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Branney AB, Abernathy HN, Conner LM, Garrison E, Cherry MJ. Photographic documentation of melanism in bobcats ( Lynx rufus) in the Greater Everglades. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10754. [PMID: 38235409 PMCID: PMC10791593 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10754] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
We document the presence of bobcats (Lynx rufus) that demonstrate melanism in the Greater Everglades. The South Florida landscape is driven by a myriad of disturbance regimes particularly that of short fire intervals. We monitored 180 camera traps for 3 years and obtained 9503 photographs of bobcats 25 (<0.5%) of these detections included melanistic individuals. Our observations and historical accounts suggest melanism is a phenotype that persists, albeit it at an exceedingly low frequency, in bobcats in the region. While we do not know if the expression of melanism conferred a fitness benefit in our system, the vegetation structure that was characterized by frequently burned uplands and low-light and densely vegetated swamps produced conditions that may render a benefit from melanism through enhanced crypsis. The investigation of rare phenomenon in ecology is important yet difficult within a given field study, but reporting novel observations, like melanism in bobcats, allows for science to gain insight across studies that would not be otherwise possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan B. Branney
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research InstituteTexas A&M University‐KingsvilleKingsvilleTexasUSA
- Present address:
California Department of Fish and WildlifeRancho CardovaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Heather N. Abernathy
- Haub School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of WyomingLaramieWyomingUSA
| | | | - Elina Garrison
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Michael J. Cherry
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research InstituteTexas A&M University‐KingsvilleKingsvilleTexasUSA
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Sooriyabandara MGC, Bandaranayake AU, Hathurusinghe HABM, Jayasundara SM, Marasinghe MSRRP, Prasad GAT, Abeywardana VPMK, Pinidiya MA, Nilanthi RMR, Bandaranayake PCG. A unique single nucleotide polymorphism in Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) gene changes coat colour of Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) to dark black. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0269967. [PMID: 37440497 PMCID: PMC10343082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is an endangered subspecies restricted to isolated and fragmented populations in Sri Lanka. Among them, melanistic leopards have been recorded on a few occasions. Literature suggests the evolution of melanism several times in the Felidae family, with three species having distinct mutations. Nevertheless, the mutations or other variations in the remaining species, including Sri Lankan melanistic leopard, are unknown. We used reference-based assembled nuclear genomes of Sri Lankan wild type and melanistic leopards and de novo assembled mitogenomes of the same to investigate the genetic basis, adaptive significance, and evolutionary history of the Sri Lankan melanistic leopard. Interestingly, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in exon-4 Sri Lankan melanistic leopard, which may completely ablate Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) function. The wild type leopards in Sri Lanka did not carry this mutation, suggesting the cause for the occurrence of melanistic leopords in the population. Comparative analysis of existing genomic data in the literature suggests it as a P. p. kotiya specific mutation and a novel mutation in the ASIP-gene of the Felidae family, contributing to naturally occurring colour polymorphism. Our data suggested the coalescence time of Sri Lankan leopards at ~0.5 million years, sisters to the Panthera pardus lineage. The genetic diversity was low in Sri Lankan leopards. Further, the P. p. kotiya melanistic leopard is a different morphotype of the P. p. kotiya wildtype leopard resulting from the mutation in the ASIP-gene. The ability of black leopards to camouflage, along with the likelihood of recurrence and transfer to future generations, suggests that this rare mutation could be environment-adaptable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A. U. Bandaranayake
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - H. A. B. M. Hathurusinghe
- Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - S. M. Jayasundara
- Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | - G. A. T. Prasad
- Department of Wildlife Conservation, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
| | | | - M. A. Pinidiya
- Department of Wildlife Conservation, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
| | | | - P. C. G. Bandaranayake
- Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Bantlin DA, Evers EEM. First record of the servaline morph in a serval ( Leptailurus serval Schreber, 1776) in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. MAMMALIA 2023. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2022-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The serval (Leptailurus serval) is a medium-sized felid that is widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. We report on the first scientific record of the servaline morph in a serval in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. Though this morph has been documented in the forested ecosystems of West and Central Africa, the servaline morph has not been recorded in a predominantly savannah ecosystem. Further research into the prevalence of this morph outside of forest ecosystems and the adaptive advantage of the servaline coat pattern in servals is recommended. Our findings highlight the importance of conserving savannah ecosystems to preserve morphological diversity in a species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Arthur Bantlin
- Conservation and Research Department , Akagera National Park , Kayonza , Eastern Province , Rwanda
| | - Emma Else Maria Evers
- Conservation and Research Department , Akagera National Park , Kayonza , Eastern Province , Rwanda
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Jung TS. Paint it black: first record of melanism in Canada lynx ( Lynx canadensis). MAMMALIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2022-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Variation in coat colour within mammal species is of enduring interest, likely because of its potential to be either adaptive or maladaptive. Coat colour in the genus Lynx tends to be stable, with little variation within species compared to that of other felids. Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) have coats that typically are silver grayish in winter and reddish brown in summer with dark spots, and black hairs on the tips of their tails and ears. A rare pallid colourmorph is occasionally observed, suggestive of partial albinism. Here, I report the first record of a melanistic Canada lynx. The individual was photographed during summer in the Yukon (Canada). It had a black coat containing whitish gray guard hairs throughout, as well as whitish gray hairs in the facial ruff and the rostrum and dorsal regions. There are only a small number of records of coat colour polymorphisms in the genus Lynx. The adaptive significance of melanism in lynx is unknown, but the loss of camouflage when hunting during winter is likely maladaptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S. Jung
