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Wirobski G, Range F, Graat EA, Palme R, Deschner T, Marshall-Pescini S. Similar behavioral but different endocrine responses to conspecific interactions in hand-raised wolves and dogs. iScience 2023; 26:105978. [PMID: 36756369 PMCID: PMC9900400 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestication has altered dogs' conspecific social organization compared to their closest, non-domesticated relatives, gray wolves. Wolves live in packs whose survival depends on coordinated behavior, but dogs rely less on conspecifics, which predicts greater cohesiveness in wolf than dog packs. Endocrine correlates such as oxytocin and glucocorticoids modulate group cohesion resulting in species-specific differences in social interactions. We found that although wolves' and dogs' observable behavioral reactions to a territorial threat and separation from the pack were similar, hormonal responses differed. Wolves' but not dogs' oxytocin and glucocorticoid concentrations correlated positively with territorial behaviors and only wolves showed increased glucocorticoid concentrations after separation from their pack. Together, results suggest stronger emotional activation to threats to group integrity in wolves than dogs, in line with their socio-ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn Wirobski
- Domestication Lab, Konrad-Lorenz-Institute for Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Corresponding author
| | - Friederike Range
- Domestication Lab, Konrad-Lorenz-Institute for Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Evelien A.M. Graat
- Domestication Lab, Konrad-Lorenz-Institute for Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Institute of Cognitive Science, Comparative BioCognition, University of Osnabrück, Artilleriestrasse 34, 49076, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Sarah Marshall-Pescini
- Domestication Lab, Konrad-Lorenz-Institute for Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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2
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Meyer CJ, Cassidy KA, Stahler EE, Brandell EE, Anton CB, Stahler DR, Smith DW. Parasitic infection increases risk-taking in a social, intermediate host carnivore. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1180. [PMID: 36424436 PMCID: PMC9691632 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04122-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite capable of infecting any warm-blooded species and can increase risk-taking in intermediate hosts. Despite extensive laboratory research on the effects of T. gondii infection on behaviour, little is understood about the effects of toxoplasmosis on wild intermediate host behavior. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, has a diverse carnivore community including gray wolves (Canis lupus) and cougars (Puma concolor), intermediate and definitive hosts of T. gondii, respectively. Here, we used 26 years of wolf behavioural, spatial, and serological data to show that wolf territory overlap with areas of high cougar density was an important predictor of infection. In addition, seropositive wolves were more likely to make high-risk decisions such as dispersing and becoming a pack leader, both factors critical to individual fitness and wolf vital rates. Due to the social hierarchy within a wolf pack, we hypothesize that the behavioural effects of toxoplasmosis may create a feedback loop that increases spatial overlap and disease transmission between wolves and cougars. These findings demonstrate that parasites have important implications for intermediate hosts, beyond acute infections, through behavioural impacts. Particularly in a social species, these impacts can surge beyond individuals to affect groups, populations, and even ecosystem processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J. Meyer
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA ,grid.253613.00000 0001 2192 5772Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W. A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812 USA
| | - Kira A. Cassidy
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Erin E. Stahler
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Ellen E. Brandell
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Colby B. Anton
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Daniel R. Stahler
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
| | - Douglas W. Smith
- grid.454846.f0000 0001 2331 3972Yellowstone Wolf Project, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 USA
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3
