Search

The study of the brain by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows to obtain detailed anatomical images, useful to describe specific encephalic structures and to analyze possible variabilities. It is widely used in clinical practice and is becoming increasingly used in veterinary medicine, even in exotic animals; however, despite its potential, its use in comparative neuroanatomy studies is still incipient. It is a technology that in recent years has significantly improved anatomical resolution, together with the fact that it is non-invasive and allows for systematic comparative analysis. All this makes it particularly interesting and useful in evolutionary neuroscience studies, since it allows for the analysis and comparison of brains of rare or otherwise inaccessible species. In the present study, we have analyzed the prosencephalon of three representative sauropsid species, the turtle Trachemys scripta (order Testudine), the lizard Pogona vitticeps (order Squamata) and the snake Python regius (order Squamata) by MRI. In addition, we used MRI sections to analyze the total brain volume and ventricular system of these species, employing volumetric and chemometric analyses together. The raw MRI data of the sauropsida models analyzed in the present study are available for viewing and downloading and have allowed us to produce an atlas of the forebrain of each of the species analyzed, with the main brain regions. In addition, our volumetric data showed that the three groups presented clear differences in terms of total and ventricular brain volumes, particularly the turtles, which in all cases presented distinctive characteristics compared to the lizards and snakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at the identification of population stratifying markers from the commercial porcine SNP 60K array and elucidate the genome-wide selective sweeps in the crossbred Landlly pig population. Original genotyping data, generated on Landlly pigs, was merged in various combinations with global suid breeds that were grouped as exotic (global pig breeds excluding Indian and Chinese), Chinese (Chinese pig breeds only), and outgroup pig populations. Post quality control, the genome-wide SNPs were ranked for their stratifying power within each dataset in TRES (using three different criteria) and FIFS programs and top-ranked SNPs (0.5K, 1K, 2K, 3K, and 4K densities) were selected. PCA plots were used to assess the stratification power of low-density panels. Selective sweeps were elucidated in the Landlly population using intra- and inter-population haplotype statistics. Additionally, Tajima's D-statistics were calculated to determine the status of balancing selection in the Landlly population. PCA plots showed 0.5K marker density to effectively stratify Landlly from other pig populations. The A-score in DAPC program revealed the Delta statistic of marker selection to outperform other methods (informativeness and FST methods) and that 3000-marker density was suitable for stratification of Landlly animals from exotic pig populations. The results from selective sweep analysis revealed the Landlly population to be under selection for mammary (NAV2), reproductive efficiency (JMY, SERGEF, and MAP3K20), body conformation (FHIT, WNT2, ASRB, DMGDH, and BHMT), feed efficiency (CSRNP1 and ADRA1A), and immunity (U6, MYO3B, RBMS3, and FAM78B) traits. More than two methods suggested sweeps for immunity and feed efficiency traits, thus giving a strong indication for selection in this direction. The study is the first of its kind in Indian pig breeds with a comparison against global breeds. In conclusion, 500 markers were able to effectively stratify the breeds. Different traits under selective sweeps (natural or artificial selection) can be exploited for further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a book review of "Geloion Mimēma: Studi sulla rappresentazione culturale della scimmia nei testi greci e greco-romani" by Marco Vespa. The book examines the cultural representation of monkeys and primates in ancient Greek and Roman texts. It fills a gap in research on the perception of primates in these civilizations and explores their classification, interactions with humans, portrayal in mythology, and their position in relation to marginalized characters. The book concludes that while primates were recognized as intelligent beings, they were also seen as imperfect and continually observed through a human lens. The review suggests that the book is a valuable resource for scholars interested in the interface between humans and nonhuman primates. [Extracted from the article]

Cryptosporidium spp. are common protozoan parasites that can infect humans and animals worldwide. Recently, the hairless guinea pigs (also called Skinny pigs) were introduced into China as pets. However, Cryptosporidium species and their prevalence in these exotic animals were not studied. In this study, fecal samples were collected from a total of 324 hairless guinea pigs from a pet market and four breeding facilities in four provinces of China. The infection rate of Cryptosporidium was 6.8% (22/324). Three Cryptosporidium species were identified, including Cryptosporidium homai (n = 16), Cryptosporidium wrairi (n = 5), and Cryptosporidium hominis plus C.homai (n = 1). Sequence analysis of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene showed that the C.hominis isolate was a C.hominis variant, which mostly infects equine animals. However, the identification of C.hominis was not supported by the analysis of other genetic loci. The C.hominis