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Wang S, Li W, Zhang J, Luo Z, Li Y. Alien range size, habitat breadth, origin location, and domestication of alien species matter to their impact risks. Integr Zool 2024. [PMID: 38757559 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Invasive alien species are a major driver of biodiversity loss. Currently, the process of biological invasions is experiencing a constant acceleration, foreshadowing a future increase in the threat posed by invasive alien species to global biodiversity. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the impact risks of invasive alien species and related factors. Here, we constructed a dataset of negative environmental impact events to evaluate the impact risks of alien species. We collected information on 1071 established alien terrestrial vertebrates and then gathered negative environmental impacts for 108 of those species. Generalized linear mixed-effects model and phylogenetic generalized least-squares regression model were used to examine the characteristic (including life-history traits, characteristics related to distribution, and introduction event characteristics) correlates of species' impact risks at the global scale for 108 established alien terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians). Our results showed that a total of 3158 negative environmental impacts were reported for 108 harmful species across 71 countries worldwide. Factors associated with impact risks varied slightly among taxa, but alien range size, habitat breadth, origin location, and domestication were significantly correlated with impact risks. Our study aims to identify the characteristics of alien species with high-impact risks to facilitate urgent assessment of alien species and to protect the local ecological environment and biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zexu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
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2
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Beach CR, Jacques CN, Lancaster JD, Osborne DC, Yetter AP, Cole RA, Hagy HM, Fournier AMV. Lessons learned from using wild-caught and captive-reared lesser scaup ( Aythya affinis) in captive experiments. Transl Anim Sci 2024; 8:txae076. [PMID: 38764467 PMCID: PMC11100427 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Waterfowl are housed in captivity for research studies that are infeasible in the wild. Accommodating the unique requirements of semi-aquatic species in captivity while meeting experimental design criteria for research questions can be challenging and may have unknown effects on animal health. Thus, testing and standardizing best husbandry and care practices for waterfowl is necessary to facilitate proper husbandry and humane care while ensuring reliable and repeatable research results. To inform husbandry practices for captive-reared and wild-caught lesser scaup (Aythya affinis; hereafter, scaup), we assessed body mass and fat composition across two different aspects of husbandry, source population (captive-reared or wild caught), and housing densities (birds/m2). Our results suggest that housing scaup at low densities (≤0.6 m2/bird, P = 0.049) relative to other species can minimize negative health effects. Captive-reared scaup were heavier (P = 0.027) with greater body fat (P < 0.001) and exhibited fewer signs of stress during handling than wild-caught scaup. In our experience, scaup which are captive-reared from eggs collected in the wild were better for long-term captivity studies as they maintained body mass between and recovered lost body mass following trials. Researchers would benefit from carefully evaluating the tradeoffs of using short- and long-term captive methods on their research question before designing projects, husbandry practices, and housing facilities for waterfowl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheyenne R Beach
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455, USA
- Forbes Biological Station–Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Havana, IL 62644, USA
| | - Christopher N Jacques
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455, USA
| | - Joseph D Lancaster
- Gulf Coast Joint Venture, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. 700 Cajundome Blvd., Lafayette, LA 70506, USA
| | - Douglas C Osborne
- College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Monticello, AR 71656, USA
| | - Aaron P Yetter
- Forbes Biological Station–Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Havana, IL 62644, USA
| | - Rebecca A Cole
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Heath M Hagy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455, USA
- National Wildlife Refuge System, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Stanton, TN 38069, USA
| | - Auriel M V Fournier
- Forbes Biological Station–Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Havana, IL 62644, USA
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3
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Dallas JW, Warne RW. Captivity and Animal Microbiomes: Potential Roles of Microbiota for Influencing Animal Conservation. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:820-838. [PMID: 35316343 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-01991-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
During the ongoing biodiversity crisis, captive conservation and breeding programs offer a refuge for species to persist and provide source populations for reintroduction efforts. Unfortunately, captive animals are at a higher disease risk and reintroduction efforts remain largely unsuccessful. One potential factor in these outcomes is the host microbiota which includes a large diversity and abundance of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that play an essential role in host physiology. Relative to wild populations, the generalized pattern of gut and skin microbiomes in captivity are reduced alpha diversity and they exhibit a significant shift in community composition and/or structure which often correlates with various physiological maladies. Many conditions of captivity (antibiotic exposure, altered diet composition, homogenous environment, increased stress, and altered intraspecific interactions) likely lead to changes in the host-associated microbiome. To minimize the problems arising from captivity, efforts can be taken to manipulate microbial diversity and composition to be comparable with wild populations through methods such as increasing dietary diversity, exposure to natural environmental reservoirs, or probiotics. For individuals destined for reintroduction, these strategies can prime the microbiota to buffer against novel pathogens and changes in diet and improve reintroduction success. The microbiome is a critical component of animal physiology and its role in species conservation should be expanded and included in the repertoire of future management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Dallas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
