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Toivonen P, Laaksonen T, Piironen A, Selonen V. The habitat preferences of invasive raccoon dog imply elevated risks for wetland-associated prey species. Oecologia 2024:10.1007/s00442-024-05614-y. [PMID: 39230726 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05614-y] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Habitat preferences of invasive predators determine where and for which prey species they pose a threat upon. This is crucial information for the conservation of endangered prey species because invasive predators pose additional predation on top of that caused by natural predators. In large parts of Europe, the most common invasive mesopredator is the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). To understand the risk that the raccoon dog poses for wetland-associated species, we collected information about its habitat preferences near these habitats. We used data on 24 GPS-collared raccoon dogs from three landscape types in Finland, to study their spatial and temporal habitat preferences. We first determined their home ranges, within which we then examined habitat use and preferences. Raccoon dogs showed generalist habitat use, which was evident in their wide range of used habitats. However, in spring and summer, during the breeding seasons of waterfowl and amphibians, they preferred wetlands and peatlands. They also preferred shorelines and the edges of forests and agricultural fields. During autumn and winter, raccoon dogs did not prefer wetlands. These findings support the conclusion that the raccoon dog's habitat preferences pose a particular threat to wetland-associated species, such as nesting waterfowl and amphibians. The species' habitat preferences coupled with high numbers of this invasive mesopredator pose additional predation for endangered wetland-associated species on top of that of native predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyry Toivonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Toni Laaksonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Piironen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Vesa Selonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
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2
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Fredriksson-Ahomaa M, Johansson V, Heljanko V, Nuotio E, Nihtilä H, Heikinheimo A, Kivistö R. Foodborne pathogenic bacteria in wild European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus). Acta Vet Scand 2024; 66:32. [PMID: 39010071 PMCID: PMC11251316 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00747-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are widely distributed across Europe. They may play an important role by spreading zoonotic bacteria in the environment and to humans and animals. The aim of our work was to study the prevalence and characteristics of the most important foodborne bacterial pathogens in wild hedgehogs. RESULTS Faecal samples from 148 hospitalised wild hedgehogs originating from the Helsinki region in southern Finland were studied. Foodborne pathogens were detected in 60% of the hedgehogs by PCR. Listeria (26%) and STEC (26%) were the most common foodborne pathogens. Salmonella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter were detected in 18%, 16%, and 7% of hedgehogs, respectively. Salmonella and Yersinia were highly susceptible to the tested antimicrobials. Salmonella Enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes 2a were the most common types found in hedgehogs. All S. Enteritidis belonged to one sequence type (ST11), forming four clusters of closely related isolates. L. monocytogenes was genetically more diverse than Salmonella, belonging to 11 STs. C. jejuni ST45 and ST677, Y. pseudotuberculosis O:1 of ST9 and ST42, and Y. enterocolitica O:9 of ST139 were also found. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that wild European hedgehogs should be considered an important source of foodborne pathogens, and appropriate hygiene measures after any contact with hedgehogs and strict biosecurity around farms are therefore important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fredriksson-Ahomaa
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Venla Johansson
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Viivi Heljanko
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina Nuotio
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Annamari Heikinheimo
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Microbiology Unit, Finnish Food Authority, Seinäjoki, 60100, Finland
| | - Rauni Kivistö
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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3
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Korslund LM, Floden MS, Albertsen MMS, Landsverk A, Løkken KMV, Johansen BS. Home Range, Movement, and Nest Use of Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) in an Urban Environment Prior to Hibernation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:130. [PMID: 38200861 PMCID: PMC10778517 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010130] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is in decline, and it is important to identify its challenges. We used VHF-telemetry to monitor pre-hibernation space use, nest use, and hibernation sites in a suburban area in Norway. Based on nine adult hedgehogs tracked between August and November 2002, we found that home range size was not dependent on individual sex or weight and that home ranges overlapped between individuals regardless of sex. The distance moved was not dependent on individual sex, but there was a tendency for increased movement before dawn. The number of nests used per individual (0-10) and the number of nest switches (0-14) varied greatly and did not differ significantly between sexes. Out of 28 nest sites, 16 were linked to buildings and 12 to vegetation, and nesting material was most often grass and leaves. Three hedgehogs monitored until hibernation established winter nests under tree roots in natural forest patches in September, and this suggests that establishing or maintaining forest patches in urban areas is important to ensure suitable hibernation habitat for hedgehogs. Our study was limited by a low sample size, and additional research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges hedgehogs face in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Mørch Korslund