isolate was characterized as C.homai at both 70-kDa heat shock protein (hsp70) and actin genes, indicating a mixed infection. At the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene, subtyping of the C.hominis isolate was not successful. Five C.wrairi isolates were identified as subtype VIIaA13T1, which was previously reported in a guinea pig in the USA. The Cryptosporidium spp. identified in this study have no or low zoonotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alongside exotic reptiles, amphibians, such as toads, frogs, salamanders, and newts, are nowadays considered popular pets worldwide. As reported for other exotic pet animals, amphibians are known to harbor numerous gastrointestinal parasites. Nonetheless, very little data are available on captive amphibian parasitic diseases. In this study, we applied direct saline fecal smears (DSFS) to examine in total 161 stool samples from 41 different amphibian species belonging to the orders Anura and Caudata. In addition, carbolfuchsin-smear (CFS) staining (n = 74 samples) was used to detect amphibian Cryptosporidium oocysts. Also, complete dissections of deceased amphibians (n = 107) were performed to specify parasite infections and to address parasite-associated pathogenicity. Overall, examined amphibian fecal samples contained 12 different parasite taxa. The order Rhabditida with the species Rhabdias spp. and Strongyloides spp. were the most prevalent nematode species (19.3%), followed by flagellated protozoans (8.7%), Amphibiocapillaria spp./Neocapillaria spp. (7.5%), Oswaldocruzia spp. (4.3%), Blastocystis spp. (3.1%), Cosmocerca spp. (3.1%), oxyurids (Pharyngonoidae) (3.1%), spirurids (1.2%), un-sporulated coccidian oocysts (0.6%), Tritrichomonas spp. (0.6%), Karotomorpha spp. (0.6%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.6%). One CFS-stained fecal sample (1.4%) was positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Within dissected amphibians, 31 (48.4%) of the anurans and 11 (26.2%) of the salamanders were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. One cutaneous Pseudocapillaroides xenopi infection was diagnosed in an adult African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). Etiologically, 17 (15.9%) of them died due to severe parasitic and/or bacterial infections (e.g., Chryseobacterium indologenes, Citrobacter freudii, Sphingobacterium multivorum, Klebsiella pneumoniae). High prevalence and pathological findings of several clinical amphibian parasitoses call for more detailed investigation on gastrointestinal parasite-derived molecular mechanisms associated with detrimental lesions or even death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In regions with a long-standing history of grazing pressure, vegetation has co-evolved with herbivores by developing intrinsic functional dynamics. Although this type of trophic interaction has been recognised as being important for shaping how vegetation responds to climate, better knowledge about how this process occurs on the landscape scale and over a long time range is necessary. Here, we evaluated the potential roles of herbivores in modulating the response of mountainous Mediterranean vegetation to seasonal and long-term climate oscillations. To understand the relations among climate, plants and animal population, we fitted a Bayesian model to a combination of long-term (1995–2014) climate datasets, satellite greenness maps (NASA Landsat NDVI) and exotic Barbary sheep census data (breeding success and abundance of Ammotragus lervia). We also used the intrinsic mode function and Hilbert spectrum transformations to decompose NDVI time series and to evaluate their periodic oscillations. We found remarkable dissimilarities as to how climate affects the temporal oscillation of vegetation greenness between landscapes both with and without ungulates, albeit their similarities under environmental conditions. Vegetation responses to climate are particularly attenuated in landscapes with ungulates, an effect that depends on ungulate population abundance. In a world where extreme climate events are becoming frequent and intense, our results indicate that ungulates can strongly modulate how grasslands and scrublands respond to climate change. Increasing our knowledge as to how this type of trophic interaction affects vegetation responses to climate variability is of much importance for managing ungulate rewilding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human-mediated spread of exotic and invasive species often leads to unintentional and harmful consequences. Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are one such species that have been repeatedly translocated throughout the United States and cause extensive damage to natural ecosystems, threatened and endangered species, agricultural resources, and private lands. In 2005, a newly established population of wild pigs was confirmed in Fulton County, Illinois, U.S. In 2011, a state-wide wild pig damage management program involving federal, state, and local government authorities directed a concerted effort to remove wild pigs from the county until the last wild pig (of 376 total) was successfully removed in 2016. We examined surveillance data from camera traps at bait sites and records of wild pig removals during this elimination program to identify environmental and anthropogenic factors that optimized removal of this population. Our results revealed that wild pigs used bait sites most during evening and nocturnal periods and on days with lower daily maximum temperatures. Increased removals of wild pigs coincided