Search

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis , the causative agent of white spot disease, is a ciliated protozoan parasite that infects freshwater fish and induces high mortality. Outbreaks occur both in natural and production sites. The aim of the present study was to describe the lesions caused by chronic infection by I. multifiliis in goldfish (Carassius auratus) from an ornamental fish farm, highlighting important ultrastructural aspects of this protozoan. Damaged skin and gills, collected from fish with white or ulcerative skin lesions, were routinely processed for histological analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The parasitic forms present in the skin were associated with an inflammatory infiltrate consisting of macrophages, lymphocytes and other polymorphonuclear cells. The lesions associated with the presence of the parasite were organized in the form of granulomas, with macrophages in the layers closest to the parasites. A trophont-thickened membrane and induction of granulomatous inflammation were identified in this study as mechanisms for evasion of the immune response. We concluded that the presence of I. multifiliis trophonts resulted in the formation of granulomatous inflammation, whether associated or not with pathogen lysis, suggesting that the parasite can use an inflammatory response to evade the immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the gut microbiome varies due to dietary habits. We investigated influences of diet on the composition of the gut microbiome using the feces of 11 avian species, which consumed grain-, fish- and meat-based diets. We analyzed gut microbiome diversity and composition by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 16S ribosomal RNA. The grain-diet group had higher gut microbiome diversity than the meat- and fish-diet group. The ratio of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla was higher in the grain-diet group than in the meat- and fish-diet groups. The grain-diet group had a higher ratio of Veillonellaceae than the meat-diet group and a higher ratio of Eubacteriaceae than the fish-diet habit group. To clarify the influence of diet within the same species, white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla, n=6) were divided into two groups, and given only deer meat or fish for approximately one month. The composition of the gut microbiome of individuals in both groups were analyzed by NGS. There were indications of fluctuation in the levels of some bacteria (Lactobacillus, Coriobacteriales, etc.) in each diet group. Moreover, one individual for each group which switched each diet in last week changed to each feature of composition of bacterial flora. The above results show that the composition of the gut microbiome differ depending on diet, even within the same species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tasmanian subspecies of the Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax fleayi is listed as Endangered under both federal and state threatened species legislation, with an estimated population of <1000 individuals, and ongoing threats. The species is vulnerable to injury and mortality from wind-power infrastructure. The same is true of the similarly sized White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster, which is listed as Vulnerable under Tasmanian threatened species legislation. This paper summarises research undertaken on the number of documented Tasmanian eagle deaths and injuries from energy assets in the period 2010-2022. Information about eagle deaths and injuries is not readily available nor readily made available. Hence, the information comes from searching primary sources such as annual reports. I provide evidence of 272 individual Wedge-tailed Eagles injured or killed plus 49 White-bellied Sea-Eagles. In addition to the 321 reported cases of eagle deaths and injuries, it is likely that unrecorded casualties are higher since most are recorded anecdotally and are not the result of systematic survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black-and-chestnut eagle, a large bird of prey found in South America, has been documented preying on the toco toucan in Argentina. This is the first known record of this eagle species preying on a toco toucan, which is known for its strong beak that typically deters predators. The observation provides valuable insight into the ecological interactions between these species and challenges previous perceptions of the eagle as a potential threat to poultry. This information can help in understanding the role of the eagle in controlling populations of species like the toco toucan, which can cause conflicts with humans due to their consumption of fruits. [Extracted from the article]

A two-week-old white-tailed eagle presented with an inability to stand and flex its limbs. Despite hatching naturally and owing to lack of parental attention, the bird was raised indoors by zookeepers with no access to sunlight. Palpation and radiographic examination of the bilateral tibiotarsus and femur bone revealed pronounced deformation and curvature, and bilateral decreased bone densities, respectively. The reduced calcium concentration in the blood was treated with calcium gluconate injections and calcium-supplemented feeds. Chopped mouse tails were fed directly, and whole pink-skinned nude mice were fed weekly. The zookeeper also gently massaged the bird and dressed it with a bandage. Sunlight exposure was provided daily. Saliva containing chicken feed was obtained from the mother. The bird could stand properly after four weeks of treatment, and the blood calcium concentration was restored to normal levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Wedge-tailed Eagles Aquila audax sunning were observed on images from a monitoring camera that was located at Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, in Ipswich Local Government Area, south-eastern Queensland. I observed the Eagles across multiple days in March-April 2023 whilst the camera was in place, despite the camera being unbaited, and originally positioned to detect Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies Petrogale penicillata. The images showed one adult, a pair of adults or an adult and a juvenile