forensic and Conservation Genetics Cell, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.
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Marinath L, Vaz J, Kumar D, Thiyagesan K, Baskaran N. Drivers of stereotypic behaviour and physiological stress among captive jungle cat (Felis chaus Schreber, 1777) in India. Physiol Behav 2019; 210:112651. [PMID: 31419448 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Zoos play a vital role in managing and conserving a wide range of threatened species and in enhancing their populations in natural habitats through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. Most small felids are poor breeders in zoos, owing to a range of issues such as spatial constraints, diet, disturbance from visitors, small population size, social grouping and other environmental factors in the exhibits. Many of these factors have also been found to influence the glucocorticoid levels among them. Chronic elevations in glucocorticoids can ultimately lead to psychological and physiological problems, eventually affecting reproduction and fitness. We assessed the influence of four biological and seven environmental factors on stress level linked to psychological (stereotype), and physiological (Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite, FGM) conditions and positive welfare behaviour (active and inactive) among 14 jungle cats Felis chaus managed at three zoos in Indian (two in Kerala and one in Maharashtra) during May 2014-March 2017. Stereotype, a behavioural indicator of stress, and welfare behaviour were assessed through 336 h daylight focal sampling and physiological stress following non-invasive FGM extraction using Enzyme-Immunoassay (EIA) from 63 fresh faecal samples. Overall, jungle cats spent more time on inactive (72%) compared to active behaviour (23%) and 5% on stereotypic behaviour. On average, the jungle cats had 43.3 ng/g of FGM. The Principal Component Analysis on 11 independent factors revealed that daylight hour did not influence active, inactive and stereotype behaviours. In addition, age also had no significant influence on FGM levels. Binary logistic regression revealed that active behaviour was more likely to be observed in cats fed live chicken, housed on natural substrate and in females. Inactive behaviour was significantly lower in younger cats, but higher in cats managed with hideouts. Our results suggest that cats housed with non-relatives and in enclosures lacking hideouts have higher rates of stereotype. Multiple regression analyses on behaviour indicate that active behaviour was significantly higher in cats when the arrival age at the zoo was <1 year, among females compared to males, fed live chicken compared to beef, when managed in natural compared to artificial enclosures and in enclosures without hideouts. Remarkably, inactive behaviour increased significantly with increase in visitor intensity and when cats fed beef compared to live chicken. The stereotypic behaviour was significantly lower in females and higher when the arrival age at the zoo was >1 year. It was also the case when the cats were fed beef vs. whole live chicken, when managed in enclosures without hideouts, and also when managed with unrelated conspecifics compared to those kept in enclosures with hideouts and in solitary condition. The FGM levels were significantly higher among males but lower among cats managed in natural and larger enclosures, and enclosures with hideouts, when compared to those managed in artificial, smaller enclosures and enclosures without hideouts. We recommend the provision of larger (>29 m2) natural enclosures with hideout facilities, management in solitary condition or in social groupings with related conspecifics and feeding of live prey to promote positive welfare and reduce psychological and physiological stress among the jungle cats in zoos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loganathan Marinath
- Department of Zoology & Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305, India
| | - Janice Vaz
- Department of Zoology & Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305, India.
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Centre for Venom Informatics, Department of Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Krishnamoorthy Thiyagesan
- Department of Zoology & Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305, India
| | - Nagarajan Baskaran
- Department of Zoology & Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305, India.
