1
|
Omeragić J, Kapo N, Škapur V, Crnkić Ć, Goletić Š, Softić A, Goletić T. Diversity of Trichinella species in carnivores from Bosnia and Herzegovina. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:117. [PMID: 38521906 PMCID: PMC10960444 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03964-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Bosnia and Herzegovina, domestic and wild carnivores represent a significant driver for the transmission and ecology of zoonotic pathogens, especially those of parasitic aetiology. Nevertheless, there is no systematic research of Trichinella species in animals that have been conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even though trichinellosis is considered the most important parasitic zoonosis. The available results of the few studies carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina are mainly related to the confirmation of parasitic larvae in the musculature of domestic pigs and wild boars or data related to trichinellosis in humans. The objective of our study was to present the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the species composition of Trichinella among 11 carnivorous species within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as follows: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), grey wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), wildcat (Felis silvestris), pine marten (Martes martes), European badger (Meles meles), weasel (Mustela nivalis), European polecat (Mustela putorius), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), but also dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and cat (Felis catus). RESULTS In the period 2013-2023, carnivore musculature samples (n = 629), each consisting of 10 g of muscle tissue, were taken post-mortem and individually examined using the artificial digestion method. In the positive samples (n = 128), molecular genotyping and identification of parasitic larvae of Trichinella spp. were performed using a PCR-based technique up to the species/genotype level. Positive samples were used for basic PCR detection of the genus Trichinella (rrnS rt-PCR technique) and genotyping (rrnl-EVS rt-PCR technique). The Trichinella infection was documented for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina among red foxes, grey wolves, brown bears, dogs, badgers and Eurasian lynx, with a frequency rate of 20.3%. Additionally, the presence of T. britovi infection was newly confirmed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the initial documented cases. Furthermore, both T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis infections were observed in the wildcat population, whereas T. britovi and T. spiralis infections were detected in pine martens. Consistent with previous research, our findings align particularly regarding carnivores, with data from other countries such as Germany, Finland, Romania, Poland and Spain, where T. britovi exhibits a wider distribution (62.5-100%) compared to T. spiralis (0.0-37.5%). T. britovi is more common among sylvatic carnivores (89.0%), while T. spiralis prevails in wild boars (62.0%), domestic swine (82.0%) and rodents (75.0%). CONCLUSION The results of our study represent the first molecular identification of species of the genus Trichinella in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, our findings underscore the necessity for targeted epidemiological studies to thoroughly assess trichinellosis prevalence across diverse animal populations. Considering the relatively high frequency of trichinellosis infection in investigated animal species and its public health implications, there is an evident need for establishing an effective trichinellosis surveillance system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Omeragić
- University of Sarajevo - Veterinary Faculty, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo, 71 000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Naida Kapo
- University of Sarajevo - Veterinary Faculty, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo, 71 000, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Vedad Škapur
- University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Zmaja od Bosne 8, Sarajevo, 71 000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ćazim Crnkić
- University of Sarajevo - Veterinary Faculty, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo, 71 000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Šejla Goletić
- University of Sarajevo - Veterinary Faculty, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo, 71 000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adis Softić
- University of Sarajevo - Veterinary Faculty, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo, 71 000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Teufik Goletić
- University of Sarajevo - Veterinary Faculty, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo, 71 000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barnas AF, Ladle A, Burgar JM, Burton AC, Boyce MS, Eliuk L, Grey F, Heim N, Paczkowski J, Stewart FEC, Tattersall E, Fisher JT. How landscape traits affect boreal mammal responses to anthropogenic disturbance. Sci Total Environ 2024; 915:169285. [PMID: 38103612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding mammalian responses to anthropogenic disturbance is challenging, as ecological processes and the patterns arising therefrom notoriously change across spatial and temporal scales, and among different landscape contexts. Responses to local scale disturbances are likely influenced by landscape context (e.g., overall landscape-level disturbance, landscape-level productivity). Hierarchical approaches considering small-scale sampling sites as nested holons within larger-scale landscapes, which constrain processes in lower-level holons, can potentially explain differences in ecological processes between multiple locations. We tested hypotheses about mammal responses to disturbance and interactions among holons using collected images from 957 camera sites across 9 landscapes in Alberta from 2007 to 2020 and examined occurrence for 11 mammal species using generalized linear mixed models. White-tailed deer occurred more in higher disturbed sites within lower disturbed landscapes (β = -0.30 [-0.4 to -0.15]), whereas occurrence was greater in highly disturbed sites within highly disturbed landscapes for moose (β = 0.20 [0.09-0.31]), coyote (β = 0.20 [0.08-0.26]), and lynx (β = 0.20 [0.07-0.26]). High disturbance sites in high productivity landscapes had higher occurrence of black bears (β = -0.20 [-0.46 to -0.01]), lynx (β = -0.70 [-0.97 to -0.34]), and wolves (β = -0.50 [-0.73 to -0.21]). Conversely, we found higher probability of occurrence in low productivity landscapes with increasing site disturbance for mule deer (β = 0.80 [0.39-1.14]), and white-tailed deer (β = 0.20 [0.01-0.47]). We found the ecological context created by aggregate sums (high overall landscape disturbance), and by subcontinental hydrogeological processes in which that landscape is embedded (high landscape productivity), alter mammalian responses to anthropogenic disturbance at local scales. These responses also vary by species, which has implications for large-scale conservation planning. Management interventions must consider large-scale geoclimatic processes and geographic location of a landscape when assessing wildlife responses to disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Barnas
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
| | - Andrew Ladle
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Joanna M Burgar
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada; Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - A Cole Burton
- Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark S Boyce
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Laura Eliuk
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Fabian Grey
- Whitefish Lake First Nation #459, Atikameg, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Heim
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - John Paczkowski
- Government of Alberta, Forests, Parks, and Tourism, Canmore, Alberta, Canada
| | - Frances E C Stewart
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada; Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario (Haldimand Tract), Canada
| | - Erin Tattersall
- Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jason T Fisher
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nájera F, López G, Del Rey-Wamba T, Malik RA, Garrote G, López-Parra M, Fernández-Pena L, García-Tardío M, Arenas-Rojas R, Simón MA, Zorrilla I, Fernández I, Alcaide EM, Ruiz C, Revuelta L, Salcedo J, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML. Long-term surveillance of the feline leukemia virus in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Andalusia, Spain (2008-2021). Sci Rep 2024; 14:5462. [PMID: 38443503 PMCID: PMC10914683 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection is considered one of the most serious disease threats for the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) Over 14 years (2008-2021), we investigated FeLV infection using point-of-care antigen test and quantitative real-time TaqMan qPCR for provirus detection in blood and tissues in lynxes from Andalusia (Southern Spain). A total of 776 samples from 586 individuals were included in this study. The overall prevalence for FeLV antigen in blood/serum samples was 1.4% (5/360) (95% CI: 0.2-2.6), FeLV proviral DNA prevalence in blood samples was 6.2% (31/503) (95% CI: 4.1-8.6), and FeLV proviral DNA in tissues samples was 10.2% (34/333) (95% CI: 7-13.5). From a subset of 129 longitudinally sampled individuals, 9.3% (12/129) PCR-converted during the study period. Our results suggest that FeLV infection in the Andalusian population is enzootic, with circulation of the virus at low levels in almost all the sampling years. Moreover, since only one viremic individual succumbed to the infection, this study suggests that lynxes may therefore control the infection decreasing the possibility of developing a more aggressive outcome. Although our results indicate that the FeLV infection in the Iberian lynx from Andalusia tends to stay within the regressive stage, continuous FeLV surveillance is paramount to predict potential outbreaks and ensure the survival of this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Nájera
- Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Asistencia Técnica de la Dirección General del Medio Natural y Desarrollo Sostenible de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Plaza del Cardenal Siliceo s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain.
| | - Guillermo López
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Tere Del Rey-Wamba
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Rimsha A Malik
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Germán Garrote
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Marcos López-Parra
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Leonardo Fernández-Pena
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Maribel García-Tardío
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Arenas-Rojas
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel A Simón
- Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, avda. Manuel Siurot, nº 50, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Zorrilla
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Fernández
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Eva M Alcaide
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Carmen Ruiz
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Luis Revuelta
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Salcedo
- Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, avda. Manuel Siurot, nº 50, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Parkinson L, Kuder H, Kehl A, Koenig A, Good J, Hausmann J, Giger U. NONDOMESTIC FELID ABC BLOOD PHENOTYPING, GENOTYPING, AND CROSSMATCHING. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:143-154. [PMID: 38453497 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Based upon previous clinical experience with domestic cats (Felis catus), the ability to assess ABC blood types and blood (in-)compatibilities of nondomestic felids, and adequately consider and plan for blood transfusions, may be important. Although nondomestic felids appear to have an ABC blood group system similar to domestic cats, typing with point-of-care kits and by CMAH genotyping for domestic cats have not been reported. In this study, 162 blood samples from 18 different nondomestic felid species (cheetah [Acinonyx jubatus, n = 42], lion [Panthera leo, n = 33], tiger [Panthera tigris, n = 23], Canada lynx [Lynx canadensis, n = 11], snow leopard [Uncia uncia, n = 10], puma [Puma concolor, n = 7], clouded leopard [Neofelis nebulosa, n = 6], serval [Leptailurus serval, n = 5], jaguar [Panthera onca, n = 5], fishing cat [Prionailurus viverrinus, n = 4], Pallas cat [Felis manul, n = 3], bobcat [Lynx rufus, n = 3], ocelot [Leopardus pardalis, n = 3], black footed cat [Felis nigripes, n = 2], leopard [Panthera pardus, n = 2], African wildcat [Felis lybica, n = 1], caracal [Caracal caracal, n = 1], and sand cat [Felis margarita, n = 1]) were ABC blood typed by laboratory and point-of-care tests, genotyped for four known CMAH variants for type B and type C (AB) phenotypes, and crossmatched with one another and domestic type A cats. Traditional tube typing identified blood type A (n = 106), type B (n = 8), type C (n = 43), and no discernible ABC type (n = 4). Several discrepancies were found between point-of-care and traditional typing test results. None of the tested felids possessed the four CMAH variants responsible for type B and C (AB) in domestic cats. Crossmatch incompatibilities (≥2+ agglutination) were identified within and between nondomestic felid species and beyond ABC incompatibilities. Of 26 crossmatches performed between domestic cats and various nondomestic felids, only 7 (27%) were compatible. In conclusion, point-of-care typing kits and CMAH genotyping, successfully used in domestic cats, may not identify the correct ABC blood type in nondomestic felids. Prior crossmatching is recommended to increase the likelihood of compatible transfusions between any nondomestic felids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lily Parkinson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA,
| | - Henrike Kuder
- Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | | | - Amie Koenig
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jennifer Good
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Urs Giger
- Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Heiderich E, Origgi FC, Pisano SRR, Kittl S, Oevermann A, Ryser-Degiorgis MP, Marti IA. LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES INFECTION IN FREE-RANGING RED FOXES ( VULPES VULPES) AND EURASIAN LYNX ( LYNX LYNX) IN SWITZERLAND. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:268-276. [PMID: 38453511 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitous environmental saprophytic bacterium causing listeriosis in domestic animals, humans, and occasionally wildlife. In animals, this foodborne zoonotic disease mainly occurs in ruminants and it is rare in carnivores. Seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) were diagnosed with listeriosis between 2010 and 2021 at the Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, Bern, Switzerland. Necropsy and histopathology revealed meningitis (six of seven red foxes), hepatitis (six of seven red foxes), pneumonia (five of seven red foxes), splenitis (two of seven red foxes) and splenomegaly (the Eurasian lynx, two of seven red foxes). Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from either lung, spleen, liver, or kidney of all animals. Serotyping detected L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2a in five red foxes and the Eurasian lynx and serotype 4b in two red foxes. Six red foxes were positive for canine distemper virus (CDV) by polymerase chain reaction, whereas the Eurasian lynx and one red fox were negative. One red fox that was positive for CDV and listeriosis was also diagnosed with salmonellosis. The identified L. monocytogenes serotypes are among the three most frequently isolated serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b) from food or the food production environment and those that cause most listeriosis cases in humans and animals. Coinfection with CDV in six red foxes questions the role of CDV as potential predisposing factor for septicemic listeriosis. The detection of listeriosis in the regionally endangered Eurasian lynx and in carnivores highly abundant in urban settings, such as red foxes, reinforces the importance of wildlife health surveillance in a One Health context and adds the Eurasian lynx to the list of carnivores susceptible to the disease. Further investigations are required to assess the prevalence and epidemiology of L. monocytogenes in free-ranging carnivores and its interaction with CDV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Heiderich
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland,
| | - Francesco C Origgi