with periods of cold weather. We also identified that fidelity and time spent at bait sites by wild pigs was not influenced by increasing removals of wild pigs. Finally, the costs to remove wild pigs averaged $50 per wild pig (6.8 effort hours per wild pig) for removing the first 99% of the animals. Cost for removing the last 1% increased 84-fold, and averaged 122.8 effort hours per wild pig removed. Our results demonstrated that increased effort in removing wild pigs using bait sites should be focused during periods of environmental stress to maximize removal efficiency. These results inform elimination programs attempting to remove newly established populations of wild pigs, and ultimately prevent population and geographic expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the global zoonotic disease burden, the underlying exposures that drive zoonotic disease emergence are not understood. Here, we aimed to assess exposures to potential sources of zoonotic disease and investigate the demographics, attitudes, and behavior of individuals with sustained occupational animal contact in Vietnam. We recruited 581 animal workers (animal-raising farmers, slaughterers, animal health workers, and rat traders) and their families in southern and central Vietnam into a cohort. Cohort members were followed for 3 years and interviewed annually regarding (1) demography and attitudes regarding zoonotic disease, (2) medical history, (3) specific exposures to potential zoonotic infection sources, and (4) socioeconomic status. Interview information over the 3 years was combined and analyzed as cross-sectional data. Of the 297 cohort members interviewed, the majority (79.8%; 237/297) reported raising livestock; almost all (99.6%; 236/237) reported being routinely exposed to domestic animals, and more than a quarter (28.7%; 68/237) were exposed to exotic animals. Overall, 70% (208/297) reported slaughtering exotic animals; almost all (99.5%; 207/208) reported consuming such animals. The consumption of raw blood and meat was common (24.6%; 73/297 and 37%; 110/297, respectively). Over half (58.6%; 174/297) reported recent occupational animal-induced injuries that caused bleeding; the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was limited. Our work demonstrates that individuals working with animals in Vietnam are exposed to a wide range of species, and there are limited procedures for reducing potential zoonotic disease exposures. We advocate better education, improved animal security, and enforced legislation of PPE for those with occupational animal exposure in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global environmental changes constitute major threats to biodiversity in all ecosystems worldwide. Here we experimentally examined how temperature and trophic condition can influence the interaction between a highly invasive species and a native naiad species. We exposed the native freshwater mussel Unio delphinus to the presence/absence of the invasive Corbicula fluminea under three temperature levels and three trophic conditions. We used linear mixed models and hierarchical partitioning to model and test the independent effects of each variable in explaining U. delphinus feces production, which was used as a proxy for nutrient enrichment. Unio delphinus responded to high temperatures with higher clearance and respiration rates, showing an increase in energy expenditure. Feces production varied significantly with each factor and there was an interactive effect between the factors; increasing with temperature and trophic condition, and declining in the presence of the invasive clam. The hierarchical partitioning model showed that the system trophic condition and C. fluminea were the most important factors explaining feces production and to a lesser extent water temperature. Depletion of energetic reserves to cope with increasing temperatures could compromise the tolerance to additional stressors such as competition with invasive species or food reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews the varied sources of oligosaccharides available in nature as silent health promoting, integral ingredients of plants as well as animal products like honey and milk. The article focuses on exotic and unfamiliar oligosaccharides like Galactooligosaccharides, Lactulose derived Galactooligosaccharides, Xylooligosaccharides, Arabinooligosaccharides and algae derived Marine oligosaccharides along with the most acknowledged prebiotic fructooligosaccharides. The oligosaccharides are named as on the grounds of the monomeric units forming oligomers with functional properties. The chemical structures, natural sources, microbial enzyme mediated synthesis and physiological effects are discussed. An elaborate account of the different types of oligosaccharides with special reference to fructooligosaccharides are presented. Finally, the profound health benefits of oligosaccharides are rigourously discussed limelighting its positive physiological sequel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacity of non-native species to undergo rapid adaptive change provides opportunities to research contemporary evolution through natural experiments. This capacity is particularly true when considering ecogeographical rules, to which non-native species have been shown to conform within relatively short periods of time. Ecogeographical rules explain predictable spatial patterns of morphology, physiology, life history and behaviour. We tested whether Australian populations of non-native starling, Sturnus vulgaris, introduced to the country approximately 