1
|
Valverde I, Defosseux I, Le Bot T, Jouvion G, Le Barzic C, Arné P, Gasparini J. Effect of urbanization on the trace element concentrations in the kidney, liver and spines of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169944. [PMID: 38199357 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Urbanized environments may be suitable for some wild species, like the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). However, the (sub)urban areas are source of several pollutants, such as trace elements (TEs). The main objective of our study is to investigate the role of the European hedgehog as a potential bioindicator species for seven TEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in a big urban agglomeration. We analyzed the kidney, liver and spines of 50 European hedgehogs. Moreover, we carried out geographic information system (GIS) with 31 individuals to examine the effects of human pressure (human density and urbanization) on TE concentrations in tissues. We detected the 7 TEs in all tissues. Trace elements, especially Pb and Zn, in the liver, kidney and spines seem to be influenced by human density and urbanization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Valverde
- Dynamyc Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Isabelle Defosseux
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Écologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Tanguy Le Bot
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Écologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Grégory Jouvion
- Dynamyc Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Histology and Pathology Unit, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cécile Le Barzic
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de la Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascal Arné
- Dynamyc Research Group, Université Paris Est Créteil, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de la Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Julien Gasparini
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Paris 7, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institut d'Écologie et des Sciences de l'Environnement de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lehmann S, Dervas E, Ruiz Subira A, Eulenberger U, Gimmel A, Grimm F, Hetzel U, Kipar A. Verminous pneumonia in European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus). Vet Pathol 2024; 61:256-268. [PMID: 37681312 PMCID: PMC10804698 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231193103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a common wildlife species in European countries. Populations are declining due to anthropogenic factors and natural diseases. Verminous pneumonia has been observed as a frequent infectious disease in hedgehogs submitted for diagnostic postmortem examination. This prompted the present in-depth investigation on the lungs of 27 necropsied hedgehogs with confirmed lungworm infections, with or without antiparasitic treatment prior to death. The histological and/or parasitic (fecal samples) examination identified Capillaria aerophila infection in most animals (82%). The parasites were found free in the airway lumen and/or within the airway epithelium, from the larynx to bronchioles. Embedded worms and eggs were associated with epithelial hyperplasia or metaplasia, and long-term inflammation. More than half of the animals (59%) carried Crenosoma striatum, and 41% had a coinfection. C striatum adults were predominantly found free in the lumen of bronchi and bronchioles, and larvae were occasionally seen in granulomas in the pulmonary interstitium, the liver, and the intestine. Independent of the parasite species, a lymphoplasmacytic peribronchitis and, less frequently, interstitial infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages as well as pneumocyte type II hyperplasia was seen. Interestingly, the extent of pneumonia was not correlated with age, respiratory clinical signs, antiparasitic treatment, or single or coinfection. Verminous pneumonia appeared to be the cause of death in over 25% of the animals, indicating that these parasites not only coexist with hedgehogs but can also be a primary pathogen in this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Dervas
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrike Eulenberger
- Wildlife Station “Stiftung Wildstation Landshut,” Utzenstorf, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Udo Hetzel
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Kipar
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Molina-Lopez RA, Obón E, Darwich L. Morbidity and Prognostic Factors Associated with Wild Hedgehogs Admitted to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Catalonia (NE Spain) from 1995 to 2020. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:556. [PMID: 38396523 PMCID: PMC10886239 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040556] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Wildlife rehabilitation centers (WRC) play a crucial role in the collection of data and the monitoring of hedgehog populations. The main objective of this study was to identify the morbidity and prognostic factors associated with the mortality of wild hedgehogs admitted at a WRC in Catalonia. A total number of 3397 hedgehogs admitted from 1995 to 2020 were studied. The principal cause of admission was orphaned/young category (41%) followed by misplacement (19%), natural disease (17%), and trauma (14%). The best outcomes for release were for misplacement (93.6%), orphaned/young (72.3%), and other causes (77.6%), and the lowest proportion of released animals were found for natural disease (41.4%) and trauma (44.7%) categories. The most common macroscopic findings were the respiratory and digestive lesions. Internal parasites were also prevalent in 61% of the animals but with no association with a higher mortality. In the multivariate analyses, the prognostic indicators related with the mortality outcome were the presence of systemic (OR = 3.6, CI 95%: 2.8-4.6) and neurological (OR = 4.3, CI 95%: 2.9-6.4) signs. Morbidity and prognostic factors in wildlife rehabilitation are essential for providing effective care, making informed decisions, optimizing resources, and improving rehabilitation success rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A. Molina-Lopez
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife Service-Forestal Catalana S.A., 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain;
| | - Elena Obón
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife Service-Forestal Catalana S.A., 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain;
| | - Laila Darwich
- Department Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Veterinary School, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Patinha C, Pato P, Ferreira da Silva E, Casero M, Brazio E, Brandão R, Costa D, Mateus TL, Coelho AC, Oliveira PA. The first full study of heavy metal(loid)s in western-European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from Portugal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11983-11994. [PMID: 38225500 PMCID: PMC10869400 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is an insectivore with a wide distribution in Portugal and a potential tool for biomonitoring relevant One Health hazards, including heavy metal(loid)s' pollution. The aim of this study was to positively contribute to the current knowledge about the metal(loid) pollution in Portugal. Forty-six hedgehogs (from rescue centres; with known provenance) were necropsied. Sex, age category and weight were determined. Spines, liver and kidney were collected, and metalloid concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). In general, results did not present alarming metal(loid) concentrations, with the exception of cadmium (Cd) (in the kidneys) and copper (Cu). Hedgehogs from Viana do Castelo and Viseu showed elevated concentrations of arsenic (As) and Castelo Branco presented concerning values of cadmium (Cd). Adult and heavier hedgehogs tended to present higher levels of metal(loid)s. Sex does not seem to significantly affect the metal(loid)s' concentrations. Further analysis would be needed to prioritize areas with detail and allow the application of the necessary mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB-Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM); Egas Moniz School of Health &Science, Almada, Portugal.
