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Gorals represent ungulate mammals of the Palearctic and Indo-Malayan realms that face habitat destruction and intense hunting pressure. Their classification has been the subject of various (mainly genetic) assessments in the last decade, but some results are conflicting, hampering some conservation-based decisions. Genetic sampling of gorals has increased considerably in recent years, at least for mitochondrial (mt) DNA. Results based on two mt genes (cytochrome b and the D-loop) are currently available. Still, the utility of cytochrome oxidase subunit I remains unanalysed, even though it belongs among the gene markers that enable a correct species identification in mammals. This study examines phylogenetic relationships and species delimitation in gorals using all currently available cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences, including the not yet analysed goral population from Pakistan. Our results of various phylogenetic approaches, such as maximum parsimony, likelihood and Bayesian inference, and exploration of species boundaries via species delimitation support the validity of six species of goral, namely N. baileyi, N. caudatus, N. cranbrooki, N. evansi, N. goral, and N. griseus. This result accords well with results based on other mt genes, especially the cytochrome b from the highly exhaustive data sampling. Our study also summarises common sources of errors in the assessment of goral phylogeny and taxonomy and highlights future priorities in understanding goral diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have recognised one to seven species of goral (Naemorhedus spp., Caprinae, Bovidae). We compared all available whole mitogenomic sequences, including eight new ones from northern Myanmar, and now recognise five distinct species. Naemorhedus caudatus remains a valid species. Naemorhedus griseus is a synonym of Naemorhedus goral. Naemorhedus evansi is a valid species, with a geographic range that extends northwards into southwestern China. Naemorhedus cranbrooki and Naemorhedus baileyi are distinct species, not synonyms. Molecular divergence analyses suggest that goral speciation was closely related to the rapid uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau and Hengduan Mountains from the early Pliocene to the Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed information on the size and genetic structure of wildlife populations is critical for developing effective conservation strategies, especially for those species that have suffered population decline and fragmentation due to anthropogenic activities. In the present study, we used a non-invasive approach combining fecal pellet sampling with mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA microsatellite marker analysis to monitor and compare the population structure of the Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) in Beijing and northeast Inner Mongolia in China. Of the 307 fecal samples confirmed to be from N. griseus, 15 individuals (nine females and six males) were found in the Beijing population and 61 individuals (37 females and 24 males) were found in the Inner Mongolian population. Among these 76 individuals, we identified eight haplotypes and 13 nucleotide polymorphic sites from mtDNA and 45 alleles from 10 microsatellite loci. Spatially structured genetic variation and a significant level of genetic differentiation were observed between the two populations. In both populations, the sex ratios were skewed toward females, indicating high reproductive potential, which is crucial for population recovery and conservation of this patchily distributed vulnerable species. We suggest that managing the two populations as evolutionarily significant units with diverse genetic backgrounds could be an effective solution for present population recovery, with the possible relocation of individuals among different groups to help ensure future goral species prosperity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gorals represent ungulate mammals of the Palearctic and Indo-Malayan realms that face habitat destruction and intense hunting pressure. Their classification has been the subject of various (mainly genetic) assessments in the last decade, but some results are conflicting, hampering some conservation-based decisions. Genetic sampling of gorals has increased considerably in recent years, at least for mitochondrial (mt) DNA. Results based on two mt genes (cytochrome b and the D-loop) are currently available. Still, the utility of cytochrome oxidase subunit I remains unanalysed, even though it belongs among the gene markers that enable a correct species identification in mammals. This study examines phylogenetic relationships and species delimitation in gorals using all currently available cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences, including the not yet analysed goral population from Pakistan. Our results of various phylogenetic approaches, such as maximum parsimony, likelihood and Bayesian inference, and exploration of species boundaries via species delimitation support the validity of six species of goral, namely N.baileyi , N.caudatus , N.cranbrooki , N.evansi , N.goral , and N.griseus . This result accords well with results based on other mt genes, especially the cytochrome b from the highly exhaustive data sampling. Our study also summarises common sources of errors in the assessment of goral phylogeny and taxonomy and highlights future priorities in understanding goral diversification., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Petr Hrabina, Ludmila Pernerová, Josef Suchomel, Jan Robovský.)

