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Marion S, Demšar U, Davies AL, Stephens PA, Irvine RJ, Long JA. Red deer behavioural response to hiking activity: A study using camera traps. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Solène Marion
- School of Geography & Sustainable Development, Irvine Building University of St Andrews St Andrews UK
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler Aberdeen UK
| | - Urška Demšar
- School of Geography & Sustainable Development, Irvine Building University of St Andrews St Andrews UK
| | - Althea L. Davies
- School of Geography & Sustainable Development, Irvine Building University of St Andrews St Andrews UK
| | - Philip A. Stephens
- Conservation Ecology Group Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK
| | - R. Justin Irvine
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler Aberdeen UK
- Frankfurt Zoological Society Addis Ababa Ethiopia
| | - Jed A. Long
- School of Geography & Sustainable Development, Irvine Building University of St Andrews St Andrews UK
- Department of Geography & Environment Western University London Ontario Canada
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2
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Marion S, Demšar U, Davies AL, Stephens PA, Irvine RJ, Long JA. Red deer exhibit spatial and temporal responses to hiking activity. Wildlife Biology 2021. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Solène Marion
- S. Marion (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9774-7386) ✉ , U. Demšar, A. L. Davies and J. A. Long, School of Geography and Sustainable Development, Irvine Building, Univ. of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, UK
| | - Urška Demšar
- S. Marion (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9774-7386) ✉ , U. Demšar, A. L. Davies and J. A. Long, School of Geography and Sustainable Development, Irvine Building, Univ. of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, UK
| | - Althea L. Davies
- S. Marion (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9774-7386) ✉ , U. Demšar, A. L. Davies and J. A. Long, School of Geography and Sustainable Development, Irvine Building, Univ. of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, UK
| | - Philip A. Stephens
- P. A. Stephens, Conservation Ecology Group, Dept of Biosciences, Durham Univ., Durham, England, UK. RJI also at: Frankfurt Zoological Society, Addis Ababa, South Africa Street, Ethiopia. JAL also at: Dept of Geography and Environment, Western Univ.,
| | - R. Justin Irvine
- SM, and R. J. Irvine, The James Hutton Inst., Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Jed A. Long
- S. Marion (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9774-7386) ✉ , U. Demšar, A. L. Davies and J. A. Long, School of Geography and Sustainable Development, Irvine Building, Univ. of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, UK
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Trondrud LM, Pigeon G, Albon S, Arnold W, Evans AL, Irvine RJ, Król E, Ropstad E, Stien A, Veiberg V, Speakman JR, Loe LE. Determinants of heart rate in Svalbard reindeer reveal mechanisms of seasonal energy management. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200215. [PMID: 34176322 PMCID: PMC8237166 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal energetic challenges may constrain an animal's ability to respond to changing individual and environmental conditions. Here, we investigated variation in heart rate, a well-established proxy for metabolic rate, in Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus), a species with strong seasonal changes in foraging and metabolic activity. In 19 adult females, we recorded heart rate, subcutaneous temperature and activity using biologgers. Mean heart rate more than doubled from winter to summer. Typical drivers of energy expenditure, such as reproduction and activity, explained a relatively limited amount of variation (2-6% in winter and 16-24% in summer) compared to seasonality, which explained 75% of annual variation in heart rate. The relationship between heart rate and subcutaneous temperature depended on individual state via body mass, age and reproductive status, and the results suggested that peripheral heterothermy is an important pathway of energy management in both winter and summer. While the seasonal plasticity in energetics makes Svalbard reindeer well-adapted to their highly seasonal environment, intraseasonal constraints on modulation of their heart rate may limit their ability to respond to severe environmental change. This study emphasizes the importance of encompassing individual state and seasonal context when studying energetics in free-living animals. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measuring physiology in free-living animals (Part II)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Monica Trondrud
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Gabriel Pigeon
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boul. de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, J1 K 2R1
| | - Steve Albon
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Walter Arnold
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstr. 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina L. Evans
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, 2418 Elverum, Norway
| | - R. Justin Irvine
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
- Frankfurt Zoological Society, PO Box 100003, South Africa Street, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Elżbieta Król
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146, NO-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Audun Stien
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, The Arctic University of Norway, PO Box 6050 Langnes, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, PO Box 5685 Torgarden, NO-7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - John R. Speakman
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
- CAS Center of Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Kunming 650223, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
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4
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Trondrud LM, Pigeon G, Król E, Albon S, Evans AL, Arnold W, Hambly C, Irvine RJ, Ropstad E, Stien A, Veiberg V, Speakman JR, Loe LE. Fat storage influences fasting endurance more than body size in an ungulate. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Monica Trondrud
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
| | - Gabriel Pigeon
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
- Département de Biologie Faculté des Sciences 2500 boul. de l'Université Sherbrooke Sherbrooke QC Canada
| | - Elżbieta Król
- School of Biological Sciences Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Aberdeen Aberdeen UK
| | | | - Alina L. Evans
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences Elverum Norway
| | - Walter Arnold
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Austria
| | - Catherine Hambly
- School of Biological Sciences Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Aberdeen Aberdeen UK
| | - R. Justin Irvine
- The James Hutton Institute Aberdeen UK
- Frankfurt Zoological Society Addis Ababa Ethiopia
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Faculty of Veterinary Science Norwegian University of Life Sciences Oslo Norway
| | - Audun Stien
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology The Arctic University of Norway Tromsø Norway
| | | | - John R. Speakman
- School of Biological Sciences Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Aberdeen Aberdeen UK
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
- CAS Center of Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics Kunming China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
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Garfelt-Paulsen IM, Soininen EM, Ravolainen V, Loe LE, Hansen BB, Irvine RJ, Stien A, Ropstad E, Veiberg V, Fuglei E, Pedersen ÅØ. Don't go chasing the ghosts of the past: habitat selection and site fidelity during calving in an Arctic ungulate. Wildlife Biology 2021. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid M. Garfelt-Paulsen
- I. M. Garfelt-Paulsen, V. Ravolainen, E. Fuglei and Å. Ø. Pedersen (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9388-7402) ✉ , Norwegian Polar Inst., Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eeva M. Soininen
- E. M. Soininen, UiT – Arctic Univ. of Norway, Dept of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Virve Ravolainen
- I. M. Garfelt-Paulsen, V. Ravolainen, E. Fuglei and Å. Ø. Pedersen (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9388-7402) ✉ , Norwegian Polar Inst., Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- L. E. Loe, Norwegian Univ. for Life Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Ås, Norway
| | - Brage B. Hansen
- B. B. Hansen, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Dept of Biology, Norwegian Univ. of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - R. Justin Irvine
- R. J. Irvine, The James Hutton Inst., Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, and: Frankfurt Zoological Society, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Audun Stien
- A. Stien, Norwegian Inst. for Nature Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Erik Ropstad
- E. Ropstad, Norwegian Univ. for Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- V. Veiberg, Norwegian Inst. for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eva Fuglei
- I. M. Garfelt-Paulsen, V. Ravolainen, E. Fuglei and Å. Ø. Pedersen (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9388-7402) ✉ , Norwegian Polar Inst., Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Åshild Ønvik Pedersen
- I. M. Garfelt-Paulsen, V. Ravolainen, E. Fuglei and Å. Ø. Pedersen (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9388-7402) ✉ , Norwegian Polar Inst., Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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Marion S, Davies A, Demšar U, Irvine RJ, Stephens PA, Long J. A systematic review of methods for studying the impacts of outdoor recreation on terrestrial wildlife. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Pigeon G, Loe LE, Bischof R, Bonenfant C, Forchhammer M, Irvine RJ, Ropstad E, Stien A, Veiberg V, Albon S. Silver spoon effects are constrained under extreme adult environmental conditions. Ecology 2019; 100:e02886. [PMID: 31502296 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Early-life environmental conditions may generate cohort differences in individual fitness, subsequently affecting population growth rates. Three, nonmutually exclusive hypotheses predict the nature of these fitness differences: (1) silver spoon effects, where individuals born in good conditions perform better across the range of adult environments; (2) the "environmental saturation" hypothesis, where fitness differences only occur in intermediate adult environmental conditions; and (3) the "environmental matching" or "predictive adaptive response" (PAR) hypothesis, where fitness is highest when adult environmental conditions match those experienced in early life. We quantified the context-dependent effect of early-life environment on subsequent reproductive success, survival, and population growth rate (λ) of Svalbard reindeer, and explored how well it was explained by the three hypotheses. We found that good early-life conditions increased reproductive success compared to poor early-life conditions, but only when experiencing intermediate adult environmental conditions. This is the first example of what appears to be both "beneficial" and "detrimental environmental saturation" in a natural system. Despite weak early-life effects on survival, cohorts experiencing good early-life conditions contributed to higher population growth rates, when simulating realistic variation in adult environmental conditions. Our results show how the combination of a highly variable environment and biological constraints on fitness components can suppress silver spoon effects at both extremes of the adult environmental gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Pigeon
