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Schwacke LH, Thomas L, Wells RS, Rowles TK, Bossart GD, Townsend F, Mazzoil M, Allen JB, Balmer BC, Barleycorn AA, Barratclough A, Burt L, De Guise S, Fauquier D, Gomez FM, Kellar NM, Schwacke JH, Speakman TR, Stolen ED, Quigley BM, Zolman ES, Smith CR. An expert-based system to predict population survival rate from health data. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14073. [PMID: 36751981 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Timely detection and understanding of causes for population decline are essential for effective wildlife management and conservation. Assessing trends in population size has been the standard approach, but we propose that monitoring population health could prove more effective. We collated data from 7 bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations in the southeastern United States to develop a method for estimating survival probability based on a suite of health measures identified by experts as indices for inflammatory, metabolic, pulmonary, and neuroendocrine systems. We used logistic regression to implement the veterinary expert system for outcome prediction (VESOP) within a Bayesian analysis framework. We fitted parameters with records from 5 of the sites that had a robust network of responders to marine mammal strandings and frequent photographic identification surveys that documented definitive survival outcomes. We also conducted capture-mark-recapture (CMR) analyses of photographic identification data to obtain separate estimates of population survival rates for comparison with VESOP survival estimates. The VESOP analyses showed that multiple measures of health, particularly markers of inflammation, were predictive of 1- and 2-year individual survival. The highest mortality risk 1 year following health assessment related to low alkaline phosphatase (odds ratio [OR] = 10.2 [95% CI: 3.41-26.8]), whereas 2-year mortality was most influenced by elevated globulin (OR = 9.60 [95% CI: 3.88-22.4]); both are markers of inflammation. The VESOP model predicted population-level survival rates that correlated with estimated survival rates from CMR analyses for the same populations (1-year Pearson's r = 0.99, p = 1.52 × 10-5 ; 2-year r = 0.94, p = 0.001). Although our proposed approach will not detect acute mortality threats that are largely independent of animal health, such as harmful algal blooms, it can be used to detect chronic health conditions that increase mortality risk. Random sampling of the population is important and advancement in remote sampling methods could facilitate more random selection of subjects, obtainment of larger sample sizes, and extension of the approach to other wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori H Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, The Observatory, St Andrews, UK
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Forrest Townsend
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Marilyn Mazzoil
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Vero Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Jason B Allen
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Aaron A Barleycorn
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | | | - Louise Burt
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, The Observatory, St Andrews, UK
| | - Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Deborah Fauquier
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Forrest M Gomez
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Nicholas M Kellar
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John H Schwacke
- Scientific Research Corporation, North Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Todd R Speakman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eric D Stolen
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Brian M Quigley
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cynthia R Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
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Hart LB, Dziobak M, Wells RS, McCabe EB, Conger E, Curtin T, Knight M, Weinstein J. Plastic, It's What's for Dinner: A Preliminary Comparison of Ingested Particles in Bottlenose Dolphins and Their Prey. OCEANS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 4:409-422. [PMID: 38766537 PMCID: PMC11101200 DOI: 10.3390/oceans4040028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic ingestion was reported for common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting Sarasota Bay, FL, USA, a community that also has prevalent exposure to plasticizers (i.e., phthalates) at concentrations higher than human reference populations. Exposure sources are currently unknown, but plastic-contaminated prey could be a vector. To explore the potential for trophic exposure, prey fish muscle and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tissues and contents were screened for suspected microplastics, and particle properties (e.g., color, shape, surface texture) were compared with those observed in gastric samples from free-ranging dolphins. Twenty-nine fish across four species (hardhead catfish, Ariopsis felis; pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera; pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides; and Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta) were collected from Sarasota Bay during September 2022. Overall, 97% of fish (n = 28) had suspected microplastics, and GIT abundance was higher than muscle. Fish and dolphin samples contained fibers and films; however, foams were common in dolphin samples and not observed in fish. Suspected tire wear particles (TWPs) were not in dolphin samples, but 23.1% and 32.0% of fish muscle and GIT samples, respectively, contained at least one suspected TWP. While some similarities in particles were shared between dolphins and fish, small sample sizes and incongruent findings for foams and TWPs suggest further investigation is warranted to understand trophic transfer potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie B. Hart
- Department of Health and Human Performance, School of Health Sciences, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - Miranda Dziobak
- Department of Health and Human Performance, School of Health Sciences, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berens McCabe
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - Eric Conger
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - Tita Curtin
- Department of Health and Human Performance, School of Health Sciences, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - Maggie Knight
- Graduate Program in Marine Biology, Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - John Weinstein
- Department of Biology, The Citadel, Charleston, SC 29409, USA
