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Allain SJR, Leech DI, Hopkins K, Seilern-Moy K, Rodriguez-Ramos Fernandez J, Griffiths RA, Lawson B. Characterisation, prevalence and severity of skin lesions caused by ophidiomycosis in a population of wild snakes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5162. [PMID: 38431688 PMCID: PMC10908839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55354-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease affecting wild snakes in the Northern Hemisphere. Recently confirmed in Great Britain, the prevalence, severity and significance of ophidiomycosis has yet to be characterised in free-living snakes at a population level in Europe. Therefore, a population of barred grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) in eastern England was monitored for three seasons (May 2019 to October 2021), to investigate the prevalence (25.5%; 191/750 snakes) and severity of skin lesions and their aetiology. The most frequently observed skin lesion characteristics were changes in scale colour, crusting, and scale margin erosion. The majority of such lesions (96.9%; 185/191 snakes) was observed on the ventral surface along the length of the body. The severity of skin lesions was considered mild in more than half of the cases (53.1%; 98/191 snakes). Predominantly, skin lesions were observed in adult snakes (72.8%; 139/191 snakes). Combined histological examinations and qPCR tests of skin lesions from N. helvetica sloughs and/or carcasses confirmed a diagnosis of ophidiomycosis. Further targeted surveillance, supported by molecular and histological examinations to confirm skin lesion aetiology, is required to determine the extent to which our findings reflect the occurrence of ophidiomycosis in populations within wider landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J R Allain
- Durrell Institute of Ecology and Conservation, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - David I Leech
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, UK
| | - Kevin Hopkins
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Katharina Seilern-Moy
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | | | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Ecology and Conservation, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK.
| | - Becki Lawson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
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Williams LJ, Richardson K, Postlethwaite C, Garcia G, Wright N, Griffiths RA. Activity patterns and reproductive behavior of the Critically Endangered Bermuda skink (Plestiodon longirostris). Zoo Biol 2022; 42:223-230. [PMID: 36163695 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The study of rare or cryptic species in zoos can provide insights into natural history and behavior that would be difficult to obtain in the field. Such information can then be used to refine population assessment protocols and conservation management. The Bermuda skink (Plestiodon longirostris) is an endemic Critically Endangered lizard. Chester Zoo's successful conservation breeding program is working to safeguard, increase and reinforce skink populations in the wild. A key aim of this program is to develop our understanding of the behavior of this species. In this study, using 24 h video recordings, we examined the daily activity patterns, basking behavior and food preferences of four pairs of Bermuda skinks. The skinks displayed a bimodal pattern of activity and basking, which may have evolved to avoid the strength of the midday sun in exposed habitats in Bermuda. Captive Bermuda skinks appear to prefer a fruit-based diet to orthopteran prey. We also documented their reproductive behavior and compared it against two closely related species. Although there were many similarities between the courtship and mating behaviors of the three species, there was a significantly shorter period of cloacal contact in the Bermuda skink. Oophagia was also documented for the first time in this species. This knowledge has enabled the evaluation of the current ex-situ management practices of this species, filled gaps in knowledge that would be challenging to obtain in the field, and enabled the enhancement of both animal husbandry and reproductive success for the conservation breeding program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah J Williams
- North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Chester, UK
| | - Kieran Richardson
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Carolyn Postlethwaite
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Gerardo Garcia
- North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Chester, UK
| | - Nathan Wright
- North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Chester, UK
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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3
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Reinke BA, Cayuela H, Janzen FJ, Lemaître JF, Gaillard JM, Lawing AM, Iverson JB, Christiansen DG, Martínez-Solano I, Sánchez-Montes G, Gutiérrez-Rodríguez J, Rose FL, Nelson N, Keall S, Crivelli AJ, Nazirides T, Grimm-Seyfarth A, Henle K, Mori E, Guiller G, Homan R, Olivier A, Muths E, Hossack BR, Bonnet X, Pilliod DS, Lettink M, Whitaker T, Schmidt BR, Gardner MG, Cheylan M, Poitevin F, Golubović A, Tomović L, Arsovski D, Griffiths RA, Arntzen JW, Baron JP, Le Galliard JF, Tully T, Luiselli L, Capula M, Rugiero L, McCaffery R, Eby LA, Briggs-Gonzalez V, Mazzotti F, Pearson D, Lambert BA, Green DM, Jreidini N, Angelini C, Pyke G, Thirion JM, Joly P, Léna JP, Tucker AD, Limpus C, Priol P, Besnard A, Bernard P, Stanford K, King R, Garwood J, Bosch J, Souza FL, Bertoluci J, Famelli S, Grossenbacher K, Lenzi O, Matthews K, Boitaud S, Olson DH, Jessop TS, Gillespie GR, Clobert J, Richard M, Valenzuela-Sánchez A, Fellers GM, Kleeman PM, Halstead BJ, Grant EHC, Byrne PG, Frétey T, Le Garff B, Levionnois P, Maerz JC, Pichenot J, Olgun K, Üzüm N, Avcı A, Miaud C, Elmberg J, Brown GP, Shine R, Bendik NF, O'Donnell L, Davis CL, Lannoo MJ, Stiles RM, Cox RM, Reedy AM, Warner DA, Bonnaire E, Grayson K, Ramos-Targarona R, Baskale E, Muñoz D, Measey J, de Villiers FA, Selman W, Ronget V, Bronikowski AM, Miller DAW. Diverse aging rates in ectothermic tetrapods provide insights for the evolution of aging and longevity. Science 2022; 376:1459-1466. [PMID: 35737773 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Comparative studies of mortality in the wild are necessary to understand the evolution of aging; yet, ectothermic tetrapods are underrepresented in this comparative landscape, despite their suitability for testing evolutionary hypotheses. We present a study of aging rates and longevity across wild tetrapod ectotherms, using data from 107 populations (77 species) of nonavian reptiles and amphibians. We test hypotheses of how thermoregulatory mode, environmental temperature, protective phenotypes, and pace of life history contribute to demographic aging. Controlling for phylogeny and body size, ectotherms display a higher diversity of aging rates compared with endotherms and include phylogenetically widespread evidence of negligible aging. Protective phenotypes and life-history strategies further explain macroevolutionary patterns of aging. Analyzing ectothermic tetrapods in a comparative context enhances our understanding of the evolution of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Reinke
- Department of Biology, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Hugo Cayuela
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fredric J Janzen
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, USA
| | | | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Université Lyon 1, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Villeurbanne, France
| | - A Michelle Lawing
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - John B Iverson
- Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN, USA
| | - Ditte G Christiansen
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Iñigo Martínez-Solano
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregorio Sánchez-Montes
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Gutiérrez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Francis L Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Nicola Nelson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Susan Keall
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alain J Crivelli
- Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Tour du Valat, Arles, France
| | | | - Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth
- Department Conservation Biology and Social-Ecological Systems, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Henle
- Department Conservation Biology and Social-Ecological Systems, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Emiliano Mori
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Rebecca Homan
- Biology Department, Denison University, Granville, OH, USA
| | - Anthony Olivier
- Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Tour du Valat, Arles, France
| | - Erin Muths
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Blake R Hossack
- US Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS UMR 7372 - Université de La Rochelle, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - David S Pilliod
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | | | | | - Benedikt R Schmidt
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Info Fauna Karch, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Michael G Gardner
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Marc Cheylan
- PSL Research University, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry, Montpellier, France
| | - Françoise Poitevin
- PSL Research University, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry, Montpellier, France
| | - Ana Golubović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Tomović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Baron
- Ecole normale supérieure, PSL University, Département de biologie, CNRS, UMS 3194, Centre de recherche en écologie expérimentale et prédictive (CEREEP-Ecotron IleDeFrance), Saint-Pierre-lès-Nemours, France
| | - Jean-François Le Galliard
- Ecole normale supérieure, PSL University, Département de biologie, CNRS, UMS 3194, Centre de recherche en écologie expérimentale et prédictive (CEREEP-Ecotron IleDeFrance), Saint-Pierre-lès-Nemours, France
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INRA, UPEC, IRD, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, iEES-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Tully
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INRA, UPEC, IRD, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, iEES-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Luca Luiselli
- Institute for Development, Ecology, Conservation and Cooperation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Animal and Applied Biology, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- Department of Zoology, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | | | - Lorenzo Rugiero
- Institute for Development, Ecology, Conservation and Cooperation, Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca McCaffery
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Port Angeles, WA, USA
| | - Lisa A Eby
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Venetia Briggs-Gonzalez
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Frank Mazzotti
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - David Pearson
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Wanneroo, WA, Australia
| | - Brad A Lambert
- Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - David M Green
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Graham Pyke
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, CN, Kunming, PR China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Pierre Joly
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-Paul Léna
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Anton D Tucker
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service-Marine Science Program, Kensington, WA, Australia
| | - Col Limpus
- Threatened Species Operations, Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Aurélien Besnard
- CNRS, EPHE, UM, SupAgro, IRD, INRA, UMR 5175 CEFE, PSL Research University, Montpelier, France
| | - Pauline Bernard
- Conservatoire d'espaces naturels d'Occitanie, Montpellier, France
| | - Kristin Stanford
- Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory, The Ohio State University, Put-In-Bay, OH, USA
| | - Richard King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Justin Garwood
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata, CA, USA
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- IMIB-Biodiversity Research Unit, University of Oviedo-Principality of Asturias, Mieres, Spain
- Centro de Investigación, Seguimiento y Evaluación, Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, Rascafría, Spain
| | - Franco L Souza
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jaime Bertoluci
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shirley Famelli
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College, University of the Highlands and Islands, Thurso, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Omar Lenzi
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kathleen Matthews
- USDA Forest Service (Retired), Pacific Southwest Research Station, Albany, CA, USA
| | - Sylvain Boitaud
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Deanna H Olson
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Tim S Jessop
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Graeme R Gillespie
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Palmerston, NT, Australia
| | - Jean Clobert
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale de Moulis, CNRS-UMR532, Saint Girons, France
| | - Murielle Richard