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Brandell EE, Jackson MK, Cross PC, Piaggio AJ, Taylor DR, Smith DW, Boufana B, Stahler DR, Hudson PJ. Evaluating noninvasive methods for estimating cestode prevalence in a wild carnivore population. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277420. [PMID: 36378663 PMCID: PMC9665365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections are cryptic and can be difficult to study in wildlife species. Helminth research in wildlife hosts has historically required invasive animal handling and necropsy, while results from noninvasive parasite research, like scat analysis, may not be possible at the helminth species or individual host levels. To increase the utility of noninvasive sampling, individual hosts can be identified by applying molecular methods. This allows for longitudinal sampling of known hosts and can be paired with individual-level covariates. Here we evaluate a combination of methods and existing long-term monitoring data to identify patterns of cestode infections in gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Our goals were: (1) Identify the species and apparent prevalence of cestodes infecting Yellowstone wolves; (2) Assess the relationships between wolf biological and social characteristics and cestode infections; (3) Examine how wolf samples were affected by environmental conditions with respect to the success of individual genotyping. We collected over 200 wolf scats from 2018-2020 and conducted laboratory analyses including individual wolf genotyping, sex identification, cestode identification, and fecal glucocorticoid measurements. Wolf genotyping success rate was 45%, which was higher in the winter but decreased with higher precipitation and as more time elapsed between scat deposit and collection. One cestode species was detected in 28% of all fecal samples, and 38% of known individuals. The most common infection was Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (primarily E. canadensis). Adult wolves had 4x greater odds of having a cestode infection than pups, as well as wolves sampled in the winter. Our methods provide an alternative approach to estimate cestode prevalence and to linking parasites to known individuals in a wild host system, but may be most useful when employed in existing study systems and when field collections are designed to minimize the time between fecal deposition and collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen E. Brandell
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Madeline K. Jackson
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park, WY, United States of America
| | - Paul C. Cross
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, MT, United States of America
| | - Antoinette J. Piaggio
- National Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Taylor
- National Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Douglas W. Smith
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park, WY, United States of America
| | - Belgees Boufana
- National Wildlife Management Centre, National Reference Laboratory for Parasites (Trichinella and Echinococcus), Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R. Stahler
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park, WY, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Hudson
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
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4
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Dantzer B, Newman AEM. Expanding the frame around social dynamics and glucocorticoids: From hierarchies within the nest to competitive interactions among species. Horm Behav 2022; 144:105204. [PMID: 35689971 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The effect of the social environment on individual state or condition has largely focused on glucocorticoid levels (GCs). As metabolic hormones whose production can be influenced by nutritional, physical, or psychosocial stressors, GCs are a valuable (though singular) measure that may reflect the degree of "stress" experienced by an individual. Most work to date has focused on how social rank influences GCs in group-living species or how predation risk influences GCs in prey. This work has been revealing, but a more comprehensive assessment of the social environment is needed to fully understand how different features of the social environment influence GCs in both group living and non-group living species and across life history stages. Just as there can be intense within-group competition among adult conspecifics, it bears appreciating there can also be competition among siblings from the same brood, among adult conspecifics that do not live in groups, or among heterospecifics. In these situations, dominance hierarchies typically emerge, albeit, do dominants or subordinate individuals or species have higher GCs? We examine the degree of support for hypotheses derived from group-living species about whether differential GCs between dominants and subordinates reflect the "stress of subordination" or "costs of dominance" in these other social contexts. By doing so, we aim to test the generality of these two hypotheses and propose new research directions to broaden the lens that focuses on social hierarchies and GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 48109 Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 48109, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Amy E M Newman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
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5
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Roffler GH, Karpovich S, Charapata P, Keogh MJ. Validation and measurement of physiological stress and reproductive hormones in wolf hair and claws. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen H. Roffler
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation 801 3rd Street Douglas AK 99824 USA
| | - Shawna Karpovich
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation 1300 College, Road Fairbanks AK 99701 USA
| | - Patrick Charapata
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation 1300 College, Road Fairbanks AK 99701 USA
| | - Mandy J. Keogh
