1
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Moyle M, Boyle J, Bennion H, Chiverrell R. TP or Not TP? Successful Comparison of Two Independent Methods Validates Total Phosphorus Inference for Long-Term Eutrophication Studies. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:7425-7432. [PMID: 38639036 PMCID: PMC11064217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Validating paleo total phosphorus (TP) inference methods over long time scales is essential for understanding historic changes in lake P supply and the processes leading up to the present-day global lake eutrophication crisis. Monitored lake water TP time series have enabled us to identify the drivers of eutrophication over recent decades. However, over longer time scales, the lack of reliable TP inference means our understanding of drivers is speculative. Validation of lake water TP reconstruction, therefore, remains the "ultimate aim" of eutrophication studies. Here, we present the first critical comparison of two fully independent paleo TP inference approaches: the well-established diatom method (DI-TP) and a recently developed sediment geochemical method (SI-TP). Using lake sediment records from a small eutrophic U.K. lake (Crose Mere), we find a statistically significant agreement between the two inferred TP records with greater than 60% shared variance. Both records show identical timings, with a 19th century acceleration in TP concentration and subsequent declines following a peak in 1930. This significant agreement establishes the validity of long-term paleo TP inference for the first time. With this, we can now test assumptions and paradigms that underpin understanding of catchment P sources and pathways over longer time scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Moyle
- Department
of Geography and Planning, University of
Liverpool, 74 Bedford St South, Liverpool L69 7ZT, United Kingdom
| | - John Boyle
- Department
of Geography and Planning, University of
Liverpool, 74 Bedford St South, Liverpool L69 7ZT, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Bennion
- Department
of Geography, University College London, North-West Wing, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Chiverrell
- Department
of Geography and Planning, University of
Liverpool, 74 Bedford St South, Liverpool L69 7ZT, United Kingdom
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2
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Rodger JR, Lilly J, Honkanen HM, Del Villar D, Kennedy R, Maoiléidigh NÓ, Boylan P, Rosell R, Morris DJ, O'Neill R, Waters C, Cotter D, Wilkie L, Barkley A, Green A, Beck SV, Ribbens J, Henderson J, Parke D, Kettle-White A, Ballantyne L, Marshall S, Hopper P, Gauld N, Godfrey JD, Chapman LE, Thorburn J, Drumm A, Whoriskey F, Shields B, Ramsden P, Barry J, Milane M, Roche W, Armstrong JD, Wells A, Walton S, Fletcher M, Bailey DM, Whyte B, McGill R, Bilsby M, Whelan K, Bean CW, Adams CE. Inshore and offshore marine migration pathways of Atlantic salmon post-smolts from multiple rivers in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. J Fish Biol 2024. [PMID: 38679466 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The migratory behavior of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post-smolts in coastal waters is poorly understood. In this collaborative study, 1914 smolts, from 25 rivers, in four countries were tagged with acoustic transmitters during a single seasonal migration. In total, 1105 post-smolts entered the marine study areas and 438 (39.6%) were detected on a network of 414 marine acoustic receivers and an autonomous underwater vehicle. Migration pathways (defined as the shortest distance between two detections) of up to 575 km and over 100 days at sea were described for all 25 populations. Post-smolts from different rivers, as well as individuals from the same river, used different pathways in coastal waters. Although difficult to generalize to all rivers, at least during the year of this study, no tagged post-smolts from rivers draining into the Irish Sea were detected entering the areas of sea between the Hebrides and mainland Scotland, which is associated with a high density of finfish aquaculture. An important outcome of this study is that a high proportion of post-smolts crossed through multiple legislative jurisdictions and boundaries during their migration. This study provides the basis for spatially explicit assessment of the impact risk of coastal pressures on salmon during their first migration to sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Rodger
