120 results on '"Nubian ibex"'
Search Results
2. Genomic analysis of indigenous goats in Southwest Asia reveals evidence of ancient adaptive introgression related to desert climate.
- Author
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Nanaei, Hojjat Asadollahpour, Yudong Cai, Alshawi, Akil, Jiayue Wen, Hussain, Tanveer, Wei-Wei Fu, Nai-Yi Xu, Essa, Abdulameer, Lenstra, Johannes A., Xihong Wang, and Yu Jiang
- Subjects
GENOMICS ,GOATS ,COPPER Age ,NATURAL selection ,DOMESTIC animals ,GENE flow - Abstract
Understanding how evolutionary pressures related to climate change have shaped the current genetic background of domestic animals is a fundamental pursuit of biology. Here, we generated wholegenome sequencing data from native goat populations in Iraq and Pakistan. Combined with previously published data on modern, ancient (Late Neolithic to Medieval periods), and wild Capra species worldwide, we explored the genetic population structure, ancestry components, and signatures of natural positive selection in native goat populations in Southwest Asia (SWA). Results revealed that the genetic structure of SWA goats was deeply influenced by gene flow from the eastern Mediterranean during the Chalcolithic period, which may reflect adaptation to gradual warming and aridity in the region. Furthermore, comparative genomic analysis revealed adaptive introgression of theKITLG locus from the Nubian ibex (C. nubiana) into African and SWA goats. The frequency of the selected allele at this locus was significantly higher among goat populations located near northeastern Africa. These results provide new insights into the genetic composition and history of goat populations in the SWA region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Horn growth patterns of Nubian ibex from the Sinai, Egypt.
- Author
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Attum, Omar, Soultan, Alaaeldin, and Bender, Louis C.
- Subjects
- *
NATURAL history , *WILDLIFE conservation , *OLDER men - Abstract
Documenting patterns of horn growth and horn-age relationships of Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of their natural history, horn development in ibex in general, and future conservation of the species. Our specific objectives included (1) documenting age-horn growth patterns; (2) contrasting horn growth patterns of Nubian ibex with other ibex species; and (3) determining whether horn development accurately reflects age of Nubian ibex in Sinai, Egypt. As expected, all male and female horn measurements had significant relationships with age. Horn growth in males started plateauing at ca. age 7–8, whereas female horn growth started plateauing at ca. age 4–6. The extremely arid environment of Nubian ibex in the Sinai may account for the slowing of horn growth at a younger age than seen in populations of some other ibex species. We found a significant relationship between the number of horn ridges and age, indicating that counting horn ridges provides a viable method of aging males to within ±1 y. Thus counting horn ridges may be a useful and non-invasive method to determine age or age class, which can further our understanding of age structure, the natural history, and management of Nubian ibex populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Wild ungulates in Jordan: past, present, and forthcoming opportunites.
- Author
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Eid, Ehab and Mallon, David
- Subjects
UNGULATES ,RED deer ,ROE deer ,FALLOW deer ,WILDLIFE refuges ,WILD boar - Abstract
Copyright of Journal of Threatened Taxa is the property of Wildlife Information Liaison Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Genome Scan for Variable Genes Involved in Environmental Adaptations of Nubian Ibex.
- Author
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Chebii, Vivien J., Mpolya, Emmanuel A., Oyola, Samuel O., Kotze, Antoinette, Entfellner, Jean-Baka Domelevo, and Mutuku, J. Musembi
- Subjects
- *
MEMBRANE proteins , *METABOLITES , *GENOMES , *GOATS , *PLANT metabolites , *PREGNANE X receptor , *GLUTATHIONE transferase - Abstract
The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) is a wild goat species that inhabits the Sahara and Arabian deserts and is adapted to extreme ambient temperatures, intense solar radiation, and scarcity of food and water resources. To investigate desert adaptation, we explored the possible role of copy number variations (CNVs) in the evolution of Capra species with a specific focus on the environment of Capra nubiana. CNVs are structural genomic variations that have been implicated in phenotypic differences between species and could play a role in species adaptation. CNVs were inferred from Capra nubiana sequence data relative to the domestic goat reference genome using read-depth approach. We identified 191 CNVs overlapping with protein-coding genes mainly involved in biological processes such as innate immune response, xenobiotic metabolisms, and energy metabolisms. We found copy number variable genes involved in defense response to viral infections (Cluster of Differentiation 48, UL16 binding protein 3, Natural Killer Group 2D ligand 1-like, and Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3), possibly suggesting their roles in Nubian ibex adaptations to viral infections. Additionally, we found copy number variable xenobiotic metabolism genes (carboxylesterase 1, Cytochrome P450 2D6, Glutathione S-transferase Mu 4, and UDP Glucuronosyltransferase-2B7), which are probably an adaptation of Nubian ibex to desert diets that are rich in plant secondary metabolites. Collectively, this study's results advance our understanding of CNVs and their possible roles in the adaptation of Nubian ibex to its environment. The copy number variable genes identified in Nubian ibex could be considered as subjects for further functional characterizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Genetic diversity of the Nubian ibex in Oman as revealed by mitochondrial DNA
- Author
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Mataab K. Al-Ghafri, Patrick J. C. White, Robert A. Briers, Kara L. Dicks, Alex Ball, Muhammad Ghazali, Steven Ross, Taimur Al-Said, Haitham Al-Amri, Mudhafar Al-Umairi, Hani Al-Saadi, Ali Aka'ak, Ahmed Hardan, Nasser Zabanoot, Mark Craig, and Helen Senn
- Subjects
genetic diversity ,Nubian ibex ,cytochrome b ,D-loop ,Oman ,conservation ,Science - Abstract
The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) is patchily distributed across parts of Africa and Arabia. In Oman, it is one of the few free-ranging wild mammals found in the central and southern regions. Its population is declining due to habitat degradation, human expansion, poaching and fragmentation. Here, we investigated the population's genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (D-loop 186 bp and cytochrome b 487 bp). We found that the Nubian ibex in the southern region of Oman was more diverse (D-loop HD; 0.838) compared with the central region (0.511) and gene flow between them was restricted. We compared the genetic profiles of wild Nubian ibex from Oman with captive ibex. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree showed that wild Nubian ibex form a distinct clade independent from captive animals. This divergence was supported by high mean distances (D-loop 0.126, cytochrome b 0.0528) and high FST statistics (D-loop 0.725, cytochrome b 0.968). These results indicate that captive ibex are highly unlikely to have originated from the wild population in Oman and the considerable divergence suggests that the wild population in Oman should be treated as a distinct taxonomic unit. Further nuclear genetic work will be required to fully elucidate the degree of global taxonomic divergence of Nubian ibex populations.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Reviving the Arabian leopard: Harnessing historical data to map habitat and pave the way for reintroduction.
- Author
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Atzeni, Luciano, Ilany, Amiyaal, Geffen, Eli, Cushman, Samuel A., Kaszta, Żaneta, and Macdonald, David W.
