1
|
Esteban JM, Martín-Serra A, Pérez-Ramos A, Rybczynski N, Jones K, Figueirido B. The influence of the land-to-sea macroevolutionary transition on vertebral column disparification in Pinnipedia. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232752. [PMID: 38593849 PMCID: PMC11003777 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2752] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The repeated returns of vertebrates to the marine ecosystems since the Triassic serve as an evolutionary model to understand macroevolutionary change. Here we investigate the effects of the land-to-sea transition on disparity and constraint of the vertebral column in aquatic carnivorans (Carnivora; Pinnipedia) to assess how their functional diversity and evolutionary innovations influenced major radiations of crown pinnipeds. We use three-dimensional geometric morphometrics and multivariate analysis for high-dimensional data under a phylogenetic framework to quantify vertebral size and shape in living and extinct pinnipeds. Our analysis demonstrates an important shift in vertebral column evolution by 10-12 million years ago, from an unconstrained to a constrained evolutionary scenario, a point of time that coincides with the major radiation of crown pinnipeds. Moreover, we also demonstrate that the axial skeleton of phocids and otariids followed a different path of morphological evolution that was probably driven by their specialized locomotor strategies. Despite this, we found a significant effect of habitat preference (coastal versus pelagic) on vertebral morphology of crown taxa regardless of the family they belong. In summary, our analysis provides insights into how the land-to-sea transition influenced the complex evolutionary history of pinniped vertebral morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Miguel Esteban
- Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Universitario de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alberto Martín-Serra
- Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Universitario de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alejandro Pérez-Ramos
- Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Universitario de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Natalia Rybczynski
- Department of Palaeobiology, Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1P 6P4
- Department of Earth Sciences & Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Katrina Jones
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Borja Figueirido
- Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Universitario de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Norris D, Michalski F. Carnivore coexistence without competition: giant otters are more nocturnal around dens than sympatric neotropical otters. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17244. [PMID: 38590704 PMCID: PMC11000638 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17244] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Nocturnal activity of tropical otters is rarely reported. To date no studies have documented den use by sympatric giant (Pteronura brasiliensis) and neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis). We used camera-traps to monitor den use by sympatric otters along an equatorial Amazonian river. Camera-traps provided evidence that giant otters were more nocturnal around dens than sympatric neotropical otters. Nocturnal activity was recorded in 11% of giant otter photos (n = 14 of 125 photos), but was recorded only once for neotropical otters. Den use by giant and neotropical otters overlapped spatially and temporally but not concurrently. We hypothesize that previously reported nocturnal activity in neotropical otters is facilitated by the absence or low density of giant otters. Our results also underscore the need to use complementary techniques together with den counts for monitoring otters as sympatric species can use the same dens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Norris
- Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Macpá, Brazil
- Ecology and Conservation of Amazonian Vertebrates Research Group, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Amapá, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Michalski
- Ecology and Conservation of Amazonian Vertebrates Research Group, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Amapá, Brazil
- Postgraduate Programme in Tropical Biodiversity, Federal University of Amapá, Macapa, Brazil
- Pro-Carnivores Institute, Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Creel S, Reyes de Merkle J, Goodheart B, Mweetwa T, Mwape H, Simpamba T, Becker MS. An integrated population model reveals source-sink dynamics for competitively subordinate African wild dogs linked to anthropogenic prey depletion. J Anim Ecol 2024; 93:417-427. [PMID: 38311822 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14052] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Many African large carnivore populations are declining due to decline of the herbivore populations on which they depend. The densities of apex carnivores like the lion and spotted hyena correlate strongly with prey density, but competitively subordinate carnivores like the African wild dog benefit from competitive release when the density of apex carnivores is low, so the expected effect of a simultaneous decrease in resources and dominant competitors is not obvious. Wild dogs in Zambia's South Luangwa Valley Ecosystem occupy four ecologically similar areas with well-described differences in the densities of prey and dominant competitors due to spatial variation in illegal offtake. We used long-term monitoring data to fit a Bayesian integrated population model (IPM) of the demography and dynamics of wild dogs in these four regions. The IPM used Leslie projection to link a Cormack-Jolly-Seber model of area-specific survival (allowing for individual heterogeneity in detection), a zero-inflated Poisson model of area-specific fecundity and a state-space model of population size that used estimates from a closed mark-capture model as the counts from which (latent) population size was estimated. The IPM showed that both survival and reproduction were lowest in the region with the lowest density of preferred prey (puku, Kobus vardonii and impala, Aepyceros melampus), despite little use of this area by lions. Survival and reproduction were highest in the region with the highest prey density and intermediate in the two regions with intermediate prey density. The population growth rate (λ ) was positive for the population as a whole, strongly positive in the region with the highest prey density and strongly negative in the region with the lowest prey density. It has long been thought that the benefits of competitive release protect African wild dogs from the costs of low prey density. Our results show that the costs of prey depletion overwhelm the benefits of competitive release and cause local population decline where anthropogenic prey depletion is strong. Because competition is important in many guilds and humans are affecting resources of many types, it is likely that similarly fundamental shifts in population limitation are arising in many systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Creel
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Zambian Carnivore Programme, Mfuwe, Eastern Province, Zambia
| | - Johnathan Reyes de Merkle
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Zambian Carnivore Programme, Mfuwe, Eastern Province, Zambia
| | - Ben Goodheart
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Zambian Carnivore Programme, Mfuwe, Eastern Province, Zambia
| | | | - Henry Mwape
- Zambian Carnivore Programme, Mfuwe, Eastern Province, Zambia
| | - Twakundine Simpamba
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife, South Luangwa Area Management Unit, Mfuwe, Eastern Province, Zambia
| | - Matthew S Becker
- Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Zambian Carnivore Programme, Mfuwe, Eastern Province, Zambia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ausband DE, Rebholz PF, Moriarty JG, Riley SPD. Treat Yourself: Pilot Testing a New Method to Treat Mange in Wild Carnivores. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:507-512. [PMID: 38291913 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00075] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Mange is a skin disease caused by mites that parasitize an animal's skin, often yielding inflamed immune responses and hair loss. At a population level, mange may reduce survival and cause population declines. Many forms of mange can be treated quite effectively when an animal is in hand; however, this is not often feasible for many free-ranging wildlife populations. Some animals, particularly territorial carnivores, will rub or roll to scent mark and transmit information about their presence to other individuals. We posited that rub stations comprised, in part, of anthelmintic medication and foreign scents that induce rubbing could be used to remotely treat mange in the wild. We deployed 39 rub stations containing lure and dye in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Southern California, USA, October-November 2022. Carnivores rubbed or rolled at >97% of rub stations, with coyotes (Canis latrans), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and bobcats (Lynx rufus) being the most abundant species. Time to first rub or roll was generally <1 wk. Several sympatric species (e.g., mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus) were detected at rub stations but did not rub. Our pilot test provides strong evidence that treating mange in wild carnivores may be possible using the remote medicinal rub stations we describe. Future efforts to add medicine to rub stations and monitor for a change in mange prevalence are a logical next step.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E Ausband
- US Geological Survey, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 1141, Moscow, Idaho 83844, USA
| | - Peter F Rebholz
- Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho, 975 West 6th Street, Moscow, Idaho 83844, USA
| | - Joanne G Moriarty
- National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91360, USA
| | - Seth P D Riley
- National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91360, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mitchell DR, Sherratt E, Weisbecker V. Facing the facts: adaptive trade-offs along body size ranges determine mammalian craniofacial scaling. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:496-524. [PMID: 38029779 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13032] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian cranium (skull without lower jaw) is representative of mammalian diversity and is thus of particular interest to mammalian biologists across disciplines. One widely retrieved pattern accompanying mammalian cranial diversification is referred to as 'craniofacial evolutionary allometry' (CREA). This posits that adults of larger species, in a group of closely related mammals, tend to have relatively longer faces and smaller braincases. However, no process has been officially suggested to explain this pattern, there are many apparent exceptions, and its predictions potentially conflict with well-established biomechanical principles. Understanding the mechanisms behind CREA and causes for deviations from the pattern therefore has tremendous potential to explain allometry and diversification of the mammalian cranium. Here, we propose an amended framework to characterise the CREA pattern more clearly, in that 'longer faces' can arise through several kinds of evolutionary change, including elongation of the rostrum, retraction of the jaw muscles, or a more narrow or shallow skull, which all result in a generalised gracilisation of the facial skeleton with increased size. We define a standardised workflow to test for the presence of the pattern, using allometric shape predictions derived from geometric morphometrics analysis, and apply this to 22 mammalian families including marsupials, rabbits, rodents, bats, carnivores, antelopes, and whales. Our results show that increasing facial gracility with size is common, but not necessarily as ubiquitous as previously suggested. To address the mechanistic basis for this variation, we then review cranial adaptations for harder biting. These dictate that a more gracile cranium in larger species must represent a structural sacrifice in the ability to produce or withstand harder bites, relative to size. This leads us to propose that facial gracilisation in larger species is often a product of bite force allometry and phylogenetic niche conservatism, where more closely related species tend to exhibit more similar feeding ecology and biting behaviours and, therefore, absolute (size-independent) bite force requirements. Since larger species can produce the same absolute bite forces as smaller species with less effort, we propose that relaxed bite force demands can permit facial gracility in response to bone optimisation and alternative selection pressures. Thus, mammalian facial scaling represents an adaptive by-product of the shifting importance of selective pressures occurring with increased size. A reverse pattern of facial 'shortening' can accordingly also be found, and is retrieved in several cases here, where larger species incorporate novel feeding behaviours involving greater bite forces. We discuss multiple exceptions to a bite force-mediated influence on facial proportions across mammals which lead us to argue that ecomorphological specialisation of the cranium is likely to be the primary driver of facial scaling patterns, with some developmental constraints as possible secondary factors. A potential for larger species to have a wider range of cranial functions when less constrained by bite force demands might also explain why selection for larger sizes seems to be prevalent in some mammalian clades. The interplay between adaptation and constraint across size ranges thus presents an interesting consideration for a mechanistically grounded investigation of mammalian cranial allometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Rex Mitchell
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia
| | - Emma Sherratt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
- South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Vera Weisbecker
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Millán J, Martín-Maldonado B, Rodríguez-Pastor R, Martínez-Padilla J, Esperón F. High diversity, novel genotypes, and vertical transmission of hemotropic Mycoplasma in micromammals. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 107:102151. [PMID: 38387227 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102151] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are emerging zoonotic pathogens. Micromammals have received little attention as hosts for hemoplasmas despite their ubiquitous presence, high population abundances, and close association with humans. A PCR protocol targeting a fragment of the 16 S rRNA gene and direct sequencing in blood samples of 189 adult specimens and 35 fetuses belonging to three species of Eulipotyphla (shrews) and seven species of Rodentia, captured in three ecologically diverse habitats in North-Eastern Spain (Steppe, High Mountain, Mediterranean) yielded and occurrence of 26%, including 36% of 39 shrews and 23% of 150 rodents. Sequencing revealed the presence of 14 nucleotide sequence types (ntST) among the 56 readable sequences. In general, each ntST was associated with a given host species, although in some cases, the same ntST was sequenced in different species (chiefly rodents). Most ntST were closely related to rodent and/or bat hemoplasmas, but one was identical with Mycoplasma haemocanis/haemofelis, and others can be considered novel genotypes. High sequence diversity was detected in rodents, whereas in the white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula), 9/11 sequences from two distant areas were identical. Phylogenetic and network analyses classified our sequences in different clades including hemoplasmas of rodents, carnivores, bats, and humans. Twelve of the fetuses (34.2%) of 9/12 litters (75.0%) of shrews and rodents were hemoplasma-positive, indicating frequent vertical transmission. Our study contributes to expanding our knowledge about the distribution, diversity, and transmission of hemoplasmas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza 50013, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Avda. Ranillas 1, Zaragoza 50018, Spain; Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Bárbara Martín-Maldonado