- Faculty of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, NO-1432, Norway
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Faculty of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, NO-1432, Norway
| | - Richard Bischof
- Faculty of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, NO-1432, Norway
| | - Christophe Bonenfant
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, UMR CNRS 5558, Université de Lyon, Villeurbanne, 69622, France
| | - Mads Forchhammer
- The University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, NO-9170, Norway
| | - R Justin Irvine
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 8146, Dep, Oslo, NO-0033, Norway
| | - Audun Stien
- Department for Arctic Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, NO-9296, Norway
| | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, P.O. Box 5685, Torgarden, Trondheim, NO-7485, Norway
| | - Steve Albon
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
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8
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Pigeon G, Loe LE, Albon SD, Bonenfant C, Elston DA, Justin Irvine R, Ropstad E, Veiberg V, Stien A. Biased estimation of trends in cohort effects: the problems with age-period-cohort models in ecology. Ecology 2018; 99:2675-2680. [PMID: 30347112 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Environmental variation can generate life-long similarities among individuals born in the same breeding event, so-called cohort effects. Studies of cohort effects have to account for the potentially confounding effects of current conditions (observation year) and age of individuals. However, estimation of such models is hampered by inherent collinearity, as age is the difference between observation year (period) and cohort year. The difficulties of separating linear trends in any of the three variables in Age-Period-Cohort (APC) models are the subject of ongoing debate in social sciences and medicine but have remained unnoticed in ecology. After reviewing the use of APC models, we investigate the consequences of model specification on the estimation of cohort effects, using both simulated data and empirical data from a long-term individual-based study of reindeer in Svalbard. We demonstrate that APC models are highly sensitive to the model's treatment of age, period and cohort, which may generate spurious temporal trends in cohort effects. Avoiding grouping ages and using environmental covariates believed to be drivers of temporal variation reduces the APC identification problem. Nonetheless, ecologists should use caution, given that the specification issues in APC models may have substantial impacts on estimated effect sizes and therefore conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Pigeon
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, NO-1432, Norway
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, NO-1432, Norway
| | | | - Christophe Bonenfant
- Laboratoire de Biometrie et Biologie Evolutive, Universite de Lyon, Villeurbanne, 69622, France
| | - David A Elston
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | | | - Erik Ropstad
- Department of Veterinary Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, Aas, NO-1432, Norway
| | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- Terrestrial Department, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, PO Box 5685 Torgarden, Trondheim, NO-7485, Norway
| | - Audun Stien
- Department for Arctic Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, NO-9296, Norway
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Arnold W, Ruf T, Loe LE, Irvine RJ, Ropstad E, Veiberg V, Albon SD. Circadian rhythmicity persists through the Polar night and midnight sun in Svalbard reindeer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14466. [PMID: 30262810 PMCID: PMC6160466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32778-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of locomotor activity in Svalbard reindeer reported the temporary absence of diel rhythms under Arctic photic conditions. However, using Lomb-Scargle periodogram analyses with high statistical power we found diel or circadian rhythmicity throughout the entire year in measures of behaviour, temperature in the rumen and heart rate in free-living Svalbard reindeer. Significant diel rhythmicity was only lacking during some of the 15-day intervals analysed in the less frequently measured heart rate. During Polar Night these rhythms were free-running and attenuated. During continual daylight in summer, rhythms where entrained to 24 hours corresponding with the daily variation in the intensity of solar radiation, but attenuated when continuous daylight coincided with the period of growing forage. Diel rhythmicity was reduced during this short period of peak foraging activity, which coincided with peak heart rate and temperature in the rumen, most likely to facilitate fattening when food is abundant. For the rest of the year, heart rate and temperature showed the most pronounced and long-lasting suppression ever found in ungulates. The profound seasonal changes in foraging, metabolic activity, and power of diel and circadian rhythmicity of Svalbard reindeer can be viewed as adaptations to the extreme living conditions in the High Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Arnold
- University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Thomas Ruf
- University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Ås, Norway
| | - R Justin Irvine
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Steve D Albon
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
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10
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Douhard M, Loe LE, Stien A, Bonenfant C, Irvine RJ, Veiberg V, Ropstad E, Albon S. The influence of weather conditions during gestation on life histories in a wild Arctic ungulate. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.1760. [PMID: 27798304 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.1760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The internal predictive adaptive response (internal PAR) hypothesis predicts that individuals born in poor conditions should start to reproduce earlier if they are likely to have reduced performance in later life. However, whether this is the case remains unexplored in wild populations. Here, we use longitudinal data from a long-term study of Svalbard reindeer to examine age-related changes in adult female life-history responses to environmental conditions experienced in utero as indexed by rain-on-snow (ROSutero). We show that females experiencing high ROSutero had reduced reproductive success only from 7 years of age, independent of early reproduction. These individuals were able to maintain the same annual reproductive success between 2 and 6 years as phenotypically superior conspecifics that experienced low ROSutero Young females born after high ROSutero engage in reproductive events at lower body mass (about 2.5 kg less) than those born after low ROSutero The mean fitness of females that experienced poor environmental conditions in early life was comparable with that of females exposed to good environmental conditions in early life. These results are consistent with the idea of internal PAR and suggest that the life-history responses to early-life conditions can buffer the delayed effects of weather on population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Douhard
- Université de Lyon, 69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 69622 Villeurbanne, France .,Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Audun Stien
- Department for Arctic Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Christophe Bonenfant
- Université de Lyon, 69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- Department for Terrestrial Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Steve Albon
- The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
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Albon SD, Irvine RJ, Halvorsen O, Langvatn R, Loe LE, Ropstad E, Veiberg V, van der Wal R, Bjørkvoll EM, Duff EI, Hansen BB, Lee AM, Tveraa T, Stien A. Contrasting effects of summer and winter warming on body mass explain population dynamics in a food-limited Arctic herbivore. Glob Chang Biol 2017; 23:1374-1389. [PMID: 27426229 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The cumulative effects of climate warming on herbivore vital rates and population dynamics are hard to predict, given that the expected effects differ between seasons. In the Arctic, warmer summers enhance plant growth which should lead to heavier and more fertile individuals in the autumn. Conversely, warm spells in winter with rainfall (rain-on-snow) can cause 'icing', restricting access to forage, resulting in starvation, lower survival and fecundity. As body condition is a 'barometer' of energy demands relative to energy intake, we explored the causes and consequences of variation in body mass of wild female Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) from 1994 to 2015, a period of marked climate warming. Late winter (April) body mass explained 88% of the between-year variation in population growth rate, because it strongly influenced reproductive loss, and hence subsequent fecundity (92%), as well as survival (94%) and recruitment (93%). Autumn (October) body mass affected ovulation rates but did not affect fecundity. April body mass showed no long-term trend (coefficient of variation, CV = 8.8%) and was higher following warm autumn (October) weather, reflecting delays in winter onset, but most strongly, and negatively, related to 'rain-on-snow' events. October body mass (CV = 2.5%) increased over the study due to higher plant productivity in the increasingly warm summers. Density-dependent mass change suggested competition for resources in both winter and summer but was less pronounced in recent years, despite an increasing population size. While continued climate warming is expected to increase the carrying capacity of the high Arctic tundra, it is also likely to cause more frequent icing events. Our analyses suggest that these contrasting effects may cause larger seasonal fluctuations in body mass and vital rates. Overall our findings provide an important 'missing' mechanistic link in the current understanding of the population biology of a keystone species in a rapidly warming Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Odd Halvorsen
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Box 1172 Blindern, NO-0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rolf Langvatn
