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Nesolagus netscheri, a Sumatran striped rabbit, is one of the rarest rabbits in the Leporidae family, and its genetic information is still limited. This study provides the first mitochondrial genome and molecular systematic characterization of the Sumatran striped rabbit, Nesolagus netscheri, Indonesia’s rarest rabbit. It consists of a circular double-stranded DNA of 16,709 bp. It showed that the mitochondrial genome structure of N. netscheri is similar to that of N. timminsi. The mitochondrial genome of N. netscheri contained 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and all tRNA except for trnS1 showed a characteristic cloverleaf secondary structure. Evidence was found that the atp8 gene of N. netscheri is under positive selection pressure. The phylogenetic analysis shows Leporidae was monophyletic, with Nesolagus at the basal. The study indicates a split between N. netscheri and N. timminsi in the Late Pleistocene around 0.43 million years ago. This research is a fundamental reference for the conservation of the rarest lagomorph species and provides important information for future evolutionary studies in the Leporidae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sumatran striped rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri) is a little-known lagomorph endemic to southwest Sumatra. Despite its taxonomic significance, limited sightings and a paucity of ecological data have hindered population assessments and conservation efforts. This study presents findings from camera trap surveys conducted in Batutegi Protection Forest (BPF), Lampung Province, Indonesia. The BPF, covering approximately 58,000 hectares, hosts diverse flora and fauna but faces threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural encroachment. The study was carried out in Way Sekampung and Rindingan Forests within BPF. Camera trapping between 2017 and 2023 yielded 42 independent photographs of solitary individuals. The majority of sightings were at elevations above 600m, but two occurred at 366 and 454 m. The rabbits exhibited nocturnal behavior, with peak activity observed between 19:00 and 21:00 and 02:00 and 03:00. Our sightings from BPF, which is situated at some distance from the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, provide new records of small but isolated populations of Sumatran striped rabbits in fragmented pockets of remnant forest. Conservation efforts by the Forest Management Unit (KPH) are underway in BPF, but further measures are necessary to preserve the forests rich biodveristy. This study emphasizes the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to protect the Sumatran striped rabbit and its habitat. Further research is warranted to assess population densities and ecological requirements, underscoring the importance of implementing effective and collaborative conservation measures in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An 8-year-old rabbit presented with an acute onset of difficulty walking in all limbs. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a dorsolateral cervical spinal cord compression at the level of the C6-C7 intervertebral disc. After medical treatment failure, the rabbit underwent surgical decompression of the spinal cord. The retrieved material histologically resembled degenerated and mineralized disc material. This is the first report of a cervical disc extrusion in a rabbit. An 8-year-old rabbit presented with a 5-day history of acute difficulty in walking. Neurological examination revealed tetraparesis, proprioceptive deficits in both pelvic limbs and the right thoracic limb, decreased withdrawal reflex on the right thoracic limb and hyperreflexia in the pelvic limbs. A cervico-thoracic (C6-T2) localization was suspected. Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed, revealing a right dorsolateral extradural lesion at the C6-C7 intervertebral disc space. Additionally, meningeal and paravertebral contrast enhancement was observed on MRI, while periosteal reaction was evident at the right C6-C7 facet joint on CT. The findings were primarily consistent with spinal cord compression due to the presence of extruded disc material. Following conservative treatment failure, a right-sided C6-C7 hemilaminectomy was performed to remove the compression and sample the extradural material. Histological examination confirmed the presence of degenerated and partially mineralized disc material mixed with granulation tissue. This is the first reported case of cervical disc extrusion in a rabbit, confirmed by histological examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes and interprets fossil lagomorphs from seven sites in the Maghreb the ages of which range from the Miocene/Pliocene boundary to the Upper Pleistocene. Some of these sites, such as the Thomas Quarries in Morocco and Tighennif (=Ternifine) in Algeria, are well known for the discovery of fossil humans and their artefacts. The lagomorphs studied herein belong to two families, Prolagidae and Leporidae. The genus Prolagus has been recorded in the Maghreb since the latest Miocene, c. 6.2-6.5 Ma, and its last known representatives in Africa occur at Tighennif and Djebel Ressas 5 and 6 (Tunisia) the ages of which are estimated to be between 1.0 and 1.4 Ma. In other words, this genus, which is well known in Europe since the Early Miocene, crossed the Rifian Corridor during the Messinian crisis, and became extinct in the Maghreb earlier than in southwestern Europe where it survived until historical times. Its oldest representatives in the Maghreb known from the sites of Afoud and Lissasfa (latest Miocene-Early Pliocene) are related to P. michauxi, a species that is well represented in the latest Miocene and Early Pliocene localities in southern Europe. In the Early Pleistocene of Djebel Ressas 1 (Tunisia), it is represented by a new small species, Prolagus ressasensis n. sp. Prolagus is known in Europe as an inhabitant of wooded and humid environments. But in the terminal Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene this genus was confined more particularly to the Mediterranean rim, probably as an inhabitant of open woodland, temperate regions and certainly more open than the humid and wooded environments of the Early and Middle Miocene of Europe. The Leporidae appear in the Maghreb sites around the same time as Prolagus, but in the earlier sites (Afoud and Lissasfa), they are rare and therefore their identification is imprecise (Leporidae indet. at Afoud, Trischizolagus sp. at Lissasfa). In contrast, they are abundant in terminal Pliocene and Pleistocene sites. The genus Trischizolagus, that is well documented at Ahl al Oughlam (c. 2.5-3.0 Ma) by T. meridionalis Sen and Geraads, 2023, is even more abundant in the deposits of the Casablanca region (Grotte des Rhinocéros, Thomas IL, Thomas I-GH) and in Tighennif in Algeria where it is represented by T. raynali (Geraads, 1994). The last known representatives of this genus, collected from Grotte des Rhinocéros, occur alongside the first known representatives of the genus Lepus, described here as Lepus berbericus n. sp. In the Late Pleistocene site of Thomas I, a form of Lepus similar to L. capensis is represented by numerous mandible fragments. But the systematics of this species are the subject of debate, with no consensus as to whether it is a species occurring over a wide range from South Africa to the Middle East and North Africa or whether it comprises several species of which the morphological and / or genetic features are poorly defined. The genus Trischizolagus is well known in Europe and Anatolia with several species described between 6.5 and 3.5 Ma, while it survived in the Maghreb until the Middle Pleistocene, c. 0.5 Ma. It was probably replaced by the first hares of the Maghreb, described here as L. berbericus n. sp. The extant species Lepus capensis inhabits territories with open grassland and bushland habitats. The introduction of the rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus to the Maghreb occurred later, probably in the Late Pleistocene by prehistoric men for food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-year-old rabbit presented with a 5-day history of acute difficulty in walking. Neurological examination revealed tetraparesis, proprioceptive deficits in both pelvic limbs and the right thoracic limb, decreased withdrawal reflex on the right thoracic limb and hyperreflexia in the pelvic limbs. A cervico-thoracic (C6-T2) localization was suspected. Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed, revealing a right dorsolateral extradural lesion at the C6-C7 intervertebral disc space. Additionally, meningeal and paravertebral contrast enhancement was observed on MRI, while periosteal reaction was evident at the right C6-C7 facet joint on CT. The findings were primarily consistent with spinal cord compression due to the presence of extruded disc material. Following conservative treatment failure, a right-sided C6-C7 hemilaminectomy was performed to remove the compression and sample the extradural material. Histological examination confirmed the presence of degenerated and partially mineralized disc material mixed with granulation tissue. This is the first reported case of cervical disc extrusion in a rabbit, confirmed by histological examination.