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas y de la Salud, Universidad Europea de Madrid, c/ Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón (Madrid) 28670, Spain
| | - Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Zaragoza 50013, Spain; Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, c/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Jesús Martínez-Padilla
- IPE, Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (CSIC), 22700, Avda. Nuestra Señora de la Victoria 16, Jaca, Spain
| | - Fernando Esperón
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas y de la Salud, Universidad Europea de Madrid, c/ Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón (Madrid) 28670, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tomita KM, Hiura T. Brown bear digging decreases tree growth: Implication for ecological role of top predators in anthropogenic landscapes. Ecology 2024; 105:e4266. [PMID: 38425026 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4266] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Large carnivores have recently increased in number and recolonized in human-dominated landscapes; however, their ecological roles in these landscapes have not been well studied. In the Shiretoko World Heritage (SWH) site, brown bears have recolonized a previously abandoned mosaic landscape of natural forests and conifer plantations after land abandonment. We previously reported that the bears had recently begun to dig for cicada nymphs in association with the creation of larch plantations. As a result, this digging activity decreased soil nutrients. To deepen the understanding of the novel ecological role of brown bears within human-modified landscapes, we examined the impacts of brown bear digging on the growth of larch trees. We found that brown bear digging decreased fine root biomass of larch, soil water, and nitrogen availability. Brown bear digging negatively affected needle nitrogen content, but not carbon isotope ratios, a water stress index of trees. Tree ring data suggest that digging negatively affected the radial growth of larches. The results imply that digging decreases tree growth due to limited soil nitrogen uptake. Our findings indicate that the ecological roles of large carnivores may differ between natural and anthropogenic landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanji M Tomita
- Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan
| | - Tsutom Hiura
- Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Domínguez-Rodrigo M, Pizarro-Monzo M, Cifuentes-Alcobendas G, Vegara-Riquelme M, Jiménez-García B, Baquedano E. Computer vision enables taxon-specific identification of African carnivore tooth marks on bone. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6881. [PMID: 38519515 PMCID: PMC10959944 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57015-z] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Taphonomic works aim at discovering how paleontological and archaeofaunal assemblages were formed. They also aim at determining how hominin fossils were preserved or destroyed. Hominins and other mammal carnivores have been co-evolving, at least during the past two million years, and their potential interactions determined the evolution of human behavior. In order to understand all this, taxon-specific carnivore agency must be effectively identified in the fossil record. Until now, taphonomists have been able to determine, to some degree, hominin and carnivore inputs in site formation, and their interactions in the modification of part of those assemblages. However, the inability to determine agency more specifically has hampered the development of taphonomic research, whose methods are virtually identical to those used several decades ago (lagged by a high degree of subjectivity). A call for more objective and agent-specific methods would be a major contribution to the advancement of taphonomic research. Here, we present one of these advances. The use of computer vision (CV) on a large data set of images of tooth marks has enabled the objective discrimination of taxon-specific carnivore agency up to 88% of the testing sample. We highlight the significance of this method in an interdisciplinary interplay between traditional taphonomic-paleontological analysis and artificial intelligence-based computer science. The new questions that can be addressed with this will certainly bring important changes to several ideas on important aspects of the human evolutionary process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Domínguez-Rodrigo
- Institute of Evolution in Africa (IDEA), Alcalá University, Covarrubias 36, 28010, Madrid, Spain.
- Area of Prehistory (Department History and Philosophy), University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
- Department of Anthropology, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX, 77005-1827, USA.
| | - Marcos Pizarro-Monzo
- Institute of Evolution in Africa (IDEA), Alcalá University, Covarrubias 36, 28010, Madrid, Spain
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), 43007, Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya 35, 43002, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Cifuentes-Alcobendas
- Institute of Evolution in Africa (IDEA), Alcalá University, Covarrubias 36, 28010, Madrid, Spain
- Area of Prehistory (Department History and Philosophy), University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Marina Vegara-Riquelme
- Institute of Evolution in Africa (IDEA), Alcalá University, Covarrubias 36, 28010, Madrid, Spain
- Area of Prehistory (Department History and Philosophy), University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Blanca Jiménez-García
- Institute of Evolution in Africa (IDEA), Alcalá University, Covarrubias 36, 28010, Madrid, Spain
- Area of Prehistory (Department History and Philosophy), University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Enrique Baquedano
- Institute of Evolution in Africa (IDEA), Alcalá University, Covarrubias 36, 28010, Madrid, Spain
- Regional Paleontological and Archaeological Museum of Madrid, Plaza de las Bernardas S/N, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Deak G, Ionică AM, Péter Á, Sándor AD, Matei IA, D'Amico G, Liénard E, Gherman CM, Mihalca AD, Bouhsira E. Fleas of wild carnivores in Romania: diversity, distribution, and host-associations. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:148. [PMID: 38515160 PMCID: PMC10956227 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06235-3] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fleas are important hematophagous insects, infesting mammals and birds with a worldwide distribution. Fleas of medical importance have been reported from various carnivores worldwide, such as felids, canids, or mustelids. Romania hosts a wide carnivore diversity, but very little is known about flea species that parasitize these animals in Romania. This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the fleas' diversity and their distribution in a relatively large and diverse number of wild carnivore hosts from Romania. METHODS From 2013 to 2021, 282 carcasses of wild carnivores from different locations in Romania were collected and examined for the presence of ectoparasites. All collected fleas were morphologically identified using specific keys and descriptions. An analysis of the co-occurrence networks was performed. RESULTS A total of 11 flea species were identified: Pulex irritans (41.09%), Paraceras melis (20.11%), Ctenocephalides felis (7.33%), Ctenocephalides canis (7.83%), Monopsyllus sciurorum (11.11%), Chaetopsylla trichosa (21.96%), Chaetopsylla homoea (5.5%), Chaetopsylla tuberculaticeps (100%), Chaetopsylla rothschildi (13.33%), Chaetopsylla sp. (14.34%), Chaetopsylla globiceps (5.12%), Echidnophaga gallinacea (10%). The statistical analyses showed a significant difference between the infestation of Martes foina with females being more frequently infected than males (66% versus 33%). Paraceras melis infesting Meles meles had a significantly higher prevalence in female badgers than in males (× 2 = 7.7977, P < 0.01) and higher intensities of infestations in males than in females (t = 1.871, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This is the first large-scale study investigating the distribution and diversity of flea species infesting wild carnivores in Romania. Three flea species were identified for the first time in Romania (E. gallinacea, C. homoea, and C. tuberculaticeps).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Áron Péter
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila David Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Emilie Bouhsira
- InTheres, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Norfolk M, Bielby J, Figueiredo Passos L, Reddon AR, Rendle M. Nutraceutical supplementation increases mobility in aged captive non-domesticated felids. Vet Rec 2024; 194:e3797. [PMID: 38379254 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3797] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are an increasing issue as the lifespan of captive animals increases. Extracts of green-lipped mussels have been linked to alleviation of MSDs in domestic carnivores. Understanding their efficacy in non-domestic felids could provide another tool to improve the welfare of aged individuals in collections. METHODS A within-subject study design quantified steps per minute in each of 18 cats of 13 species before and after the addition of a nutraceutical containing green-lipped mussel extract (Antinol) to their diets. The age structure of four commonly kept subspecies of non-domestic cats was quantified to provide a demographic context to the need for managing aged individuals. RESULTS Each of the 18 cats exhibited a higher number of steps per minute after the addition of Antinol to their diet. At the group level, a paired t-test showed that the step rate was significantly increased after the addition of Antinol to the diet. LIMITATIONS While our results showed a strong significant increase in step rate following Antinol supplementation, further studies that incorporate a placebo, more individuals and more detailed metrics of mobility would provide a more detailed evidence base for practitioners. CONCLUSION Nutraceuticals may yield benefits to aged individual felids, including species kept widely in European collections. Their use warrants further, detailed research in collections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Norfolk
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jon Bielby
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Luiza Figueiredo Passos
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Adam R Reddon
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matthew Rendle
- Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses, Market Harborough, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Heiderich E, Origgi FC, Pisano SRR, Kittl S, Oevermann A, Ryser-Degiorgis MP, Marti IA. LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES INFECTION IN FREE-RANGING RED FOXES ( VULPES VULPES) AND EURASIAN LYNX ( LYNX LYNX) IN SWITZERLAND. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:268-276. [PMID: 38453511 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitous environmental saprophytic bacterium causing listeriosis in domestic animals, humans, and occasionally wildlife. In animals, this foodborne zoonotic disease mainly occurs in ruminants and it is rare in carnivores. Seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) were diagnosed with listeriosis between 2010 and 2021 at the Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, Bern, Switzerland. Necropsy and histopathology revealed meningitis (six of seven red foxes), hepatitis (six of seven red foxes), pneumonia (five of seven red foxes), splenitis (two of seven red foxes) and splenomegaly (the Eurasian lynx, two of seven red foxes). Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from either lung, spleen, liver, or kidney of all animals. Serotyping detected L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2a in five red foxes and the Eurasian lynx and serotype 4b in two red foxes. Six red foxes were positive for canine distemper virus (CDV) by polymerase chain reaction, whereas the Eurasian lynx and one red fox were negative. One red fox that was positive for CDV and listeriosis was also diagnosed with salmonellosis. The identified L. monocytogenes serotypes are among the three most frequently isolated serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b) from food or the food production environment and those that cause most listeriosis cases in humans and animals. Coinfection with CDV in six red foxes questions the role of CDV as potential predisposing factor for septicemic listeriosis. The detection of listeriosis in the regionally endangered Eurasian lynx and in carnivores highly abundant in urban settings, such as red foxes, reinforces the importance of wildlife health surveillance in a One Health context and adds the Eurasian lynx to the list of carnivores susceptible to the disease. Further investigations are required to assess the prevalence and epidemiology of L. monocytogenes in free-ranging carnivores and its interaction with CDV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Heiderich
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland,
| | - Francesco C Origgi
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simone R R Pisano
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Kittl
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Oevermann
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Neurological Sciences, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Iris A Marti
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Harris NC, Bhandari A, Doamba B. Ungulate co-occurrence in a landscape of antagonisms. Sci Total Environ 2024; 912:169552. [PMID: 38142990 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169552] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Protected areas largely now exist as coupled natural-human ecosystems where human activities are increasingly forcing wildlife to adjust behaviors. For many ungulate species that rely on protected areas for their persistence, they must balance these anthropogenic pressures amid natural regulators. Here, we investigated the pressures exerted from humans and livestock, apex predators, and within guild competitors on ungulate co-occurrence patterns in a fragile protected area complex in West Africa. Specifically, we used multi-species occupancy modeling to quantify co-occurrence among four ungulates (Tragelaphus scriptus, Redunca redunca, Kobus kob, Phacochoerus africanus) and applied structural equation models to discern the relative contributions of pressures on co-occurrence patterns. We observed a strong spatial gradient across with higher co-occurrence in the wetter western portion of our ~13,000 km2 study area. Co-occurrence patterns among ungulate dyads ranged from 0.15 to 0.49 with the smallest body sized pair showing highest levels of sympatry, warthog and reedbuck. We found that anthropogenic pressures, namely cattle had the greatest effect in reducing sympatry among wild ungulates more strongly than the presence of African lions that also exhibited negative effects. Humans, hyenas, and competitors showed positive effects on ungulate co-occurrence. In a region of the world ongoing rapid socio-ecological change with increasing threats from climate and environmental instability, protected areas in West Africa represent a major safeguard for wildlife and human livelihoods alike. Our findings highlight the need for effective interventions that focus on large carnivore conservation, habitat restoration, and containment of livestock grazing to promote the coexistence of biodiversity and socio-economic goals within the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nyeema C Harris
- Applied Wildlife Ecology (AWE) Lab, Yale School of the Environment, United States of America.