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Patinha
- GEOBIOTEC & Department of Geosciencie, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pato
- GEOBIOTEC & Department of Geosciencie, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - María Casero
- RIAS-ALDEIA - Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Ria Formosa Natural Park, Olhão, Portugal
| | - Erica Brazio
- Lisbon Wildife Rescue center (LxCRAS), Forest park of Monsanto, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Brandão
- CERVAS-ALDEIA - Centre of Ecology, Wild animals' Rehabilitation and Surveillance, Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Daniela Costa
- CERVAS-ALDEIA - Centre of Ecology, Wild animals' Rehabilitation and Surveillance, Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Teresa L Mateus
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
- CISAS-Centre for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Superior Agrarian School, Polytechical Institute of Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- EpiUnit - Public Health Institute of University of Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana C Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB-Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rasmussen SL, Pertoldi C, Roslev P, Vorkamp K, Nielsen JL. A Review of the Occurrence of Metals and Xenobiotics in European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:232. [PMID: 38254401 PMCID: PMC10812797 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020232] [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] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring data from several European countries indicate that European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) populations are declining, and research exploring the causes of the decline, including exposure to potentially harmful xenobiotics and metals, may inform conservation initiatives to protect this species in the wild. Hedgehogs are ground-dwelling mammals, feeding on a range of insects, slugs, snails, and earthworms, as well as eggs, live vertebrates, and carrion, including carcasses of apex predator species representing higher levels of the food chain. Consequently, hedgehogs come into close contact with contaminants present in their habitats and prey. This review investigated the studies available on the subject of the occurrence of metals and organic xenobiotics in hedgehogs. This study found that a vast range of different pesticides; persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including organochlorine compounds and brominated flame retardants (BFRs); as well as toxic heavy metals could be detected. Some compounds occurred in lethal concentrations, and some were associated with a potential adverse effect on hedgehog health and survival. Due to their ecology, combined with the opportunity to apply non-invasive sampling techniques using spines as sampling material, we suggest that the European hedgehog is a relevant bioindicator species for monitoring the exposure of terrestrial wildlife to potential toxicants in urban and rural environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, St. Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3JA, UK
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
- Aalborg Zoo, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Peter Roslev
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
| | - Jeppe Lund Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rasmussen SL, Schrøder BT, Berger A, Sollmann R, Macdonald DW, Pertoldi C, Alstrup AKO. Testing the Impact of Robotic Lawn Mowers on European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) and Designing a Safety Test. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:122. [PMID: 38200853 PMCID: PMC10777904 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010122] [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] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research has established that some models of robotic lawn mowers are potentially harmful to hedgehogs. As the market for robotic lawn mowers is expanding rapidly and the populations of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are in decline, it is important to investigate this risk further to understand the potential threat which some robotic lawn mowers may pose to hedgehogs. We tested 19 models of robotic lawn mowers in collision with hedgehog cadavers to measure their effect on hedgehogs. Our results showed that some models of robotic lawn mowers may injure hedgehogs, whereas others are not harmful to them. Apart from one single incidence, all robotic lawn mowers had to physically touch the hedgehog carcasses to detect them. Larger hedgehog cadavers were less likely to be "injured", with height being the most influential measure of size. The firmness of the tested hedgehog cadavers (frozen or thawed) did not influence the outcome of the collision tests. Neither the position of the hedgehog cadavers nor the selected technical features of the lawn mowers affected the probability of injury. Based on the results, we designed a standardised safety test to measure the effect of a specific model of robotic lawn mower on hedgehogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, St. Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3JA, UK
| | - Bettina Thuland Schrøder
- Behavioral Ecology Group, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark;
| | - Anne Berger
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Rahel Sollmann
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Berger A. Occurrence and Characteristics of Cut Injuries in Hedgehogs in Germany: A Collection of Individual Cases. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:57. [PMID: 38200788 PMCID: PMC10778023 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) is in long-term decline across Europe. Recently, an additional threat to hedgehogs' lives has been cutting injuries caused by garden care equipment, but to date, there have been no reliable data on their spatial and temporal occurrence as well as characteristics such as mortality rate. Usually, found injured hedgehogs are admitted to care centres. In this study, data on hedgehogs with cutting injuries were collected from care centres throughout Germany. Over a period of 16 months, data on a total of 370 hedgehogs with cut injuries were reported by 71 care centres. At least 60% of these hedgehogs were found more than 12 h after the accident and at least 47% did not survive as a result of the injury. The comparatively high mortality rate coupled with a possible high number of unreported cases of hedgehogs with laceration injuries show that these accidents pose an additional, serious danger to hedgehogs, both impacting the welfare of individual animals and having a broader effect on the conservation potential of this species. Moreover, the data collected objectify the current discussion on the need for possible technical or political solutions to prevent such injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Berger
