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Nyeste K, Zulkipli N, Uzochukwu IE, Somogyi D, Nagy L, Czeglédi I, Harangi S, Baranyai E, Simon E, Nagy SA, Velcheva I, Yancheva V, Antal L. Assessment of trace and macroelement accumulation in cyprinid juveniles as bioindicators of aquatic pollution: effects of diets and habitat preferences. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11288. [PMID: 38760438 PMCID: PMC11101635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61986-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Juveniles of three cyprinids with various diets and habitat preferences were collected from the Szamos River (Hungary) during a period of pollution in November 2013: the herbivorous, benthic nase (Chondrostoma nasus), the benthivorous, benthic barbel (Barbus barbus), and the omnivorous, pelagic chub (Squalius cephalus). Our study aimed to assess the accumulation of these elements across species with varying diets and habitat preferences, as well as their potential role in biomonitoring efforts. The Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn concentration was analyzed in muscle, gills, and liver using MP-AES. The muscle and gill concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn increased with trophic level. At the same time, several differences were found among the trace element patterns related to habitat preferences. The trace elements, including Cd, Pb, and Zn, which exceeded threshold concentrations in the water, exhibited higher accumulations mainly in the muscle and gills of the pelagic chub. Furthermore, the elevated concentrations of trace elements in sediments (Cr, Cu, Mn) demonstrated higher accumulation in the benthic nase and barbel. Our findings show habitat preference as a key factor in juvenile bioindicator capability, advocating for the simultaneous use of pelagic and benthic juveniles to assess water and sediment pollution status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztián Nyeste
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 57, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Safety, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.
| | - Nurfatin Zulkipli
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 57, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Pál Juhász-Nagy Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ifeanyi Emmanuel Uzochukwu
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 57, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Pál Juhász-Nagy Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Dóra Somogyi
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 57, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Pál Juhász-Nagy Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - László Nagy
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 57, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - István Czeglédi
- HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Tihany, 8237, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Tihany, 8237, Hungary
| | - Sándor Harangi
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Partner Laboratory, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Edina Baranyai
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Partner Laboratory, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Edina Simon
- Department of Ecology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Anthropocene Ecology Research Group, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Sándor Alex Nagy
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 57, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Safety, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Iliana Velcheva
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Conservation, Faculty of Biology, Plovdiv University, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Vesela Yancheva
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Conservation, Faculty of Biology, Plovdiv University, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - László Antal
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 57, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Safety, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
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Adeogun AO, Ibor OR, Chukwuka AV, Asimakopoulos AG, Zhang J, Arukwe A. Role of niche and micro- habitat preferences in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances occurrence in the gills of tropical lake fish species. Sci Total Environ 2024; 933:173245. [PMID: 38754512 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173245] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The present study has investigated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the gill tissues of various fish species inhabiting different trophic levels within Eleyele Lake, a tropical freshwater lake in Nigeria. The mean concentrations of PFAS congeners were determined, and their trends and patterns were analyzed across different trophic species. The results revealed variations in congener abundance and species-specific patterns that was influenced by habitat and niche preferences. Multivariate associations using canonical-correlation analysis (CCA) revealed distinct trends in the relationships between gill concentrations of specific PFAS congeners and different trophic groups. The strongest congener relationships were observed in the pelagic omnivore (Oreochromic niloticus: ON) with positive associations for 4:2 FTS, 9CL-PF3ONS, PFTDA, MeFOSA and PFHxS. The differences in congener profiles for the two herbivorous fish (Sarotherodon melanotheron (SM) and Coptodon galilaeus (CG)) reflect possible divergence in microhabitat and niche preferences. Furthermore, the congener overlaps between the herbivore (CG), and benthic omnivore (Clarias gariepinus: ClG) indicate a possible niche and microhabitat overlap. Our study provides valuable insights into the congener dynamics of PFAS at Eleyele Lake. However, the dissimilarity and overlapping PFAS congener profile in fish gills reflects the interplay of species niche preference and microhabitat associations. The present study highlights the need for further research to assess ecological risks and develop effective PFAS management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina O Adeogun
- Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oju R Ibor
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Azubuike V Chukwuka
- National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Nigeria
| | | | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Augustine Arukwe
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
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Min J, Kim KY. Seasonal change and subniche dynamics of three Alexandrium species in the Korea Strait. Harmful Algae 2023; 125:102420. [PMID: 37220986 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102420] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Some members of the dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium produce toxins responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning, which causes environmental impacts and large economic losses worldwide. The Outlying Mean Index (OMI) and the Within Outlying Mean Index (WitOMI) were used to examine the ecological niches of three Alexandrium species identifying factors affecting their population dynamics in the Korea Strait (KS). Species niches were divided into seasonal subniches based on species' temporal and spatial patterns, with A. catenella being highest in the spring, A. pacificum in the summer, and A. affine in the autumn. These shifts in abundance are likely due to changes in their habitat preferences and resource availability, as well as the effects of biological constraints. A subniche-based approach, which considers the interactions between the environment and the biological characteristics of a species, was useful in understanding the factors shaping the population dynamics of the individual species. Additionally, a species distribution model was used to predict the phenology and biogeography of the three Alexandrium species in the KS and their thermal niches on a larger scale. The model predicted that, in the KS, A. catenella exists on the warm side of the thermal niche, while A. pacificum and A. affine exist on the cold side, indicating that these species may respond differently to increases in water temperature. However, the predicted phenology was incongruent with the abundance of the species as measured by droplet digital PCR. Overall, the WitOMI analysis and species distribution model can provide valuable insights into how population dynamics are influenced by the integrated interplay of biotic and abiotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhee Min
- Department of Oceanography, College of Natural Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea
| | - Kwang Young Kim
- Department of Oceanography, College of Natural Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea.
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Garamszegi LZ, Soltész Z, Kurucz K, Szentiványi T. Using community science data to assess the association between urbanization and the presence of invasive Aedes species in Hungary. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:158. [PMID: 37147691 PMCID: PMC10161419 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urbanization can be a significant contributor to the spread of invasive mosquito vector species, and the diseases they carry, as urbanized habitats provide access to a great density of food resources (humans and domestic animals) and offer abundant breeding sites for these vectors. Although anthropogenic landscapes are often associated with the presence of invasive mosquito species, we still have little understanding about the relationships between some of these and the built environment. METHODS This study explores the association between urbanization level and the occurrence of invasive Aedes species, specifically Aedes albopictus, Aedes japonicus, and Aedes koreicus, in Hungary, using data from a community (or citizen) science program undertaken between 2019 and 2022. RESULTS The association between each of these species and urbanized landscapes within an extensive geographic area was found to differ. Using the same standardized approach, Ae. albopictus showed a statistically significant and positive relationship with urbanization, whereas Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus did not. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the importance of community science to mosquito research, as the data gathered using this approach can be used to make qualitative comparisons between species to explore their ecological requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Zsolt Garamszegi
- Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány u. 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary.
