1
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Morales-Espino A, Déniz S, Paz-Oliva P, Roldán-Medina N, Encinoso M, Suárez-Cabrera F, Jaber JR. Cory's Shearwater ( Calonectris borealis): Exploring Normal Head Anatomy through Cross-Sectional Anatomy, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1962. [PMID: 38998075 PMCID: PMC11240689 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cory's shearwater, or Calonectris borealis, stands out as a symbolic figure in the world of seabirds, playing a crucial role in marine ecosystems globally. Belonging to the Procellariidae family, it is singularized by its imposing wingspan and intricate migration patterns connecting it to various regions from the North Atlantic to the Pacific. Its role in the marine food chain, specialized diet and adaptation for nesting in the Canary Archipelago underscore its ecological importance. However, Cory's shearwater also faces important threats, such as the invasion of foreign species, highlighting the need for its conservation. Among the conservation issues, studies on its biology, the main threats it faces and its normal anatomy are essential to preserve marine biodiversity. Additionally, a variety of imaging techniques, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance, facilitates the understanding of the bird's neuroanatomy and opens future research possibilities in comparative neuroscience. Moreover, this approach proves particularly relevant given the increasing attention these seabirds receive in environments such as zoos, rehabilitation centers and their natural habitat, where veterinarians play a crucial role in their care and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soraya Déniz
- Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pablo Paz-Oliva
- Department of Morphology, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Natalia Roldán-Medina
- Department of Morphology, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Mario Encinoso
- Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Francisco Suárez-Cabrera
- Department of Morphology, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jose Raduan Jaber
- Department of Morphology, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
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2
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Herman RW, Winger BM, Dittmann DL, Harvey MG. Fine-scale population genetic structure and barriers to gene flow in a widespread seabird ( Ardenna pacifica). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Pelagic seabirds are highly mobile, reducing opportunities for population isolation that might promote differentiation and speciation. At the same time, many seabirds are philopatric, and their tendency to return to their natal islands to breed might reduce gene flow sufficiently to permit local adaptation and differentiation. To test the net impact of these competing processes, estimates of differentiation and gene flow based on comprehensive geographical sampling are required. We leveraged diverse source material to achieve comprehensive geographical sampling in a widespread seabird, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica). Using data from sequence capture and high-throughput sequencing of 2402 loci containing 20 780 single nucleotide polymorphisms, we tested for population differentiation and gene flow among breeding areas. We found little evidence of deep divergences within A. pacifica but were able to resolve fine-scale differentiation across island groups. This differentiation was sufficient to assign individuals sampled away from breeding areas to their likely source populations. Estimated effective migration surfaces revealed reduced migration between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, presumably owing to land barriers, and across the equatorial Pacific Ocean, perhaps associated with differences in breeding schedule. Our results reveal that, despite their mobility, pelagic seabirds can exhibit fine-scale population differentiation and reduced gene flow among ocean basins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael W Herman
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, NY , USA
| | - Benjamin M Winger
- Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI , USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Donna L Dittmann
- Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Michael G Harvey
- Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI , USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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3
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Campioni L, Dell'Omo G, Vizzini S, De Pascalis F, Badalamenti F, Massa B, Rubolini D, Cecere JG. Year-round variation in the isotopic niche of Scopoli's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) breeding in contrasting sea regions of the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 178:105650. [PMID: 35644078 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Top marine predators are key components of marine food webs. Among them, long-distance migratory seabirds, which travel across different marine ecosystems over the year, may experience important year-round changes in terms of oceanographic conditions and availability of trophic resources. We tested whether this was the case in the Scopoli's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), a trans-equatorial migrant and top predator, by sampling birds breeding in three environmentally different regions of the Mediterranean Sea. The analysis of positional data and stable isotopes (δ1³C and δ15N) of target feathers revealed that birds from the three regions were spatially segregated during the breeding period while they shared non-breeding areas in the Atlantic Ocean. Isotopic baseline levels of N and C (meso-zooplankton) were significantly different among marine regions during breeding. Such variation was reflected at the higher trophic levels of pelagic and demersal fish muscles as well as in shearwater feathers grown in the Mediterranean. δ15N- and δ13C-adjusted values of shearwaters were significantly different among populations suggesting that birds from different breeding areas relied on prey species from different trophic levels. Conversely, the non-breeding spatial and isotopic niches overlapped greatly among the three populations. Shearwater trophic niches during breeding were narrower and segregated compared to the non-breeding period, revealing a high plasticity in trophic resource use. Overall, this study highlights seasonal and region-specific use of trophic resources by Scopoli's shearwater, suggesting a broad trophic plasticity and possibly a high adaptability to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Campioni
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Center, Ispa - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim Do Tabaco 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | - Salvatrice Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Terra e Del Mare, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90123, Palermo, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze Del Mare, CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Roma, Italy
| | - Federico De Pascalis
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26 I, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Via Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26 I, 20133, Milano, Italy; Istituto di Ricerca Sulle Acque, IRSA-CNR, Via Del Mulino 19 I, 20861, Brugherio, (MB), Italy
| | - Jacopo G Cecere
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per La Protezione e La Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano Emilia, (BO), Italy
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4
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Brewer CT, Rauch-Davis WA, Fraser EE. The Use of Intrinsic Markers for Studying the Migratory Movements of Bats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3477. [PMID: 34944252 PMCID: PMC8698158 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality of migratory bat species at wind energy facilities is a well-documented phenomenon, and mitigation and management are partially constrained by the current limited knowledge of bat migratory movements. Analyses of biochemical signatures in bat tissues ("intrinsic markers") can provide information about the migratory origins of individual bats. Many tissue samples for intrinsic marker analysis may be collected from living and dead bats, including carcasses collected at wind energy facilities. In this paper, we review the full suite of available intrinsic marker analysis techniques that may be used to study bat migration, with the goal of summarizing the current literature and highlighting knowledge gaps and opportunities. We discuss applications of the stable isotopes of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur; radiogenic strontium isotopes; trace elements and contaminants; and the combination of these markers with each other and with other extrinsic markers. We further discuss the tissue types that may be analyzed for each and provide a synthesis of the generalized workflow required to link bats to origins using intrinsic markers. While stable hydrogen isotope techniques have clearly been the leading approach to infer migratory bat movement patterns across the landscape, here we emphasize a variety of lesser used intrinsic markers (i.e., strontium, trace elements, contaminants) that may address new study areas or answer novel research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erin E. Fraser
- School of Science and the Environment, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 20 University Drive, Corner Brook, NL A2H 5G4, Canada; (C.T.B.); (W.A.R.-D.)