- Subjects
- *
HISTORICAL maps , *WILDLIFE reintroduction , *DATA mapping , *HABITAT conservation , *HABITATS , *PREDATION - Abstract
The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) has experienced dramatic range and population contractions over the last century. Conservation efforts for this felid focused on captive breeding and identification of suitable conditions for reintroductions. With this study, we unravelled historical collaring and direct observations data to understand the spatial use of the last leopards recorded in the region of Israel and the West Bank (IWB). Through datasets of leopard occurrence, we characterised suitable habitats, assessed niche overlap with the Arabian leopard's main prey, the Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), and evaluated their distributions with respect to currently protected habitats. We estimated home-ranges employing area-corrected density kernel methods and investigated suitable conditions through multiple scales habitat modelling. Average home ranges for the population were 73.24 ± 47.91 km2 and 77.46 ± 54.94 km2, depending on the time lag adopted. Ecological response to predictors highlighted reliance by both predator and prey on the same habitat characteristics, suggesting they occupied essentially identical niches. These characteristics were intermediately rugged topographic conditions and high indices of vegetation in scarcely populated desert environments, mostly encompassed within protected areas. The distribution of leopard and ibex overlapped substantially according to several metrics. Notably, more than half of potential habitat for both species is encompassed by protected areas and military zones. Given the coincidence in their ecological requirements, and highly congruent distributions, an important step towards future reintroduction of Arabian leopards will include gaining a better understanding of ibex populations, alongside attention to the practicality of enforcing habitat protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Capture Sequencing to Explore and Map Rare Casein Variants in Goats.
- Author
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Rahmatalla, Siham A., Arends, Danny, Said Ahmed, Ammar, Hassan, Lubna M. A., Krebs, Stefan, Reissmann, Monika, and Brockmann, Gudrun A.
- Subjects
GOAT breeds ,MILK proteins ,GOATS ,CASEINS ,NUTRITION ,PROTEOMICS ,GOAT milk - Abstract
Genetic variations in the four casein genes CSN1S1 , CSN2 , CSN1S2 , and CSN3 have obtained substantial attention since they affect the milk protein yield, milk composition, cheese processing properties, and digestibility as well as tolerance in human nutrition. Furthermore, milk protein variants are used for breed characterization, biodiversity, and phylogenetic studies. The current study aimed at the identification of casein protein variants in five domestic goat breeds from Sudan (Nubian, Desert, Nilotic, Taggar, and Saanen) and three wild goat species [ Capra aegagrus aegagrus (Bezoar ibex), Capra nubiana (Nubian ibex), and Capra ibex (Alpine ibex)]. High-density capture sequencing of 33 goats identified in total 22 non-synonymous and 13 synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which nine non-synonymous and seven synonymous SNPs are new. In the CSN1S1 gene, the new non-synonymous SNP ss7213522403 segregated in Alpine ibex. In the CSN2 gene, the new non-synonymous SNPs ss7213522526, ss7213522558, and ss7213522487 were found exclusively in Nubian and Alpine ibex. In the CSN1S2 gene, the new non-synonymous SNPs ss7213522477, ss7213522549, and ss7213522575 were found in Nubian ibex only. In the CSN3 gene, the non-synonymous SNPs ss7213522604 and ss7213522610 were found in Alpine ibex. The identified DNA sequence variants led to the detection of nine new casein protein variants. New variants were detected for alpha S1 casein in Saanen goats (CSN1S1
∗ C1), Bezoar ibex (CSN1S1∗ J), and Alpine ibex (CSN1S1∗ K), for beta and kappa caseins in Alpine ibex (CSN2∗ F and CSN3∗ X), and for alpha S2 casein in all domesticated and wild goats (CSN1S2∗ H), in Nubian and Desert goats (CSN1S2∗ I), or in Nubian ibex only (CSN1S2∗ J and CSN1S2∗ K). The results show that most novel SNPs and protein variants occur in the critically endangered Nubian ibex. This highlights the importance of the preservation of this endangered breed. Furthermore, we suggest validating and further characterizing the new casein protein variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Genomic analysis of indigenous goats in Southwest Asia reveals evidence of ancient adaptive introgression related to desert climate
- Author
-
Asadollahpour Nanaei, Hojjat, Cai, Yudong, Alshawi, Akil, Wen, Jiayue, Hussain, Tanveer, Fu, Wei-Wei, Xu, Nai-Yi, Essa, Abdulameer, Lenstra, Johannes A, Wang, Xihong, Jiang, Yu, and One Health Toxicologie
- Subjects
Nubian ibex ,Ecology ,Evolution ,Goats ,Genomics ,Southwest Asia ,Behavior and Systematics ,Goat ,Animals ,Pakistan ,KITLG ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Desert Climate ,Adaptation ,Alleles ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Nature and Landscape Conservation - Abstract
Understanding how evolutionary pressures related to climate change have shaped the current genetic background of domestic animals is a fundamental pursuit of biology. Here, we generated whole-genome sequencing data from native goat populations in Iraq and Pakistan. Combined with previously published data on modern, ancient (Late Neolithic to Medieval periods), and wild Capra species worldwide, we explored the genetic population structure, ancestry components, and signatures of natural positive selection in native goat populations in Southwest Asia (SWA). Results revealed that the genetic structure of SWA goats was deeply influenced by gene flow from the eastern Mediterranean during the Chalcolithic period, which may reflect adaptation to gradual warming and aridity in the region. Furthermore, comparative genomic analysis revealed adaptive introgression of the KITLG locus from the Nubian ibex (C. nubiana) into African and SWA goats. The frequency of the selected allele at this locus was significantly higher among goat populations located near northeastern Africa. These results provide new insights into the genetic composition and history of goat populations in the SWA region.
- Published
- 2023
10. Conservation implications of habituation in Nubian ibex in response to ecotourism.
- Author
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Saltz, D., Berger‐Tal, O., Motro, U., Shkedy, Y., and Raanan, N.