| | - Robin W Warne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
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Stanley MC, McNaughton EJ, Fewster RM, Galbraith JA. Cumulative propagule pressure exerted by escaped pet parrots. J Appl Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C. Stanley
- Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Ellery J. McNaughton
- Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Auckland Council Auckland New Zealand
| | - Rachel M. Fewster
- Department of Statistics Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Josie A. Galbraith
- Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Department of Natural Sciences Auckland Museum Auckland New Zealand
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5
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Florkowski MR, Yorzinski JL. Dopamine receptor activation elicits a possible stress-related coping behavior in a wild-caught songbird. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13520. [PMID: 35795178 PMCID: PMC9252180 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals experience stress throughout their lives and exhibit both physiological and behavioral responses to cope with it. The stress response can become harmful when prolonged and increasing evidence suggests that dopamine plays a critical role in extinguishing the stress response. In particular, activation of the D2 dopamine receptor reduces glucocorticoids and increases coping behavior, i.e., behavioral responses to adverse stimuli that reduce the harmful effects of stress. However, few studies have examined the effects of dopamine on the stress responses of wild species. We therefore tested the hypothesis that activation of the D2 dopamine receptor influences coping-like behavior in a wild-caught species. We recorded behavior of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) before and after they received injections of D2 dopamine agonists, D2 dopamine antagonists, or saline. House sparrows are common in urban environments and understanding how they cope with stress may help us better understand how animals cope with urban stressors. We found that the birds significantly increased biting of inanimate objects after the agonist but there was no change following the antagonist or saline. The biting of inanimate objects may be a mechanism of behavioral coping. This change in biting behavior was not correlated with general movement. This study supports the hypothesis that D2 dopamine receptor activation is involved in the regulation of the stress response in a wild bird.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R. Florkowski
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jessica L. Yorzinski
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Badia‐Boher JA, Hernández‐Matías A, Viada C, Real J. Raptor reintroductions: Cost‐effective alternatives to captive breeding. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Adrià Badia‐Boher
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació Departament de Biologia Evolutiva Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Catalonia Spain
| | - Antonio Hernández‐Matías
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació Departament de Biologia Evolutiva Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Catalonia Spain
| | - Carlota Viada
- LIFE Bonelli Govern de les Illes Balears‐COFIB Palma Spain
| | - Joan Real
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació Departament de Biologia Evolutiva Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Catalonia Spain
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7
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Pacheco XP, Madden JR. Does the social network structure of wild animal populations differ from that of animals in captivity? Behav Processes 2021; 190:104446. [PMID: 34147575 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The social behaviour of wild animals living in groups leads to social networks with structures that produce group-level effects and position individuals within them with differential consequences for an individual's fitness. Social dynamics in captivity can differ greatly from those in wild conspecifics given the different constraints on social organization in wild populations, e.g. group size, predation pressure, distribution of resources (food, mates), which are all regulated by human carers in captive populations. The social networks of animals in zoos is expected to differ from those of free-living conspecifics. While many studies have described the social networks of a wide diversity of wild and captive animals, none has directly compared the networks of multiple groups of a single species both in the wild and in captivity. Meerkats, Suricata suricatta, are an excellent species to compare the social networks of wild and captive groups. We replicated the methods of Madden et al. (2009, 2011), who studied eight groups in the wild, in fifteen captive groups. We tested how network structures and individual positions in grooming, foraging competition and dominance networks differed between wild and captive groups. Groups of wild and captive meerkats differed in various aspects of their social network structure. Differences in the network may be due to individuals occupying different network positions and the difference in the number and strength of their connections to other individuals. This distinct way of interacting and associating could be a result of group specific attributes, such as group size, and/or the attributes of the donor and recipient, including sex, status or age. Critically, the differences may be explained by the dissimilar living environment that each encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xareni P Pacheco
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, Washington Singer Building, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK; Centre for Research in Applied Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Instituto Literario 100, Centro, 50000 Toluca, Mexico.
| | - Joah R Madden
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, Washington Singer Building, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK.