| | - Aishwarya Bhandari
- Applied Wildlife Ecology (AWE) Lab, Yale School of the Environment, United States of America
| | - Benoit Doamba
- National Office of Protected Areas (OFINAP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Do Linh San E. Time for a paradigm shift? Small carnivores' sensitivity highlights the importance of monitoring mid-rank predators in future global change studies. J Anim Ecol 2024; 93:126-131. [PMID: 38234260 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14047] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Research Highlight: Jachowski, D. S., Marneweck, C. J., Olfenbuttel, C., & Harris, S. N. (2024). Support for the size-mediated sensitivity hypothesis within a diverse carnivore community. Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13916. A current paradigm in ecological research suggests that top predators are suitable sentinel species to identify ecosystem dysfunctions and monitor the effects of climate change. However, the adequacy of top predators to systematically take this function may be mistakenly inferred or unintentionally conflated from the fact that these species are regarded as biodiversity indicators or keystone, umbrella and flagship species in most ecosystems. Regarding terrestrial mammalian carnivores (order Carnivora), some researchers recently suggested that the smaller species likely possess a higher sensitivity to environmental changes than large carnivores because of their biological attributes and their intermediate position in food webs. To test this hypothesis, Jachowski et al. (2024) used camera trapping followed by occupancy and structural equation modelling to explore the dynamics of a diverse carnivore community and the factors that influence them. Their results confirmed that small carnivores are more sensitive to habitat changes and are interconnected by a greater number of significant pathways compared with larger carnivores. This support for the size-mediated sensitivity hypothesis strengthens the proposition that small carnivores (and other mid-rank predators) are ideal sentinel species for monitoring the effects of the wide range of contemporary and future environmental changes. Time will tell whether this new 'middle-out ecology' paradigm will be considered in future global change studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Do Linh San
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bennitt E. Automated identification of African carnivores: conservation applications. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:125-127. [PMID: 38185582 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.12.007] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Photographic images taken by tourists and uploaded to the African Carnivore Wildbook have been used by Cozzi et al. to identify individual African wild dogs and study their dispersal behavior. Collaborations among citizen scientists, computer scientists, and researchers can expand the reach of conservation efforts spatially and temporally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bennitt
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Shorobe Road, Sexaxa, Maun, Botswana.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yezzi-Woodley K, Terwilliger A, Li J, Chen E, Tappen M, Calder J, Olver P. Using machine learning on new feature sets extracted from three-dimensional models of broken animal bones to classify fragments according to break agent. J Hum Evol 2024; 187:103495. [PMID: 38309243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2024.103495] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Distinguishing agents of bone modification at paleoanthropological sites is an important means of understanding early hominin evolution. Fracture pattern analysis is used to help determine site formation processes, including whether hominins were hunting or scavenging for animal food resources. Determination of how these behaviors manifested in ancient human sites has major implications for our biological and behavioral evolution, including social and cognitive abilities, dietary impacts of having access to in-bone nutrients like marrow, and cultural variation in butchering and food processing practices. Nevertheless, previous analyses remain inconclusive, often suffering from lack of replicability, misuse of mathematical methods, and/or failure to overcome equifinality. In this paper, we present a new approach aimed at distinguishing bone fragments resulting from hominin and carnivore breakage. Our analysis is founded on a large collection of scanned three-dimensional models of fragmentary bone broken by known agents, to which we apply state of the art machine learning algorithms. Our classification of fragments achieves an average mean accuracy of 77% across tests, thus demonstrating notable, but not overwhelming, success for distinguishing the agent of breakage. We note that, while previous research applying such algorithms has claimed higher success rates, fundamental errors in the application of machine learning protocols suggest that the reported accuracies are unjustified and unreliable. The systematic, fully documented, and proper application of machine learning algorithms leads to an inherent reproducibility of our study, and therefore our methods hold great potential for deciphering when and where hominins first began exploiting marrow and meat, and clarifying their importance and influence on human evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Yezzi-Woodley
- Department of Anthropology, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA.
| | - Alexander Terwilliger
- School of Mathematics, University of Minnesota, 206 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Jiafeng Li
- School of Mathematics, University of Minnesota, 206 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Eric Chen
- Mathematics, Wayzata High School, 4955 Peony Ln N, Plymouth, MN, 55446, USA
| | - Martha Tappen
- Department of Anthropology, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Jeff Calder
- School of Mathematics, University of Minnesota, 206 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Peter Olver
- School of Mathematics, University of Minnesota, 206 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Markakis G, Sioutas G, Bitchava D, Komnenou A, Ganoti M, Papadopoulos E. Is the European badger a new host for Dirofilaria immitis? The first records in Greece. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:118. [PMID: 38296850 PMCID: PMC10830752 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08141-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a ubiquitous nematode parasite with zoonotic potential, transmitted by mosquitoes, that causes heartworm disease in various animal species. Dogs are the parasite's typical final host, and wild carnivores represent the parasite's reservoir in nature. Studies on D. immitis infections in wild animals are essential to assess infection pressure for domestic animals, and until now, there has been only one infection case reported in a European badger (Meles meles). The current report describes the first two European badger cases with cardiovascular dirofilariosis in Greece. Two adult male badgers were rescued in Heraklion and Chania, Crete Island, and admitted to "ANIMA -Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre" in Athens. The detailed clinical examination revealed that the first badger suffered from severe broncho-pneumonitis while the second one displayed clinical signs associated with severe brain trauma. Blood samples were taken for haematology and biochemistry analyses during their short hospitalisation period. In addition, different routine diagnostic tests were carried out, including heartworm antigen testing (ELISA) and the modified Knott's test for microfilariae. Both badgers were positive in both tests. The animals died a few hours after their admission and the detailed necropsies followed, revealed the presence of three parasites in each animal's right heart, morphologically identified as adults of D. immitis. These findings add the European badger in the list of additional potential reservoir hosts for D. immitis and highlight the potential role of wildlife for companion animals and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Markakis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Sioutas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Bitchava
- Vet In Progress Plus, Veterinary Laboratories, Agia Paraskevi, 15343, Attiki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Komnenou
- Exotic and Wildlife Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57400, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Ganoti
- ANIMA - The Association for the Protection and Welfare of Wildlife, 17676, Kallithea, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lazzeri L, Ferretti F, Churski M, Diserens TA, Oliveira R, Schmidt K, Kuijper DPJ. Spatio-temporal interactions between the red fox and the wolf in two contrasting European landscapes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:221. [PMID: 38167473 PMCID: PMC10762132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50447-z] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Relationships among carnivore species are complex, potentially switching from competition to facilitation on a context-dependent basis. Negative associations are predicted to increase with latitude, due to limited resources emphasising competition and/or intra-guild predation. Accordingly, a stronger negative correlation between large- and meso-carnivore abundances should be expected at higher latitudes, with a substantial spatio-temporal partitioning favouring interspecific coexistence. Human presence may influence spatio-temporal relationships between (meso)carnivore species, as it can be perceived as a risk factor, but anthropogenic food can also provide an important additional food resource. Using camera-trap data, we studied the spatio-temporal associations between two of the most widespread carnivores in Europe, i.e., the red fox and wolf. We compared their monthly/daily spatio-temporal partitioning between two different landscapes: Białowieża Primeval Forest (Poland) and the Mediterranean Maremma Regional Park (Italy). We predicted a stronger interspecific partitioning, as well as more attraction of red foxes to humans in the northern site (Poland). Temporal activity patterns of the two carnivores overlapped in both sites, and their detection rates were positively associated, even though in weaker way in Poland. We observed a positive spatial association of red foxes with human activity in Białowieża, but not in Maremma. This association occurred only at a monthly temporal scale and disappeared at a daily scale, suggesting some disturbance in the shorter term. Our results provided partial support to our predictions and suggest that, despite the ecological differences between our study areas, only weak differences in wolf-fox relations were observed, suggesting that red fox responses to wolves may be relatively comparable over large spatial scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Lazzeri
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - F Ferretti
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Churski
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - T A Diserens
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02‑097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - R Oliveira
- Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - K Schmidt
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - D P J Kuijper
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jachowski DS, Marneweck CJ, Olfenbuttel C, Harris SN. Support for the size-mediated sensitivity hypothesis within a diverse carnivore community. J Anim Ecol 2024; 93:109-122. [PMID: 36924272 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13916] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Carnivore community dynamics are governed by a complex set of often interacting biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors that are increasingly volatile as a result of global change. Understanding how these changing conditions influence carnivore communities is urgent because of the important role carnivores play within ecosystems at multiple trophic levels, and the conservation threats that many carnivores face globally. While a great deal of research attention has historically been focused on large carnivores within ecosystems, the size-mediated sensitivity hypothesis has recently been proposed where the smallest carnivore in a system is likely to be the most responsive to the diverse suite of ongoing environmental and anthropogenic changes within ecological communities. We deployed camera traps at 197 sites over 4 years to monitor a diverse suite of mammalian carnivores within the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and then used a two-step occupancy modelling-structural equation modelling framework to investigate the relative support for four primary hypothesized drivers (interspecific competition/predation, habitat complexity, food availability and anthropogenic disturbance) on carnivore occurrence. We found that each of the 10 carnivores in our system responded differently to conditions associated with each of these four hypothesized drivers, but that small and medium-sized carnivores had a greater number of significant (p < 0.05) pathways by which these conditions were influencing occupancy relative to large carnivores. In particular, the smallest carnivore observed in our study was the only species for which we found support for each of the four hypothesized drivers influencing occupancy. Collectively, our study supports the size-mediated sensitivity hypothesis and suggests that small carnivores are ideal sentinel species for global change. We echo recent calls for adopting a middle-out approach to investigations into carnivore community dynamics by refocusing sustained monitoring and research efforts on smaller carnivores within systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Jachowski
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Courtney J Marneweck
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Colleen Olfenbuttel
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Pittsboro, North Carolina, 27312, USA
| | - Stephen N Harris
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Leighton GRM, Froneman W, Serieys LEK, Bishop JM. Trophic downgrading of an adaptable carnivore in an urbanising landscape. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21582. [PMID: 38062237 PMCID: PMC10703923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48868-x] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Urbanisation critically alters wildlife habitat and resource distribution, leading to shifts in trophic dynamics. The loss of apex predators in human-transformed landscapes can result in changes in the ecological roles of the remaining mesocarnivores. Decreased top-down control together with increased bottom-up forcing through greater availability of anthropogenic foods can result in a predation paradox. Understanding these changes is important for conserving ecological function and biodiversity in rapidly urbanising systems. Here, we use stable isotope analysis to provide insight into longer term changes in trophic position, niche width and overlap of an elusive, medium-sized urban adapter, the caracal (Caracal caracal) in and around the city of Cape Town, South Africa. Using fur samples (n = 168) from individuals along a gradient of urbanisation we find that overall caracals have a broad isotopic dietary niche that reflects their large variation in resource use. When accounting for underlying environmental differences, the intensity of anthropogenic pressure, measured using the Human Footprint Index (HFI), explained variation in both food subsidy use (δ13C values) and trophic status (δ15N values). The significantly higher δ13C values (P < 0.01) and lower δ15N values (P < 0.001) of caracals in more urbanised areas suggest that predator subsidy consumption occurs via predictable, anthropogenic resource subsidies to synanthropic prey. These prey species are predominantly primary consumers, resulting in shifts in diet composition towards lower trophic levels. Further, caracals using areas with higher HFI had narrower isotope niches than those in less impacted areas, likely due to their hyperfocus on a few lower trophic level prey species. This pattern of niche contraction in urban areas is retained when accounting for caracal demographics, including sex and age. The removal of apex predators in human-transformed landscapes together with reliable resource availability, including abundant prey, may paradoxically limit the ecological influence of the remaining predators, and bring about a degree of predator trophic downgrading. The dampening of top-down control, and thus ecosystem regulation, likely points to widespread disruption of trophic dynamics in rapidly developing areas globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella R M Leighton
- SARChI Chair in Marine Ecology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa.
