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Méndez D, Vargas FH, Sarasola JH, Olea PP. Exploring the size of Andean condor foraging groups along an altitudinal and latitudinal gradient in the Tropical Andes: Ecological and conservation implications. Curr Zool 2024; 70:225-232. [PMID: 38726255 PMCID: PMC11078037 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoad017] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Patterns of variation in the size of vulture foraging groups, and their ecological causes and consequences, remain little explored despite strong links with the carrion recycling service that this key functional group provides. We documented the group size-frequency pattern of Andean condors Vultur gryphus gathered to feed on 42 equine carcasses experimentally placed in Bolivia, between 2012 and 2019, along an elevation range of 1,300-4,500 m asl. Based on the location (altitude and latitude) of the foraging groups, we examined the relationship between their size and species' population parameters (size and trend), habitat conditions, and livestock carcass availability and predictability. Condors utilized a high frequency (93%) of carcasses forming groups that ranged from 1 to 80 individuals (mean = 25, median = 18) and shaped a "lazy-J curve" typical pattern of size-frequency distribution whereby few groups (5, 12%) were large (> 55 individuals) and most (21, 50%) were relatively small (<19 individuals). Group size related to altitude in that most larger groups formed at lower sites (below c. 3,000 m asl), likely following an altitudinal gradient whereby larger groups are more likely to form around larger carcasses (i.e., cattle), which are more likely to occur at lower elevations. Regardless of population size, group size could be an adaptive response of condors via local enhancement for improving individual scavenging efficiency. Many information gaps on this topic still exist, thus we provide a set of questions to address them, especially amidst the unrestricted impacts of human activities that condition vulture survival globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Méndez
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Calle 26 s/n, Cota Cota, La Paz, Bolivia
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA
| | | | - José Hernán Sarasola
- Centro para el Estudio y Conservación de Aves Rapaces en Argentina (CECARA), Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, Avda Uruguay 151, 6300 Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
- Instituto de las Ciencias Ambientales y de la Tierra de La Pampa (INCITAP-CONICET), Avda. Uruguay 151, 6300 Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Pedro P Olea
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Calle Darwin 2, 28049, Madrid, Spain
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Navarro I, Farfán MÁ, Gil JA, Muñoz AR. Survival Estimation Using Multistate Cormack-Jolly-Seber Models-The Case of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus in Spain. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:403. [PMID: 38338045 PMCID: PMC10854860 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030403] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is an endangered species with a specialist osteophagous (bone) diet. We estimated the survival and productivity of this vulture in the Aragonese Pyrenees, where the main population of the species in Europe is found. We used a database covering a period of 33 years (1987-2020). To estimate the probability of survival, we used Cormack-Jolly-Seber models with a Bayesian approach. Our models estimated a survival rate of 0.90 ± 0.08 in juveniles, 0.95 ± 0.04 in subadults and 0.92 ± 0.05 in adults. The survival probability increased over the study period in adults and subadults but not in juveniles. By contrast, productivity decreased over the same period. Our study provides updated information on the status of two demographic parameters of great importance to the species and allows us to identify the most vulnerable age classes and to plan conservation actions to improve the situation of the species in a territory that is a donor of specimens for reintroduction projects. The estimated survival values suggest that more caution should be exercised when planning these feeding points according to the use the species makes of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Navarro
- Departament of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.Á.F.); (A.R.M.)
| | - Miguel Ángel Farfán
- Departament of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.Á.F.); (A.R.M.)
| | - Juan Antonio Gil
- Fundación para la Conservación del Quebrantahuesos, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Antonio Román Muñoz
- Departament of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain; (M.Á.F.); (A.R.M.)