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Atlantic Salmon Trust, Perth, UK
| | - Jessie Lilly
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hannele M Honkanen
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Richard Kennedy
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
| | | | - Patrick Boylan
- Chief Scientific Advisor's Office, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Jubilee House, Ballykelly, UK
| | - Robert Rosell
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
| | - David J Morris
- Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory, Marine Scotland Science, Pitlochry, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Barkley
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
| | - Amy Green
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Samantha V Beck
- Galloway Fisheries Trust, Station Industrial Estate, Newton Stewart, UK
| | - Jamie Ribbens
- Galloway Fisheries Trust, Station Industrial Estate, Newton Stewart, UK
| | - Jim Henderson
- The Nith Catchment Fishery Trust and Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, Dumfries, UK
| | - Debbie Parke
- The Nith Catchment Fishery Trust and Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, Dumfries, UK
| | | | | | - Shona Marshall
- West Sutherland Fisheries Trust, The Gardeners Cottage, Scourie, UK
| | - Paul Hopper
- Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust, Marybank, UK
| | - Niall Gauld
- Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory, Marine Scotland Science, Pitlochry, UK
| | - Jason D Godfrey
- Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory, Marine Scotland Science, Pitlochry, UK
| | - Lauren E Chapman
- Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory, Marine Scotland Science, Pitlochry, UK
| | - James Thorburn
- Scottish Oceans Institute, St Andrews, UK
- School of Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Fred Whoriskey
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - John D Armstrong
- Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory, Marine Scotland Science, Pitlochry, UK
| | - Alan Wells
- Fisheries Management Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - David M Bailey
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Ross McGill
- Loughs Agency, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
| | | | | | - Colin W Bean
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- NatureScot, Clydebank, UK
| | - Colin E Adams
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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3
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Gibson L, Shadbolt T, Paul P, Gerard G, Wrigglesworth E, Sainsbury AW, Donald H, Jaffe JE, Januszczak I, Fitzpatrick LD, Burrell C, Davies H, Dastjerdi A, Spiro S. Prevalence and Molecular Analysis of Encephalomyocarditis Virus-2 in the Hazel Dormouse. Ecohealth 2024:10.1007/s10393-024-01680-z. [PMID: 38653850 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-024-01680-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) population in the UK continues to decline due to habitat loss, despite reintroductions of captive-bred individuals being conducted nationally for over 30 years. Disease surveillance of captive-bred and wild dormice is performed to identify novel and existing disease threats which could impact populations. In this study, we firstly investigated cause of death in seven hazel dormice found dead in England, through next-generation sequencing identifying a virus closely related to a wood mouse encephalomyocarditis virus-2 (EMCV-2). Subsequently, lung tissue samples from 35 out of 44 hazel dormice tested positive for EMCV-2 RNA using a reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Sanger sequencing methods developed in this study. Formalin-fixed tissues available for nine hazel dormice which tested positive for EMCV-2 RNA were examined microscopically. Three cases showed moderate interstitial pneumonia with minimal to mild lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis, but no evidence of encephalitis. However, the presence of possible alternative causes of death in these cases means that the lesions cannot be definitively attributed to EMCV-2. Here, we report the first detection of EMCV-2 in hazel dormice and conclude that EMCV-2 is likely to be endemic in the hazel dormouse population in England and may be associated with clinical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Gibson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK.