Eagle. This behaviour has been poorly documented in this species, although it has been widely observed in other bird species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a high mortality rate worldwide, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) poses a serious health risk. Radiologists view the ability to detect blood tumor cells as both important and difficult. It is challenging for many of the current studies to properly examine these blood cancer cells. An intellectual system for separating healthy cells from tumor cells is suggested in this research work. This research primarily depends on the effective implementation of computed tomography (CT) samples of both benign and malignant blood samples. In this research paper, novel methodologies called public active contour pixel mapping and Deep Neural Eagle Perch Fuzzy Segmentation (DNEPFS) are proposed, which help in detecting the blood cell boundary of the unaffected cells. It is quite similar to an eagle using the claw searching algorithm. Here, the eagle uses its sharp claws to tear the prey's skin during the search for its food. 99.64% and 99.32% accuracy are obtained during the research work for benign and malignant nodules using MATLAB R2023a. The computational complexity was found to be less, which is 7.13 s. Different segmentation techniques are used for comparative analyses. According to the research results, this proposed flow is superior to all segmentation techniques currently in use for the accurate detection of tumor cells. Based on the expert's annotation on online samples and clinical samples, the methodology has been validated to prove their effectiveness and throw light on the life of affected patients to resume normalcy – live long. The research work was tested in real-time clinical samples which deliver promising and encouraging results in leukemia detection procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diets of the Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides and Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax breeding sympatrically in the Australian Capital Territory during 2011–2019 were compared by analysis of pellets and prey remains (six Little Eagle territories and 13 Wedge-tailed Eagle territories; 69 and 49 collections for a total of 232 and 256 prey items, respectively). Little Eagles took 33% mammals (29% European Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus), 44% birds, 6% reptiles and 17% insects by number, and 65% mammals (62% Rabbits), 27% birds, 8% reptiles and <1% insects by biomass. Wedge-tailed Eagles took 59% mammals (23% Rabbits and 19% macropods), 38% birds, 1% reptiles, <1% fish and 1% insects by number, and 89% mammals (20% Rabbits, 38% macropods), 10% birds, and <1% reptiles, fish and insects by biomass. Indices of dietary diversity (Shannon Index and Standardised Food Niche Breadth) were 2.57 vs 3.07 and 0.19 vs 0.24, respectively; Geometric Mean Prey Weights (GMPW) were 164 vs 1392 g, but discounting a biased sample of insects in many pellets from two fledglings, Little Eagle GMPW was more like 340 g. Dietary proportions and some metrics for both species appear to have changed little since the preceding decade, although Wedge-tailed Eagle dietary diversity increased slightly and dietary overlap (80%) increased greatly, concomitantly with some pairs of Wedge-tailed Eagles replacing pairs of Little Eagles. Intraguild predation occurred, including Wedge-tailed Eagle predation on Little Eagles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are one of the most common tumors of the tegument that can have a misdiagnosis of chronic skin wounds. An adult captive crowned solitary eagle presented an indolent wound-like ulcer on the footpad and a fatal outcome. An infiltrating tumoral mass in the foot and multiple tumoral metastatic nodules in visceral organs were detected. The neoplasm was composed of atypical squamous cells with strong positivity for cytokeratin, “keratin pearl” structures, and marked invasion of tissues confirming a diagnosis of metastatic SCC. This might be the first report of an SSC with metastasis on the footpad in a captive Chaco eagle, which is one of the endangered species of birds of prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeologia Lituana is the property of Vilnius University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Transformation of urban landscapes may cause increased potential constraints for finding nest sites for raptor species. • Nest site characteristics of two raptor species in an urban mosaic landscape were compared. • Exotic tree plantations in the mosaic were important for both raptor species. • Similarities in both raptors' nesting site characteristics were found. • If exotic, mature trees are removed from the mosaic, there are increased potential constraints for them finding nesting sites. The increase in human population and continuous landscape transformations, especially in urban areas, will result in most of the natural habitats being degraded, significantly reduced in size and lost. Consequently, constraints in acquiring resources such as nesting sites and food may occur. In this study, we investigated the nesting site characteristics of two raptor species in the urban mosaic landscape of Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to determine the potential constraints affecting acquiring nesting sites. Between October 2020 and July 2021, we visited a total of 52 nests occupied by the African crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus , hereafter crowned eagle) and the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) in our study area and compared the nest characteristics of the two raptors. Our results showed that exotic tree plantations were the most commonly used as nest sites by both species, suggesting that exotic trees may be crucial in providing nesting sites for both species in this highly modified landscape. Furthermore, our results showed that there was no significant difference in nest height, tree cover, nest cover and distance to (i) road, (ii) building and (iii) water of nests occupied by the two species. However, there was a significant difference between tree height and nearest neighbour distance. Tall, mature trees, slightly isolated from