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5
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Wieringa JG, Nagel J, Nelson DM, Carstens BC, Gibbs HL. Using trace elements to identify the geographic origin of migratory bats. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10082. [PMID: 33133780 PMCID: PMC7580586 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The expansion of the wind energy industry has had benefits in terms of increased renewable energy production but has also led to increased mortality of migratory bats due to interactions with wind turbines. A key question that could guide bat-related management activities is identifying the geographic origin of bats killed at wind-energy facilities. Generating this information requires developing new methods for identifying the geographic sources of individual bats. Here we explore the viability of assigning geographic origin using trace element analyses of fur to infer the summer molting location of eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis). Our approach is based on the idea that the concentration of trace elements in bat fur is related through the food chain to the amount of trace elements present in the soil, which varies across large geographic scales. Specifically, we used inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry to determine the concentration of fourteen trace elements in fur of 126 known-origin eastern red bats to generate a basemap for assignment throughout the range of this species in eastern North America. We then compared this map to publicly available soil trace element concentrations for the U.S. and Canada, used a probabilistic framework to generate likelihood-of-origin maps for each bat, and assessed how well trace element profiles predicted the origins of these individuals. Overall, our results suggest that trace elements allow successful assignment of individual bats 80% of the time while reducing probable locations in half. Our study supports the use of trace elements to identify the geographic origin of eastern red and perhaps other migratory bats, particularly when combined with data from other biomarkers such as genetic and stable isotope data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamin G Wieringa
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America.,Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Juliet Nagel
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Lab, Frostburg, MD, United States of America
| | - David M Nelson
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Lab, Frostburg, MD, United States of America
| | - Bryan C Carstens
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - H Lisle Gibbs
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America.,Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, Columbus, OH, United States of America
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6
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Colston-Nepali L, Provencher JF, Mallory ML, Franckowiak RP, Sun Z, Robertson GJ, Friesen VL. Using genomic tools to inform management of the Atlantic northern fulmar. CONSERV GENET 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-020-01309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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7
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Khatri-Chhetri U, Woods JG, Walker IR, Curtis PJ. Origin identification of migratory pests (European Starling) using geochemical fingerprinting. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8962. [PMID: 32411514 PMCID: PMC7204882 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Starling (Sturnidae: Sturnus vulgaris L.) is an invasive bird in North America where it is an agricultural pest. In British Columbia (Canada), the starling population increases in orchards and vineyards in autumn, where they consume and damage ripening fruits. Starlings also cause damage in dairy farms and feedlots by consuming and contaminating food and spreading diseases. Damage can be partly mitigated by the use of scare devices, which can disperse flocks until they become habituated. Large-scale trapping and euthanizing before starlings move to fields and farms could be a practical means of preventing damage, but requires knowledge of natal origin. Within a small (20,831 km2), agriculturally significant portion of south-central British Columbia, the Okanagan-Similkameen region, we used 21 trace elements in bone tissue to discriminate the spatial distribution of juvenile starlings and to reveal the geographic origin of the problem birds in fall. Stepwise discriminant analysis of trace elements classified juveniles to their natal origin (minimum discrimination distance of 12 km) with 79% accuracy. In vineyards and orchards, the majority (55%) of problem birds derive from northern portions of the valley; and the remaining 45% of problem birds were a mixture of local and immigrant/unassigned birds. In contrast, problem birds in dairy farms and feedlots were largely immigrants/unassigned (89%) and 11% were local from northern region of the valley. Moreover, elemental signatures can separate starling populations in the Valley yielding a promising tool for identifying the geographic origin of these migratory birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upama Khatri-Chhetri
- Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John G Woods
- Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ian R Walker
- Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - P Jeff Curtis
- Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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8
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Gaber A, Hassan MM, Boland C, Alsuhaibany A, Babbington J, Pereira J, Budd J, Shobrak M. Molecular identification of Todiramphus chloris subspecies on the Arabian Peninsula using three mitochondrial barcoding genes and ISSR markers. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:480-488. [PMID: 31889874 PMCID: PMC6933276 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) is widely distributed across the Indian and western Pacific Oceans and consists of about 50 subspecies. Two different subspecies of T. chloris occur in the Arabian Peninsula: T. c. abyssinicus from the Red Sea coast and T. c. kalbaensis from the Arabian Sea coast in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular relationship between the two Arabian subspecies and to establish the first DNA barcodes from the Arabian Peninsula for this species. Three different mitochondrial genes were used: (i) cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), (ii) 12S rRNA (12S) and (iii) NADH dehydrogenase-1 (ND1). The COI gene sequences of the two subspecies were 100% identical, while the 12S and ND1 gene sequences revealed a unique single nucleotide variation between the two subspecies. Thus, this single nucleotide variation can be used as a DNA barcode to discriminate between two subspecies. Furthermore, the genetic profile or fingerprint for both subspecies were compared using ten primers of the highly polymorphic nuclear markers (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat, ISSR). As expected, the DNA analysis of the ISSR markers was able to distinguish between the specimens of the two subspecies. These results suggest that T. c. abyssinicus and T. c. kalbaensis are not identical and thus belong to different subspecies. Besides, the sequences of the COI gene for T. c. abyssinicus and T. c. kalbaensis differs by only 1.28% from T. sanctus suggesting that the Arabian subspecies are closely related to the Sacred Kingfisher (T. sanctus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gaber
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Hassan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Christopher Boland
- Saudi Aramco, Environmental Protection Department, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alsuhaibany
- Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, National Wildlife Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jem Babbington
- Saudi Aramco, EXPEC Advance Research Center, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - John Pereira
- Environment & Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jane Budd
- Environment & Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Shobrak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Saudi Arabia.,Saudi Wildlife Authority, Prince Saud Al Faisal Research Center, Taif, Saudi Arabia
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9