- University Courses in Svalbard (UNIS), P.O. Box 156, NO-9171, Longyearbyen, Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), P.O. Box 5685 Sluppen, NO-7485, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Leif E Loe
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432, Aas, Norway
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 8146, NO-0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), P.O. Box 5685 Sluppen, NO-7485, Trondheim, Norway
| | - René van der Wal
- Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability (ACES), School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK
| | - Eirin M Bjørkvoll
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU), N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Elizabeth I Duff
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland (BioSS), Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Brage B Hansen
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU), N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Aline M Lee
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU), N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torkild Tveraa
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Fram Centre, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Audun Stien
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Fram Centre, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway
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Maffey G, Irvine RJ, Reed M, van der Wal R. Can digital reinvention of ecological monitoring remove barriers to its adoption by practitioners? A case study of deer management in Scotland. J Environ Manage 2016; 184:186-195. [PMID: 27707658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.09.074] [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: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring is one of the key tools employed to help understand the condition of the natural environment and inform the development of appropriate management actions. While international conventions encourage the use of standardised methods, the link between the information monitoring provides and local management needs is frequently overlooked. This problem is further exacerbated when monitoring is employed in areas where there are divergent interests among stakeholders in land use and management. Such problems are found in the management of wild deer across Scotland, where monitoring, in the form of habitat impact assessments, have been introduced as an innovation in sustainable deer management. However, the uptake of habitat impact assessments has been limited. We used deer management in Scotland as a case study to explore whether reinventing habitat impact assessments, and hosting the system on a familiar digital platform (a mobile phone) could help to remove perceived barriers to the implementation of assessments. Using the diffusion of innovations as a theoretical framework three sets of workshops were conducted with participants representing different stakeholder interests. While the proposed digital system did address perceived barriers to the conduct of habitat monitoring, in addition it revealed underlying concerns on the use and purpose of habitat monitoring as a tool in land management. Such concerns indicate friction between scientific and management perspectives, which need to be considered and addressed if monitoring is to become more widely acceptable as a tool to inform the management of natural resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Maffey
- dot.rural, RCUK Digital Economy Research, MacRobert Building, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 5UA, United Kingdom.
| | - R Justin Irvine
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Reed
- Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability (ACES), University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, 23 St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, United Kingdom; Centre for Rural Economy, School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - René van der Wal
- dot.rural, RCUK Digital Economy Research, MacRobert Building, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 5UA, United Kingdom; Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability (ACES), University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, 23 St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, United Kingdom
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Veiberg V, Loe LE, Albon SD, Irvine RJ, Tveraa T, Ropstad E, Stien A. Maternal winter body mass and not spring phenology determine annual calf production in an Arctic herbivore. OIKOS 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.03815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Norwegian Univ. of Life Sciences; NO-1432 Aas Norway
| | | | | | - Torkild Tveraa
- Norwegian Inst. for Nature Research; Fram Centre Tromsø Norway
| | | | - Audun Stien
- Norwegian Inst. for Nature Research; Fram Centre Tromsø Norway
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Loe LE, Hansen BB, Stien A, D. Albon S, Bischof R, Carlsson A, Irvine RJ, Meland M, Rivrud IM, Ropstad E, Veiberg V, Mysterud A. Behavioral buffering of extreme weather events in a high‐Arctic herbivore. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leif Egil Loe
- The Department of Ecology and Natural Resource ManagementNorwegian University of Life Sciences P.O. Box 5003 NO‐1432 Aas Norway
| | - Brage B. Hansen
- Centre for Biodiversity DynamicsNorwegian University of Science and Technology NO‐7491 Trondheim Norway
| | - Audun Stien
- Arctic Ecology DepartmentFram CentreNorwegian Institute for Nature Research NO‐9296 Tromsø Norway
| | - Steve D. Albon
- The James Hutton Institute Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH United Kingdom
| | - Richard Bischof
- The Department of Ecology and Natural Resource ManagementNorwegian University of Life Sciences P.O. Box 5003 NO‐1432 Aas Norway
| | - Anja Carlsson
- The James Hutton Institute Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH United Kingdom
- Department of Ecosystem and Public HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Calgary 3280 Hospital Dr. NW Calgary Alberta T2N 4Z6 Canada
| | - R. Justin Irvine
- The James Hutton Institute Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH United Kingdom
| | - Morten Meland
- The Department of Ecology and Natural Resource ManagementNorwegian University of Life Sciences P.O. Box 5003 NO‐1432 Aas Norway
| | - Inger Maren Rivrud
- Department of BiosciencesCentre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES)University of Oslo P.O. Box 1066 Blindern NO‐0316 Oslo Norway
| | - Erik Ropstad
- The Department of Ecology and Natural Resource ManagementNorwegian University of Life Sciences P.O. Box 5003 NO‐1432 Aas Norway
| | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- Terrestrial Ecology DepartmentNorwegian Institute for Nature Research NO‐7485 Trondheim Norway
| | - Atle Mysterud
- Department of BiosciencesCentre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES)University of Oslo P.O. Box 1066 Blindern NO‐0316 Oslo Norway
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Newey S, Mustin K, Bryce R, Fielding D, Redpath S, Bunnefeld N, Daniel B, Irvine RJ. Impact of Management on Avian Communities in the Scottish Highlands. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155473. [PMID: 27195486 PMCID: PMC4873258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The protection of biodiversity is a key national and international policy objective. While protected areas provide one approach, a major challenge lies in understanding how the conservation of biodiversity can be achieved in the context of multiple land management objectives in the wider countryside. Here we analyse metrics of bird diversity in the Scottish uplands in relation to land management types and explore how bird species composition varies in relation to land managed for grazing, hunting and conservation. Birds were surveyed on the heather moorland areas of 26 different landholdings in Scotland. The results indicate that, in relation to dominant management type, the composition of bird species varies but measures of diversity and species richness do not. Intensive management for grouse shooting affects the occurrence, absolute and relative abundance of bird species. While less intensive forms of land management appear to only affect the relative abundance of species, though extensive sheep grazing appears to have little effect on avian community composition. Therefore enhanced biodiversity at the landscape level is likely to be achieved by maintaining heterogeneity in land management among land management units. This result should be taken into account when developing policies that consider how to achieve enhanced biodiversity outside protected areas, in the context of other legitimate land-uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Newey
- The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Hedmark University College, Campus Evenstad, Koppang, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Karen Mustin
- The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rosalind Bryce
- Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Aberdeen University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- The Centre for Mountain Studies, Perth College University of the Highlands & Island, Perth, United Kingdom
| | | | - Steve Redpath
- Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Aberdeen University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Nils Bunnefeld
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, United Kingdom
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Bronwen Daniel
- The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, United Kingdom
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Newey S, Davidson P, Nazir S, Fairhurst G, Verdicchio F, Irvine RJ, van der Wal R. Limitations of recreational camera traps for wildlife management and conservation research: a practitioner's perspective. Ambio 2015; 44 Suppl 4:624-635. [PMID: 26508349 PMCID: PMC4623860 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-015-0713-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The availability of affordable 'recreational' camera traps has dramatically increased over the last decade. We present survey results which show that many conservation practitioners use cheaper 'recreational' units for research rather than more expensive 'professional' equipment. We present our perspective of using two popular models of 'recreational' camera trap for ecological field-based studies. The models used (for >2 years) presented us with a range of practical problems at all stages of their use including deployment, operation, and data management, which collectively crippled data collection and limited opportunities for quantification of key issues arising. Our experiences demonstrate that prospective users need to have a sufficient understanding of the limitations camera trap technology poses, dimensions we communicate here. While the merits of different camera traps will be study specific, the performance of more expensive 'professional' models may prove more cost-effective in the long-term when using camera traps for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Newey
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK.