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Garcês A, Pires I, Sargo R, Sousa L, Prada J, Silva F. Admission Causes, Morbidity, and Outcomes in Scavenger Birds in the North of Portugal (2005-2022). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2093. [PMID: 37443896 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132093] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Portugal is the habitat of three species of vultures. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Neophron percnopterus is an Endangered species, Aegypius monachus is nearly Threatened, and Gyps fulvus is of Least Concern. This study aims to investigate the admission causes, morbidity, and outcomes of vultures admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and necropsy service in Northern Portugal. Over 17 years (2005-2022), 84 animals were admitted: 10 A. monachus, 69 G. fulvus, and 5 N. percnopterus. The main causes of admission to the centre were 80% (n = 63) unknown cause, 13% (n = 10) found debilitated, 6 % (n = 5) vehicle collision, 4% (n = 3) captivity, 1% (n = 1) gunshot, and 1% (n = 1) electrocution. Most animals were admitted during the summer (45.2%) and autumn (36.9%). Analysis of outcome data showed that 73% (n = 58) of the animals that arrived alive at the centre could be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Thirteen animals died during treatment and five were found dead. This is the first time that such a lengthy study of results and mortality has been carried out for these species in Portugal. Although the data are limited, they can already provide some information about these populations, particularly for the endangered species that are so rare to observe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Garcês
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Roberto Sargo
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Sousa
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Filipe Silva
- Exotic and Wild Animal Service, Veterinary Hospital of University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Guido JM, Cecchetto NR, Plaza PI, Donázar JA, Lambertucci SA. The Influence of Age, Sex and Season on Andean Condor Ranging Behavior during the Immature Stage. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1234. [PMID: 37048490 PMCID: PMC10092982 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immature individuals move from their natal area to the area where they settle and reproduce, and this may take several years. This process is essential for long-lived species such as vultures and condors, which spend long periods as immature and move extensively. We studied the movement behavior of 26 GPS-tagged immature Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from northwestern Patagonia throughout the immature stage, analyzing whether these patterns differed according to age, sex and season. We found that season and age influenced home range size and flight distances, the warm season being when immature condors move most; movement patterns were greater in sub-adults than in juveniles. The age effect was associated with the sex of individuals, with males increasing their home range more than females. Our results provide the first description of how immature Andean condor movement patterns are affected by internal and external factors. This information could be key to understanding condor responses to environmental change and threats at different stages during their immature phase. Until now, condor conservation efforts have not considered the areas used by dispersing individuals. Our results increase our understanding of ranging behavior during the immature stage of this threatened bird, enabling us to improve the conservation policies and management strategies designed to protect them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorgelina María Guido
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue–CONICET), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, San Carlos de Bariloche R8400FRF, Río Negro, Argentina
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA
| | - Nicolás Rodolfo Cecchetto
- Grupo de Ecología de la Polinización (EcoPol), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue–CONICET), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, San Carlos de Bariloche R8400FRF, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Pablo Ignacio Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue–CONICET), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, San Carlos de Bariloche R8400FRF, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - José Antonio Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio Agustín Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC), Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue–CONICET), Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, San Carlos de Bariloche R8400FRF, Río Negro, Argentina
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Baruzzi C, Barton BT, Lashley MA. Could parasite outbreaks be mediated by interspecific competition? The case of Entomophthora, blowflies, and vultures. Ecology 2023; 104:e3916. [PMID: 36336913 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Baruzzi
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA.,Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brandon T Barton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcus A Lashley
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA.,Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Perrig PL, Lambertucci SA, Donadio E, Smith JA, Middleton AD, Pauli JN. Risk effects cascade up to an obligate scavenger. Ecology 2023; 104:e3871. [PMID: 36116060 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of predation risk on prey populations have been studied extensively; yet, how risk is manifested in a trophically linked guild-scavengers-has been overlooked. Risk could be particularly consequential for obligate scavengers that are vulnerable while foraging and rely on carrion provisioned by, and shared with, apex predators. We investigated whether Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) respond to predation risk in a landscape where the main source of carrion are camelids killed by pumas (Puma concolor). We hypothesized that condors would exhibit different behavioral responses to predation risk while they search, encounter, and exploit carrion. We explored condor habitat selection while flying by tracking nine birds with satellite transmitters and monitored via camera traps 41 natural carcasses and 25 experimental carrion stations. We found that condors searched for carrion in areas with a high probability of occurrence of puma kills. However, condors avoided exploiting carrion in areas featuring tall vegetation and steep slopes-selected by pumas to stalk prey-suggesting that condors manage risk primarily through the identification of safe foraging sites prior to landing. Our finding that condors avoided foraging near stalking cover for pumas highlights the importance of risk effects beyond predator-prey interactions, particularly for obligate scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula L Perrig