- National Laboratory for Health Security, Centre for Ecological Research, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zoltán Soltész
- Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány u. 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary
| | - Kornélia Kurucz
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamara Szentiványi
- Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Alkotmány u. 2-4, Vácrátót, 2163, Hungary
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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Bandyopadhyay M, Burton AC, Gupta SK, Krishnamurthy R. Understanding the distribution and fine-scale habitat selection of mesocarnivores along a habitat quality gradient in western Himalaya. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13993. [PMID: 36132214 PMCID: PMC9484455 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13993] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Human activities have resulted in a rapid increase of modified habitats in proximity to wildlife habitats in the Himalaya. However, it is crucial to understand the extent to which human habitat modification affects wildlife. Mesocarnivores generally possess broader niches than large carnivores and adapt quickly to human activities. Here, we use a case study in the western Himalaya to test the hypothesis that human disturbance influenced mesocarnivore habitat use. Methods: We used camera trapping and mitochondrial DNA-based species identification from faecal samples to obtain mesocarnivore detections. We then compared the responses of mesocarnivores between an anthropogenic site and a less disturbed park along a contiguous gradient in habitat quality. The non-linear pattern in species-specific habitat selection and factors responsible for space usage around villages was captured using hierarchical generalized additive modelling (HGAM) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination. Results: Wildlife occurrences along the gradient varied by species. Leopard cat and red fox were the only terrestrial mesocarnivores that occurred in both anthropogenic site and park. We found a shift in habitat selection from less disturbed habitat in the park to disturbed habitat in anthropogenic site for the species detected in both the habitat types. For instance, red fox showed habitat selection towards high terrain ruggedness (0.5 to 0.7 TRI) and low NDVI (-0.05 to 0.2) in the park but no such specific selection in anthropogenic site. Further, leopard cat showed habitat selection towards moderate slope (20°) and medium NDVI (0.5) in park but no prominent habitat selections in anthropogenic site. The results revealed their constrained behaviour which was further supported by the intensive site usage close to houses, agricultural fields and human trails in villages. Conclusions: Our results indicate shifts in habitat selection and intensive site usage by mesocarnivores in the human-modified habitat. In future, this suggests the possibility of conflict and disease spread affecting both the people and wildlife. Therefore, this study highlights the requisite to test the wildlife responses to rapidly growing human expansions in modified habitats to understand the extent of impact. The management strategies need to have an integrated focus for further expansions of modified habitat and garbage disposal strategies, especially in the human-wildlife interface area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A. Cole Burton
- Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Ramesh Krishnamurthy
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India,Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Koraltan İ, Mavruk S, Güven O. Effect of biological and environmental factors on microplastic ingestion of commercial fish species. Chemosphere 2022; 303:135101. [PMID: 35659934 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is an emerging pollution all over the world. In addition to the macro sized plastics, ongoing scientific efforts revealed risks of micro and nano sized plastic particles in marine environment. In the past decades, an increasing number of studies have been carried out to understand the dynamics of this pollution. The aim of the present study was to investigate the microplastic (MPs) ingestion in commercially important fish species and to evaluate biological and environmental factors influencing the ingestion status. Gastrointestinal tract content of a total of 2222 individuals belonging to 17 species were examined for MPs existence. Out of 17 species evaluated, 13 of them was detected to ingest MPs. Our results showed that 18.1% of investigated fishes ingested MPs and the average length of the detected particles was 1.26 ± 1.38 (±SD) mm. The most dominant MP type was fiber (90.1%), while the most common particle colours were black (46.9%) and blue (29.4%). Polypropylene (85%) was the most common polymer type detected. Our evaluations indicated that the exposure of fish distributed in coastal areas to microplastic pollution is corelated to physical (precipitation and distance to nearest shore) and biological (functional trophic group, habitat of the species) factors. In order to design a more effective control mechanism, these impacts should be included in the assessments in future practices to reveal the effects of microplastic pollution on biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- İdris Koraltan
- Faculty of Fisheries, Akdeniz University, 07070, Konyaaltı, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Sinan Mavruk
- Faculty of Fisheries, Çukurova University, 01330, Balcalı, Adana, Turkey
| | - Olgaç Güven
- Faculty of Fisheries, Akdeniz University, 07070, Konyaaltı, Antalya, Turkey.
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Escher J, Hohberg K, Decker P, Lehmitz R. Ecology, genetics and distribution of Punctoribates zachvatkini, an oribatid mite so far overlooked in Germany. Exp Appl Acarol 2022; 87:289-307. [PMID: 35939244 PMCID: PMC9439992 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00738-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Punctoribates is one of few genera in Poronota (Acari: Oribatida) containing species with porose areas and species with saccules, the two types of the octotaxic system. These porose organs are the main difference between two morphologically similar species, P. punctum with porose areas and P. zachvatkini with saccules. As the octotaxic system can vary within species, species separation solely based on this trait might be insufficient. To assess the species status of P. zachvatkini, we investigated additional differences from P. punctum by comparing habitat preferences of the two species regarding nature reserves and agricultural landscapes during a field study in the German Eifel region, and by examining Punctoribates material from four large German natural history museums. We also performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a genetic analysis using the D3 marker of the nuclear 28S rDNA gene. In the field study, P. zachvatkini had higher densities in the nature reserves and P. punctum in the agricultural landscapes. Evaluation of the museum material revealed P. punctum occurred more regularly in disturbed sites such as urban, agricultural and post-mining areas compared to P. zachvatkini. Pairwise distances of the 28S D3 genetic marker as well as an additional base pair in P. zachvatkini further support the separation of the two species, and SEM investigations revealed new details regarding the punctulation of P. zachvatkini. The review of the museum material showed that P. zachvatkini already occurred in Germany in 1967 and has a wider distribution than previously known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Escher
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Am Museum 1, 02826 Görlitz, Germany
| | - Karin Hohberg
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Am Museum 1, 02826 Görlitz, Germany
| | | | - Ricarda Lehmitz
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Am Museum 1, 02826 Görlitz, Germany
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Ngo KM, Hosaka T, Numata S. Attitudes and preferences of wildlife and their relationship with childhood nature experience amongst residents in a tropical urban city. Urban Ecosyst 2022; 25:1939-1948. [PMID: 36159164 PMCID: PMC9483242 DOI: 10.1007/s11252-022-01280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
How people relate to biodiversity and whether they are supportive of conservation programs and policies has implications on global and local biodiversity conservation efforts. Nature experiences in childhood has been shown to be strongly correlated to positive attitudes towards nature and wildlife in adulthood. In this study, we examined wildlife experience, attitudes and willingness to coexist with 26 vertebrates and invertebrates amongst residents in a highly urbanized tropical city, Singapore. A total of 1004 respondents were surveyed and their childhood nature experience and various socioeconomic variables were obtained. The animals were grouped by their likeability and preferred habitat from the respondents' answers. Three main groups of animals were discerned - unfavorable animals, mammals, and favorable animals. Singapore residents generally had high direct experiences of animals that are common in urban settings, for both favorable and unfavorable animals, such as butterflies, dragonflies, crows and bees, but low direct experiences of forest-dependent wildlife. Animals that were well-liked and acceptable near homes include the common urban ones and some forest-dependent ones, while animals that were disliked included stinging insects (bees and hornets) and reptiles (snakes and water monitors). Structured equation modelling showed that both childhood nature experience and wildlife experience had strong effects on wildlife likeability and habitat preference. The apparent mismatch between greening policies and people's willingness to coexist with wildlife may be problematic as urban development further encroaches on forest habitats, and this study highlights the importance of preserving forest habitats so that young children and adults have opportunities to be exposed to them. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11252-022-01280-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Min Ngo