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale de Moulis, CNRS-UMR532, Saint Girons, France
| | - Andrés Valenzuela-Sánchez
- Instituto de Conservación, Biodiversidad y Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- ONG Ranita de Darwin, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gary M Fellers
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes, CA, USA
| | - Patrick M Kleeman
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes, CA, USA
| | - Brian J Halstead
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, CA, USA
| | - Evan H Campbell Grant
- US Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Research Center (formerly Patuxent Wildlife Research Center), S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center, Turners Falls, MA, USA
| | - Phillip G Byrne
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - John C Maerz
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Julian Pichenot
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Eco-éthologie, URCA-CERFE, Boult-aux-Bois, France
| | - Kurtuluş Olgun
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Nazan Üzüm
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Aziz Avcı
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Claude Miaud
- PSL Research University, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry, Montpellier, France
| | - Johan Elmberg
- Department of Environmental Science and Bioscience, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Gregory P Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Shine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan F Bendik
- Watershed Protection Department, City of Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Lisa O'Donnell
- Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, City of Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Robert M Cox
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Aaron M Reedy
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Daniel A Warner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Eric Bonnaire
- Office National des Forêts, Agence de Meurthe-et-Moselle, Nancy, France
| | - Kristine Grayson
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Eyup Baskale
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - David Muñoz
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - John Measey
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - F Andre de Villiers
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Will Selman
- Department of Biology, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Victor Ronget
- Unité Eco-anthropologie (EA), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Anne M Bronikowski
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, USA
| | - David A W Miller
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
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Labisko J, Bunbury N, Griffiths RA, Groombridge JJ, Chong-Seng L, Bradfield KS, Streicher JW. Survival of climate warming through niche shifts: Evidence from frogs on tropical islands. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:1268-1286. [PMID: 34874078 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
How will organisms cope when forced into warmer-than-preferred thermal environments? This is a key question facing our ability to monitor and manage biota as average annual temperatures increase, and is of particular concern for range-limited terrestrial species unable to track their preferred climatic envelope. Being ectothermic, desiccation prone, and often spatially restricted, island-inhabiting tropical amphibians exemplify this scenario. Pre-Anthropocene case studies of how insular amphibian populations responded to the enforced occupation of warmer-than-ancestral habitats may add a valuable, but currently lacking, perspective. We studied a population of frogs from the Seychelles endemic family Sooglossidae which, due to historic sea-level rise, have been forced to occupy a significantly warmer island (Praslin) than their ancestors and close living relatives. Evidence from thermal activity patterns, bioacoustics, body size distributions, and ancestral state estimations suggest that this population shifted its thermal niche in response to restricted opportunities for elevational dispersal. Relative to conspecifics, Praslin sooglossids also have divergent nuclear genotypes and call characters, a finding consistent with adaptation causing speciation in a novel thermal environment. Using an evolutionary perspective, our study reveals that some tropical amphibians have survived episodes of historic warming without the aid of dispersal and therefore may have the capacity to adapt to the currently warming climate. However, two otherwise co-distributed sooglossid species are absent from Praslin, and the deep evolutionary divergence between the frogs on Praslin and their closest extant relatives (~8 million years) may have allowed for gradual thermal adaptation and speciation. Thus, local extinction is still a likely outcome for tropical frogs experiencing warming climates in the absence of dispersal corridors to thermal refugia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Labisko
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation centre, University of Seychelles, Victoria, Seychelles
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nancy Bunbury
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Jim J Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
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5
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Buxton A, Diana A, Matechou E, Griffin J, Griffiths RA. Reliability of environmental DNA surveys to detect pond occupancy by newts at a national scale. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1295. [PMID: 35079132 PMCID: PMC8789902 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05442-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution assessment and monitoring of species is key to reliable environmental impact assessments and conservation interventions. Considerable effort is directed towards survey and monitoring of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) in England. Surveys are increasingly undertaken using indirect methodologies, such as environmental DNA (eDNA). We used a large data set to estimate national pond occupancy rate, as well as false negative and false positive error rates, for commercial eDNA protocols. Additionally, we explored a range of habitat, landscape and climatic variables as predictors of pond occupancy. In England, 20% of ponds were estimated to be occupied by great crested newts. Pond sample collection error rates were estimated as 5.2% false negative and 1.5% false positive. Laboratory error indicated a negligible false negative rate when 12 qPCR replicates were used. Laboratory false positive error was estimated at 2% per qPCR replicate and is therefore exaggerated by high levels of laboratory replication. Including simple habitat suitability variables into the model revealed the importance of fish, plants and shading as predictors of newt presence. However, variables traditionally considered as important for newt presence may need more precise and consistent measurement if they are to be employed as reliable predictors in modelling exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Buxton
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK. .,The Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Rd, Cirencester, GL7 6JS, UK.
| | - Alex Diana
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Sibson Building, Canterbury, CT2 7FS, UK
| | - Eleni Matechou
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Sibson Building, Canterbury, CT2 7FS, UK
| | - Jim Griffin
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, 196-199 Tottenham Court Rd, Bloomsbury, London, W1T 7PJ, UK
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
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6
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Dos Santos MM, Griffiths RA, Jowett T, Bishop PJ. Zoos and amphibian conservation: Evaluating the impact of "The Year of The Frog" Campaign. Zoo Biol 2021; 41:226-233. [PMID: 34951730 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The global reach of zoos has enormous potential to raise awareness of conservation issues such as the amphibian extinction crisis. One mechanism of achieving this is through targeted, time-limited campaigns. However, the longer-term impact of such campaigns on conservation outcomes is rarely evaluated. The goal of this study is to evaluate how zoos view "The Year of The Frog," a campaign launched by zoos in 2008, with the aim of raising awareness of the global amphibian crisis and generating funds to support amphibian conservation initiatives. A questionnaire-based survey of 43 zoos from fourteen countries was used to evaluate how zoo practitioners believed the campaign influenced amphibian conservation some 10 years after its launch. Survey results showed that the campaign not only contributed to the improvement of research into amphibian husbandry in zoos but also increased support of in situ conservation of amphibians. Zoos focused on exotic species, but developed countries led most of the actions of the campaign. The campaign has inspired and encouraged some zoos and other ex situ conservation organizations to embrace amphibian conservation. The next step is to increase collaboration with more organizations through, for example, AArk and IUCN SSC/ASG, particularly in countries that have high amphibian biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Tim Jowett
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Phillip J Bishop
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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7
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Edwards WM, Bungard MJ, Griffiths RA. Daily activity profile of the golden mantella in the "Froggotron"-A replicated behavioral monitoring system for amphibians. Zoo Biol 2021; 41:3-9. [PMID: 34464479 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Research on threatened species in zoos can provide vital information to inform conservation planning and implementation in the field. This is particularly important for rare and cryptic species with behavior patterns that are difficult to observe in the wild. The Critically Endangered golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) is an iconic, endemic frog confined to mid-altitude subhumid forest in Moramanga District, Madagascar. Ecological and behavioral data for this highly threatened species are sparse, and conservation work will need to be informed by both in situ and ex situ research on behavior and habitat preferences. This study utilized environmental information gathered in the field to design a system where behavior and microhabitat use could be measured in captivity. Using replicated climatically controlled chambers (the "Froggotrons"), we analysed the 24-h activity profile of the golden mantella in relation to temperature and humidity. Golden mantellas showed a bimodal pattern of activity during the day with much less activity during the night. Frogs kept at warmer temperatures (20-25°C) were more active than those kept under cooler conditions (16-19°C). However, the bimodal pattern was retained under the different temperatures, although the second peak occurred slightly earlier under warmer conditions. Most activity was observed when humidity levels were above 85%, although less than half of the mantellas were active outside leaf microhabitats during peak periods. These findings can inform ongoing field surveys through determining the optimum times of day to either capture or count golden mantellas for further conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne M Edwards
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.,The Wild Planet Trust, Paignton Zoo, Paignton, UK
| | - Michael J Bungard
- The Wild Planet Trust, Paignton Zoo, Paignton, UK.,Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, UK
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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8
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Pheasey H, Roberts DL, Rojas-Cañizales D, Mejías-Balsalobre C, Griffiths RA, Williams-Guillen K. Using GPS-enabled decoy turtle eggs to track illegal trade. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R1066-R1068. [PMID: 33022233 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The insatiable human appetite for wildlife products drives species to extinction, spreads disease and has negative consequences for the economies of source countries [1,2]. As a major transnational enterprise, illegal wildlife trade is valued between eight and 26.5 billion US dollars annually [3,4]. Because law enforcement is often only reactive, information on trafficking routes is key to disrupting trade and curtailing wildlife crime. In our efforts to uncover trade routes of trafficked sea turtle eggs, we developed and field-tested the InvestEGGator, a 3D-printed decoy turtle egg embedded with a GPS-GSM transmitter (Supplemental Information). Illegally collected clutches of turtle eggs containing a decoy transmitter enabled us to track the movements of traffickers, and thus gain a better understanding of illegal trade routes. The decoys, set to emit a signal once an hour, provided five tracks, the most detailed of which identified an entire trade chain, covering 137 km. Using data provided by the decoys, we identified trafficking routes and on two occasions properties of potential interest to law enforcement. Decoys also yielded anecdotal information, furthering our understanding of trafficking routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Pheasey
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UK; Caño Palma Biological Station, Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC), Pococí, Limón, Costa Rica.