The exceptionally rich vertebrate locality of Ahl al Oughlam near Casablanca (Morocco) yielded abundant remains of Lagomorpha, composed of cranial and postcranial bones and many isolated teeth. They represent a new species of Prolagidae, Prolagus migrans n. sp., and two new Leporidae, Trischizolagus meridionalis n. sp. and Afrolagus pomeli n. g., n. sp. The main characters of the new Prolagus species are the large and anteriorly curved mesial hyperloph on P2, the lack of crochet, and the protoconulid isolated in most p3s. Trischizolagus meridionalis n. sp. is smaller than the common European species T. dumitrescuae, and differs in having in most p3 a massive outlined trigonid, mesofossetid and paraflexid. The second leporid Afrolagus pomeli n. g., n. sp. displays a unique p3 pattern not seen in the Old World leporids with the hypoflexid penetrating more than two thirds of the total width; it is probably formed by the fusion of hypoflexid and mesofosssetid, but leaves a wide lingual connection between the trigonid and talonid. Its upper molariform teeth have strongly wrinkled enamel along the edges of the hypoflexus. Despite these differences, it also shares several dental features with both the African genus Serengetilagus and the European genus Oryctolagus, to which it is compared. Prolagus and Trichizolagus are both well-known European genera. Their occurrence in the Plio-Pleistocene of Morocco is certainly due to a dispersal event thanks to terrestrial connection between the Iberian Peninsula and the Moghreb. In the light of recent faunal, biogeographic and chronological data, the beginning of mammalian exchanges in both directions dates from about 6.2 Ma. The locality of Ahl al Oughlam, although much younger, with an age estimated to 3.0-2.5 Ma, retains taxa resulting from this dispersal event, including the lagomorphs described here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mountain hares (Lepus timidus L., 1758) in the Faroe Islands, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic, are known to be commonly infected by tapeworms, the identity of which was unknown. The mountain hare, which now populates 15 of the 18 islands, was introduced from Norway in 1855. In this study, tapeworms collected from four mountain hares from four geographic areas of the Faroe Islands were subjected to molecular identification using the nuclear ribosomal DNA (28S), the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes. The results indicate unambiguously that the tapeworms were Mosgovoyia pectinata (Goeze, 1782) (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae sensu stricto). The phylogenetic position and origin of the Faroese M. pectinata are discussed. Given that the parasite is quite common in Norway, from where the mountain hares were introduced, it is conceivable that co-introduction of M. pectinata from Norway to the Faroe Islands took place. The phylogenetic analyses revealed high similarity of the M. pectinata sequences from three regions and the position of the Faroese isolate as the sister lineage of the isolates from Finland and East Siberia. [Display omitted] • Little has been known about parasites of mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in the Faroe Islands. • We describe the first application of molecular methods to identify tapeworms from the hares. • This is the first report of Mosgovoyia pectinata from the Faroe Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internal carotid artery (ICA) is one of the major vessels in the cranial circulation. Characters concerning the ICA, such as its course in the auditory region, have been employed frequently in phylogenetic analyses of mammals, including extinct taxa. In lagomorphs, however, our knowledge on vascular features of the auditory region has been based predominantly on living species, mostly on the European rabbit. We present the first survey on 11 out of 12 extant genera and key fossil taxa such as stem lagomorphs and early crown representatives (Archaeolagus and Prolagus). The ICA pattern shows a modified transpromontorial course in stem taxa (Litolagus, Megalagus and Palaeolagus) and Archaeolagus, which we propose as the ancestral character state for Lagomorpha, similar to that for the earliest rodents, plesiadapids and scandentians. The ICA pattern in leporids is perbullar, but shows structural similarities to stem taxa, whereas the extrabullar ICA course in Ochotona is apparently a highly derived condition. Prolagus shows a mixed character state between leporids and Ochotona in its ICA route. The persistence of the transpromontorial ICA course and similarities in the carotid canal structure among stem taxa and crown leporids support morphological conservatism in Lagomorpha, in contrast to their sister clade Rodentia. This article is part of the theme issue 'The mammalian skull: development, structure and function'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a glacial relict species, mountain hares are adapted to cold and snowy conditions. Conversely, European hares originate from the grasslands of the Middle East and spread from there throughout low‐lying agricultural areas of Europe. Mountain hares and European hares generally occur allopatrically, however, sympatry occurs in some areas. In sympatric areas, introgressive hybridisation poses a threat to the Alpine mountain hare by reducing its genetic integrity. Introgressed individuals can be found in both species but are far more frequent in European hares than in mountain hares. The ecology of hybrids is poorly known in these species. To examine the Alpine mountain hare and European hare populations in the Alps with a particular focus on the occurrence and ecology of their hybrids, we performed molecular genetic analysis of hare faecal samples collected in four study areas in the Alps in South Tyrol for three winters and compared habitat associations of the genotyped samples. We recorded 150 individuals (i.e. 14 hybrids, 25 European hares and 111 Alpine mountain hares). Four introgressed individuals were at levels consistent with F2 hybrids, whereas the others showed an older interspecific gene flow. We found that hybrid faeces tended to be at lower elevations compared to those of Alpine mountain hare but at higher elevations than those of the European hare. The frequency of Alpine mountain hares decreased as the proportion of Alpine grassland increased but was positively correlated with the proportion of dwarf shrub heaths. No effect of vegetation type was found for the frequency of European hares and hybrids. Our results support the widely raised concerns that the European hare, as a generalist, is a strong competitor with the Alpine mountain hare in the Alpine ecosystem in the time of global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi is an endemic neotropical species restricted to the central part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and considered 'endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. This study formally tested whether complete mitochondrial genomes of R. diazi can be assembled from non-enriched metagenomic libraries generated from eDNA (field droppings) using Illumina 300 bp pair-end reads. Using a direct assembly strategy, the mitogenome of R. diazi was assembled and circularised using the pipeline GetOrganelle with a coverage of 18.5× from one eDNA sample. A second strategy in which reads were first mapped to a reference mitochondrial genome and then assembled using the software SPAdes retrieved a second nearly complete mitogenome (2.7×) of R. diazi from a second eDNA sample. Complete or nearly complete mitochondrial genomes were not retrieved from two other eDNA samples. The organisation of the complete or nearly complete mitochondrial genomes recovered from eDNA samples is identical to that already described for the studied species. A phylomitogenomic analysis based on all protein coding genes (PCGs) demonstrated that the mitochondrial genomes assembled from eDNA can and do reliably identify the sequenced samples as belonging to R. diazi and distinguished the same samples from closely and distantly related cofamilial species. This study demonstrates the feasibility of retrieving fully accurate whole and nearly complete mitochondrial chromosomes of host species from eDNA without enrichment strategies and using straightforward bioinformatics pipelines. This new genomic resource developed for R. diazi represents a new tool to boost conservation strategies (bioprospecting and/or biomonitoring) and improve our understanding of the evolutionary history of this endemic and endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild lagomorphs including rabbits and hares can act as natural carriers or reservoirs of bacterial and parasitic zoonotic diseases. However, little is known on the epidemiology and potential public health significance of intestinal eukaryotes in wild leporids. We examined faecal samples from European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus, n = 438) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis, n = 111) collected in the Autonomous Region of Andalusia in southern Spain during 2012–2021. We searched for the presence of DNA from the main intestinal protist and microsporidial pathogens of veterinary and public health concerns using molecular methods (PCR followed by Sanger and next‐generation sequencing). Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent species found (27.8%, 153/550; 95% CI: 24.1–31.8), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (1.3%, 7/550; 95% CI: 0.5–2.6), Blastocystis sp. (1.1%, 6/550; 95% CI: 0.4–2.4) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (0.2%, 1/550; 95% CI: 0.0–10.1). All samples tested negative for Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of sub‐assemblage BIV (n = 1) within G. duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium cuniculus (n = 6) and Cryptosporidium andersoni (n = 1) within Cryptosporidium. The presence of ruminant‐adapted C. andersoni is indicative of a potential cross‐species transmission event, although a spurious infection (mechanical carriage) cannot be ruled out. Samples assigned to C. cuniculus belonged to the gp60 subtype families Va (n = 3) and Vb (n = 2). The six Blastocystis‐positive samples were identified as ST2 (n = 3) and ST1 + ST2 (n = 3). Our molecular results suggest that wild rabbits and hares were primarily infected by leporid‐adapted species of eukaryotic pathogens. However, the occasional findings of zoonotic G. duodenalis sub‐assemblage BIV, Blastocystis sp. ST1 and ST2, and Encephalitozoon intestinalis could be of public health relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amami rabbit, Pentalagus furnessi (Mammalia: Lagomorpha: Leporidae), is a relict and endangered species endemic to the Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima Islands, located in southwestern Japan. Here, we described three new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasites detected from fecal samples of wild Amami rabbits. Eimeria furnessi n. sp., recorded in 21 (58.3%) samples, has ellipsoidal oocysts with two walls and micropyle, 26.0 × 16.6 μm, and elongate-ovoidal sporocysts, 13.1 × 6.3 μm, with Stieda body. Eimeria hilleri n. sp., recorded in 9 (25.0%) samples, has ellipsoidal oocysts with two walls and micropyle, 34.7 × 21.4 μm, and elongate-fusiform to elongate-ovoidal sporocysts, 15.7 × 8.3 μm, with Stieda and substieda bodies. Eimeria sagentae n. sp., recorded in 13 (36.1%) samples, has ellipsoidal oocysts with two walls and micropyle, 20.9 × 14.5 μm, and elongate-ovoidal sporocysts, 10.4 × 5.0 μm, with Stieda body. The three new species can be distinguished by the size and color of their oocysts. Further studies related to the pathogenicity of these parasites can improve the breeding and propagation procedures of the Amami rabbit.

In female mammals, reproduction requires high‐energy expenditure because of gestation and lactation; therefore, a fitness cost of current reproduction may lead to a decrease in future survival or reproduction. The reproductive cost differs between short‐lived species with a fast life history strategy compared to long‐lived species with a slow life history strategy. We used harvest data on reproduction and body mass from two small‐sized and short‐lived mammals, mountain and European hare (Lepus timidus and Lepus europaeus) to explore the cost of reproduction and determine how the number of newborns produced in the current breeding season affects female body mass at the end of the reproductive season. Within a reproductive season, female hares experienced a reproductive cost: current litter size was negatively affected by the number of newborns produced in the current breeding season until the current litter. In the given reproductive season, females that had had more litters also had the highest reproductive output and had higher body mass at the end of the breeding season. The presence of a reproductive cost and the high reproductive performance of heavier female hares suggest a strategy of reproduction more conservative than expected for a species with a relatively small size and fast life history strategy. Heavier female hares seemed to be able to face the cost of reproduction, produce more offspring and remain larger at the end of the reproductive season: a strategy that is more conservative than risky. We believe female hares adopt, at least in part, a conservative strategy of reproduction characterized by an increased number of litters per season because of the positive fitness payoff gained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of the genus Prolagus Pomel, 1853, in North Africa provides some of the strongest evidence for the existence of faunal exchanges between Europe and Africa. The oldest African Prolagus remains have been reported from the Messinian locality of Afoud in the Aït Kandoula Basin (6.2 Ma), identified during previous studies as the species Prolagus michauxi López-Martínez, 1975. Dental material already analyzed from the AF12-1 and AF12-2 levels and new material collected subsequently from the same levels form the basis of the current systematic study. This abundant material allows us to confirm the presence of a single Prolagus species in the Afoud locality, P. michauxi. However, this species' attribution to P. michauxi must be considered cautiously, given its evident morphological resemblance to Prolagus sorbinii Masini, 1989. These results are consistent with scenarios implying the migration of P. michauxi from Southern Europe to North Africa. In addition to the Prolagus remains, cheek teeth of Leporidae have been found and this is the oldest occurrence of this group in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amami rabbit, Pentalagus furnessi (Mammalia: Lagomorpha: Leporidae), is a relict and endangered species endemic to the Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima Islands, located in southwestern Japan. Here, we described three new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasites detected from fecal samples of wild Amami rabbits. Eimeria furnessi n. sp., recorded in 21 (58.3%) samples, has ellipsoidal oocysts with two walls and micropyle, 26.0 × 16.6 μm, and elongate-ovoidal sporocysts, 13.1 × 6.3 μm, with Stieda body. Eimeria hilleri n. sp., recorded in 9 (25.0%) samples, has ellipsoidal oocysts with two walls and micropyle, 34.7 × 21.4 μm, and elongate-fusiform to elongate-ovoidal sporocysts, 15.7 × 8.3 μm, with Stieda and substieda bodies. Eimeria sagentae n. sp., recorded in 13 (36.1%) samples, has ellipsoidal oocysts with two walls and micropyle, 20.9 × 14.5 μm, and elongate-ovoidal sporocysts, 10.4 × 5.0 μm, with Stieda body. The three new species can be distinguished by the size and color of their oocysts. Further studies related to the pathogenicity of these parasites can improve the breeding and propagation procedures of the Amami rabbit. [Display omitted] • Amami rabbit, Pentalagus furnessi, only can be found on two small islands in Japan. • Eimeria spp. detected in fecal samples underwent morphological studies. • New species were defined as Eimeria furnessi , E. hilleri , and E. sagentae. • The three new species can be distinguished by their oocysts size and color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lagomorpha (lagomorphs), the order of mammals including pikas, hares, and rabbits, is distributed on all continents. The order currently is hypothesized to comprise 12 genera and 108 species, split into two families: Ochotonidae (pikas) and Leporidae (rabbits and hares). Molecular and morphological attempts have been undertaken to resolve the phylogeny of lagomorphs, although chronological relationships are still to be established. The aim of this research was to unravel lagomorph phylogeny using ultraconserved elements. We focused on Romerolagus, in light of its largely unknown phylogenetic relationships and sparse fossil record, to assess times of divergence for the genus. We obtained samples from at least one species in each of 11 genera (except