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Baños‐Villalba A, Carrete M, Tella JL, Blas J, Potti J, Camacho C, Diop MS, Marchant TA, Cabezas S, Edelaar P. Selection on individuals of introduced species starts before the actual introduction. Evol Appl 2021; 14:781-793. [PMID: 33767752 PMCID: PMC7980263 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological invasion is a global problem with large negative impacts on ecosystems and human societies. When a species is introduced, individuals will first have to pass through the invasion stages of uptake and transport, before actual introduction in a non-native range. Selection is predicted to act during these earliest stages of biological invasion, potentially influencing the invasiveness and/or impact of introduced populations. Despite this potential impact of pre-introduction selection, empirical tests are virtually lacking. To test the hypothesis of pre-introduction selection, we followed the fate of individuals during capture, initial acclimation, and captivity in two bird species with several invasive populations originating from the international trade in wild-caught pets (the weavers Ploceus melanocephalus and Euplectes afer). We confirm that pre-introduction selection acts on a wide range of physiological, morphological, behavioral, and demographic traits (incl. sex, age, size of body/brain/bill, bill shape, body mass, corticosterone levels, and escape behavior); these are all traits which likely affect invasion success. Our study thus comprehensively demonstrates the existence of hitherto ignored selection acting before the actual introduction into non-native ranges. This could ultimately change the composition and functioning of introduced populations, and therefore warrants greater attention. More knowledge on pre-introduction selection also might provide novel targets for the management of invasive species, if pre-introduction filters can be adjusted to change the quality and/or quantity of individuals passing through such that invasion probability and/or impacts are reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julio Blas
- Estación Biológica de Doñana‐CSICSevillaSpain
| | - Jaime Potti
- Estación Biológica de Doñana‐CSICSevillaSpain
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Rivas-Salvador J, Aguilera-Alcalá N, Tella JL, Carrete M. Assessing the introduction of exotic raptors into the wild from falconry. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02425-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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10
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Fischer CP, Romero LM. The effects of daily mitotane or diazepam treatment on the formation of chronic stress symptoms in newly captured wild house sparrows. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa118. [PMID: 34970435 PMCID: PMC7771575 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Wild animals brought into captivity frequently experience chronic stress and typically need a period of time to adjust to the conditions of captivity (restraint, artificial lighting, altered diet, human presence, etc.), to which they may never fully acclimate. Changes in mass, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and heart rate parameters have been observed over the first week in newly captive house sparrows (Passer domesticus). In this study, we tested the effects of two drugs, diazepam and mitotane, in preventing the chronic stress symptoms caused by captivity, compared with oil-injected control animals. Diazepam is an anxiolytic that is widely prescribed in humans and other animals and has been shown in some cases to reduce physiological stress. Mitotane is an agent that causes chemical adrenalectomy, reducing the body's capacity to produce glucocorticoid hormones. Our mitotane treatment did not cause the expected change in corticosterone concentrations. Baseline corticosterone was higher after a week in captivity regardless of the treatment group, while stress-induced corticosterone did not significantly increase above baseline after a week in captivity in any treatment group. However, mitotane treatment did have some physiological effects, as it reduced the resting heart rate and the duration of the heart rate response to a sudden noise. It also prevented the increase in nighttime activity that we observed in control animals. There was no effect of diazepam on corticosterone, resting heart rate, activity or heart rate response to a sudden noise, and no effect of either treatment on the sympathetic vs parasympathetic control of the resting heart rate. Together, these data suggest that mitotane, but not diazepam, can have a modest impact on helping house sparrows adapt to captive conditions. Easing the transition to captivity will likely make conservation efforts, such as initiating captive breeding programs, more successful.