- Subjects
- *
SOCIAL impact , *ANIMAL behavior , *NATURE reserves , *IMPACT craters , *SOCIAL structure - Abstract
Increased fragmentation and easier access to natural areas (e.g. ecotourism) is bringing man in closer contact to wild populations. Such encounters, even when they don't pose a direct threat to wildlife, may induce behavioral changes in animals that in the long run may have negative fitness consequences. We studied changes to the vigilance/group‐size effect in Nubian ibex Capra nubiana in response to increased non‐threatening anthropogenic disturbance in six sites, subject to different levels of ecotourism. In each site we regressed the average time ibex individuals devoted to vigilance on the size of the group they were with. We then compared the slopes and intercepts of the vigilance/group‐size function between the six sites. We complimented these data with a study of how flight initiation distance (FID) changed between the six sites, as an indicator of the level of tolerance that ibex exhibit to increased anthropogenic presence. We found that as anthropogenic presence increased the vigilance/group‐size function waned (i.e. the group‐size effect was weaker). These findings were associated with reduced FID reflecting increased levels of tolerance, likely as a result of habituation in sites subject to high levels of ecotourism. The loss of the vigilance response as a function of group size may decrease the behavioral diversity in the ibex population. Wildlife habituation to increased non‐threatening human activity alters key behavioral attributes that may ultimately impact social structure and other fitness‐related characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Survivorship in a heavily hunted population of Nubian ibex ( Capra nubiana )
- Author
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Louis C. Bender, Omar Attum, and Alaaeldin Soultan
- Subjects
education.field_of_study ,biology ,Survivorship curve ,Population ,Zoology ,Capra ,education ,biology.organism_classification ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Nubian ibex - Published
- 2021
12. Genome Scan for Variable Genes Involved in Environmental Adaptations of Nubian Ibex
- Author
-
Antoinette Kotze, Samuel O. Oyola, Vivien J Chebii, Emmanuel A. Mpolya, Jean-Baka Domelevo Entfellner, and J. Musembi Mutuku
- Subjects
Desert adaptation ,DNA Copy Number Variations ,Genome Scan ,Biology ,Genome adaptations ,03 medical and health sciences ,Genetics ,Animals ,Copy-number variation ,Molecular Biology ,Gene ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,030304 developmental biology ,Nubian ibex ,0303 health sciences ,Genome ,Copy number variation ,Goats ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,biology.organism_classification ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Phenotype ,Evolutionary biology ,Original Article ,Adaptation ,Capra ,Reference genome - Abstract
The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) is a wild goat species that inhabits the Sahara and Arabian deserts and is adapted to extreme ambient temperatures, intense solar radiation, and scarcity of food and water resources. To investigate desert adaptation, we explored the possible role of copy number variations (CNVs) in the evolution of Capra species with a specific focus on the environment of Capra nubiana. CNVs are structural genomic variations that have been implicated in phenotypic differences between species and could play a role in species adaptation. CNVs were inferred from Capra nubiana sequence data relative to the domestic goat reference genome using read-depth approach. We identified 191 CNVs overlapping with protein-coding genes mainly involved in biological processes such as innate immune response, xenobiotic metabolisms, and energy metabolisms. We found copy number variable genes involved in defense response to viral infections (Cluster of Differentiation 48, UL16 binding protein 3, Natural Killer Group 2D ligand 1-like, and Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3), possibly suggesting their roles in Nubian ibex adaptations to viral infections. Additionally, we found copy number variable xenobiotic metabolism genes (carboxylesterase 1, Cytochrome P450 2D6, Glutathione S-transferase Mu 4, and UDP Glucuronosyltransferase-2B7), which are probably an adaptation of Nubian ibex to desert diets that are rich in plant secondary metabolites. Collectively, this study's results advance our understanding of CNVs and their possible roles in the adaptation of Nubian ibex to its environment. The copy number variable genes identified in Nubian ibex could be considered as subjects for further functional characterizations.
- Published
- 2021
13. Horn growth patterns of Nubian ibex from the Sinai, Egypt
- Author
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Louis C. Bender, Alaaeldin Soultan, and Omar Attum
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,French horn ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Non invasive ,Zoology ,Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Nubian ibex ,nervous system ,Age estimation ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Documenting patterns of horn growth and horn-age relationships of Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of their natural history, horn development in ibex in general, and future conservation of the species. Our specific objectives included (1) documenting age-horn growth patterns; (2) contrasting horn growth patterns of Nubian ibex with other ibex species; and (3) determining whether horn development accurately reflects age of Nubian ibex in Sinai, Egypt. As expected, all male and female horn measurements had significant relationships with age. Horn growth in males started plateauing at ca. age 7–8, whereas female horn growth started plateauing at ca. age 4–6. The extremely arid environment of Nubian ibex in the Sinai may account for the slowing of horn growth at a younger age than seen in populations of some other ibex species. We found a significant relationship between the number of horn ridges and age, indicating that counting horn ridges provides a viable method of aging males to within ±1 y. Thus counting horn ridges may be a useful and non-invasive method to determine age or age class, which can further our understanding of age structure, the natural history, and management of Nubian ibex populations.
- Published
- 2021
14. Symbolism of the ibex motif in Negev rock art.
- Author
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Avner, Uzi, Horwitz, Liora Kolska, and Horowitz, Wayne
- Subjects
- *
IBEX , *ROCK art (Archaeology) , *SYMBOLISM , *HUNTING in religion , *HISTORY - Abstract
The male ibex is the dominant zoomorphic motif in rock art of the Negev desert, Israel. It recurs in thousands of petroglyphs, either alone or in association with several recurring images; commonly with dogs or other predators but also with hunters. These associations occur in all chronological phases of Negev rock art, implying that they had an enduring symbolic significance. Here we address only some aspects of ibex iconography, focusing on its association with dogs, hunters and astral symbols. We discuss the possible meaning of these associations with regard to the ritual hunting of ibex and connection to deities associated with rainfall, seasonal cycles and celestial constellations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Anti Covid-19 face-masks increases vigilance in Nubian ibex (
- Author
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Reuven Yosef, Piotr Zduniak, and Michal Hershko
- Subjects
Abiotic component ,Mammals ,Ibex ,Biotic component ,biology ,Short Communication ,Wildlife ,Masks ,Zoology ,Poaching ,biology.organism_classification ,Nubian ibex ,Vigilance (behavioural ecology) ,Capra ,Desert ,Covid-19 ,Escape distance ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Nature and Landscape Conservation - Abstract
Changes in ecosystems resulting from anthropause caused by Covid-19 relate to both abiotic and biotic factors which have both a positive or negative effect on wildlife. The lockdown was manifested by reduced air and water pollution, lower mortality of animals on the roads, an increase in animals' body condition and reproduction success. On the other hand, the closures lead to an increase in the populations of invasive species or poaching. We studied the behavioural reaction of natural, desert-dwelling Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) on the appearance of a new element in the environment - the facial-masks. We hypothesized that the mask would trigger a response expressed through differences in the vigilance towards a potentially new threat. We applied the flight initiation distance (FID) technique to check the reaction at the approach of a human with a facial-mask and without it. The average FID was 8.8 m and was longer when the observer was wearing a mask (10.7 m) as compared to trials without the mask (6.9 m). Our study indicates that wildlife, even if habituated to human silhouette at a distance, appear to notice unusual accessories when up-close and respond by increased vigilance and what may affect their overall fitness.
- Published
- 2021
16. Effects of plant defenses and water availability on seasonal foraging preferences of the Nubian Ibex ( Capra nubiana ).
- Author
-
Kiekebusch, Elsita M. and Kotler, Burt P.