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Bariloche, Argentina.,Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Emiliano Donadio
- Fundación Rewilding Argentina, Estancia La Ascensión, Los Antiguos, Argentina
| | - Justine A Smith
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California - Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Arthur D Middleton
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California - Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jonathan N Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Almaraz P, Martínez F, Morales-Reyes Z, Sánchez-Zapata JA, Blanco G. Long-term demographic dynamics of a keystone scavenger disrupted by human-induced shifts in food availability. Ecol Appl 2022; 32:e2579. [PMID: 35279905 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Scavenging is a key ecological process controlling energy flow in ecosystems and providing valuable ecosystem services worldwide. As long-lived species, the demographic dynamics of vultures can be disrupted by spatiotemporal fluctuations in food availability, with dramatic impacts on their population viability and the ecosystem services provided. In Europe, the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2001 prompted a restrictive sanitary regulation banning the presence of livestock carcasses in the wild on a continental scale. In long-lived vertebrate species, the buffering hypothesis predicts that the demographic traits with the largest contribution to population growth rate should be less temporally variable. The BSE outbreak provides a unique opportunity to test for the impact of demographic buffering in a keystone scavenger suffering abrupt but transient food shortages. We studied the 42-year dynamics (1979-2020) of one of the world's largest breeding colonies of Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). We fitted an inverse Bayesian state-space model with density-dependent demographic rates to the time series of stage-structured abundances to investigate shifts in vital rates and population dynamics before, during, and after the implementation of a restrictive sanitary regulation. Prior to the BSE outbreak the dynamics was mainly driven by adult survival: 83% of temporal variance in abundance was explained by variability in this rate. Moreover, during this period the regulation of population size operated through density-dependent fecundity and subadult survival. However, after the onset of the European ban, a 1-month delay in average laying date, a drop in fecundity, and a reduction in the number of fledglings induced a transient increase in the impact of fledgling and subadult recruitment on dynamics. Although adult survival rate remained constantly high, as predicted by the buffering hypothesis, its relative impact on the temporal variance in abundance dropped to 71% during the sanitary regulation and to 54% after the ban was lifted. A significant increase in the relative impact of environmental stochasticity on dynamics was modeled after the BSE outbreak. These results provide empirical evidence on how abrupt environmental deterioration may induce dramatic demographic and dynamic changes in the populations of keystone scavengers, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystem functioning worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Almaraz
- Department of Ecology and Coastal Management, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, ICMAN-CSIC, Campus Río San Pedro, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Félix Martínez
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Móstoles, Spain
| | - Zebensui Morales-Reyes
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - José A Sánchez-Zapata
- Department of Applied Biology, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Walker MA, Uribasterra M, Asher V, Getz WM, Ryan SJ, Ponciano JM, Blackburn JK. Anthrax Surveillance and the Limited Overlap Between Obligate Scavengers and Endemic Anthrax Zones in the United States. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:675-684. [PMID: 34077293 PMCID: PMC8563459 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, with potential for high fatality rate, especially in herbivores. Upon host death, spores can enter the soil surrounding the carcass and be ingested by other animals feeding in the same location. Accordingly, surveillance to quickly identify and decontaminate anthrax carcasses is crucial to outbreak prevention. In endemic anthrax areas such as Texas and Africa, vultures are used as a surveillance tool for identifying presence and location of dead animals. However, many anthrax outbreaks in the United States have occurred in areas outside the ranges of both black and turkey vultures. Here, we used a longitudinal camera trap survey at carcass sites in southwestern Montana to investigate the utility of facultative avian scavengers on disease and carcass surveillance in a reemerging anthrax risk zone. From August 2016 to September 2018, camera traps at 11 carcass sites were triggered 1996 times by avian scavengers. While the majority were facultative avian scavengers such as corvids and eagles, our results suggest that facultative scavengers cannot replace vultures as a surveillance tool in this ecosystem due to their absence during the anthrax risk period (June to August), reduced search efficiency, or low flight patterns. We found that the conditions in Montana likely parallel systems elsewhere in the continental United States. Using ecological niche models of B. anthracis distribution overlaid with relative abundance maps of turkey vultures, we found that much of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa have areas of anthrax risk, but low or absent turkey vulture populations. Without vultures in these areas, surveillance capacity is reduced, and it becomes more difficult to identify anthrax cases, meaning fewer carcasses are decontaminated, and consequently, outbreaks could become more frequent or severe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A. Walker