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Mori E, Cardador L, Reino L, White RL, Hernández-Brito D, Le Louarn M, Mentil L, Edelaar P, Pârâu LG, Nikolov BP, Menchetti M. Lovebirds in the air: trade patterns, establishment success and niche shifts of Agapornis parrots within their non-native range. Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-02100-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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12
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A framework for predicting which non-native individuals and species will enter, survive, and exit human-mediated transport. Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-02086-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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13
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Does the sex and age of birds and the size of human settlements affect recapturing of the Great Tit (Parus major) at bird feeders? Behav Processes 2019; 162:162-166. [PMID: 30885678 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Urban and rural habitats provide different conditions to wintering birds mainly due to different access to bird feeders. Returning to the food sources, even under the stress related to trapping, could play an important role in the energetic budget of wintering birds. We studied the duration of period between the first and the second capture of the Great Tits (Parus major) caught and ringed at bird feeders. We expected that recapturing of birds, which could be connected with their experience, would depend on their sex, age and on the size of human settlements (urban vs. rural areas), which could modify the behavior of wintering birds. We found that the length of the period was the shortest for immature females and the longest for adult males (the difference being 3.8 days in average). In contrast to more experienced adults, more frequent visits in case of immature tits, which increased probability of being trapped, could be affected by their weaker condition and smaller size, which resulted in feeding whenever it was possible. At the same time we did not find any differences between urban (duration of 29.5 days in average) and rural (28.5 days) areas. Differentiation in bird densities, access to feeders and various environmental factors seems to be the reason why this issue awaits further, more detailed studies including influence of weather on the behavior of birds.
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14
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Cardador L, Tella JL, Anadón JD, Abellán P, Carrete M. The European trade ban on wild birds reduced invasion risks. Conserv Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cardador
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution, and Environment; University College London; London WC1E 6BT United Kingdom
| | - José L. Tella
- Department of Conservation Biology; Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC); Américo Vespucio 41092 Sevilla Spain
| | - José D. Anadón
- Department of Biology, Queens College; City University of New York; 65-30 Kissena Blvd Flushing New York NY 11367 USA
- Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Subprogram, The Graduate Center; City University of New York; 365 5th Ave New York NY 10016 USA
| | - Pedro Abellán
- Department of Zoology; Universidad de Sevilla; Avenida Reina Mercedes 6 41012 Sevilla Spain
| | - Martina Carrete
- Department of Conservation Biology; Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC); Américo Vespucio 41092 Sevilla Spain
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems; Universidad Pablo de Olavide; Ctra. Utrera km 1 41013 Sevilla Spain
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de Bruijn R, Romero LM. The role of glucocorticoids in the vertebrate response to weather. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 269:11-32. [PMID: 30012539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the environment related to inclement weather can threaten survival and reproductive success both through direct adverse exposure and indirectly by decreasing food availability. Glucocorticoids, released during activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as part of the stress response, are an important candidate for linking vertebrate coping mechanisms to weather. This review attempts to determine if there is a consensus response of glucocorticoids to exposure to weather-related stimuli, including food availability, precipitation, temperature and barometric pressure. The included studies cover field and laboratory studies for all vertebrate taxa, and are separated into four exposure periods, e.g., hours, days, weeks and months. Each reported result was assigned a score based on the glucocorticoid response, e.g., increased, no change, or decreased. Short-term exposure to weather-related stimuli, of up to 24 h, is generally associated with increased glucocorticoids (79% of studies), suggesting that these stimuli are perceived as stressors by most animals. In contrast, the pattern for exposures longer than 24 h shows more variation, even though a majority of studies still report an increase (64%). Lack of glucocorticoid increases appeared to result from instances where: (1) prolonged exposure was a predictable part of the life history of an animal; (2) environmental context was important for the ultimate effect of a stimulus (e.g., precipitation limited food availability in one environment, but increased food in another); (3) prolonged exposure induced chronic stress; and (4) long-term responses appeared to reflect adaptations to seasonal shifts, instead of to short-term weather. However, there is a strong bias towards studies in domesticated laboratory species and wild animals held in captivity, indicating a need for field studies, especially in reptiles and amphibians. In conclusion, the accumulated literature supports the hypothesis that glucocorticoids can serve as the physiological mechanism promoting fitness during inclement weather.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert de Bruijn
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| | - L Michael Romero
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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17