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rasmussen SL, Schrøder BT, Berger A, Macdonald DW, Pertoldi C, Briefer EF, Alstrup AKO. Facing Danger: Exploring Personality and Reactions of European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) towards Robotic Lawn Mowers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:2. [PMID: 38200733 PMCID: PMC10777922 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The populations of European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) are in decline, and it is essential that research identifies and mitigates the factors causing this. Hedgehogs are increasingly sharing habitats with humans, being exposed to a range of dangers in our backyards. Previous research has documented that some models of robotic lawn mowers can cause harm to hedgehogs. This study explored the personality and behaviour of 50 live hedgehogs when facing an approaching, disarmed robotic lawn mower. By combining a novel arena and novel object test, we found that 27 hedgehogs could be categorised as "shy" and 23 as "bold", independently of sex and age. The encounter tests with a robotic lawn mower showed that the hedgehogs positioned themselves in seven different ways. Personality did not affect their reactions. Adult hedgehogs tended to react in a shyer manner, and the hedgehogs, generally, acted less boldly during their second encounter with the robotic lawn mower. Additionally, our results show that bold individuals reacted in a more unpredictable way, being more behaviourally unstable compared to the shy individuals. This knowledge will be applied in the design of a standardised hedgehog safety test, eventually serving to produce and approve hedgehog-friendly robotic lawn mowers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, St. Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3JA, UK
| | - Bettina Thuland Schrøder
- Behavioral Ecology Group, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (B.T.S.); (E.F.B.)
| | - Anne Berger
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Elodie Floriane Briefer
- Behavioral Ecology Group, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (B.T.S.); (E.F.B.)
| | - Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Thrift E, Nouvellet P, Mathews F. Plastic Entanglement Poses a Potential Hazard to European Hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus in Great Britain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2448. [PMID: 37570257 PMCID: PMC10417105 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A questionnaire to gather evidence on the plastic entanglement of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) was sent to 160 wildlife rehabilitation centres in Great Britain. Fifty-four responses were received, and 184 individual admissions owing to plastic entanglement were reported. Death was the outcome for 46% (n = 86) of these cases. A high proportion of Britain's hedgehogs enter rehabilitation centres annually (approximately 5% of the national population and potentially 10% of the urban population), providing a robust basis for assessing the minimum impacts at a national level. We estimate that 4000-7000 hedgehog deaths per year are attributable to plastic, with the true rate likely being higher, since many entangled hedgehogs-in contrast to those involved in road traffic accidents-will not be found. Population modelling indicates that this excess mortality is sufficient to cause population declines. Although the scale of the impact is much lower than that attributable to traffic, it is nevertheless an additional pressure on a species that is already in decline and presents a significant welfare issue to a large number of individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fiona Mathews
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RH, UK; (E.T.); (P.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hematology, Biochemistry, and Protein Electrophoresis Reference Intervals of Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) from a Rehabilitation Center in Northern Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061009. [PMID: 36978550 PMCID: PMC10044010 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) can work as a bioindicator of environmental pollution and be a host for multiple zoonotic agents, making it relevant in terms of One Health studies. It is essential to deepen the knowledge on this species and calculate reference intervals (RIs) for the usual hematological and biochemical parameters. For this retrospective study (2017–2022), the archives of the Clinical Pathology Laboratory (LPC) of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) Veterinary Teaching Hospital were analyzed. Data of hematology, clinical biochemistry, and protein electrophoresis from 37 healthy hedgehogs of the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center at UTAD, Northern Portugal, were included. It was possible to calculate RIs for almost all of the variables in the study, using Reference Value Advisor V2.1. Moreover, sex and age effects were investigated: alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.012, higher in males); total proteins (p = 0.034, higher in adults); mean cell volume (p = 0.007) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p = 0.010) (both higher in juveniles); and red blood cell distribution width (p = 0.021, higher in adults). Our study allowed for the first time to define RIs for a population of hedgehogs in Portugal, having a potentially relevant impact on species conservation and in the human–animal health interface.
Collapse
|