- Department of Tourism Science, Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minamiosawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397 Japan
- Present Address: Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798 Singapore
| | - Tetsuro Hosaka
- Department of Tourism Science, Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minamiosawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397 Japan
- Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, 1-5-1, Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, 739-852 Japan
| | - Shinya Numata
- Department of Tourism Science, Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minamiosawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397 Japan
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Zuñiga-Palacios J, Zuria I, Castellanos I, Lara C, Sánchez-Rojas G. What do we know (and need to know) about the role of urban habitats as ecological traps? Systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Total Environ 2021; 780:146559. [PMID: 34030347 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Urban areas represent a spectrum that goes from being safe habitats for biodiversity (i.e., habitats more or equally preferred, without costs to fitness) to being ecological traps (i.e., habitats more or equally preferred, but with costs to fitness). Given the imminent urban expansion, it is valuable to assess how biodiversity is responding to urbanization and thus generate timely conservation strategies. We systematically review the urban ecology literature to analyze how much do we know about the role of urban areas as ecological traps. Using a formal meta-analytical approach, we test whether urban areas are functioning as ecological traps or as safe habitats for different taxonomic groups. We generated a data set of 646 effect sizes of different measures of habitat preferences and fitness from 38 papers published between 1985 and 2020. The data set covered 15 countries and 47 urban areas from four continents, including 29 animal species. Studies from North America and Europe were best represented, and birds were the most studied taxa. Overall, the meta-analysis suggests that urbanized habitats are functioning more as safe sites than as ecological traps, mainly for certain species with characteristics that have allowed them to adapt well to urban areas. That is, many of the studied species prefer more urbanized habitats over other less urbanized sites, and their fitness is not modified, or it is even increased. However, there was high heterogeneity among studies. We also performed meta-regressions to identify variables accounting for this heterogeneity across studies and we demonstrate that outcomes may depend on methodological aspects of studies, such as study design or the approach used to measure habitat preference and fitness. More research is needed for poorly studied regions and on a wider range of species before generalizations can be made on the role of urban areas for biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Zuñiga-Palacios
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Iriana Zuria
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico.
| | - Ignacio Castellanos
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Carlos Lara
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Sánchez-Rojas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
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Kotowski MA, Molnár Z, Łuczaj Ł. Fungal ethnoecology: observed habitat preferences and the perception of changes in fungal abundance by mushroom collectors in Poland. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2021; 17:29. [PMID: 33882985 PMCID: PMC8059240 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-021-00456-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scientists frequently raise the topic of data deficiency related to the abundance and distribution of macrofungi in the context of climate change. Our study is the first detailed documentation on locals' perception of fungal ecology which covers a large mycophilous region of Europe (Mazovia, Poland). METHODS A total of 695 semi-structured interviews were carried out among local informants in 38 localities proportionally distributed throughout the study area (one locality approximately every 30 km). Interview questions concerned fungi species collected, their perceived habitats, and whether any changes had been noted in their abundance. As many as 556 respondents provided information concerning fungal ecology. In these descriptions, 35 taxa were mentioned by at least 5 respondents. RESULTS The data collected during interviews allowed us to create collective folk descriptions of habitat preferences and a list of 98 different macro-, meso-, and microhabitats of macrofungi described by the respondents. This list of recurring habitats assigned to particular macrofungal taxa coincides with, and sometimes exceeds, data available in scientific publications. Some habitat preferences observed by the informants have not yet been researched or tested by science. Out of 695 respondents, 366 (53%) noticed a steady decrease in local macrofungi abundance, and only one person claimed to have observed a steady increase. Imleria badia was the only species with increased abundance, as noted by fifteen independent respondents. The main listed reason for abundance decrease was drought (f = 186). CONCLUSIONS Collected information on the ecology of fungi shows that local knowledge does not generally diverge from scientific knowledge. The acquired information related to macrofungal abundance and ecology may also be used as a tool for the formulation of new scientific questions and theories. The analysis of local fungi observations might contribute to broadening knowledge about local changes in fungi and enable new estimations related to large-scale analysis of macrofungal abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Andrzej Kotowski
- Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Vácrátót, H-2163, Hungary.
- Botanical Garden Center for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszów, Pigonia 1, 35-310, Rzeszów, Poland.
| | - Zsolt Molnár
- Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Vácrátót, H-2163, Hungary
| | - Łukasz Łuczaj
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszów, Pigonia 1, 35-310, Rzeszów, Poland
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Villastrigo A, Abellán P, Ribera I. Habitat preference and diversification rates in a speciose lineage of diving beetles. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2021; 159:107087. [PMID: 33545273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The long-term geological stability of aquatic habitats has been demonstrated to be a determinant in the evolution of macroinvertebrate fauna, with species in running (lotic) waters having lower dispersal abilities, smaller ranges and higher gene flow between populations than species in standing (lentic) environments. Lotic species have been hypothesized to be more specialised, but the diversification dynamics of both habitat types have not been studied in detail. Using a speciose lineage of water beetles we test here whether diversification rates are related to the habitat preference of the species and its consequences on turnover, which we expect to be higher for lotic taxa. Moreover, we tested whether life in lotic environments is acting as an evolutionary dead-end as it is considered an ecological specialisation. We built a comprehensive molecular phylogeny with 473 terminals representing 421 of the 689 known species of the tribe Hydroporini (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae), using a combination of sequences from four mitochondrial and two nuclear genes plus 69 mitogenomes obtained with NGS. We found a general pattern of gradual acceleration of diversification rate with time, with 2-3 significant diversification shifts. However, habitat is not the main factor driving diversification in Hydroporini based on SecSSE analyses. The most recent common ancestor of Hydroporini was reconstructed as a lotic species, with multiple shifts to lentic environments. Most frequent transitions were estimated from lentic and lotic habitats to the category "both", followed by transitions from lotic to lentic and lentic to lotic respectively, although with very similar rates. Contrary to expectations, we found little evidence for differences in diversification dynamics between habitats, with lotic environments clearly not acting as evolutionary dead-ends in Hydroporini.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Villastrigo
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Ignacio Ribera
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Narimanov N, Kempel A, van Kleunen M, Entling MH. Unexpected sensitivity of the highly invasive spider Mermessus trilobatus to soil disturbance in grasslands. Biol Invasions 2021; 23:1-6. [PMID: 33488272 PMCID: PMC7801346 DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02348-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The dwarf spider Mermessus trilobatus (Araneae: Linyphiidae), native to North America, has expanded its range over large parts of Europe within less than fifty years. It is notable for occurring in a wide range of mostly agricultural habitats, while most other invasive spiders in Europe are associated with human buildings. As in other invasive invertebrates and plants, the tremendous colonisation success of Mermessus trilobatus might be related to anthropogenic habitat disturbance. Here we aim to test if the invasion success of Mermessus trilobatus in Europe is associated with high tolerance towards soil disturbance. We sampled spiders from eight grasslands experimentally disturbed with superficial soil tillage and eight undisturbed grasslands without tillage. Opposite to our expectation, Mermessus trilobatus densities decrease sharply with soil disturbance. This is in contrast to several native species such as Oedothorax apicatus, which becomes more abundant in the fields after superficial soil tillage. Our study suggests that invasion success of Mermessus trilobatus is not connected to a ruderal strategy. The ecological and evolutionary processes behind colonisation success of Mermessus trilobatus need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nijat Narimanov