- Department of Environment , Government of Yukon , 419 Range Road , Whitehorse , Yukon Y1A2C6 , Canada
- Department of Renewable Resources , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada
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Ross MD, Hargey AS, Smyth LK, Mann GK, O'Riain MJ. New Records of White Phenotype Honey Badgers (Mellivora capensis) from South Africa. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3957/056.052.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - M. Justin O'Riain
- iCWild, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Drouilly M, Horion R, Henschel P. Not all black and white: Records of several melanistic honey badgers in Niokolo‐Koba National Park, Senegal. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rogan JE. First Locality Record of Melanistic Oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) in Monteverde, Costa Rica. NEOTROPICAL BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e65464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The persistence of the coat color polymorphism melanism has been reported for several tropical felids, but its evolutionary advantages remain an active area of research. Few publications have explored melanism in the elusive species, oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) within the Neotropical part of their range in Costa Rica. Herein, I present the first record of a melanistic oncilla within the montane cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Recent studies have found support for theories (e.g. Temporal Segregation Hypothesis and Gloger’s Rule) explaining the ecological advantages driving melanism in oncilla and tropical felid populations. However, it is unclear what is driving melanism in this Monteverde oncilla population due to the singular observation. Further research investigating whether melanism is occurring at a higher frequency in other individuals in the region is critical to better understanding the occurrence of melanism in local populations of this cryptic species. The montane cloud forest in Monteverde provides critical habitat to this vulnerable species within the small Neotropical part of their range. Melanistic individuals may be particularly threatened by land-use change and increasing human pressure if theories for the evolutionary advantages and ecological conditions motivating melanism are supported.
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Harihar A, Lahkar D, Singh A, Das SK, Ahmed MF, Begum RH. Population density modelling of mixed polymorphic phenotypes: an application of spatial mark‐resight models. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Harihar
- Panthera New York NY USA
- Nature Conservation Foundation Mysore Karnataka India
| | - D. Lahkar
- Aaranyak Guwahati Assam India
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics Assam University (Diphu Campus) Diphu Assam India
| | | | | | | | - R. H. Begum
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics Assam University (Diphu Campus) Diphu Assam India
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Gorta SBZ, Alting B, Claridge A, Henderson T. Apparent piebald variants in quolls (Dasyurus): examples of three recent cases in the spotted-tailed quoll Dasyurus maculatus. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/am20058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Pelage patterning plays an important role in animal behaviour. Variation in pelage patterns can change with pigment distribution and quantity in individuals. We present three cases of apparent piebaldism – a condition where the body is patchily unpigmented – in the spotted-tailed quoll Dasyurus maculatus. Using a comprehensive dataset of historical descriptions (from Dunlop et al. 2020), we conclude that these cases represent the first description of this phenotype in the genus Dasyurus, but acknowledge capture and testing of these individuals is required to be certain of the cause. Little is known about the implications of pelage patterning in quoll species and further investigation is required to understand the evolutionary and functional role of unaffected and unpigmented variants.
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Abstract
The diversity of mammalian coat colors, and their potential adaptive significance, have long fascinated scientists as well as the general public. The recent decades have seen substantial improvement in our understanding of their genetic bases and evolutionary relevance, revealing novel insights into the complex interplay of forces that influence these phenotypes. At the same time, many aspects remain poorly known, hampering a comprehensive understanding of these phenomena. Here we review the current state of this field and indicate topics that should be the focus of additional research. We devote particular attention to two aspects of mammalian pigmentation, melanism and pattern formation, highlighting recent advances and outstanding challenges, and proposing novel syntheses of available information. For both specific areas, and for pigmentation in general, we attempt to lay out recommendations for establishing novel model systems and integrated research programs that target the genetics and evolution of these phenotypes throughout the Mammalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Eizirik
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90619-900, Brazil;
| | - Fernanda J Trindade
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biology, School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90619-900, Brazil;
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Cerezer FO, Ribeiro JRI, Graipel M, Cáceres NC. The dark side of coloration: Ecogeographical evidence supports Gloger's rule in American marsupials. Evolution 2020; 74:2046-2058. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.13989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe O. Cerezer
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, CCNE Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Santa Maria RS 97105‐900 Brasil
| | - José R. I. Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Estudos da Biodiversidade do Pampa (LEBIP) Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus São Gabriel São Gabriel RS 97307‐020 Brasil
| | - Maurício Graipel
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, CCB Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Florianopolis SC 88040‐900 Brasil
| | - Nilton C. Cáceres
- Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução CCNE Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Santa Maria RS 97110‐970 Brasil
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