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Hedmark University College, Evenstad, 2480, Koppang, Norway.
| | - Paul Davidson
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK.
| | - Sajid Nazir
- dot.rural, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 5UA, UK.
| | - Gorry Fairhurst
- Electronics Research Group, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, UK.
| | - Fabio Verdicchio
- Electronics Research Group, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, UK.
| | - R Justin Irvine
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK.
| | - René van der Wal
- Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK.
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Fielding D, Newey S, van der Wal R, Irvine RJ. Carcass provisioning to support scavengers: evaluating a controversial nature conservation practice. Ambio 2014; 43:810-819. [PMID: 24366570 PMCID: PMC4165841 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-013-0469-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A number of scavenger species have suffered population declines across Europe. In attempts to reverse their decline, some land and wildlife managers have adopted the practice of leaving or placing out carcasses of wild or domestic herbivores to provide a source of carrion. However, this can be a controversial practice, with as yet unclear outcomes for many target species and the ecosystems they are part of. Here we bring out the key aspects of this increasingly common conservation practice illustrated using three contrasting cases studies. We show that the provision of carcasses is often motivated by a desire to benefit charismatic species or to facilitate nutrient cycling throughout an ecosystem. Evidence for the effectiveness of this practice in achieving these objectives, however, is mostly lacking, with ecologists studying "easier" species groups such as beetles and therefore not providing relevant insights. Moreover, conflicts between environmental policies that carcass provisioning is aimed at and other social and economic objectives do occur but these projects are often designed without taking into account this broader context. We conclude that expecting carcasses to simply be "good for biodiversity" may be too naïve a view. A greater knowledge of the impact of carcass provisioning and placement on ecosystems and society at large is required before it can become a more effective conservation tool at a wider scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Fielding
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK,
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Waylen KA, Hastings EJ, Banks EA, Holstead KL, Irvine RJ, Blackstock KL. The need to disentangle key concepts from ecosystem-approach jargon. Conserv Biol 2014; 28:1215-24. [PMID: 25039668 PMCID: PMC4232914 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The ecosystem approach--as endorsed by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) in 2000-is a strategy for holistic, sustainable, and equitable natural resource management, to be implemented via the 12 Malawi Principles. These principles describe the need to manage nature in terms of dynamic ecosystems, while fully engaging with local peoples. It is an ambitious concept. Today, the term is common throughout the research and policy literature on environmental management. However, multiple meanings have been attached to the term, resulting in confusion. We reviewed references to the ecosystem approach from 1957 to 2012 and identified 3 primary uses: as an alternative to ecosystem management or ecosystem-based management; in reference to an integrated and equitable approach to resource management as per the CBD; and as a term signifying a focus on understanding and valuing ecosystem services. Although uses of this term and its variants may overlap in meaning, typically, they do not entirely reflect the ethos of the ecosystem approach as defined by the CBD. For example, there is presently an increasing emphasis on ecosystem services, but focusing on these alone does not promote decentralization of management or use of all forms of knowledge, both of which are integral to the CBD's concept. We highlight that the Malawi Principles are at risk of being forgotten. To better understand these principles, more effort to implement them is required. Such efforts should be evaluated, ideally with comparative approaches, before allowing the CBD's concept of holistic and socially engaged management to be abandoned or superseded. It is possible that attempts to implement all 12 principles together will face many challenges, but they may also offer a unique way to promote holistic and equitable governance of natural resources. Therefore, we believe that the CBD's concept of the ecosystem approach demands more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Waylen
- The James Hutton Institute, Cragiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, United Kingdom.
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Maffey G, Reed M, Irvine RJ, van der Wal R. Habitat monitoring in the wider countryside: a case study on the pursuit of innovation in red deer management. J Environ Manage 2013; 128:779-86. [PMID: 23860380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Policy frameworks for protected areas, such as the EU habitats directive, ensure that environmental monitoring takes place to assess the condition of these sites. However, this monitoring rarely extends to the wider countryside, and there is no obligation for private landowners to detect trends in habitat condition. Using the diffusion of innovations model as an analytical framework we conducted a series of semi-structured interviews to consider the uptake of habitat impact assessment methods throughout a community involved in private land use pursuits in Scotland. It was found that although the community as a whole recognises the benefits of habitat impact assessments there are a number of barriers to their uptake, including the complexity of data gathering and interpretation, and uncertainty around who should be responsible for the conduct of assessments. Analysing the uptake of an innovation at an early stage, rather than retrospectively as is commonly done, highlights the potential for non-adoption and could therefore inform the reinvention of the innovation. In this instance reinvention could lead to more appropriate monitoring methods, which, if taken up, could reduce the need for legislative intervention in situations where both public and private interests need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Maffey
- dot.rural, RCUK Digital Economy Research, MacRobert Building, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 5UA, United Kingdom.
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Stien A, Ims RA, Albon SD, Fuglei E, Irvine RJ, Ropstad E, Halvorsen O, Langvatn R, Loe LE, Veiberg V, Yoccoz NG. Congruent responses to weather variability in high arctic herbivores. Biol Lett 2012; 8:1002-5. [PMID: 23015455 PMCID: PMC3497145 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2012.0764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing the role of weather in the dynamics of wildlife populations is a pressing task in the face of rapid environmental change. Rodents and ruminants are abundant herbivore species in most Arctic ecosystems, many of which are experiencing particularly rapid climate change. Their different life-history characteristics, with the exception of their trophic position, suggest that they should show different responses to environmental variation. Here we show that the only mammalian herbivores on the Arctic islands of Svalbard, reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and sibling voles (Microtus levis), exhibit strong synchrony in population parameters. This synchrony is due to rain-on-snow events that cause ground ice and demonstrates that climate impacts can be similarly integrated and expressed in species with highly contrasting life histories. The finding suggests that responses of wildlife populations to climate variability and change might be more consistent in Polar regions than elsewhere owing to the strength of the climate impact and the simplicity of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audun Stien
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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Carlsson AM, Justin Irvine R, Wilson K, Piertney SB, Halvorsen O, Coulson SJ, Stien A, Albon SD. Disease transmission in an extreme environment: Nematode parasites infect reindeer during the Arctic winter. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:789-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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DeGabriel JL, Albon SD, Fielding DA, Riach DJ, Westaway S, Irvine RJ. The presence of sheep leads to increases in plant diversity and reductions in the impact of deer on heather. J Appl Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2011.02032.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Austin Z, Smart JCR, Yearley S, Irvine RJ, White PCL. Identifying conflicts and opportunities for collaboration in the management of a wildlife resource: a mixed-methods approach. Wildl Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/wr10057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ContextThe sustainable management of many common-pool ecological resources can be strengthened through collaboration among stakeholder groups. However, the benefits of collaborative management are often not realised because of conflicts of interest among stakeholders. Effective strategies for enhancing collaborative management require an understanding of the trade-offs that managers make between different management outcomes and an understanding of the socioeconomic and location-specific differences that drive these preferences. Approaches based on quantitative or qualitative methods alone often fail to reveal some of the underlying factors inhibiting collaboration. AimsOur aim was to understand the relative importance that private-sector deer managers attach to changes in the following three outcomes of deer management: deer numbers, deer-related road-traffic accidents (RTAs) and deer impacts on conservation woodlands. MethodsWe used a mixed-methods approach, combining choice-experiment methodology with qualitative analysis of focus-group discussions from 10 study regions throughout Britain. Key resultsOur results showed that most of the private-sector stakeholders responsible for deer-management decisions at the local level would prefer to see a future with fewer deer-related RTAs but do not want to see a future with lower deer population levels. This is especially the case for those stakeholders managing for sporting purposes and those that rely on deer as a financial resource. ConclusionsThe preferences of many private-sector stakeholders responsible for deer management are at odds with those of private landowners currently experiencing economic and conservation damage from deer, and with the aims of government and non-government bodies seeking to reduce grazing and browsing damage through lower deer densities. Similar barriers to collaborative management are likely to exist in any situations where ecological resources deliver an unequal distribution of benefits and costs among stakeholders. ImplicationsOvercoming barriers to collaboration requires enhanced understanding of how different collaborative mechanisms are viewed amongst the stakeholder community and how collaborative management can be promoted. More holistic approaches to deer management, which include greater public awareness, additional road-traffic speed restrictions and appropriate fencing, or perhaps include deer-population reduction as only one of a suite of mechanisms for delivering multiple benefits from the land, are likely to gain more support from private-sector stakeholders. Mixed-methods approaches can provide an important first step in terms of both quantifying preferences in relation to the management of ecological resources and enabling detailed insights into the motivations and behaviours underlying them.