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, University of Koblenz-Landau, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Anne Kempel
- Institute of Plant Sciences, Department of Community Ecology, University of Bern, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mark van Kleunen
- Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000 China
| | - Martin H Entling
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, University of Koblenz-Landau, 76829 Landau, Germany.,Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Community Ecology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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13
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Itakura H, Wakiya R. Habitat preference, movements and growth of giant mottled eels, Anguilla marmorata, in a small subtropical Amami-Oshima Island river. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10187. [PMID: 33194404 PMCID: PMC7646302 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although anguillid eel populations have decreased remarkably in recent decades, few detailed ecological studies have been conducted on tropical eels such as the giant mottled eel whose range extends across the whole Indo-Pacific. This species was studied throughout the entire 0.5 km mainstem reaches of Oganeku River on the subtropical Amami-Oshima Island of Japan over a two-year period using four sampling periods to understand its habitat preference, early life-stage dispersal process, movements, and annual growth using a mark-recapture experiment conducted with quantitative electrofishing. A total of 396 juvenile growth-phase A. marmorata eels were caught and tagged, with 48 individuals being recaptured at least once. Their density irrespective of size of eels was most strongly determined by distance from the river mouth, followed by riverbank type according to random forest models. Eel density decreased with increasing distance from the freshwater tidal limit located about 100-150 m from the river mouth. Eels preferred vegetated riverbanks, while they avoided those of concrete and sand. The density of small eels (total length: TL < 240 mm) was also associated with depth and velocity, with small eels tending to prefer riffle or run habitats. In contrast, large eels (TL ≥ 240 mm) were found in habitats of any depth and velocity. The TL of eels had a minimum peak at around the tidal limit, and it increased with increasing distance from the tidal limit. The observed density and size gradients of eels in relation to the distance from the river mouth suggested that A. marmorata initially recruited to freshwater tidal limit areas and then dispersed in both downstream and upstream directions. The growth rate of eels varied greatly among individuals that were at large for various periods of time and ranged from 0 to 163.2 mm/year (mean ± SD of 31.8 ± 31.0 mm/year). Of the recaptured eels, 52.1% were recaptured in a section that was different from the original capture section, and their mean ± SD distance travelled was 46.5 ± 72.5 m (median = 20 m). 47.9% of the eels were recaptured from the original section of capture (i.e., <10 m distances travelled), suggesting that they had strong fidelity to specific habitats with limited movements. The distance travelled of eels that had moved was greater for small eels (range = 10-380 m; mean ± SD = 84.4 ± 121.9 m) than large individuals (range = 10-120 m; mean ± SD = 30.9 ± 31.0 m), which indicates that the mobility of the eels declines as they grow. This is the first clear detailed documentation of the spatial distribution, growth, and movements of tropical eels in a small river system in relation to environmental conditions that provides an example of how future studies can be conducted in other areas to understand how conservation efforts can be most efficiently targeted for maximum success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Itakura
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, MD, United States of America
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Ryoshiro Wakiya
- Research and Development Initiative, Chuo University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
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14
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Zheng Y, Huang F, Liang M, Liu X, Yu S. The effects of density dependence and habitat preference on species coexistence and relative abundance. Oecologia 2020; 194:673-684. [PMID: 33094381 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-020-04788-5] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In plant communities, some mechanisms maintain differences in species' abundances, while other mechanisms promote coexistence. Asymmetry in conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) and/or habitat preference is hypothesized to shape relative species abundance, whereas community compensatory trends (CCTs) induced by community-level CNDD and heterospecific facilitation are hypothesized to promote coexistence. We use survey data from three 1-ha permanent dynamic plots in a subtropical forest over the course of a decade to find out which of these processes are important and at which life-history stages (the seedling, sapling, and juvenile stages) they exert their effects. CNDD was not related to abundance in any of the life-history stages. Suitable habitats positively influenced plant abundance at all tested life stages, but especially so for juveniles. Community-level CNDD of seedling neighbors was detected at the seedling stage, while heterospecific facilitation was detected across all tested life-history stages. A CCT in seedling survival was detected, but there was no evidence for such trends across the other life-history stages. Altogether, our results suggest that habitat specificity increases the rarity of species, whereas a CCT at the seedling stage, which is likely to be induced by CNDD and heterospecific facilitation, enables such species to maintain their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Ecology, School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Fengmin Huang
- Department of Ecology, School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Minxia Liang
- Department of Ecology, School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xubing Liu
- Department of Ecology, School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Shixiao Yu
- Department of Ecology, School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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Abstract
Many studies have shown a correlation between postcranial anatomy and locomotor behavior in mammals, but the postcrania of small mammals (<5 kg) is often considered to be uninformative of their mode of locomotion due to their more generalized overall anatomy. Such small body size was true of all mammals during the Mesozoic. Anatomical correlates of locomotor behavior are easier to determine in larger mammals, but useful information can be obtained from the smaller ones. Limb bone proportions (e.g., brachial index) can be useful locomotor indicators; but complete skeletons, or even complete long bones, are rare for Mesozoic mammals, although isolated articular surfaces are often preserved. Here we examine the correlation of the morphology of long bone joint anatomy (specifically articular surfaces) and locomotor behavior in extant small mammals and demonstrate that such anatomy may be useful for determining the locomotor mode of Mesozoic mammals, at least for the therian mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Janis
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, Avon, UK
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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16
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Zenone A, Alagna A, D'Anna G, Kovalev A, Kreitschitz A, Badalamenti F, Gorb SN. Biological adhesion in seagrasses: The role of substrate roughness in Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile seedling anchorage via adhesive root hairs. Mar Environ Res 2020; 160:105012. [PMID: 32907731 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that developed several adaptive traits for living in submerged waters. Among this group, Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is the dominant species of the Mediterranean Sea, forming persistent meadows that provide valuable ecosystem services to human communities. P. oceanica seedlings can anchor to rocky substrates through adhesive root hairs. Here we investigate, for the first time, the bioadhesion process in seagrasses. Seedlings were grown on substrates provided with different roughness in order to identify mechanisms involved in the adhesion process. Root anchorage strength was measured through a peel test and hair morphology at different micro-roughness was analysed by electron and fluorescence microscopy. Maximum anchorage strength was recorded at roughness levels between 3 and 26 μm, while on finer (0.3) and coarser (52, 162 μm) roughness attachment was weaker. No attachment was obtained on smooth surfaces. Accordingly, root hair tip morphology strongly responded to the substrate. Morphological adaptation of the root hairs to surface topography and mechanical interlocking into the micro-roughness of the substrate appear the main mechanisms responsible for bioadhesion in the system under study. Substrate roughness at the scale of microns and tens of microns is pivotal for P. oceanica seedling attachment to take place. These findings contribute to identification of features of optimal microsite for P. oceanica seedling settlement and to the development of novel approaches to seagrass restoration that take advantage of species' key life history traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zenone
- CNR-IAS, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, 4521. Palermo, Italy; Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - A Alagna
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - Integrated Marine Ecology Department, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy.