| | - William Froneman
- SARChI Chair in Marine Ecology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Laurel E K Serieys
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
- Panthera, 8 W 40th St, New York, NY, 10018, USA
- Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline M Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lavorente FLP, Spera CG, Miyabe FM, Lorenzetti E, Fritzen JTT, Alfieri AA, Alfieri AF. Serological Survey for Three Canine Viruses in Brazilian Wild Carnivores : Antibodies Against Canine Viruses in Wild Carnivores. Ecohealth 2023; 20:349-354. [PMID: 38110612 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-023-01665-4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the presence of antibodies against CaHV-1, CDV, and CPV-2 in serum samples from Brazilian wild carnivore species. Nine maned wolves and six crab-eating foxes were tested for CaHV-1 and CDV by virus neutralization test and CPV-2 by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Antibodies to CaHV-1, CDV, and CPV-2 were detected in serum samples of 1 (6.7%), 5 (33.3%), and 10 (66.7%) wild carnivores, respectively. Two maned wolves and one crab-eating fox were seropositive simultaneously for CDV and CPV-2. Antibodies against all viruses were detected in one crab-eating fox. This is the first report of CaHV-1 antibody detection in crab-eating foxes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Louise Pereira Lavorente
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Caroline Giuseppa Spera
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Flavia Megumi Miyabe
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Elis Lorenzetti
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Animal Health and Production, Universidade Pitágoras Unopar, Arapongas, Paraná, Brazil
- Multi-User Animal Health Laboratory, Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Juliana Torres Tomazi Fritzen
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Amauri Alcindo Alfieri
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil.
- Multi-User Animal Health Laboratory, Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil.
| | - Alice Fernandes Alfieri
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
- Multi-User Animal Health Laboratory, Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Celso Garcia Cid Road, PR455 Km 380 - Campus Universitário, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tarragona EL, Sebastian PS, Félix ML, Venzal JM. Novel Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) strain and Hepatozoon sp. cf. H. procyonis (Apicomplexa, Hepatozoidae) detected in Procyon cancrivorus ( Carnivora, Procyonidae) from Argentina, with note of tick-host association. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2241-2245. [PMID: 37084109 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10099-w] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to report the first detection of Procyon cancrivorus naturally co-infected with Hepatozoon sp. cf. H. procyonis and a novel Anaplasma strain from South America and potential vector tick species associated. On August 30, 2016, a specimen of P. cancrivorus was found dead on the route in Chaco province, Argentina. A tick and a blood sample by cardiac puncture was collected from the specimen. DNA was extracted from blood sample and the tick was morphological identity as a female of Amblyomma ovale. Molecular detection of Anaplasmataceae family and Hepatozoon spp. agents was performed targeting two different loci: 16 S rRNA and 18 S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic analyses show that the Anaplasma sp. strain detected in P. cancrivorus in this study is similar to Anaplasma sp. strains previously detected in Nasua nasua and A. ovale from Brazil. Furthermore, Hepatozoon sp. of the H. procyonis group was amplified that is phylogenetically closely related to H. procyonis reported in N. nasua from Brazil. Since it was not exactly the same as the latter, it was decided to name at Hepatozoon sp. cf. H. procyonis. It is possible that, this potential new species of Anaplasma would be specific for Procyonidae family and there are two species of Hepatozoon linked to this family in South America. These results added to other published studies suggest that A. ovale could be a potential vector both for the new potential strain of Anaplasma and for the Hepatazoon sp. of the H. procyonis group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelina L Tarragona
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA - CONICET, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, E.E.A. Rafaela, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Patrick S Sebastian
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA - CONICET, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, E.E.A. Rafaela, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. CC 22, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Maria L Félix
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Salto, Universidad de la República, 1350, CP 50000, Rivera, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Jose M Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Salto, Universidad de la República, 1350, CP 50000, Rivera, Salto, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kosintsev PA. Collagen Contents of 13С and 15N Isotopes in Bones of Small Cave Bear Ursus (Spelaearctos) rossicus Borissiak, 1930 (Mammalia, Carnivora, Ursidae) from Western Siberia. Dokl Biol Sci 2023; 513:S33-S36. [PMID: 38190039 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700874] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The 13C and 15N isotope contents in collagen were determined in bones of the small cave bear Ursus (Spelaearctos) rossicus Borissiak, 1930 from three regions of Western Siberia. The bones dated back to marine isotope stage (MIS) 3 and belonged to mature males and females. Some of the samples differed only in δ15N. Bears of all samples were from the same trophic level. Trophic shifts were observed between females and males in one region and between males of two regions. The small cave bear of Western Siberia differed from the small cave bear of the Southern Urals in leading a much more predatory lifestyle. The extent of differences between the Ural and Siberian bears corresponded to different trophic levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P A Kosintsev
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gorczynski D, Rovero F, Mtui A, Shinyambala S, Martine J, Hsieh C, Frishkoff L, Beaudrot L. Tropical forest mammal occupancy and functional diversity increase with microhabitat surface area. Ecology 2023; 104:e4181. [PMID: 37784251 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4181] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Many animal-environment interactions are mediated by the physical forms of the environment, especially in tropical forests, where habitats are structurally complex and highly diverse. Higher structural complexity, measured as habitat surface area, may provide increased resource availability for animals, leading to higher animal diversity. Greater habitat surface area supports increased animal diversity in other systems, such as coral reefs and forest canopies, but it is uncertain how this relationship translates to communities of highly mobile, terrestrial mammal species inhabiting forest floors. We tested the relative importance of forest floor habitat structure, encompassing vegetation and topographic structure, in determining species occupancy and functional diversity of medium to large mammals using data from a tropical forest in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. We related species occupancies and diversity obtained from a multispecies occupancy model with ground-level habitat structure measurements obtained from a novel head-mounted active remote sensing device, the Microsoft HoloLens. We found that habitat surface area was a significant predictor of mean species occupancy and had a significant positive relationship with functional dispersion. The positive relationships indicate that surface area of tropical forest floors may play an important role in promoting mammal occupancy and functional diversity at the microhabitat scale. In particular, habitat surface area had higher mean effects on occupancy for carnivorous and social species. These results support a habitat surface area-diversity relationship on tropical forest floors for mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gorczynski
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Francesco Rovero
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- MUSE-Museo delle Scienze, Trento, Italy
| | - Arafat Mtui
- MUSE-Museo delle Scienze, Trento, Italy
- Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre, Mang'ula, Tanzania
| | | | - Joseph Martine
- Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre, Mang'ula, Tanzania
| | - Chia Hsieh
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Luke Frishkoff
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Lydia Beaudrot
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kosintsev PA, Konovalova KY, Simonova GV. Content of 13С and 15N Isotopes in Bone Collagen of Geographical, Age, and Sex Groups of the Ural Cave Bear (Mammalia, Carnivora, Ursidae, Ursus (Spelaearctos) kanivetz Verestchagin, 1973). Dokl Biol Sci 2023; 513:374-377. [PMID: 37950813 PMCID: PMC10811068 DOI: 10.1134/s001249662370076x] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Data on the content of 13C and 15N isotopes in the collagen of bones of the Ural cave bear (Ursus (S.) kanivetz Verestchagin, 1973) from the North and Middle Urals were analyzed. The bones date from the first half of MIS 3. The bones of newborn individuals, individuals aged 1 year, males and females aged 2, 3, and 4 years, and older than 4 years were studied. Differences in δ13С values between age, sex, and geographical samples are not significant. With age, the value of δ15N significantly decreases, which is associated with weaning from milk nutrition to independent nutrition. The proportion of meat food in the diet of adult bears in the Middle Urals was higher than in the diet of adult bears in the North Urals. There are no noticeable differences in isotope signatures between males and females of different ages. The large cave bears of the Urals and Europe had a similar type of diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P A Kosintsev
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - K Yu Konovalova
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - G V Simonova
- Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kosintsev PA, Konovalova KY, Simonova GV. Diet of the Small Cave Bear Ursus (Spelaearctos) rossicus Borissak, 1930 (Mammalia, Carnivora, Ursidae) As Revealed by 13C and 15N Isotope Analyses in Bone Collagen. Dokl Biol Sci 2023; 513:S14-S18. [PMID: 38190041 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700825] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The 13C and 15N isotope contents in bone collagen were analyzed using bones of the small cave bear Ursus (Spelaearctos) rossicus Borissak, 1930 from localities in the Middle and Southern Urals. The bones date from the last interglacial (MIS 5) and glacial (MIS 3) periods. The bones were from males and females aged 3, 4, and >4 years. Sexual, geographical, and chronological differences in 13C and 15N contents were studied. Notable gender, geographic, and chronological differences were observed between samples. In the Middle Urals, females led a more predatory lifestyle than males during the interglacial period, and the trophic niches of males and females converged due to an increase in herbivory during the transition to the glacial period. In the Southern Urals, males led a more predatory lifestyle than in the Middle Urals during the interglacial period. The extent of changes in δ13C and δ15N values in the Southern Urals during the transition was found to correspond to differences between trophic levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P A Kosintsev
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - K Yu Konovalova
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - G V Simonova
- Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Selva N, Bautista C, Fernández-Gil A, de Gabriel Hernando M, García-Rodríguez A, Naves J, Calzada J, Díaz-Fernández M, Díaz-Vaquero V, Leonard JA, Morales-González A, Naves-Alegre L, Quevedo M, Salado I, Vilà C, Revilla E. FAIR data would alleviate large carnivore conflict. Science 2023; 382:893-894. [PMID: 37995234 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl6080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31120 Kraków, Poland