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Bloodgood JCG, Deming AC, Colegrove KM, Russell ML, Díaz Clark C, Carmichael RH. Causes of death and pathogen prevalence in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus stranded in Alabama, USA, between 2015 and 2020, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2023; 155:87-102. [PMID: 37650480 DOI: 10.3354/dao03746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Between 2010 and 2014, an unusual mortality event (UME) involving bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus occurred in the northern Gulf of Mexico, associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWHOS). Cause of death (COD) patterns in bottlenose dolphins since then have not been analyzed, and baseline prevalence data for Brucella ceti and cetacean morbillivirus, 2 pathogens previously reported in this region, are lacking. We analyzed records from bottlenose dolphins stranded in Alabama from 2015 to 2020 with necropsy and histological findings to determine COD (n = 108). This period included another UME in 2019 associated with prolonged freshwater exposure. A subset of individuals that stranded during this period were selected for molecular testing for Brucella spp. and Morbillivirus spp. Causes of death for all age classes were grouped into 6 categories, including (1) human interaction, (2) infectious disease, (3) noninfectious disease (prolonged freshwater exposure and degenerative), (4) trauma, (5) multifactorial, and (6) unknown. Two additional categories unique to perinates included fetal distress and in utero pneumonia. Human interaction was the most common primary COD (19.4%) followed closely by infectious disease (17.6%) and noninfectious disease (freshwater exposure; 13.9%). Brucella was detected in 18.4% of the 98 animals tested, but morbillivirus was not detected in any of the 66 animals tested. Brucella was detected in some moderately to severely decomposed carcasses, indicating that it may be beneficial to test a broad condition range of stranded animals. This study provides valuable information on COD in bottlenose dolphins in Alabama following the DWHOS and is the first to examine baseline prevalence of 2 common pathogens in stranded animals from this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C G Bloodgood
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528, USA
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Barratclough A, Ferguson SH, Lydersen C, Thomas PO, Kovacs KM. A Review of Circumpolar Arctic Marine Mammal Health-A Call to Action in a Time of Rapid Environmental Change. Pathogens 2023; 12:937. [PMID: 37513784 PMCID: PMC10385039 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of climate change on the health of marine mammals are increasingly being recognised. Given the rapid rate of environmental change in the Arctic, the potential ramifications on the health of marine mammals in this region are a particular concern. There are eleven endemic Arctic marine mammal species (AMMs) comprising three cetaceans, seven pinnipeds, and the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). All of these species are dependent on sea ice for survival, particularly those requiring ice for breeding. As air and water temperatures increase, additional species previously non-resident in Arctic waters are extending their ranges northward, leading to greater species overlaps and a concomitant increased risk of disease transmission. In this study, we review the literature documenting disease presence in Arctic marine mammals to understand the current causes of morbidity and mortality in these species and forecast future disease issues. Our review highlights potential pathogen occurrence in a changing Arctic environment, discussing surveillance methods for 35 specific pathogens, identifying risk factors associated with these diseases, as well as making recommendations for future monitoring for emerging pathogens. Several of the pathogens discussed have the potential to cause unusual mortality events in AMMs. Brucella, morbillivirus, influenza A virus, and Toxoplasma gondii are all of concern, particularly with the relative naivety of the immune systems of endemic Arctic species. There is a clear need for increased surveillance to understand baseline disease levels and address the gravity of the predicted impacts of climate change on marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Barratclough
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Steven H. Ferguson
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada;
| | - Christian Lydersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
| | - Peter O. Thomas
- Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Kit M. Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
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Sharp SM, Gomez FM, Meegan JM, Rowles TK, Townsend F, Schwacke LH, Smith CR. Using Blood Gas Analysis and Capnography to Determine Oxygenation Status in Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050423. [PMID: 37235238 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in 2010, poor pulmonary health and reproductive failure in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico were well-documented. One postulated etiology for the increased fetal distress syndrome and pneumonia found in affected perinatal dolphins was maternal hypoxia caused by lung disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of blood gas analysis and capnography in determining oxygenation status in bottlenose dolphins with and without pulmonary disease. Blood and breath samples were collected from 59 free-ranging dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana (BB), during a capture-release health assessment program, and from 30 managed dolphins from the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego, CA. The former was the oil-exposed cohort and the latter served as a control cohort with known health histories. Capnography and select blood gas parameters were compared based on the following factors: cohort, sex, age/length class, reproductive status, and severity of pulmonary disease. Animals with moderate-severe lung disease had higher bicarbonate concentrations (p = 0.005), pH (p < 0.001), TCO2 (p = 0.012), and more positive base excess (p = 0.001) than animals with normal-mild disease. Capnography (ETCO2) was found to have a weak positive correlation with blood PCO2 (p = 0.020), with a mean difference of 5.02 mmHg (p < 0.001). Based on these findings, indirect oxygenation measures, including TCO2, bicarbonate, and pH, show promise in establishing the oxygenation status in dolphins with and without pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Sharp
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
- International Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675, USA
| | | | - Jenny M Meegan
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Forrest Townsend
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
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Balmer BC, Westgate AJ, McFee WE. Challenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters. ANIMAL BIOTELEMETRY 2023; 11:15. [PMID: 37033744 PMCID: PMC10064944 DOI: 10.1186/s40317-023-00328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Satellite telemetry is critical for collecting fine-scale temporal and spatial data on individual animals that has broad-scale applicability at population and species levels. There have been significant advances in the remote deployment of satellite telemetry devices on large cetacean species. However, the development of comparable remote attachment methodologies for small cetaceans is still limited. Currently, satellite tag attachment for small cetaceans requires manual capture that increases the risk to the target animal, can be logistically challenging, and cost prohibitive. The goal of this project was to develop a novel tool to remotely attach single-pin satellite telemetry devices to the dorsal fin of individual small cetaceans. Three different spring-loaded designs and one pneumatic version of the remote attachment device were built in an iterative process to identify a successful deployment methodology. Ultimately, as a result of logistical challenges associated with a Category 5 hurricane, the COVID-19 pandemic, and engineering complexities related to dorsal fin morphology and small cetacean behavior, the objective of this project was not met. However, lessons learned from these attempts to develop this new sampling tool have applicability for future researchers in the successful completion of a safe and effective methodology for remote attachment of satellite tags to small cetacean dorsal fins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Balmer
- Dolphin Relief and Research, 6 Antelope Way, Clancy, MT 59634 USA
| | - Andrew J. Westgate
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 USA