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Maria Uribasterra
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Valpa Asher
- Turner Enterprises, Inc., Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Wayne M. Getz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sadie J. Ryan
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Chakarov N, Blanco G. Blood Parasites in Sympatric Vultures: Role of Nesting Habits and Effects on Body Condition. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:2431. [PMID: 33801498 PMCID: PMC7967578 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052431] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidians are a common and widespread group of vector-borne parasites capable of infecting most bird species around the world. They can negatively affect host condition and fitness. Vultures are assumed to have a very low prevalence of these blood parasites, likely due to their strong immunity; however, factors contributing to variation in host exposure and susceptibility to haemosporidians are complex, and supporting evidence is still very limited. We analyzed blood samples collected from nestlings of three vulture species in Spain over 18 years, and used updated nested-PCR protocols capable of detecting all haesmosporidian cytochrome b lineages typical for diurnal birds of prey (Accipitriformes). Similarly to previous studies, we found low haemosporidian prevalence in cliff-breeding species, with Leucocytozoon as the only represented blood parasite genus: 3.1% in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) (n = 128) and 5.3% in Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) (n = 114). In contrast, the tree-breeding cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) had a substantially higher prevalence: 10.3% (n = 146). By far the most common lineage in Spanish scavenging raptors was the Leucocytozoon lineage CIAE02. No effects of nestling age and sex, or temporal trends in prevalence were found, but an effect of nest habitat (tree-nest vs. cliff-nest) was found in the griffon vulture. These patterns may be explained by a preference of vectors to forage in and around trees rather than on cliffs and wide open spaces. We found an apparent detrimental effect of haemosporidians on body mass of nestling cinereous vultures. Further research is needed to evaluate the pathogenicity of each haemosporidian lineage and their interaction with the immune system of nestlings, especially if compromised due to pollution with pharmaceuticals and infection by bacterial and mycotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary, Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC. José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
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10
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Gil-Sánchez JM, Aguilera-Alcalá N, Moleón M, Sebastián-González E, Margalida A, Morales-Reyes Z, Durá-Alemañ CJ, Oliva-Vidal P, Pérez-García JM, Sánchez-Zapata JA. Biases in the Detection of Intentionally Poisoned Animals: Public Health and Conservation Implications from a Field Experiment. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18031201. [PMID: 33572837 PMCID: PMC7908198 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intentional poisoning is a global wildlife problem and an overlooked risk factor for public health. Managing poisoning requires unbiased and high-quality data through wildlife monitoring protocols, which are largely lacking. We herein evaluated the biases associated with current monitoring programmes of wildlife poisoning in Spain. We compared the national poisoning database for the 1990-2015 period with information obtained from a field experiment during which we used camera-traps to detect the species that consumed non-poisoned baits. Our findings suggest that the detection rate of poisoned animals is species-dependent: Several animal groups (e.g., domestic mammalian carnivores and vultures) tended to be over-represented in the poisoning national database, while others (e.g., corvids and small mammals) were underrepresented. As revealed by the GLMM analyses, the probability of a given species being overrepresented was higher for heaviest, aerial, and cryptic species. In conclusion, we found that monitoring poisoned fauna based on heterogeneous sources may produce important biases in detection rates; thus, such information should be used with caution by managers and policy-makers. Our findings may guide to future search efforts aimed to reach a more comprehensive understanding of the intentional wildlife poisoning problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M. Gil-Sánchez
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, E-03202 Elche, Spain; (J.M.G.-S.); (E.S.-G.); (Z.M.-R.); (J.M.P.-G.); (J.A.S.-Z.)
| | - Natividad Aguilera-Alcalá
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, E-03202 Elche, Spain; (J.M.G.-S.); (E.S.-G.); (Z.M.-R.); (J.M.P.-G.); (J.A.S.-Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marcos Moleón
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Avda. de Fuente Nueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | - Esther Sebastián-González
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, E-03202 Elche, Spain; (J.M.G.-S.); (E.S.-G.); (Z.M.-R.); (J.M.P.-G.); (J.A.S.-Z.)
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), E-13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (A.M.); (P.O.-V.)
| | - Zebensui Morales-Reyes
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, E-03202 Elche, Spain; (J.M.G.-S.); (E.S.-G.); (Z.M.-R.); (J.M.P.-G.); (J.A.S.-Z.)
| | - Carlos J. Durá-Alemañ
- International Center for Environmental Law Studies, CIEDA-CIEMAT, Bernardo Robles Square 9, 42002 Soria, Spain;
| | - Pilar Oliva-Vidal
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), E-13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (A.M.); (P.O.-V.)
- Department of Animal Science (Division of Wildlife), Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, E-25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Juan M. Pérez-García
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, E-03202 Elche, Spain; (J.M.G.-S.); (E.S.-G.); (Z.M.-R.); (J.M.P.-G.); (J.A.S.-Z.)
| | - José A. Sánchez-Zapata
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, E-03202 Elche, Spain; (J.M.G.-S.); (E.S.-G.); (Z.M.-R.); (J.M.P.-G.); (J.A.S.-Z.)