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20
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Carricondo‐Sanchez D, Odden M, Kulkarni A, Vanak AT. Scale-dependent strategies for coexistence of mesocarnivores in human-dominated landscapes. Biotropica 2019; 51:781-791. [PMID: 34937952 PMCID: PMC8653886 DOI: 10.1111/btp.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Identifying factors influencing the distribution of and interactions within carnivore communities is important for understanding how they are affected by human activities. Species differ in their ability to adapt to humans depending on their degree of specialization in habitat use and feeding habits. This results in asymmetric changes in the ecology of co-occurring species that can influence their interactions. We investigated whether human infrastructures and free-ranging domestic dogs (a species typically associated with humans) influenced the co-occurrence and habitat use of mesocarnivores in a landscape of high human population density in Maharashtra, India. We used 40 camera trap locations during 233 trapping nights and used Bayesian co-occurrence occupancy models to investigate the habitat use and coexistence of species at different spatial scales. Additionally, we investigated their temporal overlap in space use. Indian foxes altered their habitat use both spatially and temporally in order to avoid free-ranging domestic dogs and other larger competitors. The use of human infrastructure by jackals and jungle cats was limited by the presence of dogs. Our results illustrate how habitat use of smaller carnivore species changes both spatially and temporally in order to avoid larger competitors. We also show that the presence of species associated with humans mediates the influence of human infrastructures on the habitat use of mesocarnivores. We highlight the importance of acknowledging the potential impact of urbanization not only on single species, but also on the interactions within the community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morten Odden
- Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural SciencesInland Norway UniversityKoppangNorway
| | - Abhijeet Kulkarni
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the EnvironmentBangaloreIndia
| | - Abi Tamim Vanak
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the EnvironmentBangaloreIndia
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- DBT/Wellcome TrustIndia Alliance ProgramHyderabadIndia
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21
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Rouatbi M, Amairia S, Amdouni Y, Boussaadoun MA, Ayadi O, Al-Hosary AAT, Rekik M, Ben Abdallah R, Aoun K, Darghouth MA, Wieland B, Gharbi M. Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in North Africa: a review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:6. [PMID: 30767889 PMCID: PMC6376878 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. The disease is distributed worldwide and can affect all warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. The present review aimed to collect, compile and summarize the data on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in humans and animals in the five North African countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt). Published data from national and international databases were used. Distribution patterns and risk factors for T. gondii infection are discussed, focusing on biotic and abiotic factors. This review is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of T. gondii infection in North Africa and will therefore be a useful tool for researchers. It can also be used to propose or enhance appropriate national toxoplasmosis control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem Rouatbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Safa Amairia
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Anis Boussaadoun
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Ouarda Ayadi
- Université des Frères Mentouri, Constantine 1, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Route de Batna, El Khroub 25100, Constantine, Algérie
| | - Amira Adel Taha Al-Hosary
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 71526 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box, 950764 Amman 11195, Jordan
| | - Rym Ben Abdallah
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, BPO 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Karim Aoun
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, BPO 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Barbara Wieland
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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22
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Janecka JE, Janecka MJ, Helgen KM, Murphy WJ. The validity of three snow leopard subspecies: response to Senn et al. Heredity (Edinb) 2018; 120:586-590. [PMID: 29434338 PMCID: PMC5943360 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J E Janecka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - M J Janecka
- Department of Biology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - K M Helgen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - W J Murphy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
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23
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Espinosa CC, Trigo TC, Tirelli FP, da Silva LG, Eizirik E, Queirolo D, Mazim FD, Peters FB, Favarini MO, de Freitas TRO. Geographic distribution modeling of the margay (Leopardus wiedii) and jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi): a comparative assessment. J Mammal 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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24
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Patel RP, Wutke S, Lenz D, Mukherjee S, Ramakrishnan U, Veron G, Fickel J, Wilting A, Förster DW. Genetic Structure and Phylogeography of the Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) Inferred from Mitochondrial Genomes. J Hered 2017; 108:349-360. [PMID: 28498987 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esx017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis is a habitat generalist that is widely distributed across Southeast Asia. Based on morphological traits, this species has been subdivided into 12 subspecies. Thus far, there have been few molecular studies investigating intraspecific variation, and those had been limited in geographic scope. For this reason, we aimed to study the genetic structure and evolutionary history of this species across its very large distribution range in Asia. We employed both PCR-based (short mtDNA fragments, 94 samples) and high throughput sequencing based methods (whole mitochondrial genomes, 52 samples) on archival, noninvasively collected and fresh samples to investigate the distribution of intraspecific genetic variation. Our comprehensive sampling coupled with the improved resolution of a mitochondrial genome analyses provided strong support for a deep split between Mainland and Sundaic Leopard cats. Although we identified multiple haplogroups within the species' distribution, we found no matrilineal evidence for the distinction of 12 subspecies. In the context of Leopard cat biogeography, we cautiously recommend a revision of the Prionailurus bengalensis subspecific taxonomy: namely, a reduction to 4 subspecies (2 mainland and 2 Sundaic forms).