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De Felipe F, Reyes‐González JM, Militão T, Neves VC, Bried J, Oro D, Ramos R, González‐Solís J. Does sexual segregation occur during the nonbreeding period? A comparative analysis in spatial and feeding ecology of three Calonectris shearwaters. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:10145-10162. [PMID: 31624542 PMCID: PMC6787824 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual segregation (SS) is widespread among animal taxa, with males and females segregated in distribution, behavior, or feeding ecology but so far, most studies on birds have focused on the breeding period. Outside this period, the relevance of segregation and the potential drivers of its persistence remain elusive, especially in the marine environment, where animals can disperse over vast areas and are not easily observed. We evaluated the degree of SS in spatio-temporal distribution and phenology, at-sea behavior, and feeding ecology during the nonbreeding period among three closely related shearwaters: Scopoli's, Cory's, and Cape Verde shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea, C. borealis, and C. edwardsii, respectively). We tracked 179 birds (92 males and 87 females) from 2008 to 2013 using geolocation-immersion loggers and collected the 13th secondary remige (molted in winter) for stable isotope analyses as a proxy of trophic level and diet. The global nonbreeding distribution did not differ between sexes for the three species, but one specific nonbreeding area was visited only by males. Cory's shearwater males remained in areas closer to the colony in a larger proportion compared to females and returned earlier to the colony, probably to defend their nests. Males presented a slightly lower nocturnal flying activity and slightly (but consistently) higher isotopic values of δ13C and δ15N compared to females. These differences suggest subtle sexual differences in diet and a slightly higher trophic level in males, but the extent to which sexual dimorphism in bill size can determine them remains unclear. Our study showed that SS in ecological niche in seabirds can persist year-round consistently but at a different extent when comparing the breeding and nonbreeding periods. Based on our findings, we propose that SS in these seabird species might have its origin in an ecological specialization derived from the different roles of males and females during reproduction, rather than from social dominance during the nonbreeding period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda De Felipe
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències AmbientalsFacultat de BiologiaInstitut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - José M. Reyes‐González
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències AmbientalsFacultat de BiologiaInstitut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Teresa Militão
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències AmbientalsFacultat de BiologiaInstitut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Verónica C. Neves
- Centro OkeanosMARE (Marine and Environmental Science Centre)IMAR (Institute of Marine Research)Universidade dos AçoresHortaPortugal
| | - Joël Bried
- Centro OkeanosMARE (Marine and Environmental Science Centre)IMAR (Institute of Marine Research)Universidade dos AçoresHortaPortugal
| | - Daniel Oro
- Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avancats, CSIC‐UIBEsporlesSpain
- Centre d'Estudis Avancats de Blanes‐CSICBlanesSpain
| | - Raül Ramos
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències AmbientalsFacultat de BiologiaInstitut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Jacob González‐Solís
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències AmbientalsFacultat de BiologiaInstitut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
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10
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Ramos R. Crossing the Pillars of Hercules: Understanding transoceanic migrations of seabirds throughout their breeding range. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:4760-4771. [PMID: 31031942 PMCID: PMC6476834 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5079] [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: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Variability in long-distance migration strategies is still poorly understood due to the fact that individuals are often tracked from a single colony/population. Transoceanic migrations of Scopoli's shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea) across the Strait of Gibraltar (SoG) have been tracked from several breeding colonies isolatedly, and factors related to the variability in phenological schedules among different populations remain, therefore, not well-understood. Using light-level geolocator data, I examined the autumn (postbreeding) and spring (prebreeding) migratory passage dates through SoG of four populations of Scopoli's shearwater spread along the longitudinal breeding range of the species. Additionally, I also estimated the at-sea activity patterns (from immersion data) during both migratory passages, as well as the body size (from morphometric data) of the individuals of these populations. On average, Scopoli's shearwaters leave the Mediterranean (cross SoG) on 31 October ± 1.8 days on their autumn migrations and return on 03 March ± 1.6 days on their spring migrations. At the population level, there was a clear gradient in the timing of crossing SoG: birds from the westernmost populations (Murcia, SE Spain) were the first ones in leaving the Mediterranean while easternmost breeders (Paximada, Crete) were the last ones. In spring, only birds from the largest breeding population (Zembra, Tunisia) seemed to advance their return and crossed SoG significantly earlier than birds tracked at the remaining populations. In both passages, shearwaters from central and eastern populations spent more time flying than their conspecifics from the western Mediterranean. Scopoli's shearwater populations display a differential phenology and behavior in their migratory passages through SoG. The longitudinal gradient in body size already reported for the species could be an evolutionary response to an obvious trade-off between sharing common wintering grounds in the Atlantic Ocean and the temporal constraints of restoring physiological condition in those grounds. OPEN RESEARCH BADGES This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally-shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://hdl.handle.net/2445/128784.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raül Ramos
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
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11
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Population Connectivity and Traces of Mitochondrial Introgression in New Zealand Black-Billed Gulls ( Larus bulleri). Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9110544. [PMID: 30424003 PMCID: PMC6266082 DOI: 10.3390/genes9110544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Black-billed gulls (Larus bulleri) are endemic to New Zealand and are suspected to be undergoing substantial population declines. They primarily breed on open gravel beds in braided rivers of the South Island—a habitat that is diminishing and becoming increasingly modified. Although management of this species is increasing, little has been published on their movements and demographics. In this study, both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region domain I and nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were examined to help understand the connectivity and population structure of black-billed gulls across the country and to help inform management decisions. Mitochondrial DNA showed no population structure, with high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity, and analyses highlighted mitochondrial introgression with the closely related red-billed gulls (Larus novaehollandiae scopulinus). Nuclear DNA analyses, however, identified two groups, with Rotorua birds in the North Island being distinct from the rest of New Zealand, and isolation-by-distance evident across the South Island populations. Gene flow primarily occurs between nearby colonies with a stepwise movement across the landscape. The importance from a genetic perspective of the more isolated North Island birds (1.6% of total population) needs to be further evaluated. From our results, we infer that the South Island black-billed gull management should focus on maintaining several populations within each region rather than focusing on single specific colonies or river catchments. Future study is needed to investigate the genetic structure of populations at the northern limit of the species’ range, and identify the mechanisms behind, and extent of, the hybridisation between red-billed and black-billed gulls.