| | - G D'Anna
- CNR-IAS, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, 4521. Palermo, Italy
| | - A Kovalev
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - A Kreitschitz
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany; Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wrocław, Ul. Kanonia, 50-328 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - F Badalamenti
- CNR-IAS, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, 4521. Palermo, Italy
| | - S N Gorb
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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17
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Karmaoui A. Seasonal Distribution of Phlebotomus papatasi, Vector of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:585-98. [PMID: 32347533 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The activity of Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli, a vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis, is known to be seasonal, but the information describing these patterns is sparse in time and space. The purpose of his paper is to conduct a meta-analysis to depict the seasonality of P. papatasi at the global scale. METHODS The current paper uses data from a collection of 1200 scientific papers, where 300 are about the vector and 36 include monthly data (of 61 sites) of the P. papatasi from 15 countries published from 1994 to 2017. RESULTS The activity peaked mainly in dry periods in all explored sites. A map of seasonal distribution depicted a peak activity in August, followed by September. Geographically (geographic preference), August and September at the latitude 33° showed the highest abundance at a global scale. Concerning the latitude P. papatasi distribution, the high number is localized between 27° and 35°. However, the high number of this species according to the longitude is localized between - 4° and 58°, which shows a high interval of activity. Locally, for the habitat preference, the findings show a preference of this vector to indoor than to outdoor. CONCLUSIONS All these results can be helpful in identifying the period and sites of a future potential risk of leishmaniasis. This is the first attempt at the update of the vector activity both at global and local scale.
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Cukor J, Linda R, Václavek P, Šatrán P, Mahlerová K, Vacek Z, Kunca T, Havránek F. Wild boar deathbed choice in relation to ASF: Are there any differences between positive and negative carcasses? Prev Vet Med 2020; 177:104943. [PMID: 32172021 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a fatal, infectious disease affecting wild boars and domestic pigs, mostly resulting in their deaths. Previous studies showed that carcasses of infected wild boars pose a serious threat for ASF virus transmission and leaving of dead bodies in the environment enables persistence of the disease in the given affected area. Therefore, the prompt finding and removal of the carcasses is crucial for effective ASF control. This study reveals habitat preferences of ASF-positive wild boars for their deathbeds, which could greatly improve the effectivity in the search for infected carcasses. The vast majority (71%) of carcasses were found in forests (although forests occupy only 26.6% of the high-risk area - Zlin region, Czech Republic), especially in young forest stands; 91.3% of infected wild boar carcasses, which were found in forests, were in stands of up to 40 years of age, where infected individuals search for calm and quiet places. The preference of younger forest stands is significantly higher for infected individuals (p < 0.001). On meadows, infected individuals preferred a higher herb layer (p = 0.002) compared to non-infected individuals. A higher preference of places more distant from roads and forest edges was observed for the infected individuals as well (p < 0.001 in both cases). No differences in deathbed habitat preference were observed between selected sex-age categories. The distance between carcasses and water source was observed to be dependent on current mean temperature. Carcasses were found closer to the water sources at higher mean temperature. Because of the comparable character of the landscape, presented models are applicable across Central Europe and have the potential to greatly facilitate the search for infected carcasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cukor
- Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, v.v.i., Strnady 136, 252 02, Jíloviště, Czech Republic; Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Rostislav Linda
- Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, v.v.i., Strnady 136, 252 02, Jíloviště, Czech Republic; Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Václavek
- State Veterinary Institute Jihlava, Rantířovská 93/20, 586 01, Jihlava, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Šatrán
- State Veterinary Administration, Slezská 7/100, 120 56, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Mahlerová
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Vacek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic.
| | - Tomáš Kunca
- Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Department of Game Management, Těšnov 65/17, 11000, Praha 1, Czech Republic
| | - František Havránek
- Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, v.v.i., Strnady 136, 252 02, Jíloviště, Czech Republic
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Tamrat M, Atickem A, Tsegaye D, Evangelista P, Bekele A, Stenseth NC. The effect of season and post-fire on habitat preferences of the endangered Swayne's hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) in Maze National Park, Ethiopia. BMC Ecol 2020; 20:5. [PMID: 31992270 PMCID: PMC6986001 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-020-0275-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The availability of preferred habitats determines the spatial and temporal distribution of herbivores in savanna ecosystems. Understanding habitat preference of a targeted wildlife species is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. Habitat preference of large grazers in connection to grass height and post-fire effect has been debated for the last century. Here, we examined the effects of season, grass height and burning on the habitat preference on Swayne's hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) in Maze National Park. Data for seasonal habitat selection were collected using both direct observation along established transect lines and pellet counting using permanently established plots. Every month, we measured grass height commonly preferred by Swayne's hartebeest in grassland habitat. Starting from the first week of burning, we recorded the abundance of Swayne's hartebeest in both burned and unburned grassland patches. RESULTS From detected pellets, 94.3% were recorded in the grassland habitat indicating that other habitat types are less used despite their extensive cover > 50% of the Park. During wet and early dry seasons, Swayne's hartebeest exclusively preferred grassland habitat. We found that 85.2% (n = 1079) and 85.3% (n = 593) of individuals observed in areas with a grass height below 30 cm during wet and early-dry seasons, respectively; while 70.9% (n = 2288) preferred grass height below 30 cm during the dry season. The density of Swayne's hartebeest in burned grassland area was higher than unburned grassland areas up to 150 days since burning. However, in unburned grassland areas, the density was initially low but showed increasing trend for consecutive days, reaching similar density with burned areas after 150 days since burning. CONCLUSION Swayne's hartebeest exclusively preferred grassland habitat, particularly during wet and early-dry seasons, shortest available grass height in all seasons and were attracted to burned grassland areas. Our results suggested that fire played an important role in maintaining habitat quality in grassland, and that management should continue using controlled burning as a tool for the conservation of Swayne's hartebeest. However, we remain cautious of our findings given the paucity of information regarding other confounding factors and the absence of long-term data on fire disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misganaw Tamrat
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1066, 0316, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Zoological Sciences, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Anagaw Atickem
- Department of Zoological Sciences, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Diress Tsegaye
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1066, 0316, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Paul Evangelista
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, B254 NESB, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80524-1499, USA
| | - Afework Bekele
- Department of Zoological Sciences, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nils Chr Stenseth
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1066, 0316, Oslo, Norway
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Roch S, Walter T, Ittner LD, Friedrich C, Brinker A. A systematic study of the microplastic burden in freshwater fishes of south-western Germany - Are we searching at the right scale? Sci Total Environ 2019; 689:1001-1011. [PMID: 31280146 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In a comprehensive study of microplastic contamination in southern Germany, 1167 individual fish of 22 different species were sampled from 11 rivers and 6 lakes across the state. The microplastic burden of investigated fish was analyzed on the basis of habitat type, location, and a number of abiotic and biotic factors. A particle size distribution analysis of the detected microplastics was carried out. The results showed a relatively low plastic prevalence of 18.8%, with significant differences between rivers (20.6%) and lakes (16.5%). The number of ingested plastic particles ranged between 1 and 4 particles per fish. The majority of abiotic and biotic factors seem to play little or no role in the ingestion of microplastics, suggesting that in most cases uptake is passive or accidental. It is notable that piscivorous fish appeared significantly less burdened, suggesting a low transfer rate and no accumulation in the food web. However, size distribution analysis identified a power law growth fit in particle numbers at the smallest end of the distribution. This carries a worrying implication, that >95% of particles are likely to be smaller than 40 μm and thereby beyond the detection range of this and most other microplastic surveys conducted so far. When the frequency development of small particles is taken into account, the likely microplastic prevalence in the present study increases to 100%, with an average intensity of around 23 predominantly small particles per fish. A striking 70% of those particles would be smaller than 5 μm and therefore eligible for translocation into tissues, with critical implications for fish health and consumer exposure. This raises a question as to whether current estimates of microplastic burden in fishes generally might be overlooking a majority of potential contamination within the critical smaller particle size classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Roch