Abstract The Late Pleistocene archeological site of Tham Lod Rockshelter has yielded a large number of animal remains associated with a rich lithic assemblage with a Hoabinian facies. The well-preserved collection of Caprinae dental material was analyzed and attributed to three Caprinae species. The morphological and metrical analysis allowed the identification of the Sumatran serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) , the Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus), and the Himalayan goral (N. goral). To understand the relation between the Caprinae and the prehistoric hunter-gatherers, the paleodemography of the three species was reconstructed using age estimation at the death based on tooth wear. The mortality profile revealed that the Homo sapiens hunter-gatherers adopt a generalized subsistence strategy for these preys. This new data contribute to our knowledge on the mammalian biodiversity during the Late Pleistocene in Southeast Asia and add new information about the subsistence behavior of prehistoric hunter-gatherers in northern Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New results of dating of detrital zircons from the Kema and Silasa Formations (Albian, Sikhote-Alin Orogenic Belt) permit determination of the provenance sources and geodynamic settings of sediment deposition. The Silasa Formation was deposited in outer island arc settings, separated by a forearc basin from the inner island arc, where the Kema Formation sediments were accumulated. The significant depth and width of the forearc basin hindered input of continent-derived debris to the area of sedimentation of the Silasa Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding food habits of wild ungulates is of paramount importance to ecology and wildlife management. We studied the food habits of grey gorals (Naemorhedus goral) using microhistological techniques at two sites (Machiara and Serli Sacha) that differed in livestock grazing pressure in the Machiara National Park (MNP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan during 2012-2013. Serli Sacha had 53 livestock units/km2 while Machiara had 27 livestock units/km2 in the habitat of grey gorals. Dietary diversity was higher in Machiara (21 plant species) than at Serli Sacha (15 plant species) but the frequency of plant species consumed by grey goral varied seasonally (p < 0.05). Grey gorals consumed mostly forbs (75.57%) during summer (dominated by Poa annua, Geranium wallichianum and Rheum australe) and mostly browse (38.19%) during winter (dominated by Berberis vulgaris, Skimmia laureola and Viburnum nervosum). Grey gorals strongly preferred G. wallichianum in both sites during summer season. Wildlife managers at MNP should focus on increasing diversity of plant species and on reducing livestock grazing as it generally reduces plant diversity and also directly compete with N. goral for limited forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orf virus infection has been prevalent continuously in the population of wild Japanese serows (Capricornis crispus), goat-like grazing cloven-hoofed mammal species that live mainly in mountainous areas of Japan. Currently, definitive diagnosis of infection requires time-consuming laboratory work. To diagnose rapidly on-site, we developed a field-friendly procedure for the detection of orf virus from oral cavity lesions. DNA was extracted from goat saliva spiked with orf virus as a proxy for Japanese serows by a commercial kit without the use of electricity, and the quality of the extracted DNA was evaluated by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Extracted DNA was amenable to DNA amplification, the same as when extracted in a laboratory. Next, to find optimal conditions for DNA amplification by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), Bst and Csa DNA polymerases and 3 colorimetric indicators for visual diagnosis, hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB), malachite green and D-QUICK, were compared using a portable cordless incubator. The combination of Bst or Csa DNA polymerase with HNB was found to be easiest for visual diagnosis by the naked eye, and viral DNA was successfully amplified from all orf virus strains used. These results suggest that the procedure established here can work completely on-site and can be useful for definitive diagnosis and differentiation of orf virus infection in Japanese serows in remote mountainous areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the comparative therapeutic efficacy of Ceftriaxone-Tazobactum and Amoxicillin-Dicloxacillin for management of caprine clinical mastitis. Mastitic quarters of goats were diagnosed to be associated with Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., E.coliand Klebsiella infection. The organisms showed highest sensititvity to Ceftriaxone followed by Amoxy-Clav, Enrofloxacin, Gentamicin, whereas, all isolates were resistant to Penicillin G. The clinical and bacteriological cure rates obtained in the present study were found to be 100 percent