other trees, influenced nest site use for our study species. Innovative conservation measures and strategies could be vital in protecting raptor nesting sites (i.e., exotic tree plantations) in urban mosaic landscapes with natural and managed green spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the lack of records of White-tailed Eagle during the breeding season in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces in the last decade, a survey was conducted through which data were collected on the presence of this species during the breeding season in Gilan Province, visiting all suitable breeding habitats from 2013 to 2018. Only one active nest of the species was located, on an islet in Anzali wetland. This nest had three eggs and produced one fledgling. Waterbirds dominated in the diet of nestlings. Several mature birds were found in at least two other areas during the survey period. The results suggest a severe decline in the breeding population of the White-tailed Eagle in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Concentrations of organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs) can show significant temporal and spatial variation in the environment and wildlife. Most of the variation is due to changes in use and production, but environmental and biological factors may also contribute to the variation. Nestlings of top predators are exposed to maternally transferred OHCs in the egg and through their dietary intake after hatching. The present study investigated spatial and temporal variation of OHCs and the role of age and diet on these variations in plasma of Norwegian white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) nestlings. The nestlings were sampled at two locations, Smøla and Steigen, in 2015 and 2016. The age of the nestlings was recorded (range: 44 – 87 days old) and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ 13C and δ 15N) were applied as dietary proxies for carbon source and trophic position, respectively. In total, 14 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, range: 0.82 – 59.05 ng/mL), 7 organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs, range: 0.89 – 52.19 ng/mL), 5 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, range: 0.03 – 2.64 ng/mL) and 8 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs, range: 4.58 – 52.94 ng/mL) were quantified in plasma samples from each location and year. The OHC concentrations, age and dietary proxies displayed temporal and spatial variations. The age of the nestlings was indicated as the most important predictor for OHC variation as the models displayed significantly decreasing plasma concentrations of PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs with increasing age, while concentrations of PFASs were significantly increasing with age. Together with age, the variations in PCB, OCP and PBDE concentrations were also explained by δ 13C and indicated decreasing concentrations with a more marine diet. Our findings emphasise age and diet as important factors to consider when investigating variations in plasma OHC concentrations in nestlings. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Significant temporal and spatial variations were found for all compound groups. • Age was the most important predictor for contaminant variation in nestling plasma. • Concentrations of legacy PCBs, OCPs and PBDEs decreased with age. • Concentrations of PFASs increased with age. • δ 13C significantly predicted the variation of legacy PCBs, OCPs and PBDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed for the first time the magnitude and dietary ecological source of total mercury (THg) exposure in a southern population of white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla), an apex predator species shown valuable for environmental biomonitoring. This population depends on the Kopački rit Nature Park – the most important breeding site. We assessed THg exposure, using nestling body feathers collected between 2014–2019 (n = 72), and potential dietary ecological sources, proxied by prey remains and stable isotope analysis. Results show THg concentrations vary significantly over the years, though not showing any time trend. Prey remains analysis shows nests with aquatic prey remains to exhibit higher THg concentrations (median: 7.57 μg g−1 dw; min – max: 6.00–13.16 μg g−1 dw) compared to those with terrestrial remains (median: 3.94 μg g−1 dw; min – max: 0.28–12.04 μg g−1 dw) or evidencing a mixed diet (median: 7.43 μg g−1 dw; min – max: 3.38–12.04 μg g−1 dw). Nests with a predominant aquatic diet show elevated lower δ 13C and higher δ 15N values, indicating agreement between both dietary approaches. The model selection reveals a combination of year and δ 15N best explain the variability in feather THg concentrations. Complementing these predictors with a dietary descriptor based on prey remains results in a poorer model fit and lowered explanatory power, similar to sexing the nestlings. The observed body feather THg concentrations (median: 6.99 μg g−1 dw; min − max: 0.27 − 17.16 μg g−1 dw) exceeded putative biogeochemical background levels (5.00 μg g−1 dw) in 71% of the nestlings, though, did not seem to exceed a threshold at which detrimental physiological effects are expected (40 μg g−1 dw). Continued monitoring is warranted as the studied population is likely exposed to a larger cocktail of contaminants while resident-protected bird areas. [Display omitted] • First-time THg assessment in a southern population of White-tailed eagles. • THg, δ 13C, and δ 15N were investigated in nestling feathers from Nature Park Kopački rit. • Trophic position, proxied by δ 15N, and sampling year best explain THg variation. • An aquatic diet is associated with elevated THg exposure. • >70% of nestlings exhibit THg concentration above the geochemical background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) toxicity, through ingestion of lead ammunition in carcasses, is a threat to scavenging birds worldwide, but has received little attention in Australia. We analyzed lead exposure in the wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax), the largest raptor species found in mainland Australia and a facultative scavenger. Eagle carcasses were collected opportunistically