Caprolagus) comprising the order and captured and sequenced ultraconserved elements (UCEs). A Maximum-Likelihood phylogenetic analysis was carried out on the 4,195 loci captured, resulting in 59,112 informative sites. We further used BEAST2 v2.6.3 on the CIPRES computing cluster to estimate the timing of cladogenesis in lagomorph evolution. Our results confirm that lagomorphs and rodents split about 65 million years ago. The former further split into its constituent families, Leporidae and Ochotonidae, about 60 million years ago. Pronolagus rupestris and Nesolagus timminsi were retrieved as basal sister taxa; the most recent common ancestor of that clade and remaining leporids was estimated to have existed about 47 million years ago. Romerolagus diazi is sister to remaining Leporidae excluding Pronolagus and Nesolagus, a topology that generally matches previously published phylogenies, although our results suggest a most recent common ancestor of Romerolagus and remaining ingroup leporids at ca. 4.8 Ma (95% highest posterior density [HPD] interval: 5.9 – 3.8 Ma), with an internal diversification in the Middle to Late Pleistocene (0.9 Ma; 95% HPD 1.8 – 0.2 Ma). Our final results yielded a robust phylogeny with high support values for every clade of the order Lagomorpha and unraveled previously unresolved phylogenetic relationships. In addition, we further conclude that the method we used, UCEs, may serve to complete the entire phylogeny of mammals by using existing museum specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human skin presents a large, easily accessible matrix that is potentially useful for diagnostic applications based on whole body metabolite changes-some of which will be volatile and detected using minimally invasive tools. Unfortunately, identifying skin biomarkers that can be reliably linked to a particular condition is challenging due to a large variability of genetics, dietary intake, and environmental exposures within human populations. This leads to a paucity of clinically validated volatile skin biomarker compounds. Animal models present a very convenient and attractive way to circumvent many of the variability issues. The rabbit (Leporidae) is a potentially logistically useful model to study the skin metabolome, but very limited knowledge of its skin metabolites exists. Here we present the first comprehensive assessment of the volatile fraction of rabbit skin metabolites using polydimethylsiloxane sorbent patch sampling in conjunction with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A collection of compounds that are secreted from rabbit skin was documented, and predominantly acyclic long-chain alkyls and alcohols were detected. We then utilized this animal model to study differences between intact skin and skin with early pressure ulcers, as the latter are a major problem in intensive care units. Four New Zealand female white rabbits underwent ulcer formation on one ear with the other ear as a control. Early-stage ulcers were created with neodymium magnets. Histologic analysis showed acute heterophilic dermatitis, edema, and micro-hemorrhage on the ulcerated ears with normal findings on the control ears. The metabolomic analysis revealed subtle but noticeable differences, with several compounds associated with the oxidative stress-related degradation of lipids found to be present in greater abundances in ulcerated ears. The metabolomic findings correlate with histologic evidence of early-stage ulcers. We postulate that the Leporidae model recapitulated the vascular changes associated with ulcer formation. This study illustrates the potential usefulness of the Leporidae model for skin metabolome studies. Additionally, skin metabolome analysis may enhance an understanding of non-skin sources such as urine or breath.

The riverine rabbit, Bunolagus monticularis, is regarded critically endangered. This endemic South African leporid is believed to have extremely low population numbers, and was traditionally thought to be confined to a small region within the Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo biomes. Recent discoveries of the species at lower altitudes in the Fynbos biome, however, question many of the broadly accepted ideas of the past. The newly defined distribution limits provide an opportunity to assess genetic relatedness across two altitudinally delimited populations providing data that are critical for the development of future conservation efforts, and assessment of the species' IUCN red list status. We analyzed the degree of geographic genetic structure and mtDNA diversity in Bunolagus using control region sequences from 70 individuals (12 subpopulations) sampled between 1947-2020 across the species' range. A TCS haplotype network, pairwise AMOVA analysis, and average sequence divergences among subpopulations, all provide genetic support for the recognition of a previously defined Northern and Southern population separated by a semi-permeable geographic barrier comprising unsuitable rocky habitat. Bayesian Skyline analyses link a decline in Bunolagus population numbers to the last glacial maximum but, importantly, the haplotype networks suggest that the Northern and Southern populations responded differently to these paleoclimatic changes. The Northern population, presently confined to the Nama Karoo biome, reflects the effects of fragmentation and survival in refugia in times of increasing aridity, followed by dispersal during more mesic periods. The Southern population, which is mostly confined to Fynbos, exhibits a more stable demographic profile. Surprisingly, given the accepted view of critically low population numbers, Bunolagus exhibits high mtDNA haplotypic diversity underscoring the need for subpopulation connectivity in maintaining genetic diversity through time. We argue that its successful conservation is contingent on reducing human transformation of their habitat and, importantly, protection of sufficient connectivity throughout the species' range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 'Zacatuche', 'Teporingo', or Volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi) belongs to the family Leporidae, is an endemic species restricted to the Central part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, and is considered 'endangered' by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Methods and Results: This study reports, for the first time, the complete mitochondrial genome of R. diazi and examined the phylogenetic position of R. diazi among other closely related co-familiar species using mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs). The mitogenome of R. diazi was assembled from short Illumina 150 bp pair-end reads with a coverage of 189x. The AT-rich mitochondrial genome of R. diazi is 17,400 bp in length and is comprised of 13 PCGs, two ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. The gene order observed in the mitochondrial genome of R. diazi is identical to that reported for other leporids. Phylogenetic analyses based on PCGs support the basal position of Romerolagus within the Leporidae, at least when compared to the genera Oryctolagus and Lepus. Nonetheless, additional mitochondrial genomes from species belonging to the genera Bunolagus, Sylvilagus, and Pronolagus, among others, are needed before a more robust conclusion about the derived vs basal placement of Romerolagus within the family Leporidae can be reached based on mitochondrial PCGs. Conclusions: This is the first genomic resource developed for R. diazi and it represents a tool to improve our understanding about the ecology and evolutionary biology of this iconic and endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV, Lagovirus europeus GI.1) induces a contagious and highly lethal hemorrhagic disease in rabbits. In 2010 a new genotype of lagovirus (GI.2), emerged in Europe, infecting wild and domestic population of rabbits and hares. Case presentation We describe the infection with a GI.2 strain, “Bremerhaven-17”, in captive mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in a zoo facility in Germany. Postmortem examination revealed RHD-like lesions including necrotizing hepatitis. RT-qPCR and AG-ELISA confirmed presence of GI.2. Recombination and phylogenetic analysis grouped the identified strain with other GI.2 strains, sharing nucleotide identity of 91–99%. Conclusion Our findings confirm that mountain hares are susceptible to GI.2 infection, due to a past recombination event facilitating virus spillover from sympatric rabbits.