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simone R R Pisano
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Kittl
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Oevermann
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Neurological Sciences, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Iris A Marti
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Postfach, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gómez JC, Cano-Terriza D, Segalés J, Vergara-Alert J, Zorrilla I, Del Rey T, Paniagua J, Gonzálvez M, Fernández-Bastit L, Nájera F, Montoya-Oliver JI, Salcedo J, García-Bocanegra I. Exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Vet Microbiol 2024; 290:110001. [PMID: 38280305 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging zoonotic virus of public and animal health concern, of which felids have been suggested as potential reservoirs. Although SARS-CoV-2 exposure has been detected in domestic and wild captive animals belonging to Felidae family, surveillance has not been carried out in free-ranging wild felids so far. The aim of the present study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), the most endangered felid in the world. Between 2019 and 2022, we conducted a seroepidemiological study of SARS-CoV-2 in 276 free-ranging and captive Iberian lynxes. Our results evidenced limited (0.4%; 95%CI: 0.0-1.1) but not negligible exposure to this emerging virus in this endangered felid species, increasing the SARS-CoV-2 host range. The circulation of this virus in wildlife evidences the need of integrated European wildlife monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caballero Gómez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Joaquim Segalés
- Unitat mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal. Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Cataluña, Spain; Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Vergara-Alert
- Unitat mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal. Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Cataluña, Spain; IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Zorrilla
- Centro de Análisis y Diagnóstico de la Fauna Silvestre, Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul de la Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain
| | - Teresa Del Rey
- Centro de Análisis y Diagnóstico de la Fauna Silvestre, Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul de la Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jorge Paniagua
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Leira Fernández-Bastit
- Unitat mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal. Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Cataluña, Spain; IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Nájera
- Departamento de Fisiología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Asistencia Técnica de la Dirección General del Medio Natural y Desarrollo Sostenible de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain; Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States
| | - Juan I Montoya-Oliver
- Organismo Autónomo Parques Nacionales (OAPN). Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Salcedo
- Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mitchell SD, Ramachandran A, Gupta SK, Olson D, Ford AK. Acute gastrointestinal disease in a young bobcat ( Lynx rufus). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2024; 262:1-3. [PMID: 38103380 DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.07.0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Mitchell
- 1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
| | - Akhilesh Ramachandran
- 2Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
| | - Sushim K Gupta
- 2Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
| | | | - Alexandra K Ford
- 1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jacques CN, Klaver RW, DePerno CS, Rockhill AP. Comparing the Efficacy of Two Immobilization Drug Combinations for the Chemical Restraint of Bobcats ( Lynx rufus). J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:86-94. [PMID: 37937480 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Chemical immobilization agents that provide rapid induction time, short duration of action, wide margin of safety, and postreversal recovery are important attributes to the handling process of immobilized animals. We evaluated differences in induction, recovery, and physiologic parameters in 23 (13 female, nine adults and four yearlings; 10 male, nine adults and one yearling) free-ranging bobcats (Lynx rufus) chemically immobilized with an intramuscular combination of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and xylazine (KX; 1.5 mg/kg; n=11) or a combination of butorphanol (0.8 mg/kg), azaperone (0.27 mg/kg), and medetomidine (BAM; 0.32 mg/kg; n=12). Induction parameters, time to first effect, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, and anesthesia between bobcats administered KX and BAM were similar. Pulse rate was significantly higher for KX than for BAM. Time to standing and full recovery after reversal were faster for bobcats administered BAM than KX. Six of 11 (55%) bobcats given KX were effectively immobilized with a single injection, and five required additional drugs to allow adequate time for processing. Of 12 bobcats given BAM, six (50%) were effectively immobilized with a single injection, three (25%) individuals were not completely immobilized and required additional doses to allow adequate time for processing, and three (25%) required additional doses after complete arousal during processing. We found that BAM provided reduced sedation and processing times (<30 min), whereas KX provided extended sedation and processing times beyond 30 min. We suggest that researchers increase initial BAM drug volumes for yearling and adult bobcats at time of processing and consider taking appropriate safety precautions when handling free-ranging bobcats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N Jacques
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, 1 University Circle, Macomb, Illinois 61455, USA
- Current address: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 8542 North Lake Road, Lena, Illinois 61048, USA
| | - Robert W Klaver
- US Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 342 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Christopher S DePerno
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Aimee P Rockhill
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources, Western Carolina University, 308 Stillwell Building, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sims M, Helal Z, Levin M, Rittenhouse T, Hawley J, Risatti GR. Suburban Population of Bobcats ( Lynx rufus) in Connecticut, USA, Tested Negative for SARS-CoV-2, November 2021-February 2022. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:193-197. [PMID: 37924242 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
A SARS-CoV-2 genomic and serologic survey was performed in a population of bobcats (Lynx rufus) inhabiting the state of Connecticut, USA. Wild animal populations are becoming established in densely populated cities with increased likelihood of direct or indirect contact with humans, as well as with household cats and dogs. Wild-caught bobcats (n=38) tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR and for virus-neutralizing antibodies by ELISA, suggesting that either the species is not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 or that the surveyed population has not yet been exposed to a source of infectious virus. However, this limited survey cannot rule out that human-to-bobcat or unknown reservoir-to-bobcat transmission of the virus occurs in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Sims
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Atwater Lab Bldg., 61 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3089, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, USA
- Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Atwater Lab Bldg., 61 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3089, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Zeinab Helal
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Atwater Lab Bldg., 61 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3089, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, USA
- Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Atwater Lab Bldg., 61 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3089, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Atwater Lab Bldg., 61 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3089, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, USA
| | - Tracy Rittenhouse
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, University of Connecticut, Wilfred B. Young Bldg., 1376 Storrs Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-4087, USA
| | - Jason Hawley
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06106-5127, USA
| | - Guillermo R Risatti
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Atwater Lab Bldg., 61 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3089, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, USA
- Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Atwater Lab Bldg., 61 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3089, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3089, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Escobar JA, Gallardo-Hernandez AG, Gonzalez-Olvera MA, Revilla-Monsalve C, Hernandez D, Leder R. High order sliding mode control for restoration of a population of predators in a Lotka-Volterra system. J Biol Phys 2023; 49:509-520. [PMID: 37801181 PMCID: PMC10651824 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-023-09643-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-induced extinction and rapid ecological changes require the development of techniques that can help avoid extinction of endangered species. The most used strategy to avoid extinction is reintroduction of the endangered species, but only 31% of these attempts are successful and they require up to 15 years for their results to be evaluated. In this research, we propose a novel strategy that improves the chances of survival of endangered predators, like lynx, by controlling only the availability of prey. To simulate the prey-predator relationship we used a Lotka-Volterra model to analyze the effects of varying prey availability on the size of the predator population. We calculate the number of prey necessary to support the predator population using a high-order sliding mode control (HOSMC) that maintains the predator population at the desired level. In the wild, nature introduces significant and complex uncertainties that affect species' survival. This complexity suggests that HOSMC is a good choice of controller because it is robust to variability and does not require prior knowledge of system parameters. These parameters can also be time varying. The output measurement required by the HOSMC is the number of predators. It can be obtained using continuous monitoring of environmental DNA that measures the number of lynxes and prey in a specific geographic area. The controller efficiency in the presence of these parametric uncertainties was demonstrated with a numerical simulation, where random perturbations were forced in all four model parameters at each simulation step, and the controller provides the specific prey input that will maintain the predator population. The simulation demonstrates how HOSMC can increase and maintain an endangered population (lynx) in just 21-26 months by regulating the food supply (hares), with an acceptable maximal steady-state error of 3%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesica A Escobar
- Automatic Control, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica, Unidad Zacatenco, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ana Gabriela Gallardo-Hernandez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Metabólicas, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Cuauhtémoc 330 Col. Doctores, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Cristina Revilla-Monsalve
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Metabólicas, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Cuauhtémoc 330 Col. Doctores, CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Debbie Hernandez
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, NL, Mexico
| | - Ron Leder
- Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, IEEE, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lynch VJ. Is there a loophole in Dollo's law? A DevoEvo perspective on irreversibility (of felid dentition). J Exp Zool B Mol Dev Evol 2023; 340:509-517. [PMID: 35644942 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There is a longstanding interest in whether the loss of complex characters is reversible (so-called "Dollo's law"). Reevolution has been suggested for numerous traits but among the first was Kurtén, who proposed that the presence of the second lower molar (M2 ) of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) was a violation of Dollo's law because all other Felids lack M2 . While an early and often cited example for the reevolution of a complex trait, Kurtén and Werdelin used an ad hoc parsimony argument to support their. Here I revisit the evidence that M2 reevolved lynx using explicit parsimony and maximum likelihood models of character evolution and find strong evidence that Kurtén and Werdelin were correct-M2 reevolved in E. lynx. Next, I explore the developmental mechanisms which may explain this violation of Dollo's law and suggest that the reevolution of lost complex traits may arise from the reevolution of cis-regulatory elements and protein-protein interactions, which have a longer half-life after silencing that protein coding genes. Finally, I present a developmental model to explain the reevolution M2 in E. lynx, which suggest that the developmental programs required for the establishment of serially homologous characters may never really be lost so long as a single instance of the character remains-thus the gain and loss and regain of serially homologous characters, such mammalian molars, may be developmentally and evolutionarily "simple."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent J Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Spiezio C, Galardi EG, Sandri C, Regaiolli B. Do not disturb: Visitors' effect on the behavior and welfare of female and male big cats in zoos. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:744-756. [PMID: 37283487 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The effect of visitor presence on animal behavior needs to be evaluated to ensure the welfare and improve the husbandry of the individuals in zoos. This study aims to assess the effect of visitor presence on the behavior and welfare of pairs of Amur tiger, snow leopard, and Eurasian lynx at Parco Natura Viva, Italy. The study was made of two periods: the baseline, in which the zoo was closed, and the visitor presence period, in which the zoo was opened. Per period and per subject 12 30-min observations were done. Continuous focal animal sampling method was used to collect behavior duration of the big cats. The main results of the study highlighted that, when visitors were present, all felids except for the female lynx were significantly more inactive than in the baseline. Moreover, despite interindividual and inter-species variability in the significance level of findings, natural behaviors such as attentive behavior, exploration/marking, locomotion, and positive social interactions were performed more in the baseline than in the visitor presence period. Finally, when visitors were present, as the studied subjects experienced daily longer exposure to visitors, inactivity increased whereas individual species-typical behaviors (e.g., locomotion) and positive social interactions decreased. Thus, visitors seem to partially alter the behavioral time-budgets of the study big cats, increasing inactivity and decreasing the performance of species-specific behavior, at least in some individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Spiezio
- Research & Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park, Bussolengo, Italy
| | - Elena Giulia Galardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Camillo Sandri
- Research & Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park, Bussolengo, Italy