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Veiberg V, Mysterud A, Bjørkvoll E, Langvatn R, Loe LE, Irvine RJ, Bonenfant C, Couweleers F, Stenseth NC. Evidence for a trade-off between early growth and tooth wear in Svalbard reindeer. J Anim Ecol 2007; 76:1139-48. [PMID: 17922710 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2007.01265.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ruminants depend on efficient physical degradation of forage through chewing to increase the surface area of the food particles presented to the microflora. Fossil evidence suggests that increased molar height is an adaptation for wear tolerance in dry ecosystems with sparse vegetation, but no study has shown selection pressure for hypsodonty in contemporary ruminants. We explored the relationships between particle size in rumen, tooth wear (scanned molar occlusal topography), age and body mass of female Svalbard reindeer living in an arctic desert at 78 degrees latitude on Svalbard. We predicted that (H1) if the rumen particle size is determined mainly by constraints due to tooth wear, and if tooth wear is mainly a function of age, average particle size in rumen should increase with age. From allometric relations it is known that larger individuals can survive on a lower-quality diet, we therefore predicted (H2) larger particle sizes with increases in (ln) body mass, irrespective of age and wear. Lastly, if there is a trade-off between growth and tooth wear in dry ecosystems (a selection pressure for hypsodonty), we predicted (H3) that teeth of heavier animals should be more worn than those of lighter animals of the same age. The proportion of small particles (<1.0 mm) decreased rapidly with increasing age (consistent with H1). Heavier females within an age class had more worn teeth (consistent with H3) than lighter ones. A close-to-isometric relationship between particle size and body mass suggested that heavier animals partly compensated for reduced tooth efficiency by chewing more. We provide the first evidence of a trade-off between fast early growth and wear (a somatic cost) of a senescence-related trait--the structure and height of the molar--in a wild ruminant inhabiting an arctic desert where selection pressure for increased tooth height is expected. This suggests that foraging conditions are more extreme than the environment in which the species originally evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vebjørn Veiberg
- University Centre in Svalbard, Department of Arctic Biology, PB 156, N-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
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Stanley N, Salem A, Irvine RJ. The effects of co-administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (“ecstasy”) or para-methoxyamphetamine and moclobemide at elevated ambient temperatures on striatal 5-HT, body temperature and behavior in rats. Neuroscience 2007; 146:321-9. [PMID: 17306465 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2006] [Revised: 12/18/2006] [Accepted: 01/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that co-administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") with the reversible monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A) inhibitor moclobemide at an ambient temperature of 22 degrees C significantly increases striatal 5-HT outflow and 5-HT-mediated behaviors. In the present study, using microdialysis, we examined the effects of co-administration of MDMA or para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) with moclobemide on striatal 5-HT outflow at the elevated ambient temperatures of 30 degrees C. Samples were collected every 30 min for 4 h and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography assay with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). 5-HT-mediated effects on body temperature and behavior were also recorded. Rats were treated with either saline or 20 mg/kg (i.p.) moclobemide, followed by 10 mg/kg (i.p.) MDMA, 10 mg/kg (i.p.) PMA or saline 60 min later. Both MDMA and PMA produced significant increases in 5-HT outflow (370% peak and 309% peak, respectively, P<0.05). MDMA and PMA significantly increased body temperature (+2.0 degrees C and +2.1 degrees C, respectively, P<0.01) and drug-related behaviors (P<0.05). When MDMA or PMA was co-administered with moclobemide, additional significant increases were seen in 5-HT outflow (850% peak, P<0.01 and 1450% peak, P<0.001, respectively) and only MDMA showed additional significant increase in body temperature (+5.0 degrees C, P<0.001). No additional increases were seen in behavioral activity. When moclobemide was co-administered with MDMA, sustained increases in body temperature were recorded that were significantly higher than with MDMA alone and such increases were not observed in our previous study at normal room temperature. Our results suggest greater risk of MDMA-induced adverse effects on body temperature regulation, compared with PMA, when used in combination with moclobemide at elevated ambient temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Stanley
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Medical School North, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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Loe LE, Bonenfant C, Mysterud A, Severinsen T, Oritsland NA, Langvatn R, Stien A, Irvine RJ, Stenseth NC. Activity pattern of arctic reindeer in a predator-free environment: no need to keep a daily rhythm. Oecologia 2007; 152:617-24. [PMID: 17370092 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-007-0681-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2006] [Revised: 12/05/2006] [Accepted: 01/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Arctic Cervids face considerable challenges in sustaining life in a harsh and highly seasonal environment, and when to forage is a key component of the survival strategy. We predict that a cervid maximizes net intake of energy to change the duration of feeding-ruminating cycles depending on season, and pays no attention to light or other activity-entraining cues. Still, in periods of bad weather it may pay energetically to reduce exposure and heat loss. We investigated environmental impact on the seasonal and daily activity pattern of a food-limited, predator-free arctic deer, the Svalbard reindeer. We found that the reindeer indeed had season-dependent feeding-rumination intervals, with no distinct peaks in activity at sunrise and sunset, as would be expected if animals maximize energy intake rates in predator-free environments. However, they temporarily reduced activity when exposed to low temperature and increased precipitation during winter, possibly to conserve energy. We provide insight into the behavioural strategy of Svalbard reindeer which enables them to cope with such an extreme environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Egil Loe
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
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Irvine RJ, Corbishley H, Pilkington JG, Albon SD. Low-level parasitic worm burdens may reduce body condition in free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus). Parasitology 2006; 133:465-75. [PMID: 16817998 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182006000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 01/28/2006] [Revised: 04/06/2006] [Accepted: 05/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of ungulate populations by parasites relies on establishing a density-dependent relationship between infection and vital demographic rates which may act through the effect of parasites on body condition. We examine evidence for parasite impacts in 285 red deer (Cervus elaphus) harvested during 1991 and 1992 on the Isle of Rum. In the abomasa, prevalence of nematodes was 100% and the most abundant genus observed were Ostertagia species, however, mean intensity of infection was low (less than 1000) relative to other studies. Additional species, also present in low numbers, included Nematodirus spp., Capillaria spp., Cooperia spp., Monieza expanza, Oesophagostomum venulosum and Trichuris ovis. Lungworm (Dictyocaulus spp.) and tissue worm (Elaphostronygylus cervi) larvae were also observed in faecal samples. There was no evidence for acquired immunity to abomasal nematodes. Despite low levels of infection, both adult male and female deer showed significant negative correlation between indices of condition (kidney fat index, dressed carcass weight and larder weight) and intensity of Ostertagia spp. infection. However, there was no evidence that pregnancy rate in females was related to intensity of infection. For calves, there was no relationship between body condition and intensity of infection. The apparent subclinical effects of low-level parasite infection on red deer performance could alternatively be due to animals in poorer nutritional state being more susceptible to infection. Either way the results suggest that further studies of wild populations are justified, in particular where high local host densities exist or alternative ungulate hosts are present, and, where experimental treatments are tractable.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Irvine
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY.