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation 801 3rd Street Douglas AK 99824 USA
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Pereira P, Fandos Esteruelas N, Nakamura M, Rio-Maior H, Krofel M, Di Blasio A, Zoppi S, Robetto S, Llaneza L, García E, Oleaga Á, López-Bao JV, Fayos Martinez M, Stavenow J, Ågren EO, Álvares F, Santos N. Hair cortisol concentration reflects the life cycle and management of grey wolves across four European populations. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5697. [PMID: 35383239 PMCID: PMC8982655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09711-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The grey wolf (Canis lupus) persists in a variety of human-dominated landscapes and is subjected to various legal management regimes throughout Europe. Our aim was to assess the effects of intrinsic and methodological determinants on the hair cortisol concentration (HCC) of wolves from four European populations under different legal management. We determined HCC by an enzyme-linked immune assay in 259 hair samples of 133 wolves from the Iberian, Alpine, Dinaric-Balkan, and Scandinavian populations. The HCC showed significant differences between body regions. Mean HCC in lumbar guard hair was 11.6 ± 9.7 pg/mg (range 1.6-108.8 pg/mg). Wolves from the Dinaric-Balkan and Scandinavian populations showed significantly higher HCC than Iberian wolves, suggesting that harvest policies could reflected in the level of chronic stress. A significant negative relationship with body size was found. The seasonal, sex and age patterns are consistent with other studies, supporting HCC as a biomarker of chronic stress in wolves for a retrospective time frame of several weeks. Our results highlight the need for standardization of sampling and analytical techniques to ensure the value of HCC in informing management at a continental scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pereira
- CIBIO/InBIO-Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Núria Fandos Esteruelas
- CIBIO/InBIO-Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Mónia Nakamura
- CIBIO/InBIO-Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Rio-Maior
- CIBIO/InBIO-Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Miha Krofel
- Department of Forestry, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alessia Di Blasio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
- A.S.L. TO3, Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Collegno e Pinerolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Simona Zoppi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - Serena Robetto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
- CeRMAS, National Reference Centre for Wild Animal Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Quart, Aosta, Italy
| | - Luis Llaneza
- A.RE.NA, Asesores en Recursos Naturales, S.L, Lugo, Spain
| | - Emilio García
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UO/CSIC/PA), Oviedo University, Mieres, Spain
| | - Álvaro Oleaga
- SERPA, Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A., Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | | | | | - Jasmine Stavenow
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik O Ågren
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Francisco Álvares
- CIBIO/InBIO-Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Nuno Santos
- CIBIO/InBIO-Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal.
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Arzabe AA, Retamal P, Simonetti JA. Livestock guarding dogs have minor effects on the parasite burden of wild carnivores. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3993-3999. [PMID: 34694516 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07348-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Livestock guarding dogs are increasingly used to reduce carnivore-livestock conflicts, but no information is available to determine any adverse effects that these dogs may have on the health of wild carnivores. We assessed differences in prevalence, richness and severity of parasites in chilla fox (Lycalopex griseus) populations associated with livestock guarding dogs, which were routinely dewormed. We also evaluated whether the parasite assemblages of herding dogs, which were not dewormed, and chilla foxes were more similar in the presence of livestock guarding dogs. Scats of L. griseus and herding dogs were collected and screened for parasite eggs in areas with and without livestock guarding dogs to determine differences in prevalence, richness, intensity and parasite aggregation. We did not find any association between livestock guarding dogs and differences in parasite richness or prevalence of parasites. The intensity of parasites was higher among foxes positive to parasites when LGDs were present. A lower proportion of foxes with low parasite burdens occurred in areas with LGDs compared to areas without LGDs, but this difference was not significant at the population level. Our findings show the need to continue studying the effects of livestock guarding dogs on the health of wildlife with larger sample sizes and more locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel A Arzabe
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Campus Sur Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11315, La Pintana, 8820808, Santiago, CP, Chile. .,Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, 7800003, Santiago, CP, Chile.