- Abstract
The study of herbivore patch use has implications for herbivore habitat quality assessment, foraging behaviors, species interactions, and coexistence in patchy environments. This research focuses on the comparison of the effects of two qualitatively different plant defenses, mechanical (thorns) and chemical (tannins), on ibex foraging preferences during different seasons of the year. The occurrence of both chemical and mechanical plant defenses were experimentally manipulated in artificial resource patches, in addition to water availability. Ibex foraging preferences were quantified using giving-up densities during four separate fieldwork sessions in each of the seasons of the year at cliff sites overlooking the Zin Valley of the Negev Highlands. Both mechanical and chemical plant defenses significantly hindered ibex food intake overall. Mechanical and chemical defenses acted as substitutable defenses, meaning that their combined effects were not greater than additive. There were strong seasonal patterns of the amount of food consumed by ibex, further corroborated by comparison to rainfall levels. Seasonality also interacted with the effectiveness of plant defenses. Thorns were especially ineffective in summer, whereas tannins were most effective in spring. Decreases in seasonal food availability and increased marginal value of energy for ibex may have resulted in thorn ineffectiveness, while seasonal changes in the emergence of young foliage may have resulted in the greater springtime tannin effectiveness. Water was not found to mitigate the detrimental effects of tannins through dilution. The implications for decreased constraints on selective pressures on ibex due to the substitutability of plant defenses are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Capture Sequencing to Explore and Map Rare Casein Variants in Goats
- Author
-
Rahmatalla, Siham, Arends, Danny, Said Ahmed, Ammar, Hassan, Lubna M. A., Krebs, Stefan, Reissmann, Monika, Brockmann, Gudrun A, Rahmatalla, Siham, Arends, Danny, Said Ahmed, Ammar, Hassan, Lubna M. A., Krebs, Stefan, Reissmann, Monika, and Brockmann, Gudrun A
- Abstract
Genetic variations in the four casein genes CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2, and CSN3 have obtained substantial attention since they affect the milk protein yield, milk composition, cheese processing properties, and digestibility as well as tolerance in human nutrition. Furthermore, milk protein variants are used for breed characterization, biodiversity, and phylogenetic studies. The current study aimed at the identification of casein protein variants in five domestic goat breeds from Sudan (Nubian, Desert, Nilotic, Taggar, and Saanen) and three wild goat species [Capra aegagrus aegagrus (Bezoar ibex), Capra nubiana (Nubian ibex), and Capra ibex (Alpine ibex)]. High-density capture sequencing of 33 goats identified in total 22 non-synonymous and 13 synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which nine non-synonymous and seven synonymous SNPs are new. In the CSN1S1 gene, the new non-synonymous SNP ss7213522403 segregated in Alpine ibex. In the CSN2 gene, the new non-synonymous SNPs ss7213522526, ss7213522558, and ss7213522487 were found exclusively in Nubian and Alpine ibex. In the CSN1S2 gene, the new non-synonymous SNPs ss7213522477, ss7213522549, and ss7213522575 were found in Nubian ibex only. In the CSN3 gene, the non-synonymous SNPs ss7213522604 and ss7213522610 were found in Alpine ibex. The identified DNA sequence variants led to the detection of nine new casein protein variants. New variants were detected for alpha S1 casein in Saanen goats (CSN1S1∗C1), Bezoar ibex (CSN1S1∗J), and Alpine ibex (CSN1S1∗K), for beta and kappa caseins in Alpine ibex (CSN2∗F and CSN3∗X), and for alpha S2 casein in all domesticated and wild goats (CSN1S2∗H), in Nubian and Desert goats (CSN1S2∗I), or in Nubian ibex only (CSN1S2∗J and CSN1S2∗K). The results show that most novel SNPs and protein variants occur in the critically endangered Nubian ibex. This highlights the importance of the preservation of this endangered breed. Furthermore, we suggest validating and further characteri, Peer Reviewed
- Published
- 2021
18. Exposure to Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in wildlife from Israel
- Author
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Gema Álvarez-García, Igor Savisky, Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito, Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora, Varda Shkap, Monica L. Mazuz, Roni King, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España), Gutiérrez Expósito, Daniel, and Gutiérrez Expósito, Daniel [0000-0002-7683-623X]
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Veterinary medicine ,Serological survey ,animal diseases ,Neospora caninum ,Western blot ,Wildlife ,03 medical and health sciences ,Neospora ,biology.animal ,parasitic diseases ,lcsh:Zoology ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,Israel ,biology ,Besnoitia ,Besnoitia besnoiti ,030108 mycology & parasitology ,biology.organism_classification ,Oryx ,Nubian ibex ,Infectious Diseases ,Jackal ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Parasitology ,Sylvatic cycle - Abstract
5 páginas, 2 tablas, 2 figuras., Neosporosis and besnoitiosis, caused by cyst-forming protozoa Neospora caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti, respectively, are parasitic infestations of livestock in Israel. These parasites cause significant economic losses in cattle due to reproductive and productive disorders. Both parasites have been detected in several wild ruminant species throughout other regions of the world, while the existence of a sylvatic life cycle in Israel remains uncertain. Thus, a wide panel of 871 sera from two wild carnivores and nine wild ruminant species were tested. All sera were first analysed by MAT for an initial screening and positive samples were confirmed a posteriori by Western blot. Additionally, a complementary IFAT was used for the detection of antibodies against N. caninum. Neospora antibodies were present in six out of the 11 species investigated, whereas Besnoitia antibodies were undetected. Golden jackal, red fox, addax, Arabian oryx, Persian fallow deer, mouflon, mountain gazelle, Nubian ibex, scimitar horned oryx and water buffalo were seropositive against N. caninum infection by IFAT and/or MAT. Moreover, the presence of Neospora spp.-specific antibodies was confirmed by Western blot in golden jackal (6/189; 3.2%), red fox (1/75; 1.3%), Persian fallow deer (13/232; 5.6%), mouflon (1/15; 16.7%), Nubian ibex (22/ 55; 40%) and water buffalo (12/18; 66.7%). Addax (1/49) and water buffalo (1/18) were MAT-seropositive against B. besnoiti but were seronegative by Western blot. Hence, Neospora sylvatic cycle is present in Israel and may cross over to a domestic life cycle. In contrast, wildlife species investigated are unlikely to present a risk of transmitting Besnoitia to livestock in Israel., Part of this work was supported by a research project from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (AGL 2010-20561) and by The Israeli Services and Animal Health (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development). Daniel Gutierrez Exposito was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (grant no. BES-2011-043753). The authors would like to thank the rangers of the Israel Nature & Parks Authority for their cooperation. Finally, we also acknowledge Elena Blinder, Ricardo Wolkomirsky and Noam Sugar for their excellent technical assistance.