| | - Tammy Shadbolt
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
- Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Pranab Paul
- Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
- Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Georgina Gerard
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | | | | | - Helen Donald
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
- Natural England, London, UK
| | - Jenny E Jaffe
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
- Tai Chimpanzee Project, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Inez Januszczak
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
- Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Liam D Fitzpatrick
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
- UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | | | - Hannah Davies
- Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Surrey, UK
| | | | - Simon Spiro
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
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4
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Yeldham MIA, Britton JR, Crundwell C, Davies P, Dodd JR, Nunn AD, Velterop R, Bolland JD. Emigration of post-spawned twaite shad Alosa fallax, an anadromous and iteroparous fish, in a highly fragmented river. J Fish Biol 2024. [PMID: 38494640 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic barriers are widely known to negatively impact the spawning migrations of anadromous fishes, by delaying or preventing passage upstream. Although the impacts of barriers on emigrating post-spawned adults are less well studied, they could potentially impact the fitness and subsequent return rates of iteroparous species. In this study, passive acoustic telemetry was used to track the emigrations of 53 twaite shad Alosa fallax in the River Severn basin in their first spawning migration a year after being tagged, giving insights into their emigration movements and the impacts of anthropogenic weirs on these movements. A. fallax began their emigrations after spending varying amounts of time and migrating various distances within the river, with late-emigrating individuals moving fastest and most directly. Emigrations became faster and more direct the further downstream individuals were from their furthest upstream extent. Downstream passage delays at weirs increased emigration times by a median of 61%, with environmental conditions (i.e., temperature, flow, and tidal influence on river level) having little influence on downstream passage at weirs with no modifications to facilitate fish passage. As weir-induced emigration delays are suggested to deplete energy reserves (when energy levels are already depleted post-spawning), limit spawning opportunities (by preventing access to downstream spawning habitat), and expose individuals to increased predation risk and suboptimal conditions (e.g., high temperatures), these delays can potentially diminish the benefits of iteroparity. The evidence presented here suggests that more consideration should be given to the potential impacts of anthropogenic barriers on the emigrations of iteroparous species when assessing river connectivity or undertaking barrier mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I A Yeldham
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - J Robert Britton
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | | | - Peter Davies
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, University of Hull, Hull, UK
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Jamie R Dodd
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Andrew D Nunn
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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5
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Bell F, Ouwehand J, Both C, Briedis M, Lisovski S, Wang X, Bearhop S, Burgess M. Individuals departing non-breeding areas early achieve earlier breeding and higher breeding success. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4075. [PMID: 38374332 PMCID: PMC10876959 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53575-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Conditions experienced by an individual during migration have the potential to shape migratory tactic and in turn fitness. For large birds, environmental conditions encountered during migration have been linked with survival and subsequent reproductive output, but this is less known for smaller birds, hindering our understanding of mechanisms driving population change. By combining breeding and tracking data from 62 pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) representing two breeding populations collected over 2016-2020, we determine how variation in migration phenology and tactic among individuals affects subsequent breeding. Departure date from West African non-breeding areas to European breeding grounds was highly variable among individuals and had a strong influence on migration tactic. Early departing individuals had longer spring migrations which included longer staging duration yet arrived at breeding sites and initiated breeding earlier than later departing individuals. Individuals with longer duration spring migrations and early arrival at breeding sites had larger clutches, and for males higher fledging success. We suggest that for pied flycatchers, individual carry-over effects may act through departure phenology from West Africa, and the associated spring migration duration, to influence reproduction. While our results confirm that departure date from non-breeding areas can be associated with breeding success in migratory passerines, we identify spring staging duration as a key component of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser Bell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Centre for Conservation Science, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, UK.
| | - Janne Ouwehand
- Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan Both
- Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martins Briedis
- Department of Bird Migration, Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Switzerland
- Lab of Ornithology, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, Rīga, Latvia
| | - Simeon Lisovski
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Telegrafenberg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Xuelai Wang
- Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stuart Bearhop