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12
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Chen K, Marschall EA, Sovic MG, Fries AC, Gibbs HL, Ludsin SA. assign
POP
:
An
r
package for population assignment using genetic, non‐genetic, or integrated data in a machine‐learning framework. Methods Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kuan‐Yu Chen
- Aquatic Ecology LaboratoryDepartment of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyThe Ohio State University Columbus OH USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Marschall
- Aquatic Ecology LaboratoryDepartment of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyThe Ohio State University Columbus OH USA
| | - Michael G. Sovic
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology and Ohio Biodiversity Conservation PartnershipThe Ohio State University Columbus OH USA
- Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe Ohio State University Columbus OH USA
| | - Anthony C. Fries
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology and Ohio Biodiversity Conservation PartnershipThe Ohio State University Columbus OH USA
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace MedicineWright‐Patterson AFB OH USA
| | - H. Lisle Gibbs
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology and Ohio Biodiversity Conservation PartnershipThe Ohio State University Columbus OH USA
| | - Stuart A. Ludsin
- Aquatic Ecology LaboratoryDepartment of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyThe Ohio State University Columbus OH USA
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13
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Nelson DA, Nickley BM, Poesel A, Gibbs HL, Olesik JW. Inter-dialect dispersal is common in the Puget Sound white-crowned sparrow. BEHAVIOUR 2017. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dispersal in birds can have an important influence on the genetic structure of populations by affecting gene flow. In birds that learn their songs, dispersal can affect the ability of male birds to share songs in song dialects and may influence mate attraction. We used Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) trace element analysis on the body feathers of birds to assess dispersal among four song dialects. We found that (1) most males had a feather element profile typical of only one dialect location; (2) males singing non-local (‘foreign’) dialects in a focal population often learned their foreign songs outside the dialect; and (3) females often dispersed among dialects. We estimated 5% dispersal per year by yearling males between the site of moulting and breeding. Our estimate is consistent with genetic estimates of widespread gene flow between dialects in this subspecies of the white-crowned sparrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A. Nelson
- aBorror Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ben M. Nickley
- aBorror Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Angelika Poesel
- aBorror Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - H. Lisle Gibbs
- aBorror Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John W. Olesik
- bSchool of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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14
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Meier RE, Votier SC, Wynn RB, Guilford T, McMinn Grivé M, Rodríguez A, Newton J, Maurice L, Chouvelon T, Dessier A, Trueman CN. Tracking, feather moult and stable isotopes reveal foraging behaviour of a critically endangered seabird during the non-breeding season. DIVERS DISTRIB 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen C. Votier
- Environment and Sustainability Institute; University of Exeter; Penryn Campus Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Russell B. Wynn
- National Oceanography Centre; European Way Southampton SO14 3ZH UK
| | - Tim Guilford
- Animal Behaviour Research Group; Department of Zoology; University of Oxford; The Tinbergen Building South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PS UK
| | - Miguel McMinn Grivé
- Biogeografia, geodinàmica i sedimentació de la Mediterrània occidental (BIOGEOMED); Universitat de les Illes Balears; Cra. de Valldemossa, km 7.5 07122 Palma, Illes Balears Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez
- Balearic Shearwater Conservation Association; Puig del Teide 4 - 315 Palmanova 07181, Illes Balears Spain
| | - Jason Newton
- NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility; Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre; Scottish Enterprise Technology Park East Kilbride G75 0QF UK
| | - Louise Maurice
- British Geological Survey; Benson Lane Crowmarsh Gifford Oxfordshire OX10 8BB UK
| | - Tiphaine Chouvelon
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs); UMR 7266; CNRS-Université de La Rochelle; 2 rue Olympe de Gouges 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01 France
- IFREMER Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie (BE); Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (LBCM); Rue de l'Ile d'Yeu 44311 Nantes 03 France
| | - Aurélie Dessier
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs); UMR 7266; CNRS-Université de La Rochelle; 2 rue Olympe de Gouges 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01 France
| | - Clive N. Trueman
- Ocean and Earth Science; University of Southampton Waterfront Campus; European Way; Southampton SO14 3ZH UK
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15
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Reudink MW, Kyle CJ, McKellar AE, Somers CM, Reudink RLF, Kyser TK, Franks SE, Nocera JJ. Linking Isotopes and Panmixia: High Within-Colony Variation in Feather δ2H, δ13C, and δ15N across the Range of the American White Pelican. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150810. [PMID: 26974163 PMCID: PMC4790844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete panmixia across the entire range of a species is a relatively rare phenomenon; however, this pattern may be found in species that have limited philopatry and frequent dispersal. American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhyncos) provide a unique opportunity to examine the role of long-distance dispersal in facilitating gene flow in a species recently reported as panmictic across its broad breeding range. This species is also undergoing a range expansion, with new colonies arising hundreds of kilometers outside previous range boundaries. In this study, we use a multiple stable isotope (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N) approach to examine feather isotopic structuring at 19 pelican colonies across North America, with the goal of establishing an isotopic basemap that could be used for assigning individuals at newly established breeding sites to source colonies. Within-colony isotopic variation was extremely high, exceeding 100‰ in δ2H within some colonies (with relatively high variation also observed for δ13C and δ15N). The high degree of within-site variation greatly limited the utility of assignment-based approaches (42% cross-validation success rate; range: 0–90% success). Furthermore, clustering algorithms identified four likely isotopic clusters; however, those clusters were generally unrelated to geographic location. Taken together, the high degree of within-site isotopic variation and lack of geographically-defined isotopic clusters preclude the establishment of an isotopic basemap for American white pelicans, but may indicate that a high incidence of long-distance dispersal is facilitating gene flow, leading to genetic panmixia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Reudink
- Forensic Science Department, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher J. Kyle
- Forensic Science Department, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Robyn L. F. Reudink
- British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - T. Kurt Kyser
- Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Joseph J. Nocera
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Quinn LR, Meharg AA, van Franeker JA, Graham IM, Thompson PM. Validating the use of intrinsic markers in body feathers to identify inter-individual differences in non-breeding areas of northern fulmars. MARINE BIOLOGY 2016; 163:64. [PMID: 27065496 PMCID: PMC4771816 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-016-2822-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Many wildlife studies use chemical analyses to explore spatio-temporal variation in diet, migratory patterns and contaminant exposure. Intrinsic markers are particularly valuable for studying non-breeding marine predators, when direct methods of investigation are rarely feasible. However, any inferences regarding foraging ecology are dependent upon the time scale over which tissues such as feathers are formed. In this study, we validate the use of body feathers for studying non-breeding foraging patterns in a pelagic seabird, the northern fulmar. Analysis of carcasses of successfully breeding adult fulmars indicated that body feathers moulted between September and March, whereas analyses of carcasses and activity patterns suggested that wing feather and tail feather moult occurred during more restricted periods (September to October and September to January, respectively). By randomly sampling relevant body feathers, average values for individual birds were shown to be consistent. We also integrated chemical analyses of body feather with geolocation tracking data to demonstrate that analyses of δ13C and δ15N values successfully assigned 88 % of birds to one of two broad wintering regions used by breeding adult fulmars from a Scottish study colony. These data provide strong support for the use of body feathers as a tool for exploring non-breeding foraging patterns and diet in wide-ranging, pelagic seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy R. Quinn
- />Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Lighthouse Field Station, Cromarty, IV11 8YJ UK
- />British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET UK
| | - Andrew A. Meharg
- />Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, 18-30 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5BN Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - Isla M. Graham
- />Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Lighthouse Field Station, Cromarty, IV11 8YJ UK
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- />Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Lighthouse Field Station, Cromarty, IV11 8YJ UK
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17