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Affiliation(s)
- Riddhi P Patel
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke Str.17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.,Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Saskia Wutke
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke Str.17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorina Lenz
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke Str.17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Shomita Mukherjee
- Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, India.,);National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
| | - Uma Ramakrishnan
- );National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
| | - Géraldine Veron
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205 CNRS MNHN UPMC EPHE, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, CP 51, Paris, France
| | - Jörns Fickel
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke Str.17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andreas Wilting
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke Str.17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel W Förster
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke Str.17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
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Mapping black panthers: Macroecological modeling of melanism in leopards (Panthera pardus). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170378. [PMID: 28379961 PMCID: PMC5381760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The geographic distribution and habitat association of most mammalian polymorphic phenotypes are still poorly known, hampering assessments of their adaptive significance. Even in the case of the black panther, an iconic melanistic variant of the leopard (Panthera pardus), no map exists describing its distribution. We constructed a large database of verified records sampled across the species’ range, and used it to map the geographic occurrence of melanism. We then estimated the potential distribution of melanistic and non-melanistic leopards using niche-modeling algorithms. The overall frequency of melanism was ca. 11%, with a significantly non-random spatial distribution. Distinct habitat types presented significantly different frequencies of melanism, which increased in Asian moist forests and approached zero across most open/dry biomes. Niche modeling indicated that the potential distributions of the two phenotypes were distinct, with significant differences in habitat suitability and rejection of niche equivalency between them. We conclude that melanism in leopards is strongly affected by natural selection, likely driven by efficacy of camouflage and/or thermoregulation in different habitats, along with an effect of moisture that goes beyond its influence on vegetation type. Our results support classical hypotheses of adaptive coloration in animals (e.g. Gloger’s rule), and open up new avenues for in-depth evolutionary analyses of melanism in mammals.
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Martins RF, Fickel J, Le M, van Nguyen T, Nguyen HM, Timmins R, Gan HM, Rovie-Ryan JJ, Lenz D, Förster DW, Wilting A. Phylogeography of red muntjacs reveals three distinct mitochondrial lineages. BMC Evol Biol 2017; 17:34. [PMID: 28122497 PMCID: PMC5267393 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-017-0888-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The members of the genus Muntiacus are of particular interest to evolutionary biologists due to their extreme chromosomal rearrangements and the ongoing discussions about the number of living species. Red muntjacs have the largest distribution of all muntjacs and were formerly considered as one species. Karyotype differences led to the provisional split between the Southern Red Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) and the Northern Red Muntjac (M. vaginalis), but uncertainties remain as, so far, no phylogenetic study has been conducted. Here, we analysed whole mitochondrial genomes of 59 archival and 16 contemporaneous samples to resolve uncertainties about their taxonomy and used red muntjacs as model for understanding the evolutionary history of other species in Southeast Asia. RESULTS We found three distinct matrilineal groups of red muntjacs: Sri Lankan red muntjacs (including the Western Ghats) diverged first from other muntjacs about 1.5 Mya; later northern red muntjacs (including North India and Indochina) and southern red muntjacs (Sundaland) split around 1.12 Mya. The diversification of red muntjacs into these three main lineages was likely promoted by two Pleistocene barriers: one through the Indian subcontinent and one separating the Indochinese and Sundaic red muntjacs. Interestingly, we found a high level of gene flow within the populations of northern and southern red muntjacs, indicating gene flow between populations in Indochina and dispersal of red muntjacs over the exposed Sunda Shelf during the Last Glacial Maximum. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide new insights into the evolution of species in South and Southeast Asia as we found clear genetic differentiation in a widespread and generalist species, corresponding to two known biogeographical barriers: The Isthmus of Kra and the central Indian dry zone. In addition, our molecular data support either the delineation of three monotypic species or three subspecies, but more importantly these data highlight the conservation importance of the Sri Lankan/South Indian red muntjac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata F. Martins
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörns Fickel
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- Potsdam University, Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 22-24, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Minh Le