| | - David L Roberts
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UK
| | | | | | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Kim Williams-Guillen
- Paso Pacifico, PO Box 1244, Ventura, CA 93002-1244, USA; School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Dana Building, 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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9
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Cayuela H, Griffiths RA, Zakaria N, Arntzen JW, Priol P, Léna JP, Besnard A, Joly P. Drivers of amphibian population dynamics and asynchrony at local and regional scales. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:1350-1364. [PMID: 32173904 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the drivers of population fluctuations in spatially distinct populations remains a significant challenge for ecologists. Whereas regional climatic factors may generate population synchrony (i.e. the Moran effect), local factors including the level of density dependence may reduce the level of synchrony. Although divergences in the scaling of population synchrony and spatial environmental variation have been observed, the regulatory factors that underlie such mismatches are poorly understood. Few previous studies have investigated how density-dependent processes and population-specific responses to weather variation influence spatial synchrony at both local and regional scales. We addressed this issue in a pond-breeding amphibian, the great crested newt Triturus cristatus. We used capture-recapture data collected through long-term surveys in five T. cristatus populations in Western Europe. In all populations-and subpopulations within metapopulations-population size, annual survival and recruitment fluctuated over time. Likewise, there was considerable variation in these demographic rates between populations and within metapopulations. These fluctuations and variations appear to be context-dependent and more related to site-specific characteristics than local or regional climatic drivers. We found a low level of demographic synchrony at both local and regional levels. Weather has weak and spatially variable effects on survival, recruitment and population growth rate. In contrast, density dependence was a common phenomenon (at least for population growth) in almost all populations and subpopulations. Our findings support the idea that the Moran effect is low in species where the population dynamics more closely depends on local factors (e.g. population density and habitat characteristics) than on large-scale environmental fluctuation (e.g. regional climatic variation). Such responses may have far-reaching consequences for the long-term viability of spatially structured populations and their ability to respond to large-scale climatic anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Cayuela
- Institut de Biologie Integrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Nurul Zakaria
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Jan W Arntzen
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jean-Paul Léna
- UMR 5023 LEHNA, Université de Lyon, Lyon1, CNRS, ENTPE, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Aurélien Besnard
- CNRS, PSL Research University, EPHE, UM, SupAgro, IRD, INRA, UMR 5175 CEFE, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Joly
- UMR 5023 LEHNA, Université de Lyon, Lyon1, CNRS, ENTPE, Villeurbanne, France
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10
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Griffin JE, Matechou E, Buxton AS, Bormpoudakis D, Griffiths RA. Modelling environmental DNA data; Bayesian variable selection accounting for false positive and false negative errors. J R Stat Soc Ser C Appl Stat 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rssc.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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11
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Canessa S, Spitzen‐van der Sluijs A, Stark T, Allen BE, Bishop PJ, Bletz M, Briggs CJ, Daversa DR, Gray MJ, Griffiths RA, Harris RN, Harrison XA, Hoverman JT, Jervis P, Muths E, Olson DH, Price SJ, Richards‐Zawacki CL, Robert J, Rosa GM, Scheele BC, Schmidt BR, Garner TWJ. Conservation decisions under pressure: Lessons from an exercise in rapid response to wildlife disease. Conservat Sci and Prac 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Canessa
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineGhent University Merelbeke Belgium
| | | | - Tariq Stark
- Reptile, Amphibian & Fish Conservation Netherlands (RAVON) Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Bryony E. Allen
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of London, Regents Park London UK
- Institute for Integrative BiologyUniversity of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| | - Phillip J. Bishop
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
- Amphibian Survival Alliance London UK
| | - Molly Bletz
- Biology DepartmentUniversity of Massachusetts Boston Massachusetts
| | - Cheryl J. Briggs
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine BiologyUniversity of California Santa Barbara California
| | - David R. Daversa
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of London, Regents Park London UK
- Institute for Integrative BiologyUniversity of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| | - Matthew J. Gray
- Center for Wildlife HealthUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Knoxville Tennessee
| | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Kent UK
| | - Reid N. Harris
- Amphibian Survival Alliance London UK
- Department of BiologyJames Madison University Harrisonburg Virginia
| | | | - Jason T. Hoverman
- Department of Forestry and Natural ResourcesPurdue University West Lafayette Indiana
| | - Phillip Jervis
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of London, Regents Park London UK
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public HealthImperial College London UK
| | - Erin Muths
- United States Geological Survey Fort Collins Colorado
| | - Deanna H. Olson
- Pacific Northwest Research Station, US Forest Service Corvallis Oregon
| | | | | | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyUniversity of Rochester Rochester New York
| | - Gonçalo M. Rosa
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of London, Regents Park London UK
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Benedikt R. Schmidt
- Institut für Evolutionsbiologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Universität Zürich Zürich Switzerland
- Info Fauna Karch Neuchâtel Switzerland
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12
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Dos Santos MM, Griffiths RA, Jowett T, Rock J, Bishop PJ. A comparison of understanding of the amphibian crisis by zoo visitors across three countries. Zoo Biol 2019; 38:471-480. [PMID: 31602677 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the global declines in the rate of amphibians, evaluation of public understanding of the crisis has not yet been carried out. We surveyed visitors (n = 1,293) at 15 zoos in Brazil, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, using a certainty-based assessment method to compare visitor knowledge of the global amphibian crisis. We further analyzed zoo educational material about amphibians to explore its potential to raise awareness through amphibian-focused environmental education. Visitors in the three countries had relatively little understanding of amphibians and the global amphibian crisis. When the degree of confidence in answering the questions (high, medium, and low) is accounted for, correct answers varied between 28% and 39%. This compared to scores of between 58% and 73% when the degree of confidence in responding was not accounted for. However, specific areas of knowledge (e.g., biology, conservation, biogeography, and conceptual ideas) varied significantly across the countries. Visitors had a weaker grasp of biogeographical and conservation issues than general amphibian biology. Zoo visitors in Brazil knew less about amphibian conservation than those in New Zealand or the United Kingdom. There was less amphibian-focused content in educational materials in zoos in Brazil than there was in the United Kingdom. Improving information about the global amphibian crisis may increase support for future conservation actions. Outreach education is one of the most important approaches in any strategic planning for conservation of species. Amphibian-focused environmental education at institutions such as zoos and aquaria can be a crucial intervention to support amphibian conservation worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Tim Jowett
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer Rock
- Center for Science Communication, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Phillip J Bishop
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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13
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zu Ermgassen SOSE, Baker J, Griffiths RA, Strange N, Struebig MJ, Bull JW. The ecological outcomes of biodiversity offsets under “no net loss” policies: A global review. Conserv Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | | | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Niels Strange
- Department of Food and Resource Economics and Center for Macroecology, Evolution and ClimateUniversity of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Matthew J. Struebig
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Joseph W. Bull
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
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14
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Hudson MA, Griffiths RA, Martin L, Fenton C, Adams SL, Blackman A, Sulton M, Perkins MW, Lopez J, Garcia G, Tapley B, Young RP, Cunningham AA. Reservoir frogs: seasonality of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection in robber frogs in Dominica and Montserrat. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7021. [PMID: 31231595 PMCID: PMC6573808 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are an increasingly important threat to wildlife conservation, with amphibian chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the disease most commonly associated with species declines and extinctions. However, some amphibians can be infected with B. dendrobatidis in the absence of disease and can act as reservoirs of the pathogen. We surveyed robber frogs (Eleutherodactylus spp.), potential B. dendrobatidis reservoir species, at three sites on Montserrat, 2011-2013, and on Dominica in 2014, to identify seasonal patterns in B. dendrobatidis infection prevalence and load (B. dendrobatidis genomic equivalents). On Montserrat there was significant seasonality in B. dendrobatidis prevalence and B. dendrobatidis load, both of which were correlated with temperature but not rainfall. B. dendrobatidis prevalence reached 35% in the cooler, drier months but was repeatedly undetectable during the warmer, wetter months. Also, B. dendrobatidis prevalence significantly decreased from 53.2% when the pathogen emerged on Montserrat in 2009 to a maximum 34.8% by 2011, after which it remained stable. On Dominica, where B. dendrobatidis emerged seven years prior to Montserrat, the same seasonal pattern was recorded but at lower prevalence, possibly indicating long-term decline. Understanding the dynamics of disease threats such as chytridiomycosis is key to planning conservation measures. For example, reintroductions of chytridiomycosis-threatened species could be timed to coincide with periods of low B. dendrobatidis infection risk, increasing potential for reintroduction success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Hudson
- Zoological Society of London, London, UK.,Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Trinity, Jersey, Channel Islands.,Durrell Insitute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Insitute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Lloyd Martin
- Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and Environment, Brades, Montserrat, West Indies
| | - Calvin Fenton
- Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and Environment, Brades, Montserrat, West Indies
| | | | | | - Machel Sulton
- Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division, Ministry of Environment, Climate Resilience, Disaster Management and Urban Renewal, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard P Young
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Trinity, Jersey, Channel Islands
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15
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Labisko J, Griffiths RA, Chong-Seng L, Bunbury N, Maddock ST, Bradfield KS, Taylor ML, Groombridge JJ. Endemic, endangered and evolutionarily significant: cryptic lineages in Seychelles’ frogs (Anura: Sooglossidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jim Labisko
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation, Anse Royale, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | | | - Nancy Bunbury
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Simon T Maddock
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation, Anse Royale, Mahé, Seychelles
- School of Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, UK
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Michelle L Taylor
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Jim J Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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16