| | - Patricio Retamal
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, 8820808, Santiago, CP, Chile
| | - Javier A Simonetti
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, 7800003, Santiago, CP, Chile.,Asociación Kauyeken, Santiago & Isla Riesco, km 35 Ruta Y-560, Isla Riesco, 6240000, Magallanes, CP, Chile
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9
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Is livestock husbandry more stressing than other anthropic activities to wild carnivores? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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10
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Stronen AV, Molnar B, Ciucci P, Darimont CT, Grottoli L, Paquet PC, Sallows T, Smits JEG, Bryan HM. Cross-continental comparison of parasite communities in a wide-ranging carnivore suggests associations with prey diversity and host density. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:10338-10352. [PMID: 34367579 PMCID: PMC8328421 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites are integral to ecosystem functioning yet often overlooked. Improved understanding of host-parasite associations is important, particularly for wide-ranging species for which host range shifts and climate change could alter host-parasite interactions and their effects on ecosystem function.Among the most widely distributed mammals with diverse diets, gray wolves (Canis lupus) host parasites that are transmitted among canids and via prey species. Wolf-parasite associations may therefore influence the population dynamics and ecological functions of both wolves and their prey. Our goal was to identify large-scale processes that shape host-parasite interactions across populations, with the wolf as a model organism.By compiling data from various studies, we examined the fecal prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in six wolf populations from two continents in relation to wolf density, diet diversity, and other ecological conditions.As expected, we found that the fecal prevalence of parasites transmitted directly to wolves via contact with other canids or their excreta was positively associated with wolf density. Contrary to our expectations, the fecal prevalence of parasites transmitted via prey was negatively associated with prey diversity. We also found that parasite communities reflected landscape characteristics and specific prey items available to wolves.Several parasite taxa identified in this study, including hookworms and coccidian protozoans, can cause morbidity and mortality in canids, especially in pups, or in combination with other stressors. The density-prevalence relationship for parasites with simple life cycles may reflect a regulatory role of gastrointestinal parasites on wolf populations. Our result that fecal prevalence of parasites was lower in wolves with more diverse diets could provide insight into the mechanisms by which biodiversity may regulate disease. A diverse suite of predator-prey interactions could regulate the effects of parasitism on prey populations and mitigate the transmission of infectious agents, including zoonoses, spread via trophic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid V. Stronen
- Department of BiologyBiotechnical FacultyUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
- Department of Biotechnology and Life SciencesInsubria UniversityVareseItaly
- Department of Chemistry and BioscienceAalborg UniversityAalborgDenmark
| | - Barbara Molnar
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of NeuchâtelNeuchâtelSwitzerland
| | - Paolo Ciucci
- Department of Biology and BiotechnologiesUniversity of Rome “La Sapienza”RomeItaly
| | - Chris T. Darimont
- Department of GeographyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBCCanada
- Raincoast Conservation FoundationDenny IslandBCCanada
- Hakai InstituteHeriot BayBCCanada
| | - Lorenza Grottoli
- Department of Biology and BiotechnologiesUniversity of Rome “La Sapienza”RomeItaly
| | - Paul C. Paquet
- Department of GeographyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBCCanada
- Raincoast Conservation FoundationDenny IslandBCCanada
| | - Tim Sallows
- Riding Mountain National ParkWasagamingMBCanada
| | - Judit E. G. Smits
- Department of Ecosystem and Public HealthUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryABCanada
| | - Heather M. Bryan
- Department of GeographyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBCCanada
- Raincoast Conservation FoundationDenny IslandBCCanada
- Hakai InstituteHeriot BayBCCanada
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11
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Viola P, Adriani S, Rossi CM, Franceschini C, Primi R, Apollonio M, Amici A. Anthropogenic and Environmental Factors Determining Local Favourable Conditions for Wolves during the Cold Season. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071895. [PMID: 34202132 PMCID: PMC8300267 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071895] [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: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Wolves normally howl in response to unfamiliar vocalisations, to defend their territory and the important resources within it (e.g., pups and prey). During the non-rendezvous period (late autumn and winter), the protectiveness of adults towards pups decreases, as well as reactions to unfamiliar vocal stimuli. In the late fall of 2010, we performed a saturation wolf howling design in the Cicolano area (Central Apennines, Italy), aiming to identify environmental and human-related characteristics of locations where wolves are prone to respond to unfamiliar howling and to assess their eventual ability to provide insights into the distribution of valuable resources (aside from pups) during the cold season. We found that winter response sites (WRS) were characterized by diverging conditions, with respect to all available sites, suggesting that they are non-randomly located but, instead, had been selected by wolves for some reason. We recorded a positive role of thermal refuges and the occurrence of wild boar drive hunts, as well as the negative roles of other forms of human presence and activities, including the occurrence of free-ranging dogs. These results could be of interest both for conservation purposes and for assessing interactions with human activities. Abstract Winter resources are crucial for wildlife, and, at a local scale, some anthropogenic and environmental factors could affect their availability. In the case of wolves, it is known that vocalisations in response to unfamiliar howls are issued to defend their territory and the important resources within it. Then, we studied the characteristics of winter response sites (WRS) during the cold season, aiming to assess their eventual ability to provide insights into the distribution of valuable resources within their territories. Within this scope, we planned a wolf-howling survey following a standardised approach. The study covered an Apennine (Central Italy) area of 500 km2. A hexagonal mesh was imposed on the area, in order to determine the values of different variables at the local scale. A logistic LASSO regression was performed. WRS were positively related to the presence of thermal refuges (odds = 114.485), to patch richness (odds = 1.153), wild boar drive hunting areas (odds = 1.015), and time elapsed since the last hunt (odds = 1.019). Among negative factors, stray dogs reply considerably affects wolves’ responsiveness (odds = 0.207), where odds are the exponentiated coefficients estimated by the logistic lasso regression. These results suggest that WRS are related to anthropogenic and environmental factors favouring the predation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Viola
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Via S. C. de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (P.V.); (S.A.); (C.M.R.); (C.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Settimio Adriani
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Via S. C. de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (P.V.); (S.A.); (C.M.R.); (C.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Carlo Maria Rossi
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Via S. C. de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (P.V.); (S.A.); (C.M.R.); (C.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Cinzia Franceschini
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Via S. C. de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (P.V.); (S.A.); (C.M.R.); (C.F.); (R.P.)
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S. Donato 1, 40127 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Riccardo Primi
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Via S. C. de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (P.V.); (S.A.); (C.M.R.); (C.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Marco Apollonio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, SS, Italy;
| | - Andrea Amici
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Via S. C. de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (P.V.); (S.A.); (C.M.R.); (C.F.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)761-357443
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12
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Franklin AD, Waddell WT, Behrns S, Goodrowe KL. Estrous cyclicity and reproductive success are unaffected by translocation for the formation of new reproductive pairs in captive red wolves (Canis rufus). Zoo Biol 2020; 39:230-238. [PMID: 32476169 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated possible female-related causes for inconsistent success among reproductive pairs in the zoo-based red wolf (Canis rufus) population. Females (n = 13) at seven institutions were assessed for evidence of ovulation and normal reproductive cycles through the measurement of estradiol and progesterone metabolite excretion in feces. Fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) were also measured. Factors potentially affecting FCM and/or estrous cyclicity were recorded, including exhibit status (on vs. off), reproductive history (proven vs. unproven), copulatory behaviors (ties observed: yes or no), pregnancy/parturition (pups or no pups produced), and translocation before the observed breeding season (yes or no). No differences were observed in baseline FCM between females housed on versus off-exhibit (p = .46) or between females producing pups and those who did not (p = .19). Baseline FCM were significantly lower among females observed in copulatory ties compared to females never observed in a tie (p = .04), and tended to be higher in females translocated before the breeding season compared to females in existing reproductive pairs (p = .11), and among historically unproven females compared to proven females (p = .11). All females evaluated had an endocrine profile indicative of ovulation and among the four females translocated to be paired with a new male before the breeding season, two had successful pregnancies, producing litters. Therefore, despite observed differences in baseline FCM among factors, estrous cyclicity and reproductive success are unaffected by translocation for the formation of new reproductive pairs in the zoo-based red wolf population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley D Franklin