- Faculty of Environmental Science, Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam National University, 334 Nguyen Trai Road, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University, 19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh van Nguyen
- Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University, 19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ha M. Nguyen
- Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University, 19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Present address: U.S. Agency for International Development, Governance for Inclusive Growth Program, Chemonics International Inc, 115 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Han Ming Gan
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Genomics Facility, Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Jeffrine J. Rovie-Ryan
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia, National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dorina Lenz
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel W. Förster
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Wilting
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
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27
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Brewer MJ, O'Hara RB, Anderson BJ, Ohlemüller R. Plateau
: a new method for ecologically plausible climate envelopes for species distribution modelling. Methods Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. Brewer
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH UK
| | - Robert B. O'Hara
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre – Bik‐F Senckenberganlage 25 D‐60325 Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | | | - Ralf Ohlemüller
- Geography Department University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
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28
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Silva LG, Oliveira TG, Kasper CB, Cherem JJ, Moraes EA, Paviolo A, Eizirik E. Biogeography of polymorphic phenotypes: Mapping and ecological modelling of coat colour variants in an elusive Neotropical cat, the jaguarundi (
Puma yagouaroundi
). J Zool (1987) 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. G. Silva
- PUCRS Faculdade de Biociências Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - T. G. Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Universidade Estadual do Maranhão São Luís MA Brazil
- Instituto Pró‐Carnívoros Atibaia SP Brazil
| | - C. B. Kasper
- Universidade Federal do Pampa – UNIPAMPA São Gabriel RS Brazil
| | | | | | - A. Paviolo
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical Universidad Nacional de Misiones – CONICET Puerto Iguazú‐Misiones Argentina
| | - E. Eizirik
- PUCRS Faculdade de Biociências Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular Porto Alegre RS Brazil
- Instituto Pró‐Carnívoros Atibaia SP Brazil
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29
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A set of microsatellite markers for population genetics of leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) and cross-species amplification in other felids. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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30
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The relationship between climate, diseases of domestic animals and human-carnivore conflicts. Basic Appl Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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31
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Srivathsa A, Parameshwaran R, Sharma S, Karanth KU. Estimating population sizes of leopard cats in the Western Ghats using camera surveys. J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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32
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Luo SJ, Zhang Y, Johnson WE, Miao L, Martelli P, Antunes A, Smith JLD, O'Brien SJ. Sympatric Asian felid phylogeography reveals a major Indochinese-Sundaic divergence. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:2072-92. [PMID: 24629132 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic geological and climatological history of Southeast Asia has spawned a complex array of ecosystems and 12 of the 37 known cat species, making it the most felid-rich region in the world. To examine the evolutionary histories of these poorly studied fauna, we compared phylogeography of six species (leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, fishing cat P. viverrinus, Asiatic golden cat Pardofelis temminckii, marbled cat P. marmorata, tiger Panthera tigris and leopard P. pardus) by sequencing over 5 kb of DNA each from 445 specimens at multiple loci of mtDNA, Y and X chromosomes. All species except the leopard displayed significant phylogenetic partitions between Indochina and Sundaland, with the central Thai-Malay Peninsula serving as the biogeographic boundary. Concordant mtDNA and nuclear DNA genealogies revealed deep Indochinese-Sundaic divergences around 2 MYA in both P. bengalensis and P. marmorata comparable to previously described interspecific distances within Felidae. The divergence coincided with serial sea level rises during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene, and was probably reinforced by repeated isolation events associated with environmental changes throughout the Pleistocene. Indochinese-Sundaic differentiations within P. tigris and P. temminckii were more recent at 72-108 and 250-1570 kya, respectively. Overall, these results illuminate unexpected, deep vicariance events in Southeast Asian felids and provide compelling evidence of species-level distinction between the Indochinese and Sundaic populations in the leopard cat and marbled cat. Broader sampling and further molecular and morphometric analyses of these species will be instrumental in defining conservation units and effectively preserving Southeast Asian biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Jin Luo