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Física, Matemáticas y Computación, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carlos Bautista
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31120 Kraków, Poland
| | - Alberto Fernández-Gil
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | - Javier Naves
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Javier Calzada
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Física, Matemáticas y Computación, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Manuel Díaz-Fernández
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Vanessa Díaz-Vaquero
- Biodiversity Research Institute, University of Oviedo-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Principality of Asturias, 33600 Mieres, Spain
| | - Jennifer A Leonard
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ana Morales-González
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lara Naves-Alegre
- Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Mario Quevedo
- Biodiversity Research Institute, University of Oviedo-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Principality of Asturias, 33600 Mieres, Spain
| | - Isabel Salado
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carles Vilà
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eloy Revilla
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chatterjee N, Mukhopadhyay I, Nigam P, Habib B. Predicting carrying capacity of a large carnivore from prey densities: a new approach. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15914. [PMID: 38025689 PMCID: PMC10676078 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15914] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Large carnivores play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Successful conservation initiatives have often led to a huge increase in predators which has often led to negative interactions with humans. Without the knowledge of the carrying capacity of the top predator, such decisions become challenging. Here, we have derived a new equation to estimate the carrying capacity of tigers based on the individual prey species density. Methods We used tiger densities and respective prey densities of different protected areas. Relative prey abundance was used instead of absolute prey density as this could be a better surrogate of the prey preference. We used a regression approach to derive the species-wise equation. We have also scaled these coefficients accordingly to control the variation in the standard error (heteroscedasticity) of the tiger density. Furthermore, we have extended this regression equation for different species to different weight classes for more generalized application of the method. Results The new equations performed considerably better compared to the earlier existing carrying capacity equations. Incorporating the species-wise approach in the equation also reflected the preference of the prey species for the tiger. This is the first carrying capacity equation where the individual prey densities are used to estimate the carnivore population density. The coefficient estimates of the model with the comparison with prey-predator power laws also reflect the differential effect of tigers on different prey species. The carrying capacity estimates will aid in a better understanding of the predator-prey interaction and will advance better management of the top predator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Parag Nigam
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, India
| | - Bilal Habib
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, India
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Choo J, Nghiem LTP, Benítez-López A, Carrasco LR. Range area and the fast-slow continuum of life history traits predict pathogen richness in wild mammals. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20191. [PMID: 37980452 PMCID: PMC10657380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47448-3] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of pathogen richness in wildlife is needed to identify host species with a high risk of zoonotic disease spillover. While several predictors of pathogen richness in wildlife hosts have been proposed, their relative importance has not been formally examined. This hampers our ability to identify potential disease reservoirs, particularly in remote areas with limited surveillance efforts. Here we analyzed 14 proposed predictors of pathogen richness using ensemble modeling and a dataset of 1040 host species to identify the most important predictors of pathogen richness in wild mammal species. After controlling for research effort, larger species geographic range area was identified to be associated with higher pathogen richness. We found evidence of duality in the relationship between the fast-slow continuum of life-history traits and pathogen richness, where pathogen richness increases near the extremities. Taxonomic orders Carnivora, Proboscidea, Artiodactyla, and Perissodactyla were predicted to host high pathogen richness. The top three species with the highest pathogen richness predicted by our ensemble model were Canis lupus, Sus scrofa, and Alces alces. Our results can help support evidence-informed pathogen surveillance and disease reservoir management to prevent the emergence of future zoonotic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Choo
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | | | - Ana Benítez-López
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis R Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lesiczka PM, Myśliwy I, Buńkowska-Gawlik K, Modrý D, Hrazdilová K, Hildebrand J, Perec-Matysiak A. Circulation of Anaplasma phagocytophilum among invasive and native carnivore species living in sympatry in Poland. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:368. [PMID: 37853498 PMCID: PMC10583402 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05996-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma phagocytophilum is characterized by a worldwide distribution and distinguished from other Anaplasmataceae by the broadest range of mammalian hosts and high genetic diversity. The role carnivores play in the life cycle of A. phagocytophilum in Europe is uncertain. Currently, only the red fox is considered a suitable reservoir host. In this study, we focused on native and invasive medium-sized carnivore species that live in sympatry and represent the most abundant species of wild carnivores in Poland. METHODS A total of 275 individual spleen samples from six carnivore species (Vulpes vulpes, Meles meles, Procyon lotor, Nyctereutes procyonoides and Martes spp.) were screened combining nested PCR and sequencing for A. phagocytophilum targeting a partial groEL gene with subsequent phylogenetic analysis inferred by the maximum likelihood method. RESULTS The DNA of A. phagocytophilum was detected in 16 of 275 individuals (5.8%). Eight unique genetic variants of A. phagocytophilum were obtained. All detected haplotypes clustered in the clade representing European ecotype I. Three variants belonged to the subclade with European human cases together with strains from dogs, foxes, cats, and wild boars. CONCLUSIONS While carnivores might have a restricted role in the dissemination of A. phagocytophilum due to their relatively low to moderate infection rates, they hold significance as hosts for ticks. Consequently, they could contribute to the transmission of tick-borne infections to humans indirectly, primarily through tick infection. This underscores the potential risk of urbanization for the A. phagocytophilum life cycle, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive understanding of its ecological dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Maria Lesiczka
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Izabella Myśliwy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - David Modrý
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Joanna Hildebrand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Perec-Matysiak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Arilla M, Rosell J, Margalida A, Sansó A, Blasco R. Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) as a bone modifying agent and its implications for archaeology. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17090. [PMID: 37816849 PMCID: PMC10564916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44302-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neo-taphonomic studies have allowed us to detect bone damage patterns linked to carnivore preferences and behavioral traits as well as to improve our understanding of the origin of different alterations on vertebrate fossil faunas. However, taphonomically speaking vultures are among the least studied of all common, obligate scavengers. The research reported here contributes to characterise Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) behavior from a taphonomic perspective describing bone damage on 12 small-sized ungulate carcasses. The combination of observational data from photo/video-trap together with taphonomic analyses allowed us to manage factors like feeding behavior or time of consumption, as well as to accurately record bone modified items. Some bone-modifying effects are described here for the first time as vulture-made bone-damage distinctiveness. Still, some others may pose equifinality problems especially regarding small carnivores. This taphonomic conundrum leaves an interpretation problem particularly in archaeological sites in which those agents are present and consequently, an individualization dilemma about the taphonomic actors involved in bone modified assemblages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maite Arilla
- Institut català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), 43007, Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya 35, 43002, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jordi Rosell
- Institut català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), 43007, Tarragona, Spain
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya 35, 43002, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (CSIC), Jaca, Huesca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Andreu Sansó
- Departament d'Economia Aplicada, Universitat de Les Illes Balears, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
- Models for Information Processing and Fuzzy Information (MOTIBO) Research Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands, Idisba, 07120, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Ruth Blasco
- Institut català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV (Edifici W3), 43007, Tarragona, Spain.
- Departament d'Història i Història de l'Art, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Avinguda de Catalunya 35, 43002, Tarragona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Dewi K, Purwaningsih E, Hasegawa H. Arthrostoma supriatnai sp. nov. (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae) parasitic in Mydaus javanensis ( Carnivora: Mephitidae) from Mount Ciremai, Java, Indonesia. Zootaxa 2023; 5353:89-95. [PMID: 38221419 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5353.1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Arthrostoma supriatnai sp. nov. was described from Mydaus javanensis obtained from Mount Ciremai, Java, Indonesia. It is characterized by having a buccal capsule with ten articulated plates including a pair of additional lateral plates. To date, the genus Arthrostoma consists of eleven species that are native to Asia. Of them, only A. miyazankiense and A. tunkanati have ten articulated plates including the lateral plates. However, the present species has a much stouter body, being readily distinguishable from these two species. Moreover, its male has much shorter spicules than A. miyazakiense, and an arrow-shaped gubernaculum, differing from A. tunkanati, in which gubernaculum is distally bifid. In the female, the present species is readily distinguished from these two species in the shape and number of vulval swellings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kartika Dewi
- Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense; Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution; National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN); Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46; Cibinong; West Java; 16911; Indonesia.
| | - Endang Purwaningsih
- Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense; Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution; National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN); Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46; Cibinong; West Java; 16911; Indonesia.