| | - Wayne E. McFee
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 USA
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Cloyed CS, Johnson C, DaCosta KP, Clance LR, Russell ML, Díaz Clark C, Hieb EE, Carmichael RH. Effects of tissue decomposition on stable isotope ratios and implications for use of stranded animals in research. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carl S. Cloyed
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab Dauphin Island Alabama USA
- Department of Marine Science University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama USA
| | | | - Kayla P. DaCosta
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab Dauphin Island Alabama USA
- Department of Marine Science University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama USA
| | - Lauren R. Clance
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab Dauphin Island Alabama USA
- Department of Marine Science University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama USA
| | | | | | | | - Ruth H. Carmichael
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab Dauphin Island Alabama USA
- Department of Marine Science University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama USA
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Boys RM, Beausoleil NJ, Pawley MDM, Littlewood KE, Betty EL, Stockin KA. Identification of potential welfare and survival indicators for stranded cetaceans through international, interdisciplinary expert opinion. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220646. [PMID: 36312566 PMCID: PMC9554527 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Management of live cetacean strandings generally focuses on refloating animals, yet there is a lack of scientific data to inform decision-making. Valid indicators that are practical to measure are needed to assess welfare status and survival likelihood for stranded cetaceans. The Delphi method was applied to gather international and interdisciplinary expert opinion to provide face validity to potential indicators of stranded cetacean welfare and survival likelihood. Two online questionnaires were conducted. In the first questionnaire these experts identified potential indicators of stranded cetacean welfare and survival likelihood. These indicators were subsequently scored by the same experts in questionnaire two, based on their value for assessing welfare/survival likelihood and being practical to measure. Indicators considered valuable and practical for assessing welfare and survival likelihood at strandings included animal-based indices of body and skin condition, signs of physical trauma, respiration rate and various behaviours. Resource-/management-based indicators related mainly to human intervention and should be correlated with animal-based indices to provide relevant evaluations. Importantly, inextricable links between welfare and survival for stranded cetaceans are emphasized, with 90% of indicators being similar for both. Investigations into these indicators should be conducted to develop a practical, science-based assessment framework to inform decision-making during stranding events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Boys
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ngaio J. Beausoleil
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Matthew D. M. Pawley
- School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Katherine E. Littlewood
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Emma L. Betty
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karen A. Stockin
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland, New Zealand
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Gómez R, Neri-Bazán RM, Posadas-Mondragon A, Vizcaíno-Dorado PA, Magaña JJ, Aguilar-Faisal JL. Molecular Assessments, Statistical Effectiveness Parameters and Genetic Structure of Captive Populations of Tursiops truncatus Using 15 STRs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141857. [PMID: 35883404 PMCID: PMC9312175 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The bottlenose dolphins are one of the most used species in entertainment, assisted therapy, education, and research on welfare. However, their maintenance in captivity requires powerful and sensitive tools for preserving their diversity. The number of genetic markers for this purpose remains controversial, restraining the marine species’ genetic diversity determination. We aimed to select 15 hypervariable molecular markers whose statistical parameters were made in 210 captive dolphins from 18 Mexican centers to support their usefulness. The proposed set of markers allowed us to obtain a genetic fingerprint of each dolphin. Additionally, we identified the structure of the captive population, analyzing the groups according to the capture location. Such characterization is key for maintaining the captive species’ biodiversity rates within conservation and reintroduction programs. However, these 15 genetic markers can also be helpful for small- isolated populations, subspecies and other genera of endangered and vulnerable species. Abstract Genetic analysis is a conventional way of identifying and monitoring captive and wildlife species. Knowledge of statistical parameters reinforcing their usefulness and effectiveness as powerful tools for preserving diversity is crucial. Although several studies have reported the diversity of cetaceans such as Tursiops truncatus using microsatellites, its informative degree has been poorly reported. Furthermore, the genetic structure of this cetacean has not been fully studied. In the present study, we selected 15 microsatellites with which 210 dolphins were genetically characterized using capillary electrophoresis. The genetic assertiveness of this set of hypervariable markers identified one individual in the range of 6.927e13 to 1.806e16, demonstrating its substantial capability in kinship relationships. The genetic structure of these 210 dolphins was also determined regarding the putative capture origin; a genetic stratification (k = 2) was found. An additional dolphin group of undetermined origin was also characterized to challenge the proficiency of our chosen markers. The set of markers proposed herein could be a helpful tool to guarantee the maintenance of the genetic diversity rates in conservation programs both in Tursiops truncatus and across other odontocetes, Mysticeti and several genera of endangered and vulnerable species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Gómez
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Rocío M. Neri-Bazán
- Laboratorio de Medicina de Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina-Instituto Politécnico Nacional (ESM-IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (R.M.N.-B.); (A.P.-M.)
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra-Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico;
| | - Araceli Posadas-Mondragon
- Laboratorio de Medicina de Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina-Instituto Politécnico Nacional (ESM-IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (R.M.N.-B.); (A.P.-M.)
| | - Pablo A. Vizcaíno-Dorado
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra-Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico;
| | - Jonathan J. Magaña
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra-Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico;
- Departamento de Bioingenieria, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey-Campus Ciudad de México (ITESM-CCM), Mexico City 14380, Mexico
- Correspondence: (J.J.M.); (J.L.A.-F.)
| | - José Leopoldo Aguilar-Faisal
- Laboratorio de Medicina de Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina-Instituto Politécnico Nacional (ESM-IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (R.M.N.-B.); (A.P.-M.)
- Correspondence: (J.J.M.); (J.L.A.-F.)