150 years ago, exhibited predicted environmental clines in body size, appendage size and heart size (Bergmann's, Allen's and Hesse's rules, respectively). Adult starlings ( n = 411) were collected from 28 localities from across eastern Australia from 2011 to 2012. Linear models were constructed to examine the relationships between morphology and local environment. Patterns of variation in body mass and bill surface area were consistent with Bergmann's and Allen's rules, respectively (small body size and larger bill size in warmer climates), with maximum summer temperature being a strongly weighted predictor of both variables. In the only intraspecific test of Hesse's rule in birds to date, we found no evidence to support the idea that relative heart size will be larger in individuals which live in colder climates. Our study does provide evidence that maximum temperature is a strong driver of morphological adaptation for starlings in Australia. The changes in morphology presented here demonstrate the potential for avian species to make rapid adaptive changes in relation to a changing climate to ameliorate the effects of heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exotic earthworm impacts on temperate forest soils are influenced by earthworm community composition and are likely constrained by the degree of organic matter redistribution following earthworm introductions across different soil types; however, the relative importance of these factors remains unknown. We examined how exotic earthworm communities affected leaf litter carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization and transport in two Spodosols with contrasting textures and organic matter contents. In reconstructed soil mesocosms, we measured organic C pools, quantified C and N transport from isotopically labeled red maple ( Acer rubrum) leaf litter, and linked leaf litter redistribution to sub-surface burrow system structures following 150-day incubations. Transport of C and N from surface litter into soil was greatest with multi-species earthworm communities, and A-horizon and burrow pools functioned as dominant sinks for this material. Litter-derived C:N recovery ratios of soil pools revealed higher retention of litter-derived N over litter-derived C; recovery of litter N (mg N m) transported from surface litter was greater in the sandy loam (98.2 ± 2.73 %) than in the sandy soil (66.2 ± 4.92 %) following earthworm community additions. Earthworm biomass was as a minor sink for litter C (mg C m) and N transported from surface litter (0.56 ± 0.13 and 2.26 ± 0.31 %, respectively). Recovery of litter-derived C and N in earthworm biomass increased with the degree of direct leaf litter consumption ( A. trapezoides < E. fetida < L. terrestris). Surface-dwelling epigeic and mineral-soil dwelling endogeic species produced burrow systems with the highest volume, surface connectivity, and density in the A-horizon; these properties were associated with greater CO losses and with greater litter C and N transport into A-horizons and burrows. Burrow systems with high continuity and large burrows produced by vertical-burrowing anecic species were associated with greater litter C and N transport into B-horizons, and greater dissolved organic C leaching losses. This study shows that the degree of organic matter redistribution in temperate forest soils following earthworm introductions is directly related to earthworm community composition, while the preferential retention of N over C and the potential stabilization of this material is determined by soil type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activity has resulted in the emergence of fire-induced forest-shrubland mosaics in many southern temperate forest landscapes. In New Zealand (NZ), this transformation was caused by the introduction of fire to previously very low fire-frequency ecosystems. High levels of seed and seedling predation by exotic mammals and the reduction of avian pollination and seed dispersal further influence vegetation change and can cause successions to become completely arrested. Analogous dynamics occur in many other Southern Hemisphere forest landscapes where changes in fire regimes and the introduction of mammalian herbivores and predators have resulted in forest-shrubland mosaics. We developed a spatially explicit state-and-transition model to disentangle the effects of altered fire regimes; invasive pyrophyllic shrub species; seed and seedling predation by exotic mammals; and lowered rates of long-distance seed movement on long-term landscape dynamics and state transitions. Our modelling highlights a threshold in fire frequency where forest systems move to a fire-induced early-successional shrubland state. Because early-successional vegetation in NZ and many other southern temperate forests is much more flammable than mature late-successional vegetation, this shrubland state will persist until fire is suppressed. Our modelling suggests also that in the absence of fire there are critical thresholds in seed predation beyond which succession may become completely arrested in a mid-successional state. Even moderate levels of predation slow regeneration and move the tipping point at which forests shift to early-successional shrublands in the direction of less frequent fire. The presence of invasive pyrophyllic shrubs in the landscape also influences the location of thresholds in fire frequency at which state shifts occur. Restoring these landscapes to their formerly forested condition will require the removal of fire as well as mammalian seed/ling predators and the reinstatement