| | - Hideo Hasegawa
- Department of Biomedicine; Faculty of Medicine; Oita University; 1-1 Idaigaoka; Hasama; Yufu; Oita 879-5593; Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ram M, Sahu A, Srivastava N, Chaudhary R, Jhala L, Zala Y. The semi-arid ecosystem of Asiatic Lion Landscape in Saurashtra, Gujarat: Population density, biomass and conservation of nine wild prey species. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292048. [PMID: 37768920 PMCID: PMC10538734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the population density, structure, and population change of nine wild prey species in the semi-arid landscape of Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. A total of eight sites, representing a gradient from highly protected woodlands and grasslands to unreserved grasslands, were selected for sampling. We employed the road transect methodology under a distance sampling framework to achieve our objectives. We evaluated the realized growth rate of the Gir ungulate population through linear regression analysis. Our findings revealed that deer species exhibited higher density and biomass in woodlands compared to grasslands and coastal forests. On the other hand, antelopes showed higher density and biomass in grasslands and coastal forests compared to woodlands. The density gradient of wild prey species was influenced by various factors, including habitat structure, social organization, grouping tendencies, and topography. Over the last four decades, the population of wild prey species in Gir showed minimal changes. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of wild prey species' density and biomass patterns at the landscape level. The inclusion of findings from ecologically significant and unique areas, such as coastal forests, further enhances the importance of this study. The implications of this study extend beyond the conservation of wild prey species alone; they also contribute to the conservation of the large carnivore guild in the Saurashtra landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Ram
- Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir, Junagadh, Gujarat, India
| | | | | | - Rohit Chaudhary
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India
| | - Lahar Jhala
- Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir, Junagadh, Gujarat, India
| | - Yashpal Zala
- Wildlife Division, Sasan-Gir, Junagadh, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Smith MM, Erb JD, Pauli JN. Reciprocated competition between two forest carnivores drives dietary specialization. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:1695-1706. [PMID: 37282830 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13962] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Competition shapes animal communities, but the strength of the interaction varies spatially depending on the availability and aggregation of resources and competitors. Among carnivores, competition is particularly pronounced with the strongest interactions between similar species with intermediate differences in body size. While ecologists have emphasized interference competition among carnivores based on dominance hierarchies from body size (smaller = subordinate; larger = dominant), the reciprocity of exploitative competition from subordinate species has been overlooked even though efficient exploitation can limit resource availability and influence foraging. Across North America, fishers Pekania pennanti and martens (Martes spp.) are two phylogenetically related forest carnivores that exhibit a high degree of overlap in habitat use and diet and differ in body size by a factor of 2-5×, eliciting particularly strong interspecific competition. In the Great Lakes region, fishers and martens occur both allopatrically and sympatrically; where they co-occur, the numerically dominant species varies spatially. This natural variation in competitors and environmental conditions enables comparisons to understand how interference and exploitative competition alter dietary niche overlap and foraging strategies. We analysed stable isotopes (δ13 C and δ15 N) from 317 martens and 132 fishers, as well as dietary items (n = 629) from 20 different genera, to compare niche size and overlap. We then quantified individual diet specialization and modelled the response to environmental conditions that were hypothesized to influence individual foraging. Martens and fishers exhibited high overlap in both available and core isotopic δ-space, but no overlap of core dietary proportions. When the competitor was absent or rare, both martens and fishers consumed more smaller-bodied prey. Notably, the dominant fisher switched from being a specialist of larger to smaller prey in the absence of the subordinate marten. Environmental context also influenced dietary specialization: increasing land cover diversity and prey abundance reduced specialization in martens whereas vegetation productivity increased specialization for both martens and fishers. Despite an important dominance hierarchy, fishers adjusted their niche in the face of a subordinate, but superior, exploitative competitor. These findings highlight the underappreciated role of the subordinate competitor in shaping the dietary niche of a dominant competitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Smith
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John D Erb
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jonathan N Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dougill G, Brassey CA, Starostin EL, Andrews H, Kitchener A, van der Heijden GHM, Goss VGA, Grant RA. Describing whisker morphology of the Carnivora. J Morphol 2023; 284:e21628. [PMID: 37585221 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21628] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the largest ecological transitions in carnivoran evolution was the shift from terrestrial to aquatic lifestyles, which has driven morphological diversity in skulls and other skeletal structures. In this paper, we investigate the association between those lifestyles and whisker morphology. However, comparing whisker morphology over a range of species is challenging since the number of whiskers and their positions on the mystacial pads vary between species. Also, each whisker will be at a different stage of growth and may have incurred damage due to wear and tear. Identifying a way to easily capture whisker morphology in a small number of whisker samples would be beneficial. Here, we describe individual and species variation in whisker morphology from two-dimensional scans in red fox, European otter and grey seal. A comparison of long, caudal whiskers shows inter-species differences most clearly. We go on to describe global whisker shape in 24 species of carnivorans, using linear approximations of curvature and taper, as well as traditional morphometric methods. We also qualitatively examine surface texture, or the presence of scales, using scanning electron micrographs. We show that gross whisker shape is highly conserved, with whisker curvature and taper obeying simple linear relationships with length. However, measures of whisker base radius, length, and maybe even curvature, can vary between species and substrate preferences. Specifically, the aquatic species in our sample have thicker, shorter whiskers that are smoother, with less scales present than those of terrestrial species. We suggest that these thicker whiskers may be stiffer and able to maintain their shape and position during underwater sensing, but being stiffer may also increase wear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary Dougill
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte A Brassey
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Eugene L Starostin
- School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, UK
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hayley Andrews
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Kitchener
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gert H M van der Heijden
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Victor G A Goss
- School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Robyn A Grant
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cui J, Zhang Y, Guo J, Wu N, Zhou Y. Conflicting selection pressures on seed size and germination caused by carnivorous seed dispersers. Integr Zool 2023; 18:799-816. [PMID: 37394984 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12743] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Plants produce nutritious, fleshy fruits that attract various animals to facilitate seed dispersal and recruitment dynamic. Species-specific differential selection of seed size by multiple frugivorous disperser assemblages may affect the subsequent germination of the ingested seeds. However, there is little empirical evidence supporting this association. In the present study, we documented conflicting selection pressures exerted on seed size and germination by five frugivorous carnivores on a mammal-dispersed pioneer tree, the date-plum persimmon (Diospyros lotus), in a subtropical forest. Fecal analyses revealed that these carnivores acted as primary seed dispersers of D. lotus. We also observed that seed sizes were selected based on body mass and were species-specific, confirming the "gape limitation" hypothesis; three small carnivores (the masked palm civet Paguma larvata, yellow-throated marten Martes flavigula, and Chinese ferret-badger Melogale moschata) significantly preferred to disperse smaller seeds in comparison with control seeds obtained directly from wild plants whereas the largest Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) ingested larger seeds. Seeds dispersed by medium-sized hog badgers (Arctonyx albogularis) were not significantly different from control seeds. However, regarding the influence of gut passage on seed germination, three arboreal dispersal agents (martens, civets, and bears) enhanced germination success whereas terrestrial species (ferret-badgers and hog badgers) inhibited the germination process compared with undigested control seeds. These conflicting selection pressures on seed size and germination may enhance the heterogeneity of germination dynamics and thus increase species fitness through diversification of the regeneration niche. Our results advance our understanding of seed dispersal mechanisms and have important implications for forest recruitment and ecosystem dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jifa Cui
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yaqian Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jinyu Guo
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Youbing Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
de Bonis L, Chaimanee Y, Grohé C, Chavasseau O, Mazurier A, Suraprasit K, Jaeger JJ. A new large pantherine and a sabre-toothed cat (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae) from the late Miocene hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand. Naturwissenschaften 2023; 110:42. [PMID: 37584870 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01867-4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
We describe two large predators from the hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand: a new genus of pantherine, Pachypanthera n. gen., represented by partial mandible and maxilla and an indeterminate sabre-toothed cat, represented by a fragment of upper canine. The morphological characters of Pachypanthera n. gen., notably the large and powerful canine, the great robustness of the mandibular body, the very deep fossa for the m. masseter, the zigzag HSB enamel pattern, indicate bone-cracking capacities. The genus is unique among Felidae as it has one of the most powerful and robust mandibles ever found. Moreover, it may be the oldest known pantherine, as other Asian pantherines are dated back to the early Pliocene. The taxa we report here are the only carnivorans known from the late Miocene of Thailand. Although the material is rather scarce, it brings new insights to the evolutionary history of Neogene mammals of Southeast Asia, in a geographic place which is partly "terra incognita."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L de Bonis
- Laboratoire Paléontologie Evolution Paléoécosystemes Paléoprimatologie (PALEVOPRIM, UMR 7262 CNRS INEE), Faculté Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, 6 rue Michel Brunet, 86073, Poitiers, France.
| | - Y Chaimanee
- Laboratoire Paléontologie Evolution Paléoécosystemes Paléoprimatologie (PALEVOPRIM, UMR 7262 CNRS INEE), Faculté Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, 6 rue Michel Brunet, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - C Grohé
- Laboratoire Paléontologie Evolution Paléoécosystemes Paléoprimatologie (PALEVOPRIM, UMR 7262 CNRS INEE), Faculté Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, 6 rue Michel Brunet, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - O Chavasseau
- Laboratoire Paléontologie Evolution Paléoécosystemes Paléoprimatologie (PALEVOPRIM, UMR 7262 CNRS INEE), Faculté Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, 6 rue Michel Brunet, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - A Mazurier
- Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP, UMR CNRS 7285), Faculté Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, 4 rue Michel Brunet, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - K Suraprasit
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - J J Jaeger
- Laboratoire Paléontologie Evolution Paléoécosystemes Paléoprimatologie (PALEVOPRIM, UMR 7262 CNRS INEE), Faculté Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, 6 rue Michel Brunet, 86073, Poitiers, France
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Moures-Nouri F, Hemami MR, Rezvani A, Ghasemi B. The influence of superstitions and emotions on villagers' attitudes towards striped hyena in southwestern Iran. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285546. [PMID: 37552693 PMCID: PMC10409376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The intensity of human-carnivore conflict in socio-ecological systems may primarily be determined by people's attitudes and perceptions of carnivore-related threats. Direct or indirect threats posed by large carnivores to human interests may eventually lead to negative attitudes that can trigger retaliatory bahaviour against them. We studied local people's attitudes towards striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), the nature and extent of the human-hyena conflict, and the socio-cultural drivers of the conflicts in 19 rural communities in southwestern Iran. We employed structural equation modelling to assess socio-cultural factors affecting attitudes towards striped hyenas. The findings of 300 interviews showed significant differences in local people's superstitious attitudes regarding gender, age, and education. More than 40% of the participants had encountered hyenas, and on average, each respondent lost 0.44 livestock in the past five years due to hyena attacks. However, livestock depredation by the hyena was low (13.3%) compared to the damage inflicted by all carnivores (73%). While the respondents indicated some degrees of fear, hatred to hyena was relatively low and they generally showed positive attitudes towards the species. Women and older people expressed the highest and respondents with higher education the least superstitious beliefs. Attitude score of respondents toward hyenas was correlated negatively with hatred for hyenas and positively with knowledge about them, but socio-demographics effects on attitudes towards hyenas were not statistically significant. Self-reported livestock loss was a relatively good predictor of hatred and fear. Herders who had not protected their livestock reported carnivore attacks at least once. We conclude that superstitions can potentially negatively affect hyena persistence, but can be reduced by improving the educational level of local people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moures-Nouri
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud-Reza Hemami
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azita Rezvani
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Benjamin Ghasemi
- Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department & Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Haines E, Bailey E, Nelson J, Fenlon LR, Suárez R. Clade-specific forebrain cytoarchitectures of the extinct Tasmanian tiger. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306516120. [PMID: 37523567 PMCID: PMC10410726 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306516120] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, is the largest of modern-day carnivorous marsupials and was hunted to extinction by European settlers in Australia. Its physical resemblance to eutherian wolves is a striking example of evolutionary convergence to similar ecological niches. However, whether the neuroanatomical organization of the thylacine brain resembles that of canids and how it compares with other mammals remain unknown due to the scarcity of available samples. Here, we gained access to a century-old hematoxylin-stained histological series of a thylacine brain, digitalized it at high resolution, and compared its forebrain cellular architecture with 34 extant species of monotremes, marsupials, and eutherians. Phylogenetically informed comparisons of cortical folding, regional volumes, and cell sizes and densities across cortical areas and layers provide evidence against brain convergences with canids, instead demonstrating features typical of marsupials, and more specifically Dasyuridae, along with traits that scale similarly with brain size across mammals. Enlarged olfactory, limbic, and neocortical areas suggest a small-prey predator and/or scavenging lifestyle, similar to extant quolls and Tasmanian devils. These findings are consistent with a nonuniformity of trait convergences, with brain traits clustering more with phylogeny and head/body traits with lifestyle. By making this resource publicly available as rapid web-accessible, hierarchically organized, multiresolution images for perpetuity, we anticipate that additional comparative insights might arise from detailed studies of the thylacine brain and encourage researchers and curators to share, annotate, and preserve understudied material of outstanding biological relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Haines
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, QLD4072, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Evan Bailey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, QLD4072, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, QLD4072, Australia
| | - John Nelson
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, VIC3800, Australia
| | - Laura R. Fenlon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, QLD4072, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, QLD4072, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Suárez
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, QLD4072, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, QLD4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Gimranov DO, Jiangzuo Q, Lavrov AV, Lopatin AV. Mustela palerminea (Mustelidae, Carnivora) from the Early Pleistocene of Crimea. Dokl Biol Sci 2023; 511:267-271. [PMID: 37833585 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700503] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The mandibles of two individuals of Mustela palerminea (Petenyi, 1864) are described from the Lower Pleistocene deposits of the Taurida cave in Crimea (Late Villafranchian, 1.8-1.5 Ma). This extinct mustelid species was a typical representative of the Villafranchian faunas of Europe. It is the first record of M. palerminea in Russia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D O Gimranov
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 620144, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - Q Jiangzuo
- Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100044, Beijing, China
| | - A V Lavrov
- Borissiak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117647, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Lopatin
- Borissiak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117647, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gimranov DO, Jiangzuo Q, Lavrov AV, Lopatin AV. Mustela strandi (Mustelidae, Carnivora) from the Early Pleistocene of Crimea. Dokl Biol Sci 2023; 511:284-288. [PMID: 37700102 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700680] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The dentary of Mustela strandi Kormos, 1934 is described from the Lower Pleistocene deposits (Late Villafranchian, 1.8-1.5 Ma) of the Taurida cave in Crimea. It is the first finding of M. strandi in Russia. This extinct mustelid species is rarely found in the Lower and Middle Pleistocene of Central Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D O Gimranov
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 620144, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - Q Jiangzuo
- Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100044, Beijing, China
| | - A V Lavrov
- Borissiak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117647, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Lopatin
- Borissiak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117647, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Soares R, Bueno C, Vieira FM, Muniz-Pereira LC. Gongylonema sp. in the Tongue of a Brown-Nosed Coati (Nasua nasua) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:528-531. [PMID: 37170422 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Two parasites were collected from the epithelial layer of the tongue mucosa of a brown-nosed coati (Nasua nasua) in an area of Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. These were identified as female Gongylonema sp. nematodes, not previously reported in Brazilian wild carnivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Soares
- Laboratório de Helmintos Parasitos de Vertebrados, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Postal Code 21040-900, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade e Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Postal Code 21040-900, Brasil
| | - Cecília Bueno
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Universidade Veiga de Almeida, Rua Ibituruna, 108, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 20271-901, Brasil
| | - Fabiano M Vieira
- Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Rodovia BR-407, KM 12 Lote 543 Projeto de Irrigação Nilo Coelho, Petrolina, Postal Code 56300-000, Brazil
| | - Luís C Muniz-Pereira
- Laboratório de Helmintos Parasitos de Vertebrados, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Postal Code 21040-900, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kosintsev PA, Simonova GV, Konovalova KY. First Data on Nutrition of the Ural Cave Bear Ursus (Spelaearctos) kanivetz Verestchagin, 1973 (Mammalia, Carnivora, Ursidae) as Based on 13C and 15N Isotope Analyses. Dokl Biol Sci 2023; 510:160-162. [PMID: 37582991 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
First data on the contents of the 13C and 15N isotopes in collagen were obtained for 16 bones of the Ural cave bear Ursus (Spelaearctos) kanivetz Verestchagin, 1973 from the Tayn (Secrets) cave (55°25' N, 57°46' E). The bones are dated to the middle MIS 3 and belonged to males and females of about 2 years, about 3 years, and older than 4 years of age. No considerable difference in isotope signatures was observed between individuals of different ages and different genders. Cave bears were assumed to forage independently on plant food from the second year of life. The δ13C and δ15N values established for the Ural cave bear are close to the values reported for U. (S.) spelaeus ingressus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P A Kosintsev
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - G V Simonova
- Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - K Yu Konovalova
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Moroni B, Albanese F, Rita Molinar Min A, Pasquetti M, Guillot J, Pisano SRR, Ryser-Degiorgis MP, Rüfenacht S, Gauthier D, Cano-Terriza D, Scaravelli D, Rossi L, Peano A. Sarcoptic mange in Felidae: does Sarcoptes scabiei var. felis exist? A first molecular study. Parasite 2023; 30:11. [PMID: 37010452 PMCID: PMC10069400 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023012] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic and wild felids are considered suitable hosts for the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and sarcoptic mange is reported in several felid species in the scientific literature. However, the historic classification of Sarcoptes mites into host-specific varieties does not include S. scabiei var. felis. It is unclear whether sarcoptic mange transmission in felids involves canids, other sympatric species, or exclusively felids. This study aimed to characterize the genetic structure of S. scabiei mites from domestic cats (Felis catus) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus), comparing them with Sarcoptes mites from sympatric domestic and wild carnivores. Ten Sarcoptes microsatellite markers were used to genotype 81 mites obtained from skin scrapings of 36 carnivores: 4 domestic cats, one dog (Canis lupus familiaris), 4 Eurasian lynx, 23 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and 4 grey wolves (Canis lupus lupus) from either Italy, Switzerland or France. Two genetic clusters of S. scabiei with a geographical distribution pattern were detected: mites from cats originating from Central Italy clustered with those from sympatric wolves. In contrast, all the other mites from Switzerland, France and Northern Italy clustered together. These results strengthen the previously advanced hypothesis that genetic variants of S. scabiei have a predominant geographic-related distribution with cryptic transmission patterns. These patterns may rely on the interactions between different hosts living in the same ecological niche rather than a simple infection among hosts belonging to the same taxon, reinforcing the idea that the S. scabiei historic classification into "var" might have little ongoing relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Moroni
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
-
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Val d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148 10154 Torino Italy
| | - Francesco Albanese
-
Centro Dermatologico Veterinario Toscano Via Romana, 4 52100 Arezzo Italy
-
Mylav Private Veterinary Laboratory Via Sirtori, 9 20017 Passirana di Rho-Milano Italy
| | - Anna Rita Molinar Min
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| | - Mario Pasquetti
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| | - Jacques Guillot
-
Department of Dermatology-Parasitology-Mycology Oniris 44300 Nantes France
| | - Simone Roberto Rolando Pisano
-
Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box 3001 Bern Switzerland
| | - Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis
-
Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box 3001 Bern Switzerland
| | | | - Dominique Gauthier
-
Laboratoire Départemental Vétérinaire des Hautes-Alpes (LDVHA 05) 05000 Gap France
| | - David Cano-Terriza
-
Department of Animal Health, UIC ENZOEM, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), University of Cordoba 14014 Córdoba Spain
-
CIBERINFEC, ISCIII-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28029 Madrid Spain
| | - Dino Scaravelli
-
Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna via Selmi 3 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Luca Rossi
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| | - Andrea Peano
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Benson JF, Dougherty KD, Beier P, Boyce WM, Cristescu B, Gammons DJ, Garcelon DK, Higley JM, Martins QE, Nisi AC, Riley SPD, Sikich JA, Stephenson TR, Vickers TW, Wengert GM, Wilmers CC, Wittmer HU, Dellinger JA. The ecology of human-caused mortality for a protected large carnivore. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220030120. [PMID: 36940341 PMCID: PMC10068828 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220030120] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitigating human-caused mortality for large carnivores is a pressing global challenge for wildlife conservation. However, mortality is almost exclusively studied at local (within-population) scales creating a mismatch between our understanding of risk and the spatial extent most relevant to conservation and management of wide-ranging species. Here, we quantified mortality for 590 radio-collared mountain lions statewide across their distribution in California to identify drivers of human-caused mortality and investigate whether human-caused mortality is additive or compensatory. Human-caused mortality, primarily from conflict management and vehicles, exceeded natural mortality despite mountain lions being protected from hunting. Our data indicate that human-caused mortality is additive to natural mortality as population-level survival decreased as a function of increasing human-caused mortality and natural mortality did not decrease with increased human-caused mortality. Mortality risk increased for mountain lions closer to rural development and decreased in areas with higher proportions of citizens voting to support environmental initiatives. Thus, the presence of human infrastructure and variation in the mindset of humans sharing landscapes with mountain lions appear to be primary drivers of risk. We show that human-caused mortality can reduce population-level survival of large carnivores across large spatial scales, even when they are protected from hunting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John F. Benson
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE68583
| | - Kyle D. Dougherty
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE68583
| | - Paul Beier
- Center for Large Landscape Conservation, Bozeman, MT59715
| | - Walter M. Boyce
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Bogdan Cristescu
- Environmental Studies Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA95064
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna C. Nisi
- Environmental Studies Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA95064
| | - Seth P. D. Riley
- National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks, CA91360
| | - Jeff A. Sikich
- National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks, CA91360
| | | | - T. Winston Vickers
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | | | | | - Heiko U. Wittmer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington6140, New Zealand
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Burgos T, Salesa J, Fedriani JM, Escribano-Ávila G, Jiménez J, Krofel M, Cancio I, Hernández-Hernández J, Rodríguez-Siles J, Virgós E. Top-down and bottom-up effects modulate species co-existence in a context of top predator restoration. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4170. [PMID: 36914804 PMCID: PMC10011582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31105-w] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesopredators abundance is often limited by top-order predators and also by key food resources. However, the contribution of these bidirectional forces to structure carnivore community is still unclear. Here, we studied how the presence and absence of an apex predator which is currently recovering its former distribution range, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), determined the absolute abundance and fine-scale spatiotemporal avoidance mechanisms of two sympatric mesocarnivores (stone marten Martes foina and common genet Genetta genetta) with different dietary plasticity. We hypothesized that the lynx causes a mesopredator suppression and subordinate predators develop segregation strategies in respect to their trophic niche breadth. We placed 120 camera-traps in Southern Spain for 8 months in two consecutive years to estimate mesocarnivore abundances by using SCR Bayesian models, prey availability and assess spatio-temporal patterns. We found that the lynx reduced mesocarnivore abundance up to 10 times. Stone marten, a mesopredator with a broad food resources spectrum, showed a total spatial exclusion with the apex predator. Meanwhile, fine-scale avoidance mechanisms allowed the genet to persist in low density inside lynx territories, probably taking advantage of high availability of its preferred prey. Thus, the strength of these top-down and bottom-up effects was rather species-specific. Given the recent recovery of large carnivore populations worldwide, variation in suppression levels on different mesopredator species could modify ecosystem functions provided by the carnivore community in contrasting ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Burgos