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Evaluating Potential Cetacean Welfare Indicators from Video of Live Stranded Long-Finned Pilot Whales ( Globicephala melas edwardii). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141861. [PMID: 35883407 PMCID: PMC9312325 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the known benefit of considering welfare within wildlife conservation and management, there remains a lack of data to inform such evaluations. To assess animal welfare, relevant information must be captured scientifically and systematically. A key first step is identifying potential indicators of welfare and the practicality of their measurement. We assessed the feasibility of evaluating potential welfare indicators from opportunistically gathered video footage of four stranded odontocete species (n = 53) at 14 stranding events around New Zealand. The first stranded cetacean ethogram was compiled, including 30 different behaviours, 20 of which were observed in all four species. Additionally, thirteen types of human intervention were classified. A subset of 49 live stranded long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) were assessed to determine indicator prevalence and to quantify behaviours. Four ‘welfare status’ and six ‘welfare alerting’ non-behavioural indicators could be consistently evaluated from the footage. Additionally, two composite behavioural indicators were feasible. Three human intervention types (present, watering, and touching) and five animal behaviours (tail flutter, dorsal fin flutter, head lift, tail lift, and head side-to-side) were prevalent (>40% of individuals). Our study highlights the potential for non-invasive, remote assessments via video footage and represents an initial step towards developing a systematic, holistic welfare assessment framework for stranded cetaceans.
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Fundamental Concepts, Knowledge Gaps and Key Concerns Relating to Welfare and Survival of Stranded Cetaceans. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14050338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife management can influence animal welfare and survival, although both are often not explicitly integrated into decision making. This study explores fundamental concepts and key concerns relating to the welfare and survival of stranded cetaceans. Using the Delphi method, the opinions of an international, interdisciplinary expert panel were gathered, regarding the characterisation of stranded cetacean welfare and survival likelihood, knowledge gaps and key concerns. Experts suggest that stranded cetacean welfare should be characterised based on interrelated aspects of animals’ biological function, behaviour, and mental state and the impacts of human interventions. The characterisation of survival likelihood should reflect aspects of stranded animals’ biological functioning and behaviour as well as a 6-month post-re-floating survival marker. Post-release monitoring was the major knowledge gap for survival. Welfare knowledge gaps related to diagnosing internal injuries, interpreting behavioural and physiological parameters, and euthanasia decision making. Twelve concerns were highlighted for both welfare and survival likelihood, including difficulty breathing and organ compression, skin damage and physical traumas, separation from conspecifics, and suffering and stress due to stranding and human intervention. These findings indicate inextricable links between perceptions of welfare state and the likely survival of stranded cetaceans and demonstrate a need to integrate welfare science alongside conservation biology to achieve effective, ethical management at strandings.
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Guo Y, Gui D, Zhang X, Liu W, Xie Q, Yu X, Wu Y. Blubber Cortisol-Based Approach to Explore the Endocrine Responses of Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins ( Sousa chinensis) to Diet Shifts and Contaminant Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1069-1080. [PMID: 34965107 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of contaminant exposure and changes in the availability of food resources are still of concern for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). Here, we validated and applied a blubber cortisol biomarker approach to assess the physiological responses of PRE dolphins to various pollutants and diet changes during 2008-2018 (n = 70). For calves, generalized additive models (GAMs) revealed that cortisol levels varied significantly by month and were positively correlated with the body length, owing to significant maternal transfer of hormones. The significantly positive correlation between length-adjusted cortisol levels in calf and the annual calf mortality ratios suggested that during years of high calf mortality, these animals were highly stressed before they die. For noncalves, blubber cortisol levels in diseased animals were significantly higher than those in "healthy" ones. Chromium (Cr) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes displayed a significant and positive relationship with blubber cortisol levels, suggesting that contaminant-mediated endocrine disruption effects may have occurred in noncalves. The GAMs indicated a decreasing trend of noncalf's blubber cortisol levels over an 11-year span, which can be explained by their declining contaminant accumulation levels due to a significant dietary shift from eating highly contaminated fishes to less polluted ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Guo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Duan Gui
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Xinjian Yu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
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13
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Linnehan BK, Gomez FM, Huston SM, Hsu A, Takeshita R, Colegrove KM, Harms CA, Barratclough A, Deming AC, Rowles TK, Musser WB, Zolman ES, Wells RS, Jensen ED, Schwacke LH, Smith CR. Cardiac assessments of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico following exposure to Deepwater Horizon oil. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261112. [PMID: 34905585 PMCID: PMC8670661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill profoundly impacted the health of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Barataria Bay, LA (BB). To comprehensively assess the cardiac health of dolphins living within the DWH oil spill footprint, techniques for in-water cardiac evaluation were refined with dolphins cared for by the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program in 2018 and applied to free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in BB (n = 34) and Sarasota Bay, Florida (SB) (n = 19), a non-oiled reference population. Cardiac auscultation detected systolic murmurs in the majority of dolphins from both sites (88% BB, 89% SB) and echocardiography showed most of the murmurs were innocent flow murmurs attributed to elevated blood flow velocity [1]. Telemetric six-lead electrocardiography detected arrhythmias in BB dolphins (43%) and SB dolphins (31%), all of which were considered low to moderate risk for adverse cardiac events. Echocardiography showed BB dolphins had thinner left ventricular walls, with significant differences in intraventricular septum thickness at the end of diastole (p = 0.002), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at the end of diastole (p = 0.033). BB dolphins also had smaller left atrial size (p = 0.004), higher prevalence of tricuspid valve prolapse (p = 0.003), higher prevalence of tricuspid valve thickening (p = 0.033), and higher prevalence of aortic valve thickening (p = 0.008). Two dolphins in BB were diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension based on Doppler echocardiography-derived estimates and supporting echocardiographic findings. Histopathology of dolphins who stranded within the DWH oil spill footprint showed a significantly higher prevalence of myocardial fibrosis (p = 0.003), regardless of age, compared to dolphins outside the oil spill footprint. In conclusion, there were substantial cardiac abnormalities identified in BB dolphins which may be related to DWH oil exposure, however, future work is needed to rule out other hypotheses and further elucidate the connection between oil exposure, pulmonary disease, and the observed cardiac abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara K. Linnehan