Fossil lagomorphs are poorly documented in southern Africa, although the region is inhabited at present by at least seven species of Leporidae: two species of Lepus, one species of Bunolagus and four species of Pronolagus. Asthonishingly, the fossil record of Leporidae in southern Africa is only known by brief mentions in faunal lists, nothing being reported with reliable descriptions and illustrations. The new fossil material from Plio-Pleistocene deposits of southwestern Angola is the first contribution to the knowledge of the past history of Leporidae in this region. This material comes from the breccia deposits of the Humpata Plateau in the southwest of Angola and tufa deposits in Kaokoland, Namibia. In order to compare the fossils from Angola, it was necessary, first of all, to review skeletal and dental morphology of the four extant species of this genus. The fossils from Angola and Namibia belong to a small species of Pronolagus, with less specialized cranial and dental features, most comparable to the living species P. rupestris that inhabits two separate regions, southeastern Africa from southern Kenya to northern Zimbabwe, and northwestern South Africa. It is attributed to a new species of the genus Pronolagus. The presence of this new species in SW Angola enlarges the range of the genus beyond its present day distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work is a collection of general scientific information on the endangered species Caprolagus hispidus Pearson, 1839. The hispid hare (C. hispidus), feared as extinct in 1964 and rediscovered in 1966, is a species with monotypic genus. The hispid hare, also called bristly rabbit and Assam rabbit, is a species belonging to the family Leporidae, native to the southern part of Asia, whose old range extended along the southern foothills of the Himalayas. As with other endangered mammals, C. hispidus is a species that has lost ground in a very short period of time. Nowadays, its habitat is highly fragmented with an area of occupancy estimated at not more than 500 sq km, extending over a total surface of land of 5,000 to 20,000 sq km. Populations of hispid hare experienced a continuous decline in suitable habitat on one side due to increasing of anthropic activities such as agriculture (crops, grazing etc.), flood control, killing and poaching. One the other side, there are also natural threatening causes such as invasion by non-native animal or woody species in grassland, uncontrolled park burning, isolated population and low adaptability of the hispid hare. However, many of the natural factors are often factors mediated by human activity (eg the spread of invasive species or human-facilitated fires). Poor park management is often another cause for low survival of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat specialists are particularly vulnerable to extinction when habitat conditions are altered. Information on the habitat use of such species is thus important because it provides insight into factors that influence distribution and abundance, which is crucial for conservation. Here, we aimed to identify factors that influence the patterns of presence and abundance of the Endangered volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi, a rare leporid with a patchy distribution. Through exhaustive sampling of its range in the Sierra Chichinautzin and Sierra Nevada volcanic fields, Mexico, and using generalized linear models, we found that the probability of patch occupancy was higher where bunchgrass cover exceeded 75%, rock cover exceeded 5%, no cattle grazing was observed and human settlements were at least 7 km away. Patches with greater relative abundance were those with similar characteristics, but located at elevations > 3,600 m, and with rock cover < 15%. Cattle grazing was identified as a major threat to local populations of the volcano rabbit, particularly in the Sierra Chichinautzin. Because of the significance of bunchgrasses for this species, the protection of the mountain grasslands is required in both volcanic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating system in muscle food is an important factor as it greatly influences shelf life and quality of meat. In this study, whole muscle homogenate was used as the research object, and the Fenton reaction system as an inducer was established for analyzing the effect of oxidation on Chuanbai Rex and Hyla rabbits meat. The homogenates were exposed to varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 , 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mmol/L), the level of lipid oxidation of both breeds increased with the increased H 2 O 2 concentration, while Hyla rabbits was higher. Oxidation and molecular aggregation of myofibrillar protein (MP) was observed in both breeds, including formation of carbonyl compounds, depleted sulphydryl, and increased hydrophobicity while fluorescence decreased. After oxidation, the loss of amino acids was higher in Hyla (16%) than in Rex rabbits (11%). Cys content was identified as the most discriminant parameter capable of elucidating the variations between the two breeds under this oxidation system. • Hyla rabbit exhibited greater amino acid loss than Rex rabbit after oxidation. • High oxidation intensity has the most significant effect on amino acids in rabbit meat. • Cys content is the key parameter for distinguishing between the two rabbit breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their global distribution, invasive history, and unique characteristics, European rabbits are recognizable almost anywhere on our planet. Although they are members of a much larger group of living and extinct mammals [Mammalia, Lagomorpha (rabbits, hares, and pikas)], the group is often characterized by several well-known genera (e.g., Oryctolagus, Sylvilagus, Lepus, and Ochotona). This representation does not capture the extraordinary diversity of behavior and form found throughout the order. Model organisms are commonly used as exemplars for biological research, but there are a limited number of model clades or lineages that have been used to study evolutionary morphology in a more explicitly comparative way. We present this review paper to show that lagomorphs are a strong system in which to study macro- and micro-scale patterns of morphological change within a clade that offers underappreciated levels of diversity. To this end, we offer a summary of the status of relevant aspects of lagomorph biology.

Lagomorpha is a clade of herbivorous mammals nested within Euarchontoglires, one of the major placental groups represented today. It comprises two extant families with markedly different body plans: the long-eared and long-limbed Leporidae (hares and rabbits) and the short-eared and short-limbed Ochotonidae (pikas). These two lagomorph lineages diverged probably during the latest Eocene/early Oligocene, but it is unclear whether the last common ancestor of crown lagomorphs was more leporid- or more ochotonid-like in morphology. Palaeolagus, an early lagomorph dominant in western North America from the late Eocene to Oligocene is of particular importance for addressing this controversy. Here, we present new and comprehensive data on the cranial anatomy of Palaeolagus haydeni, the type species for the genus, based on micro-computed tomography (μCT). Our μCT data allow us to confirm, revise and score for the very first time the states of several leporid-like and ochotonid-like characters in the skull of Palaeolagus. This mixed cranial architecture differentiates Palaeolagus from the crown groups of Lagomorpha and supports its phylogenetic status as a stem taxon.

Translocation of game species is a widespread tool for hunting and conservation, but for some species there is a lack of information, being this the case for the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis). We studied the survival and spatial behaviour of 12 wild Iberian hares translocated in Northwestern Spain, in a hunting ground with a combination of arable land, vineyards and other habitats where game management and hare coursing were conducted. The average hare survival time was 102 days, with adults showing higher survival than juveniles, the overall survival probability being reduced during the hunting season. Presumed predation was the most important cause of death (ranging 45–77% of causalities), and 23% of hares were hunted. Hares showed a higher resting place selection at daytime for arable land, selecting however to settle in areas with a combination of habitats. The average core area considering all animals (MCP 50%) was 7.4 ha and the home range (MCP 95%) was 27 ha, and males showed significant higher values of home range compared to females. When compared to previous studies on wild hares, the survival of translocated hares in the present study was in general lower but there were similarities on spatial behaviour, and hunting was considered a major factor driving survival and spatial behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revisions performed in the last 15 years added remarkable novelties to the taxonomy and biochronology of Italian fossil lagomorphs. Several new taxa have been erected basing on new materials and on the revision of old materials. This paper aims to illustrate the state of the art of such researches. The lagomorph diversity in the Italian Neogene and Pleistocene is quite high, accounting 9 ochotonids, 14 leporids, and 3 stem lagomorphs. Among the lagomorph taxa recorded in Italy, quite a high number are insular or continental endemics. The oldest Italian lagomorphs are the insular endemic Paludotona aff. minor, P. etruria and P. minor from the early-middle Turolian of the Tusco-Sardinia palaeobioprovince, and Prolagus apricenicus and P. imperialis from the late Turolian of the Abruzzi-Apulia palaeobioprovince. In the Italian peninsula, lagomorphs are known since the late Turolian (early Messinian) [...]