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Salesa
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose María Fedriani
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación CIDE, CSIC-UVEG-GV, Carretera de Moncada a Náquera, km 4,5., 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD - CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Gema Escribano-Ávila
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution Department. Biological Science Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Ciudad Universitaria, C/ José Antonio Novais 12, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Jiménez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Miha Krofel
- Department for Forestry, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Inmaculada Cancio
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
- Asociación de Estudio y Conservación de Fauna Harmusch, C/San Antón 15, 1°, 13580, Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Hernández
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
- Road Ecology Lab, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Siles
- Asociación de Estudio y Conservación de Fauna Harmusch, C/San Antón 15, 1°, 13580, Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Emilio Virgós
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Oliveira T, Carricondo-Sanchez D, Mattisson J, Vogt K, Corradini A, Linnell JDC, Odden J, Heurich M, Rodríguez-Recio M, Krofel M. Predicting kill sites of an apex predator from GPS data in different multiprey systems. Ecol Appl 2023; 33:e2778. [PMID: 36383087 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2778] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Kill rates are a central parameter to assess the impact of predation on prey species. An accurate estimation of kill rates requires a correct identification of kill sites, often achieved by field-checking GPS location clusters (GLCs). However, there are potential sources of error included in kill-site identification, such as failing to detect GLCs that are kill sites, and misclassifying the generated GLCs (e.g., kill for nonkill) that were not field checked. Here, we address these two sources of error using a large GPS dataset of collared Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), an apex predator of conservation concern in Europe, in three multiprey systems, with different combinations of wild, semidomestic, and domestic prey. We first used a subsampling approach to investigate how different GPS-fix schedules affected the detection of GLC-indicated kill sites. Then, we evaluated the potential of the random forest algorithm to classify GLCs as nonkills, small prey kills, and ungulate kills. We show that the number of fixes can be reduced from seven to three fixes per night without missing more than 5% of the ungulate kills, in a system composed of wild prey. Reducing the number of fixes per 24 h decreased the probability of detecting GLCs connected with kill sites, particularly those of semidomestic or domestic prey, and small prey. Random forest successfully predicted between 73%-90% of ungulate kills, but failed to classify most small prey in all systems, with sensitivity (true positive rate) lower than 65%. Additionally, removing domestic prey improved the algorithm's overall accuracy. We provide a set of recommendations for studies focusing on kill-site detection that can be considered for other large carnivore species in addition to the Eurasian lynx. We recommend caution when working in systems including domestic prey, as the odds of underestimating kill rates are higher.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Oliveira
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Carricondo-Sanchez
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | | | - Kristina Vogt
- Foundation KORA (Carnivore Ecology & Wildlife Management), Ittigen, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Corradini
- Animal Ecology Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all' Adige, Italy
| | - John D C Linnell
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - John Odden
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marco Heurich
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- Wildlife Ecology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Forest National Park, Bavarian, Germany
| | | | - Miha Krofel
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Braczkowski AR, O'Bryan CJ, Lessmann C, Rondinini C, Crysell AP, Gilbert S, Stringer M, Gibson L, Biggs D. The unequal burden of human-wildlife conflict. Commun Biol 2023; 6:182. [PMID: 36823291 PMCID: PMC9950466 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04493-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflict is one of the most pressing sustainable development challenges globally. This is particularly the case where ecologically and economically important wildlife impact the livelihoods of humans. Large carnivores are one such group and their co-occurrence with low-income rural communities often results in real or perceived livestock losses that place increased costs on already impoverished households. Here we show the disparities associated with the vulnerability to conflict arising from large carnivores on cattle (Bos taurus) globally. Across the distribution of 18 large carnivores, we find that the economic vulnerability to predation losses (as measured by impacts to annual per capita income) is between two and eight times higher for households in transitioning and developing economies when compared to developed ones. This potential burden is exacerbated further in developing economies because cattle keepers in these areas produce on average 31% less cattle meat per animal than in developed economies. In the lowest-income areas, our estimates suggest that the loss of a single cow or bull equates to nearly a year and a half of lost calories consumed by a child. Finally, our results show that 82% of carnivore range falls outside protected areas, and five threatened carnivores have over one third of their range located in the most economically sensitive conflict areas. This unequal burden of human-carnivore conflict sheds light on the importance of grappling with multiple and conflicting sustainable development goals: protecting life on land and eliminating poverty and hunger.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Braczkowski
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- School of Natural Resource Management, Nelson Mandela University, George Campus, Madiba Drive, 6530, George, South Africa
| | - Christopher J O'Bryan
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Christian Lessmann
- Technische Universität Dresden, 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Ifo Institute & CESifo, Poschingerstr. 5, 81679, Munich, Germany
| | - Carlo Rondinini
- Center for Global Wildlife Conservation, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Anna P Crysell
- Department of Political Science, University of California Los Angeles, Bunche Hall, 4289, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sophie Gilbert
- Nature Capital Development, 443 Fillmore Street 380-1418, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA
- Affiliate faculty, Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83843, USA
| | - Martin Stringer
- W.H. Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 4, Sir James Foots Building, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Luke Gibson
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Duan Biggs
- Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Olajos-Goslow Chair of Environmental Science and Policy, Northern Arizona University, 624 Knoles Dr, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
- Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, 19 Jonkershoek Rd, Mostertsdrift, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Marciszak A, Kropczyk A, Gornig W, Kot M, Nadachowski A, Lipecki G. History of Polish Canidae ( Carnivora, Mammalia) and Their Biochronological Implications on the Eurasian Background. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030539. [PMID: 36980812 PMCID: PMC10048199 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The remains of 12 canid species that date back ca. 4.9 myr have been found at 116 paleontological localities. Among these localities, eight are dated to the Pliocene age, 12 are dated to the Early Pleistocene age, 12 are from the Middle Pleistocene age, while the most numerous group includes 84 sites from the Late Pleistocene–Holocene age. Some, especially older forms such as Eucyon odessanus and Nyctereutes donnezani, have only been found at single sites, while the remains of species from the genus Lycaon, Canis and Vulpes have been recorded at numerous sites from the last 2 myr. Ancient canids such as Eucyon and Nyctereutes had already vanished from Poland in the Earliest Pleistocene, between 2.5 and 2.2 myr ago. Poland’s extant canid fauna is characterised by the presence of two new species, which spread into the territory due to a human introduction (Nyctereutes procyonoides) or natural expansion (Canis aureus). Research indicates a strong competition between dogs, especially between Lycaon, Canis and Cuon, with a strong lycaon-limiting effect on the wolf between 2.5 and 0.4 myr ago. After the extinction of Lycaon lycaonoides, Canis lupus evolved rapidly, increasing in number and size, and taking over the niche occupied by Lycaon. In order to reduce competition, the body size of Cuon alpinus gradually reduced, and it became an animal adapted to the forest, highland and mountain environments. Generally, the history of canids in Poland is similar to that known of Eurasia with some noteworthy events, such as the early occurrence of Canis cf. etruscus from Węże 2 (2.9–2.6 myr ago), Lycaon falconeri from Rębielice Królewskie 1A or one of the latest occurrences of L. lycaonoides from Draby 3 (430–370 kyr). Predominantly lowland or upland in the southern part and devoid of significant ecological barriers, Poland is also an important migration corridor in the East–West system. This 500–600 km wide corridor was the Asian gateway to Europe, from where species of an eastern origin penetrated the continent’s interior. In colder periods, it was in turn a region through which boreal species or those associated with the mammoth steppe retreated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Marciszak
- Department of Paleozoology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Aleksandra Kropczyk
- Department of Paleozoology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Gornig
- Department of Paleozoology, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kot
- Faculty of Archaeology, University of Warsaw, Krakowskie Przedmieście 26/28, 00-927 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Adam Nadachowski
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17, 31-016 Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Lipecki
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17, 31-016 Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Barker NA, Joubert FG, Kasaona M, Shatumbu G, Stowbunenko V, Alexander KA, Slotow R, Getz WM. Coursing hyenas and stalking lions: The potential for inter- and intraspecific interactions. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0265054. [PMID: 36735747 PMCID: PMC9897591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Resource partitioning promotes coexistence among guild members, and carnivores reduce interference competition through behavioral mechanisms that promote spatio-temporal separation. We analyzed sympatric lion and spotted hyena movements and activity patterns to ascertain the mechanisms facilitating their coexistence within semi-arid and wetland ecosystems. We identified recurrent high-use (revisitation) and extended stay (duration) areas within home ranges, as well as correlated movement-derived measures of inter- and intraspecific interactions with environmental variables. Spatial overlaps among lions and hyenas expanded during the wet season, and occurred at edges of home ranges, around water-points, along pathways between patches of high-use areas. Lions shared more of their home ranges with spotted hyenas in arid ecosystems, but shared more of their ranges with conspecifics in mesic environments. Despite shared space use, we found evidence for subtle temporal differences in the nocturnal movement and activity patterns between the two predators, suggesting a fine localized-scale avoidance strategy. Revisitation frequency and duration within home ranges were influenced by interspecific interactions, after land cover categories and diel cycles. Intraspecific interactions were also important for lions and, important for hyenas were moon illumination and ungulates attracted to former anthrax carcass sites in Etosha, with distance to water in Chobe/Linyanti. Recursion and duration according to locales of competitor probabilities were similar among female lions and both sexes of hyenas, but different for male lions. Our results suggest that lions and spotted hyenas mediate the potential for interference competition through subtle differences in temporal activity, fine-scale habitat use differentiation, and localized reactive-avoidance behaviors. These findings enhance our understanding of the potential effects of interspecific interactions among large carnivore space-use patterns within an apex predator system and show adaptability across heterogeneous and homogeneous environments. Future conservation plans should emphasize the importance of inter- and intraspecific competition within large carnivore communities, particularly moderating such effects within increasingly fragmented landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A. Barker
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Marthin Kasaona
- Etosha Ecological Institute, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Okaukeujo, Namibia
| | - Gabriel Shatumbu
- Etosha Ecological Institute, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Okaukeujo, Namibia
| | - Vincent Stowbunenko
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, San Jose, California, United States of America
| | - Kathleen A. Alexander
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rob Slotow
- Oppenheimer Fellow in Functional Ecology, Centre for Functional Ecology, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Wayne M. Getz
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Gomes FR, Hipólito D, Aliácar SC, Fonseca C, Torres RT, de Carvalho LM, Figueiredo AM. Endoparasites of the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) and mesocarnivores in Central Portugal. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:435-440. [PMID: 36434319 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07738-7] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
At the end of the nineteenth century, massive population declines were observed in carnivores due to the emergence of infectious diseases. This study aims to investigate, by means of coprological analysis, the prevalence and intensity of the parasites that infect the endangered Iberian wolf Canis lupus signatus and two mesocarnivores (the red fox Vulpes vulpes and the stone marten Martes foina) in Central Portugal. In total, 67.2% of the samples screened were infected; Toxascaris leonina (40.6%) was the parasite with the highest prevalence, followed by Ancylostomatidae and Eimeria spp. (28.1%). Eimeria spp. was found in stone marten with the highest infection rate (37,800 OPG), followed by T. leonina (10,100 EPG) in a red fox sample. Moderate to high levels of parasitic infections were identified in 73.3% of red foxes from the western area. Our results highlight the possibility of cross-infection among these carnivore species and cross-contamination in the wildlife-livestock-human interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Ribeiro Gomes
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dário Hipólito
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sara Casado Aliácar
- Rewilding Portugal, Quinta da Maunça SN, 6300-035, Arrifana, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- ForestWISE - Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest & Fire Management, Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rita Tinoco Torres
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Manuel Figueiredo
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Bioscience, University of Oslo, P.O Box 1066 Blindern, NO-316, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|