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 25, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Marius Stener Floden
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 25, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Amalie Landsverk
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 25, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Beate Strøm Johansen
- Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Gimleveien 27, Gimle Gård, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
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Gago H, Drechsler RM, Monrós JS. Evaluating Different Factors That Affect the Nesting Patterns of European and Algerian Hedgehogs in Urban and Suburban Environments. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3775. [PMID: 38136812 PMCID: PMC10740568 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243775] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Small undisturbed patches in urban environments serve as important refuges for wildlife, e.g., hedgehogs. However, the effects of urbanization on certain biological aspects, like nesting behavior, remain unknown. We captured and tracked the movement of 30 male hedgehogs of two co-existing species: Algerian and European hedgehogs. The study was carried out in Valencia (eastern Spain). We distinguished six macrohabitats and five subhabitats. We analyzed the proportions of the macro and subhabitats where nests were found to calculate a resource selection function and fit GLMs. Hedgehog nests tended to concentrate in areas with little human disturbance and were built in hedges or under bush-like vegetation. We did not find any significant differences between species or other considered groups. We noted that nests were distributed around hard-to-find suitable habitat patches. We even recorded a case of two males from both species simultaneously using one nest. Our results suggest that hedgehog conservation in urban environments can be improved by the correct management of forest patches by conserving bush-like vegetation and improving the connectivity between suitable patches with ecological corridors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Gago
- Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de València, C/Catedràtic José Beltrán Martínez, 2, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.M.D.); (J.S.M.)
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Marco-Tresserras J, López-Iborra GM. Nesting Ecology of European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) in Urban Areas in Southeast Spain: Nest Habitat Use and Characteristics. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2453. [PMID: 37570262 PMCID: PMC10417487 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152453] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate nesting sites are needed for the presence of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in an area, along with food availability. However, little attention has been paid to them in the literature. This study aimed at analysing, for the first time, the environmental characteristics of nesting sites chosen by hedgehogs, their spatial distribution and the effect of sex and season on them in two types of urban parks in southeastern Spain. A total of 31 hedgehogs were equipped with GPS devices, and 130 hedgehog nests were located and described. Both sexes had a similar number of nests; however, the spatial distribution of the male nests was larger, and they changed nests more frequently than females. The environment around the nests and hosting structures used also differed between the sexes, with males using a higher variety of nesting structures available and females being more selective. The differences in topography and habitat composition of the two urban parks also affected hedgehog nesting ecology, especially in reference to artificial elements like cat feeders. Further studies of nest locations at a microhabitat level are needed to contribute to a better understanding of a hedgehog's requirements, fostering the design of more effective conservation strategies.
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Algerian and European hedgehogs cohabiting in periurban environments: spatial behaviour and habitat use. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-023-01644-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
AbstractHabitat fragmentation is one of the most important threats to biodiversity in the last decades. Numerous species are forced to adapt to human presence as urbanization keeps increasing. Some studies show the impact of habitat changes in various species; however, there is little knowledge about the effect of habitat disturbance on hedgehogs in the Iberian Peninsula. We radio tracked 31 male hedgehogs: 14 European hedgehogs and 17 Algerian hedgehogs, being 18 individuals indigenous and 13 translocated. We analysed their home ranges, spatial behaviour and habitat use in a suburban area of Valencia City, Spain, where the two species coexist. Our results show that there are phenologic variations of activity levels, which differ between species, being maximum in spring for the European hedgehog and in summer for the Algerian hedgehog. We did not detect a territorial behaviour or interspecific spatial competition. However, we could detect a clear “release effect”, with translocated individuals presenting increased home range sizes and activity levels as they explore the unknown environment. Furthermore, we found that both species showed a clear preference for the pine forest habitat, avoiding all other habitat types, especially those with high human presence. Our results also suggest that the European hedgehog has a more generalist character than the Algerian hedgehog regarding habitat use. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of conserving a connected mosaic of green patches in urbanized environments for the conservation of hedgehog populations.