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Currylow AFT, Rafeliarisoa TH, Louis EE, Stanford CB, Randrianjafizanaka ST, Chinn SM, Crocker DE. Characterization of seasonal reproductive and stress steroid hormones in wild Radiated Tortoises, Astrochelys radiata. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 253:70-78. [PMID: 28888695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The critically endangered Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is endemic to the southern coastlines of Madagascar. Once common, wild populations of this tortoise have undergone dramatic declines in recent years. Although there have been studies documenting reproductive activities, reproductive physiological parameters are unknown yet may be crucial in the recovery of the species. Over four research seasons in remote field locations native to A. radiata, we surveyed for, radio-tracked, and sampled wild, free ranging tortoises. We sampled and measured stress and reproductive parameters (corticosterone [CORT], testosterone [T], estradiol-17β [E2], and progesterone [P]) in 311 plasma samples from 203 wild A. radiata, capturing their active period. Generally, hormone concentrations were associated with body condition, temperature, and humidity. There was wide variation in CORT that varied monthly and by group. Juvenile tortoises maintained more than twice the mean basal CORT concentrations than either adult sex, with the most dramatic distinctions in the middle of the wet season. For adult sex hormones, the last months of the dry season and into the wet season when ground humidities are low and just begin to rise prior to temperature declines, male T concentrations gradually increased to a peak before returning to near undetectable values into the dry season. We had limited data for T concentrations in females, but found average T concentrations were much lower than in males and positively correlated with larger female home range sizes. For female hormone cycles, E2 also peaked in the early 1/3 of the wet season along with male T, and was followed by an uptick in P which correlates to the putative ovulatory cycle. Females tracked over four years showed variation in patterns of P, indicating that number and frequency of clutches vary. Our results suggest that 1) there is high species plasticity in response to stress; 2) A. radiata reproductive cycling is somewhat dissociated with courtship timing and is instead triggered by environmental cues; and 3) individual female reproductive output is irregular. This study is oone of the first to document and describe multi-year seasonal stress and reproductive hormones in a free-ranging Malagasy chelonian. These data may be used to identify key high-production habitats for conservation, and aide in captive management and reproduction in assurance colonies for species health and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea F T Currylow
- Integrative and Evolutionary Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Tsilavo H Rafeliarisoa
- Animal Biology Department, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership; Conservation Genetics Department, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Edward E Louis
- Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership; Conservation Genetics Department, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Craig B Stanford
- Integrative and Evolutionary Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Herpetology Section, Los Angeles County Natural History Museum, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Sarah M Chinn
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, USA
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, USA
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Currylow AFT, Mandimbihasina A, Gibbons P, Bekarany E, Stanford CB, Louis EE, Crocker DE. Comparative ecophysiology of a critically endangered (CR) ectotherm: Implications for conservation management. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182004. [PMID: 28813439 PMCID: PMC5558934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive breeding is a vital conservation tool for many endangered species programs. It is often a last resort when wild animal population numbers drop to below critical minimums for natural reproduction. However, critical ecophysiological information of wild counterparts may not be well documented or understood, leading to years of minimal breeding successes. We collected endocrine and associated ecological data on a critically endangered ectotherm concurrently in the wild and in captivity over several years. We tracked plasma concentrations of steroid stress and reproductive hormones, body condition, activity, and environmental parameters in three populations (one wild and two geographically distinct captive) of ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora). Hormone profiles along with environmental and behavioral data are presented and compared. We show that animals have particular seasonal environmental requirements that can affect annual reproduction, captivity affects reproductive state, and sociality may be required at certain times of the year for breeding to be successful. Our data suggest that changes in climatic conditions experienced by individuals, either due to decades-long shifts or hemispheric differences when translocated from their native range, can stifle breeding success for several years while the animals physiologically acclimatize. We also found that captivity affects stress (plasma corticosterone) and body condition of adults and juveniles differently and seasonally. Our results indicate that phenotypic plasticity in reproduction and behavior is related to environmental cues in long-lived ectotherms, and detailed ecophysiological data should be used when establishing and improving captive husbandry conditions for conservation breeding programs. Further, considering the recent revelation of this tortoises’ possible extirpation from the wild, these data are critically opportune and may be key to the survival of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea F. T. Currylow
- Integrative and Evolutionary Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Paul Gibbons
- Turtle Conservancy, Ojai, California, United States of America
| | - Ernest Bekarany
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Craig B. Stanford
- Integrative and Evolutionary Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Turtle Conservancy, Ojai, California, United States of America
- Herpetology Section, Los Angeles County Natural History Museum, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Edward E. Louis
- Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, Conservation Genetics Department, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Daniel E. Crocker