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Worthington H, McCrea RS, King R, Griffiths RA. Estimation of Population Size When Capture Probability Depends on Individual States. JABES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13253-018-00347-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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17
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Abstract
Removal of protected species from sites scheduled for development is often a legal requirement in order to minimize the loss of biodiversity. The assumption of closure in the classic removal model will be violated if individuals become temporarily undetectable, a phenomenon commonly exhibited by reptiles and amphibians. Temporary emigration can be modeled using a multievent framework with a partial hidden process, where the underlying state process describes the movement pattern of animals between the survey area and an area outside of the study. We present a multievent removal model within a robust design framework which allows for individuals becoming temporarily unavailable for detection. We demonstrate how to investigate parameter redundancy in the model. Results suggest the use of the robust design and certain forms of constraints overcome issues of parameter redundancy. We show which combinations of parameters are estimable when the robust design reduces to a single secondary capture occasion within each primary sampling period. Additionally, we explore the benefit of the robust design on the precision of parameters using simulation. We demonstrate that the use of the robust design is highly recommended when sampling removal data. We apply our model to removal data of common lizards, Zootoca vivipara, and for this application precision of parameter estimates is further improved using an integrated model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhou
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, U.K
| | - Rachel S McCrea
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, U.K
| | - Eleni Matechou
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, U.K
| | - Diana J Cole
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, U.K
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, U.K
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18
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Meredith HM, St. John FA, Collen B, Black SA, Griffiths RA. Practitioner and scientist perceptions of successful amphibian conservation. Conserv Biol 2018; 32:366-375. [PMID: 28856725 PMCID: PMC6849735 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Conservation requires successful outcomes. However, success is perceived in many different ways depending on the desired outcome. Through a questionnaire survey, we examined perceptions of success among 355 scientists and practitioners working on amphibian conservation from over 150 organizations in more than 50 countries. We also sought to identify how different types of conservation actions and respondent experience and background influenced perceptions. Respondents identified 4 types of success: species and habitat improvements (84% of respondents); effective program management (36%); outreach initiatives such as education and public engagement (25%); and the application of science-based conservation (15%). The most significant factor influencing overall perceived success was reducing threats. Capacity building was rated least important. Perceptions were influenced by experience, professional affiliation, involvement in conservation practice, and country of residence. More experienced practitioners associated success with improvements to species and habitats and less so with education and engagement initiatives. Although science-based conservation was rated as important, this factor declined in importance as the number of programs a respondent participated in increased, particularly among those from less economically developed countries. The ultimate measure of conservation success-population recovery-may be difficult to measure in many amphibians; difficult to relate to the conservation actions intended to drive it; and difficult to achieve within conventional funding time frames. The relaunched Amphibian Conservation Action Plan provides a framework for capturing lower level processes and outcomes, identifying gaps, and measuring progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M.R. Meredith
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterbury CT2 7NRU.K.
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of LondonRegent's ParkLondon NW1 4RYU.K.
- Current address: Amphibian Survival AllianceSynchronicity Earth32A Thurloe PlaceLondon SW7 2HQU.K.
| | - Freya A.V. St. John
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterbury CT2 7NRU.K.
- Current address: School of Environment, Natural Resources and GeographyBangor UniversityBangor, GwyneddLL57 2UWU.K.
| | - Ben Collen
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and EnvironmentUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondon WC1E 6BTU.K.
| | - Simon A. Black
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterbury CT2 7NRU.K.
| | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterbury CT2 7NRU.K.
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19
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Austen GE, Bindemann M, Griffiths RA, Roberts DL. Species identification by conservation practitioners using online images: accuracy and agreement between experts. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4157. [PMID: 29379682 PMCID: PMC5787348 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging technologies have led to an increase in species observations being recorded via digital images. Such visual records are easily shared, and are often uploaded to online communities when help is required to identify or validate species. Although this is common practice, little is known about the accuracy of species identification from such images. Using online images of newts that are native and non-native to the UK, this study asked holders of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) licences (issued by UK authorities to permit surveying for this species) to sort these images into groups, and to assign species names to those groups. All of these experts identified the native species, but agreement among these participants was low, with some being cautious in committing to definitive identifications. Individuals’ accuracy was also independent of both their experience and self-assessed ability. Furthermore, mean accuracy was not uniform across species (69–96%). These findings demonstrate the difficulty of accurate identification of newts from a single image, and that expert judgements are variable, even within the same knowledgeable community. We suggest that identification decisions should be made on multiple images and verified by more than one expert, which could improve the reliability of species data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail E Austen
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Bindemann
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - David L Roberts
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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20
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Buxton AS, Groombridge JJ, Griffiths RA. Seasonal variation in environmental DNA detection in sediment and water samples. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191737. [PMID: 29352294 PMCID: PMC5774844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of species depends on the seasonal activity of the species in the sampled habitat. eDNA may persist in sediments for longer than it does in water, and analysing sediment could potentially extend the seasonal window for species assessment. Using the great crested newt as a model, we compare how detection probability changes across the seasons in eDNA samples collected from both pond water and pond sediments. Detection of both aquatic and sedimentary eDNA varied through the year, peaking in the summer (July), with its lowest point in the winter (January): in all seasons, detection probability of eDNA from water exceeded that from sediment. Detection probability of eDNA also varied between study areas, and according to great crested newt habitat suitability and sediment type. As aquatic and sedimentary eDNA show the same seasonal fluctuations, the patterns observed in both sample types likely reflect current or recent presence of the target species. However, given the low detection probabilities found in the autumn and winter we would not recommend using either aquatic or sedimentary eDNA for year-round sampling without further refinement and testing of the methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Buxton
- Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Jim J. Groombridge
- Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
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21
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Mahoney P, Miszkiewicz JJ, Chapple S, Le Luyer M, Schlecht SH, Stewart TJ, Griffiths RA, Deter C, Guatelli‐Steinberg D. The biorhythm of human skeletal growth. J Anat 2018; 232:26-38. [PMID: 29023695 PMCID: PMC5735060 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence of a periodic biorhythm is retained in tooth enamel in the form of Retzius lines. The periodicity of Retzius lines (RP) correlates with body mass and the scheduling of life history events when compared between some mammalian species. The correlation has led to the development of the inter-specific Havers-Halberg oscillation (HHO) hypothesis, which holds great potential for studying aspects of a fossil species biology from teeth. Yet, our understanding of if, or how, the HHO relates to human skeletal growth is limited. The goal here is to explore associations between the biorhythm and two hard tissues that form at different times during human ontogeny, within the context of the HHO. First, we investigate the relationship of RP to permanent molar enamel thickness and the underlying daily rate that ameloblasts secrete enamel during childhood. Following this, we develop preliminary research conducted on small samples of adult human bone by testing associations between RP, adult femoral length (as a proxy for attained adult stature) and cortical osteocyte lacunae density (as a proxy for the rate of osteocyte proliferation). Results reveal RP is positively correlated with enamel thickness, negatively correlated with femoral length, but weakly associated with the rate of enamel secretion and osteocyte proliferation. These new data imply that a slower biorhythm predicts thicker enamel for children but shorter stature for adults. Our results develop the intra-specific HHO hypothesis suggesting that there is a common underlying systemic biorhythm that has a role in the final products of human enamel and bone growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mahoney
- Human Osteology LabSkeletal Biology Research CentreSchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Justyna J. Miszkiewicz
- Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Research GroupSchool of Archaeology and AnthropologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Simon Chapple
- Human Osteology LabSkeletal Biology Research CentreSchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Mona Le Luyer
- Human Osteology LabSkeletal Biology Research CentreSchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
- De la Prehistoire à l'Actuel: CultureEnvironment et Anthropologie (UMR 5199 PACEA)Université de BordeauxPessacFrance
| | | | - Tahlia J. Stewart
- Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Research GroupSchool of Archaeology and AnthropologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and EcologySchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Chris Deter
- Human Osteology LabSkeletal Biology Research CentreSchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
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22
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Ward RJ, Griffiths RA, Wilkinson JW, Cornish N. Optimising monitoring efforts for secretive snakes: a comparison of occupancy and N-mixture models for assessment of population status. Sci Rep 2017; 7:18074. [PMID: 29273793 PMCID: PMC5741746 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A fifth of reptiles are Data Deficient; many due to unknown population status. Monitoring snake populations can be demanding due to crypsis and low population densities, with insufficient recaptures for abundance estimation via Capture-Mark-Recapture. Alternatively, binomial N-mixture models enable abundance estimation from count data without individual identification, but have rarely been successfully applied to snake populations. We evaluated the suitability of occupancy and N-mixture methods for monitoring an insular population of grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) and considered covariates influencing detection, occupancy and abundance within remaining habitat. Snakes were elusive, with detectability increasing with survey effort (mean: 0.33 ± 0.06 s.e.m.). The probability of a transect being occupied was moderate (mean per kilometre: 0.44 ± 0.19 s.e.m.) and increased with transect length. Abundance estimates indicate a small threatened population associated to our transects (mean: 39, 95% CI: 20-169). Power analysis indicated that the survey effort required to detect occupancy declines would be prohibitive. Occupancy models fitted well, whereas N-mixture models showed poor fit, provided little extra information over occupancy models and were at greater risk of closure violation. Therefore we suggest occupancy models are more appropriate for monitoring snakes and other elusive species, but that population trends may go undetected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Ward
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, Kent, UK.