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Clonal dissemination of successful emerging clone mecA-MRSA t304/ST6 among humans and hedgehogs in the Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland. One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
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8
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Genetic diversity and phylogeography of urban hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) around Helsinki, Finland, revealed by mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analyses. MAMMAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-021-00603-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Home range and use of residential gardens by yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata in an urban environment. Urban Ecosyst 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-020-01022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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10
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Capon M, Lysaniuk B, Godard V, Clauzel C, Simon L. Characterizing the landscape compositions of urban wildlife encounters: the case of the stone marten (Martes foina), the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in the Greater Paris area. Urban Ecosyst 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-020-01071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Unexpected Gene-Flow in Urban Environments: The Example of the European Hedgehog. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122315. [PMID: 33297373 PMCID: PMC7762246 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122315] [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: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary An urban environment holds many barriers for mammals with limited mobility such as hedgehogs. These barriers appear often unsurmountable (e.g., rivers, highways, fences) and thus hinder contact between hedgehogs, leading to genetic isolation. In our study we tested whether these barriers affect the hedgehog population of urban Berlin, Germany. As Berlin has many of these barriers, we were expecting a strong genetic differentiation among hedgehog populations. However, when we looked at unrelated individuals, we did not see genetic differentiation among populations. The latter was only detected when we included related individuals too, a ‘family clan’ structure that is referred to as gamodemes. We conclude that the high percentage of greenery in Berlin provides sufficient habitat for hedgehogs to maintain connectivity across the city. Abstract We use the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), a mammal with limited mobility, as a model species to study whether the structural matrix of the urban environment has an influence on population genetic structure of such species in the city of Berlin (Germany). Using ten established microsatellite loci we genotyped 143 hedgehogs from numerous sites throughout Berlin. Inclusion of all individuals in the cluster analysis yielded three genetic clusters, likely reflecting spatial associations of kin (larger family groups, known as gamodemes). To examine the potential bias in the cluster analysis caused by closely related individuals, we determined all pairwise relationships and excluded close relatives before repeating the cluster analysis. For this data subset (N = 65) both clustering algorithms applied (Structure, Baps) indicated the presence of a single genetic cluster. These results suggest that the high proportion of green patches in the city of Berlin provides numerous steppingstone habitats potentially linking local subpopulations. Alternatively, translocation of individuals across the city by hedgehog rescue facilities may also explain the existence of only a single cluster. We therefore propose that information about management activities such as releases by animal rescue centres should include location data (as exactly as possible) regarding both the collection and the release site, which can then be used in population genetic studies.
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12
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Berger A, Barthel LMF, Rast W, Hofer H, Gras P. Urban Hedgehog Behavioural Responses to Temporary Habitat Disturbance versus Permanent Fragmentation. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112109. [PMID: 33203020 PMCID: PMC7697271 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities can result in both transient and permanent changes in the environment. We studied spatial and temporal behavioural responses of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) to a transient (open-air music festival) and a permanent (highly fragmented area) disturbance in the city of Berlin, Germany. Activity, foraging and movement patterns were observed in two distinct areas in 2016 and 2017 using a "Before & After" and "Control & Impact" study design. Confronted with a music festival, hedgehogs substantially changed their movement behaviour and nesting patterns and decreased the rhythmic synchronization (DFC) of their activity patterns with the environment. These findings suggest that a music festival is a substantial stressor influencing the trade-off between foraging and risk avoidance. Hedgehogs in a highly fragmented area used larger home ranges and moved faster than in low-fragmented and low-disturbed areas. They also showed behaviours and high DFCs similar to individuals in low-fragmented, low disturbed environment, suggesting that fragmentation posed a moderate challenge which they could accommodate. The acute but transient disturbance of a music festival, therefore, had more substantial and severe behavioural effects than the permanent disturbance through fragmentation. Our results are relevant for the welfare and conservation measure of urban wildlife and highlight the importance of allowing wildlife to avoid urban music festivals by facilitating avoidance behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Berger
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred Kowalke Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (W.R.)
- Berlin Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany; (H.H.); (P.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Leon M. F. Barthel
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred Kowalke Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (W.R.)
- Berlin Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany; (H.H.); (P.G.)
| | - Wanja Rast
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred Kowalke Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (L.M.F.B.); (W.R.)
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Berlin Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany; (H.H.); (P.G.)
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre Gras
- Berlin Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany; (H.H.); (P.G.)