- DISTAL, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Regaiolli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Youngmann JL, Lance SL, Kilgo JC, Ruth C, Cantrell J, D’Angelo GJ. Assessing springtime vertebrate prey of sympatric mesopredators in the southeastern United States using metabarcoding analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293270. [PMID: 37878654 PMCID: PMC10599563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Coyotes (Canis latrans) colonized the eastern United States over the last century and formed a 3-species predator guild with bobcats (Lynx rufus) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) across much of the southeastern United States. Diets among the three species vary along with respective impacts on game species such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). To determine predation impacts on vertebrate prey and dietary overlap in consumption of prey items, we assessed diets of coyote, bobcat, and gray fox during spring, coinciding with white-tailed deer fawning and wild turkey nesting and brood rearing. We sampled across three sites along the Savannah River in South Carolina from mid-May through mid-June of 2020-2021. We collected 180 scat samples along 295.9 kilometers (71.1-122.4 km/site) of unpaved secondary roads and used DNA metabarcoding to determine vertebrate diet items. We identified predator species of scat using DNA metabarcoding and species-specific mtDNA fragment analysis (153 were coyote, 20 bobcat, and seven gray fox). Overall, we found evidence that two species, coyote and bobcat, consumed deer while all three consumed turkeys. Frequency of deer in the diet varied across sites for coyotes from 62-86% and wild turkey was present with a frequency of occurrence of 9% for coyotes, 5% for bobcats, and 14% for gray fox. Vertebrate diet specialization was evident across predator species with high frequency of deer in coyote diets, rabbits and small mammals in bobcat diets, and herpetofauna in gray fox diets. During deer fawning and wild turkey nesting and brood rearing, dietary overlap appears to be mediated by disparate selection of prey items, which reduced competition among coyotes, bobcats, and gray foxes. Use of DNA metabarcoding may augment our understanding of dietary preferences within this predator guild by providing increased resolution of diet composition among important game species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L. Youngmann
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stacey L. Lance
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - John C. Kilgo
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station, New Ellenton, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Charles Ruth
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jay Cantrell
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gino J. D’Angelo
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zieman EA, Phillips VC, Jiménez FA, Nielsen CK. CLINICAL AND SUBCLINICAL CYTAUXZOON FELIS INFECTIONS IN DOMESTIC CATS FROM A RECENTLY IDENTIFIED ENDEMIC REGION. J Parasitol 2023; 109:525-529. [PMID: 37861238 DOI: 10.1645/23-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-transmitted intraerythrocytic apicomplexan infecting felids in the southeastern and midwestern United States. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are the natural wildlife reservoir of C. felis, where in enzootic areas prevalence can reach 100%. Domestic cats can be subclinically infected with C. felis or can develop cytauxzoonosis. Two studies have documented the presence of C. felis in domestic cats in Illinois; these studies have shown a limited number of cases submitted to specialty labs. During 2014-2018, we obtained blood samples collected by veterinary staff from 514 cats that were apparently healthy and 74 cats that were suspected of cytauxzoonosis. These samples were screened using a sensitive, nested PCR to detect the presence of C. felis DNA. We herein document frequent occurrences of cytauxzoonosis (8-15 cases/year from 4 veterinary clinics) and 12.5% prevalence of subclinical infections in southern Illinois, a locality showing a sharp increase in cases of cytauxzoonosis. Our results suggest a high risk of cytauxzoonosis in southern Illinois, despite only recently being recognized in the area. We found no specific risk factors for cytauxzoonosis or subclinical infections in this location. In addition, cases of cytauxzoonosis occur every month of the year (with the highest frequency in summer) and therefore tick prevention should be used in domestic cats in enzootic regions throughout the year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliott A Zieman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, Illinois 61920
| | - Victoria C Phillips
- School of Biological Sciences, Zoology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1125 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - F Agustín Jiménez
- School of Biological Sciences, Zoology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1125 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - Clayton K Nielsen
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory and Forestry Program, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1205 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, Illinois 62901
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Despres HW, Mills MG, Schmidt MM, Gov J, Perez Y, Jindrich M, Crawford AML, Kohl WT, Rosenblatt E, Kubinski HC, Simmons BC, Nippes MC, Goldenberg AJ, Murtha KE, Nicoloro S, Harris MJ, Feeley AC, Gelinas TK, Cronin MK, Frederick RS, Thomas M, Johnson ME, Murphy J, Lenzini EB, Carr PA, Berger DH, Mehta SP, Floreani CJ, Koval AC, Young AL, Fish JH, Wallace J, Chaney E, Ushay G, Ross RS, Vostal EM, Thisner MC, Gonet KE, Deane OC, Pelletiere KR, Rockafeller VC, Waterman M, Barry TW, Goering CC, Shipman SD, Shiers AC, Reilly CE, Duff AM, Madruga SL, Shirley DJ, Jerome KR, Pérez-Osorio AC, Greninger AL, Fortin N, Mosher BA, Bruce EA. Surveillance of Vermont wildlife in 2021-2022 reveals no detected SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14683. [PMID: 37674004 PMCID: PMC10482933 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39232-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have documented natural infections of SARS-CoV-2 in various domestic and wild animals. More recently, studies have been published noting the susceptibility of members of the Cervidae family, and infections in both wild and captive cervid populations. In this study, we investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in mammalian wildlife within the state of Vermont. 739 nasal or throat samples were collected from wildlife throughout the state during the 2021 and 2022 harvest season. Data was collected from red and gray foxes (Vulpes vulples and Urocyon cineroargentus, respectively), fishers (Martes pennati), river otters (Lutra canadensis), coyotes (Canis lantrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus rufus), black bears (Ursus americanus), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 via quantitative RT-qPCR using the CDC N1/N2 primer set and/or the WHO-E gene primer set. Surprisingly, we initially detected a number of N1 and/or N2 positive samples with high cycle threshold values, though after conducting environmental swabbing of the laboratory and verifying with a second independent primer set (WHO-E) and PCR without reverse transcriptase, we showed that these were false positives due to plasmid contamination from a construct expressing the N gene in the general laboratory environment. Our final results indicate that no sampled wildlife were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and highlight the importance of physically separate locations for the processing of samples for surveillance and experiments that require the use of plasmid DNA containing the target RNA sequence. These negative findings are surprising, given that most published North America studies have found SARS-CoV-2 within their deer populations. The absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in populations sampled here may provide insights in to the various environmental and anthropogenic factors that reduce spillover and spread in North American's wildlife populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah W Despres
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Margaret G Mills
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Madaline M Schmidt
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jolene Gov
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yael Perez
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Mars Jindrich
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Allison M L Crawford
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Warren T Kohl
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elias Rosenblatt
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Dr, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Hannah C Kubinski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Benjamin C Simmons
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Miles C Nippes
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Anne J Goldenberg
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Kristina E Murtha
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Samantha Nicoloro
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Mia J Harris
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Avery C Feeley
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Taylor K Gelinas
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Maeve K Cronin
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Robert S Frederick
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Matthew Thomas
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Meaghan E Johnson
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - James Murphy
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Elle B Lenzini
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Peter A Carr
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Danielle H Berger
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Soham P Mehta
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Christopher J Floreani
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Amelia C Koval
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Aleah L Young
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jess H Fish
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Jack Wallace
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Ella Chaney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Grace Ushay
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Rebecca S Ross
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Erin M Vostal
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Maya C Thisner
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Kyliegh E Gonet
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Owen C Deane
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Kari R Pelletiere
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Vegas C Rockafeller
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Madeline Waterman
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Tyler W Barry
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Catriona C Goering
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Sarah D Shipman
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Allie C Shiers
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Claire E Reilly
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Alanna M Duff
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Sarah L Madruga
- Wildlife and Fisheries Society, Wildlife Society Chapter, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - David J Shirley
- Department of Engineering, Faraday, Inc., Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Keith R Jerome
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Ailyn C Pérez-Osorio
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Alexander L Greninger
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Nick Fortin
- Fish and Wildlife Department, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Rutland, VT, 05701, USA
| | - Brittany A Mosher
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Dr, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Emily A Bruce
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Edge AC, Rosenberger JP, Yates CJ, Little AR, Killmaster CH, Johannsen KL, Osborn DA, Kilgo JC, Miller KV, D’Angelo GJ. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawn survival and the influence of landscape characteristics on fawn predation risk in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288449. [PMID: 37651350 PMCID: PMC10470973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Southern Appalachian region of the United States, harvest data has indicated the occurrence of low deer densities while exposing a trend of declining white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations over the past several decades in northern Georgia. A triumvirate of increasing fawn predator populations reside in the Southern Appalachian Mountains including coyotes (Canis latrans), black bears (Ursus americanus) and bobcats (Lynx rufus). This region is also characterized by a homogenous landscape composed of mature forests and sparse understory vegetation, likely lacking adequate cover to offer fawns refugia from predators. Our objectives were to estimate survival and cause-specific mortality rates of fawns while assessing a possible link between mortality risk, intrinsic fawn characteristics (i.e., birth mass, Julian birth date, sibling status), and landscape features within fawn usage areas. During 2018-2020, we radio-collared 71 fawns within the Chattahoochee National Forest of northern Georgia, USA and monitored survival to 12 weeks of age. We observed low fawn survival (cumulative = 0.157, 95% CI = 0.091-0.273; vaginal implant transmitter = 0.196, 95% CI = 0.096-0.403) with predation as the leading cause of all known mortalities (45 of 55 mortalities; 82%) due primarily to coyotes (n = 22), black bears (n = 12), and bobcats (n = 7). Relationships between landscape features and fawn predation risk were minimal with only one informative covariate. Increasing amounts of early successional land cover within fawn usage areas decreased fawn mortality risk within the first 20 days of life, but elevated mortality risk thereafter. All fawns with any amount of early successional land cover in their usage areas died of predation (n = 13) at various time intervals, suggesting limited areas of potential fawning cover may be targeted by predators. However, fawn predation risk seemed to be high regardless of landscape covariates due to the limited number of surviving fawns. Coyote-caused mortality occurred over a longer period at a consistently higher magnitude than all other forms of mortality, indicating possible delayed prey-switching behavior and coyote predation as an important factor of fawn survival. The low recruitment of fawns influenced by high predation rates and homogenous habitat conditions is likely the cause of deer population declines in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Edge
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Cheyenne J. Yates
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Andrew R. Little
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Charlie H. Killmaster
- Wildlife Resource Division, Game Management Section, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Social Circle, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kristina L. Johannsen
- Wildlife Resource Division, Game Management Section, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Social Circle, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David A. Osborn
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John C. Kilgo
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, New Ellenton, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Karl V. Miller
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gino J. D’Angelo
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Weerarathne P, Sanders TL, Kao YF, Cotey SR, Place JD, Fairbanks WS, Miller CA, Reichard MV. HIGH PREVALENCE OF CYTAUXZOON FELIS IN BOBCATS ( LYNX RUFUS) ACROSS OKLAHOMA AND OCCURRENCE IN WEST TEXAS, USA. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:432-441. [PMID: 37270185 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Cytauxzoonosis is a fatal tick-borne disease in domestic cats caused by infection with the apicomplexan Cytauxzoon felis. Bobcats are the natural wild-vertebrate reservoirs for C. felis, and infections are typically subclinical and chronic in this species. The present study was done to determine the prevalence and geographic distribution of C. felis infection in wild bobcats from Oklahoma and the occurrence in northwestern Texas. Tongue samples from 360 bobcats were collected from 53 counties in Oklahoma and 13 samples from three counties in Texas. For DNA extracted from each tongue sample, a probe-based droplet digital PCR assay was performed targeting the C. felis mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3). Prevalence of C. felis infection was calculated for each county sampled, and data from individual counties were combined according to geographic regions and compared using chi-square tests. Overall prevalence of C. felis in bobcats from Oklahoma was 80.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75.6-83.8). The prevalence of infection was >90% for bobcats from central, northeastern, south-central, and southeastern regions of Oklahoma, but <68% for bobcats from northwestern and southwestern regions. Bobcats from central counties in Oklahoma were 25.693 times more likely to be infected with C. felis compared to all other bobcats sampled from the state. Higher prevalence estimates of C. felis in bobcats appeared to be in counties where known tick vectors are most common. Occurrence of C. felis in bobcats from northwestern Texas was 30.8% (95% CI, 12.4%-58.0%) based on 13 samples. Results of this study support the utilization of bobcats as sentinel animals to identify geographic areas with risk of C. felis infection to domestic cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pabasara Weerarathne