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Forrest M. Gomez
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Sharon M. Huston
- San Diego Veterinary Cardiology, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Adonia Hsu
- San Diego Veterinary Cardiology, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Ryan Takeshita
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Colegrove
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Craig A. Harms
- North Carolina State University, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, Morehead City, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ashley Barratclough
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Alissa C. Deming
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Teri K. Rowles
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Whitney B. Musser
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Eric S. Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Eric D. Jensen
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Lori H. Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Cynthia R. Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
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14
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Cloyed CS, Wilson RM, Balmer BC, Hohn AA, Schwacke LH, Zolman ES, Tumlin MC, Wells RS, Barleycorn AA, Allen JB, Carmichael RH. Specialization of a mobile, apex predator affects trophic coupling among adjacent habitats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19611. [PMID: 34608172 PMCID: PMC8490471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile, apex predators are commonly assumed to stabilize food webs through trophic coupling across spatially distinct habitats. The assumption that trophic coupling is common remains largely untested, despite evidence that individual behaviors might limit trophic coupling. We used stable isotope data from common bottlenose dolphins across the Gulf of Mexico to determine if these apex predators coupled estuarine and adjacent, nearshore marine habitats. δ13C values differed among the sites, likely driven by environmental factors that varied at each site, such as freshwater input and seagrass cover. Within most sites, δ13C values differed such that dolphins sampled in the upper reaches of embayments had values indicative of estuarine habitats while those sampled outside or in lower reaches of embayments had values indicative of marine habitats. δ15N values were more similar among and within sites than δ13C values. Data from multiple tissues within individuals corroborated that most dolphins consistently used a narrow range of habitats but fed at similar trophic levels in estuarine and marine habitats. Because these dolphins exhibited individual habitat specialization, they likely do not contribute to trophic coupling between estuarine and adjacent marine habitats at a regional scale, suggesting that not all mobile, apex predators trophically couple adjacent habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl S Cloyed
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528, USA. .,Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
| | - Rachel M Wilson
- Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
| | - Aleta A Hohn
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Beaufort, NC, 28516, USA
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
| | - Mandy C Tumlin
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Aaron A Barleycorn
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Jason B Allen
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Ruth H Carmichael
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528, USA.,Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
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15
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Takeshita R, Balmer BC, Messina F, Zolman ES, Thomas L, Wells RS, Smith CR, Rowles TK, Schwacke LH. High site-fidelity in common bottlenose dolphins despite low salinity exposure and associated indicators of compromised health. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258031. [PMID: 34591903 PMCID: PMC8483354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 2,000 common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabit the Barataria Bay Estuarine System in Louisiana, USA, a highly productive estuary with variable salinity driven by natural and man-made processes. It was unclear whether dolphins that are long-term residents to specific areas within the basin move in response to fluctuations in salinity, which at times can decline to 0 parts per thousand in portions of the basin. In June 2017, we conducted health assessments and deployed satellite telemetry tags on dolphins in the northern portions of the Barataria Bay Estuarine System Stock area (9 females; 4 males). We analyzed their fine-scale movements relative to modeled salinity trends compared to dolphins tagged near the barrier islands (higher salinity environments) from 2011 to 2017 (37 females; 21 males). Even though we observed different movement patterns among individual dolphins, we found no evidence that tagged dolphins moved coincident with changes in salinity. One tagged dolphin spent at least 35 consecutive days, and 75 days in total, in salinity under 5 parts per thousand. Health assessments took place early in a seasonal period of decreased salinity. Nonetheless, we found an increased prevalence of skin lesions, as well as abnormalities in serum biochemical markers and urine:serum osmolality ratios for dolphins sampled in lower salinity areas. This study provides essential information on the likely behavioral responses of dolphins to changes in salinity (e.g., severe storms or from the proposed Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project) and on physiological markers to inform the timing and severity of impacts from low salinity exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Takeshita
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Brian C. Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Francesca Messina
- Water Institute of the Gulf, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Eric S. Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Cynthia R. Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Teresa K. Rowles
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lori H. Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
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16
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Segura-Göthlin S, Fernández A, Arbelo M, Felipe-Jiménez I, Colom-Rivero A, Almunia J, Sierra E. The Validation of a Non-Invasive Skin Sampling Device for Detecting Cetacean Poxvirus. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102814. [PMID: 34679836 PMCID: PMC8532937 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The current growing social awareness of animal welfare has led to the development of welfare indicators, which are effective tools for assessing each of the integrated aspects of this multidisciplinary issue. Hence, skin diseases have been suggested as potential general health indicators for use in cetaceans. Particularly cetacean poxvirus causes distinguishable hyperpigmented “ring” or “tattoo” lesions that affect cetaceans both in the wild and in managed facilities. However, most studies have analyzed these characteristic lesions through visual appraisal, while only a few have implemented diagnostic methods to corroborate the presence of the virus. To this end, skin biopsies are usually the sampling method selected, although they are considered to be an intrusive procedure. In this study, we analyzed sloughed skin sampled with cytology cell samplers (CCSs) in 12 tattoo-like lesions from two free-ranging cetaceans stranded in the Canary Islands. We employed two different DNA extraction methods and compared the effectiveness of the device with that of biopsies. All the lesions resulted positive for cetacean poxvirus, obtaining reliable data from the use of this device. Thus, CCS is considered to be a promising non-invasive tool for further assessing skin diseases in cetaceans, particularly those under human care, without affecting their welfare. Abstract Poxvirus-like lesions are widely used as a potential health indicator in cetaceans, although for this application, corroboration of Poxvirus skin disease is imperative. Aiming to