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - Malcolm Burgess
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Centre for Conservation Science, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, UK
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
- PiedFly.Net, Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey, Devon, UK
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6
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Lilly J, Honkanen HH, Rodger JR, Del Villar D, Boylan P, Green A, Pereiro D, Wilkie L, Kennedy R, Barkley A, Rosell R, Maoiléidigh NÓ, O'Neill R, Waters C, Cotter D, Bailey D, Roche W, McGill R, Barry J, Beck SV, Henderson J, Parke D, Whoriskey FG, Shields B, Ramsden P, Walton S, Fletcher M, Whelan K, Bean CW, Elliott S, Bowman A, Adams CE. Migration patterns and navigation cues of Atlantic salmon post-smolts migrating from 12 rivers through the coastal zones around the Irish Sea. J Fish Biol 2024; 104:265-283. [PMID: 37843923 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The freshwater phase of the first seaward migration of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is relatively well understood when compared with our understanding of the marine phase of their migration. In 2021, 1008 wild and 60 ranched Atlantic salmon smolts were tagged with acoustic transmitters in 12 rivers in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Large marine receiver arrays were deployed in the Irish Sea at two locations: at the transition of the Irish Sea into the North Atlantic between Ireland and Scotland, and between southern Scotland and Northern Ireland, to examine the early phase of the marine migration of Atlantic salmon smolts. After leaving their natal rivers' post-smolt migration through the Irish Sea was rapid with minimum speeds ranging from 14.03 to 38.56 km.day-1 for Atlantic salmon smolts that entered the Irish Sea directly from their natal river, to 9.69-39.94 km.day-1 for Atlantic salmon smolts that entered the Irish Sea directly from their natal estuary. Population minimum migration success through the study area was strongly correlated with the distance of travel, populations further away from the point of entry to the open North Atlantic exhibited lower migration success. Post-smolts from different populations experienced different water temperatures on entering the North Atlantic. This was largely driven by the timing of their migration and may have significant consequences for feeding and ultimately survivorship. The influence of water currents on post-smolt movement was investigated using data from previously constructed numerical hydrodynamic models. Modeled water current data in the northern Irish Sea showed that post-smolts had a strong preference for migrating when the current direction was at around 283° (west-north-west) but did not migrate when exposed to strong currents in other directions. This is the most favorable direction for onward passage from the Irish Sea to the continental shelf edge current, a known accumulation point for migrating post-smolts. These results strongly indicate that post-smolts migrating through the coastal marine environment are: (1) not simply migrating by current following (2) engage in active directional swimming (3) have an intrinsic sense of their migration direction and (4) can use cues other than water current direction to orientate during this part of their migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Lilly
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hannele H Honkanen
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jessica R Rodger
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Atlantic Salmon Trust, Perth, UK
| | | | - Patrick Boylan
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Amy Green
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert Rosell
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - David Bailey
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Samantha V Beck
- Galloway Fisheries Trust, Newton Stewart, UK
- Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation, UHI Inverness, Inverness, UK
| | - Jim Henderson
- The Nith Catchment Fishery Trust and Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, Dumfries, UK
| | - Debbie Parke
- The Nith Catchment Fishery Trust and Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, Dumfries, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Colin W Bean
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- NatureScot, Clydebank Business Park, Clydebank, UK
| | - Sophie Elliott
- Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Salmon & Trout Research Centre, Wareham, UK
| | - Adrian Bowman
- School of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin E Adams
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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7
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Rees HC, Cousins ME, Baker CA, Maddison BC. A qPCR assay for the rapid and specific detection of Shining ram's-horn snail (Segmentina nitida) eDNA from Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, UK. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288267. [PMID: 37967121 PMCID: PMC10651049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Segmentina nitida Müller 1774 is a freshwater snail which was formerly widespread throughout England and south Wales. Since the 1840s it has seen a rapid decline in its range which has been attributed to deteriorating water quality due to nutrient enrichment, lowering of water tables and over-management of the ditches in which it resides. S. nitida has therefore been identified as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) priority species which recommends further research for its conservation. Here we have developed a Taqman based qPCR eDNA assay for the detection of S. nitida at the Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve and compared the results with a manual survey of the ditches at this location. 32 ditches were surveyed in November 2020 (22 at Stodmarsh) and February 2021 (10 outside the known range of S.nitida). Our eDNA analysis exhibited an observed percentage agreement of 84% with a kappa coefficient of agreement between manual and eDNA surveys of 0.56 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.92). Three ditches determined to be negative for S. nitida by eDNA analysis were manual survey positive, and a further two ditches that were negative by manual survey were positive by eDNA analysis revealing the potential for improved overall detection rates using a combination of manual and eDNA methodologies. eDNA analysis could therefore augment manual survey techniques for S. nitida as a relatively quick and inexpensive tool for collecting presence and distribution data that could be used to inform manual surveys and management of ditches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen C. Rees