of pollination and dispersal services. Removal of seed predators may act as an effective component of fire control by allowing secondary successions to proceed more quickly, thereby reducing landscape-level flammability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A debate over the impacts of invasive plants is fueled by varied terminology, ecosystem types, response metrics, and conflicting evidence across scales. We quantify the effects of invading Phalaris arundinacea (Pa) on species richness and abundance in Wisconsin sedge meadows dominated by Carex stricta (Cs). Among species area curves from four nested plots (0.25, 1, 4, and 16 m) in seven sites, Pa stands averaged 48 % fewer species than the adjacent Cs. Species richness was reduced by about half regardless of plot size. Total richness for Pa stands was 50 species compared to 83 for Cs, and Pa stands had consistently lower additive percent cover of subordinate species at all scales. However, resident species responded differentially to Pa invasion. Only one species, Calamagrostis canadensis (a tall clonal grass), had similar importance values (using cover and frequency) in Cs and Pa stands at 0.25 and 16-m scales. Other species declined with Pa invasion, mostly in frequency. Despite losing half of their resident species, sites did not differ significantly in their native exotic richness relationship (NERR). NERR confounds the effects of invasiveness with species' origins, and it under-represents impacts of dominant invaders in wetlands. Debates should be fewer if studies specify if the invader is exotic or native, type of invaded ecosystem, the metric used to assess responses, and the spatial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exotic animals can cause genetic contamination of indigenous species if they escape and reproduce in wild populations. The loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus and species related to it have been imported into Japan for commercial use. We collected live loach specimens from the central wholesale market in Tokyo. For the 451 specimens collected, ploidy status was examined by DNA content flow cytometry, and polyploid loaches with triploid, tetraploid, and other higher ploidy ranges were detected. Hypertriploid and hypertetraploid individuals were easily detected by flow cytometry using standard eudiploid, eutriploid, and eutetraploid controls, and the reproductive capacities of these hyperpolyploid males were then examined. Sperm of hypertriploid males did not exhibit active progressive motility, and major populations of spermatozoa or spermatozoon-like cells were detected in the triploid and hexaploid ranges. Motile haploid spermatozoa were very rare in sperm from hypertriploid males. Therefore, hypertriploid males were sterile, whereas hypertetraploid males produced fertile hyperdiploid spermatozoa with active progressive motility after contact with ambient water. Viable progeny occurred in crosses between normal wild-type diploid females and hypertetraploid males, but androgenotes induced by the fertilization of UV-irradiated eggs with the sperm of hypertetraploid males were inviable hyperdiploids. Cytogenetic analyses of those androgenotes indicated that hypertetraploid males should produce hyperdiploid spermatozoa with 2n = 54 (i.e., four supernumerary microchromosomes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt is the only country in Africa where domestic buffalo have a long-term presence and constitute an important part of the array of domestic animal resources. Attempts to introduce buffalo to other African countries have been made since at least the 1920s. Nine such attempted introductions are documented in this paper, although for most cases, there is very limited information. Buffalo have disappeared without trace in some countries and were slaughtered in at least two because of lack of adaptation or susceptibility to disease. In addition to Egypt, only Tanzania and Mozambique are known to have buffalo in 2012. There are suitable ecological niches for buffalo in many African countries. Failure to provide sufficient financial resources by governments, initially small numbers of animals and probable lack of interest by the private sector are among the reasons for the failure of buffalo to become a contributor to African livestock production. Policy makers and development agencies should very carefully consider the overall benefits against the overall costs of attempted introductions of buffalo (and of other exotic livestock species) in to African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences among exotic species can be as large as differences between native and exotic species. Typically, however, only the distinction between native and exotic is made when predicting responses in a community. In this paper, I examine the response of plant species to experimental disturbance and exclusion of invasive European rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) in a grassland community with exotic plants originating from five continents. I explore group responses based on native status, shared native range with rabbits, having a congener from the native range of rabbits, life-history (e.g., annual), and life-form (e.g., grass). Individual species responses to rabbits were idiosyncratic, but group responses were predicted by continent of origin, not native status. Native status did predict response to disturbance with almost uniform responses within groups. Exotic species, regardless of origin, were positively affected by disturbance. Native species, in contrast, were negatively