Processes such as climate fluctuations together with recent volcanism have driven the diversification and local persistence of biodiversity within the Mexican highlands. We reconstruct the phylogeographic pattern and historical demography of the volcano rabbit, Romerolagus diazi, an endemic lagomorph in central Mexico, to elucidate the effect of the climate-volcanism interaction on its evolutionary history. We sequenced two mtDNA regions for 152 individuals from 45 sample sites located at the volcanic fields Sierra Chichinautzin and Sierra Nevada. We surveyed the genetic diversity, and reconstructed and dated an intraspecific phylogeny. The effective population size trough time was estimated, and an Ecological Niche Model was projected onto the past. Results showed a well-supported phylogeny with five monophyletic lineages with a north to south geographic pattern at Sierra Nevada, and east to west at Sierra Chichinautzin. Dating estimates indicated that those lineages might have started their diversification ca. 1.4 Ma, which agrees with the geological dating reported for the volcanic fields rising. We detected changes in demographic history and potential distribution, with a global population expansion during the Last Glacial Maximum and a retraction during the Last Interglacial period. The molecular evidence showed that the volcano rabbit had a dynamic evolutionary history molded by geological and climatic events during the Pleistocene. The volcanic events that shaped Sierra Chichinautzin and Sierra Nevada generated regions that allowed the colonization, isolation and posterior in-situ diversification of their populations. Additionally, the climatic fluctuations of the latest glacial-interglacial cycles promoted altitudinal populations shifts, with a sky-island dynamic that allowed their persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV, Lagovirus europeus GI.1) induces a contagious and highly lethal hemorrhagic disease in rabbits. In 2010 a new genotype of lagovirus (GI.2), emerged in Europe, infecting wild and domestic population of rabbits and hares. Case presentation: We describe the infection with a GI.2 strain, "Bremerhaven-17", in captive mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in a zoo facility in Germany. Postmortem examination revealed RHD-like lesions including necrotizing hepatitis. RT-qPCR and AG-ELISA confirmed presence of GI.2. Recombination and phylogenetic analysis grouped the identified strain with other GI.2 strains, sharing nucleotide identity of 91–99%. Conclusion: Our findings confirm that mountain hares are susceptible to GI.2 infection, due to a past recombination event facilitating virus spillover from sympatric rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revisions performed in the last 15 years added remarkable novelties to the taxonomy and biochronology of Italian fossil lagomorphs. Several new taxa have been erected basing on new materials and on the revision of old materials. This paper aims to illustrate the state of the art of such researches. The lagomorph diversity in the Italian Neogene and Pleistocene is quite high, accounting 9 ochotonids, 14 leporids, and 3 stem lagomorphs. Among the lagomorph taxa recorded in Italy, quite a high number are insular or continental endemics. The oldest Italian lagomorphs are the insular endemic Paludotona aff. minor, P. etruria and P. minor from the early-middle Turolian of the Tusco-Sardinia palaeobioprovince, and Prolagus apricenicus and P. imperialis from the late Turolian of the Abruzzi-Apulia palaeobioprovince. In the Italian peninsula, lagomorphs are known since the late Turolian (early Messinian). Prolagus appears in pre-evaporitic Messinian (Prolagus sorbinii) and gives rise to species endemic to the Italian peninsula (Prolagus italicus, late Villányian, central Italy; P. savagei/P. aff. sorbinii, early Villányian-early Biharian, NW and central Italy). The presence of Prolagus was probably constant until the early Biharian, age of its latest report in the Italian peninsula. The gap in the Pliocene fossil record is apparent and due to the extreme scarcity of fossil localities bearing continental vertebrates in the Italian Pliocene. The Asian genus Ochotona appeared at least twice in the Middle-Late Pleistocene of NE Italy, in correspondence of cold climatic phases. Prolagus of the latest Miocene-Early Pliocene of Italy represents the stock which originated the Sardinian lineage of Prolagus. The Sardinian species of Prolagus form an endemic insular anagenetic lineage whose oldest element is the earliest Late Pliocene P. aff. figaro, and which persists till historical times. The main turnover in the lineage, i.e. the transition P. figaro-P. sardus, is an event possibly related to the Mid-Pleistocene Transition. Minor morphological and dimensional changes can be detected among the population of both P. figaro and P. sardus, allowing a relative chronological arrangement of the Prolagus-bearing fossil sites. The first Italian leporids appear in the late Turolian. The continental endemic Alilepus meini is limited to the pre-evaporitic Messinian of Tuscany, and Trischizolagus sp., a taxon that still lacks a detailed systematic revision, is known from a couple of evaporitic and post-evaporitic Messinian fossil localities of northern-central Italy. There are no leporids in the Italian fossil record between the earliest Pliocene and the Late Pliocene (early Villányian), i.e. before the oldest Italian record of Hypolagus. This genus is represented by scanty remains pertaining to different species, and is distributed all along the peninsula (H. petenyii, early Villányian, NW Italy; H. brachygnathus, earliest Biharian, NE Italy; the continental endemic H. aff. brachygnathus, early Biharian, SE Italy). In Sicily, Hypolagus is present with an endemic insular species (H. peregrinus, ?late early Biharian). Also Sardinia records an endemic insular leporid, Sardolagus obscurus (Early Pleistocene). Its morphological features underwent significant modifications due to the permanence in an insular environment, preventing for the moment reliable phylogenetic inferences aimed to link it to known European continental genera. Extant lagomorph genera arrive in Italy with some delay with respect to the rest of Europe. In Europe, Oryctolagus is known since the Late Pliocene, whereas the oldest Italian species, O. valdarnensis, is known from the Early Pleistocene (late Villányian-early Biharian) of central and probably SE Italy. After a gap in the late Biharian, Oryctolagus is recorded in the earliest Toringian of NW and western-central Italy with O. burgi. The extant species O. cuniculus appears in the Italian peninsula in the late Middle Pleistocene. Its presence is attested until MIS 3 in several Italian fossil sites, and in the MIS 2 and early Holocene in southernmost Italy, Sicily, and southern Italian minor islands. It can not be excluded that those relict populations interacted with the rabbits introduced by humans during the Holocene. As for Lepus, the oldest reliable Italian report dates back to the late early Biharian of central Italy (originally classified as L. terraerubrae). Extant species of Lepus appear in Italy since the early Toringian. Among them, Lepus corsicanus has the oldest record; this species expands its geographical distribution to Sicily in the latest Pleistocene. Follows L. europaeus, whose oldest reliable Italian record is in the earliest late Toringian; this species expanded in the Italian peninsula at the expenses of L. corsicanus. During the Last Glacial Maximum, L. timidus makes sporadic appearance(s) in Italy, even in southern regions. Though showing endemic characters, the Sardinian hare L. mediterraneus is the result of human introduction in historical times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial hare and rabbit immortalized cell lines are extremely limited regarding the many species within the lagomorpha order. To overcome this limitation, researchers and technicians must establish primary cell cultures derived from biopsies or embryos. Among all cell types, fibroblasts are plastic and resilient cells, highly convenient for clinical and fundamental research but also for diagnosis, particularly for viral isolation. Here, we describe a fast and cheap method to produce primary fibroblast cell cultures from leporid species, using dispase II, a protease that allows dermal–epidermal separation, followed by a simple enzymatic digestion with trypsin. This method allows for the establishment of an in vitro cell culture system with an excellent viability yield and purity level higher than 85% and enables the maintenance and even immortalization of leporid fibroblastic cells derived from tissues already differentiated.

