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Monecke S. Threatened chronotopes: can chronobiology help endangered species? J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024:10.1007/s00359-024-01692-8. [PMID: 38421416 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-024-01692-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Pittendrigh and Daan's 1976 article "Pacemaker structure: A clock for all seasons" marks the foundation of modern seasonal chronobiology. It proposed the internal coincidence model comprised of a Morning (M) and Evening (E) oscillator, which are coupled but synchronized separately by dawn and dusk. It has become an attractive model to explain the seasonal adaptation of circadian rhythms. Using the example of the European hamster, this article connects the classical entrainment concept to species decline and, ultimately, conservation concepts. Seasonality of this species is well studied and circannual rhythms have been described in at least 32 parameters. The European hamster is listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. Changes in the temporal structure of the environment (the chronotope) caused by climate change and light pollution might be responsible for the global decline. The article shows that classical chronobiological concepts such as the internal coincidence model (Pittendrigh and Daan Pittendrigh and Daan, J Comp Physiol [a] 106:333-355, 1976) are helpful to understand the (chronobiological) causes of the decline and can potentially support species conservation. Knowing the species' physiological limitations as well as its adaptation capacities can potentially prevent its extinction at a time when classical conservation concepts have reached their limits.
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Findlay‐Robinson R, Deecke VB, Weatherall A, Hill DL. Effects of climate change on life‐history traits in hibernating mammals. Mamm Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Findlay‐Robinson
- Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Cumbria, Ambleside Cumbria LA22 9BB UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Volker B. Deecke
- Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Cumbria, Ambleside Cumbria LA22 9BB UK
| | - Andrew Weatherall
- Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Cumbria, Ambleside Cumbria LA22 9BB UK
| | - Davina L. Hill
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 Johannesburg South Africa
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Siutz C, Nemeth M, Quint R, Wagner KH, Millesi E. PUFA changes in white adipose tissue during hibernation in common hamsters. Physiol Biochem Zool 2022; 95:525-535. [DOI: 10.1086/721444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Siutz C, Ruf T, Monecke S, Millesi E. Morphometric parameters predict body fat proportions in common hamsters. J Mammal 2021; 103:471-480. [PMID: 35418810 PMCID: PMC8996034 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Common hamsters (Cricetus cricetus) are hibernators that rely both on body fat reserves and food stores for the winter period. They face an ongoing population decline in most parts of their distribution and recently were classified as critically endangered. Knowledge on individual body fat proportions in this species is of particular interest for conservation, because it could contribute to better understand the high plasticity in overwintering strategies, overwinter mortality rates, individual variations in reproductive output, and give information on the animals’ health state. To calculate body fat proportions, we validated a method that can be applied in the field without the use of anesthesia. To develop this method, we first analyzed the body fat in carcasses of common hamsters using Soxhlet extractions and measured four morphometric parameters (body mass, head length, tibia length, foot length). The morphometric measurements were then integrated in a linear regression model to predict body fat proportions based on the measured values. The morphometric variables yielded an explained variance (adjusted R2) of 96.42% and body fat proportions were predicted with a mean absolute error of 1.27 ± 0.11% from measured values. We applied the model to predict body fat for available field data, which consistently produced reliable values. By measuring the four morphometric parameters and following the provided instructions, body fat proportions can be reliably and noninvasively estimated in captive or free-ranging common hamsters. Furthermore, the method could be applicable to other rodents after species-specific validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Siutz
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Ruf
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie Monecke
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (INCI), Neurobiologie des Rythmes, CNRS UPR-3212, Université de Strasbourg, 8 allée du général Rouvillois, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Goethestrasse 31/ I, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Millesi
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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Oro D, Freixas L. Flickering body temperature anticipates criticality in hibernation dynamics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201571. [PMID: 33614089 PMCID: PMC7890501 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hibernation has been selected for increasing survival in harsh climatic environments. Seasonal variability in temperature may push the body temperatures of hibernating animals across boundaries of alternative states between euthermic temperature and torpor temperature, typical of either hibernation or summer dormancy. Nowadays, wearable electronics present a promising avenue to assess the occurrence of criticality in physiological systems, such as body temperature fluctuating between attractors of activity and hibernation. For this purpose, we deployed temperature loggers on two hibernating edible dormice for an entire year and under Mediterranean climate conditions. Highly stochastic body temperatures with sudden switches over time allowed us to assess the reliability of statistical leading indicators to anticipate tipping points when approaching a critical transition. Hibernation dynamics showed flickering, a phenomenon occurring when a system rapidly moves back and forth between two alternative attractors preceding the upcoming major regime shift. Flickering of body temperature increased when the system approached bifurcations, which were also anticipated by several metric- and model-based statistical indicators. Nevertheless, some indicators did not show a pattern in their response, which suggests that their performance varies with the dynamics of the biological system studied. Gradual changes in air temperature drove transient between states of hibernation and activity, and also drove hysteresis. For hibernating animals, hysteresis may increase resilience when ending hibernation earlier than the optimal time, which may occur in regions where temperatures are sharply rising, especially during winter. Temporal changes in early indicators of critical transitions in hibernation dynamics may help to understand the effects of climate on evolutionary life histories and the plasticity of hibernating organisms to cope with shortened hibernation due to global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oro