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Côté SD, Stien A, Irvine RJ, Dallas JF, Marshall F, Halvorsen O, Langvatn R, Albon SD. Resistance to abomasal nematodes and individual genetic variability in reindeer. Mol Ecol 2006; 14:4159-68. [PMID: 16262866 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2005.02733.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to parasites is believed to have a widespread influence on demographic and adaptive processes. In systems where parasites impose a fitness cost on their host, heterozygotes may be selected because they are more resistant to parasites than homozygotes. Our objective was to assess the relationships between genomewide individual heterozygosity and abomasal nematode burdens in female Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) after the effects of host age, locality, season, and year had been accounted for. Samples were obtained from 306 female reindeer that were culled and genotyped at nine microsatellite loci. Reindeer in our study populations are mainly parasitized by the gastrointestinal nematodes Ostertagia gruehneri and Marshallagia marshalli. The infection intensity of each parasite differed between subpopulations, and among host age classes, seasons and years. We found no significant relationships between abomasal worm burdens, or lumen and mucosa larvae, of either O. gruehneri or M. marshalli and individual heterozygosity (or mean d(2)) alone or in interactions with host age, locality, and year. Although we analysed one of the largest data set available to date on gastrointestinal nematodes of a wild ruminant, we used a typical data set of nine genetic neutral markers that may have had low power to detect heterozygosity-fitness correlations. We conclude that the proportion of the variance in parasite resistance explained by individual heterozygosity for neutral genetic markers is low in Svalbard reindeer and in vertebrates in general, and we suggest that the candidate-gene approach might be more fruitful for further research on gene-fitness correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steeve D Côté
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Hill of Brathens, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 4BW, UK.
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30
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Abstract
1. Sexual segregation occurs in most species of sexually dimorphic ungulates. At least five not mutually exclusive hypotheses have been formulated to explain patterns of social, habitat and spatial segregation; the indirect competition hypothesis (H1), the nutritional needs hypothesis (H2), the activity budget hypothesis (H3), the weather sensitivity hypothesis (H4), and the predation risk hypothesis (H5). 2. Each hypothesis has a unique set of predictions with respect to the occurrence of segregation, and how seasonality, density dependence and reproductive status affect sexual segregation. 3. We tested this set of predictions in order to separate the hypotheses H1-H5 for patterns of sexual segregation of the Svalbard reindeer based on 9 years data on seasonal estimates of spatial, habitat and social (i.e. grouping with their own sex) segregation in combination with resource selection functions. 4. Our results do not support that one single mechanism causes segregation. The activity budget hypothesis, the nutritional needs hypothesis and the weather sensitivity hypothesis were all partially supported, while the predation risk hypothesis was discarded for Svalbard reindeer because predators have been absent for at least 5000 years. Several mechanisms are thus interacting to explain the full-year pattern of sexual segregation and the combination of mechanisms varies among species and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Egil Loe
- Centre of Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biology, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
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31
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Stien A, Dallimer M, Irvine RJ, Halvorsen O, Langvatn R, Albon SD, Dallas JF. Sex ratio variation in gastrointestinal nematodes of Svalbard reindeer; density dependence and implications for estimates of species composition. Parasitology 2004; 130:99-107. [PMID: 15700761 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182004006298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Estimates of the intensity and abundance of species provide essential data for ecological, evolutionary and epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal nematode communities. These estimates are typically derived from the species composition of adult males when only males have readily scorable species-specific morphological traits. Such estimation assumes that all species in the community have the same adult sex ratio. We evaluated this assumption for the trichostrongyle nematodes Ostertagia gruehneri and Marshallagia marshalli in infracommunities in Svalbard reindeer by identifying to species adult females using a polymerase chain reaction assay. The proportion of males was found to be slightly higher in O. gruehneri than in M. marshalli. Evidence for seasonal variation and density dependence in the adult sex ratio was only found for O. gruehneri. Possible demographic mechanisms for such sex ratio variation are discussed, and stochastic models that generate density-dependent sex ratios proposed. Sex ratio variation caused substantial bias in some male-based estimates of intensity of infection, while substantial and consistent bias in estimates of abundances was only evident in late winter samples. Our results suggest that estimating sex ratios can be particularly important in individual host level studies of nematode species of low abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stien
- Department of Biology, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway.
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32
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Milner JM, Stien A, Irvine RJ, Albon SD, Langvatn R, Ropstad E. Body condition in Svalbard reindeer and the use of blood parameters as indicators of condition and fitness. CAN J ZOOL 2003. [DOI: 10.1139/z03-152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Body condition is an important determinant of ecological fitness but is difficult to measure in field studies of live animals. Live mass and subcutaneous fat are often used as proxies for body condition and related to fitness. We investigated the relationship between blood-chemistry parameters and live mass and back-fat thickness and assessed their usefulness as predictors of ecological fitness in a wild arctic ungulate population, Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). Female reindeer were sampled in late winter between 1995 and 2002 and concentrations of blood parameters were related to subsequent survival and successful calving. There was marked annual variation in all blood parameters, live mass, and back-fat thickness, reflecting variation in weather and food availability. At the individual level, variation in blood-parameter concentrations was not closely related to variation in live mass or back-fat thickness, instead reflecting shorter term nutritional status. Blood parameters could therefore provide useful additional information, enhancing the predictive power of fitness models based on live mass. The urea:creatinine ratio significantly improved adult survival models, while β-hydroxybutyric acid and creatinine concentrations were significant predictors of calving success. The applications for blood parameters in ecological investigations look promising and should be tested more widely in other field studies.
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33
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Stien A, Irvine RJ, Langvatn R, Ropstad E. Evaluation of ultrasound scanning as a method for measuring subcutaneous fat in Svalbard reindeer. Ran 2003. [DOI: 10.7557/2.23.2.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The fitness of an animal is generally strongly dependent on its body condition. A reliable measure of body condition is therefore valuable in ecological studies.
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34
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Abstract
Mainland populations of Arctic reindeer and caribou Rangifer tarandus often undergo extensive movements, whereas populations on islands tend to be isolated and sedentary. To characterize the genetic consequences of this difference, levels of genetic diversity and subdivision of Svalbard reindeer (R. t. platyrhynchus) from two adjacent areas on Nordenskjiöldland, Spitsbergen were estimated using data from up to 14 microsatellites. The mean number of alleles per locus in Svalbard reindeer was 2.4 and mean expected heterozygosity per locus was 0.36. The latter value was significantly lower than in Canadian caribou and Norwegian reindeer but higher than in some other cervid species. Large samples of females (n = 743) and small samples of males (n = 38) from two sites approximately 45 km apart showed genetic subdivision, which could be due to local population fluctuations or limited gene flow. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report significant differentiation at microsatellite loci in Rangifer at such short geographical distances. Neither population showed genetic evidence for recent population bottlenecks when loci unbiased with respect to heterozygosity were analysed. In contrast, false signals of a recent bottleneck were detected when loci upwardly biased with respect to heterozygosity were analysed. Thus, Svalbard reindeer appeared to conform to the paradigm of island populations made genetically depauperate by genetic drift.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Côté
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Hill of Brathens, Banchory, UK.
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35
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Abstract
Even though theoretical models show that parasites may regulate host population densities, few empirical studies have given support to this hypothesis. We present experimental and observational evidence for a host-parasite interaction where the parasite has sufficient impact on host population dynamics for regulation to occur. During a six year study of the Svalbard reindeer and its parasitic gastrointestinal nematode Ostertagia gruehneri we found that anthelminthic treatment in April-May increased the probability of a reindeer having a calf in the next year, compared with untreated controls. However, treatment did not influence the over-winter survival of the reindeer. The annual variation in the degree to which parasites depressed fecundity was positively related to the abundance of O. gruehneri infection the previous October, which in turn was related to host density two years earlier. In addition to the treatment effect, there was a strong negative effect of winter precipitation on the probability of female reindeer having a calf. A simple matrix model was parameterized using estimates from our experimental and observational data. This model shows that the parasite-mediated effect on fecundity was sufficient to regulate reindeer densities around observed host densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Albon
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Hill of Brathens, Banchory AB31 4BW, UK.