address skin biopsies intrusiveness, a preliminary investigation of a non-invasive skin sampling procedure to molecularly detect CePV-1 in 12 tattoo-like-lesions from two free-ranging stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands was performed. Skin lesions were brushed with cytology cell samplers (CCSs) and placed into 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes with 1 mL of RNAlaterTM Stabilization Solution. For factual comparisons, DNA extractions from sloughed skin obtained with CCS and biopsies from the same lesions were accomplished with DNA Tissue Kit STM (QuickGene, Kurabo, Japan). Moreover, a second DNA extraction from sloughed skin with DNeasyTM Blood and Tissue Kit (Qiagen, Inc., Valencia, CA, USA) was performed to ascertain kit suitability for CCS. Molecular detection of CePV-1 was performed through a real-time PCR. As a result, a 91.7% and 83.3% rates of positivity were obtained with biopsies and CCS through Quickgene, respectively, compared to the rate of 100% using CCS with Qiagen. Accordingly, CCS is a reliable non-invasive sampling device to obtain sufficient genetic material to be analyzed for CePV-1 in tattoo-skin-lesions as well as for other purposes in cetaceans under human care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Segura-Göthlin
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-928-451-095
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
| | - Idaira Felipe-Jiménez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
| | - Ana Colom-Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Foundation, Avda. Loro Parque, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Spain;
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
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17
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Cloyed CS, Balmer BC, Schwacke LH, Wells RS, Berens McCabe EJ, Barleycorn AA, Allen JB, Rowles TK, Smith CR, Takeshita R, Townsend FI, Tumlin MC, Zolman ES, Carmichael RH. Interaction between dietary and habitat niche breadth influences cetacean vulnerability to environmental disturbance. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carl S. Cloyed
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island Alabama 36608 USA
- Department of Marine Sciences University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama 36688 USA
| | - Brian C. Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Lori H. Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Berens McCabe
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Aaron A. Barleycorn
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Jason B. Allen
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Teresa K. Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA 1315 East West Highway Silver Spring Maryland 20910 USA
| | - Cynthia R. Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 2240 Shelter Island Drive #200 San Diego California 92106 USA
| | - Ryan Takeshita
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Forrest I. Townsend
- Bayside Hospital for Animals 251 Racetrack Road NE Fort Walton Beach Florida 32547 USA
| | - Mandy C. Tumlin
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 2000 Quail Drive Baton Rouge Louisiana 70808 USA
| | - Eric S. Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Ruth H. Carmichael
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island Alabama 36608 USA
- Department of Marine Sciences University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama 36688 USA
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18
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Fuentes-Albero MC, González-Brusi L, Cots P, Luongo C, Abril-Sánchez S, Ros-Santaella JL, Pintus E, Ruiz-Díaz S, Barros-García C, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, García-Párraga D, Avilés M, Izquierdo Rico MJ, García-Vázquez FA. Protein Identification of Spermatozoa and Seminal Plasma in Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus). Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673961. [PMID: 34336830 PMCID: PMC8323341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins play an important role in many reproductive functions such as sperm maturation, sperm transit in the female genital tract or sperm-oocyte interaction. However, in general, little information concerning reproductive features is available in the case of aquatic animals. The present study aims to characterize the proteome of both spermatozoa and seminal plasma of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as a model organism for cetaceans. Ejaculate samples were obtained from two trained dolphins housed in an aquarium. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma were analyzed by means of proteomic analyses using an LC-MS/MS, and a list with the gene symbols corresponding to each protein was submitted to the DAVID database. Of the 419 proteins identified in spermatozoa and 303 in seminal plasma, 111 proteins were shared by both. Furthermore, 70 proteins were identified as involved in reproductive processes, 39 in spermatozoa, and 31 in seminal plasma. The five most abundant proteins were also identified in these samples: AKAP3, ODF2, TUBB, GSTM3, ROPN1 for spermatozoa and CST11, LTF, ALB, HSP90B1, PIGR for seminal plasma. In conclusion, this study provides the first characterization of the proteome in cetacean sperm and seminal plasma, opening the way to future research into new biomarkers, the analysis of conservation capacity or possible additional applications in the field of assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari-Carmen Fuentes-Albero
- Department of Biology, Avanqua-Oceanogràfic S.L, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Paula Cots
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Chiara Luongo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Abril-Sánchez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Luis Ros-Santaella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eliana Pintus
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sara Ruiz-Díaz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Agricultural and Food Research and Technology Institute (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María-Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Agricultural and Food Research and Technology Institute (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Department of Biology, Avanqua-Oceanogràfic S.L, Valencia, Spain.,Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Mᵃ José Izquierdo Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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19
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Barratclough A, Gomez FM, Morey JS, Meegan JM, Parry C, Schwacke L, Jensen ED, Smith CR. Biochemical and hematological biomarkers of reproductive failure in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2021; 144:197-208. [PMID: 34042067 DOI: 10.3354/dao03591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The physiological demands of pregnancy inevitably result in alterations in both biochemical and hematological parameters as fetal development occurs. The shifts observed in successful pregnancy in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus to support both fetal physiological needs and maternal basal requirements have been established according to each trimester. Detecting aberrations in blood-based biomarkers could help facilitate diagnosis of gestational abnormalities, improve our understanding of factors influencing reproductive outcomes and aid in prediction of reproductive failure. This study retrospectively analyzed 263 blood samples from 15 bottlenose dolphins in 21 failed pregnancies over 28 yr (1989-2017). Most samples remained within normal pregnancy reference ranges; however, significant shifts were observed between trimesters. Hematological alterations, compared to successful pregnancy reference ranges from previously published data, were consistent across failed pregnancies and included an increased prevalence of elevated 2nd and 3rd trimester neutrophils, elevated 2nd trimester monocytes and decreased 3rd trimester eosinophils. In addition, low hematocrit and low red blood cells were more prevalent in the 2nd trimester. Biochemical shifts included an increased prevalence of elevated creatine phosphokinase in the 3rd trimester outside of the normal reference ranges. Across failed pregnancies, calcium and iron were decreased in the 3rd trimester. Significantly decreased progesterone in the 3rd trimester was a negative prognostic indicator of pregnancy outcome with decreasing 3rd trimester progesterone associated with failed pregnancy. This study demonstrates the use of blood-based biomarkers as possible predictors of pregnancy outcome in bottlenose dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Barratclough