- Published
- 2018
19. Conservation implications of habituation in Nubian ibex in response to ecotourism
- Author
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U. Motro, Y. Shkedy, Oded Berger-Tal, David Saltz, and N. Raanan
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Ecology ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Flight initiation ,Wildlife ,Behavioral diversity ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Nubian ibex ,Vigilance (behavioural ecology) ,Ecotourism ,Habituation ,Psychology ,Tourism ,Nature and Landscape Conservation - Published
- 2018
20. IMMOBILIZATION OF CAPTIVE NUBIAN IBEX ( CAPRA NUBIANA) WITH BUTORPHANOL-MIDAZOLAM-MEDETOMIDINE OR BUTORPHANOL-AZAPERONE-MEDETOMIDINE AND ATIPAMEZOLE REVERSAL.
- Author
-
Lapid, Roi and Shilo-Benjamini, Yael
- Abstract
The article presents a study regarding the effectiveness and safety of immobilization protocols in Nubian ibex such as the butorphanol-midazolam- medetomidine (BMM) and the butorphanol- azaperone-medetomidine (BAM). It examines the immobilization of the ibex for hoof trimming, deworming, and vaccinations wherein it was injected with a microchip to monitor treatments. It cites the use of high dosage BMM and BAM for immobilization.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Evaluation of noninvasive genetic methods for Nubian ibex.
- Author
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Goodman, Idan, Shahar, Naama, Bar-Gal, Gila, Saltz, David, and Bar-David, Shirli
- Abstract
Noninvasive genetic methods enable the sampling of natural populations while minimizing detrimental effects on them. However, noninvasive methods are marred by DNA extraction and amplification difficulties that can be mitigated by improved methodology. Past studies have shown that noninvasive genetic protocols are system specific and highlighted the importance of pilot studies in the establishment of genetic monitoring programs. We tested, using a factorial design experiment, the effect of different methods for the collection-preservation and extraction on the amplification of DNA from Nubian ibex ( Capra nubiana) fecal samples. We found collection-preservation using paper bags and extraction with QIAamp fast DNA stool mini kit to significantly enhance success rate compared to collection-preservation in ethanol and extraction with QIAamp DNA mini kit. Our results will contribute to the studies of natural populations of the vulnerable C. nubiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Genome-Wide Analysis of Nubian Ibex Reveals Candidate Positively Selected Genes That Contribute to Its Adaptation to the Desert Environment
- Author
-
Antoinette Kotze, Samuel O. Oyola, Morris Agaba, Vivien J Chebii, Jean-Baka Domelevo Entfellner, and J. Musembi Mutuku
- Subjects
Subfamily ,solar radiation ,Genomics ,Biology ,Genome ,Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,positive selection ,lcsh:Zoology ,parasitic diseases ,Capra hircus ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,030304 developmental biology ,Capra nubiana genome ,0303 health sciences ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,desert adaptation ,fungi ,biology.organism_classification ,Protein ubiquitination ,Nubian ibex ,dN/dS analysis ,Evolutionary biology ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Capra ,Adaptation ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Simple Summary The Nubian ibex is a wild relative of the domestic goat found in hot deserts of Northern Africa and Arabia. The domestic goat is an important livestock species that is mainly found in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. The Nubian ibex is well adapted to challenging environments in hot deserts characterized by high diurnal temperatures, intense solar radiation, and scarce water resources. It is therefore important to understand the genetic basis of its adaptation for scientific and economic importance. To identify genes with adaptive traits, the Nubian ibex genome was sequenced and compared with that of related mammals. We identified twenty-five genes under selection in the Nubian ibex that play diverse biological roles such as immune response, visual development, signal transduction, and reproduction. Three other genes under adaptive evolution involved in protective functions of the skin against damaging solar radiation in the desert were identified in Nubian ibex genome. Our finding provides valuable genomic insights into the adaptation of Nubian ibex to desert environments. The genomic information generated in this study can be used in developing appropriate breeding programs aimed at enhancing adaptation of local goats to less favorable habitats in response to changing climates. Abstract The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is an important livestock species with a geographic range spanning all continents, including arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), a wild relative of the domestic goat inhabiting the hot deserts of Northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, is well-adapted to challenging environments in hot deserts characterized by intense solar radiation, thermal extremes, and scarce water resources. The economic importance of C. hircus breeds, as well as the current trends of global warming, highlights the need to understand the genetic basis of adaptation of C. nubiana to the desert environments. In this study, the genome of a C. nubiana individual was sequenced at an average of 37x coverage. Positively selected genes were identified by comparing protein-coding DNA sequences of C. nubiana and related species using dN/dS statistics. A total of twenty-two positively selected genes involved in diverse biological functions such as immune response, protein ubiquitination, olfactory transduction, and visual development were identified. In total, three of the twenty-two positively selected genes are involved in skin barrier development and function (ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 12, Achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 4, and UV stimulated scaffold protein A), suggesting that C. nubiana has evolved skin protection strategies against the damaging solar radiations that prevail in deserts. The positive selection signatures identified here provide new insights into the potential adaptive mechanisms to hot deserts in C. nubiana.
- Published
- 2020
23. Coagulation parameters of captive mountain gazelle ( Gazella gazella Pallas, 1766; Bovidae: Antilopinae) and Nubian ibex ( Capra ibex nubiana Cuvier, 1825; Bovidae: Caprinae).
- Author
-
Hussein, Mansour, Aljumaah, Riyadh, Alshaikh, Mohammed, Gar Elnabi, Abdelrahman, Sandouka, Mohammed, and Homeida, Abdelgadir
- Subjects
- *
BLOOD coagulation , *GAZELLES , *ANTELOPES , *PARTIAL thromboplastin time , *FIBRINOGEN , *IBEX - Abstract
The coagulation profiles of 36 mountain gazelles ( Gazella gazella) aged 2-6 years, and 17 Nubian ibexes ( Capra ibex nubiana), aged 1-4 years, were evaluated and compared. The following parameters were determined in both species: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen concentration (FIB), and clotting factors VII, VIII:C, IX, X, and XI. Thrombin clotting time (TCT) was also determined in mountain gazelles. The results indicated significant interspecies differences in most parameters, with lower PT, aPTT, and factors VII, IX, and XI and higher factor XIII:C activities in the Nubian ibex than the mountain gazelle. Gender seemed to have a limited influence on these parameters within each species. Both species had higher plasma FIB and factor VIII:C activity relative to humans. This study is the first record of coagulation variables in these two species of wild Arabian desert ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Foraging patterns of habitat use reveal landscape of fear of Nubian ibex Capra nubiana.
- Author
-
Iribarren, Cecilia and Kotler, Burt P.