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11
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Plaza PI, Blanco G, Wiemeyer G, López-Rull I, Hornero-Méndez D, Donázar JA, Hiraldo F, Lambertucci SA. Plasma carotenoids and immunity in a despotic avian scavenger. J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2020; 333:569-578. [PMID: 32649061 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are pigmented compounds acquired through diet that have important functions as antioxidants and immune modulators. We studied the association between immunity and circulating carotenoids in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus). We evaluated the relationship between α-, β-, and γ-globulin blood concentrations and different circulating carotenoids in two groups of Andean condors that differ in their mean health status, rehabilitating (suffering different pathologies), and wild individuals (trapped when displaying their physiological behavior). In rehabilitating individuals, α-, β-, and γ-globulin concentrations were higher than in wild individuals. This shows that rehabilitating individuals were developing an immune response associated with the pathologies that they were suffering at the time of sampling. In addition, circulating carotenoids were lower in rehabilitating than in wild individuals. We found negative correlations between α-, β-, and γ-globulins and different circulating carotenoids in rehabilitating individuals, but not in wild condors. Xanthophylls were strongly related to α-, β-, and γ-globulin blood concentrations in rehabilitating, but not in wild condors. Our results suggest that there is a potential relationship between circulating carotenoids and immunity in the Andean condor. Given that this species may display a carotenoid-based pigmentation, our results could suggest that a trade-off between the immune system and external coloration could operate in this species, which may have implications in their access to food resources and mate selection and, thus, in their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.,The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho.,Ecoparque Buenos Aires-Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isabel López-Rull
- Departamento Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, ESCET, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Móstoles, Spain
| | - Dámaso Hornero-Méndez
- Department of Food Phytochemistry, Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), Campus Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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12
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Gómez-Ramírez P, Blanco G, García-Fernández AJ. Validation of Multi-Residue Method for Quantification of Antibiotics and NSAIDs in Avian Scavengers by Using Small Amounts of Plasma in HPLC-MS-TOF. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17114058. [PMID: 32517231 PMCID: PMC7313014 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114058] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are still considered emerging pollutants affecting both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Scavenging bird species may be exposed to veterinary drugs when they feed on livestock carcasses provided at supplementary feeding stations, as these are often stocked with ailing and/or recently medicated animals. Because those animals may be a source of several different pharmaceutical compounds, analytical methods to evaluate residue levels and exposure potential should enable detection and quantification of as many different compounds as possible, preferably from small sample volumes. Four different extraction methods were tested to conduct HPLC-MS-TOF analysis of some of the most common veterinary drugs used in livestock in Spain. The method deemed most viable was a simple extraction, using methanol and 100 µL of plasma, that allowed quantification of seven antibiotics (tetracycline, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim, sulfadiazine) and five nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (meloxicam, flunixin, carprofen, tolfenamic acid, phenylbutazone). The method was then applied to analysis of 29 Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) nestling samples, wherein enrofloxacin and tolfenamic acid were most commonly detected (69% and 20%, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first study including NSAIDs in the exposure assessment of different classes of veterinary pharmaceuticals in live avian scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Dept. of Socio-Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-86-888-9327
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Juan García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Dept. of Socio-Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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13
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Sevilla E, Marín C, Delgado-Blas JF, González-Zorn B, Vega S, Kuijper E, Bolea R, Mainar-Jaime RC. Wild griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) fed at supplementary feeding stations: Potential carriers of pig pathogens and pig-derived antimicrobial resistance? Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:1295-1305. [PMID: 31901154 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The carriage of two important pathogens of pigs, that is enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Clostridioides difficile, was investigated in 104 cloacal samples from wild griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) fed on pig carcasses at supplementary feeding stations (SFS), along with their level of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). E. coli was isolated from 90 (86.5%) samples, but no ETEC was detected, likely because ETEC fimbriae confer the species specificity of the pathogen. Resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent was detected in 89.9% of E. coli isolates, with AMR levels being extremely high (>70%) for tetracycline and streptomycin and very high (>50%) for ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Resistance to other critically important antimicrobials such as colistin and extended-spectrum cephalosporins was 2.2% and 1.1%, respectively, and was encoded by the mcr-1 and blaSHV-12 genes. Multidrug resistance was displayed by 80% of the resistant E. coli, and blaSHV-12 gene shared plasmid with other AMR genes. In general, resistance patterns in E. coli from vultures mirrored those found in pigs. Clostridioides difficile was detected in three samples (2.9%); two of them belonged to PCR ribotype 078 and one to PCR ribotype 126, both commonly found in pigs. All C. difficile isolates were characterized by a moderate-to-high level of resistance to fluoroquinolones and macrolides but susceptible to metronidazole or vancomycin, similar to what is usually found in C. difficile isolates from pigs. Thus, vultures may contribute somewhat to the environmental dissemination of some pig pathogens through their acquisition from pig carcasses and, more importantly, of AMR for antibiotics of critical importance for humans. However, the role of vultures would likely be much lesser than that of disposing pig carcasses at the SFS. The monitoring of AMR, and particularly of colistin-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli, should be considered in pig farms used as sources of carcasses for SFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloísa Sevilla