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California, United States of America
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Cardador L, Lattuada M, Strubbe D, Tella JL, Reino L, Figueira R, Carrete M. Regional Bans on Wild-Bird Trade Modify Invasion Risks at a Global Scale. Conserv Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cardador
- CIBIO/InBIO-Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Universidade do Porto; 4485-661 Vairão Portugal
- CEABN/InBIO, Centro de Ecologia Aplicada “Professor Baeta Neves”, Instituto Superior de Agronomia; Universidade de Lisboa; Tapada da Ajuda 1349-017 Lisboa Portugal
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC); 41013 Seville Spain
| | - Matteo Lattuada
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics; Justus Liebig University Giessen; D-35392 Giessen Germany
| | - Diederik Strubbe
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark; University of Copenhagen; DK-2100 Copenhagen Denmark
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology; Ghent University; B-9000 Ghent Belgium
- Department of Biology; Evolutionary Ecology Group; Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
| | - José L. Tella
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC); 41013 Seville Spain
| | - Luís Reino
- CIBIO/InBIO-Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Universidade do Porto; 4485-661 Vairão Portugal
- CEABN/InBIO, Centro de Ecologia Aplicada “Professor Baeta Neves”, Instituto Superior de Agronomia; Universidade de Lisboa; Tapada da Ajuda 1349-017 Lisboa Portugal
- CIBIO/InBIO-Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Universidade de Évora; 7004-516 Évora Portugal
| | - Rui Figueira
- CIBIO/InBIO-Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Universidade do Porto; 4485-661 Vairão Portugal
- CEABN/InBIO, Centro de Ecologia Aplicada “Professor Baeta Neves”, Instituto Superior de Agronomia; Universidade de Lisboa; Tapada da Ajuda 1349-017 Lisboa Portugal
| | - Martina Carrete
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems; Universidad Pablo de Olavide; 41013 Sevilla Spain
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Vall-llosera M, Cassey P. Leaky doors: Private captivity as a prominent source of bird introductions in Australia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172851. [PMID: 28235000 PMCID: PMC5325556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The international pet trade is a major source of emerging invasive vertebrate species. We used online resources as a novel source of information for accidental bird escapes, and we investigated the factors that influence the frequency and distribution of bird escapes at a continental scale. We collected information on over 5,000 pet birds reported to be missing on animal websites during the last 15 years in Australia. We investigated whether variables linked to pet ownership successfully predicted bird escapes, and we assessed the potential distribution of these escapes. Most of the reported birds were parrots (> 90%), thus, we analysed factors associated with the frequency of parrot escapes. We found that bird escapes in Australia are much more frequent than previously acknowledged. Bird escapes were reported more frequently within, or around, large Australian capital cities. Socio-economic factors, such as the average personal income level of the community, and the level of human modification to the environment were the best predictors of bird escapes. Cheaper parrot species, Australian natives, and parrot species regarded as peaceful or playful were the most frequently reported escapees. Accidental introductions have been overlooked as an important source of animal incursions. Information on bird escapes is available online in many higher income countries and, in Australia, this is particularly apparent for parrot species. We believe that online resources may provide useful tools for passive surveillance for non-native pet species. Online surveillance will be particularly relevant for species that are highly reported, such as parrots, and species that are either valuable or highly commensal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Vall-llosera
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Conservation Science and Technology (CCoST), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Phillip Cassey
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Conservation Science and Technology (CCoST), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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21
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Rapid morphological changes, admixture and invasive success in populations of Ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) established in Europe. Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-016-1103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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22
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Rapid loss of antipredatory behaviour in captive-bred birds is linked to current avian invasions. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18274. [PMID: 26667185 PMCID: PMC4678868 DOI: 10.1038/srep18274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of behaviour in conservation biology, there have been few studies that address behaviour in areas such as invasion ecology. There is an urgent need to identify specific traits that facilitate the establishment and spread of alien species to prevent biological invasions and their impact on biodiversity. Changes in antipredatory behaviour in captivity have been proposed to explain the higher invasiveness of wild-caught exotic species. We experimentally tested this hypothesis by assessing the response of wild-caught and captive-bred cage birds facing an approaching predator and their ability to escape from human capture, using species available in the Spanish pet market. Results showed the loss of antipredatory responses and escape abilities in captive-bred birds compared with wild-caught ones. An intraspecific comparison between wild-caught and the first generation of captive-bred birds pointed to a rapid behavioural loss in captivity (individual lifetime) rather than to differences among species (evolutionary exposure). In the context of current avian invasions, the proportion of individuals showing antipredatory responses within a species was positively related to the likelihood of the species being found escaped and breeding in the wild. These results offer a link between behaviour, fitness, and the invasion syndrome in birds.