- Subjects
- *
HABITATS , *PREDATION , *IBEX , *PLANTS , *WILDLIFE conservation , *FORAGING behavior - Abstract
Different environmental features may serve as cues of the risk of predation. Therefore, when foraging in heterogeneous landscapes, the costs of predation for optimal foragers should vary along with the environmental features. In our study, we describe how foraging costs of predation vary spatially for Nubian ibex Capra nubiana with respect to characteristics of their natural environment, i.e. we quantified their 'landscape of fear'. To do so, we established a five by five array of feeding trays within the natural environment of free-ranging Nubian ibex and measured the variation of giving-up densities (GUD, i.e. the amount of food remaining in a resource patch following exploitation) in relation to the landscape variables. The ibex' perceptions of risk of predation increased with distance from cliff and slope edges, and decreased with vegetation cover. Although several environmental variables are probably involved in the determination of an animal's foraging behaviour, with our study we revealed the most prominent features influencing the landscape of fear of Nubian ibex. Since Nubian ibex are endangered, this information is relevant for planning their conservation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Ibex-Associated Malignant Catarrhal Fever–Like Disease in a Group of Bongo Antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus).
- Author
-
Gasper, D., Barr, B., Li, H., Taus, N., Peterson, R., Benjamin, G., Hunt, T., and Pesavento, P. A.
- Subjects
HISTOPATHOLOGY ,MALIGNANT catarrhal fever ,IBEX ,POLYMERASE chain reaction ,ANTELOPES - Abstract
The article provides information on a study which investigated an outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in three bongo antelope in a private zoological facility. The study characterized the susceptible host-reservoir combination, including the unique clinical presentation and gross and histological lesions of MCFV-ibex disease. It particularly tested the hypothesis that ibex is the source of MCFV that is potentially fatal in bongos.
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Genetic diversity of the Nubian ibex in Oman as revealed by mitochondrial DNA
- Author
-
Nasser Zabanoot, Helen Senn, Kara L. Dicks, Steven Ross, Mudhafar Al-Umairi, Mark Craig, Robert A. Briers, Patrick J. C. White, Ali Aka'ak, Hani Al-Saadi, Alex Ball, Ahmed Hardan, Taimur Al-Said, Mataab K. Al-Ghafri, Haitham Al-Amri, and Muhammad Ghazali
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Oman ,Science ,Population ,Zoology ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Gene flow ,03 medical and health sciences ,D-loop ,education ,Research Articles ,030304 developmental biology ,Nubian ibex ,0303 health sciences ,Genetic diversity ,education.field_of_study ,Multidisciplinary ,biology ,Phylogenetic tree ,Cytochrome b ,conservation ,Genetics and Genomics ,genetic diversity ,biology.organism_classification ,cytochrome b ,Oman, genetic diversity, conservation, D-loop, cytochrome b,Nubian ibex ,Capra - Abstract
The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) is patchily distributed across parts of Africa and Arabia. In Oman, it is one of the few free-ranging wild mammals found in the central and southern regions. Its population is declining due to habitat degradation, human expansion, poaching and fragmentation. Here, we investigated the population's genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (D-loop 186 bp and cytochromeb487 bp). We found that the Nubian ibex in the southern region of Oman was more diverse (D-loop HD; 0.838) compared with the central region (0.511) and gene flow between them was restricted. We compared the genetic profiles of wild Nubian ibex from Oman with captive ibex. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree showed that wild Nubian ibex form a distinct clade independent from captive animals. This divergence was supported by high mean distances (D-loop 0.126, cytochromeb0.0528) and highFSTstatistics (D-loop 0.725, cytochromeb0.968). These results indicate that captive ibex are highly unlikely to have originated from the wild population in Oman and the considerable divergence suggests that the wild population in Oman should be treated as a distinct taxonomic unit. Further nuclear genetic work will be required to fully elucidate the degree of global taxonomic divergence of Nubian ibex populations.
- Published
- 2021
27. The influence of landscape characteristics and anthropogenic factors on waterhole use by Vulnerable Nubian ibex Capra nubiana.
- Author
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Attum, Omar, El Noby, Sayed K., and Hassan, Ibrahim N.
- Subjects
- *
CAPRA , *WILD burros , *IBEX , *LANDSCAPES , *BIODIVERSITY - Abstract
Waterholes are a limited resource vital to the conservation of biodiversity in arid ecosystems. Given the rarity of natural waterholes in deserts and their presumed importance to Vulnerable Nubian ibex Capra nubiana, we examined the influence of landscape characteristics and anthropogenic factors on ibex presence at waterholes. Our results suggest that anthropogenic factors play a larger role in waterhole use than landscape characteristics. Ibex used waterholes regardless of maximum waterhole diameter, maximum water depth or width of the valley in which the waterhole was located. However, ibex were significantly more likely to use waterholes that were far from human dwellings and that had not been visited recently by feral donkeys.Waterhole and ibex conservation will require working with local communities to protect, and ensure sustainable use of, this vital resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Symbolism of the ibex motif in Negev rock art
- Author
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Liora Kolska Horwitz, Uzi Avner, and Wayne Horowitz
- Subjects
010506 paleontology ,060102 archaeology ,Ecology ,biology ,06 humanities and the arts ,biology.organism_classification ,01 natural sciences ,Nubian ibex ,Motif (narrative) ,Geography ,Ethnology ,0601 history and archaeology ,Rock art ,Natural enemies ,Iconography ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Earth-Surface Processes - Abstract
The male ibex is the dominant zoomorphic motif in rock art of the Negev desert, Israel. It recurs in thousands of petroglyphs, either alone or in association with several recurring images; commonly with dogs or other predators but also with hunters. These associations occur in all chronological phases of Negev rock art, implying that they had an enduring symbolic significance. Here we address only some aspects of ibex iconography, focusing on its association with dogs, hunters and astral symbols. We discuss the possible meaning of these associations with regard to the ritual hunting of ibex and connection to deities associated with rainfall, seasonal cycles and celestial constellations.
- Published
- 2017
29. Mammalian activity at artificial water sources in Dana Biosphere Reserve, southern Jordan
- Author
-
Omar Attum, Sarah Edwards, Malik Al awaji, and Ehab Eid
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Nature reserve ,Resource (biology) ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Striped hyena ,Biosphere ,Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Predation ,Nubian ibex ,Camera trap ,Mammal ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Earth-Surface Processes - Abstract
Desert conditions such as high ambient temperatures and scant rainfall result in water being a rare and essential resource for many species, and consequentially artificial water sources are often installed in such environments. Permanent water has the potential to influence multiple aspects of a species' ecology, such as movement, activity, predation and thermoregulation. Given the importance and potential impact of artificial water sources, this study used camera traps to record mammal presence and activity at two artificial water sources in Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan. Seven mammal species, each with distinct activity patterns, were recorded at the water sources, including Nubian ibex, a species of conservation concern. Evidence of temporal resource partitioning was recorded between all species, with the exception of porcupine and striped hyena. Due to the small size of the water sources, temporal partitioning between species may be used as a means of avoiding drinking in close proximity to other species, including potential predators.