affected by disturbance. These results suggest that grouping plant species by native status is valid for questions of disturbance, but when analyzing outcomes of interactions, factors other than native status, such as shared evolutionary history, should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants in nature are often attacked by multiple enemies whose effect on the plant cannot always be predicted based on the outcome of individual attacks. We investigated how two invasive herbivores, the hemlock woolly adelgid ( Adelges tsugae) (HWA) and the elongate hemlock scale ( Fiorinia externa) (EHS), alter host plant quality (measured as amino acid concentration and composition) when feeding individually or jointly on eastern hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis), an important long-lived forest tree that is in severe decline. The joint herbivore treatments included both simultaneous and sequential infestations by the two herbivores. We expected resource depletion over time, particularly in response to feeding by HWA. In contrast, HWA dramatically increased the concentration and altered the composition of individual free amino acids. Compared to control trees, HWA increased total amino acid concentration by 330% after 1 year of infestation. Conversely, EHS had a negligible effect when feeding individually. Interestingly, there was a marginally significant HWA × EHS interaction that suggests the potential for EHS presence to reduce the impact of HWA on foliage quality when the two species co-occur. We suggest indirect effects of water stress as a possible physiological mechanism for our results. Understanding how species interactions change the physiology of a shared host is crucial to making more accurate predictions about host mortality and subsequent changes in affected communities and ecosystems, and to help design appropriate management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eurasian collared doves ( Streptopelia decaocto) have expanded their range across the United States since their introduction several decades ago. Recent mortality events in Eurasian collared doves in Arizona and Montana, USA, during the winter of 2009-2010 were the result of pigeon paramyxovirus (PPMV), a novel disease agent. The first instance of mortality by this emerging infectious disease in this species occurred in Florida in 2001 with subsequent disease events in 2006 and 2008. Full diagnostic necropsies were performed on carcasses from the three states. PPMV was identified by RT-PCR and virus isolation and was sequenced to the VIb genotype of avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV). Other APMVs are common in a variety of free-ranging birds, but concern is warranted because of the potential for commingling of this species with native birds, virus evolution, and threats to domestic poultry. Improved surveillance for wildlife mortality events and efforts to prevent introduction of non-native animals could reduce the threat of introducing new pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of native and exotic animal species show dramatic population increases in terms of both numbers and geographic range. Understanding the habitat selection processes behind such increases is crucial to implement adequate management measures. Mute swan (Cygnus olor) populations have experienced a tremendous demographic and geographic expansion in Western Europe during the twentieth century, colonizing a wide variety of aquatic habitats. We aimed at assessing how swans select nesting sites during the pre-laying and laying periods on medium to large fishponds (from 10 to 50 ha) in Eastern France, while accounting for detectability biases and testing for the effects of fishpond spatial configuration, vegetation resources, human disturbance and habitat management. Our results demonstrate that the mute swan is a non-selective species regarding its nesting habitat among such fishponds, using these independently from the parameters considered although fishpond characteristics varied. Although mute swan is one of the least cryptic Anatidae, owing to its white colour and large size, detection of breeding pairs remained imperfect for each over several sampling occasions. However, because we repeated the sampling sessions, detection of swan pairs by the end of the monitoring period was as high as 0.94. These results are consistent with previous assertions that the mute swan is a species of high ecological plasticity, which may partly explain its recent colonization rates. Given that even swan breeding events were imperfectly detected on each occasion, we highlight the fact that most studies of breeding ducks (which are more cryptic) would be considerably improved by better considering detection biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Should north Australia’s extensive populations of feral animals be eradicated for conservation, or exploited as a rare opportunity for Indigenous enterprise in remote regions? We examine options for a herd of banteng, a cattle species endangered in its native Asian range but abundant in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, an Aboriginal land managed jointly by traditional owners and a conservation agency in the Northern Territory of Australia. We reflect on the paradoxes that arise when trying to deal effectively with such complex and contested issues in natural resource management using decision-support tools (ecological-economic models), by identifying the trade-offs inherent in protecting values whilst also providing incomes for Indigenous