- ADAS Biotechnology, Beeston, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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8
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Rees HC, Measures GH, Kane SD, Maddison BC. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the specific detection of the Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) in the UK. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292163. [PMID: 37796948 PMCID: PMC10553251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cipangopaludina chinensis Gray 1833 is an East Asian freshwater snail and invasive species in many parts of the world (Global Invasive Species Database, 2022). Within the UK, it was first found at the Pevensey Levels, Sussex, and has since been reported at a second site at Southampton Common, Hampshire. Both sites are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for their wildlife importance. Although the impacts of this species within the UK have not yet been investigated several exotic parasites of the snail have been reported and research suggests that its presence can negatively impact native snail species. This is especially important at the Pevensey Levels due to the presence of the rare freshwater mollusc Anisus vorticulus (Little Whirlpool Rams's-horn snail). Here, we have developed a qPCR-based eDNA assay for the detection of C. chinensis and compared water samples tested for eDNA with results from manual survey of the ditches at the Pevensey Levels. Our eDNA analysis exhibited an overall observed percentage agreement of 80% with a kappa coefficient of agreement between manual and eDNA surveys of 0.59 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.88). Some samples which were qPCR negative for C. chinensis were positive by manual survey, and vice versa revealing the potential for improved overall detection rates when using a combination of manual and eDNA methodologies. eDNA analysis can therefore augment manual survey techniques for C. chinensis as a relatively quick and inexpensive tool for collecting presence and distribution data that could be used to inform further manual surveys and control measures within the ditches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen C. Rees
- Biotechnology, RSK ADAS Ltd, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin H. Measures
- Species Recovery and Reintroductions Team, Natural England, Peterborough, United Kingdom
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9
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Dove A, Charters MD, Campbell MJ, Blake H, Menon M, Sarasan V. Fungal Community Composition at the Last Remaining Wild Site of Yellow Early Marsh Orchid ( Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. ochroleuca). Microorganisms 2023; 11:2124. [PMID: 37630684 PMCID: PMC10459220 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The yellow early marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. ochroleuca) is a critically endangered terrestrial orchid in Britain. Previous attempts to translocate symbiotic seedlings to a site near the last remaining wild site demonstrated some success, with a 10% survival rate despite adverse weather conditions over a two-year period. However, to facilitate future reintroduction efforts or conservation translocations, a more comprehensive understanding of the fungal microbiome and abiotic soil characteristics at the final remaining wild site is required. Obtaining comprehensive information on both the fungal community and soil nutrient composition from wild sites has significant benefits and may prove critical for the success of future conservation translocations involving threatened orchids. This preliminary study, conducted at the last remaining wild site, revealed a significant correlation between the relative abundance of the orchid mycorrhizal fungal order Cantharellales and the concentrations of nitrate and phosphate in the soil. Another orchid mycorrhizal fungal group, Sebacinales, was found to be distributed extensively throughout the site. The composition of fungal communities across the entire site, orchid-hosting and non-orchid-hosting soils is discussed in relation to reinforcing the current population and preventing the extinction of this orchid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dove
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3DS, UK
| | | | | | - Hanna Blake
- Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; (H.B.)
| | - Manoj Menon
- Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; (H.B.)
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10
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Ashe-Jepson E, Bladon AJ, Herbert G, Hitchcock GE, Knock R, Lucas CBH, Luke SH, Turner EC. Oviposition behaviour and emergence through time of the small blue butterfly ( Cupido minimus) in a nature reserve in Bedfordshire, UK. J Insect Conserv 2021; 26:43-58. [PMID: 34899037 PMCID: PMC8647801 DOI: 10.1007/s10841-021-00360-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Climate change affects butterflies in many ways, influencing the timing of emergence and reproduction, habitat preferences, and behaviour. The small blue (Cupido minimus Fuessley, 1775) is highly specialised in its host plant requirements, feeding on the seeds of a single species, kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), on which the larvae occur singly to avoid cannibalism. The butterfly is likely to be vulnerable to temperature-related changes in oviposition, adult emergence, and host plant flowering times, and is, therefore, a good model species for investigating climate change-related impacts. Using 26 years of data from the national UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (1993-2019) from one nature reserve, and 4 years of targeted egg searches (2006, 2007, 2008, 2020) from three reserves in Bedfordshire, UK, we investigated the effects of local temperature on small blue emergence date