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, Washington.,AZA Reproductive Management Center, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO
| | | | - Sue Behrns
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, Washington
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13
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Hein A, Palme R, Baumgartner K, von Fersen L, Woelfing B, Greenwood AD, Bechshoft T, Siebert U. Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites as a measure of adrenocortical activity in polar bears ( Ursus maritimus). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa012. [PMID: 32274062 PMCID: PMC7125046 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) is frequently applied to assess adrenocortical activity in animal conservation and welfare studies. Faecal sample collection is non-invasive and feasible under field conditions. FGM levels are also less prone to circadian rhythms, episodic fluctuations and short acute stressors than glucocorticoid (GC) levels obtained from other matrices, for example blood or saliva. To investigate the suitability of FGM measurement in polar bears (Ursus maritimus), a species listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), a cortisol enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was biologically validated by demonstrating a significant increase in FGMs after five zoo-to-zoo transports. In addition to validating the method, the study also documented an average delay of 7 h until the first occurrence of food colorants in the monitored polar bears, which provides essential information for future studies. After validation, the assay was applied to measure FGM concentrations of five polar bears over a 1-year period. Several pre-defined potentially stressful events were recorded in an event log to measure their effect on FGM concentrations. A mixed model analysis revealed significant increases in FGM concentrations after social tension and environmental changes, whereas season and sex had no significant effect. The study demonstrates that the applied cortisol EIA is suitable for measuring FGM levels in polar bears and that using a carefully validated assay for FGM analysis in combination with a detailed sampling protocol can serve as a valuable tool for evaluating mid- to long-term stress in polar bears. FGM levels can be used to monitor stress in captive polar bears in order to optimize housing conditions but also to elucidate stress responses in wild populations for targeted conservation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hein
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Experimental Endocrinology, De for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Benno Woelfing
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alex D Greenwood
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thea Bechshoft
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
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14
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Molnar B, Ciucci P, Mastrantonio G, Betschart B. Correlates of parasites and pseudoparasites in wolves ( Canis lupus) across continents: A comparison among Yellowstone (USA), Abruzzo (IT) and Mercantour (FR) national parks. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 10:196-206. [PMID: 31667082 PMCID: PMC6812024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the impact of infectious diseases on large carnivores. We investigated factors structuring the helminth and protozoan infections of wolves (Canis lupus) by using coprological analyses. Faecal samples (n = 342) were analysed from 11 wolf packs belonging to three different geographical and ecological settings in Italy (Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise National Park, PNALM: 4 packs, 88 samples), in France (Mercantour National Park, PNM: 4 packs, 68 samples) and in the U.S.A. (Yellowstone National Park, YNP: 3 packs, 186 samples). Parasites were found in 29.4%-88.6% of the samples and parasite taxa ranged from four to ten in each study area. Taeniidae (Taenia/Echinococcus), Sarcocystis spp. and Toxascaris leonina were most common in faecal samples from YNP, whereas Capillaria spp., Taeniidae and Uncinaria stenocephala were predominant in PNALM. We used generalised linear mixed models to assess the relationship between parasite infection or the number of parasite taxa and selected ecological drivers across study areas. Significant effects illustrated the importance of the ecological factors such as occurrence of free-ranging dogs, diet composition and wolf density, as well as the ancestry of the wolf populations, in shaping parasite-wolf communities. Additional investigations are needed to elucidate the impact of parasitic infections on wolf populations, as well as the role of anthropogenic factors in facilitating parasitic diffusion to apex predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Molnar
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Ciucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Viale Dell’ Università, 32 I-00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mastrantonio
- Department of Mathematics (DISMA), G. L. Lagrange, Politecnico di Torino, Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, I- 10129, Turin, Italy
| | - Bruno Betschart
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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15