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Tiana L Sanders
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Yun-Fan Kao
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Stacy R Cotey
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Tech University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, USA
| | - Joshua D Place
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - W Sue Fairbanks
- Department of Natural Resources Ecology and Management, Division of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Craig A Miller
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Mason V Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Moroni B, Albanese F, Rita Molinar Min A, Pasquetti M, Guillot J, Pisano SRR, Ryser-Degiorgis MP, Rüfenacht S, Gauthier D, Cano-Terriza D, Scaravelli D, Rossi L, Peano A. Sarcoptic mange in Felidae: does Sarcoptes scabiei var. felis exist? A first molecular study. Parasite 2023; 30:11. [PMID: 37010452 PMCID: PMC10069400 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic and wild felids are considered suitable hosts for the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and sarcoptic mange is reported in several felid species in the scientific literature. However, the historic classification of Sarcoptes mites into host-specific varieties does not include S. scabiei var. felis. It is unclear whether sarcoptic mange transmission in felids involves canids, other sympatric species, or exclusively felids. This study aimed to characterize the genetic structure of S. scabiei mites from domestic cats (Felis catus) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus), comparing them with Sarcoptes mites from sympatric domestic and wild carnivores. Ten Sarcoptes microsatellite markers were used to genotype 81 mites obtained from skin scrapings of 36 carnivores: 4 domestic cats, one dog (Canis lupus familiaris), 4 Eurasian lynx, 23 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and 4 grey wolves (Canis lupus lupus) from either Italy, Switzerland or France. Two genetic clusters of S. scabiei with a geographical distribution pattern were detected: mites from cats originating from Central Italy clustered with those from sympatric wolves. In contrast, all the other mites from Switzerland, France and Northern Italy clustered together. These results strengthen the previously advanced hypothesis that genetic variants of S. scabiei have a predominant geographic-related distribution with cryptic transmission patterns. These patterns may rely on the interactions between different hosts living in the same ecological niche rather than a simple infection among hosts belonging to the same taxon, reinforcing the idea that the S. scabiei historic classification into "var" might have little ongoing relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Moroni
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
-
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Val d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148 10154 Torino Italy
| | - Francesco Albanese
-
Centro Dermatologico Veterinario Toscano Via Romana, 4 52100 Arezzo Italy
-
Mylav Private Veterinary Laboratory Via Sirtori, 9 20017 Passirana di Rho-Milano Italy
| | - Anna Rita Molinar Min
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| | - Mario Pasquetti
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| | - Jacques Guillot
-
Department of Dermatology-Parasitology-Mycology Oniris 44300 Nantes France
| | - Simone Roberto Rolando Pisano
-
Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box 3001 Bern Switzerland
| | - Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis
-
Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box 3001 Bern Switzerland
| | | | - Dominique Gauthier
-
Laboratoire Départemental Vétérinaire des Hautes-Alpes (LDVHA 05) 05000 Gap France
| | - David Cano-Terriza
-
Department of Animal Health, UIC ENZOEM, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), University of Cordoba 14014 Córdoba Spain
-
CIBERINFEC, ISCIII-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28029 Madrid Spain
| | - Dino Scaravelli
-
Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna via Selmi 3 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Luca Rossi
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| | - Andrea Peano
-
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin Largo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Burgos T, Salesa J, Fedriani JM, Escribano-Ávila G, Jiménez J, Krofel M, Cancio I, Hernández-Hernández J, Rodríguez-Siles J, Virgós E. Top-down and bottom-up effects modulate species co-existence in a context of top predator restoration. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4170. [PMID: 36914804 PMCID: PMC10011582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31105-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesopredators abundance is often limited by top-order predators and also by key food resources. However, the contribution of these bidirectional forces to structure carnivore community is still unclear. Here, we studied how the presence and absence of an apex predator which is currently recovering its former distribution range, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), determined the absolute abundance and fine-scale spatiotemporal avoidance mechanisms of two sympatric mesocarnivores (stone marten Martes foina and common genet Genetta genetta) with different dietary plasticity. We hypothesized that the lynx causes a mesopredator suppression and subordinate predators develop segregation strategies in respect to their trophic niche breadth. We placed 120 camera-traps in Southern Spain for 8 months in two consecutive years to estimate mesocarnivore abundances by using SCR Bayesian models, prey availability and assess spatio-temporal patterns. We found that the lynx reduced mesocarnivore abundance up to 10 times. Stone marten, a mesopredator with a broad food resources spectrum, showed a total spatial exclusion with the apex predator. Meanwhile, fine-scale avoidance mechanisms allowed the genet to persist in low density inside lynx territories, probably taking advantage of high availability of its preferred prey. Thus, the strength of these top-down and bottom-up effects was rather species-specific. Given the recent recovery of large carnivore populations worldwide, variation in suppression levels on different mesopredator species could modify ecosystem functions provided by the carnivore community in contrasting ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Burgos
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Salesa
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose María Fedriani
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación CIDE, CSIC-UVEG-GV, Carretera de Moncada a Náquera, km 4,5., 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD - CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Gema Escribano-Ávila
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution Department. Biological Science Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Ciudad Universitaria, C/ José Antonio Novais 12, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Jiménez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Miha Krofel
- Department for Forestry, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Inmaculada Cancio
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
- Asociación de Estudio y Conservación de Fauna Harmusch, C/San Antón 15, 1°, 13580, Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Hernández
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
- Road Ecology Lab, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Siles
- Asociación de Estudio y Conservación de Fauna Harmusch, C/San Antón 15, 1°, 13580, Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Emilio Virgós
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Oliveira T, Carricondo-Sanchez D, Mattisson J, Vogt K, Corradini A, Linnell JDC, Odden J, Heurich M, Rodríguez-Recio M, Krofel M. Predicting kill sites of an apex predator from GPS data in different multiprey systems. Ecol Appl 2023; 33:e2778. [PMID: 36383087 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Kill rates are a central parameter to assess the impact of predation on prey species. An accurate estimation of kill rates requires a correct identification of kill sites, often achieved by field-checking GPS location clusters (GLCs). However, there are potential sources of error included in kill-site identification, such as failing to detect GLCs that are kill sites, and misclassifying the generated GLCs (e.g., kill for nonkill) that were not field checked. Here, we address these two sources of error using a large GPS dataset of collared Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), an apex predator of conservation concern in Europe, in three multiprey systems, with different combinations of wild, semidomestic, and domestic prey. We first used a subsampling approach to investigate how different GPS-fix schedules affected the detection of GLC-indicated kill sites. Then, we evaluated the potential of the random forest algorithm to classify GLCs as nonkills, small prey kills, and ungulate kills. We show that the number of fixes can be reduced from seven to three fixes per night without missing more than 5% of the ungulate kills, in a system composed of wild prey. Reducing the number of fixes per 24 h decreased the probability of detecting GLCs connected with kill sites, particularly those of semidomestic or domestic prey, and small prey. Random forest successfully predicted between 73%-90% of ungulate kills, but failed to classify most small prey in all systems, with sensitivity (true positive rate) lower than 65%. Additionally, removing domestic prey improved the algorithm's overall accuracy. We provide a set of recommendations for studies focusing on kill-site detection that can be considered for other large carnivore species in addition to the Eurasian lynx. We recommend caution when working in systems including domestic prey, as the odds of underestimating kill rates are higher.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Oliveira
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Carricondo-Sanchez
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | | | - Kristina Vogt
- Foundation KORA (Carnivore Ecology & Wildlife Management), Ittigen, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Corradini
- Animal Ecology Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all' Adige, Italy
| | - John D C Linnell
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - John Odden
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marco Heurich
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- Wildlife Ecology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Forest National Park, Bavarian, Germany
| | | | - Miha Krofel
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kraberger S, Serieys LEK, Riley SPD, Schmidlin K, Newkirk ES, Squires JR, Buck CB, Varsani A. Novel polyomaviruses identified in fecal samples from four carnivore species. Arch Virol 2023; 168:18. [PMID: 36593361 PMCID: PMC10681122 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05675-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Polyomaviruses are oncogenic viruses that are generally thought to have co-evolved with their hosts. While primate and rodent polyomaviruses are increasingly well-studied, less is known about polyomaviruses that infect other mammals. In an effort to gain insight into polyomaviruses associated with carnivores, we surveyed fecal samples collected in the USA from bobcats (Lynx rufus), pumas (Puma concolor), Canada lynxes (Lynx canadensis), and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos). Using a viral metagenomic approach, we identified six novel polyomavirus genomes. Surprisingly, four of the six genomes showed a phylogenetic relationship to polyomaviruses found in prey animals. These included a putative rabbit polyomavirus from a bobcat fecal sample and two possible deer-trophic polyomaviruses from Canada lynx feces. One polyomavirus found in a grizzly bear sample was found to be phylogenetically distant from previously identified polyomaviruses. Further analysis of the grizzly bear fecal sample showed that it contained anelloviruses that are known to infect pigs, suggesting that the bear might have preyed on a wild or domestic pig. Interestingly, a polyomavirus genome identified in a puma fecal sample was found to be closely related both to raccoon polyomavirus 1 and to Lyon-IARC polyomavirus, the latter of which was originally identified in human saliva and skin swab specimens but has since been found in samples from domestic cats (Felis catus).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Kraberger
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
| | - Laurel E K Serieys
- Panthera, 8 W 40th St, 18th Floor, New York, NY, 10018, USA
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, National Park Service, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360, USA
| | - Seth P D Riley
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, National Park Service, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360, USA
| | - Kara Schmidlin
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | | | - John R Squires
- U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 800 East Beckwith Avenue, Missoula, MT, 59801, USA
| | - Christopher B Buck
- Lab of Cellular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Arvind Varsani
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
- Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Márquez C, Ferreira CC, Acevedo P. Driver interactions lead changes in the distribution of imperiled terrestrial carnivores. Sci Total Environ 2022; 838:156165. [PMID: 35623522 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity is dramatically declining worldwide due to the complex processes that include interactions among threats. Studies investigating how multiple drivers (inter)act to influence spatio-temporal shifts in species distribution ranges, which are among the most anticipated changes in biodiversity in the future, are still scarce in the scientific literature, particularly at meaningful conservation planning scales. We used species occurrence data for eight terrestrial Mediterranean carnivores at a regional scale of southern Spain to: 1) estimate environmental favourability to each species during two periods (1960s and present); 2) predict current favourability assuming the same environment-species relationships as the ones observed in the 1960s (expected favourability); and 3) analyse single and interactive effects of human persecution, presence of protected areas, and prey richness on favourability changes (present vs. expected) for each carnivore species. We found that, with a few exceptions, environmentally favourable areas for carnivore occurrence were more widely distributed in the past than today and, for most species, favourability tended to increase inside protected areas, with low frequency of poisoning events and high prey richness. Notwithstanding, for rare species such as Iberian grey wolf (Canis lupus signatus) and Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), interactions among drivers were the most important predictors of favourability changes, underpinned by a compensatory role of protected areas in the face of continued human persecution. We emphasize the role of protected areas in abating the effects of biodiversity threats and claim that scientific studies based on analyses of single-effect drivers that omit driver interactions may misinform conservation planning and require revision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Márquez
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Catarina C Ferreira
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Conservation Biology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), UCLM-CSIC-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jones LR, Johnson SA, Hudson CM, Zollner PA, Swihart RK. Habitat selection in a recovering bobcat ( Lynx rufus) population. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269258. [PMID: 35914005 PMCID: PMC9342758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding habitat selection of top predators is critical to predict their impacts on ecological communities and interactions with humans, particularly in recovering populations. We analyzed habitat selection in a recovering population of bobcats (Lynx rufus) in south-central Indiana using a Random Forest model. We predicted that bobcats would select forest habitat and forest edges but avoid agriculture to maximize encounters with prey species. We also predicted that bobcats would avoid developed areas and roads to minimize potential antagonistic interactions with humans. Results partially supported our predictions and were consistent with bobcats in the early stages of population expansion. Bobcats exhibited elevated use near forest edges, thresholds of avoidance near agriculture, and thresholds of selection for low and intermediate habitat heterogeneity. Bobcats exhibited peak probability of use 1–3 km from major roads, >800 m from minor roads, and <1km from developed areas, suggesting tradeoffs in reward for high-quality hunting areas and mortality risk. Our Random Forest model highlighted complex non-linear patterns and revealed that most shifts in habitat use occurred within 1 km of the edge of each habitat type. These results largely supported previous studies in the Midwest and across North America but also produced refinements of bobcat habitat use in our system, particularly at habitat boundaries. Refined models of habitat selection by carnivores enable improved prediction of the most suitable habitat for recovering populations and provides useful information for conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Landon R. Jones