- Fisheries Research Station Baden-Württemberg, Argenweg 50/1, 88085 Langenargen, Germany; University of Konstanz, Mainaustraße 252, 78464 Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Thomas Walter
- Fisheries Research Station Baden-Württemberg, Argenweg 50/1, 88085 Langenargen, Germany
| | - Lukas D Ittner
- Fisheries Research Station Baden-Württemberg, Argenweg 50/1, 88085 Langenargen, Germany
| | - Christian Friedrich
- FMF Freiburg Material Research Centre and Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, 79104 Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Alexander Brinker
- Fisheries Research Station Baden-Württemberg, Argenweg 50/1, 88085 Langenargen, Germany; University of Konstanz, Mainaustraße 252, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
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21
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Mustapa NI, Yong HL, Lee LK, Lim ZF, Lim HC, Teng ST, Luo Z, Gu H, Leaw CP, Lim PT. Growth and epiphytic behavior of three Gambierdiscus species (Dinophyceae) associated with various macroalgal substrates. Harmful Algae 2019; 89:101671. [PMID: 31672230 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2019.101671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Species of the benthic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus produce polyether neurotoxins that caused ciguatera fish/shellfish poisoning in human. The toxins enter marine food webs by foraging of herbivores on the biotic substrates like macroalgae that host the toxic dinoflagellates. Interaction of Gambierdiscus and their macroalgal substrate hosts is believed to shape the tendency of substrate preferences and habitat specialization. This was supported by studies that manifested epiphytic preferences and behaviors in Gambierdiscus species toward different macroalgal hosts. To further examine the supposition, a laboratory-based experimental study was conducted to examine the growth, epiphytic behaviors and host preferences of three Gambierdiscus species towards four macroalgal hosts over a culture period of 40 days. The dinoflagellates Gambierdiscus balechii, G. caribaeus, and a new ribotype, herein designated as Gambierdiscus type 7 were initially identified based on the thecal morphology and molecular characterization. Our results showed that Gambierdiscus species tested in this study exhibited higher growth rates in the presence of macroalgal hosts. Growth responses and attachment behaviors, however, differed among different species and strains of Gambierdiscus over different macroalgal substrate hosts. Cells of Gambierdiscus mostly attached to substrate hosts at the beginning of the experiments but detached at the later time. Localized Gambierdiscus-host interactions, as demonstrated in this study, could help to better inform efforts of sampling and monitoring of this benthic toxic dinoflagellate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurin Izzati Mustapa
- Bachok Marine Research Station, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaysia, Bachok, 16310, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hwa Lin Yong
- Bachok Marine Research Station, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaysia, Bachok, 16310, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Li Keat Lee
- Bachok Marine Research Station, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaysia, Bachok, 16310, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zhen Fei Lim
- Bachok Marine Research Station, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaysia, Bachok, 16310, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hong Chang Lim
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Johor Branch Campus, 85000, Segamat, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Sing Tung Teng
- Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Zhaohe Luo
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Haifeng Gu
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Chui Pin Leaw
- Bachok Marine Research Station, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaysia, Bachok, 16310, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Po Teen Lim
- Bachok Marine Research Station, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaysia, Bachok, 16310, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Otwoma LM, Reuter H. Do differences in mating behaviour lead to differences in connectivity patterns of reef fishes? Insights from two sympatric surgeonfish species in the Indian Ocean. Mar Environ Res 2019; 151:104760. [PMID: 31358313 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Disentangling the contribution of biotic and abiotic factors in the structuring of the genetic diversity of reef species is critical to illuminate the diversification of evolutionary lineages in marine environment. Howevr, previous studies have mainly focused on determining the influence of pelagic larval duration on the connectivity and demographic history of reef fishes, whereas few studies have examined the effects of other biotic factors, such as mating behaviour and habitat preference. Here, we use mitochondrial DNA (ATPase 6/8) and ten microsatellite loci to compare the population genetic structure and demographic history of the spawning aggregating Acanthurus triostegus with the monogamous spawning Acanthurus leucosternon. Pairwise comparisons and discriminant analysis of principal components showed that the genetic structuring patterns of the two species are not consistent with the influence of mating behaviour, suggesting the possible role of other biotic and abiotic factors. However, demographic history estimates revealed that these species may have responded differently to sea level fluctuations during the glacial maxima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levy Michael Otwoma
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany; Faculty Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Germany; Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Mombasa, Kenya.
| | - Hauke Reuter
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany; Faculty Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Germany
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Do Y, Lee SY, Chung KW, Moon TY. Understanding diversity and distribution of the insect assemblages associated with carrions. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 68:101865. [PMID: 31493721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.101865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
375 case studies from 120 publications published over the last three decades on forensic entomology were reviewed to determine how many carcass-associated insects have been described globally and which species are relatively important among carcass-associated insects. A total of 1213 carcass-associated insects belonging to 91 families of 10 orders were described from 375 case studies in nine habitat types of 30 countries with 24 subjects including humans and non-human animals. There were 564 and 515 species from the orders Diptera and Coleoptera, respectively, which was almost 90% of the total species recorded. The richness and distribution of dead body-associated insects considerably differed among countries, habitats, and dead body types. We propose some species based on criteria including distribution, occurrence frequency, and resource preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuno Do
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, South Korea.
| | - Seung Yeon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, South Korea
| | - Ki Wha Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, South Korea
| | - Tae-Young Moon
- Department of the Biomedical Sciences, Kosin University, South Korea
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24
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Ghosh S, Arvind DG, Dobbie S. Evaluation of microclimates and assessment of thermal comfort of Panthera leo in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Int J Biometeorol 2019; 63:269-279. [PMID: 30680620 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-018-01660-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying comfort levels of lions within the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is the main focus of this study. Its discourse delineates step by step the process of quantifying comfort levels of lions within the Mara. Resource-efficient measures for humans in the built environment have long been developed through the creation of passive zones and modulated ventilation. In an analogous manner, new procedures are being adapted for creating optimized microclimates in natural game reserves. This involves CFD (computational fluid dynamics)-inspired landscaping. It is seen that the predicted mean vote (PMV) values-measures of thermal comfort-exceed the expected comfortable ranges suitable for normal functioning of lions in the reserve. This calls for a detailed exploration on sustainable development of this sanctuary. The paper illustrates how modern tools in computational fluid dynamics can be used along with standard ecological models to ascertain the optimal extent of airflow, levels of hydration, and land use pattern changes affecting the prevailing microclimate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyajit Ghosh
- School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT University, Vellore, India.