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36
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Irvine RJ, Dallas JF. Efficient polymerase chain reaction detection of the second internal transcribed spacer of mucosa-derived larvae is dependent on the larval extraction method. J Parasitol 2002; 88:807-9. [PMID: 12197140 DOI: 10.1645/0022-3395(2002)088[0807:epcrdo]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods for estimating abundance of arrested gastrointestinal larvae in large mammal hosts by digestion of the gastrointestinal mucosa are well established. The effects of digestion on the success of species identification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are, however, unknown. In this study, the relationship between numerical recovery of arrested larvae and the success of PCR-typing for the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal genes was characterized. Fresh and prefrozen mucosa of 4 sheep yielded very similar rates of recovery and PCR detection. When sheep mucosa were digested with neutral N-acetyl cysteine, recovery increased, whereas PCR detection remained constant (60-80%) with digest duration (1-16 hr). In contrast, when sheep and Svalbard reindeer mucosa were digested with acid-pepsin, recovery increased, whereas PCR detection declined to 0 with digest duration. Thus, to optimize recovery and PCR analysis of arrested gastrointestinal nematode larvae, acid-pepsin digestion of 1-2 hr for PCR detection and 16 hr for recovery, or neutral N-acetyl cysteine digestion of 8-16 hr for both assays, should be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Irvine
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Banchory, Hill of Brathens, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 4BW, U.K.
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37
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Stien A, Irvine RJ, Langvatn R, Albon SD, Halvorsen O. The population dynamics of Ostertagia gruehneri in reindeer: a model for the seasonal and intensity dependent variation in nematode fecundity. Int J Parasitol 2002; 32:991-6. [PMID: 12076628 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(02)00071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal nematode Ostertagia gruehneri is a parasite of reindeer that can have a significant impact on host population dynamics. To gain a better understanding of the population dynamics of O. gruehneri, we parameterise a model for its fecundity that describes the observed seasonal and intensity dependent pattern of faecal egg counts well. The faecal egg count model is combined with a model for the seasonal faecal production rate of Svalbard reindeer to obtain quantitative estimates of the fecundity of O. gruehneri. The model is used to evaluate the relative contribution to pasture contamination of variation in the abundance of O. gruehneri and variation in reindeer densities. It is concluded that due to the intensity dependence in nematode fecundity, variation in reindeer population densities is likely to be the most important of these factors for pasture contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stien
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Hill of Brathens, Banchory AB31 4BW, UK.
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38
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Affiliation(s)
- J M White
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, Australia
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39
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Dallas JF, Irvine RJ, Halvorsen O. DNA evidence that Marshallagia marshalli Ransom, 1907 and M. occidentalis Ransom, 1907 (Nematoda: Ostertagiinae) from Svalbard reindeer are conspecific. Syst Parasitol 2001; 50:101-3. [PMID: 11586078 DOI: 10.1023/a:1011921414269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The gastro-intestinal parasitic nematodes of ruminants Marshallagia marshalli and M. occidentalis are morphs of a single species according to indirect evidence. In this study, their taxonomic status and molecular identification were assessed more directly in isolates from the abomasal nematode community of Svalbard reindeer using genetic data. DNA sequences of the first and second internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes were obtained from individual nematodes by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Both taxa contained virtually identical sequences of each ITS and shared most of the polymorphisms detected. A PCR assay based on ITS-2 sequences previously developed to identify M. marshalli and Ostertagia gruehneri, the second common species in this community, gave identical results for M. marshalli and M. occidentalis. Genetic data thus confirmed that M. marshalli and M. occidentalis are conspecific.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Dallas
- NERC Molecular Genetics in Ecology Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK
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40
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Abstract
The role of metabolic polymorphism in the development of physical dependence to codeine was assessed in cytochrome P450 2D2 (CYP2D2) deficient Dark Agouti and CYP2D2 intact Sprague-Dawley rats by assessment of the severity of naloxone precipitated withdrawal after codeine and morphine administration. Plasma morphine concentrations after codeine were significantly higher (P<0.01) in Sprague-Dawley than in Dark Agouti rats with metabolic ratios of 0.71 +/- 0.27 and 0.07 +/- 0.04, respectively. Withdrawal after codeine resulted in significantly greater hypothermia (3.5-4 degrees C, P<0.0001) in Sprague-Dawley animals compared to the other groups. Body weight loss was similar for all groups ranging from 6.2 +/- 0.4 to 8.2 +/- 0.6 g. When strain and treatment data were combined, a relationship between body temperature and plasma morphine concentration could be described by the inverse Hill equation (r(2)=0.76, EC(50)=556 +/- 121 ng/ml, n=2.9 +/- 1.5). These data indicate that dependence and withdrawal after codeine administration are dependent on its bioconversion to morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chew
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, Adelaide University, 5005, Adelaide, Australia
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41
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Irvine RJ, Stien A, Dallas JF, Langvatn R, Albon SD. Contrasting regulation of fecundity in two abomasal nematodes of Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). Parasitology 2001; 122:673-81. [PMID: 11444620 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182001007818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Stability of trichostrogylid populations indicates that some form of density-dependent regulation occurs which could act through fecundity. We present evidence for intraspecific density-dependent effects in 1 of 2, dominant, abomasal nematodes species (Ostertagia gruehneri) of Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). We found evidence in O. gruehneri, for density-dependent regulation of female worm length in April, July and October 1999. However, it is only in July that female worm length explains the variation in the number of eggs in utero which is also related to egg production per female worm only in this month and not at other times of the year. The seasonal pattern in faecal egg output in this species focuses egg production in the summer months when conditions are favourable to transmission. In contrast, we found no evidence in the other common species (Marshallagia marshalli) for density-dependent regulation of female worm length during or the number of eggs in utero. Faecal egg output in M. marshalli was positively related to worm burden but not to the mean number of eggs in utero. Neither inter-specific interactions nor host body condition appeared to influence worm fecundity. The contrasting patterns of density-dependent regulation of fecundity provides further evidence for divergent life-histories in this nematode community.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Irvine
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Banchory, UK.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical features of paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA; "death") poisoning and to compare these with those of people with self-reported "ecstasy" poisoning. DESIGN Retrospective casenote review. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 22 patients who presented to the Emergency Department of the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), a major metropolitan teaching hospital, between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1998 with PMA poisoning identified through urine drug screens; and 61 patients with self-reported ecstasy poisoning between 1 September 1997 and 31 December 1998 found through the hospital databases. RESULTS Patients with PMA poisoning presented with tachycardia (64%), hyperthermia (temperature > 37.5 degrees C; 36%), coma (41%), seizures (32%), arrhythmias (23%), and QRS intervals > or = 100 ms (50%) with greater frequency and often greater severity than those with self-reported ecstasy poisoning. Two patients with PMA poisoning presented with severe hypoglycaemia (blood glucose level, < 1.5 mmol/L) accompanied by hyperkalaemia (K+ concentration, > 7.5 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS At our hospital, PMA poisonings accounted for most of the severe reactions among people who believed they had taken ecstasy. Hypoglycaemia and hyperkalaemia may be specific to PMA poisoning. PMA toxicity should be suspected with severe or atypical reactions to "ecstasy", and confirmed by chromatographic urine drug screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Ling
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA
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43
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Abstract
An experiment was conducted to evaluate moxidectin as a tool for understanding the impact of parasitism on wild Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). Adult females were injected subcutaneously with moxidectin at a dose rate of 0-4 mg/kg bodyweight, and groups of animals were culled within its expected period of efficacy (around 14 days) or around 12 or 24 weeks after treatment. Moxidectin was effective in eliminating the reindeers' abomasal worm burdens, and although they became reinfected, worm burdens were significantly lower in the treated animals compared to the untreated controls for up to 24 weeks after treatment. Nematode eggs did not reappear in faeces until five weeks after treatment, a similar period to that claimed by the manufacturer for sheep and cattle. Animals culled 12 and 24 weeks after treatment had been reinfected and harboured a wide range of abomasal worm burdens which contributed to the understanding of the seasonal variation in the relationship between faecal egg count and worm burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Irvine
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology-Banchory, Glassel
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Daws LC, Irvine RJ, Callaghan PD, Toop NP, White JM, Bochner F. Differential behavioural and neurochemical effects of para-methoxyamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in the rat. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2000; 24:955-77. [PMID: 11041537 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5846(00)00113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
1. This study was prompted by recent deaths that have occurred after recreational administration of the substituted amphetamine para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA). Because relatively little is known regarding its mechanism(s) of action, its effects on physiological, behavioural and neurochemical parameters were compared with the well known effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). 2. Equivalent doses of PMA (5-20 mg/kg) produced greater hypothermia than MDMA at an ambient temperature of 20 degrees C. At 30 degrees C, PMA continued to evoke hypothermia except the highest dose where hyperthermia ensued. MDMA altered body temperature only at the highest dose where hyperthermia also resulted. 3. At both 20 and 30 degrees C, MDMA stimulated locomotor activity whereas PMA had modest effects and then, only at high doses. 4. In vivo chronoamperometry was used to measure the effect of MDMA and PMA on release, and inhibition of uptake, of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in the dorsal striatum of anaesthetised rats. As expected, MDMA evoked release of DA and inhibited uptake of both DA and 5-HT. By contrast, PMA was a relatively weak releasing agent and did not inhibit DA uptake. However, PMA potently inhibited uptake of 5-HT. 5. Taken together these data suggest that the acute adverse effects of PMA are more likely to be associated with alterations in serotonergic rather than dopaminergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Daws
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, Australia.