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred Kowalke Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
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Impacts and Potential Mitigation of Road Mortality for Hedgehogs in Europe. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091523. [PMID: 32872180 PMCID: PMC7552162 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transport infrastructure is a pervasive element in modern landscapes and continues to expand to meet the demands of a growing human population and its associated resource consumption. Road-induced mortality is often thought to be a major contributor to the marked declines of European hedgehog populations. This review synthesizes available evidence on the population-level impacts of road mortality and the threat to population viability for the five hedgehog species in Europe. Local and national studies suggest that road mortality can cause significant depletions in population sizes, predominantly removing adult males. Traffic collisions are a probable cause of fragmentation effects, subsequently undermining ecological processes such as dispersal, as well as the genetic variance and fitness of isolated populations. Further studies are necessary to improve population estimates and explicitly examine the consequences of sex- and age-specific mortality rates. Hedgehogs have been reported to use crossing structures, such as road tunnels, yet evaluations of mitigation measures for population survival probability are largely absent. This highlights the need for robust studies that consider population dynamics and genetics in response to mitigation. In light of ongoing declines of hedgehog populations, it is paramount that applied research is prioritised and integrated into a holistic spatial planning process.
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14
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Over-Winter Survival and Nest Site Selection of the West-European Hedgehog ( Erinaceus europaeus) in Arable Dominated Landscapes. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091449. [PMID: 32825054 PMCID: PMC7552789 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The West-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) has declined markedly in the UK. The winter hibernation period may make hedgehogs vulnerable to anthropogenic habitat and climate changes. Therefore, we studied two contrasting populations in England to examine patterns of winter nest use, body mass changes and survival during hibernation. No between-site differences were evident in body mass prior to hibernation nor the number of winter nests used, but significant differences in overwinter mass change and survival were observed. Mass change did not, however, affect survival rates; all deaths occurred prior to or after the hibernation period, mainly from predation or vehicle collisions. Hedgehogs consistently nested in proximity to hedgerows, roads and woodlands, but avoided pasture fields; differences between sites were evident for the selection for or avoidance of arable fields, amenity grassland and buildings. Collectively, these data indicate that hibernation was not a period of significant mortality for individuals that had attained sufficient weight (>600 g) pre-hibernation. Conversely, habitat composition did significantly affect the positioning of winter nests, such that different land management practices (historic and current) might potentially influence hibernation success. The limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Immunohistochemical Studies of αSMA in the Epididymis of African Four-Toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). FOLIA VETERINARIA 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2020-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The epididymis plays an important role in sperm maturation, storage, transport and in the secretion of enzymes and proteins into the tubular lumen. In this study, we examined the histology, microstereology and immunohistochemical localization of alpha smooth muscle (αSMA) in the three regions of the epididymis of the African four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). Ten adult males were captured from the wild in Ibadan, Nigeria, between May and October, 2016. The animals were euthanized and the epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda regions) were retrieved and fixed in buffered neutral formalin ahead of the paraffin technique, following standard procedures. The duct of the epididymis was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium comprising basal, principal and apical cells as well as intraepithelial lymphocytes in proximity to basal cells. The principal cells, the major cells encountered within the epididymal epithelium of the animal, decreased in population from the caput to the cauda epididymidis while the apical cells were more abundant in the cauda epididymidis. Positive reactions to αSMA were observed in the peritubular muscular coat of the epididymal duct as well as blood vessels across the three regions of the epididymis with the caput and cauda epididymidis showing stronger positive reactions compared to the corpus epididymidis. This study demonstrated that the histology, microstereology as well as the cellular constituents of the epididymal duct of the Atelerix albiventris are similar to those of other mammals with a slight variation. It has also highlighted variation in the localization of αSMA across the regions of the epididymis of the animal.