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
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De Guise S, Levin M, Jasperse L, Herrman J, Wells RS, Rowles T, Schwacke L. Long-Term Immunological Alterations in Bottlenose Dolphin a Decade after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Potential for Multigenerational Effects. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1308-1321. [PMID: 33598929 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Health assessments were conducted on bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA, during 2011 to 2018, to assess potential health effects following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, compared to the unoiled Sarasota Bay, Florida, USA, reference dolphin population. We previously reported significant increases in T-lymphocyte proliferation, as well as lower T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines, higher Th2 cytokine IL-4, and lower T regulatory (Treg) cytokine IL-10 in Barataria Bay in 2011 compared to Sarasota Bay, consistent with Deepwater Horizon oil exposure. Although values between 2013 and 2016 were more similar to those observed in Sarasota Bay, T-cell proliferation was again elevated and cytokine balance tilted toward Th2 in Barataria Bay during 2017-2018. In 2018, Barataria Bay dolphins had significantly more circulating Treg cells than Sarasota Bay dolphins. Mice experimentally exposed to oil also had significantly increased T-lymphocyte proliferation and circulating Treg cell number, including effects in their unexposed progeny. In vitro stimulation resulted in greater Th2 responsiveness in Barataria Bay compared to Sarasota Bay dolphins, and in vitro oil exposure of Sarasota Bay dolphin cells also resulted in enhanced Th2 responsiveness. Evidence points to Treg cells as a potential target for the immunomodulatory effects of oil exposure. The immunological trends observed in Barataria Bay appeared exaggerated in dolphins born after the spill, suggesting the possibility of continued oil exposure or multigenerational health consequences of exposure to oil, as observed in mice. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1308-1321. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Connecticut Sea Grant Program, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lindsay Jasperse
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jean Herrman
- Companion Animal Dental Services, Bolton, Connecticut, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Teresa Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Lori Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
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21
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Sherman KK, Beaulieu-McCoy NE, Wurster EL, Wells RS, Smith CR, Barleycorn AA, Allen JB, Kellar NM. Serum correlation, demographic differentiation, and seasonality of blubber testosterone in common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in Sarasota Bay, FL. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8941. [PMID: 33903714 PMCID: PMC8076180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88602-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Blubber and serum testosterone levels were compared among 55 individual common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in Sarasota Bay, FL during 2011–2019. A significant positive relationship between the matrices was found in male testosterone concentrations in 29 paired samples (r2 = 0.932). Mature males (n = 17) had 300 times greater mean testosterone concentration in serum than immature males (n = 17). A comparison of blubber samples, including 12 females, 24 immature males, and 19 mature males, revealed significant differences in mean blubber testosterone values among all three demographics. Immature males had greater than 6 times the average blubber testosterone concentration of females and mature males had almost 100 times that of immature males. Estimated testis volume was highly correlated with blubber testosterone concentration and mature males had 60 times greater average testis volume than immature males. We observed seasonal variation in blubber testosterone in mature males, consistent with known reproductive patterns. These data suggest males can be distinguished from females and designated as mature or immature via blubber testosterone concentrations, an observation that validates dart biopsy sampling as a means of obtaining demographic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn K Sherman
- Environmental Assessment Services, LLC, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Nicole E Beaulieu-McCoy
- Volunteer With Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Elyse L Wurster
- Environmental Assessment Services, LLC, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Cynthia R Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
| | - Aaron A Barleycorn
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Jason B Allen
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Nicholas M Kellar
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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22
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Characterization of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Sperm Based on Morphometric Traits. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050355. [PMID: 33922110 PMCID: PMC8143526 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Dolphins are one of the best adapted aquatic mammalians in captivity. While these animals can reproduce naturally in aquaria, many aspects related to their reproduction are still unknown. Their behavior, sociability with humans and ability to learn make dolphins ideal subjects for investigating their reproduction features for conservation programs aimed at this aquatic species and others. It is known that dolphins use a multi-male mating strategy, in which sperm competition could play a fundamental role. This study aims to characterize the shape and dimensions of dolphin sperm from two mature males and putatively classifies them into subpopulations. Moreover, the influence of sex hormone levels (testosterone) and refrigeration (temperature and storage period) with sperm dimension was evaluated. The results indicated that sperm dimensions and shape differed between the two males studied and that the sperm of both males could be classified into two subpopulations depending on their dimensions. Moreover, both testosterone levels and refrigeration were seen to influence sperm dimensions. This investigation provides new insights into sperm competition in dolphin species, and the results could be extrapolated to other endangered aquatic mammalian species. Abstract Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) males follow many reproductive strategies to ensure their paternity. However, little is known about the sperm traits, including morphometric features, that contribute to their reproductive success. Our aim was to study dolphin sperm morphometry (a total of 13 parameters) in two adult males to evaluate (i) presumptive sperm subpopulations, (ii) the correlation of sperm morphometry with testosterone levels and (iii) the effect of refrigerated storage on the sperm morphometry. Sperm populations were classified into four principal components (PCs) based on morphometry (>94% of cumulative variance). The PCs clustered into two different sperm subpopulations, which differed between males. Furthermore, the levels of serum testosterone were positively correlated with the length of the midpiece but negatively correlated with head width and the principal piece, flagellum and total sperm lengths. Most of the sperm morphometric parameters changed during the storage period (day 1 vs. day 7), but only the principal piece length was affected by the storage temperature (5 °C vs. 15 °C). This is the first study to identify dolphin sperm subpopulations based on morphometry and the influence of serum testosterone and refrigeration on sperm morphometry.