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Segers JL, Broders HG. Carbon (δ13C) and Nitrogen (δ15N) Stable Isotope Signatures in Bat Fur Indicate Swarming Sites Have Catchment Areas for Bats from Different Summering Areas. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125755. [PMID: 25923696 PMCID: PMC4414594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory patterns of bats are not well understood and traditional methods to study this, like capture-mark-recapture, may not provide enough detail unless there are many records. Stable isotope profiles of many animal species have been used to make inferences about migration. Each year Myotis lucifugus and M. septentrionalis migrate from summering roosts to swarming caves and mines in the fall, but the pattern of movement between them is not well understood. In this study, fur δ13C and δ15N values of 305 M. lucifugus and 200 M. septentrionalis were analyzed to make inferences about migration patterns between summering areas and swarming sites in Nova Scotia, Canada. We expected that there would be greater variability in δ13C and δ15N among individuals at swarming sites because it was believed that these sites are used by individuals originating from many summering areas. There was extensive overlap in the standard ellipse area, corrected for small sample sizes (SEAc), of bats at swarming sites and much less overlap in SEAc among groups sampled at summering areas. Meaningful inference could not be made on M. septentrionalis because their low variation in SEAc may have been the result of sampling only 3 summering areas. However, for M. lucifugus, swarming sites had larger SEAc than summering areas and predictive discriminant analysis assigned swarming bats to multiple summering areas, supporting the contention that swarming bats are mixed aggregations of bats from several summering areas. Together, these data support the contention that swarming sites have catchment areas for bats from multiple summering areas and it is likely that the catchment areas for swarming sites overlap. These data suggest that δ13C and δ15N profiling of bat fur offer some potential to make inferences about regional migration in bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi L Segers
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Hugh G Broders
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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18
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Bond AL, Lavers JL. Climate change alters the trophic niche of a declining apex marine predator. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2014; 20:2100-2107. [PMID: 24615959 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the world's oceans have altered nutrient flow, and affected the viability of predator populations when prey species become unavailable. These changes are integrated into the tissues of apex predators over space and time and can be quantified using stable isotopes in the inert feathers of historical and contemporary avian specimens. We measured δ(13) C and δ(15) N values in Flesh-footed Shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) from Western and South Australia from 1936-2011. The Flesh-footed Shearwaters more than doubled their trophic niche (from 3.91 ± 1.37 ‰(2) to 10.00 ± 1.79 ‰(2) ), and dropped an entire trophic level in 75 years (predicted δ(15) N decreased from +16.9 ‰ to + 13.5 ‰, and δ(13) C from -16.9 ‰ to -17.9 ‰) - the largest change in δ(15) N yet reported in any marine bird, suggesting a relatively rapid shift in the composition of the Indian Ocean food web, or changes in baseline δ(13) C and δ(15) N values. A stronger El Niño-Southern Oscillation results in a weaker Leeuwin Current in Western Australia, and decreased Flesh-footed Shearwater δ(13) C and δ(15) N. Current climate forecasts predict this trend to continue, leading to increased oceanic 'tropicalization' and potentially competition between Flesh-footed Shearwaters and more tropical sympatric species with expanding ranges. Flesh-footed Shearwater populations are declining, and current conservation measures aimed primarily at bycatch mitigation are not restoring populations. Widespread shifts in foraging, as shown here, may explain some of the reported decline. An improved understanding and ability to mitigate the impacts of global climactic changes is therefore critical to the long-term sustainability of this declining species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Bond
- Environment Canada and Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
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19
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Rushing CS, Ryder TB, Saracco JF, Marra PP. Assessing migratory connectivity for a long-distance migratory bird using multiple intrinsic markers. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2014; 24:445-456. [PMID: 24834732 DOI: 10.1890/13-1091.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Patterns of migratory connectivity are a vital yet poorly understood component of the ecology and evolution of migratory birds. Our ability to accurately characterize patterns of migratory connectivity is often limited by the spatial resolution of the data, but recent advances in probabilistic assignment approaches have begun pairing stable isotopes with other sources of data (e.g., genetic and mark-recapture) to improve the accuracy and precision of inferences based on a single marker. Here, we combine stable isotopes and geographic variation in morphology (wing length) to probabilistically assign Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustilena) captured on the wintering grounds to breeding locations. In addition, we use known-origin samples to validate our model and assess potentially important impacts of isotopic and morphological covariates (age, sex, and breeding location). Our results show that despite relatively high levels of mixing across their breeding and nonbreeding ranges, moderate levels of migratory connectivity exist along an east-west gradient. In addition, combining stable isotopes with geographic variation in wing length improved the precision of breeding assignments by 10% and 37% compared to assignments based on isotopes alone or wing length alone, respectively. These results demonstrate that geographical variation in morphological traits can greatly improve estimates of migratory connectivity when combined with other intrinsic markers (e.g., stable isotopes or genetic data). The wealth of morphological data available from museum specimens across the world represents a tremendously valuable, but largely untapped, resource that is widely applicable for quantifying patterns of migratory connectivity.
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20
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Ethier DM, Kyle CJ, Nocera JJ. Tracking animal movement by comparing trace element signatures in claws to spatial variability of elements in soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 468-469:699-705. [PMID: 24061061 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.08.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Biogeochemical markers in ecology have provided a useful means for indicating geographic origin and movement patterns of species on various temporal and spatial scales. We used trace element analysis to resolve spatial and habitat-specific environmental gradients in elemental distributions that could be used to infer geographic origin and habitat association in a model terrestrial carnivore: American badger (Taxidea taxus jacksoni). To accomplish this, we generated element base-maps using spatial principal component analysis, and assessed habitat-specific signatures using multivariate statistics from soil element concentrations in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Using canonical correlation analysis (CCA) we also test whether element variability in the claw keratin of a terrestrial carnivore could be explained by the chemical variability in the soils of the local environment. Results demonstrated that trace element signatures in soils vary locally with land use practices and soil texture type and broadly with the underlying geology. CCA results suggest that chemical profiles in claws can be linked to the surrounding chemical environment, providing evidence that geographic patterns in mammalian movement can be discerned on the basis of claw chemistry. From this, we conclude that geographic assignment of individuals based on element profiles in their tissues and referenced against soil elemental distributions would be coarse (at a spatial scale of 100-1000 km, depending on the chemical heterogeneity of the landscape), but could be used to assess origin of highly mobile animals or habitat association of individuals. Compared to stable isotope analysis, the assessment of trace elements can provide a much greater level of detail in backcasting animal movement pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Ethier
- University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
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21
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Perez C, Granadeiro JP, Dias MP, Alonso H, Catry P. When males are more inclined to stay at home: insights into the partial migration of a pelagic seabird provided by geolocators and isotopes. Behav Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/art119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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22
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Codina-García M, Militão T, Moreno J, González-Solís J. Plastic debris in Mediterranean seabirds. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 77:220-6. [PMID: 24449923 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is often ingested by marine predators and can cause health disorders and even death. We present the first assessment of plastic ingestion in Mediterranean seabirds. We quantified and measured plastics accumulated in the stomach of 171 birds from 9 species accidentally caught by longliners in the western Mediterranean from 2003 to 2010. Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea) showed the highest occurrence (94%) and large numbers of small plastic particles per affected bird (on average N = 15.3 ± 24.4 plastics and mass = 23.4 ± 49.6 mg), followed by Yelkouan shearwaters (Puffinus yelkouan, 70%, N = 7.0 ± 7.9, 42.1 ± 100.0 mg), Balearic shearwaters (Puffinus mauretanicus, 70%, N = 3.6 ± 2.9, 5.5 ± 9.7 mg) and the rest of species (below 33%, N = 2.7, 113.6 ± 128.4 mg). Plastic characteristics did not differ between sexes and were not related to the physical condition of the birds. Our results point out the three endemic and threatened shearwater species as being particularly exposed to plastic accumulation.