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Scott A. Johnson
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Cassie M. Hudson
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Patrick A. Zollner
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Robert K. Swihart
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dürig W, Alygizakis NA, Wiberg K, Ahrens L. Application of a novel prioritisation strategy using non-target screening for evaluation of temporal trends (1969-2017) of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in archived lynx muscle tissue samples. Sci Total Environ 2022; 817:153035. [PMID: 35026275 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Most environmental monitoring studies of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) focus on aquatic species and target specific classes of CECs. Even with wide-scope target screening methods, relevant CECs may be missed. In this study, non-target screening (NTS) was used for tentative identification of potential CECs in muscle tissue of the terrestrial top predator Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). Temporal trend analysis was applied as a prioritisation tool for archived samples, using univariate statistical tests (Mann-Kendall and Spearman rank). Pooled lynx muscle tissue collected from 1969 to 2017 was analysed with an eight-point time series using a previously validated screening workflow. Following peak detection, peak alignment, and blank subtraction, 12,941 features were considered for statistical analysis. Prioritisation by time-trend analysis detected 104 and 61 features with statistically significant increasing and decreasing trends, respectively. Following probable molecular formula assignment and elucidation with MetFrag, two compounds with increasing trends, and one with a decreasing trend, were tentatively identified. These results show that, despite low expected concentration levels and high matrix effects in terrestrial species, it is possible to prioritise CECs in archived lynx samples using NTS and univariate statistical approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Dürig
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Nikiforos A Alygizakis
- Environmental Institute, Okruzná 784/42, 97241 Koš, Slovak Republic; Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
| | - Karin Wiberg
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lavallée G, Osinchuk SC, Parker D, Leis M, Sandmeyer LS. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in a Canada lynx with phacoclastic uveitis. Can Vet J 2022; 63:285-291. [PMID: 35237016 PMCID: PMC8842238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A 4-year-old male Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) was referred to the ophthalmology service at the University of Saskatchewan with a 7-month history of cataract and chronic phacoclastic uveitis secondary to penetrating trauma from a lynx claw. Ophthalmic examination of the right eye revealed a corneal scar, marked aqueous flare, extensive fibrovascular membranes extending from the iris to the lens, anterior and posterior synechiae, immature cataract, and anterior vitritis; the fundus was not visible. Phacoemulsification surgery and intraocular lens implantation using a custom lens of D+46 and 14 mm (An-vision, West Jordan, Utah, USA) was performed. Post-operative medications included sub-conjunctival injections of atropine, cefazolin, and triamcinolone, and oral doxycycline and prednisolone. At the 5-month follow-up, the uveitis was controlled, and a normal fundus was visualized; at 21 mo, the eye remained comfortable and visual. This is the first case report to describe phacoemulsification in a wild felid as a treatment for a traumatic cataract and severe phacoclastic uveitis. Key clinical message: Despite chronic phacoclastic uveitis, phacoemulsification surgery can provide a positive outcome for mature wild felids with traumatic lens rupture, even when topical treatment cannot be administered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Lavallée
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Stephanie C Osinchuk
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Dennilyn Parker
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Marina Leis
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lynne S Sandmeyer
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Palmero S, Belotti E, Bufka L, Gahbauer M, Heibl C, Premier J, Weingarth-Dachs K, Heurich M. Demography of a Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population within a strictly protected area in Central Europe. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19868. [PMID: 34615965 PMCID: PMC8494906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99337-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Large carnivores promote crucial ecosystem processes but are increasingly threatened by human persecution and habitat destruction. Successful conservation of this guild requires information on long-term population dynamics obtained through demographic surveys. We used camera traps to monitor Eurasian lynx between 2009 and 2018 in a strictly protected area in the Bohemian Forest Ecosystem, located in the core of the distribution of the Bohemian-Bavarian-Austrian lynx population. Thereby, we estimated sex-specific demographic parameters using spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models. Over 48,677 trap nights, we detected 65 unique lynx individuals. Density increased from 0.69 to 1.33 and from 1.09 to 2.35 individuals/100 km2 for open and closed population SCR models, respectively, with corresponding positive population growth rates (mean = 1.06). Estimated yearly sex-specific survival probabilities for the entire monitoring period were high (females 82%, males 90%) and per capita recruitment rate was low (females 12%, males 9%), indicating a low yearly population turnover. We ascertained an average number of recruits of 1.97 and a generation time of 2.64 years when considering resident reproducing females. We confirmed that reproduction in the study area took place successfully every year. Despite the overall increase in local lynx densities, the number of detected family groups remained constant throughout the study period. These results indicated that the strictly protected study area acts as a source for the multi-use landscapes in its surroundings. In this first open population SCR study on lynx, we provide sex-specific demographic parameters that are fundamental information for lynx management in the study area as well as in similar contexts Europe-wide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Palmero
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Elisa Belotti
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 1176, 16521, Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Department of Research and Nature Protection, Šumava National Park Administration, Sušická 399, 34192, Kašperské Hory, Czech Republic
| | - Luděk Bufka
- Department of Research and Nature Protection, Šumava National Park Administration, Sušická 399, 34192, Kašperské Hory, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Gahbauer
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481, Grafenau, Germany
| | - Christoph Heibl
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481, Grafenau, Germany
- Plant Biodiversity Research, Technische Universitӓt München, Emil-Ramann Straße 2, 85354, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Joe Premier
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481, Grafenau, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Weingarth-Dachs
- Plant Biodiversity Research, Technische Universitӓt München, Emil-Ramann Straße 2, 85354, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Marco Heurich
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481, Grafenau, Germany
- Inland Norway University of Applied Science Institute for Forest and Wildlife Management, Campus Evenstad, 2480, Koppang, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ruprecht JS, Eriksson CE, Forrester TD, Clark DA, Wisdom MJ, Rowland MM, Johnson BK, Levi T. Evaluating and integrating spatial capture-recapture models with data of variable individual identifiability. Ecol Appl 2021; 31:e02405. [PMID: 34245619 PMCID: PMC9286611 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models have become the preferred tool for estimating densities of carnivores. Within this family of models are variants requiring identification of all individuals in each encounter (SCR), a subset of individuals only (generalized spatial mark-resight, gSMR), or no individual identification (spatial count or spatial presence-absence). Although each technique has been shown through simulation to yield unbiased results, the consistency and relative precision of estimates across methods in real-world settings are seldom considered. We tested a suite of models ranging from those only requiring detections of unmarked individuals to others that integrate remote camera, physical capture, genetic, and global positioning system (GPS) data into a hybrid model, to estimate population densities of black bears, bobcats, cougars, and coyotes. For each species, we genotyped fecal DNA collected with detection dogs during a 20-d period. A subset of individuals from each species was affixed with GPS collars bearing unique markings and resighted by remote cameras over 140 d contemporaneous with scat collection. Camera-based gSMR models produced density estimates that differed by <10% from genetic SCR for bears, cougars, and coyotes once important sources of variation (sex or behavioral status) were controlled for. For bobcats, SCR estimates were 33% higher than gSMR. The cause of the discrepancies in estimates was likely attributable to challenges designing a study compatible for species with disparate home range sizes and the difficulty of collecting sufficient data in a timeframe in which demographic closure could be assumed. Unmarked models estimated densities that varied greatly from SCR, but estimates became more consistent in models wherein more individuals were identifiable. Hybrid models containing all data sources exhibited the most precise estimates for all species. For studies in which only sparse data can be obtained and the strictest model assumptions are unlikely to be met, we suggest researchers use caution making inference from models lacking individual identity. For best results, we further recommend the use of methods requiring at least a subset of the population is marked and that multiple data sets are incorporated when possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel S. Ruprecht
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeOregon State University104 Nash HallCorvallisOregon97331USA
| | - Charlotte E. Eriksson
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeOregon State University104 Nash HallCorvallisOregon97331USA
| | - Tavis D. Forrester
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife1401 Gekeler LaneLa GrandeOregon97850USA
| | - Darren A. Clark
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife1401 Gekeler LaneLa GrandeOregon97850USA
| | - Michael J. Wisdom
- Pacific Northwest Research StationUSDA Forest Service1401 Gekeler LaneLa GrandeOregon97850USA
| | - Mary M. Rowland
- Pacific Northwest Research StationUSDA Forest Service1401 Gekeler LaneLa GrandeOregon97850USA
| | - Bruce K. Johnson
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife1401 Gekeler LaneLa GrandeOregon97850USA
| | - Taal Levi
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeOregon State University104 Nash HallCorvallisOregon97331USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang S, Zhu H, Ye H, Hu Y, Zheng N, Huang Z, Xiong Z, Fu L, Cai T. Risk factors for prolonged virus shedding of respiratory tract and fecal in adults with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 35:e23923. [PMID: 34390043 PMCID: PMC8418473 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dynamic alteration and comparative study of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA shedding pattern during treatment are limited. This study explores the potential risk factors influencing prolonged viral shedding in COVID-19. METHODS A total of 126 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this retrospective longitudinal study. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the potential risk factors. RESULTS 38.1% (48/126) cases presented prolonged respiratory tract viral shedding, and 30 (23.8%) cases presented prolonged rectal swab viral shedding. Obesity (OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.08-10.09), positive rectal swab (OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.53-7.7), treatment by lopinavir/ritonavir with chloroquine phosphate (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.04-6.03), the interval from onset to antiviral treatment more than 7 days (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.04-4.93), lower CD4+ T cell (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99) and higher NK cells (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.20) were significantly associated with prolonged respiratory tract viral shedding. CD3-CD56+ NK cells (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76-0.99) were related with prolonged fecal shedding. CONCLUSIONS Obesity, delayed antiviral treatment, and positive SARS-CoV-2 for stool were independent risk factors for prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding of the respiratory tract. A combination of LPV/r and abidol as the initial antiviral regimen was effective in shortening the duration of viral shedding compared with LPV/r combined with chloroquine phosphate. CD4+ T cell and NK cells were significantly associated with prolonged viral shedding, and further studies are to be warranted to determine the mechanism of immunomodulatory response in virus clearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Zhang
- Department of Experimental Medical ScienceHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Experimental Medical ScienceHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Honghua Ye
- Department of CardiologyHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingboChina
| | - Yaoren Hu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
- Department of Infection and HepatologyHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingboChina
| | - Nanhong Zheng
- Department of Infection and HepatologyHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingboChina
| | - Zuoan Huang
- Department of Experimental Medical ScienceHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Zi Xiong
- Department of Experimental Medical ScienceHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Liyun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
- Department of Infection and HepatologyHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingboChina
| | - Ting Cai
- Department of Experimental Medical ScienceHwaMei HospitalUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A free-ranging male bobcat (Lynx rufus) was evaluated because of signs of pelvic limb paralysis. CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination of the anesthetized animal revealed tick infestation, normal mentation, and a lack of evidence of traumatic injuries. Radiography revealed no clinically relevant abnormalities. Hematologic analysis results were generally unremarkable, and serologic tests for exposure to feline coronavirus, FeLV, FIV, and Toxoplasma gondii were negative. Results of PCR assays for flea- and common tick-borne organisms other than Bartonella clarridgeiae were negative. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Ticks were manually removed, and the patient received supportive care and fipronil treatment. The bobcat made a full recovery within 72 hours after treatment for ticks, and a presumptive diagnosis of tick paralysis was made. Identified tick species included Dermacenter variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the authors' knowledge, tick paralysis has not previously been reported in felids outside Australia. This disease should be considered a differential diagnosis in felids, including exotic cats, with signs of neuromuscular disease of unknown etiopathogenesis.