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, Kent, UK
| | - John W Wilkinson
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, 655a Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 4AP, Dorset, UK
| | - Nina Cornish
- Department of the Environment, States of Jersey, Howard Davis Farm, La Route de la Trinite, Trinity, JE3 5JP, Jersey
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23
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Barata IM, Griffiths RA, Ridout MS. The power of monitoring: optimizing survey designs to detect occupancy changes in a rare amphibian population. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16491. [PMID: 29184083 PMCID: PMC5705711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16534-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity conservation requires reliable species assessments and rigorously designed surveys. However, determining the survey effort required to reliably detect population change can be challenging for rare, cryptic and elusive species. We used a tropical bromeliad-dwelling frog as a model system to explore a cost-effective sampling design that optimizes the chances of detecting a population decline. Relatively few sampling visits were needed to estimate occupancy and detectability with good precision, and to detect a 30% change in occupancy with 80% power. Detectability was influenced by observer expertise, which therefore also had an effect on the sampling design - less experienced observers require more sampling visits to detect the species. Even when the sampling design provides precise parameter estimates, only moderate to large changes in occupancy will be detected with reliable power. Detecting a population change of 15% or less requires a large number of sites to be surveyed, which might be unachievable for range-restricted species occurring at relatively few sites. Unless there is high initial occupancy, rare and cryptic species will be particularly challenging when it comes to detecting small population changes. This may be a particular issue for long-term monitoring of amphibians which often display low detectability and wide natural fluctuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela M Barata
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK.
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Martin S Ridout
- National Centre for Statistical Ecology, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NF, UK
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24
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Pasmans F, Bogaerts S, Braeckman J, Cunningham AA, Hellebuyck T, Griffiths RA, Sparreboom M, Schmidt BR, Martel A. Future of keeping pet reptiles and amphibians: towards integrating animal welfare, human health and environmental sustainability. Vet Rec 2017; 181:450. [PMID: 29051315 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The keeping of exotic pets is currently under debate and governments of several countries are increasingly exploring the regulation, or even the banning, of exotic pet keeping. Major concerns are issues of public health and safety, animal welfare and biodiversity conservation. The keeping of reptiles and amphibians in captivity encompasses all the potential issues identified with keeping exotic pets, and many of those relating to traditional domestic pets. Within the context of risks posed by pets in general, the authors argue for the responsible and sustainable keeping of reptile and amphibian pets by private persons, based on scientific evidence and on the authors' own expertise (veterinary medicine, captive husbandry, conservation biology).
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Pasmans
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Johan Braeckman
- Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Tom Hellebuyck
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | | | - Benedikt R Schmidt
- Info Fauna KARCH, Passage Maximilien-de-Meuron, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - An Martel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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25
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Abstract
The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess the presence-absence of rare, cryptic or invasive species is hindered by a poor understanding of the factors that can remove DNA from the system. In aquatic systems, eDNA can be transported out either horizontally in water flows or vertically by incorporation into the sediment. Equally, eDNA may be broken down by various biotic and abiotic processes if the target organism leaves the system. We use occupancy modelling and a replicated mesocosm experiment to examine how detection probability of eDNA changes once the target species is no longer present. We hypothesise that detection probability falls faster with a sediment which has a large number of DNA binding sites such as topsoil or clay, over lower DNA binding capacity substrates such as sand. Water removed from ponds containing the target species (the great crested newt) initially showed high detection probabilities, but these fell to between 40% and 60% over the first 10 days and to between 10% and 22% by day 15: eDNA remained detectable at very low levels until day 22. Very little difference in detection was observed between the control group (no substrate) and the sand substrate. A small reduction in detection probability was observed between the control and clay substrates, but this was not significant. However, a highly significant reduction in detection probability was observed with a topsoil substrate. This result is likely to have stemmed from increased levels of PCR inhibition, suggesting that incorporation of DNA into the sentiment is of only limited importance. Surveys of aquatic species using eDNA clearly need to take account of substrate type as well as other environmental factors when collecting samples, analysing data and interpreting the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Buxton
- Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Jim J. Groombridge
- Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
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26
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Buxton AS, Groombridge JJ, Zakaria NB, Griffiths RA. Seasonal variation in environmental DNA in relation to population size and environmental factors. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46294. [PMID: 28393885 PMCID: PMC5385492 DOI: 10.1038/srep46294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysing DNA that organisms release into the environment (environmental DNA, or eDNA) has enormous potential for assessing rare and cryptic species. At present the method is only reliably used to assess the presence-absence of species in natural environments, as seasonal influences on eDNA in relation to presence, abundance, life stages and seasonal behaviours are poorly understood. A naturally colonised, replicated pond system was used to show how seasonal changes in eDNA were influenced by abundance of adults and larvae of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus). Peaks in eDNA were observed in early June when adult breeding was coming to an end, and between mid-July and mid-August corresponding to a peak in newt larval abundance. Changes in adult body condition associated with reproduction also influenced eDNA concentrations, as did temperature (but not rainfall or UV). eDNA concentration fell rapidly as larvae metamorphosed and left the ponds. eDNA concentration may therefore reflect relative abundance in different ponds, although environmental factors can affect the concentrations observed. Nevertheless, eDNA surveys may still represent an improvement over unadjusted counts which are widely used in population assessments but have unreliable relationships with population size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Buxton
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Jim J Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Nurulhuda B Zakaria
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
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27
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Rosa GM, Sabino-Pinto J, Laurentino TG, Martel A, Pasmans F, Rebelo R, Griffiths RA, Stöhr AC, Marschang RE, Price SJ, Garner TWJ, Bosch J. Impact of asynchronous emergence of two lethal pathogens on amphibian assemblages. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43260. [PMID: 28240267 PMCID: PMC5327436 DOI: 10.1038/srep43260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging diseases have been increasingly associated with population declines, with co-infections exhibiting many types of interactions. The chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and ranaviruses have extraordinarily broad host ranges, however co-infection dynamics have been largely overlooked. We investigated the pattern of co-occurrence of these two pathogens in an amphibian assemblage in Serra da Estrela (Portugal). The detection of chytridiomycosis in Portugal was linked to population declines of midwife-toads (Alytes obstetricans). The asynchronous and subsequent emergence of a second pathogen - ranavirus - caused episodes of lethal ranavirosis. Chytrid effects were limited to high altitudes and a single host, while ranavirus was highly pathogenic across multiple hosts, life-stages and altitudinal range. This new strain (Portuguese newt and toad ranavirus – member of the CMTV clade) caused annual mass die-offs, similar in host range and rapidity of declines to other locations in Iberia affected by CMTV-like ranaviruses. However, ranavirus was not always associated with disease, mortality and declines, contrasting with previous reports on Iberian CMTV-like ranavirosis. We found little evidence that pre-existing chytrid emergence was associated with ranavirus and the emergence of ranavirosis. Despite the lack of cumulative or amplified effects, ranavirus drove declines of host assemblages and changed host community composition and structure, posing a grave threat to all amphibian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo M Rosa
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK.,Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, NW1 4RY, London, UK.,Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Joana Sabino-Pinto
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Division of Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Mendelssohnstr. 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Telma G Laurentino
- Computational Biology and Population Genomics Group, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.,Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, Basel, Switzerland
| | - An Martel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Pasmans
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rui Rebelo
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Anke C Stöhr
- Fachgebiet für Umwelt- und Tierhygiene, Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Rachel E Marschang
- Fachgebiet für Umwelt- und Tierhygiene, Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.,Laboklin GmbH &Co. KG, Laboratory for Clinical Diagnostics, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Stephen J Price
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, NW1 4RY, London, UK.,UCL Genetics Institute, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Trenton W J Garner
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, NW1 4RY, London, UK
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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28
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29
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Wombwell EL, Garner TWJ, Cunningham AA, Quest R, Pritchard S, Rowcliffe JM, Griffiths RA. Detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Amphibians Imported into the UK for the Pet Trade. Ecohealth 2016; 13:456-466. [PMID: 27317049 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1138-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the global spread of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been facilitated by the international trade in amphibians. Bd was first detected in the UK in 2004, and has since been detected in multiple wild amphibian populations. Most amphibians imported into the UK for the pet trade from outside the European Union enter the country via Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC), where Bd-positive animals have been previously detected. Data on the volume, diversity and origin of imported amphibians were collected for 59 consignments arriving at HARC between November 2009 and June 2012, along with a surveillance study to investigate the prevalence of Bd in these animals. Forty-three amphibian genera were recorded, originating from 12 countries. It was estimated that 5000-7000 amphibians are imported through HARC into the UK annually for the pet trade. Bd was detected in consignments from the USA and Tanzania, in six genera, resulting in an overall prevalence of 3.6%. This suggests that imported amphibians are a source of Bd within the international pet trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Louise Wombwell
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK.