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23
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Where did they come from? Genetic diversity and forensic investigation of the threatened palm species Butia eriospatha. CONSERV GENET 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-013-0552-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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24
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Bicknell AWJ, Knight ME, Bilton DT, Campbell M, Reid JB, Newton J, Votier SC. Intercolony movement of pre-breeding seabirds over oceanic scales: implications of cryptic age-classes for conservation and metapopulation dynamics. DIVERS DISTRIB 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony W. J. Bicknell
- Environment and Sustainability Institute; University of Exeter; Penryn Cornwall TR10 9EZ UK
| | - Mairi E. Knight
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre; Plymouth University; Plymouth PL4 8AA UK
| | - David T. Bilton
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre; Plymouth University; Plymouth PL4 8AA UK
| | - Maria Campbell
- Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Sciences; Plymouth PL1 2PB UK
| | - James B. Reid
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee; Aberdeen AB11 9QA UK
| | - Jason Newton
- NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility; Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre; East Kilbride G75 0QF UK
| | - Stephen C. Votier
- Environment and Sustainability Institute; University of Exeter; Penryn Cornwall TR10 9EZ UK
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25
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Rundel CW, Wunder MB, Alvarado AH, Ruegg KC, Harrigan R, Schuh A, Kelly JF, Siegel RB, DeSante DF, Smith TB, Novembre J. Novel statistical methods for integrating genetic and stable isotope data to infer individual-level migratory connectivity. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:4163-4176. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin W. Rundel
- Department of Statistical Sciences; Duke University; Durham NC 27708 USA
- Department of Statistics; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Michael B. Wunder
- Department of Integrative Biology; University of Colorado, Denver; Denver CO 80217 USA
| | - Allison H. Alvarado
- Center for Tropical Research Institute of the Environment and Sustainability; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Kristen C. Ruegg
- Department of Integrative Biology; University of Colorado, Denver; Denver CO 80217 USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Ryan Harrigan
- Center for Tropical Research Institute of the Environment and Sustainability; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Andrew Schuh
- Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA); Fort Collins CO 80523 USA
| | - Jeffrey F. Kelly
- Oklahoma Biological Survey and Department of Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program; University of Oklahoma; Norman OK 73019 USA
| | - Rodney B. Siegel
- The Institute for Bird Populations; Point Reyes Station CA 94956 USA
| | - David F. DeSante
- The Institute for Bird Populations; Point Reyes Station CA 94956 USA
| | - Thomas B. Smith
- Center for Tropical Research Institute of the Environment and Sustainability; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - John Novembre
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
- Department of Human Genetics; Chicago IL 60637 USA
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26
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Ethier DM, Kyle CJ, Kyser TK, Nocera JJ. Trace Elements in Claw Keratin as Temporally Explicit Indicators of Geographic Origin in Terrestrial Mammals. ANN ZOOL FENN 2013. [DOI: 10.5735/086.050.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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27
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Liu Y, Keller I, Heckel G. Breeding site fidelity and winter admixture in a long-distance migrant, the tufted duck (Aythya fuligula). Heredity (Edinb) 2012; 109:108-16. [PMID: 22549516 PMCID: PMC3400747 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2012.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-distance migrants are, by definition, highly mobile but it is poorly understood if this leads to high rates of gene flow and an essentially panmictic global population structure. Genetic divergence in migratory species could be promoted, for example, by fidelity to distinct migratory pathways. In this study, we investigate the population genetic structure of tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), a long-distance migrant with a largely continuous breeding distribution across Eurasia. Distinct, longitudinally oriented flyways have been postulated based on geographically disjunct wintering areas and are supported by evidence from ringing data. We generated sequences of the mitochondrial control region and multi-locus microsatellite genotypes for several hundreds of samples from the European and Asian breeding and wintering grounds including some individuals infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1. Significant differentiation between breeding sites was observed for both marker types, but F(ST) values were approximately 10 times higher for maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA than for biparentally transmitted nuclear markers. The genetic differentiation between the postulated European and Asian flyways was similar to that observed within continents and, in general, genetic divergence was not associated with geographic distance. Neither marker type showed evidence of genetic substructure among aggregations on the European wintering grounds. Our results suggest some breeding site fidelity, especially in females, but extensive population admixture on the wintering grounds. Several scenarios may explain the observed lack of genetic divergence between Europe and Asia including non-equilibrium conditions following a recent range expansion or contemporary gene flow across the postulated migratory divides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- Computational and Molecular Population Genetics (CMPG), Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - I Keller
- Eawag, Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
| | - G Heckel
- Computational and Molecular Population Genetics (CMPG), Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
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28
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Militão T, Bourgeois K, Roscales JL, González-Solís J. Individual migratory patterns of two threatened seabirds revealed using stable isotope and geolocation analyses. DIVERS DISTRIB 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2012.00916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Militão
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) and Departament de Biologia Animal (Vertebrats); Universitat de Barcelona; Av. Diagonal 643; Barcelona; 08028; Spain
| | - Karen Bourgeois
- Institut méditerranéen d’écologie et de paléoécologie (UMR CNRS 6116); Université Paul-Cézanne; Europôle méditerranéen de l'Arbois; Avenue Philibert; BP 80; 13545; Aix-en-Provence Cedex 04; France
| | | | - Jacob González-Solís
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) and Departament de Biologia Animal (Vertebrats); Universitat de Barcelona; Av. Diagonal 643; Barcelona; 08028; Spain
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29
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Lewison R, Oro D, Godley B, Underhill L, Bearhop S, Wilson RP, Ainley D, Arcos JM, Boersma PD, Borboroglu PG, Boulinier T, Frederiksen M, Genovart M, González-Solís J, Green JA, Grémillet D, Hamer KC, Hilton GM, Hyrenbach KD, Martínez-Abraín A, Montevecchi WA, Phillips RA, Ryan PG, Sagar P, Sydeman WJ, Wanless S, Watanuki Y, Weimerskirch H, Yorio P. Research priorities for seabirds: improving conservation and management in the 21st century. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2012. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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30
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Chiari Y, Claude J. Morphometric identification of individuals when there are more shape variables than reference specimens: a case study in Galápagos tortoises. C R Biol 2012; 335:62-8. [PMID: 22226164 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Molecular biology techniques are useful for taxonomic assignment, but they are not always accessible and can be expensive and time consuming to perform. Morphological methods to identify the origin of individuals could be valuable if they can be performed rapidly, accurately, and with minimal resources. In order to correctly assign the origin of individuals from two distinct tortoise lineages, we studied here the accuracy of shape statistics depending on the inclusion of different numbers of shape components. Misleading assignment may occur if an optimal balance between the number of shape variables and the number of sampled individuals is not respected, especially when more variables than specimens are available. Assignment of museum samples of unknown origin suggests that they mostly belong to only one of the two lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylenia Chiari
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Campus Agrário de Vairão, Portugal.