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Mengüllüoğlu D, İlaslan E, Emir H, Berger A. Diet and wild ungulate preferences of wolves in northwestern Anatolia during winter. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7446. [PMID: 31497386 PMCID: PMC6708370 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is making a comeback in many habitats in central Europe, where it has been once extirpated. Although densities are still low to moderate, this comeback already raises management concerns. In Anatolia, the gray wolf is one of the most common predator species occupying almost all kind of habitats. Although its numbers were reduced in some parts of the country, it has never been extirpated and lived in sympatry with humans. In this study we investigated, for the first time, the winter diet of wolves in north-west Anatolia, where a multispecies wild ungulate community occurs in sympatry with high density livestock. We selected two geographically close but different habitats (steppe and forest) with different wild prey availabilities and compositions. In both areas ungulate contribution to winter diet biomass was more than 90%. Wolf pack size (four to eight wolves) were higher in the study area where livestock numbers and human disturbance were lower and wild prey were more available. In both study areas, wild boar (Sus scrofa) was the main and most preferred food item (Chesson's α = 0.7 - 0.9) and it occurred at higher density where wolf pack size was smaller. We could not find a high preference (Chesson's α = 0.3) and high winter predation pressure on the reintroduced Anatolian wild sheep (Ovis gmelinii anatolica) population that occurs in the study area covered by steppe vegetation. Contribution of livestock and food categories other than wild ungulates to wolf diet stayed low. Wolves can help mitigate human-wildlife conflict regulating wild boar numbers, the most common conflict-causing ungulate species in Anatolia. Instead of managing wolf numbers in human dominated landscapes, we recommend reintroduction of wild ungulates to the areas where they became locally extinct and replaced by livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Mengüllüoğlu
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW Berlin), Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Hasan Emir
- Wildlife Department (WDT), Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Anne Berger
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW Berlin), Berlin, Germany
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16
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Pinter-Wollman N, Jelić A, Wells NM. The impact of the built environment on health behaviours and disease transmission in social systems. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:20170245. [PMID: 29967306 PMCID: PMC6030577 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The environment plays an important role in disease dynamics and in determining the health of individuals. Specifically, the built environment has a large impact on the prevention and containment of both chronic and infectious disease in humans and in non-human animals. The effects of the built environment on health can be direct, for example, by influencing environmental quality, or indirect by influencing behaviours that impact disease transmission and health. Furthermore, these impacts can happen at many scales, from the individual to the society, and from the design of the plates we eat from to the design of cities. In this paper, we review the ways that the built environment affects both the prevention and the containment of chronic and infectious disease. We bring examples from both human and animal societies and attempt to identify parallels and gaps between the study of humans and animals that can be capitalized on to advance the scope and perspective of research in each respective field. By consolidating this literature, we hope to highlight the importance of built structures in determining the complex dynamics of disease and in impacting the health behaviours of both humans and animals.This article is part of the theme issue 'Interdisciplinary approaches for uncovering the impacts of architecture on collective behaviour'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Pinter-Wollman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Andrea Jelić
- Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Nancy M Wells
- Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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17
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Mancinelli S, Boitani L, Ciucci P. Determinants of home range size and space use patterns in a protected wolf (Canis lupus) population in the central Apennines, Italy. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Large carnivores are amongst the most susceptible species to human activities, and human-modified environments pose a threat to carnivore conservation. Wolves (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) in the central Apennines, Italy, have coexisted with humans since historic times and represent a good case study to assess their spatiotemporal response to anthropogenic factors. From 2008 to 2010, we investigated the spatial behavior of wolves (seven wolves in five packs and six floaters) in the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park. Orographically corrected annual home ranges of resident wolf packs, estimated through the Brownian bridge movement model, averaged 104 ± 24 km2 (mean ± SD), whereas floaters used two- to fourfold larger areas (293.8–408.7 km2). We did not detect any seasonal effect on home range size, but home ranges were larger during the night and in areas of greater road density, especially during summer. By estimating core areas through an individual-based approach, we also revealed a habitat-mediated response to human presence and activity, as resident wolves preferentially established core areas at greater elevation and in the more forested and inaccessible portions of the home range.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Mancinelli