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Delogu M, Cotti C, Lelli D, Sozzi E, Trogu T, Lavazza A, Garuti G, Castrucci MR, Vaccari G, De Marco MA, Moreno A. Eco-Virological Preliminary Study of Potentially Emerging Pathogens in Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) Recovered at a Wildlife Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Northern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E407. [PMID: 32121543 PMCID: PMC7143230 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is one of the four hedgehog species belonging to the genus Erinaceus. Among them, E. amurensis is extant in East Asia's areas only, whereas E. europaeus, E. roumanicus and E. concolor are mainly found in Europe. E. europaeus is endemically distributed from western to central and southern Europe, including Italy. Western European hedgehogs' ecological and feeding habits, along with their high population densities, notable synanthropic attitudes, frequent contacts with sympatric wild and domestic species, including humans, implicate the possible involvement of E. europaeus in the ecology of potentially emerging viruses, such as coronaviruses, influenza A and influenza D viruses, canine distemper virus, pestiviruses and Aujeszky's disease virus. We examined 24 E. europaeus individuals found injured in urban and rural areas of Northern Italy. Of the 24 fecal samples collected and tested for the above-mentioned pathogens by both PCR-based and virus isolation methods, 14 were found PCR-positive for betacoronaviruses belonging to lineage C and related to the known Erinaceus coronaviruses (EriCoVs), as determined by partial sequencing of the virus genome. Our findings suggest that hedgehogs could be considered natural reservoirs of CoVs, and also act as chronic shedding carriers of these potentially emerging RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Delogu
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 50 Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy; (M.D.); (C.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Claudia Cotti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 50 Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy; (M.D.); (C.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Davide Lelli
- Virology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, 7/9 Via Bianchi, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (D.L.); (E.S.); (T.T.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Enrica Sozzi
- Virology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, 7/9 Via Bianchi, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (D.L.); (E.S.); (T.T.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Tiziana Trogu
- Virology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, 7/9 Via Bianchi, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (D.L.); (E.S.); (T.T.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Virology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, 7/9 Via Bianchi, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (D.L.); (E.S.); (T.T.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Giacomo Garuti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 50 Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy; (M.D.); (C.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Maria Rita Castrucci
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 299 Viale Regina Elena, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Vaccari
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 299 Viale Regina Elena, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Alessandra De Marco
- Wildlife Service, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), 9 Via Ca’ Fornacetta, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Ana Moreno
- Virology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, 7/9 Via Bianchi, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (D.L.); (E.S.); (T.T.); (A.L.); (A.M.)
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17
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Levänen R, Pohjoismäki JLO, Kunnasranta M. Home Ranges of Semi-Urban Brown Hares (Lepus europaeus) and Mountain Hares (Lepus timidus) at Northern Latitudes. ANN ZOOL FENN 2019. [DOI: 10.5735/086.056.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rikka Levänen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jaakko L. O. Pohjoismäki
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Mervi Kunnasranta
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
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18
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Niemi M, Liukkonen L, Koivuniemi M, Auttila M, Rautio A, Kunnasranta M. Winter behavior of Saimaa ringed seals: Non-overlapping core areas as indicators of avoidance in breeding females. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210266. [PMID: 30608980 PMCID: PMC6319809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change, together with increasing human activity, poses a threat to the breeding success of endangered landlocked ringed seals (Phoca hispida saimensis). In this study, we estimated the spatial ecology of Saimaa ringed seals during the breeding season in the ice-covered period of December-April. The telemetry data on tagged seals (n = 20), with a total of 25 separate tracking periods and birth lair locations (n = 59) of non-tagged seals, were studied to estimate the movement ecology and breeding density. The movements of the ringed seals were more restricted during the ice-covered season; the total home range size (average 7.4 km2) in winter was 13 times smaller than that in summer. Individual tagged seals occupied an average of 5 ± 3 SD subnivean haul outs (snow lairs or ice cavities), and the mean distance between the haul outs was 1.6 ± 1.1 SD km (range 0.2–5.9 km). Moreover, our data indicated that ringed seal females likely exhibited breeding time avoidance of each other’s core areas, which may indicate some degree of territoriality. This was supported by the findings that the core areas (mean 1.2 km2) of tagged adult females (n = 9), did not overlap with each other. Also data on non-tagged seals showed that females did not give birth to pups within the core area radius of other parturient females. This study, together with earlier findings on the home ranges of nursed pups and perinatal mortality rates, has implications into land usage planning in Lake Saimaa by highlighting the need of undisturbed area between seal lairs and anthropogenic disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja Niemi
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Joensuu, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Lauri Liukkonen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Meeri Koivuniemi