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Dhruv Gangadharan Arvind
- School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, India
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steven Dobbie
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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25
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Araújo CVM, Blasco J. Spatial avoidance as a response to contamination by aquatic organisms in nonforced, multicompartmented exposure systems: A complementary approach to the behavioral response. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019; 38:312-320. [PMID: 30444292 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The idea that the hazard of contaminants is exclusively related to their toxic effects does not consider the fact that some organisms can avoid contamination, preventing toxicity. Although inferences about avoidance are made in most behavioral ecotoxicology studies, assessment of the real spatial displacement (organisms moving toward another habitat to escape contamination) is difficult due to the type of exposure (confined and mandatory) used in the bioassays: a forced exposure approach. A complementary approach using nonforced exposure systems to assess how contaminants affect the spatial distribution of organisms in a bicompartmented (toxic or nontoxic) environment has long been described. Recently, this nonforced approach has been developed to include a multi compartmented system in which different samples can be simultaneously tested. The aim of the present review was to describe the importance of the nonforced, multicompartmented exposure approach to simulate a gradient or patches of contamination, to describe the 2 main exposure systems, and to highlight the ecological relevance of including spatial avoidance and habitat preference in ecotoxicological studies. The multicompartmentalization of the system makes it possible to simulate more complex scenarios and therefore include new ecological concepts in bioassays. We also contrasted spatial avoidance in the nonforced exposure systems with the behavioral endpoints measured under other exposure systems. Finally, we showed that the nonforced, multicompartmented exposure approach makes it possible 1) to improve environmental risk assessments by adding the dispersion pattern of organisms in a multihabitat scenario, and 2) to integrate ecological concepts such as recolonization of recovering habitats, loss of habitat connectivity, habitat fragmentation, and contamination-driven metapopulation, which have received limited attention in ecotoxicological studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:312-320. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano V M Araújo
- Department of Ecology and Coastal Management, Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Julián Blasco
- Department of Ecology and Coastal Management, Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, Cádiz, Spain
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26
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Jiang Z, Xu N, Liu B, Zhou L, Wang J, Wang C, Dai B, Xiong W. Metal concentrations and risk assessment in water, sediment and economic fish species with various habitat preferences and trophic guilds from Lake Caizi, Southeast China. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2018; 157:1-8. [PMID: 29605640 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.03.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [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: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the potential emissions of heavy metal pollution in Lake Caizi due to extensive agriculture, urban growth and fishing activities, the risk posed by metal concentrations to aquatic environments and human populations has not yet been studied. In this study we compared the concentrations of Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn in water, sediment, and economic fish species with different habitat preferences and trophic guilds across important fishery areas in Lake Caizi, located on the northern shore of the Yangtze River, Southeast China. The concentrations of Cr in water were found approximately 6 times higher than the safety thresholds established by international legislation. Cr, Zn, As and Cd concentrations in sediments surpassed the background values for Yangtze River basin in Anhui Province. However, all the studied fish species in Lake Caizi had metal concentrations lower than legislation thresholds established by China and international organizations. Heavy metal concentrations were found to be significantly higher in demersal (inhabiting near the sediments) and piscivorous (possessing higher trophic level) fishes than in pelagic/benthopelagic (inhabiting the upper and lower water column) and herbivorous/planktivorous (possessing lower trophic level) fishes. Our finding demonstrated that the metal concentrations in fishes are simultaneously influenced by the habitat and bio-accumulation through the food chain. According to target hazard quotient (THQ) calculations for heavy metal contents in the muscles of fish species, all the determined heavy metals gave THQ values lower than 1, suggesting the inexistence of health risks from the intake of fishes from Lake Caizi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongguan Jiang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Nan Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Bingxiang Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China.
| | - Lizhi Zhou
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Bingguo Dai
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Wen Xiong
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
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27
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Abstract
Background Larval settlement and intra-specific interactions during the recruitment phase are crucial in determining the distribution and density of sessile marine populations. Marine caves are confined and stable habitats. As such, they provide a natural laboratory to study the settlement and recruitment processes in sessile invertebrates, including the valuable Mediterranean red coral Corallium rubrum. In the present study, the spatial and temporal variability of red coral settlers in an underwater cave was investigated by demographic and genetic approaches. Methods Sixteen PVC tiles were positioned on the walls and ceiling of the Colombara Cave, Ligurian Sea, and recovered after twenty months. A total of 372 individuals of red coral belonging to two different reproductive events were recorded. Basal diameter, height, and number of polyps were measured, and seven microsatellites loci were used to evaluate the genetic relationships among individuals and the genetic structure. Results Significant differences in the colonization rate were observed both between the two temporal cohorts and between ceiling and walls. No genetic structuring was observed between cohorts. Overall, high levels of relatedness among individuals were found. Conclusion The results show that C. rubrumindividuals on tiles are highly related at very small spatial scales, suggesting that nearby recruits are likely to be sibs. Self-recruitment and the synchronous settlement of clouds of larvae could be possible explanations for the observed pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Costantini
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGEA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy.,Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), Ravenna, Italy.,CoNISMa, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Rugiu
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- CoNISMa, Roma, Italy.,Department of Life and Environmental Science (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Abbiati
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), Ravenna, Italy.,CoNISMa, Roma, Italy.,Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
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Abstract
Habitat selection is fundamentally important to animal ecology, and animals that can learn about habitats can increase the probability of avoiding detection by predators or quickly finding food. Here, we tested whether juveniles of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, can learn preference for habitat types based on experience with food availability. Crayfish were housed in arenas with two habitat types, half leaf habitat and half rock habitat. Over several days, crayfish were fed consistently in one of the habitat types. Initial tests revealed that crayfish had an innate preference for the leaf habitat, but conditioning over 2-3 weeks was sufficient to shift this preference to the rock habitat based on habitat cues rather than other spatial cues in their environment. The ability to learn the relevance of habitat features may be an important trait for the colonization success, and subsequent impact, of introduced species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M Johnson
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Adam L Crane
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada.