- Dpto. de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Clara Marín
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - José F Delgado-Blas
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal y Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno González-Zorn
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal y Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Vega
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ed Kuijper
- Dpt. of Medical Microbiology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa Bolea
- Dpto. de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Raúl C Mainar-Jaime
- Dpto. de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
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14
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Plaza PI, Blanco G, Barbar F, Wiemeyer G, Alarcón P, Donázar JA, Hiraldo F, Lambertucci SA. Protein electrophoresis in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus): Reference values and differences between wild and rehabilitating individuals. Zoo Biol 2019; 38:508-515. [PMID: 31541494 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The study of wildlife health greatly contributes to understanding population dynamics and detecting conservation threats. The determination of the different fractions of plasma proteins (proteinogram) is an important laboratory tool to study wildlife health. The aim of this study was to characterize protein electrophoresis in wild Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from north-western Patagonia and to evaluate differences according to age and sex classes. Once reference values of wild, apparently healthy individuals, were established, we compared these values to those of individuals received at the Buenos Aires Zoo in Argentina for rehabilitation due to various health problems. Reference proteinograms from wild Andean condors differed only in the α 1 and β 2-fractions between sex categories. Males showed higher concentrations of these protein fractions than females. We found clear differences between wild birds and rehabilitating individuals. Total proteins, globulins, α 1-globulins, total α-globulins, β 2-globulins, total β-globulins, and γ-globulins were significantly higher in rehabilitating than in wild individuals, whereas albumin, α 2, and β1-globulins were similar between these groups. The albumin/globulin ratio, as a general indicator of health, was significantly lower in rehabilitating than in wild individuals. The results indicate the effects on different protein fractions of pathologic processes occurring in individuals undergoing rehabilitation. Our results provide useful insights, contributing to improving diagnoses and prognoses in this species. This information may also be useful to assess the health status of Andean condors in studies of wild populations and for comparisons with other bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Facundo Barbar
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.,The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho.,Ecoparque Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Pablo Alarcón
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - José Antonio Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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15
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Abstract
Wild birds have repeatedly been highlighted as vectors in the dissemination of livestock and human pathogens. Here, the occurrence, serotypes and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella were assessed in adult Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus), to test the hypothesis that infection is associated with the consumption of swine carcasses provided at supplementary feeding stations (SFSs). Faeces of year-round resident griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) were also tested to assess whether infection was acquired in the breeding grounds of both species or in the African wintering quarters of Egyptian vultures. Depending on the shedding rate criteria considered, the occurrence of infection in Egyptian vultures varied between the three consecutive sampling days in a range with a minimum of 23%-41% and a maximum of 64%-92% of individuals (n = 11-14 individuals, 27-39 faeces). The occurrence in the single sampling of griffon vultures was 61% of faeces (n = 18). Vultures mostly fed on pig carcasses, which together with their predominant infection with multiresistant serotypes (mostly the monophasic 4,12:i:- variant resistant to aminopenicillins, aminoglycosides and tetracyclines) typically found in pigs from Spain, strongly supports a carcass-to-vulture transmission and cross-infection routes at SFSs. Efforts are encouraged to avoid discarding carcasses of pigs with Salmonella at SFSs established for the conservation of threatened scavengers. This could contribute to reducing the long-distance transmission of resistant pathogens with an impact on livestock and human health while avoiding infection risk and its effects on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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16
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Nelson Slater M, Hauber ME. Olfactory enrichment and scent cue associative learning in captive birds of prey. Zoo Biol 2017; 36:120-126. [PMID: 28198048 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