and total abundance, whether flowerhead or local environmental characteristics predicted small blue oviposition behaviour, and whether this changed between years. Small blue adults emerged on earlier dates over time, and earlier in years with higher maximum February temperatures. Total adult abundance was not predicted by monthly temperatures or total abundance in the previous year. Oviposition behaviour was broadly consistent across years, with egg presence more likely and egg abundance higher on kidney vetch flowerheads that were taller than the surrounding vegetation, and surrounded by taller vegetation and fewer mature flowerheads. The effect of solar radiation differed between years, with a negative effect on the probability of egg presence in 2007 and 2008, but a positive effect in 2020. Egg abundance per flowerhead was highly variable between years, with 2006 having four times more eggs per flowerhead than other years. This was likely driven by high adult abundance in 2006, which could have increased competition for flowerheads. IMPLICATIONS FOR INSECT CONSERVATION Our results indicate that management for greater availability of taller kidney vetch amongst taller vegetation would encourage small blue oviposition on a greater number of flowerheads, providing a possible means of reducing competition and increasing larval survival, and that this would be effective despite variation in adult abundance between years. The high level of competition we observed in the year with the highest adult abundance indicates that higher numbers of host plants should be encouraged to reduce competition and larval cannibalism in peak years, increasing the likelihood of long-term population persistence and growth. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10841-021-00360-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esme Ashe-Jepson
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ UK
| | - Andrew J. Bladon
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ UK
| | - Greg Herbert
- Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire branch of Butterfly Conservation, Registered office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP UK
| | - Gwen E. Hitchcock
- The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, The Manor House, Broad Street, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6DH UK
| | - Richard Knock
- The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, The Manor House, Broad Street, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6DH UK
| | | | - Sarah H. Luke
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ UK
| | - Edgar C. Turner
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ UK
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Ball S, Hand N, Willman F, Durrant C, Uller T, Claus K, Mergeay J, Bauwens D, Garner TWJ. Genetic and demographic vulnerability of adder populations: Results of a genetic study in mainland Britain. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231809. [PMID: 32310990 PMCID: PMC7170227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors are often overlooked in conservation planning, despite their importance in small isolated populations. We used mitochondrial and microsatellite markers to investigate population genetics of the adder (Vipera berus) in southern Britain, where numbers are declining. We found no evidence for loss of heterozygosity in any of the populations studied. Genetic diversity was comparable across sites, in line with published levels for mainland Europe. However, further analysis revealed a striking level of relatedness. Genetic networks constructed from inferred first degree relationships suggested a high proportion of individuals to be related at a level equivalent to that of half-siblings, with rare inferred full-sib dyads. These patterns of relatedness can be attributed to the high philopatry and low vagility of adders, which creates high local relatedness, in combination with the polyandrous breeding system in the adder, which may offset the risk of inbreeding in closed populations. We suggest that reliance on standard genetic indicators of inbreeding and diversity may underestimate demographic and genetic factors that make adder populations vulnerable to extirpation. We stress the importance of an integrated genetic and demographic approach in the conservation of adders, and other taxa of similar ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ball
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London, England, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Nigel Hand
- Central Ecology, Ledbury, Herefordshire, England, United Kingdom
| | - Faye Willman
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Durrant
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London, England, United Kingdom
- Royal Veterinary College, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Uller
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katja Claus
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Joachim Mergeay
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Geraardsbergen, Belgium
| | - Dirk Bauwens
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Trenton W. J. Garner
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London, England, United Kingdom
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12
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Sousa JO, Suz LM, García MA, Alfredo DS, Conrado LM, Marinho P, Ainsworth AM, Baseia IG, Martín MP. More than one fungus in the pepper pot: Integrative taxonomy unmasks hidden species within Myriostoma coliforme (Geastraceae, Basidiomycota). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177873. [PMID: 28591150 PMCID: PMC5462367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the nineteenth century, Myriostoma has been regarded as a monotypic genus with a widespread distribution in north temperate and subtropical regions. However, on the basis of morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence of DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), four species are now delimited: M. areolatum comb. & stat. nov., M. calongei sp. nov., M. capillisporum comb. & stat. nov., and M. coliforme. Myriostoma coliforme is typified by selecting a lectotype (iconotype) and a modern sequenced collection as an epitype. The four species can be discriminated by a combination of morphological characters, such as stomatal form, endoperidial surface texture, and basidiospore size and ornamentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieth O. Sousa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sistemática e Evolução, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Laura M. Suz
- Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, Surrey, England
| | - Miguel A. García
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto, Mississagua, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donis S. Alfredo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Sistemática e Evolução, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Luana M. Conrado
- Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Paulo Marinho
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | - Iuri G. Baseia
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - María P. Martín
- Departamento de Micología, Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC, Plaza de Murillo 2, Madrid, Spain
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Bobadilla Suarez M, Ewen JG, Groombridge JJ, Beckmann K, Shotton J, Masters N, Hopkins T, Sainsbury AW. Using Qualitative Disease Risk Analysis for Herpetofauna Conservation Translocations Transgressing Ecological and Geographical Barriers. Ecohealth 2017; 14:47-60. [PMID: 26695615 PMCID: PMC5357266 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1086-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Through the exploration of disease risk analysis methods employed for four different UK herpetofauna translocations, we illustrate how disease hazards can be identified, and how the risk of disease can be analysed. Where ecological or geographical barriers between source and destination sites exist, parasite populations are likely to differ in identity or strain between the two sites, elevating the risk from disease and increasing the number and category of hazards requiring analysis. Simplification of the translocation pathway through the avoidance of these barriers reduces the risk from disease. The disease risk analysis tool is intended to aid conservation practitioners in decision making relating to disease hazards prior to implementation of a translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bobadilla Suarez
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ, UK.
| | - John G Ewen
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Jim J Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ, UK
| | - K Beckmann
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - J Shotton
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - N Masters
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - T Hopkins
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Anthony W Sainsbury
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
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Baker D, Barrett S, Beale CM, Crawford TJ, Ellis S, Gullett T, Mayhew PJ, Parsons MS, Relf P, Robertson P, Small J, Wainwright D. Decline of a Rare Moth at Its Last Known English Site: Causes and Lessons for Conservation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157423. [PMID: 27333285 PMCID: PMC4917207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The conditions required by rare species are often only approximately known. Monitoring such species over time can help refine management of their protected areas. We report population trends of a rare moth, the Dark Bordered Beauty Epione vespertaria (Linnaeus, 1767) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) at its last known English site on a protected lowland heath, and those of its host-plant, Salix repens (L.) (Malpighiales: Salicaceae). Between 2007 and 2014, adult moth density reduced by an average of 30–35% annually over the monitored area, and its range over the monitored area contracted in concert. By comparing data from before this decline (2005) with data taken in 2013, we show that the density of host-plants over the monitored area reduced three-fold overall, and ten-fold in the areas of highest host-plant density. In addition, plants were significantly smaller in 2013. In 2005, moth larvae tended to be found on plants that were significantly larger than average at the time. By 2013, far fewer plants were of an equivalent size. This suggests that the rapid decline of the moth population coincides with, and is likely driven by, changes in the host-plant population. Why the host-plant population has changed remains less certain, but fire, frost damage and grazing damage have probably contributed. It is likely that a reduction in grazing pressure in parts of the site would aid host-plant recovery, although grazing remains an important site management activity. Our work confirms the value of constant monitoring of rare or priority insect species, of the risks posed to species with few populations even when their populations are large, of the potential conflict between bespoke management for species and generic management of habitats, and hence the value of refining our knowledge of rare species’ requirements so that their needs can be incorporated into the management of protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Baker
- Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Lepidoptera Group, Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, York, United Kingdom
- Butterfly Conservation, Yorkshire Branch, York, United Kingdom
| | - Sinead Barrett
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Colin M. Beale
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Terry J. Crawford
- Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Lepidoptera Group, Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, York, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Ellis
- Butterfly Conservation, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peter J. Mayhew
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark S. Parsons
- Butterfly Conservation, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, United Kingdom
| | - Penny Relf
- Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Lepidoptera Group, Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, York, United Kingdom
- Butterfly Conservation, Yorkshire Branch, York, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Robertson
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dave Wainwright
- Butterfly Conservation, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, United Kingdom
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