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Cornils JS, Hoelzl F, Rotter B, Bieber C, Ruf T. Edible dormice ( Glis glis) avoid areas with a high density of their preferred food plant - the European beech. Front Zool 2017; 14:23. [PMID: 28428805 PMCID: PMC5397747 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-017-0206-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous species, especially among rodents, are strongly affected by the availability of pulsed resources. The intermittent production of large seed crops in northern hemisphere tree species (e.g., beech Fagus spec.,oak Quercus spec., pine trees Pinus spec.) are prime examples of these resource pulses. Adult edible dormice are highly dependent on high energy seeds to maximize their reproductive output. For juvenile dormice the energy rich food is important to grow and fatten in a very short time period prior to hibernation. While these erratic, often large-scale synchronized mast events provide overabundant seed availability, a total lack of seed production can be observed in so-called mast failure years. We hypothesized that dormice either switch territories between mast and non-mast years, to maximize energy availability or select habitats in which alternative food sources are also available (e.g., fleshy fruits, cones). To analyze the habitat preferences of edible dormice we performed environmental niche factor analyses (ENFA) for 9 years of capture-recapture data. Results As expected, the animals mainly used areas with high canopy closure and vertical stratification, probably to avoid predation. Surprisingly, we found that dormice avoided areas with high beech tree density, but in contrast preferred areas with a relatively high proportion of coniferous trees. Conifer cones and leaves can be an alternative food source for edible dormice and are less variable in availability. Conclusion Therefore, we conclude that edible dormice try to avoid areas with large fluctuations in food availability to be able to survive years without mast in their territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Cornils
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Hoelzl
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Rotter
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Bieber
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Ruf
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
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30
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Medo J, Michalko J, Medová J, Cagáň Ľ. Phylogenetic structure and habitat associations of Beauveria species isolated from soils in Slovakia. J Invertebr Pathol 2016; 140:46-50. [PMID: 27546863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2016.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The phylogenetic structure of 109 soil-borne entomopathogenic Beauveria isolates acquired using the Galleria mellonella bait method from different habitat types in Slovakia was determined by sequence analysis of their ITS and Bloc loci. Three Beauveria species were identified; Beauveria bassiana, B. pseudobassiana and B. brongniartii, represented by 51.4%, 43.1% and 5.5% of acquired isolates, respectively, which were resolved into 15, 1 and 1 distinguishable haplotypes. Correlation analysis with the habitat type and individual habitat characteristics showed strong preferences of the most prevalent haplotypes for agricultural (B. bassiana A1) and forest habitats (B. pseudobassiana) which has possible implications for conservative biocontrol strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Medo
- Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia.
| | - Jaroslav Michalko
- Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Akademická 2, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia; Institute of Forest Ecology, Arboretum Mlynany, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Vieska nad Zitavou 178, 951 52 Slepcany, Slovakia
| | - Janka Medová
- Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 1, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Ľudovít Cagáň
- Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
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31
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Tee HS, Lee CY. Water balance profiles, humidity preference and survival of two sympatric cockroach egg parasitoids Evania appendigaster and Aprostocetus hagenowii (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae; Eulophidae). J Insect Physiol 2015; 77:45-54. [PMID: 25921676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The impact of desiccation on habitat selection, foraging and survival has been characterized for many insects. However, limited information is available for parasitic wasps. In this study, water balance, relative humidity (RH) preference, and effect of humidity on survival of solitary Evania appendigaster (L.) (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae) and gregarious Aprostocetus hagenowii (Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were examined. These species are both oothecal parasitoids of the American cockroach Periplaneta americana (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae). E. appendigaster had significantly higher cuticular permeability (CP) and a lower surface area to volume ratio but a similar percentage of total body water content compared to A. hagenowii. No differences in these attributes were found between sexes of each parasitoid species. The percentage of total body water loss rates among E. appendigaster males and females and A. hagenowii females were similar but significantly lower than that of A. hagenowii males. All parasitoids except E. appendigaster males exhibited reduced survival times as the RH of their enclosure decreased from 87% to 38%, but this phenomenon did not occur when parasitoids were given a sugar solution. In environmental chambers with a 44-87% RH gradient, both sexes of E. appendigaster resided significantly more often in the 87% RH chamber than in the 44% RH chamber. For A. hagenowii, females preferred both the driest and the wettest chambers and males preferred the driest ones. These results demonstrate the water balance profile and its relationship to life history traits and differential responses to RH in these competing parasitoid wasps, suggesting the role of physiological and behavioral adaptations in shaping their ecological niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Siang Tee
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chow-Yang Lee
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
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Dida GO, Gelder FB, Anyona DN, Matano AS, Abuom PO, Adoka SO, Ouma C, Kanangire CK, Owuor PO, Ofulla AVO. Distribution and abundance of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis host snails along the Mara River in Kenya and Tanzania. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2014; 4:24281. [PMID: 25405008 PMCID: PMC4216393 DOI: 10.3402/iee.v4.24281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We purposively selected 39 sampling sites along the Mara River and its two perennial tributaries of Amala and Nyangores and sampled snails. In addition, water physicochemical parameters (temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, alkalinity, salinity and pH) were taken to establish their influence on the snail abundance and habitat preference. Out of the 39 sites sampled, 10 (25.6%) had snails. The snail species encountered included Biomphalaria pfeifferi Krauss – the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, Bulinus africanus – the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium, and Lymnaea natalensis Krauss – the intermediate host of both Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica Cobbold. Ceratophallus spp., a non-vector snail was also encountered. Most (61.0%) of the snails were encountered in streamside pools. Schistosomiasis-transmitting host snails, B. pfeifferi and B. africanus, were fewer than fascioliasis-transmitting Lymnaea species. All the four different snail species were found to be attached to different aquatic weeds, with B. pfeifferi accounting for over half (61.1%) of the snails attached to the sedge, followed by B. africanus and Lymnaea spp., accounting for 22.2 and 16.7%, respectively. Ceratophallus spp. were non-existent in sedge. The results from this preliminary study show that snails intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis exists in different habitats, in few areas along the Mara River, though their densities are still low to have any noticeable impacts on disease transmission in case they are infected. The mere presence of the vector snails in these focal regions calls for their immediate control and institution of proper regulations, management, and education among the locals that can help curtail the spread of the snails and also schistosomiasis and fascioliasis within the Mara River basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel O Dida
- School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya ; Department of Vector Ecology and Environment, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Frank B Gelder
- Probe International, Inc., Copley, OH, USA ; Probe International, Inc., Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Douglas N Anyona
- School of Environment and Earth Science, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Ally-Said Matano
- School of Environment and Earth Science, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya ; EAC-Lake Victoria Basin Commission Secretariat, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Paul O Abuom
- School of Environment and Earth Science, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Samson O Adoka
- School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Collins Ouma
- School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | | | | | - Ayub V O Ofulla
- School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
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Abstract
There are many reports of dioecious flowering plants with positive spatial association of gender, such that males and females tend to occur at different sites. This pattern has been interpreted as demonstrating environmenal heterogeneity, the two sexes having different habitat preferences. However, it is not clear: (a) to what extent the literature reflects the greater likelihood of publishing striking positive results; and (b) whether the association of stems of like gender within habitats is caused by differences in microhabitat preference rather than by vegetative ramification. We surveyed natural populations of ten sexually heteromorphic species in southern Quebec, and found that five showed positive association and four showed no association between the genders. With one exception (Silene cucubalus) these results appeared to reflect the presence or absence of vegetative ramification. We conclude that the demonstration of spatial association cannot be used to infer the existence of microenvironmental heterogeneity except in species with no capacity for vegetative ramification. The tenth species, Silene alba, showed negative association, with an excess of neighbouring pairs of unlike gender, but we were unable to reproduce this phenomenon experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Iglesias
- Biology Department, McGill University, 1205 Ave. Dr. Penfield, H3A 1B1, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Graham Bell
- Biology Department, McGill University, 1205 Ave. Dr. Penfield, H3A 1B1, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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