As the use of enrichment in zoos has become a standardized husbandry practice, the continued improvement of enrichment programs should be concomitant with empirical validation of those practices. The role of scent as enrichment remains an unexplored avenue for many bird species. We conducted a multi-phase experiment to introduce wrapped food packages and scent cuing to indicate food presence into the exhibits of several birds of prey species at the Bronx Zoo, New York City, to assess if scent can function as enrichment in these species. Our research found support for these birds associating a novel scent cue from a package with the presence of food inside. When tested with sham (empty) packages, these individuals more often and more extensively handled scented versus unscented packages. Overall, these results indicate the ability of some our small sample of individuals to learn olfactory cues and provide support for trials to include olfactory enrichment as a potential part of the daily routine for some birds of prey in zoo settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Nelson Slater
- Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society 2300, Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York.,Doctoral Program in Psychology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Doctoral Program in Psychology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York.,Animal Behavior and Conservation Program, Department of Psychology, Hunter College, New York, New York
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17
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Murn C, Holloway GJ. Using areas of known occupancy to identify sources of variation in detection probability of raptors: taking time lowers replication effort for surveys. R Soc Open Sci 2016; 3:160368. [PMID: 27853552 PMCID: PMC5098977 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Species occurring at low density can be difficult to detect and if not properly accounted for, imperfect detection will lead to inaccurate estimates of occupancy. Understanding sources of variation in detection probability and how they can be managed is a key part of monitoring. We used sightings data of a low-density and elusive raptor (white-headed vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis) in areas of known occupancy (breeding territories) in a likelihood-based modelling approach to calculate detection probability and the factors affecting it. Because occupancy was known a priori to be 100%, we fixed the model occupancy parameter to 1.0 and focused on identifying sources of variation in detection probability. Using detection histories from 359 territory visits, we assessed nine covariates in 29 candidate models. The model with the highest support indicated that observer speed during a survey, combined with temporal covariates such as time of year and length of time within a territory, had the highest influence on the detection probability. Averaged detection probability was 0.207 (s.e. 0.033) and based on this the mean number of visits required to determine within 95% confidence that white-headed vultures are absent from a breeding area is 13 (95% CI: 9-20). Topographical and habitat covariates contributed little to the best models and had little effect on detection probability. We highlight that low detection probabilities of some species means that emphasizing habitat covariates could lead to spurious results in occupancy models that do not also incorporate temporal components. While variation in detection probability is complex and influenced by effects at both temporal and spatial scales, temporal covariates can and should be controlled as part of robust survey methods. Our results emphasize the importance of accounting for detection probability in occupancy studies, particularly during presence/absence studies for species such as raptors that are widespread and occur at low densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Campbell Murn
- Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8DY, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AS, UK
| | - Graham J. Holloway
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AS, UK
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18
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Martin DF, Martin JM, Word TA. Removal of selected NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in aqueous samples by Octolig®. J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng 2016; 51:186-191. [PMID: 26606390 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2015.1087755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of removing representative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from water was tested using Octolig®, a commercially available material with polyethylenediimine moieties covalently attached to high-surface area silica gel. The effectiveness of removal should depend on selected NSAIDs having appropriate anionic functional groups. NSAIDs selected had aromatic carboxylic groups: diclofenac, fenoprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, and sulindac. These substances in deionized (DI) water were removed by passage over Octolig columns with removal values approaching 90% at environmental pH values, e.g., ca pH 6. Fenoprofen, however, was only removed to an extent of 80% in DI water and 62% in well water, presumably a result of competition with bicarbonate ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean F Martin
- a Department of Chemistry , University of South Florida , Tampa , Florida , USA
| | | | - Tarah A Word
- a Department of Chemistry , University of South Florida , Tampa , Florida , USA
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19
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Sharma P, Faridi F, Mir IA, Sharma SK. Characterization of exo-s, exo-u, and alg virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from migratory Egyptian vultures from India. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2014; 4:24553. [PMID: 25317261 PMCID: PMC4170111 DOI: 10.3402/iee.v4.24553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in fecal droppings of migratory Egyptian vultures (Neophron p. percnopterus) revealed eight positive samples (n=25) by a 16S rRNA gene-based PCR in two consecutive winter seasons. Disk diffusion sensitivity testing revealed three multiple antimicrobial resistant (MAR) isolates. Genotypic characterization showed mutually exclusive exo-s and exo-u virulence genes in five and three isolates, respectively, while the alg gene was present in all of the isolates. MAR isolates with virulence genes were detected in both seasons. The Egyptian vultures could potentially be vectors of pathogenic and MAR P. aeruginosa, thereby affecting regional control and preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Sharma