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK.
| | - Trenton W J Garner
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK
| | - Andrew A Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK
| | - Robert Quest
- Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, City of London Corporation, Animal Health and Welfare Services, London, UK
| | - Susie Pritchard
- Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, City of London Corporation, Animal Health and Welfare Services, London, UK
| | - J Marcus Rowcliffe
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
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30
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Hudson MA, Young RP, D'Urban Jackson J, Orozco-terWengel P, Martin L, James A, Sulton M, Garcia G, Griffiths RA, Thomas R, Magin C, Bruford MW, Cunningham AA. Dynamics and genetics of a disease-driven species decline to near extinction: lessons for conservation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30772. [PMID: 27485994 PMCID: PMC4971493 DOI: 10.1038/srep30772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibian chytridiomycosis has caused precipitous declines in hundreds of species worldwide. By tracking mountain chicken (Leptodactylus fallax) populations before, during and after the emergence of chytridiomycosis, we quantified the real-time species level impacts of this disease. We report a range-wide species decline amongst the fastest ever recorded, with a loss of over 85% of the population in fewer than 18 months on Dominica and near extinction on Montserrat. Genetic diversity declined in the wild, but emergency measures to establish a captive assurance population captured a representative sample of genetic diversity from Montserrat. If the Convention on Biological Diversity’s targets are to be met, it is important to evaluate the reasons why they appear consistently unattainable. The emergence of chytridiomycosis in the mountain chicken was predictable, but the decline could not be prevented. There is an urgent need to build mitigation capacity where amphibians are at risk from chytridiomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hudson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK.,Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UK.,Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey, Channel Islands, UK
| | - R P Young
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey, Channel Islands, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK
| | - J D'Urban Jackson
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.,Department of Biology &Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - P Orozco-terWengel
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - L Martin
- Department of Environment, Montserrat Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and Environment, Montserrat, West Indies
| | - A James
- Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division, Dominica Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Botanical Gardens, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies
| | - M Sulton
- Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division, Dominica Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Botanical Gardens, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies
| | - G Garcia
- Chester Zoo, Cedar House, Caughall Road, Upton by Chester, Chester CH2 1LH, UK
| | - R A Griffiths
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey, Channel Islands, UK
| | - R Thomas
- Division of Agriculture, Dominica Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Botanical Gardens, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies
| | - C Magin
- The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK
| | - M W Bruford
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.,Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3BB, UK
| | - A A Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
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31
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Robinson JE, St John FAV, Griffiths RA, Roberts DL. Correction: Captive Reptile Mortality Rates in the Home and Implications for the Wildlife Trade. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157519. [PMID: 27272164 PMCID: PMC4894558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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32
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Harding G, Griffiths RA, Pavajeau L. Developments in amphibian captive breeding and reintroduction programs. Conserv Biol 2016; 30:340-9. [PMID: 26306460 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Captive breeding and reintroduction remain high profile but controversial conservation interventions. It is important to understand how such programs develop and respond to strategic conservation initiatives. We analyzed the contribution to conservation made by amphibian captive breeding and reintroduction since the launch of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP) in 2007. We assembled data on amphibian captive breeding and reintroduction from a variety of sources including the Amphibian Ark database and the IUCN Red List. We also carried out systematic searches of Web of Science, JSTOR, and Google Scholar for relevant literature. Relative to data collected from 1966 to 2006, the number of species involved in captive breeding and reintroduction projects increased by 57% in the 7 years since release of the ACAP. However, there have been relatively few new reintroductions over this period; most programs have focused on securing captive-assurance populations (i.e., species taken into captivity as a precaution against extinctions in the wild) and conservation-related research. There has been a shift to a broader representation of frogs, salamanders, and caecilians within programs and an increasing emphasis on threatened species. There has been a relative increase of species in programs from Central and South America and the Caribbean, where amphibian biodiversity is high. About half of the programs involve zoos and aquaria with a similar proportion represented in specialist facilities run by governmental or nongovernmental agencies. Despite successful reintroduction often being regarded as the ultimate milestone for such programs, the irreversibility of many current threats to amphibians may make this an impractical goal. Instead, research on captive assurance populations may be needed to develop imaginative solutions to enable amphibians to survive alongside current, emerging, and future threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Harding
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, United Kingdom
| | - Lissette Pavajeau
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Marlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, United Kingdom
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Rabearivony J, Brady LD, Jenkins RK, Griffiths RA, Raselimanana AP, Bisoa M, Raminosoa RN. Influence of riparian habitats on the distribution of rainforest chameleons in Parc National de Ranomafana, Madagascar. AFR J HERPETOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2015.1121930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanneney Rabearivony
- Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antsiranana, B.P. 0, Antsiranana 201, Madagascar
- Département de Biologie Animale, B.P. 906, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Lee D. Brady
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Richard K.B. Jenkins
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
- Global Species Programme, IUCN, Cambridge, UK
- Madagasikara Voakajy, B.P. 5181, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Achille P. Raselimanana
- Département de Biologie Animale, B.P. 906, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Association Vahatra, B.P. 3972, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Michel Bisoa
- Direction Régionale de la Pêche, Antsohihy, Région de la Sofia, Madagascar
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Robinson JE, St. John FAV, Griffiths RA, Roberts DL. Captive Reptile Mortality Rates in the Home and Implications for the Wildlife Trade. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141460. [PMID: 26556237 PMCID: PMC4640569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The trade in wildlife and keeping of exotic pets is subject to varying levels of national and international regulation and is a topic often attracting controversy. Reptiles are popular exotic pets and comprise a substantial component of the live animal trade. High mortality of traded animals raises welfare concerns, and also has implications for conservation if collection from the wild is required to meet demand. Mortality of reptiles can occur at any stage of the trade chain from collector to consumer. However, there is limited information on mortality rates of reptiles across trade chains, particularly amongst final consumers in the home. We investigated mortality rates of reptiles amongst consumers using a specialised technique for asking sensitive questions, additive Randomised Response Technique (aRRT), as well as direct questioning (DQ). Overall, 3.6% of snakes, chelonians and lizards died within one year of acquisition. Boas and pythons had the lowest reported mortality rates of 1.9% and chameleons had the highest at 28.2%. More than 97% of snakes, 87% of lizards and 69% of chelonians acquired by respondents over five years were reported to be captive bred and results suggest that mortality rates may be lowest for captive bred individuals. Estimates of mortality from aRRT and DQ did not differ significantly which is in line with our findings that respondents did not find questions about reptile mortality to be sensitive. This research suggests that captive reptile mortality in the home is rather low, and identifies those taxa where further effort could be made to reduce mortality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine E. Robinson
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JER); (DLR)
| | - Freya A. V. St. John
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, United Kingdom
| | - David L. Roberts
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JER); (DLR)
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Griffiths RA, Foster J, Wilkinson JW, Sewell D. Science, statistics and surveys: a herpetological perspective. J Appl Ecol 2015; 52:1413-1417. [PMID: 27594710 PMCID: PMC4989472 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury Kent CT2 7NR UK
| | - Jim Foster
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 655A Christchurch Road Boscombe Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 4AP UK
| | - John W Wilkinson
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 655A Christchurch Road Boscombe Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 4AP UK
| | - David Sewell
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury Kent CT2 7NR UK