landowners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Big Cypress region of southwest Florida is a diverse mosaic of upland pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks, herbaceous wet prairies and marshes, and forested wetlands. Besides large natural landscapes, it includes extensive areas of residential and agricultural development. Dominant natural controlling factors are hydrology on the low relief land surface and fire in a subtropical environment with a strong wet-dry seasonal cycle of rainfall. Human influences on the Big Cypress ecosystem are all associated with extensive residential and agricultural development. Lowered water levels and shortened hydroperiods cause shifts to drier communities, which leads to habitat loss and more intense fires. Higher nutrient concentrations associated with agriculture and more mineralized ground-water inputs from a variety of sources favor nuisance and exotic plant species. Fragmentation of the plant community mosaic interferes with seasonal expansion and contraction of wetland water bodies and associated seasonal movements of animal populations. Fragmentation also interferes with wildlife movements and the natural spread of fire across the landscape. Disturbed environments along edges created by fragmentation facilitate invasion of natural plant and animal communities by exotic species. Efforts to eradicate fire have eliminated large areas of early successional communities, while creating high fuel loads that ultimately result in very destructive fires. The spread of exotic plants is resulting in the replacement of large areas of native plant communities, but the effects of exotic animal invasions on native animal populations are poorly known. The objective of this paper is to present a conceptual model of the major human influences on the Big Cypress region, and how they affect natural processes and selected components of the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simognathus coreensis n. sp. is described on the basis of the specimens collected from Youngdeok, the east coast of South Korea. This is the first record of this genus from Korea. Diagnostic features are as follows: big cornea present on ocular plate, covering major portion of it; lateral claws II–IV with accessory process which contain about 5 minute (meaning `very small') teeth, and lateral claws smooth ventrally; prominent foveae on all telofemora; anterodorsal and posterodorsal plate subequal; lateral side of anterior epimeral plate foveate. This species is similar to S. corneatus Otto and S. exoticus Otto. Dissimilarities are discussed. Abbreviations: AD, anterodorsal plate; AE, anterior epimeral plate; ds, dorsal setae of idiosoma I; GA, genitoanal plate; GO, genital opening; PE, posterior epimeral plate; EP I, epimeral process I; PGS, perigenital setae; P1-P3, first to third palpal segment; SGS, subgenital seta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between invasions by two exotic fishes ( Micropterus salmoides and Lepomis macrochirus) and species diversity in native fish communities was studied in 14 Japanese farm ponds. We found that mean number of species in native fish communities was three times higher in the ponds without the exotic fish than in the ponds with them. Further, negative relationships were observed between abundance of the two exotic fish and the total abundance of native fish communities. Our results suggest that invasions by the two exotic fish caused serious depletion of native fish communities, although another process can also be considered , that is, that ponds with poor native fish communities were prone to colonization by these exotic fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus (P) in northern hardwood forest plots invaded by exotic earthworms versus adjacent uninvaded reference plots. In three of the six pairs of plots, earthworm invasion resulted in significantly more total P in the upper 12 cm of soil. The finding of increased amounts of unavailable and occluded inorganic P forms in the invaded plots suggests that earthworm activity mobilized unweathered soil particles from deeper layers of the soil, increasing the stocks of total P in surface soils. In two pairs of plots, the earthworm-invaded soils had less total P than the reference soils. In these plots, earthworm activity resulted in augmented rates of P cycling and alteration of the physical structure of the soil that increased loss of P in leaching water, reducing the total amount of P. We hypothesize that the different effects of earthworm invasion on the soil P cycle result from unique characteristics of the ecological groups of earthworms dominating each site. The invaded plots with increased total P were dominated by the anecic species Lumbricus terrestris, a large earthworm that constructs deep, vertical burrows and is effective at moving soil materials from and to deeper layers of the profile. In contrast, the earthworm-invaded plots where the total P in the surface soil decreased were dominated by the epiendogeic species L. rubellus, which feeds and lives in the upper organic layers of the soil. In these plots, earthworms significantly increased the amount of readily exchangeable P in the soil, increasing the loss of this element in leaching water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses research being done on human salmonellosis associated with exotic pets. Reference to a study by D. L. Woodward et al, published in a 1997 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Mirobiology"; Percentage of cases involving salmonellosis which are associated with exotic pet exposure.