ABSTRACT Analyzing predator scats for the presence of prey is a common noninvasive approach to understanding trophic interactions. Morphological analysis of prey remains has been the prevailing method of diet analysis, but molecular methods are becoming more widely used. Previous analyses suggest molecular methods detect target prey species more frequently than morphological methods. We compared these methods by analyzing coyote (Canis latrans) scats—collected in Tooele County, Utah, USA, in the winter of 2014—for leporids, a taxonomic group for which a molecular species identification test has been developed. We included 25 scats in which leporids were detected and 25 scats in which leporids were not detected by morphological methods. Additionally, because few studies have explored the effect of fecal sampling protocols on prey DNA detection, we analyzed subsamples taken from 5 locations on each scat to compare prey detection frequencies. We found that molecular analysis detected leporid prey in scats at a rate similar to or greater than morphological analysis, depending on the number of fecal sampling locations considered. Of the single samples, the homogenized (46%) and side (44%) samples provided the greatest rates of leporid prey DNA detection, followed by the ends (mean across both ends = 35%) and center (38%) of scats. When multiple sampling locations were considered, the homogenized‐side combination (70%) had a detection rate similar to when all sampling locations were considered (76%). Our results indicate that molecular analysis detected prey more frequently than morphological analysis, but that prey detection was not equitable among fecal sampling locations and multiple sampling locations may be required. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.

Fossil lagomorphs are very useful palaeogeographical indicators. In the last 15 years, several papers centered on fossil lagomorphs contributed to improve the Italian late Miocene–Quaternary palaeogeographical setting, solving palaeobiogeographical enigmas debated for decades, and providing new, challenging palaeogeographic data. The high number of endemic fossil lagomorphs of Italy is due in part to its complex tectonic history (insular endemisms), and in part to the semi-isolation and the physiography of the Peninsula (continental endemisms). In Italian lagomorphs, a direct causal relationship between dispersal and turnovers is not observed, except for the Toringian. Actually, species replacements are customarily due to archipelago effect (late Miocene), phyletic speciation (Pliocene of Sardinia and Italian mainland) or occur after the extinction of older congeneric species (early Pleistocene). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An opportunistic predation by Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) on Eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) was observed in south Texas on 31 Oct 2019. The Great Blue Heron had already captured the Eastern cottontail rabbit at the first observation but the maneuvering process, killing, and ingestion were recorded photographically, which make this observation unique even though this might constitute the second report on Great Blue Heron eating Eastern cottontail rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The honey badger is a widespread, but understudied African carnivore, with high potential as a bone accumulator in cave and fossil deposits. This study serves as the first investigation into the taphonomic modifications of this species when feeding on small to medium-sized prey. Domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus) carcasses where fed experimentally to a breeding pair of captive honey badgers housed at the Johannesburg Zoo. Bones from the feeding refuse and the carnivore scats were analysed for anatomical composition, fragmentation patterns, tooth marks and digestion. The results were compared with feeding studies with various small carnivores on leporid prey. Honey badgers preferentially opened their prey at the belly and focussed their feeding on nutritionally high-yield soft parts, often discarding low-yield parts like distal appendages, crania and the skins. Bones from the refuse assemblage were often complete and unmodified but stripped of flesh. Bones from the scat assemblage displayed very high fragmentation, light digestive modification and high numbers of tooth marked bones. This latter character was particularly diagnostic for the honey badger. This study investigates a carnivore that has received little interest and shows the high potential of this carnivore to act as a bone accumulator. Further taphonomic research into this species will greatly enhance our understanding of this species and its activity in the fossil record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on broader diets for archaic Homo populations in the Mediterranean. It outlines the analysis on the diet of homo sapiens along with Neanderthals to determine their methods of completing scarce resources. An overview of the taphonomic research of leporid assemblages from France is also provided.

Largely shallow and putatively explosive divergences in the family Leporidae (rabbits and hares; order: Lagomorpha) have resulted in phylogenetic relationships that remain currently unresolved. These rapid radiations in different branches of the leporid tree have resulted in conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses. However, this phylogenetic incongruence may also result from inadequate taxon or character sampling, due to the high number of extinct and difficult to sample extant species, and highly conserved morphological characters. Sylvilagus (cottontail rabbits) constitute about 30% of the known extant leporid species. New species are routinely being recognized, and phylogenetic relationships with respect to other leporid genera, and within the genus, have failed to be recovered with certainty. Within Sylvilagus, the South American S. brasiliensis is the most widespread and poorly known taxon, likely comprising multiple species. Here, we reanalyze previously published molecular data from phylogenetic studies on Leporidae, focusing on the S. brasiliensis group, and assessing phylogenetic relationships using bifurcating trees and split networks to identify phylogenetic regions with polytomies. We estimate differentiation and phylogenetic relationships of molecular lineages within the S. brasiliensis group. Our analyses suggest that this group contains a number of divergent taxa, well differentiated from other cottontail species. We discern two major polytomies during leporid diversification. The first, at the base of the leporid radiation, likely resulted from a combination of hard (rapid radiation) and soft polytomies (high number of unsampled extinct species). The second polytomy likely resulted from a rapid radiation during the initial diversification of the genus Sylvilagus. We conclude that only a molecular phylogeny based on a broader taxonomic representation will fully resolve leporid phylogeny. Divergências recentes, e provavelmente explosivas, na família de mamíferos Leporidae (coelhos e lebres; ordem: Lagomorpha) resultaram em relações filogenéticas ainda por resolver. Rápidas radiações em diferentes ramos da árvore dos leporídeos têm originado hipóteses filogenéticas conflitantes. Contudo, a incongruência filogenética pode ser resultado de amostragem taxonômica ou de caracteres inadequadas, devido a um alto número de taxa extintos e de espécies viventes difíceis de amostrar, ou a caracteres morfológicos bastante conservados. O gênero Sylvilagus (coelhos americanos) compreende cerca de 30% das espécies de leporídeos viventes. Novas espécies de Sylvilagus estão continuamente sendo descritas e, nem as relações filogenéticas com outros gêneros de leporídeos, nem as relações dentro do próprio gênero foram ainda recuperadas com certeza. Dentro de Sylvilagus, o táxon sul americano S. brasiliensis é o mais amplamente distribuído e menos conhecido, provavelmente incluindo múltiplas espécies. Neste trabalho, examinamos hipóteses filogenéticas moleculares previamente publicadas para Leporidae, expandindo a representação taxonômica do grupo S. brasiliensis e verificando as relações filogenéticas usando árvores bifurcadas e redes filogenéticas para identificar regiões de politomia. Nós estimamos a diferenciação e relações filogenéticas das linhagens moleculares dentro do grupo S. brasiliensis. As nossas análises sugerem que o grupo de espécies S. brasiliensis contém taxa bem divergentes das outras espécies do gênero. Além disso, observamos duas politomias principais ocorridas durante a diversificação dos leporídeos. A primeira, na base da sua radiação, provavelmente resultou da combinação de rápida radiação e elevado número de