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45
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Gartland JS, McHugh AT, Brasier CM, Irvine RJ, Fenning TM, Gartland KM. Regeneration of phenotypically normal English elm (Ulmus procera) plantlets following transformation with an Agrobacterium tumefaciens binary vector. Tree Physiol 2000; 20:901-907. [PMID: 11303580 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/20.13.901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A transformation system was developed for English elm (Ulmus procera Salisbury) using Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 pMP90 p35SGUS/INTRON, allowing for the transfer of foreign genes and regeneration of phenotypically normal elm plantlets. The PCR analysis indicated that both nptII and uidA genes were stably inserted in the plant genome. beta-Glucuronidase histochemical and fluorimetric assays revealed expression of the uidA gene in the shoots, leaves, stems and roots of regenerated transgenic plants. The DNA-DNA hybridizations confirmed the presence of the uidA gene in regenerant plants. Factors influencing successful transformation and regeneration of elms included: identifying gene-transfer-proficient Agrobacterium strains for use with elms; developing an infection protocol allowing T-DNA transfer while retaining the ability to remove inciting bacteria; and identifying selection conditions to eliminate non-transformed material and choice of regeneration medium to allow shoot production. The potential utility of an effective elm transformation and regeneration system in the control of Dutch elm disease is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Gartland
- Plant Biotechnology Research Group, Molecular & Life Sciences, University of Abertay Dundee, Scotland, UK
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46
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Abstract
Despite reports of an increase in the incidence of simultaneous cocaine and anabolic steroid abuse, potential adverse interactions between these two drugs on the cardiovascular system are largely unquantified. Cocaine has been reported to induce coronary vasoconstriction, cardiac arrhythmias and conduction delays. Anabolic steroids have been associated with cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension. Utilising both in vivo (radiotelemetry) and in vitro (isolated Langendorff-perfused heart) techniques, our aim was to determine whether anabolic steroids cause cardiac hypertrophy and alter cardiac function, and consequently alter the response of the heart to cocaine. It was found that 15 days of treatment of rats with nandrolone decanoate (20 mg/kg, s.c.) was not sufficient to cause hypertrophy, alter cardiac function or the spread of electrical activity through the heart. However, nandrolone pretreatment was found to significantly potentiate the heart rate response to cocaine (45 mg/kg, i.p.) in vivo. This study indicates that nandrolone significantly elevates the heart rate response to high dose cocaine without changing heart morphology. The mechanism of this interaction remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Phillis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, Frome Road, 5000, Adelaide, Australia
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47
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Dallas JF, Irvine RJ, Halvorsen O, Albon SD. Identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of Marshallagia marshalli and Ostertagia gruehneri from Svalbard reindeer. Int J Parasitol 2000; 30:863-6. [PMID: 10899533 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(00)00063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to identify two common abomasal nematodes Marshallagia marshalli and Ostertagia gruehneri of Svalbard reindeer was developed. Species-specific PCR primers were designed from internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-2 sequences of rDNA and validated using morphologically identified adult male and female nematodes. Using the species-specific primers, a 110 bp fragment was amplified from M. marshalli and its minor morph Marshallagia occidentalis and a 149 bp fragment was amplified from Ostertagia gruehneri and its minor morph Ostertagia arctica. No PCR products were amplified from the third rare species, Teladorsagia circumcincta, or DNA from the reindeer host. The assay provides a useful tool to estimate species composition for both sexes in this nematode community.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Dallas
- NERC Molecular Genetics in Ecology Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, AB24 2TZ, Aberdeen, UK.
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Dallas JF, Irvine RJ, Halvorsen O. DNA evidence that Ostertagia gruehneri and Ostertagia arctica (Nematoda: ostertagiinae) in reindeer from Norway and Svalbard are conspecific. Int J Parasitol 2000; 30:655-8. [PMID: 10779581 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(00)00028-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA sequences of ITS-1 and ITS-2 of rDNA were determined for 16 individual adult males each of Ostertagia gruehneri and Ostertagia arctica from Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) and Eurasian tundra reindeer (R. t. tarandus). Each ITS was virtually identical in O. gruehneri and O. arctica and the three mixed bases detected were shared by both species. Our results strongly suggest that O. gruehneri and O. arctica are dimorphic males of the same species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Dallas
- NERC Molecular Genetics in Ecology Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, UK.
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Gartland KM, McHugh AT, Vitha S, Benes K, Irvine RJ, Gartland JS. Analysis of genetically modified plant gene expression using GUS fluorimetry. Mol Biotechnol 2000; 14:235-9. [PMID: 10890014 DOI: 10.1385/mb:14:3:235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A fluorimetric assay method for the analysis of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene expression in genetically modified plants is described. Optimization of this method for woody plants and a statistical approach suitable for comparisons of gene expression in different transformants or tissues of the same plant is described. Example data from elm (Ulmus procera) SR4 regenerant plants, shown to be genetically modified by PCR and DNA-DNA hybridizations, in which higher GUS expression levels are found in stems than in leaves demonstrates the utility of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Gartland
- Plant Biotechnology Research Group, University of Abertay Dundee, Scotland
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Irvine RJ, Stien A, Halvorsen O, Langvatn R, Albon SD. Life-history strategies and population dynamics of abomasal nematodes in Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). Parasitology 2000; 120 ( Pt 3):297-311. [PMID: 10759088 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182099005430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The observation that the total abundance of adult nematodes in the abomasum of Svalbard reindeer increases between October and April suggests adaptation to cope with the Arctic winter. Here we investigate the extent to which selection has led to similar life-history strategies in the 3 most numerous trichostrongyle species. The life-histories are found to differ markedly. We use flexible statistical models for the abundance and dispersion of parasites in the host population. One of the taxa, Marshallagia marshalli, was most abundant and had its highest egg output in the winter. In contrast, the abundance of the most common taxa, Ostertagia gruehneri, m. gruehneri was stable or declined from autumn to late winter, and the closely related taxa, O. gruehneri, m. arcticus, showed a similar over winter drop. The faecal egg output of these 2 taxa was highest in summer, as found in temperate trichostrongyle species. Despite the apparent contamination of summer pastures with O. gruehneri, calves showed negligible burdens until their second summer and the abundance of infection reached an asymptote within their third year. In contrast, the abundance of M. marshalli in calves showed a rapid increase over the first summer and by late winter was similar to peak levels found in adults (8000 worms). This increase could not be accounted for by the developing abomasum larvae population and is therefore evidence for transmission over the winter for this taxa. While M. marshalli showed little between-year variation, O. gruehneri showed 2-fold fluctuation in the abundance of infection. O. gruehneri may therefore play a role in the fluctuating population dynamics of the host. Since there was no apparent decline in abundance with host age in any of the 3 taxa there was no evidence of reindeer mounting an immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Irvine
- Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Hill of Brathens, Banchory, UK.
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