- Published
- 2017
30. Unusual topographic specializations of retinal ganglion cell density and spatial resolution in a cliff-dwelling artiodactyl, the Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana)
- Author
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Osama B. Mohammed, Nigel C. Bennett, Abdulaziz N. Alagaili, João Paulo Coimbra, and Paul R. Manger
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Male ,Retinal Ganglion Cells ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Foraging ,Cell Count ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine ,Contrast (vision) ,Animals ,Ecosystem ,media_common ,Retina ,biology ,Behavior, Animal ,General Neuroscience ,Goats ,biology.organism_classification ,Nubian ibex ,Visual field ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Retinal ganglion cell ,Space Perception ,Visual Perception ,Mammal ,Female ,Capra ,Cartography ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) occurs in information-rich visual habitats including the edges of cliffs and escarpments. In addition to needing enhanced spatial resolution to find food and detect predators, enhanced visual sampling of the lower visual field would be advantageous for the control of locomotion in such precarious terrains. Using retinal wholemounts and stereology, we sought to measure how the ganglion cell density varies across the retina of the Nubian ibex to reveal which portions of its surroundings are sampled with high resolution. We estimated a total of ~1 million ganglion cells in the Nubian ibex retinal ganglion cell layer. Topographic variations of ganglion cell density reveal a temporal area, a horizontal streak, and a dorsotemporal extension, which are topographic retinal features also found in other artiodactyls. In contrast to savannah-dwelling artiodactyls, the horizontal streak of the Nubian ibex appears loosely organized possibly reflecting a reduced predation risk in mountainous habitats. Estimates of spatial resolving power (~17 cycles/degree) for the temporal area would be reasonable to facilitate foraging in the frontal visual field. Embedded in the dorsotemporal extension, we also found an unusual dorsotemporal area not yet reported in any other mammal. Given its location and spatial resolving power (~6 cycles/degree), this specialization enhances visual sampling toward the lower visual field, which would be advantageous for visually guided locomotion. This study expands our understanding of the retinal organization in artiodactyls and offers insights on the importance of vision for the Nubian ibex ecology.
- Published
- 2019
31. Pathological and molecular characterisation of peste des petits ruminants in Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) in Israel
- Author
-
Marisol Guini-Rubinstein, Asaf Berkowitz, Nili Avni-Magen, Oran Erster, Trevor Waner, Arieli Bouznach, Orly Friedgut, Yehuda Stram, Arie Litvak, Velizar Bombarov, and Avi Eldar
- Subjects
Male ,Asia ,Turkey ,Sheep Diseases ,Animals, Wild ,Enteritis ,Disease Outbreaks ,Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus ,03 medical and health sciences ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,Virology ,Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants ,medicine ,Prevalence ,Animals ,Israel ,Lung ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,Goat Diseases ,Sheep ,biology ,030306 microbiology ,Goats ,Abomasitis ,Outbreak ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Nubian ibex ,Africa ,Herd ,Female ,Flock ,Capra - Abstract
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a devastating disease that generally affects sheep and goats, mostly in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The disease has been declared a target for global eradication. Despite its high prevalence in domestic flocks and its high seroprevalence among wildlife, it is rarely reported as a fulminant disease in wild ruminant species (with the exception of Central Asia). In this report, we describe a severe PPR outbreak in a zoo herd of Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), causing the deaths of 2/3 of the herd. The clinical onset was acute with morbid animals exhibiting lethargy and watery-to-bloody diarrhea and death usually within 48 h. The most consistent gross pathologic findings were hemorrhagic abomasitis and enteritis. Oral lesions and pulmonary lesions were rare. Histology revealed necrohemorrhagic enteritis and abomasitis with myriad nuclear and cytoplasmic viral inclusion bodies. Molecular examinations confirmed the diagnosis of PPR and determined that the causative agent belongs to lineage IV. Further molecular examination showed that the virus belongs to the Asian clade of lineage IV and is closely related to a virus described in Turkey.
- Published
- 2018
32. Effects of plant defenses and water availability on seasonal foraging preferences of the Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana)
- Author
-
Elsita M. Kiekebusch and Burt P. Kotler
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Food intake ,Herbivore ,biology ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Foraging ,Seasonality ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Nubian ibex ,Habitat ,Plant defense against herbivory ,medicine ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Capra ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
The study of herbivore patch use has implications for herbivore habitat quality assessment, foraging behaviors, species interactions, and coexistence in patchy environments. This research focuses on the comparison of the effects of two qualitatively different plant defenses, mechanical (thorns) and chemical (tannins), on ibex foraging preferences during different seasons of the year. The occurrence of both chemical and mechanical plant defenses were experimentally manipulated in artificial resource patches, in addition to water availability. Ibex foraging preferences were quantified using giving-up densities during four separate fieldwork sessions in each of the seasons of the year at cliff sites overlooking the Zin Valley of the Negev Highlands. Both mechanical and chemical plant defenses significantly hindered ibex food intake overall. Mechanical and chemical defenses acted as substitutable defenses, meaning that their combined effects were not greater than additive. There were strong seasonal patterns of the amount of food consumed by ibex, further corroborated by comparison to rainfall levels. Seasonality also interacted with the effectiveness of plant defenses. Thorns were especially ineffective in summer, whereas tannins were most effective in spring. Decreases in seasonal food availability and increased marginal value of energy for ibex may have resulted in thorn ineffectiveness, while seasonal changes in the emergence of young foliage may have resulted in the greater springtime tannin effectiveness. Water was not found to mitigate the detrimental effects of tannins through dilution. The implications for decreased constraints on selective pressures on ibex due to the substitutability of plant defenses are discussed.
- Published
- 2016
33. Genetic diversity of Nubian ibex in comparison to other ibex and domesticated goat species
- Author
-
Hassan, Lubna M. A., Arends, Danny, Rahmatalla, Siham A., Reissmann, Monika, Reyer, Henry, Wimmers, Klaus, Abukashawa, Sumaia M. A., and Brockmann, Gudrun A.
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Estimating handling times for herbivore diets: a statistical method using the gamma distribution.
- Author
-
Kohlmann, Stephan. G., Matis, James. H., and Risenhoover, Kenneth. L.
- Subjects
- *
ANIMAL nutrition , *HERBIVORES - Abstract
1. We present a statistical model for the prediction of handling times for different diet items of herbivores foraging in heterogeneous environments, based on the distribution of time intervals between bites. 2. We propose the gamma distribution as a convenient and appropriate model for foraging data and illustrate its use with field observations of foraging Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana Linnaeus 1758) in the Negev Desert of Israel. 3. Specifically, we demonstrate how to estimate handling times from skewed frequency data of intervals between bites within patches. 4. We compared two mathematically equivalent gamma models and found a pronounced difference in the numerical results in fitting empirical data. 5. Estimated handling times varied with bite size, but not with plant category or sex of the foraging animal. 6. Fitting a gamma model to foraging data allows the efficient estimation of minimum handling constraints, mean handling times and within-patch cropping rates, which should be useful for models of the herbivore foraging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 1999
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Tonometry in three herbivorous wildlife species.