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology Laboratory, CEAB Center for Advanced Studies (CSIC), Acces Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Spain
| | - Lídia Freixas
- Granollers Natural Sciences Museum, Francesc Macià 51, 08402 Granollers, Spain
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Flamand A, Rebout N, Bordes C, Guinnefollau L, Bergès M, Ajak F, Siutz C, Millesi E, Weber C, Petit O. Hamsters in the city: A study on the behaviour of a population of common hamsters (Cricetus cricetus) in urban environment. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225347. [PMID: 31751416 PMCID: PMC6872164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals in urban environments face challenging situations and have to cope with human activities. This study investigated the ecology and behaviour of a population of European hamsters (Cricetus cricetus) living in the city centre of Vienna (Austria). We recorded the surface activities of 35 hamsters in May 2015. Each focal animal was observed for 15 minutes, and a total of 66 focal samples were analysable. As a prey species in an environment teeming with human activities, we predicted a high level of vigilance by the hamsters. The results show that while animals dedicated a lot of time to vigilance, most of their time was spent foraging. The study also explores whether the frequency of vigilance behaviours differ between males and females. We found that vigilance behaviours were expressed in a different manner by males and females. Finally, we investigated the distribution of the burrows on green spaces depending on proximity to trees and on noise levels. We found a biased distribution of burrows, with a spatial preference for location protected by the vegetation and distant to noise sources. Although burrows were located preferentially under vegetation cover, levels of noise did not determine their positions. Moreover, this species does not respond to disturbances like daily urban noises, probably due to habituation. The common hamster is an endangered species; our results lead to a greater knowledge of its behaviour in a persistent urban population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Flamand
- Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement, UMR 7362, Faculté de Géographie et de l’aménagement, Strasbourg, France
- Cognitive and Social Ethology Group, UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, CNRS, IFCE, INRA, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Nancy Rebout
- Cognitive and Social Ethology Group, UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, CNRS, IFCE, INRA, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Camille Bordes
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse, Castanet-Tolosan Cedex, France
| | | | | | - Fanny Ajak
- IPHC- DEPE, UMR 7178, Université de Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg Cedex 2, France
| | - Carina Siutz
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Millesi
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Odile Petit
- Cognitive and Social Ethology Group, UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, CNRS, IFCE, INRA, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
- * E-mail:
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Lemieux V, Garant D, Reale D, Bergeron P. Spatio-temporal variation in oxidative status regulation in a small mammal. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7801. [PMID: 31608176 PMCID: PMC6788435 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Life-history allocation trade-offs are dynamic over time and space according to the ecological and demographical context. Fluctuations in food availability can affect physiological trade-offs like oxidative status regulation, reflecting the balance between pro-oxidant production and antioxidant capacity. Monitoring the spatio-temporal stability of oxidative status in natural settings may help understanding its importance in ecological and evolutionary processes. However, few studies have yet conducted such procedures in wild populations. Here, we monitored individual oxidative status in a wild eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) population across the 2017 summer active period and over three study sites. Oxidative damage (MDA: Malondialdehyde levels) and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels (FRAP: Ferric reducing antioxidant power and HASC: Hypochlorous acid shock capacity) were quantified across time and space using assays optimized for small blood volumes. Our results showed an increase in oxidative damage mirrored by a decrease in FRAP throughout the season. We also found different antioxidant levels among our three study sites for both markers. Our results also revealed the effects of sex and body mass on oxidative status. Early in the active season, females and individuals with a greater body mass had higher oxidative damage. Males had higher HASC levels than females throughout the summer. This study shows that oxidative status regulation is a dynamic process that requires a detailed spatial and temporal monitoring to yield a complete picture of possible trade-offs between pro-oxidant production and antioxidant capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Lemieux
- Départment de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Biological Sciences, Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Dany Garant
- Départment de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Denis Reale
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Siutz C, Ammann V, Millesi E. Shallow Torpor Expression in Free-Ranging Common Hamsters With and Without Food Supplements. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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