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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33
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Kalle R, Ramesh T, Qureshi Q, Sankar K. Predicting the distribution pattern of small carnivores in response to environmental factors in the Western Ghats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79295. [PMID: 24244470 PMCID: PMC3828364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their secretive habits, predicting the pattern of spatial distribution of small carnivores has been typically challenging, yet for conservation management it is essential to understand the association between this group of animals and environmental factors. We applied maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt) to build distribution models and identify environmental predictors including bioclimatic variables, forest and land cover type, topography, vegetation index and anthropogenic variables for six small carnivore species in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Species occurrence records were collated from camera-traps and vehicle transects during the years 2010 and 2011. We used the average training gain from forty model runs for each species to select the best set of predictors. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic plot (ROC) ranged from 0.81 to 0.93 for the training data and 0.72 to 0.87 for the test data. In habitat models for F. chaus, P. hermaphroditus, and H. smithii “distance to village” and precipitation of the warmest quarter emerged as some of the most important variables. “Distance to village” and aspect were important for V. indica while “distance to village” and precipitation of the coldest quarter were significant for H. vitticollis. “Distance to village”, precipitation of the warmest quarter and land cover were influential variables in the distribution of H. edwardsii. The map of predicted probabilities of occurrence showed potentially suitable habitats accounting for 46 km2 of the reserve for F. chaus, 62 km2 for V. indica, 30 km2 for P. hermaphroditus, 63 km2 for H. vitticollis, 45 km2 for H. smithii and 28 km2 for H. edwardsii. Habitat heterogeneity driven by the east-west climatic gradient was correlated with the spatial distribution of small carnivores. This study exemplifies the usefulness of modeling small carnivore distribution to prioritize and direct conservation planning for habitat specialists in southern India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riddhika Kalle
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Qamar Qureshi
- Department of Landscape Ecology, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kalyanasundaram Sankar
- Department of Habitat Ecology, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India
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34
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Integrating aspects of ecology and predictive modelling: implications for the conservation of the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) in the Eastern Himalaya. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-013-0145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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35
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Applications and techniques for non-invasive faecal genetics research in felid conservation. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-012-0675-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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36
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Shehzad W, Riaz T, Nawaz MA, Miquel C, Poillot C, Shah SA, Pompanon F, Coissac E, Taberlet P. Carnivore diet analysis based on next-generation sequencing: application to the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) in Pakistan. Mol Ecol 2012; 21:1951-65. [PMID: 22250784 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2011.05424.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diet analysis is a prerequisite to fully understand the biology of a species and the functioning of ecosystems. For carnivores, traditional diet analyses mostly rely upon the morphological identification of undigested remains in the faeces. Here, we developed a methodology for carnivore diet analyses based on the next-generation sequencing. We applied this approach to the analysis of the vertebrate component of leopard cat diet in two ecologically distinct regions in northern Pakistan. Despite being a relatively common species with a wide distribution in Asia, little is known about this elusive predator. We analysed a total of 38 leopard cat faeces. After a classical DNA extraction, the DNA extracts were amplified using primers for vertebrates targeting about 100 bp of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, with and without a blocking oligonucleotide specific to the predator sequence. The amplification products were then sequenced on a next-generation sequencer. We identified a total of 18 prey taxa, including eight mammals, eight birds, one amphibian and one fish. In general, our results confirmed that the leopard cat has a very eclectic diet and feeds mainly on rodents and particularly on the Muridae family. The DNA-based approach we propose here represents a valuable complement to current conventional methods. It can be applied to other carnivore species with only a slight adjustment relating to the design of the blocking oligonucleotide. It is robust and simple to implement and allows the possibility of very large-scale analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Shehzad
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, CNRS-UMR 5553, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France
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