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Miina Auttila
- Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Savonlinna, Finland
| | - Anni Rautio
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Mervi Kunnasranta
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Joensuu, Finland
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Joensuu, Finland
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19
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Barthel LMF, Hofer H, Berger A. An easy, flexible solution to attach devices to hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) enables long-term high-resolution studies. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:672-679. [PMID: 30680147 PMCID: PMC6342109 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bio-logging is an essential tool for the investigation of behavior, ecology, and physiology of wildlife. This burgeoning field enables the improvement of population monitoring and conservation efforts, particularly for small, elusive animals where data collection is difficult. Device attachment usually requires species-specific solutions to ensure that data loggers exert minimal influence on the animal's behavior and physiology, and ensure high reliability of data capture. External features or peculiar body shapes often make securing devices difficult for long-term monitoring, as in the case with small spiny mammals. Here, we present a method that enables high-resolution, long-term investigations of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) via GPS and acceleration loggers. We collected data from 17 wild hedgehogs with devices attached between 9 and 42 days. Our results showed that hedgehogs behaved naturally; as individuals curled, moved through dense vegetation, slipped under fences and built regular day nests without any indication of impediment. Our novel method makes it possible to not only attach high-precision devices for substantially longer than previous efforts, but enables detachment and reattachment of devices to the same individual. This makes it possible to quickly respond to unforeseen events and exchange devices, and overcomes the issue of short battery life common to many lightweight loggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon M. F. Barthel
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)BerlinGermany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity ResearchLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)BerlinGermany
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)BerlinGermany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity ResearchLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)BerlinGermany
| | - Anne Berger
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)BerlinGermany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity ResearchLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)BerlinGermany
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20
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A comparison of the Ranging behaviour and habitat use of the Ethiopian hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus) in Qatar with hedgehog taxa from temperate environments. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17783. [PMID: 30542104 PMCID: PMC6290762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated seasonal changes in the ecology and behaviour of the Ethiopian hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus) in Qatar, particularly in respect to differences in behaviour between hedgehogs living in arid environments and hedgehogs in temperate mesic environments. These comparisons will allow us to explore behavioural adaptations to different environments across hedgehog taxa. We radio-tracked 30 hedgehogs in Qatar over two years, and measured home range size, habitat preference, travel speed, activity and body mass. Whilst we found no difference in body mass between males and females, male home range size was over twice as large as that for females. Unlike hedgehogs in Europe, males maintained large home ranges during the non-breeding season. This behaviour may be sustained by the low cost of maintaining a large home range; males travelled less far per hour during the non-breeding season. Habitat use was non-random; arid areas with human influence, including rubbish dumping sites, was the most selected habitat type compared with its availability. Dense scrub and/or trees was the most selected habitat for nesting. This study gives us greater understanding as to how hedgehog taxa are adapted to their environment and therefore how they may be conserved, for example, the recent increase of “lower” level human activities, including irrigated farms and food waste, in harsh arid environments may have influenced the space use by Ethiopian hedgehogs.
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21
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de Miguel FJ, Ruiz-Montero S, San Andrés H, Arregui L. Do European hedgehogs select substrates when they defecate? BEHAVIOUR 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Like most mammals, European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are nocturnal animals, with a notable sense of smell. This fact suggests that faeces could play a communicative role in this species, and therefore hedgehogs could choose the location of their faeces in order to increase their detectability. To verify this assumption, the spatial distribution of faeces of European hedgehog in a suburban forest (Valdelatas, Madrid) was analysed. The study lasted eight months, during which we sampled three transects fortnightly. The data obtained show that faeces were placed on clear substrates which were visually highlighted (territorial mark amplification). Besides, hedgehogs placed the faeces in the lateral regions of the trails, not far from their margins. These results seem to indicate that European hedgehogs select the places where to defecate, apparently seeking a trade-off between detectability and safety for its marking behaviour, and they put on the table the possibility that this species uses their faeces as communicative marks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Ruiz-Montero
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin, 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor San Andrés
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin, 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía Arregui
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Darwin, 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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22