- University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Viale dell’Università 32, Roma 00185, Italy
- University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Viale dell’Università 32, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - L. Boitani
- University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Viale dell’Università 32, Roma 00185, Italy
- University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Viale dell’Università 32, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - P. Ciucci
- University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Viale dell’Università 32, Roma 00185, Italy
- University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Viale dell’Università 32, Roma 00185, Italy
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18
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Hovland AL, Rød AMS, Eriksen MS, Palme R, Nordgreen J, Mason GJ. Faecal cortisol metabolites as an indicator of adrenocortical activity in farmed silver foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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19
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Escobar-Ibarra I, Mayagoitia-Novales L, Alcántara-Barrera A, Cerda-Molina AL, Mondragón-Ceballos R, Ramírez-Necoechea R, Alonso-Spilsbury M. Long-term quantification of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations reveals that Mexican grey wolves may habituate to captivity. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2017.1332111] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
- I. Escobar-Ibarra
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
- Depto. de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Área de Investigación: Ecodesarrollo de la Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
| | - L. Mayagoitia-Novales
- Depto. de Etología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Tlalpan, México, DF, Mexico
| | - A. Alcántara-Barrera
- Depto. de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Área de Investigación: Ecodesarrollo de la Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
| | - A. L. Cerda-Molina
- Depto. de Etología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Tlalpan, México, DF, Mexico
| | - R. Mondragón-Ceballos
- Depto. de Etología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Tlalpan, México, DF, Mexico
| | - R. Ramírez-Necoechea
- Depto. de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Área de Investigación: Ecodesarrollo de la Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
| | - M. Alonso-Spilsbury
- Depto. de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Área de Investigación: Ecodesarrollo de la Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, México, DF, Mexico
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20
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Charruau P, Johnston RA, Stahler DR, Lea A, Snyder-Mackler N, Smith DW, vonHoldt BM, Cole SW, Tung J, Wayne RK. Pervasive Effects of Aging on Gene Expression in Wild Wolves. Mol Biol Evol 2016; 33:1967-78. [PMID: 27189566 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msw072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression levels change as an individual ages and responds to environmental conditions. With the exception of humans, such patterns have principally been studied under controlled conditions, overlooking the array of developmental and environmental influences that organisms encounter under conditions in which natural selection operates. We used high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of whole blood to assess the relative impacts of social status, age, disease, and sex on gene expression levels in a natural population of gray wolves (Canis lupus). Our findings suggest that age is broadly associated with gene expression levels, whereas other examined factors have minimal effects on gene expression patterns. Further, our results reveal evolutionarily conserved signatures of senescence, such as immunosenescence and metabolic aging, between wolves and humans despite major differences in life history and environment. The effects of aging on gene expression levels in wolves exhibit conservation with humans, but the more rapid expression differences observed in aging wolves is evolutionarily appropriate given the species' high level of extrinsic mortality due to intraspecific aggression. Some expression changes that occur with age can facilitate physical age-related changes that may enhance fitness in older wolves. However, the expression of these ancestral patterns of aging in descendant modern dogs living in highly modified domestic environments may be maladaptive and cause disease. This work provides evolutionary insight into aging patterns observed in domestic dogs and demonstrates the applicability of studying natural populations to investigate the mechanisms of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Charruau
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Rachel A Johnston
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Daniel R Stahler
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park
| | | | | | - Douglas W Smith
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park
| | | | - Steven W Cole
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Semel Institute, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jenny Tung
- Department of Biology, Duke University Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University
| | - Robert K Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
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