in both groups. The response was excellent in animals treated with Ceftriaxone-Tazobactum @ 10 mg/kg b.wt as there was marked relief of symptoms by second day of treatment itself. Goats treated with Amoxicillin-Dicloxacillin @ 10 mg/kg b.wt responded slowly. Mild relief was noticed on second day but marked effect was evident third day onwards. Both groups were given supportive treatment with Flunixin meglumine. Isolation studies were conducted again on 5th day after recovery in both groups and all samples were found to be culturally negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grey goral (Naemorhedus goral goral) is a bovid mammal species, endemic to Asia; particularly occurs in southern slopes of the Himalayan mountains. This species is nearly threatened and their population is declining day by day due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. The population parameters of Grey goral were examined in Machiara National Park (MNP) by employing direct visual observations of animal, indirect signs such as pellet groups, and secondary information from wildlife staff and herders during 2012-2013. The mean population density of Grey goral in Machiara National Park was 2.66 individuals / km2. The range of encounter rate (No./Scan) was 0.00 to 2.9. The population of Grey goral in Machiara site was higher (4.57/ km2) than Serli Sacha site (i.e., 0.76/km2). This might be that Grey goral preferred to use Machiara site due to less disturbance and avoided Serli Sacha site due to higher disturbance as a result of livestock grazing, fuel wood collection and other human related activities. A total of 30 goral herds were observed (Machiara=21, Serli Sacha= 9). The minimum herd size was two while maximum herd size was six. Mean herd size was 1.99 animals where larger groups were frequent in less disturbed areas (38%) in contrast to highly disturbed areas (12%). Number of fawns/female was highest during May (1.12) and June (0.71). Based on reported gestation period of Grey goral around six months, it could be concluded that their peak breeding season in MNP is November and December. Major threats to the survival of Grey goral in MNP are habitat degradation (fodder, fuel wood, medicinal herbs collection) and competition with livestock (over grazing). Future conservation efforts for Grey goral in MNP need to focus on protection and securing disturbance-free habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, there is no information on gonadal steroidogenic activity of female goral ( Naemorhedus griseus) , a threatened species of Thailand. Captive goral populations have been established to produce animals for ex situ conservation and reintroduction, but as yet none are self-sustaining. The objectives of the present study were to (1) determine the influence of season on ovarian steriodogenic function; and (2) examine the relationship between gonadal hormone excretion and sexual behaviors throughout the year. Fecal samples were collected 5 to 7 days/wk for 15 months from 8 adult females housed at Omkoi Wildlife Breeding Center in Thailand and analyzed for ovarian steroid metabolites using validated enzyme immunoassays. Observations of sexual behaviors and mating were conducted each morning for 30 min/session. Based on fecal estrogen and progestagen metabolite concentrations, the overall estrous cycle length was about 21 days, with a 2- to 3-day follicular phase and an 18- to 20-day luteal phase. Sexual behaviors, most notably tail-up, increased for 2 to 3 days during the time estrogens were elevated during mating. Fecal progestagens were elevated during luteal phases and increased further during gestation, which lasted approximately 7 months. The lactation period was 5 months, and females were anestrus for 2 to 5 of those months, with the exception of one that cycled continuously throughout. Two females conceived around 2 months postpartum and so were pregnant during lactation. Birth records over the past 21 years indicated young are born throughout the year. This combined with the hormonal data suggests that female gorals are not strongly seasonal, at least in captivity, although there was considerable variation among females in estrogen and progestagen patterns. In conclusion, fecal steroid metabolite monitoring is an effective means of assessing ovarian function in this species and will be a useful tool for breeding management and planned development of assisted reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the relationships among the red goral (Naemorhedus baileyi) and other species which include the long-tailed goral (N. caudatus), the Himalaya goral (N. goral) and the Chinese goral (N. griseus). It explains that the phylogeny and taxonomic status of the red goral is still unclear, citing the small population size and distribution range of the antelope as the reasons why research is sparse. Findings of the study reveal that the red goral is an independent species of Naemorhedus and the four sequences of the evaluated species are closely related, belonging to two haplotypes.