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31
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Roscales JL, González-Solís J, Calabuig P, Jiménez B. Interspecies and spatial trends in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Atlantic and Mediterranean pelagic seabirds. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:2899-905. [PMID: 21620541 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
PAHs were analyzed in the liver of 5 species of pelagic seabirds (Procellariiformes) from the northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The main objective was to assess the trophic and geographic trends of PAHs in seabirds to evaluate their suitability as bioindicators of chronic marine pollution by these compounds. Although higher levels of PAHs have been described in the Mediterranean compared to other oceanic regions, we did not find significant spatial patterns and observed only minor effects of the geographic origin on seabird PAHs. However, we found significant higher PAH levels in petrel compared to shearwater species, which could be related to differences in their exploitation of mesopelagic and epipelagic resources, respectively, and the vertical dynamic of PAHs in the water column. Overall, although this study enhances the need of multi-species approaches to show a more comprehensive evaluation of marine pollution, seabirds emerged as poor indicators of pelagic chronic PAH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Roscales
- Research Institute of Biodiversity and department of Animal Biology, Barcelona University, Av Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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32
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Oomen RA, Reudink MW, Nocera JJ, Somers CM, Green MC, Kyle CJ. Mitochondrial evidence for panmixia despite perceived barriers to gene flow in a widely distributed waterbird. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 102:584-92. [PMID: 21705489 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esr055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We examined the mitochondrial genetic structure of American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) to: 1) verify or refute whether American white pelicans are panmictic and 2) understand if any lack of genetic structure is the result of contemporary processes or historical phenomena. Sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA control region haplotypes of 367 individuals from 19 colonies located across their North American range revealed a lack of population genetic or phylogeographic structure. This lack of structure was unexpected because: 1) Major geographic barriers such as the North American Continental Divide are thought to limit dispersal; 2) Differences in migratory behavior are expected to promote population differentiation; and 3) Many widespread North American migratory bird species show historic patterns of differentiation resulting from having inhabited multiple glacial refugia. Further, high haplotype diversity and many rare haplotypes are maintained across the species' distribution, despite frequent local extinctions and recolonizations that are expected to decrease diversity. Our findings suggest that American white pelicans have a high effective population size and low natal philopatry. We suggest that the rangewide panmixia we observed in American white pelicans is due to high historical and contemporary gene flow, enabled by high mobility and a lack of effective physical or behavioral barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah A Oomen
- Forensic Science Department, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
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33
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Ramos R, Ramírez F, Carrasco JL, Jover L. Insights into the spatiotemporal component of feeding ecology: an isotopic approach for conservation management sciences. DIVERS DISTRIB 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2010.00736.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Roscales JL, Muñoz-Arnanz J, González-Solís J, Jiménez B. Geographical PCB and DDT patterns in shearwaters (Calonectris sp.) breeding across the NE Atlantic and the Mediterranean archipelagos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:2328-34. [PMID: 20205384 DOI: 10.1021/es902994y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Although seabirds have been proposed as useful biomonitors for organochlorine contaminants (OCs) in marine environments, their suitability is still unclear. To understand the geographic variability and the influence of seabird trophic ecology in OC levels, we analyzed PCBs, DDTs, delta(13)C, and delta(15)N in the blood of adult Calonectris shearwaters throughout a vast geographic range within the northeast Atlantic Ocean (from Cape Verde to Azores) and the Mediterranean Sea (from the Alboran Sea to Crete). OC concentrations were greater in birds from the Mediterranean than in those from the Atlantic colonies, showing higher and lower chlorinated PCB profiles, respectively. This large-scale pattern may reflect the influence of historical European runoffs in the Mediterranean basin and diffused sources for OCs in remote Atlantic islands. Spatial patterns also emerged within the Atlantic basin, probably associated with pollutant long-range transport and recent inputs of DDT in the food webs of shearwaters from Cape Verde and the Canary islands. Moreover, a positive association of OC concentrations with delta(15)N within each locality points out diet specialization as a major factor explaining differences in OCs at the intraspecific level. Overall, this study highlights wide range breeding seabirds, such as Calonectris shearwaters, as suitable organisms for biomonitoring large geographic trends of organochlorine contamination in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Roscales
- Department of Animal Biology (Vertebrates), Universitat de Barcelona, Av Diagonal 645, Barcelona, Spain.
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35
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Alacs EA, Georges A, FitzSimmons NN, Robertson J. DNA detective: a review of molecular approaches to wildlife forensics. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2009; 6:180-94. [PMID: 20013321 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-009-9131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Illegal trade of wildlife is growing internationally and is worth more than USD$20 billion per year. DNA technologies are well suited to detect and provide evidence for cases of illicit wildlife trade yet many of the methods have not been verified for forensic applications and the diverse range of methods employed can be confusing for forensic practitioners. In this review, we describe the various genetic techniques used to provide evidence for wildlife cases and thereby exhibit the diversity of forensic questions that can be addressed using currently available genetic technologies. We emphasise that the genetic technologies to provide evidence for wildlife cases are already available, but that the research underpinning their use in forensics is lacking. Finally we advocate and encourage greater collaboration of forensic scientists with conservation geneticists to develop research programs for phylogenetic, phylogeography and population genetics studies to jointly benefit conservation and management of traded species and to provide a scientific basis for the development of forensic methods for the regulation and policing of wildlife trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Alacs
- Institute for Applied Ecology and National Centre for Forensic Studies, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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36
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Peterson AT, Andersen MJ, Bodbyl-Roels S, Hosner P, Nyári A, Oliveros C, Papeş M. A prototype forecasting system for bird-borne disease spread in North America based on migratory bird movements. Epidemics 2009; 1:240-9. [PMID: 21352770 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2009] [Revised: 10/18/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The past two decades have seen major outbreaks of influenza viruses and flaviviruses that are spread at least in part by migratory birds. Although much new information has accumulated on the natural history of the viruses, and on the geography of migration by individual bird species, no synthesis has been achieved regarding likely patterns of spread of such pathogens by migratory birds, which constitutes a large-scale challenge in understanding the geography of bird migration. We here present a first step in this direction: a summary of seasonal (breeding, wintering) distributions of all 392 North American bird species that show marked seasonal migratory movements and that meet a series of conditions for inclusion in our analyses. We use species-level interseasonal connectivity among distributional areas to make initial forecasts of patterns of spread of bird-borne diseases via bird migration. We identify key next steps towards improved forecasting of spread patterns of bird-borne pathogens in North America, which will require substantial improvements in knowledge of the geography of bird migration.