throughout south-eastern mainland Australia between 1996 and 2022. Lead concentrations were measured in bone samples from 62 animals via portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Lead was detected (concentration >1 ppm) in 84% (n = 52) of the bone samples. The mean lead concentration of birds in which lead was detected was 9.10 ppm (±SE 1.66). Bone lead concentrations were elevated (10–20 ppm) in 12.9% of samples, and severe (>20 ppm) in 4.8% of samples. These proportions are moderately higher than equivalent data for the same species from the island of Tasmania, and are comparable to data from threatened eagle species from other continents. Lead exposure at these levels is likely to have negative impacts on wedge-tailed eagles at the level of the individual and perhaps at a population level. Our results suggest that studies of lead exposure in other Australian avian scavenger species are warranted. [Display omitted] • Lead from ammunition threatens scavenging raptors globally. • We measured bone lead levels in wedge-tailed eagles from mainland Australia. • Bone lead concentrations were elevated (>10 ppm) in 18% of birds. • Lead ammunition is threatening Australian raptors and requires mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The juvenile dark morph of the Pygmy Eagle Hieraaetus weiskei remains essentially undescribed, as here I reidentify a published photograph of one such alleged individual cited in an early paper on the morphs of the allospecific Little Eagle H. morphnoides. The problem photograph illustrates the potential for confusion between the dark-morph Pygmy Eagle (or indeed Little Eagle) and the juvenile Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus (Australasian subspecies H. i. girrenera). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of wind energy over large areas may be accompanied by major conflicts with birds, including birds of prey. Hence, it is desirable that the space use of species known to be vulnerable to wind energy be assessed in light of current and future developments. Here, we report on the large-scale dispersal movements of pre-breeding white-tailed eagles ( Haliaeetus albicilla ) in Finland, where a currently modest wind-energy capacity is expected to increase in the near future. We studied white-tailed eagle space use with a particular focus on the potential for annual power production (GWh) at specific locations, as estimated by the Finnish Wind Atlas. Also, we aimed to detect a potential human-wildlife conflict by assessing white-tailed eagle space use against the spatial distribution of existing and recently proposed wind farms. We found that, despite visiting a large proportion of the country, the eagles stayed primarily within coastal areas and islands, restricted to where human infrastructure was present only at very small amounts. Because of the distribution of wind resources, such areas were found to contain considerable potential for power production. The eagles visited most of the areas targeted for wind-energy development. However, these areas did not coincide with a higher-than-average eagle relocation frequency, suggesting that the existing and recently proposed wind farms do not represent an elevated threat to dispersing eagles. Caution should nevertheless be taken against interpreting that co-occurrence poses no threat at any given site, as site selection is paramount to avoid conflicts with avian conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diminishing forests as a result of anthropogenic activities continues to impact the persistence of terrestrial species negatively. Raptors are particularly susceptible to human activities because of their low population densities and large home range sizes. In this study, we investigated the occupancy and detection probabilities of the Near-Threatened African crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) in Durban, EThekwini Municipality, South Africa. Using point count surveys, we documented the presence/absence of African crowned eagles in 42 sampling sites in the urban mosaic landscape of Durban. We used the presence/absence data to model their occupancy and detection probability in our surveyed sites. The naïve occupancy of African crowned eagles was 0.6, and the estimated occupancy and detection probability were 0.78 + 0.061 and 0.40 + 0.085, respectively. Based on the best models, the occupancy of African crowned eagles was positively influenced by forests (β = 1.24 + 0.69) and negatively influenced by disturbance (β = −1.69 + 0.78) and roads. The detection probability of these eagles was positively influenced by disturbance (β = 0.34 + 0.29) and the presence of exotic tree plantations (β = 0.33 + 0.47) and negatively influenced by the type of surrounding settlements (i.e., urban or rural) (β = −0.59 + 0.43). Based on the averaged models, occupancy is positively influenced by forests (β = 0.15 + 1.48) and negatively influenced by roads (β = −0.05 + 0.34), building density (β = −0.07 + 0.79) and disturbance (β = −0.24 + 3.36). Detection probability is negatively influenced by surrounding settlement (β = −0.12 + 0.41) and positively influenced by disturbance (β = 0.04 + 3.21) and plantations (β = 0.01 + 0.12). Overall, our results showed the persistence of African crowned eagles in the urban mosaic landscape as a consequence of natural and managed green spaces, especially forests. This highlighted the importance of natural forests and exotic tree plantations in ensuring the survival and thriving of African crowned eagles and the key role these green spaces play in species conservation in this urban mosaic landscape. • Occupancy and detection of African crowned eagles in an urban mosaic landscape were assessed. • Occupancy of crowned eagles was positively influenced by forests. • Occupancy was negatively influenced by disturbance and building density. • Detection probability was positively influenced by disturbance and exotic tree plantations. • Crowned eagles persist in the urban landscape mosaic due to natural and managed green spaces, especially forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iheringia. Série Zoologia is the property of Fundacao Zoobotanica do Rio Grande do Sul and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)