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Jenkins RKB, Tognelli MF, Bowles P, Cox N, Brown JL, Chan L, Andreone F, Andriamazava A, Andriantsimanarilafy RR, Anjeriniaina M, Bora P, Brady LD, Hantalalaina EF, Glaw F, Griffiths RA, Hilton-Taylor C, Hoffmann M, Katariya V, Rabibisoa NH, Rafanomezantsoa J, Rakotomalala D, Rakotondravony H, Rakotondrazafy NA, Ralambonirainy J, Ramanamanjato JB, Randriamahazo H, Randrianantoandro JC, Randrianasolo HH, Randrianirina JE, Randrianizahana H, Raselimanana AP, Rasolohery A, Ratsoavina FM, Raxworthy CJ, Robsomanitrandrasana E, Rollande F, van Dijk PP, Yoder AD, Vences M. Extinction risks and the conservation of Madagascar's reptiles. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100173. [PMID: 25111137 PMCID: PMC4128600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An understanding of the conservation status of Madagascar's endemic reptile species is needed to underpin conservation planning and priority setting in this global biodiversity hotspot, and to complement existing information on the island's mammals, birds and amphibians. We report here on the first systematic assessment of the extinction risk of endemic and native non-marine Malagasy snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises. Methodology/Principal Findings Species range maps from The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species were analysed to determine patterns in the distribution of threatened reptile species. These data, in addition to information on threats, were used to identify priority areas and actions for conservation. Thirty-nine percent of the data-sufficient Malagasy reptiles in our analyses are threatened with extinction. Areas in the north, west and south-east were identified as having more threatened species than expected and are therefore conservation priorities. Habitat degradation caused by wood harvesting and non-timber crops was the most pervasive threat. The direct removal of reptiles for international trade and human consumption threatened relatively few species, but were the primary threats for tortoises. Nine threatened reptile species are endemic to recently created protected areas. Conclusions/Significance With a few alarming exceptions, the threatened endemic reptiles of Madagascar occur within the national network of protected areas, including some taxa that are only found in new protected areas. Threats to these species, however, operate inside and outside protected area boundaries. This analysis has identified priority sites for reptile conservation and completes the conservation assessment of terrestrial vertebrates in Madagascar which will facilitate conservation planning, monitoring and wise-decision making. In sharp contrast with the amphibians, there is significant reptile diversity and regional endemism in the southern and western regions of Madagascar and this study highlights the importance of these arid regions to conserving the island's biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelo F. Tognelli
- IUCN/CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Betty & Gordon Moore Center for Science & Oceans, Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
- IUCN Global Species Programme, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Philip Bowles
- IUCN/CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Betty & Gordon Moore Center for Science & Oceans, Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
- IUCN Global Species Programme, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Neil Cox
- IUCN/CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Betty & Gordon Moore Center for Science & Oceans, Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
- IUCN Global Species Programme, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Jason L. Brown
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lauren Chan
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- W. M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | | | - Alain Andriamazava
- Ligue pour la Protection de la Nature à Madagascar, Lot 313 Cité Civil Ambohipo, Antaninarenina, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Mirana Anjeriniaina
- WWF Madagascar and West Indian Ocean Programme Office, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Parfait Bora
- Département de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Lee D. Brady
- Calumma Ecological Services, Dunkirk, Faversham, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Elisoa F. Hantalalaina
- Département de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Frank Glaw
- Zoologische Staatssammlung München, München, Germany
| | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael Hoffmann
- IUCN/CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Betty & Gordon Moore Center for Science & Oceans, Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
- IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland
- United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nirhy H. Rabibisoa
- Département de Zoologie et Ecologie, Faculté des Sciences Campus Ambondrona, Mahajanga, Madagascar
| | - Jeannot Rafanomezantsoa
- Département de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Hery Rakotondravony
- Département de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Ny A. Rakotondrazafy
- Département de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina
- Département de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Technical University of Braunschweig, Zoological Institute, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christopher J. Raxworthy
- Herpetology Department, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Finoana Rollande
- Conservation International, Villa Hajanirina, Ankorahotra, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Peter P. van Dijk
- IUCN/CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit, Betty & Gordon Moore Center for Science & Oceans, Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Anne D. Yoder
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Miguel Vences
- Technical University of Braunschweig, Zoological Institute, Braunschweig, Germany
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Sewell D, Guillera-Arroita G, Griffiths RA, Beebee TJC. When is a species declining? Optimizing survey effort to detect population changes in reptiles. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43387. [PMID: 22937044 PMCID: PMC3425567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity monitoring programs need to be designed so that population changes can be detected reliably. This can be problematical for species that are cryptic and have imperfect detection. We used occupancy modeling and power analysis to optimize the survey design for reptile monitoring programs in the UK. Surveys were carried out six times a year in 2009-2010 at multiple sites. Four out of the six species--grass snake, adder, common lizard, slow-worm -were encountered during every survey from March-September. The exceptions were the two rarest species--sand lizard and smooth snake--which were not encountered in July 2009 and March 2010 respectively. The most frequently encountered and most easily detected species was the slow-worm. For the four widespread reptile species in the UK, three to four survey visits that used a combination of directed transect walks and artificial cover objects resulted in 95% certainty that a species would be detected if present. Using artificial cover objects was an effective detection method for most species, considerably increased the detection rate of some, and reduced misidentifications. To achieve an 85% power to detect a decline in any of the four widespread species when the true decline is 15%, three surveys at a total of 886 sampling sites, or four surveys at a total of 688 sites would be required. The sampling effort needed reduces to 212 sites surveyed three times, or 167 sites surveyed four times, if the target is to detect a true decline of 30% with the same power. The results obtained can be used to refine reptile survey protocols in the UK and elsewhere. On a wider scale, the occupancy study design approach can be used to optimize survey effort and help set targets for conservation outcomes for regional or national biodiversity assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sewell
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Gurutzeta Guillera-Arroita
- National Centre for Statistical Ecology, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Trevor J. C. Beebee
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Taylor ML, Bunbury N, Chong-Seng L, Doak N, Kundu S, Griffiths RA, Groombridge JJ. Evidence for evolutionary distinctiveness of a newly discovered population of sooglossid frogs on Praslin Island, Seychelles. CONSERV GENET 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-011-0307-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Shoo LP, Olson DH, McMenamin SK, Murray KA, Van Sluys M, Donnelly MA, Stratford D, Terhivuo J, Merino-Viteri A, Herbert SM, Bishop PJ, Corn PS, Dovey L, Griffiths RA, Lowe K, Mahony M, McCallum H, Shuker JD, Simpkins C, Skerratt LF, Williams SE, Hero JM. Engineering a future for amphibians under climate change. J Appl Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01942.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
The global amphibian crisis has resulted in renewed interest in captive breeding as a conservation tool for amphibians. Although captive breeding and reintroduction are controversial management actions, amphibians possess a number of attributes that make them potentially good models for such programs. We reviewed the extent and effectiveness of captive breeding and reintroduction programs for amphibians through an analysis of data from the Global Amphibian Assessment and other sources. Most captive breeding and reintroduction programs for amphibians have focused on threatened species from industrialized countries with relatively low amphibian diversity. Out of 110 species in such programs, 52 were in programs with no plans for reintroduction that had conservation research or conservation education as their main purpose. A further 39 species were in programs that entailed captive breeding and reintroduction or combined captive breeding with relocations of wild animals. Nineteen species were in programs with relocations of wild animals only. Eighteen out of 58 reintroduced species have subsequently bred successfully in the wild, and 13 of these species have established self-sustaining populations. As with threatened amphibians generally, amphibians in captive breeding or reintroduction programs face multiple threats, with habitat loss being the most important. Nevertheless, only 18 out of 58 reintroduced species faced threats that are all potentially reversible. When selecting species for captive programs, dilemmas may emerge between choosing species that have a good chance of surviving after reintroduction because their threats are reversible and those that are doomed to extinction in the wild as a result of irreversible threats. Captive breeding and reintroduction programs for amphibians require long-term commitments to ensure success, and different management strategies may be needed for species earmarked for reintroduction and species used for conservation research and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Griffiths
- The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, Marlowe Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Death feigning, a variant of tonic immobility, is usually interpreted as a last-resort antipredator measure. The authors describe death feigning in grass snakes (Natrix natrix) and test some of its potential correlates. Death feigning was seen in 66% of wild-caught snakes but was not seen in hatchlings from laboratory-incubated eggs. Minimal indication of death feigning was mouth gaping, often with the tongue hanging free, but more dramatic cases involved voluntary supination and/or lack of muscle tone. Aside from hatchlings, which did not feign death, there was little variation in frequency or intensity of death feigning with body size. There was no effect of body temperature on death feigning nor were snakes that were moving when caught less likely to feign death than those that were not moving. Interpretation of the adaptive value of death feigning in grass snakes or in other animals is hampered by lack of evidence of this behavior in the field in response to natural predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Gregory