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Navarro J, Forero MG, González-Solís J, Igual JM, Bécares J, Hobson KA. Foraging segregation between two closely related shearwaters breeding in sympatry. Biol Lett 2009; 5:545-8. [PMID: 19364709 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2009.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophic segregation has been proposed as a major mechanism explaining the coexistence of closely related animal taxa. However, how such segregation varies throughout the annual cycle is poorly understood. Here, we examined the feeding ecology of the two subspecies of Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea diomedea and Calonectris diomedea borealis, breeding in sympatry in a Mediterranean colony. To study trophic segregation at different stages, we combined the analysis of isotope values (delta(15)N, delta(13)C) in blood obtained during incubation and in feathers moulted during chick-rearing and wintering periods with satellite-tracking data during the chick-rearing period. Satellite-tracking and stable isotope data of the first primary feather revealed that C. d. borealis foraged mainly in the Atlantic whereas C. d. diomedea foraged exclusively in the Mediterranean. This spatial segregation could reflect the foraging behaviour of the C. d. borealis individuals before they arrived at the Mediterranean colony. Alternatively, greater wing loading of C. d. borealis individuals may confer the ability to fly across the strong winds occurring at the at the Gibraltar strait. Isotope values of the eighth secondary feather also support segregation in wintering areas between the two forms: C. d. diomedea wintered mainly in association with the Canary current, whereas C. d. borealis wintered in the South African coast. Overall, our results show that spatial segregation in foraging areas can display substantial variation throughout the annual cycle and is probably a major mechanism facilitating coexistence between closely related taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Navarro
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Sevilla, Spain.
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38
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Igual JM, Tavecchia G, Jenouvrier S, Forero MG, Oro D. Buying years to extinction: is compensatory mitigation for marine bycatch a sufficient conservation measure for long-lived seabirds? PLoS One 2009; 4:e4826. [PMID: 19279685 PMCID: PMC2653230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Accepted: 02/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Along the lines of the ‘polluter pays principle’, it has recently been proposed that the local long-line fishing industry should fund eradication of terrestrial predators at seabird breeding colonies, as a compensatory measure for the bycatch caused by the fishing activity. The measure is economically sound, but a quantitative and reliable test of its biological efficacy has never been conducted. Here, we investigated the demographic consequences of predator eradication for Cory's shearwater Calonectris diomedea, breeding in the Mediterranean, using a population model that integrates demographic rates estimated from individual life-history information with experimental measures of predation and habitat structure. We found that similar values of population growth rate can be obtained by different combinations of habitat characteristics, predator abundance and adult mortality, which explains the persistence of shearwater colonies in islands with introduced predators. Even so, given the empirically obtained values of survival, all combinations of predator abundance and habitat characteristics projected a decline in shearwater numbers. Perturbation analyses indicated that the value and the sensitivity of shearwater population growth rates were affected by all covariates considered and their interactions. A decrease in rat abundance delivered only a small increase in the population growth rate, whereas a change in adult survival (a parameter independent of rat abundance) had the strongest impact on population dynamics. When adult survival is low, rat eradication would allow us to “buy” years before extinction but does not reverse the process. Rat eradication can therefore be seen as an emergency measure if threats on adult survival are eliminated in the medium-term period. For species with low fecundity and long life expectancy, our results suggest that rat control campaigns are not a sufficient, self-standing measure to compensate the biological toll of long-line fisheries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephanie Jenouvrier
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Manuela G. Forero
- Estacion Biologica de Doñana-CSIC, Department of Biological Conservation, Sevilla, Spain
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39
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How can the Yelkouan shearwater survive feral cat predation? A meta-population structure as a solution? POPUL ECOL 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10144-008-0134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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40
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Ramos R, González-Solís J, Ruiz X. Linking isotopic and migratory patterns in a pelagic seabird. Oecologia 2009; 160:97-105. [PMID: 19194727 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-008-1273-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2008] [Accepted: 12/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raül Ramos
- Departament de Biologia Animal (Vertebrats), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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41
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Ramos R, González-Solís J, Forero MG, Moreno R, Gómez-Díaz E, Ruiz X, Hobson KA. The influence of breeding colony and sex on mercury, selenium and lead levels and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures in summer and winter feathers of Calonectris shearwaters. Oecologia 2008; 159:345-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-008-1215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2008] [Accepted: 10/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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42
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Use of trace element analysis of feathers as a tool to track fine-scale dispersal in birds. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-008-0644-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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43
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Bugoni L, McGill RAR, Furness RW. Effects of preservation methods on stable isotope signatures in bird tissues. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2008; 22:2457-2462. [PMID: 18642324 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.3633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Increasing use is being made of stable isotopes as indicators of habitat use and trophic ecology of animals. Preservation of tissues can alter stable isotope signatures. We investigated the effects of addition of ethanol and NaCl solution (hereafter 'salt'), and of freezing and drying, on carbon and nitrogen isotopic values in blood of the spectacled petrel Procellaria conspicillata, and compared these with those from simultaneously growing feathers. The mean delta(13)C values of blood preserved in ethanol was significantly higher, and of blood preserved in salt was significantly lower than that of dried or frozen samples. delta(13)C values in ethanol showed high variation according to brand and batch and could account for the differences found in delta(13)C ratios in ethanol-preserved blood samples. Mean delta(13)C and delta(15)N values in growing feathers were higher than in blood, suggesting tissue-specific fractionation. We conclude that different methods of preserving tissues such as blood may bias stable isotope values, and urge researchers to consider this issue. Air drying is proposed as a practical and unbiased method for blood preservation in field situations where freezing is not a practical option, and a mathematical approach is suggested to permit comparison between studies using different preservation methods or tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Bugoni
- Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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44
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Applying Isotopic Methods to Tracking Animal Movements. TRACKING ANIMAL MIGRATION WITH STABLE ISOTOPES 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1936-7961(07)00003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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