Factors affecting horn size in wild Caprinae are of biological and socio-economic interest because several species are selectively harvested on the basis of this heritable character. We analysed temporal trends in horn size in two mountain ungulates from south-eastern Spain, the Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica and the aoudad Ammotragus lervia. Trophy harvest is the main way in which these two species are exploited, although 'poor-quality' aoudads are also selectively removed. In recent years, both populations have suffered drastic decreases in number due to outbreaks of sarcoptic mange that led to the suspension of hunting for several years. Horn length in harvested male wild goats and aoudads declined during our study period. Over an 18-year period, the mean age of male goats shot as trophies rose by four years, while the age of trophy-harvested aoudads decreased by around six months over a 9-year period. Age and environmental conditions during the first few years of life explained 20% of variance in horn size in Iberian wild goat and 53% in aoudad. Population density early in life explained much of the reduction in goat horn size over time. Nevertheless, the major fall in population densities after the sarcoptic mange outbreaks did not lead to a recovery in horn size in either species. We suggest that the selective removal of large-horned animals may contribute to a decline in horn size. Other factors that may also explain the observed pattern include changes in interspecific competition, longlasting maternal effects and reduced carrying capacity due to overgrazing during high density periods. Unfortunately, our data sets did not allow us to account for the possible effects of these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied aspects of ecology and conservation of barking deer and goral in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary from January 1996 to December 1998. The methods used included extensive monitoring of existing forest trails in different oak patches for quantification of the habitat use. Vegetation was sampled at the animal-centred plots and random plots during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Principal Component Analysis was done for barking deer and the goral. For the barking deer, the first two principal components accounted for 26.69% and 30% of variance in the data matrix during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons respectively, whereas for the goral the first two principal components accounted for 36.9% and 29.8% variance during the pre- and post- monsoon periods respectively. Barking deer prefers the area with high cover, density and diversity of both trees and shrubs, whereas the goral prefers areas with high grass density, steep slope with low to medium tree cover and shrub density. The conservation implications of the results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Skulls of 755 Japanese serow (Naemorhedus crispus) were examined for numerical anomalies of teeth, and these were found in 30 (4.0%) specimens. In addition to supernumerary and congenital missing teeth, embedded teeth were also identified. Supernumerary teeth were found in 10 (1.3%) specimens, congenital missing teeth were found in nine (1.2%) specimens, and embedded teeth were found in 11 (1.5%) specimens. Supernumerary teeth were found among the incisors, the upper and lower premolars, and the lower molars. Based on the appearance of certain tooth classes, their size, and their form, atavism was considered to be a possible cause of the occurrence of some of these teeth. Congenital missing teeth were found at the loci of the lower incisors, canines and P2. In Japanese serow, there appeared to be a tendency for congenitally missing P2 as well as P1. All embedded teeth were found at the locus of P2. These teeth may have occurred as an intermediate state between normal and congenital missing teeth. Variations in the number of teeth in Japanese serow were concordant with their phylogenetic background. Moreover, although variations in the number of cheek teeth tended to be concentrated in the mesial region of the premolars, the tendency in the incisive region was for teeth to appear mesial as well as distal within an incisor-tooth sequence. These results, which are not in accordance with terminal reduction theory, indicate that the phenomenon of tooth degeneration does not only occur at the end of a tooth row. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article determines the prevalence of antibodies to pestiviruses in Alpine ibexes from the Italian Alps and in the Iberian ibexes from Spain. It says that although the species, which belong to the subfamily Caprinae, are not listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there is concern on their genetic diversity and the survival of their population. It offers information on their reproductive disorders that affect the conservation and management of the species.

Microsatellites have been applied in a variety of fields, including conservation genetics. Species-specific microsatellites are considered as more powerful genetic markers to generate an accurate genetic composition of a species itself. Accordingly, we characterized 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Korean goral, Nemorhaedus caudatus, one of the most endangered species in South Korea. The new markers should benefit future studies of the endangered species of other Asian gorals and their relatives for the study of genetic diversity and potential conservation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naemorhedus baileyibelongs to the generaNaemorheduswithin the subfamily Caprinae. Because of small population, narrow distribution and difficult sampling, the taxonomic status of red goral in Caprinae is still not clear. We extracted the sample DNA and amplified whole mtDNA genome with different primers. We downloaded other gene sequences of Caprinae from GenBank. All sequences included 24 species of 11 genera. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the subfamily Caprinae is not monophyletic, bootstrap support for this cluster is high (100%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naemorhedus griseus, vulnerable animal, has undergone a significant decline. Here, we analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome (16,554 bp in length) to supplement the database of N. griseus. The complete mtDNA of N. griseus contained 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes and 22 tRNA genes) and a non-coding region (D-loop). Additionally, a rep-origin (32 bp) exists which located between tRNAAsn and tRNACys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]