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Liukkonen L, Ayllón D, Kunnasranta M, Niemi M, Nabe-Nielsen J, Grimm V, Nyman AM. Modelling movements of Saimaa ringed seals using an individual-based approach. Ecol Modell 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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23
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Pettett CE, Johnson PJ, Moorhouse TP, Hambly C, Speakman JR, Macdonald DW. Daily energy expenditure in the face of predation: hedgehog energetics in rural landscapes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:460-468. [PMID: 28148819 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.150359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Failure to balance daily energy expenditure (DEE) with energy intake can have an impact on survival and reproduction, and therefore on the persistence of populations. Here we study the DEE of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), which is declining in the UK. We hypothesise that there is a gradient of suitable habitat for hedgehogs in rural areas, which is a result of fewer food resources, a higher risk from predation by badgers (Meles meles) and colder ambient temperatures, as distance to the nearest building increases. We used the doubly labelled water method to obtain 44 measurements of DEE from hedgehogs on four predominately arable sites, to determine the energetic costs associated with proximity to buildings, on sites with and without badgers. The mean±s.e.m. DEE was 508.9±34.8 kJ day-1 DEE increased the further a hedgehog was from buildings during the study, possibly as they ranged larger distances on arable land, supporting the hypothesis that hedgehogs select villages owing to the lower energy demands in comparison to arable farmland. Hedgehogs had an approximately 30% lower DEE on sites with badgers. We speculate that on badger-occupied sites, hedgehogs may restrict movement and foraging in response to a threat from predation and thus have reduced DEE. Therefore, hedgehogs may also seek refuge in villages where the perceived threat of predation is lower and foraging is unrestricted. In a broader context, we demonstrate that individual differences in DEE can aid in understanding habitat selection in a patchily distributed species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly E Pettett
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxfordshire OX13 5QL, UK
| | - Paul J Johnson
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxfordshire OX13 5QL, UK
| | - Tom P Moorhouse
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxfordshire OX13 5QL, UK
| | - Catherine Hambly
- Energetics Research Group, Zoology Department, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - John R Speakman
- Energetics Research Group, Zoology Department, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxfordshire OX13 5QL, UK
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24
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Abu Baker MA, Reeve N, Conkey AAT, Macdonald DW, Yamaguchi N. Hedgehogs on the move: Testing the effects of land use change on home range size and movement patterns of free-ranging Ethiopian hedgehogs. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180826. [PMID: 28746381 PMCID: PMC5528257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Degradation and alteration of natural environments because of agriculture and other land uses have major consequences on vertebrate populations, particularly on spatial organization and movement patterns. We used GPS tracking to study the effect of land use and sex on the home range size and movement of a typical model species, the Ethiopian hedgehogs. We used free-ranging hedgehogs from two areas with different land use practices: 24 from an area dominated by irrigated farms (12 ♂♂, 12 ♀♀) and 22 from a natural desert environment within a biosphere reserve (12 ♂♂, 10 ♀♀). Animals were significantly heavier in the resource-rich irrigated farms area (417.71 ±12.77SE g) in comparison to the natural desert area (376.37±12.71SE g). Both habitat and sex significantly influenced the home range size of hedgehogs. Home ranges were larger in the reserve than in the farms area. Total home ranges averaged 103 ha (±17 SE) for males and 42 ha (±11SE) for females in the farms area, but were much larger in the reserve averaging 230 ha (±33 SE) for males and 150 ha (±29 SE) for females. The home ranges of individuals of both sexes overlapped. Although females were heavier than males, body weight had no effect on home range size. The results suggest that resources provided in the farms (e.g. food, water, and shelters) influenced animal density and space use. Females aggregated around high-resource areas (either farms or rawdhats), whereas males roamed over greater distances, likely in search of mating opportunities to maximize reproductive success. Most individual home ranges overlapped with many other individuals of either sex, suggesting a non-territorial, promiscuous mating. Patterns of space use and habitat utilization are key factors in shaping aspects of reproductive biology and mating system. To minimize the impacts of agriculture on local wildlife, we recommend that biodiversity-friendly agro-environmental schemes be introduced in the Middle East where the transformation from dry lands to ‘islands of fertility’ is often extreme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A. Abu Baker
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail: (MAB); (NY)
| | - Nigel Reeve
- Independent consultant, 2 Paxton Gardens, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - April A. T. Conkey
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and Department of Animal, Rangeland, & Wildlife Sciences, Texas A&M University –Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas, United States of America
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati–Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Tubney, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nobuyuki Yamaguchi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail: (MAB); (NY)
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25
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Mortality, diseases and diet of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in an urban environment in Finland. MAMMAL RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-015-0256-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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26
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Reappraisal of an old cheap method for marking the European hedgehog. MAMMAL RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-014-0210-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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