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Abellán P, Carrete M, Anadón JD, Cardador L, Tella JL. Non-random patterns and temporal trends (1912-2012) in the transport, introduction and establishment of exotic birds in Spain and Portugal. DIVERS DISTRIB 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Abellán
- Department of Biology; Queens College; City University of New York; 65-30 Kissena Blvd Flushing New York NY 11367 USA
| | - Martina Carrete
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide; Ctra Utrera km 1 E-41013 Sevilla Spain
- Department of Conservation Biology; Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC); Américo Vespucio s/n E-41092 Sevilla Spain
| | - Jose D. Anadón
- Department of Biology; Queens College; City University of New York; 65-30 Kissena Blvd Flushing New York NY 11367 USA
| | - Laura Cardador
- Department of Conservation Biology; Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC); Américo Vespucio s/n E-41092 Sevilla Spain
| | - José L. Tella
- Department of Conservation Biology; Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC); Américo Vespucio s/n E-41092 Sevilla Spain
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Jackson H, Strubbe D, Tollington S, Prys-Jones R, Matthysen E, Groombridge JJ. Ancestral origins and invasion pathways in a globally invasive bird correlate with climate and influences from bird trade. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:4269-85. [PMID: 26172573 PMCID: PMC4657503 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Invasive species present a major threat to global biodiversity. Understanding genetic patterns and evolutionary processes that reinforce successful establishment is paramount for elucidating mechanisms underlying biological invasions. Among birds, the ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is one of the most successful invasive species, established in over 35 countries. However, little is known about the evolutionary genetic origins of this species and what population genetic signatures tell us about patterns of invasion. We reveal the ancestral origins of populations across the invasive range and explore the potential influence of climate and propagule pressure from the pet trade on observed genetic patterns. Ring-necked parakeet samples representing the ancestral native range (n = 96) were collected from museum specimens, and modern samples from the invasive range (n = 855) were gathered from across Europe, Mauritius and Seychelles, and sequenced for two mitochondrial DNA markers comprising 868 bp of cytochrome b and control region, and genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci. Invasive populations comprise birds that originate predominantly from Pakistan and northern areas of India. Haplotypes associated with more northerly distribution limits in the ancestral native range were more prevalent in invasive populations in Europe, and the predominance of Asian haplotypes in Europe is consistent with the higher number of Asian birds transported by the pet trade outside the native range. Successful establishment of invasive species is likely to be underpinned by a combination of environmental and anthropogenic influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Jackson
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of KentMarlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western BankSheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Diederik Strubbe
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of AntwerpGroenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020, Belgium
| | - Simon Tollington
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of KentMarlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western BankSheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Robert Prys-Jones
- Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History MuseumAkeman Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 6AP, UK
| | - Erik Matthysen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of AntwerpGroenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp, 2020, Belgium
| | - Jim J Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of KentMarlowe Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
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Larcombe SD, Tregaskes CA, Coffey J, Stevenson AE, Alexander LG, Arnold KE. Oxidative stress, activity behaviour and body mass in captive parrots. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 3:cov045. [PMID: 27293729 PMCID: PMC4778434 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Many parrot species are kept in captivity for conservation, but often show poor reproduction, health and survival. These traits are known to be influenced by oxidative stress, the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ability of antioxidant defences to ameliorate ROS damage. In humans, oxidative stress is linked with obesity, lack of exercise and poor nutrition, all of which are common in captive animals. Here, we tested whether small parrots (budgerigars, Melopsittacus undulatus) maintained in typical pet cages and on ad libitum food varied in oxidative profile, behaviour and body mass. Importantly, as with many birds held in captivity, they did not have enough space to engage in extensive free flight. Four types of oxidative damage, single-stranded DNA breaks (low-pH comet assay), alkali-labile sites in DNA (high-pH comet assay), sensitivity of DNA to ROS (H2O2-treated comet assay) and malondialdehyde (a byproduct of lipid peroxidation), were uncorrelated with each other and with plasma concentrations of dietary antioxidants. Without strenuous exercise over 28 days in a relatively small cage, more naturally 'active' individuals had more single-stranded DNA breaks than sedentary birds. High body mass at the start or end of the experiment, coupled with substantial mass gain, were all associated with raised sensitivity of DNA to ROS. Thus, high body mass in these captive birds was associated with oxidative damage. These birds were not lacking dietary antioxidants, because final body mass was positively related to plasma levels of retinol, zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol. Individuals varied widely in activity levels, feeding behaviour, mass gain and oxidative profile despite standardized living conditions. DNA damage is often associated with poor immunocompetence, low fertility and faster ageing. Thus, we have candidate mechanisms for the limited lifespan and fecundity common to many birds kept for conservation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Larcombe
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - C A Tregaskes
- WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - J Coffey
- WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - A E Stevenson
- WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - L G Alexander
- WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - K E Arnold
- Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Corresponding author: Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK. Tel: +44 1904 322997.