Collapse
|
30
|
Allen ML, Roberts NM, Bauder JM. Relationships of catch-per-unit-effort metrics with abundance vary depending on sampling method and population trajectory. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233444. [PMID: 32437401 PMCID: PMC7241727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) is often used to monitor wildlife populations and to develop statistical population models. Animals caught and released are often not included in CPUE metrics and their inclusion may create more accurate indices of abundance. We used 21 years of detailed harvest records for bobcat (Lynx rufus) in Wisconsin, U.S.A., to calculate CPUE and ‘actual CPUE’ (ACPUE; including animals caught and released) from bobcat hunters and trappers. We calibrated these metrics to an independent estimate of bobcat abundance and attempted to create simple but effective models to estimate CPUE and ACPUE using harvest success data (i.e., bobcats harvested/available permits). CPUE showed virtually no relationship with bobcat abundance across all years, but both CPUE and ACPUE had stronger, non-linear, and negative relationships with abundance during the periods when the population was decreasing. Annual harvest success strongly predicted composite ACPUE and CPUE from hunters and trappers and hunter ACPUE and CPUE but was a poorer predictor of trapper ACPUE and CPUE. The non-linear, and sometimes weak, relationships with bobcat abundance likely reflect the increasing selectivity of bobcat hunters for trophy animals. Studies calibrating per-unit-effort metrics against abundance should account for population trajectories and different harvest methods (e.g., hunting and trapping). Our results also highlight the potential for estimating per-unit-effort metrics from relatively simple and inexpensive data sources and we encourage additional research into the use of per-unit-effort metrics for population estimation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian L. Allen
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Nathan M. Roberts
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Javan M. Bauder
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Louvrier J, Molinari-Jobin A, Kéry M, Chambert T, Miller D, Zimmermann F, Marboutin E, Molinari P, Müeller O, Černe R, Gimenez O. Use of ambiguous detections to improve estimates from species distribution models. Conserv Biol 2019; 33:185-195. [PMID: 30009479 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
As large carnivores recover throughout Europe, their distribution needs to be studied to determine their conservation status and assess the potential for human-carnivore conflicts. However, efficient monitoring of many large carnivore species is challenging due to their rarity, elusive behavior, and large home ranges. Their monitoring can include opportunistic sightings from citizens in addition to designed surveys. Two types of detection errors may occur in such monitoring schemes: false negatives and false positives. False-negative detections can be accounted for in species distribution models (SDMs) that deal with imperfect detection. False-positive detections, due to species misidentification, have rarely been accounted for in SDMs. Generally, researchers use ad hoc data-filtering methods to discard ambiguous observations prior to analysis. These practices may discard valuable ecological information on the distribution of a species. We investigated the costs and benefits of including data types that may include false positives rather than discarding them for SDMs of large carnivores. We used a dynamic occupancy model that simultaneously accounts for false negatives and positives to jointly analyze data that included both unambiguous detections and ambiguous detections. We used simulations to compare the performances of our model with a model fitted on unambiguous data only. We tested the 2 models in 4 scenarios in which parameters that control false-positive detections and true detections varied. We applied our model to data from the monitoring of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the European Alps. The addition of ambiguous detections increased the precision of parameter estimates. For the Eurasian lynx, incorporating ambiguous detections produced more precise estimates of the ecological parameters and revealed additional occupied sites in areas where the species is likely expanding. Overall, we found that ambiguous data should be considered when studying the distribution of large carnivores through the use of dynamic occupancy models that account for misidentification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Louvrier
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, CNERA prédateurs et animaux déprédateurs, Parc Micropolis, 05000, Gap, France
| | | | - Marc Kéry
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Chambert
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - David Miller
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, U.S.A
| | | | | | | | | | - Rok Černe
- Slovenia Forest Service, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olivier Gimenez
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Persson BRR, Gjelsvik R, Holm E. Radioecological modelling of Polonium-210 and Caesium-137 in lichen-reindeer-man and top predators. J Environ Radioact 2018; 186:54-62. [PMID: 28870414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This work deals with analysis and modelling of the radionuclides 210Pb and210Po in the food-chain lichen-reindeer-man in addition to 210Po and 137Cs in top predators. By using the methods of Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) the atmospheric deposition of 210Pb and 210Po is predicted at the sample locations. Dynamic modelling of the activity concentration with differential equations is fitted to the sample data. Reindeer lichen consumption, gastrointestinal absorption, organ distribution and elimination is derived from information in the literature. Dynamic modelling of transfer of 210Pb and 210Po to reindeer meat, liver and bone from lichen consumption, fitted well with data from Sweden and Finland from 1966 to 1971. The activity concentration of 210Pb in the skeleton in man is modelled by using the results of studying the kinetics of lead in skeleton and blood in lead-workers after end of occupational exposure. The result of modelling 210Pb and 210Po activity in skeleton matched well with concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po in teeth from reindeer-breeders and autopsy bone samples in Finland. The results of 210Po and 137Cs in different tissues of wolf, wolverine and lynx previously published, are analysed with multivariate data processing methods such as Principal Component Analysis PCA, and modelled with the method of Projection to Latent Structures, PLS, or Partial Least Square Regression PLSR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bertil R R Persson
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Lund University, Barngatan 2, SE-22185 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Runhild Gjelsvik
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, PO Box 55, NO-1332 Østerås, Norway
| | - Elis Holm
- Department of Radiation Physics, Sahlgren Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kosterman MK, Squires JR, Holbrook JD, Pletscher DH, Hebblewhite M. Forest structure provides the income for reproductive success in a southern population of Canada lynx. Ecol Appl 2018; 28:1032-1043. [PMID: 29457298 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of reproductive success is central to advancing animal ecology and characterizing critical habitat. Unfortunately, much of the work examining drivers of reproductive success is biased toward particular groups of organisms (e.g., colonial birds, large herbivores, capital breeders). Long-lived mammalian carnivores that are of conservation concern, solitary, and territorial present an excellent situation to examine intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of reproductive success, yet they have received little attention. Here, we used a Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) data set, from the southern periphery of their range, to determine if reproductive success in a solitary carnivore was consistent with capital or income breeding. We radio-marked and monitored 36 female Canada lynx for 98 lynx years. We evaluated how maternal characteristics and indices of food supply (via forest structure) in core areas influenced variation in body condition and reproductive success. We characterized body condition as mass/length and reproductive success as whether a female produced a litter of kittens for a given breeding season. Consistent with life-history theory, we documented a positive effect of maternal age on body condition and reproductive success. In contrast to predictions of capital breeding, we observed no effect of pre-pregnancy body condition on reproductive success in Canada lynx. However, we demonstrated statistical effects of forest structure on reproductive success in Canada lynx, consistent with predictions of income breeding. The forest characteristics that defined high success included (1) abundant and connected mature forest and (2) intermediate amounts of small-diameter regenerating forest. These attributes are consistent with providing abundant, temporally stable, and accessible prey resources (i.e., snowshoe hares; Lepus americanus) for lynx and reinforce the bottom-up mechanisms influencing Canada lynx populations. Collectively, our results suggest that lynx on the southern range periphery exhibit an income breeding strategy and that forest structure supplies the income important for successful reproduction. More broadly, our insights advance the understanding of carnivore ecology and serve as an important example on integrating long-term field studies with ecological theory to improve landscape management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Kosterman
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, Montana, 59812, USA
| | - John R Squires
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 800 E Beckwith, Missoula, Montana, 59801, USA
| | - Joseph D Holbrook
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 800 E Beckwith, Missoula, Montana, 59801, USA
- Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173120, Bozeman, Montana, 59717, USA
| | - Daniel H Pletscher
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, Montana, 59812, USA
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, Montana, 59812, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Mammalian carnivores can be particularly sensitive to human disturbance, even within protected areas (PAs). Our objective was to understand how human disturbance affects carnivore communities in southern Arizona, USA by studying habitat occupancy based on data collected using non-invasive methods in three PAs with different levels of human disturbance. Carnivore occupancy varied based on human disturbance variables (i.e., roads, trails, etc.). Common carnivore species (coyotes, gray foxes, and bobcats) had high occupancy probability in highly disturbed sites, while all other carnivore species had a higher probability of occupancy in low disturbance protected areas. Additionally, overall carnivore diversity was higher in PAs with low human disturbance. Edges of PAs appeared to negatively impact occupancy of nearly all carnivore species. We also found the presence of roads and trails, and not necessarily how much they are used, had a significant negative impact on the occupancy of most carnivore species. Furthermore, the overall level of disturbance within a PA influenced how sensitive carnivores were to human disturbance variables. Carnivores were more sensitive in PAs with higher levels of disturbance and were relatively unaffected by disturbance variables in a PA with low base levels of disturbance. Increased visitation to PAs, expected with the region's high level of population growth, is likely to cause shifts in the carnivore communities favoring species that are less sensitive to disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Darnell Baker
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Paul L. Leberg
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Serieys LEK, Lea AJ, Epeldegui M, Armenta TC, Moriarty J, VandeWoude S, Carver S, Foley J, Wayne RK, Riley SPD, Uittenbogaart CH. Urbanization and anticoagulant poisons promote immune dysfunction in bobcats. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20172533. [PMID: 29343604 PMCID: PMC5805946 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how human activities influence immune response to environmental stressors can support biodiversity conservation across increasingly urbanizing landscapes. We studied a bobcat (Lynx rufus) population in urban southern California that experienced a rapid population decline from 2002-2005 due to notoedric mange. Because anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) exposure was an underlying complication in mange deaths, we aimed to understand sublethal contributions of urbanization and ARs on 65 biochemical markers of immune and organ function. Variance in immunological variables was primarily associated with AR exposure and secondarily with urbanization. Use of urban habitat and AR exposure has pervasive, complex and predictable effects on biochemical markers of immune and organ function in free-ranging bobcats that include impacts on neutrophil, lymphocyte and cytokine populations, total bilirubin and phosphorus. We find evidence of both inflammatory response and immune suppression associated with urban land use and rat poison exposure that could influence susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Consequently, AR exposure may influence mortality and has population-level effects, as previous work in the focal population has revealed substantial mortality caused by mange infection. The secondary effects of anticoagulant exposure may be a worldwide, largely unrecognized problem affecting a variety of vertebrate species in human-dominated environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurel E K Serieys
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Amanda J Lea
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Box 90338, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Marta Epeldegui
- UCLA AIDS Institute and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany C Armenta
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joanne Moriarty
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, National Park Service, 401 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA
| | - Sue VandeWoude
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Janet Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Robert K Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Seth P D Riley
- UCLA AIDS Institute and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christel H Uittenbogaart