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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Mendelson JR, Lips KR, Gagliardo RW, Rabb GB, Collins JP, Diffendorfer JE, Daszak P, Ibáñez D R, Zippel KC, Lawson DP, Wright KM, Stuart SN, Gascon C, da Silva HR, Burrowes PA, Joglar RL, La Marca E, Lötters S, du Preez LH, Weldon C, Hyatt A, Rodriguez-Mahecha JV, Hunt S, Robertson H, Lock B, Raxworthy CJ, Frost DR, Lacy RC, Alford RA, Campbell JA, Parra-Olea G, Bolaños F, Domingo JJC, Halliday T, Murphy JB, Wake MH, Coloma LA, Kuzmin SL, Price MS, Howell KM, Lau M, Pethiyagoda R, Boone M, Lannoo MJ, Blaustein AR, Dobson A, Griffiths RA, Crump ML, Wake DB, Brodie ED. Biodiversity. Confronting amphibian declines and extinctions. Science 2006; 313:48. [PMID: 16825553 DOI: 10.1126/science.1128396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Kraaijeveld-Smit FJL, Beebee TJC, Griffiths RA, Moore RD, Schley L. Low gene flow but high genetic diversity in the threatened Mallorcan midwife toad Alytes muletensis. Mol Ecol 2006; 14:3307-15. [PMID: 16156804 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2005.02614.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We investigated fine-scale genetic structuring in the rare and vulnerable Mallorcan midwife toad Alytes muletensis using eight polymorphic microsatellite markers. The current range of this amphibian is restricted to some 19 sites of which six are derived from reintroductions, all located in the mountain ranges of Mallorca. We sampled tadpoles from 14 pools covering 10 natural sites and two reintroduction sites for microsatellite DNA analyses. Relatively high levels of genetic variation were found in most pools (H(E) = 0.38-0.71, allelic richness = 2.6-6.2). Only at one pool has the population recently gone through a bottleneck. Dispersal between pools in different torrents does not occur whereas downstream dispersal between pools within the same torrent does happen at low frequencies. This occasional exchange of individuals does not lead to neighbouring pools in the same torrent being panmictic. This can be concluded because all F(ST) values (0.12-0.53) differ significantly from zero and STRUCTURE analyses identified neighbouring pools as separate populations. Furthermore, assignment and migration tests showed little exchange between neighbouring pools. If upstream locations or complete torrents go extinct, they are unlikely to be recolonized naturally. For conservation purposes, reintroductions of tadpoles to sites where local extinctions have occurred may therefore be advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J L Kraaijeveld-Smit
- The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NS, UK.
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Moore RD, Griffiths RA, O'Brien CM, Murphy A, Jay D. Induced defences in an endangered amphibian in response to an introduced snake predator. Oecologia 2004; 141:139-47. [PMID: 15338267 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-004-1649-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2003] [Accepted: 06/04/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduced species have contributed significantly to the extinction of endemic species on islands. They also create new selection pressures on their prey that may result in modified life history strategies. Introduced viperine snakes ( Natrix maura) have been implicated in the decline of the endemic midwife toad of Mallorca ( Alytes muletensis). A comparison of A. muletensis tadpoles in natural pools with and without snakes showed that those populations subject to snake predation possessed longer tails with narrower tail fins but deeper tail muscles. Field and laboratory experiments showed that these changes in tail morphology could be induced by chemical and tactile cues from snakes. Populations of tadpoles that were subject to snake predation also displayed clear bimodal size-frequency distributions, with intermediate-sized tadpoles missing from the pools completely. Tadpoles in pools frequented by snakes developed faster in relation to their body size than those in pools without snakes. Variation in morphology between toad populations may therefore be caused by a combination of size-selective predation and tadpole plasticity. The results of this study indicate that the introduction of alien species can result in selection for induced defences, which may facilitate coexistence between predator and prey under certain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin D Moore
- The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, CT2 7NS, Canterbury, Kent, UK
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Griffiths RA. Sorption and desorption by ideal two-compartment systems: unusual behavior and data interpretation problems. Chemosphere 2004; 55:443-454. [PMID: 14987943 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2003.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2003] [Revised: 06/10/2003] [Accepted: 07/01/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the current practices of fitting curves to sorption, desorption, and equilibrium data obtained from laboratory experiments. Systems of equations incorporating Freundlich isotherms and first-order kinetics for two different idealized sorbents, one "fast" and one "slow," were solved numerically to produce "data". Two-compartment curves were then fit to the data by nonlinear regression, and the parameters computed by the regression are compared with the original parameters used to produce the data. The results show that a sorbent with fast kinetics will not steadily accumulate sorbate until it reaches the equilibrium value but will overshoot equilibrium, accumulating an excess of sorbate. This overshoot will cause the sorption rates for both sorbents and the distribution between the fast and slow sorbents to be estimated incorrectly. The system may appear to be at equilibrium by external measures, but sorbate will slowly be redistributing from the fast to the slow sorbent. An isotherm constructed from data acquired during this process will have an incorrect coefficient and exponent. Consequently, the meaning of the results obtained by curve fitting may often be questionable and may say little about the phenomena occurring within the sorbate-sorbent-liquid system. Possible physical explanations for the effects observed are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Griffiths
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The deliberate restriction of fluids to control weight is even more dangerous than food restriction since it results in several serious medical complications. However, there has been scant attention given to the anorexia nervosa patient's manipulation of fluids. It is our clinical impression that fluid restriction in this illness is more common than previously thought. METHOD We summarize the demographic and clinical features of six cases of anorexia nervosa and one case of eating disorder not otherwise specified (ED-NOS) (subthreshold anorexia nervosa), where fluid restriction was a major behavioral problem. We then describe two of the anorexia nervosa cases in more detail. All were treated at a dieting disorders unit affiliated with the University of Sydney. Their preadmission history, psychological and physical status on admission, results of physical investigations, the beginning of the fluid restriction, fluid and food intake throughout treatment, and the resolution of the fluid restriction were assessed. RESULTS Patterns emerged in the relationship between eating and drinking. In all cases, food restriction was severe prior to the onset of fluid restriction but, notably, fluid intake recommenced prior to food intake. The reasons given by patients for restricting fluid were that it contained calories and that it made them feel full. Most anorexic patients equate feeling full with "feeling fat." Furthermore, they feel fully in control when they restrict fluid as well as food and this produces a strong motivation to maintain the behavior. DISCUSSION The cases illustrate the insidious nature and serious consequences of fluid restriction and the difficulties managing dieting-disordered patients who undertake it. Careful attention must be given to assessment and clinicians should be aware of fluid restriction as an important aspect of anorexic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lowinger
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Griffiths RA, Beumont PJ, Giannakopoulos E, Russell J, Schotte D, Thornton C, Touyz SW, Varano P. Measuring self-esteem in dieting disordered patients: the validity of the Rosenberg and Coopersmith contrasted. Int J Eat Disord 1999; 25:227-31. [PMID: 10065401 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-108x(199903)25:2<227::aid-eat13>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In order to ascertain the most appropriate measure of self-esteem for dieting disordered patients, this study contrasted the construct and convergent validities of two widely used measures. In addition, dieting disordered subgroups were compared on levels of self-esteem. METHOD One hundred and seventeen male and female patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or eating disorder not otherwise specified completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI), and measures of dieting disorder pathology and depression. RESULTS No significant differences among the three dieting disorder subgroups were found. In determining convergent validity, regression analyses indicated that the SES was a significant predictor of dieting disorder psychopathology whereas the SEI was not. Of the two self-esteem measures, only the SES showed evidence of convergent validity. DISCUSSION The results suggest that the SES has sounder construct and convergent validity than the SEI. Hence, the SES may be more appropriate for use with dieting disordered populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Griffiths
- Department of Psychology, University of Sydney, Australia
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Griffiths RA, Barber MD, Johnson PE, Gillbard SM, Haywood MD, Smith CD, Arnold J, Burke T, Urquhart AJ, Gill P. New reference allelic ladders to improve allelic designation in a multiplex STR system. Int J Legal Med 1998; 111:267-72. [PMID: 9728756 DOI: 10.1007/s004140050167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper reports the composition of a new reference allelic ladder mixture for use with a multiplex DNA profiling system consisting of six short tandem repeat loci. The loci included in this mixture are HUMTH01, D21S11, D18S51, D8S1179, HUMVWAF31/A, HUMFIBRA/FGA and an amelogenin sex test. Sequence analysis of individual ladder alleles was carried out and allelic designations made in accordance with the recommendations of the International Society of Forensic Haemogenetics (1992; 1994). A series of rare alleles which increase the range of alleles previously reported were identified. By including some of the rare alleles into the ladder marker system, we have significantly improved the ability to identify new alleles in unknown samples.
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