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26
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Homberger B, Jenni-Eiermann S, Jenni L. Distinct responses of baseline and stress-induced corticosterone levels to genetic and environmental factors. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 210:46-54. [PMID: 25307951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, i.e. corticosterone (CORT) in birds, support physiological homeostasis and facilitate adaptations to stressful situations. However, maintaining high GC levels are energetically costly and interfere with other physiological processes. To keep the balance of costs and benefits of GC hormones, various mechanisms act to adapt GC levels to environmental conditions on different timescales, i.e. over generations, between parents and their offspring and within the life-time of a single individual. We elucidated whether two strains (domesticated and wild) of grey partridges (Perdix perdix) differed in the developmental trajectories of baseline and stress response CORT throughout the first 80 days of life. We also explored the potential of prenatal and postnatal factors, e.g. parental origin, predictable vs. unpredictable food treatments, individual and social factors to modify these trajectories. Baseline CORT was similar between strains and unaffected by perinatal food treatments. It was negatively related to body size and body condition. Conversely, the CORT stress response was not markedly affected by physiological condition. It was stronger in wild than in domesticated birds and it increased with age. Birds subjected to prenatal unpredictable food supply exhibited an accelerated development of the CORT stress response which could reflect an adaptive maternal effect. We conclude that the vital role of baseline CORT may allow little adaptive scope since changes can quickly become detrimental. In contrast, the CORT stress response may show considerable adaptive potential which might ultimately support homeostasis in a changing environment.
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Sanz-Aguilar A, Anadón JD, Edelaar P, Carrete M, Tella JL. Can establishment success be determined through demographic parameters? A case study on five introduced bird species. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110019. [PMID: 25333743 PMCID: PMC4198196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dominant criterion to determine when an introduced species is established relies on the maintenance of a self-sustaining population in the area of introduction, i.e. on the viability of the population from a demographic perspective. There is however a paucity of demographic studies on introduced species, and establishment success is thus generally determined by expert opinion without undertaking population viability analyses (PVAs). By means of an intensive five year capture-recapture monitoring program (involving >12,000 marked individuals) we studied the demography of five introduced passerine bird species in southern Spain which are established and have undergone a fast expansion over the last decades. We obtained useful estimates of demographic parameters (survival and reproduction) for one colonial species (Ploceus melanocephalus), confirming the long-term viability of its local population through PVAs. However, extremely low recapture rates prevented the estimation of survival parameters and population growth rates for widely distributed species with low local densities (Estrilda troglodytes and Amandava amandava) but also for highly abundant yet non-colonial species (Estrilda astrild and Euplectes afer). Therefore, determining the establishment success of introduced passerine species by demographic criteria alone may often be troublesome even when devoting much effort to field-work. Alternative quantitative methodologies such as the analysis of spatio-temporal species distributions complemented with expert opinion deserve thus their role in the assessment of establishment success of introduced species when estimates of demographic parameters are difficult to obtain, as is generally the case for non-colonial, highly mobile passerines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sanz-Aguilar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de las Islas Baleares (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Islas Baleares, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - José D. Anadón
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Pim Edelaar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- University Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Martina Carrete
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- University Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Luis Tella
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
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Su S, Cassey P, Blackburn TM. Patterns of non-randomness in the composition and characteristics of the Taiwanese bird trade. Biol Invasions 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-014-0686-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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