espécies extintas não amostradas. A segunda politomia provavelmente provém da rápida radiação durante a fase inicial de diversificação de Sylvilagus. Nós concluímos que apenas filogenias moleculares baseadas numa representação taxonômica mais ampla conseguirão resolver a filogenia dos leporídeos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viruses are ubiquitous in nature; however, very few have been identified in the Leporid species. In the fall of 2018, an outbreak of myxomatosis in Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) was reported in Spain and a novel recombinant myxoma virus strain (MYXV-Tol) was identified. To investigate variability within the recombinant region of the MYXV-Tol and identify any potential viral coinfections, samples (ear, eyelid or vaginal) of Iberian hares were collected from Spain and analyzed. The presence of the recombinant region of the MYXV-Tol was confirmed in six out of eleven samples analyzed. Additionally, a polyomavirus (family Polyomaviridae), representing a putative new species, and anelloviruses (family Anelloviridae) belonging to two putative species were identified, some as coinfection with the recombinant MYXV-Tol. The two polyomavirus genomes were identified in two hares and share >99% genome-wide identity. Based on the analysis of their large T-antigen, the new polyomavirus clusters in a distant clade from other mammals sharing

Several mite families are specialized to parasitize only mammals causing severe dermatitis on their skins. Furthermore, few studies highlight co-parasitism between these families and their impact on their hosts. We are reporting a case of co-parasitism between two acariform families, Sarcoptidae and Cheyletidae, specifically the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei and Cheyletiella parasitivorax on a rabbit kept in captivity in Guatemala. Also, this is the first report of C. parasitivorax in Guatemala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to synthesize the origin and phylogeny of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), of the Family Leporidae, Order Lagomorpha. Lagomorpha is an order of mammals which splits into two living families: Family Leporidae and Family Ochotonidae. Lagomorpha may have descended from the group of mimotonids (Anagaloidea). The diversity of Lagomorphs was certainly higher in the past than in the present, with around 75 genera and more than 230 species represented in the fossil record. These statistics of fossil record are evidences supporting that lagomorph lineages are declining in the present times. The living genera of the Family Leporidae emerged in the early Miocene, with the two most diverse genera, Genus Lepus (hare species) and Genus Sylvilagus (cottontail rabbits), first recorded in the fossil deposits dating back about 8.6 and 7.2 million years ago, respectively. The literature is scarce regarding the phylogeny of Genus Oryctolagus. The genus Oryctolagus comprises a single species (O. cuniculus) and six subspecies, and is the ancestor of all domesticated breeds. The paradox of this species is that, although the group to whom it belongs is in decline, the European rabbit is a species with an extraordinary plasticity, giving birth to a multitude of breeds and varieties of shape and color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Roland Springs Ranch Locality 1 (RSR-1) is an early Pleistocene vertebrate faunal locality on the Rolling Plains of Scurry County, Texas. Leporid remains are common among material recovered from ongoing, systematic excavations at RSR-1. The size and morphology of collected lower third premolars were utilized to identify the leporid taxa present at RSR-1. The resulting sample assemblage is unique in composition, including: Hypolagus gidleyi , Hypolagus spp. (small form), Notolagus lepusculus , Nekrolagus progressus (including forms with the Lepus pattern), and Aztlanolagus agilis. The biochronology of such a combination of taxa indicates placement near the boundary between the early and late subdivisions of the Blancan Land Mammal Age, generally consistent with the current interpretation of RSR-1. The RSR-1 sample is considered against the backdrop of Neogene-Quaternary faunal turnover that included the extinction of the Archaeolaginae and radiation within the extant subfamily, Leporinae. Leporid abundance during the late Pliocene-early Pleistocene (Blancan Land Mammal Age) of North America marks peak species richness for the rabbit family. Late Miocene-early Pleistocene changes in climate and grassland composition and structure in North America coincide with this pivotal period of leporid natural history. Environmental shifts potentially created a period of expanded physical heterogeneity and niche diversification that provided the ecological conditions for archaeolagines, Blancan leporines, and emerging derived, modern type (Lepus pattern) leporines to widely coexist. The Lepus pattern of extant cottontails and jackrabbits, is hypothesized as a competitive advantage initiated by grassland change and particularly suited for the arid and open Quaternary Great Plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Historically, humans have translocated some species of Leporidae (order Lagomorpha) around the world as an introduced food source and as game species. This family is now cosmopolitan and occupies areas where it did not previously exist. With the exception of European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, evidence of the effects of these introduced species is scattered and in many cases anecdotal, though they share many biological traits with Oryctolagus cuniculus, one of the most harmful invasive species worldwide. We review available studies on the 12 leporid species that have been introduced by humans to areas beyond their native ranges. Our aim is to describe and compare the species’ ecological roles in their native geographic ranges and in their exotic ranges. We review the species’ effects on the ecosystem at different levels of the trophic chain. We also evaluate the consequences of introductions for animal and human health, and their economic consequences, and we consider control measures. In their native ranges, the 12 leporids are known to provide resources for other species, act as seed dispersers and ecosystem engineers, function as primary prey items for several predator species, and have many other functions. The effects of the leporids in their exotic geographic ranges are also conspicuous, and in many cases strongly negative, due to competition with native fauna and the facilitation of the presence of other invaders. Nonetheless, they constitute a food resource for native and exotic predators. As game species for humans, their hunting may indirectly impact the ecosystems by increasing the amount of lead in the environment. Moreover, they may be carriers of zoonotic diseases. Conservation biologists should carefully consider the contrasting effects of the introduced leporids species in the ecosystem before developing any management strategy including these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palaeoclimatological and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions based on stable isotope analysis of mammalian bone require an understanding of the behavior and physiology of the organism and mandate taxon-specific considerations. This study assesses the utility of using bone tissue of leporids (cottontail rabbits, Sylvilagus sp., and hares, Lepus sp.) as paleoenvironmental proxies. Leporids are globally widespread, and commonly found in many archaeological middens in North America, with material available in many museum collections. We isolated and analyzed bone collagen and carbonate from 135 modern specimens from Mexico and southern United States for light element stable isotope values of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon. Stable isotope values were assessed with local ecoregion types for each specimen location and interpolated precipitation, humidity, and temperature variables. Reflecting the water acquisition strategies of leporids, our results show significant negative correlations of bone δ 18 O values with mean annual precipitation and with relative humidity. Contrary to expectations, neither δ 13 C nor δ 15 N values are strong predictors of moisture variables, which may be due to micro-scale topographic and environmental variation and selective feeding strategies. Significant positive correlations are observed for δ 13 C and δ 15 N values with temperature variables. Our study increases our ability to model past environmental landscapes by considering how behavior, ecology, and environment interact to result in measured stable isotope values in leporid bones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]