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Farah Faridi
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, India
| | - Irfan A Mir
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, India
| | - Sandeep K Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jaipur, India
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20
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Abstract
Vultures are recognized as the scroungers of the natural world, owing to their ecological role as obligate scavengers. While it is well known that vultures use intraspecific social information as they forage, the possibility of inter-guild social information transfer and the resulting multi-species social dilemmas has not been explored. Here, we use data on arrival times at carcasses to show that such social information transfer occurs, with raptors acting as producers of information and vultures acting as scroungers of information. We develop a game-theoretic model to show that competitive asymmetry, whereby vultures dominate raptors at carcasses, predicts this evolutionary outcome. We support this theoretical prediction using empirical data from competitive interactions at carcasses. Finally, we use an individual-based model to show that these producer–scrounger dynamics lead to vultures being vulnerable to declines in raptor populations. Our results show that social information transfer can lead to important non-trophic interactions among species and highlight important potential links among social evolution, community ecology and conservation biology. With vulture populations suffering global declines, our study underscores the importance of ecosystem-based management for these endangered keystone species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kane
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland Centre for Biodiversity Research, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
| | - Andrew L Jackson
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland Centre for Biodiversity Research, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
| | - Darcy L Ogada
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA National Museums of Kenya, Ornithology Section, PO Box 40658, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Ara Monadjem
- All Out Africa Research Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Swaziland, Private Bag 4, Kwaluseni, Swaziland
| | - Luke McNally
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
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21
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Dodge S, Bohrer G, Bildstein K, Davidson SC, Weinzierl R, Bechard MJ, Barber D, Kays R, Brandes D, Han J, Wikelski M. Environmental drivers of variability in the movement ecology of turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in North and South America. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2014; 369:20130195. [PMID: 24733950 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation is key to the adaptability of species and their ability to survive changes to the Earth's climate and habitats. Plasticity in movement strategies allows a species to better track spatial dynamics of habitat quality. We describe the mechanisms that shape the movement of a long-distance migrant bird (turkey vulture, Cathartes aura) across two continents using satellite tracking coupled with remote-sensing science. Using nearly 10 years of data from 24 satellite-tracked vultures in four distinct populations, we describe an enormous amount of variation in their movement patterns. We related vulture movement to environmental conditions and found important correlations explaining how far they need to move to find food (indexed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and how fast they can move based on the prevalence of thermals and temperature. We conclude that the extensive variability in the movement ecology of turkey vultures, facilitated by their energetically efficient thermal soaring, suggests that this species is likely to do well across periods of modest climate change. The large scale and sample sizes needed for such analysis in a widespread migrant emphasizes the need for integrated and collaborative efforts to obtain tracking data and for policies, tools and open datasets to encourage such collaborations and data sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Dodge
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, , 475 Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Arnold KE, Boxall ABA, Brown AR, Cuthbert RJ, Gaw S, Hutchinson TH, Jobling S, Madden JC, Metcalfe CD, Naidoo V, Shore RF, Smits JE, Taggart MA, Thompson HM. Assessing the exposure risk and impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment on individuals and ecosystems. Biol Lett 2013; 9:20130492. [PMID: 23804293 PMCID: PMC3730660 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2013.0492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals is increasing. Over the past decade, there has been a proliferation of research into potential environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment. A Royal Society-supported seminar brought together experts from diverse scientific fields to discuss the risks posed by pharmaceuticals to wildlife. Recent analytical advances have revealed that pharmaceuticals are entering habitats via water, sewage, manure and animal carcases, and dispersing through food chains. Pharmaceuticals are designed to alter physiology at low doses and so can be particularly potent contaminants. The near extinction of Asian vultures following exposure to diclofenac is the key example where exposure to a pharmaceutical caused a population-level impact on non-target wildlife. However, more subtle changes to behaviour and physiology are rarely studied and poorly understood. Grand challenges for the future include developing more realistic exposure assessments for wildlife, assessing the impacts of mixtures of pharmaceuticals in combination with other environmental stressors and estimating the risks from pharmaceutical manufacturing and usage in developing countries. We concluded that an integration of diverse approaches is required to predict ‘unexpected’ risks; specifically, ecologically relevant, often long-term and non-lethal, consequences of pharmaceuticals in the environment for wildlife and ecosystems.
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