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA AIDS Institute and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lopes-Fernandes M, Espírito-Santo C, Frazão-Moreira A. The return of the Iberian lynx to Portugal: local voices. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2018; 14:3. [PMID: 29325579 PMCID: PMC5765628 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-017-0200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnographic research can help to establish dialog between conservationists and local people in reintroduction areas. Considering that predator reintroductions may cause local resistance, we assessed attitudes of different key actor profiles to the return of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) to Portugal before reintroduction started in 2015. We aimed to characterize a social context from an ethnoecological perspective, including factors such as local knowledge, perceptions, emotions, and opinions. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 131) in three different protected areas and observed practices and public meetings in order to describe reintroduction contestation, emotional involvement with the species, and local perceptions about conservation. Detailed content data analysis was undertaken and an open-ended codification of citations was performed with the support of ATLAS.ti. Besides the qualitative analyses, we further explored statistic associations between knowledge and opinions and compared different geographical areas and hunters with non-hunters among key actors. RESULTS Local ecological knowledge encompassed the lynx but was not shared by the whole community. Both similarities and differences between local and scientific knowledge about the lynx were found. The discrepancies with scientific findings were not necessarily a predictor of negative attitudes towards reintroduction. Contestation issues around reintroduction differ between geographical areas but did not hinder an emotional attachment to the species and its identification as a territory emblem. Among local voices, financial compensation was significantly associated to hunters and nature tourism was cited the most frequent advantage of lynx presence. Materialistic discourses existed in parallel with non-economic factors and the existence of moral agreement with its protection. The considerable criticism and reference to restrictions by local actors concerning protected areas and conservation projects indicated the experience of an imposed model of nature conservation. Opinions about participation in the reintroduction process highlighted the need for a closer dialog between all actors and administration. CONCLUSIONS Local voices analyzed through an ethnoecological perspective provide several views on reintroduction and nature conservation. They follow two main global trends of environmental discourse: (1) nature becomes a commodified object to exploit while contestation about wildlife is centered on financial return and (2) emblematic wild species create an emotional attachment, become symbolic, and gather moral agreement for nature protection. Lynx reintroduction has been not only just a nature protection theme but also a negotiation process with administration. Western rural communities are not the "noble savages" and nature protectors as are other traditional groups, and actors tend to claim for benefits in a situation of reintroduction. Both parties comprehend a similar version of appropriated nature. Understanding complexity and diverse interests in local communities are useful in not oversimplifying local positions towards predator conservation. We recommend that professional conservation teams rethink their image among local populations and increase proximity with different types of key actors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Lopes-Fernandes
- Divisão de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (ICNF), Avenida da República, 16, 1069-040 Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas/Nova, Centro em Rede de Investigação em Antropologia (CRIA-FCSH/NOVA), Avenida de Berna, 26, 1069-061 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Clara Espírito-Santo
- Grupo Lobo, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, C2, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Montes de Encanto, Rua da Charnequinha, 5, Parracheira, 2420-026 Arrabal, Portugal
| | - Amélia Frazão-Moreira
- Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas/Nova, Centro em Rede de Investigação em Antropologia (CRIA-FCSH/NOVA), Avenida de Berna, 26, 1069-061 Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Grace MK, Smith DJ, Noss RF. Reducing the threat of wildlife-vehicle collisions during peak tourism periods using a Roadside Animal Detection System. Accid Anal Prev 2017; 109:55-61. [PMID: 29031047 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Roadside Animal Detection Systems (RADS) aim to reduce the frequency of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Unlike fencing and wildlife passages, RADS do not attempt to keep animals off the road; rather, they attempt to modify driver behavior by detecting animals near the road and warning drivers with flashing signs. A RADS was installed in Big Cypress National Park (Florida, USA) in 2012 in response to an increased number of Florida panther mortalities. To assess driver response, we measured the speed of individual cars on the road when the RADS was active (flashing) and inactive (not flashing) during the tourist season (November-March) and the off-season (April-October), which vary dramatically in traffic volume. We also used track beds and camera traps to assess whether roadside activity of large mammal species varied between seasons. In the tourist season, the activation of the RADS caused a significant reduction in vehicle speed. However, this effect was not observed in the off-season. Track and camera data showed that the tourist season coincided with peak periods of activity for several large mammals of conservation interest. Drivers in the tourist season generally drove faster than those in the off-season, so a reduction in speed in response to the RADS is more beneficial in the tourist season. Because traffic volume and roadside activity of several species of conservation interest both peak during the tourist season, our study indicates that the RADS has the potential to reduce the number of accidents during this period of heightened risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly K Grace
- University of Central Florida, Biology Department, 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
| | - Daniel J Smith
- University of Central Florida, Biology Department, 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Reed F Noss
- University of Central Florida, Biology Department, 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Pease BS, Nielsen CK, Holzmueller EJ. Single-Camera Trap Survey Designs Miss Detections: Impacts on Estimates of Occupancy and Community Metrics. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166689. [PMID: 27902733 PMCID: PMC5130212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of camera traps as a tool for studying wildlife populations is commonplace. However, few have considered how the number of detections of wildlife differ depending upon the number of camera traps placed at cameras-sites, and how this impacts estimates of occupancy and community composition. During December 2015-February 2016, we deployed four camera traps per camera-site, separated into treatment groups of one, two, and four camera traps, in southern Illinois to compare whether estimates of wildlife community metrics and occupancy probabilities differed among survey methods. The overall number of species detected per camera-site was greatest with the four-camera survey method (P<0.0184). The four-camera survey method detected 1.25 additional species per camera-site than the one-camera survey method, and was the only survey method to completely detect the ground-dwelling silvicolous community. The four-camera survey method recorded individual species at 3.57 additional camera-sites (P = 0.003) and nearly doubled the number of camera-sites where white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were detected compared to one- and two-camera survey methods. We also compared occupancy rates estimated by survey methods; as the number of cameras deployed per camera-site increased, occupancy estimates were closer to naïve estimates, detection probabilities increased, and standard errors of detection probabilities decreased. Additionally, each survey method resulted in differing top-ranked, species-specific occupancy models when habitat covariates were included. Underestimates of occurrence and misrepresented community metrics can have significant impacts on species of conservation concern, particularly in areas where habitat manipulation is likely. Having multiple camera traps per site revealed significant shortcomings with the common one-camera trap survey method. While we realize survey design is often constrained logistically, we suggest increasing effort to at least two camera traps facing opposite directions per camera-site in habitat association studies, and to utilize camera-trap arrays when restricted by equipment availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brent S. Pease
- Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Clayton K. Nielsen
- Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States of America
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States of America
| | - Eric J. Holzmueller
- Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hameed K, Angelone-Alasaad S, Din JU, Nawaz MA, Rossi L. The threatening but unpredictable Sarcoptes scabiei: first deadly outbreak in the Himalayan lynx, Lynx lynx isabellinus, from Pakistan. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:402. [PMID: 27435176 PMCID: PMC4950640 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Although neglected, the mite Sarcoptes scabiei is an unpredictable emerging parasite, threatening human and animal health globally. In this paper we report the first fatal outbreak of sarcoptic mange in the endangered Himalayan lynx (Lynx lynx isabellinus) from Pakistan. A 10-year-old male Himalayan lynx was found in a miserable condition with severe crusted lesions in Chitral District, and immediately died. Post-mortem examination determined high S. scabiei density (1309 mites/cm(2) skin). It is most probably a genuine emergence, resulting from a new incidence due to the host-taxon derived or prey-to-predator cross-infestation hypotheses, and less probable to be apparent emergence resulting from increased infection in the Himalayan lynx population. This is an alarming situation for the conservation of this already threatened population, which demands surveillance for early detection and eventually rescue and treatment of the affected Himalayan lynx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Hameed
- />Department of Zoology, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST), Mirpur Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan
- />Department of Zoology, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Samer Angelone-Alasaad
- />Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies (IEU), University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
- />Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda, Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jaffar Ud Din
- />Snow Leopard Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan
- />Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ali Nawaz
- />Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Luca Rossi
- />Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Leonardo da Vinci 44, I-10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pietsch SJ, Tütken T. Oxygen isotope composition of North American bobcat ( Lynx rufus) and puma (Puma concolor) bone phosphate: implications for provenance and climate reconstruction. Isotopes Environ Health Stud 2015; 52:164-184. [PMID: 27002600 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2015.1113957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Feline carnivores are threatened by illegal wildlife trade. Tracing the provenance of unknown felid tissues via stable isotope analysis could provide important information in wildlife crime investigations. The oxygen isotope composition of mammalian skeletal phosphate (δ(18)Op) is widely applied to trace the origin of animal remains and to reconstruct migratory patterns in palaeontological, archaeological, ecological and wildlife forensic applications. Teeth and bones of terrestrial mammals form at constant body temperature in isotope equilibrium with body water, which is predominantly controlled by ingested meteoric water (δ(18)Ow) that varies systematically with latitude, altitude and climate. Here we analysed δ(18)Op of 106 North American puma and bobcat bones of known geographic origin to establish the first δ(18)Op-δ(18)Ow regression for feline carnivores: δ(18)Op = 0.40(±0.04) * δ(18)Ow + 20.10(±0.40) (R(2) = 0.46, n = 106). This was compared with those from their respective prey species (deer and rabbit), a canid carnivore (fox) and other placental mammals. Effects of species, sex and relative humidity on the feline δ(18)Op-δ(18)Ow correlation were analysed and additional intra-individual tissue comparisons (hair δ(18)Oh vs. bone δ(18)Op) were performed for some bobcat individuals. Bobcats and pumas exhibited only a moderate δ(18)Op-δ(18)Ow correlation, which differed from canid carnivores and other placental mammals. However, feline δ(18)Op values revealed a moderate relation with δ(18)Ow, which lacks for the δ(18)Oh of hair from the same bobcat individuals. This indicates a difference in oxygen isotope routing from body water to bioapatite and hair. Most herbivores and omnivores track δ(18)Ow in their bioapatite δ(18)Op values much better, whereas δ(18)Op and especially δ(18)Oh values of feline carnivores are less precise proxies for meteoric water δ(18)Ow values and thus for provenance determination in wildlife forensics and palaeoclimate reconstructions. Oxygen isotope fingerprinting of bobcat and puma is biased by factors related to their diet, behaviour and metabolism that need to be better understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Pietsch
- a Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig (ZFMK) , Zentrum für Molekulare Biodiversitätsforschung (ZMB) , Bonn , Germany
| | - Thomas Tütken
- b Steinmann-Institut für Geologie, Mineralogie und Paläontologie, Universität Bonn , Bonn , Germany
- c Institut für Geowissenschaften, AG für Analytische und Angewandte Paläontologie, Universität Mainz , Mainz , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Belotti E, Weder N, Bufka L, Kaldhusdal A, Küchenhoff H, Seibold H, Woelfing B, Heurich M. Patterns of Lynx Predation at the Interface between Protected Areas and Multi-Use Landscapes in Central Europe. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138139. [PMID: 26379142 PMCID: PMC4574974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In Central Europe, protected areas are too small to ensure survival of populations of large carnivores. In the surrounding areas, these species are often persecuted due to competition with game hunters. Therefore, understanding how predation intensity varies spatio-temporally across areas with different levels of protection is fundamental. We investigated the predation patterns of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in both protected areas and multi-use landscapes of the Bohemian Forest Ecosystem. Based on 359 roe and red deer killed by 10 GPS-collared lynx, we calculated the species-specific annual kill rates and tested for effects of season and lynx age, sex and reproductive status. Because roe and red deer in the study area concentrate in unprotected lowlands during winter, we modeled spatial distribution of kills separately for summer and winter and calculated-the probability of a deer killed by lynx and-the expected number of kills for areas with different levels of protection. Significantly more roe deer (46.05-74.71/year/individual lynx) were killed than red deer (1.57-9.63/year/individual lynx), more deer were killed in winter than in summer, and lynx family groups had higher annual kill rates than adult male, single adult female and subadult female lynx. In winter the probability of a deer killed and the expected number of kills were higher outside the most protected part of the study area than inside; in summer, this probability did not differ between areas, and the expected number of kills was slightly larger inside than outside the most protected part of the study area. This indicates that the intensity of lynx predation in the unprotected part of the Bohemian Forest Ecosystem increases in winter, thus mitigation of conflicts in these areas should be included as a priority in the lynx conservation strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Belotti
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 1176, 16521 Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Department of Research and Nature Protection, Šumava National Park Administration, Sušická 399, 34192 Kašperské Hory, Czech Republic
| | - Nicole Weder
- Department of Research and Documentation, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481 Grafenau, Germany
| | - Luděk Bufka
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 1176, 16521 Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Department of Research and Nature Protection, Šumava National Park Administration, Sušická 399, 34192 Kašperské Hory, Czech Republic
| | - Arne Kaldhusdal
- Department of Statistics, LMU Munich, Ludwigstraße 33, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Küchenhoff
- Department of Statistics, LMU Munich, Ludwigstraße 33, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Heidi Seibold
- Department of Statistics, LMU Munich, Ludwigstraße 33, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Benno Woelfing
- Department of Research and Documentation, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481 Grafenau, Germany
| | - Marco Heurich
- Department of Research and Documentation, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481 Grafenau, Germany
- Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
|
43
|
Hiestand SJ, Nielsen CK, Jiménez FA. Modelling potential presence of metazoan endoparasites of bobcats ( Lynx rufus) using verified records. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2014; 61:401-410. [PMID: 25549497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Helminth parasites of wild and domestic felines pose a direct or potential threat to human health. Since helminths depend on multiple environmental factors that make their transmission possible, it is imperative to predict the areas where these parasites may complete the transmission to potential hosts. Bobcats, Lynx rufus (Schreberer), are the most abundant and widely-distributed wild felid species in North America. The increase of population densities of bobcats raises concerns about their importance as reservoirs of pathogens and parasites that may affect wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Our objective was to predict the potential presence of the tapeworm Taenia rileyi Loewen, 1929, the fluke Alaria marcianae (La Rue, 1917) and the roundworm Toxocara cati (Schrank, 1788) in southern Illinois. The empirical presence of these parasites in localities across the region was analysed in combination with a sampling bias layer (i.e. bobcat presence) and with environmental data: layers of water, soil, land cover, human density and climate variables in MAXENT to create maps of potential presence for these three species in an area of 46436 km2. All climatic variables were low contributors (0.0-2.0% contribution to model creation) whereas land cover surfaced as an important variable for the presence of A. marcianae (7.6%) and T. cati (6.3%); human density (4.8%) was of secondary importance for T. rileyi. Variables of importance likely represent habitat requirements necessary for the completion of parasite life cycles. Larger areas of potential presence were found for the feline specialist T. rileyi (85%) while potential presence was less likely for A. marcianae (73%), a parasite that requires multiple aquatic intermediate hosts. This study provides information to wildlife biologists and health officials regarding the potential impacts of growing bobcat populations in combination with complex and changing environmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby J Hiestand
- Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Samelius G, Andrén H, Kjellander P, Liberg O. Habitat selection and risk of predation: re-colonization by lynx had limited impact on habitat selection by roe deer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75469. [PMID: 24069419 PMCID: PMC3777928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk of predation is an evolutionary force that affects behaviors of virtually all animals. In this study, we examined how habitat selection by roe deer was affected by risk of predation by Eurasian lynx - the main predator of roe deer in Scandinavia. Specifically, we compared how habitat selection by roe deer varied (1) before and after lynx re-established in the study area and (2) in relation to habitat-specific risk of predation by lynx. All analyses were conducted at the spatial and temporal scales of home ranges and seasons. We did not find any evidence that roe deer avoided habitats in which the risk of predation by lynx was greatest and information-theoretic model selection showed that re-colonization by lynx had limited impact on habitat selection by roe deer despite lynx predation causing 65% of known mortalities after lynx re-colonized the area. Instead we found that habitat selection decreased when habitat availability increased for 2 of 5 habitat types (a pattern referred to as functional response in habitat selection). Limited impact of re-colonization by lynx on habitat selection by roe deer in this study differs from elk in North America altering both daily and seasonal patterns in habitat selection at the spatial scales of habitat patches and home ranges when wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. Our study thus provides further evidence of the complexity by which animals respond to risk of predation and suggest that it may vary between ecosystems and predator-prey constellations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustaf Samelius
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Riddarhyttan, Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gangaas KE, Kaltenborn BP, Andreassen HP. Geo-spatial aspects of acceptance of illegal hunting of large carnivores in Scandinavia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68849. [PMID: 23894353 PMCID: PMC3722212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-carnivore conflicts are complex and are influenced by: the spatial distribution of the conflict species; the organisation and intensity of management measures such as zoning; historical experience with wildlife; land use patterns; and local cultural traditions. We have used a geographically stratified sampling of social values and attitudes to provide a novel perspective to the human - wildlife conflict. We have focused on acceptance by and disagreements between residents (measured as Potential Conflict Index; PCI) towards illegal hunting of four species of large carnivores (bear, lynx, wolf, wolverine). The study is based on surveys of residents in every municipality in Sweden and Norway who were asked their opinion on illegal hunting. Our results show how certain social values are associated with acceptance of poaching, and how these values differ geographically independent of carnivore abundance. Our approach differs from traditional survey designs, which are often biased towards urban areas. Although these traditional designs intend to be representative of a region (i.e. a random sample from a country), they tend to receive relatively few respondents from rural areas that experience the majority of conflict with carnivores. Acceptance of poaching differed significantly between Norway (12.7-15.7% of respondents) and Sweden (3.3-4.1% of respondents). We found the highest acceptance of illegal hunting in rural areas with free-ranging sheep and strong hunting traditions. Disagreements between residents (as measured by PCI) were highest in areas with intermediate population density. There was no correlation between carnivore density and either acceptance of illegal hunting or PCI. A strong positive correlation between acceptance of illegal hunting and PCI showed that areas with high acceptance of illegal hunting are areas with high potential conflict between people. Our results show that spatially-stratified surveys are required to reveal the large scale patterns in social dynamics of human-wildlife conflicts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E Gangaas
- Hedmark University College, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Campus Evenstad, Koppang, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Contemporary efforts to protect biological diversity recognize the importance of sustaining traditional human livelihoods, particularly uses of the land that are compatible with intact landscapes and ecologically complete food webs. However, these efforts often confront conflicting goals. For example, conserving native predators may harm pastoralist economies because predators consume domestic livestock that sustain people. This potential conflict must be reconciled by policy, but such reconciliation requires a firm understanding of the effects of predators on the prey used by people. We used a long-term, large-scale database and Bayesian models to estimate the impacts of lynx (Lynx lynx), wolverine (Gulo gulo), and brown bear (Ursus arctos) on harvest of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) by Sami pastoralists in Sweden. The average annual harvest of reindeer averaged 25% of the population (95% credible interval = 19, 31). Annual harvest declined by 96.6 (31, 155) reindeer for each lynx family group (the surveyed segment of the lynx population) in a management unit and by 94.3 (20, 160) for each wolverine reproduction (the surveyed segment of the wolverine population). We failed to detect effects of predation by brown bear. The mechanism for effects of predation on harvest was reduced population growth rate. The rate of increase of reindeer populations declined with increasing abundance of lynx and wolverine. The density of reindeer, latitude, and weather indexed by the North Atlantic Oscillation also influenced reindeer population growth rate. We conclude that there is a biological basis for compensating the Sámi reindeer herders for predation on reindeer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Thompson Hobbs
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Bevins SN, Carver S, Boydston EE, Lyren LM, Alldredge M, Logan KA, Riley SPD, Fisher RN, Vickers TW, Boyce W, Salman M, Lappin MR, Crooks KR, VandeWoude S. Three pathogens in sympatric populations of pumas, bobcats, and domestic cats: implications for infectious disease transmission. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31403. [PMID: 22347471 PMCID: PMC3275583 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic landscape change can lead to increased opportunities for pathogen transmission between domestic and non-domestic animals. Pumas, bobcats, and domestic cats are sympatric in many areas of North America and share many of the same pathogens, some of which are zoonotic. We analyzed bobcat, puma, and feral domestic cat samples collected from targeted geographic areas. We examined exposure to three pathogens that are taxonomically diverse (bacterial, protozoal, viral), that incorporate multiple transmission strategies (vector-borne, environmental exposure/ingestion, and direct contact), and that vary in species-specificity. Bartonella spp., Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Toxoplasma gondii IgG were detected in all three species with mean respective prevalence as follows: puma 16%, 41% and 75%; bobcat 31%, 22% and 43%; domestic cat 45%, 10% and 1%. Bartonella spp. were highly prevalent among domestic cats in Southern California compared to other cohort groups. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus exposure was primarily associated with species and age, and was not influenced by geographic location. Pumas were more likely to be infected with FIV than bobcats, with domestic cats having the lowest infection rate. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence was high in both pumas and bobcats across all sites; in contrast, few domestic cats were seropositive, despite the fact that feral, free ranging domestic cats were targeted in this study. Interestingly, a directly transmitted species-specific disease (FIV) was not associated with geographic location, while exposure to indirectly transmitted diseases – vector-borne for Bartonella spp. and ingestion of oocysts via infected prey or environmental exposure for T. gondii – varied significantly by site. Pathogens transmitted by direct contact may be more dependent upon individual behaviors and intra-specific encounters. Future studies will integrate host density, as well as landscape features, to better understand the mechanisms driving disease exposure and to predict zones of cross-species pathogen transmission among wild and domestic felids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Bevins
- USDA National Wildlife Disease Program, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Pietsch SJ, Hobson KA, Wassenaar LI, Tütken T. Tracking cats: problems with placing feline carnivores on δO, δD isoscapes. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24601. [PMID: 21931770 PMCID: PMC3170367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several felids are endangered and threatened by the illegal wildlife trade. Establishing geographic origin of tissues of endangered species is thus crucial for wildlife crime investigations and effective conservation strategies. As shown in other species, stable isotope analysis of hydrogen and oxygen in hair (δDh, δ18Oh) can be used as a tool for provenance determination. However, reliably predicting the spatial distribution of δDh and δ18Oh requires confirmation from animal tissues of known origin and a detailed understanding of the isotopic routing of dietary nutrients into felid hair. Methodology/Findings We used coupled δDh and δ18Oh measurements from the North American bobcat (Lynx rufus) and puma (Puma concolor) with precipitation-based assignment isoscapes to test the feasibility of isotopic geo-location of felidae. Hairs of felid and rabbit museum specimens from 75 sites across the United States and Canada were analyzed. Bobcat and puma lacked a significant correlation between H/O isotopes in hair and local waters, and also exhibited an isotopic decoupling of δ18Oh and δDh. Conversely, strong δD and δ18O coupling was found for key prey, eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus; hair) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; collagen, bone phosphate). Conclusions/Significance Puma and bobcat hairs do not adhere to expected pattern of H and O isotopic variation predicted by precipitation isoscapes for North America. Thus, using bulk hair, felids cannot be placed on δ18O and δD isoscapes for use in forensic investigations. The effective application of isotopes to trace the provenance of feline carnivores is likely compromised by major controls of their diet, physiology and metabolism on hair δ18O and δD related to body water budgets. Controlled feeding experiments, combined with single amino acid isotope analysis of diets and hair, are needed to reveal mechanisms and physiological traits explaining why felid hair does not follow isotopic patterns demonstrated in many other taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Pietsch
- Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Millán J, Mateo R, Taggart MA, López-Bao JV, Viota M, Monsalve L, Camarero PR, Blázquez E, Jiménez B. Levels of heavy metals and metalloids in critically endangered Iberian lynx and other wild carnivores from Southern Spain. Sci Total Environ 2008; 399:193-201. [PMID: 18455757 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2008] [Revised: 03/25/2008] [Accepted: 03/27/2008] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid in the world with a wild population which probably stands at less than 200 individuals inhabiting two areas in Southern Spain (Doñana and Sierra Morena) that are known to have been contaminated by heavy metals and metalloids due to a long history of mining activities. This contamination may pose a threat to long term conservation efforts and hence, the concentrations of seven elements (As, Se, Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg) were determined in the liver, muscle and bone of 9 lynx, as well as 17 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 11 Egyptian mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon), 4 common genets (Genetta genetta) and 1 Eurasian badger (Meles meles). The mean concentrations found were below the threshold levels indicative of chronic intoxication in all the species studied. In general, genet and red fox were species with the highest concentrations of several elements in Doñana, whilst Iberian lynx had the lowest levels of most of them. Lynx from Sierra Morena had significantly higher concentrations of bone Pb (2.05 microg/g d.w.) than those from Doñana (0.13 microg/g d.w.), probably due to the mineralised underlying geology and/or the abandoned mine workings in Sierra Morena. Egyptian mongoose presented liver concentrations of Hg up to 9.7 microg/g d.w. A strong relationship between Hg and Se levels was found in liver and muscle samples of all the studied species, especially in mongoose. In conclusion, levels of the studied elements do not appear to represent a significant threat for the lynx or for the other carnivores studied. However, given the critical status of the Iberian lynx, a continuous monitoring scheme remains necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Millán
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Avda. María Luisa s/n, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Naidenko SV, Antonevich AL, Erofeeva MN. Hormonal response to a synthetic analog of adrenocorticotropic hormone in lynx pups (Lynx lynx L.). Dokl Biol Sci 2007; 416:341-4. [PMID: 18047013 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496607050055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S V Naidenko
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii pr. 33, Moscow, 117071 Russia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|