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Herrman JM, Morey JS, Takeshita R, De Guise S, Wells RS, McFee W, Speakman T, Townsend F, Smith CR, Rowles T, Schwacke L. Age determination of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) using dental radiography pulp:tooth area ratio measurements. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242273. [PMID: 33216762 PMCID: PMC7678971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age is an important parameter to better understand wildlife populations, and is especially relevant for interpreting data for fecundity, health, and survival assessments. Estimating ages for marine mammals presents a particular challenge due to the environment they inhabit: accessibility is limited and, when temporarily restrained for assessment, the window of opportunity for data collection is relatively short. For wild dolphins, researchers have described a variety of age-determination techniques, but the gold-standard relies upon photo-identification to establish individual observational life histories from birth. However, there are few populations with such long-term data sets, therefore alternative techniques for age estimation are required for individual animals without a known birth period. While there are a variety of methods to estimate ages, each involves some combination of drawbacks, including a lack of precision across all ages, weeks-to-months of analysis time, logistical concerns for field applications, and/or novel techniques still in early development and validation. Here, we describe a non-invasive field technique to determine the age of small cetaceans using periapical dental radiography and subsequent measurement of pulp:tooth area ratios. The technique has been successfully applied for bottlenose dolphins briefly restrained during capture-release heath assessments in various locations in the Gulf of Mexico. Based on our comparisons of dental radiography data to life history ages, the pulp:tooth area ratio method can reliably provide same-day estimates for ages of dolphins up to about 10 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M. Herrman
- Companion Animal Dental Services, Bolton, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeanine S. Morey
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Ryan Takeshita
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Wayne McFee
- NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Todd Speakman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Forrest Townsend
- Bayside Hospital for Animals, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Cynthia R. Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Teresa Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lori Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
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Linnehan BK, Hsu A, Gomez FM, Huston SM, Takeshita R, Colegrove KM, Rowles TK, Barratclough A, Musser WB, Harms CA, Cendejas V, Zolman ES, Balmer BC, Townsend FI, Wells RS, Jensen ED, Schwacke LH, Smith CR. Standardization of Dolphin Cardiac Auscultation and Characterization of Heart Murmurs in Managed and Free-Ranging Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus). Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:570055. [PMID: 33240948 PMCID: PMC7678442 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.570055] [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: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac auscultation is an important, albeit underutilized tool in aquatic animal medicine due to the many challenges associated with in-water examinations. The aims of this prospective study were to (1) establish an efficient and repeatable in-water cardiac auscultation technique in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), (2) describe the presence and characterization of heart murmurs detected in free-ranging and managed dolphins, and (3) characterize heart murmur etiology through echocardiography in free-ranging dolphins. For technique development, 65 dolphins cared for by the Navy Marine Mammal Program (Navy) were auscultated. The techniques were then applied to two free-ranging dolphin populations during capture-release health assessments: Sarasota Bay, Florida (SB), a reference population, and Barataria Bay, LA (BB), a well-studied population of dolphins impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Systolic heart murmurs were detected at a frequent and similar prevalence in all dolphin populations examined (Navy 92%, SB 89%, and BB 88%), and characterized as fixed or dynamic. In all three populations, sternal cranial and left cranial were the most common locations for murmur point of maximal intensity (PMI). An in-water transthoracic echocardiogram technique was refined on a subset of Navy dolphins, and full echocardiographic exams were performed on 17 SB dolphins and 29 BB dolphins, of which, 40 had murmurs. Spectral Doppler was used to measure flow velocities across the outflow tracts, and almost all dolphins with audible murmurs had peak outflow velocities ≥1.6 m/s (95%, 38/40); three dolphins also had medium mitral regurgitation which could be the source of their murmurs. The presence of audible murmurs in most of the free-ranging dolphins (88%) was attributed to high velocity blood flow as seen on echocardiography, similar to a phenomenon described in other athletic species. These innocent murmurs were generally characterized as Grade I-III systolic murmurs with PMI in the left or sternal cranial region. This study is the first to describe an efficient technique for in-water dolphin cardiac auscultation, and to present evidence that heart murmurs are common in bottlenose dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adonia Hsu
- San Diego Veterinary Cardiology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Forrest M Gomez
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Sharon M Huston
- San Diego Veterinary Cardiology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Ryan Takeshita
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kathleen M Colegrove
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Brookfield, IL, United States
| | - Teri K Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Craig A Harms
- Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, North Carolina State University, Morehead City, NC, United States
| | | | - Eric S Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Eric D Jensen
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia R Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
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