- Author
-
Ofri, Horowitz, Kass, and Ofri, Ron
- Subjects
- *
GLAUCOMA , *TONOMETRY - Abstract
Tonometry was performed to estimate intraocular pressure (IOP) in 12 Nubian ibexes (Capra ibex nubiana), 10 Grant zebras (Equus burchelli ) and five Arabian oryxes (Oryx leucoryx), using both applanation (Tono-Pen) and/or indentation (Schiotz) tonometers. Animals were anesthetized with a mixture of etorphine hydrochloride and acepromazine maleate. Mean (± SD) IOP in the ibex was 17.95 ± 4.78 mmHg (24 eyes, indentation tonometry). In the zebra, indentation tonometry (20 eyes) yielded a mean IOP of 25.30 ± 3.06 mmHg, and applanation tonometry (six eyes) yielded a mean IOP of 29.47 ± 3.43 mmHg. In the oryx, indentation tonometry (five eyes) yielded a mean IOP of 22.68 ± 8.15 mmHg, and applanation tonometry (10 eyes) yielded a mean IOP of 11.76 ± 3.43 mmHg. There were no significant effects of gender, age, weight, side or reading number on the IOP measured in any of the three species. No significant differences were found between the IOP of the three species, nor between the readings of the two instruments, although some of the P-values were close to the significance level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 1998
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. IMMOBILIZATION OF CAPTIVE NUBIAN IBEX (CAPRA NUBIANA) WITH BUTORPHANOL-MIDAZOLAM-MEDETOMIDINE OR BUTORPHANOL-AZAPERONE-MEDETOMIDINE AND ATIPAMEZOLE REVERSAL
- Author
-
Yael Shilo-Benjamini and Roi Lapid
- Subjects
Male ,Respiratory rate ,Butorphanol ,Midazolam ,Azaperone ,Immobilization ,medicine ,Animals ,Hypnotics and Sedatives ,General Veterinary ,biology ,business.industry ,Goats ,Imidazoles ,Atipamezole ,General Medicine ,Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Antagonists ,Medetomidine ,biology.organism_classification ,Nubian ibex ,Analgesics, Opioid ,Anesthesia ,Drug Therapy, Combination ,Female ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Intramuscular injection ,business ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Seventeen captive Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) were immobilized for transportation and/or hoof trimming, deworming, and vaccinations. Of these, 11 were immobilized with a combination of butorphanol (0.13±0.03 mg/kg), midazolam (0.13±0.03 mg/kg), and medetomidine (0.13±0.03 mg/kg) (BMM), and 6 were immobilized with a combination of butorphanol (0.11±0.03 mg/kg), azaperone (0.22±0.06 mg/kg), and medetomidine (0.11±0.03 mg/kg) (BAM) by intramuscular injection. Induction and recovery times were recorded. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were measured. The quality of induction, immobilization, and recovery were scored (scale 1-5; 1=poor, 5=excellent). Mean induction time was significantly shorter in the BMM group versus the BAM group (8.8±2.7 and 20.1±7.8 min, respectively). Median induction score and median immobilization score were significantly higher (i.e., better) in the BMM group than the BAM group (5 versus 2.5 and 4 versus 3, respectively). The mean and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in the BMM group at the 25-min time point. Atipamezole was administered at the end of procedures, and all ibex recovered smoothly. Mean recovery time was significantly longer in the BMM group versus the BAM group (9.5±4.3 and 3.3±2.2, respectively). In conclusion, at the doses used, the combination of BMM was superior to BAM for short-term immobilization in captive Nubian ibex.
- Published
- 2015
37. Genetic diversity of the Nubian ibex in Oman as revealed by mitochondrial DNA.
- Author
-
Al-Ghafri MK, White PJC, Briers RA, Dicks KL, Ball A, Ghazali M, Ross S, Al-Said T, Al-Amri H, Al-Umairi M, Al-Saadi H, Aka'ak A, Hardan A, Zabanoot N, Craig M, and Senn H
- Abstract
The Nubian ibex ( Capra nubiana ) is patchily distributed across parts of Africa and Arabia. In Oman, it is one of the few free-ranging wild mammals found in the central and southern regions. Its population is declining due to habitat degradation, human expansion, poaching and fragmentation. Here, we investigated the population's genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (D-loop 186 bp and cytochrome b 487 bp). We found that the Nubian ibex in the southern region of Oman was more diverse (D-loop HD; 0.838) compared with the central region (0.511) and gene flow between them was restricted. We compared the genetic profiles of wild Nubian ibex from Oman with captive ibex. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree showed that wild Nubian ibex form a distinct clade independent from captive animals. This divergence was supported by high mean distances (D-loop 0.126, cytochrome b 0.0528) and high F
ST 0.968). These results indicate that captive ibex are highly unlikely to have originated from the wild population in Oman and the considerable divergence suggests that the wild population in Oman should be treated as a distinct taxonomic unit. Further nuclear genetic work will be required to fully elucidate the degree of global taxonomic divergence of Nubian ibex populations.b 0.968). These results indicate that captive ibex are highly unlikely to have originated from the wild population in Oman and the considerable divergence suggests that the wild population in Oman should be treated as a distinct taxonomic unit. Further nuclear genetic work will be required to fully elucidate the degree of global taxonomic divergence of Nubian ibex populations., (© 2021 The Authors.)- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Evaluation of noninvasive genetic methods for Nubian ibex
- Author
-
Gila Kahila Bar-Gal, Shirli Bar-David, Idan Goodman, Naama Shahar, and David Saltz
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,biology ,business.industry ,Genetics ,business ,biology.organism_classification ,DNA extraction ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Biotechnology ,Nubian ibex ,Genetic monitoring - Abstract
Noninvasive genetic methods enable the sampling of natural populations while minimizing detrimental effects on them. However, noninvasive methods are marred by DNA extraction and amplification difficulties that can be mitigated by improved methodology. Past studies have shown that noninvasive genetic protocols are system specific and highlighted the importance of pilot studies in the establishment of genetic monitoring programs. We tested, using a factorial design experiment, the effect of different methods for the collection-preservation and extraction on the amplification of DNA from Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) fecal samples. We found collection-preservation using paper bags and extraction with QIAamp® fast DNA stool mini kit to significantly enhance success rate compared to collection-preservation in ethanol and extraction with QIAamp® DNA mini kit. Our results will contribute to the studies of natural populations of the vulnerable C. nubiana.
- Published
- 2016
39. Patterns of co-existence between humans and mammals in Yemen: some species thrive while others are nearly extinct
- Author
-
Igor Khorozyan, Murad Mohammed, Malini Pittet, Waleed Al-Ra’il, and David W. G. Stanton
- Subjects
Ecology ,Occupancy ,Biodiversity ,Leopard ,Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,Nubian ibex ,biology.animal ,Colonization ,Mammal ,Species richness ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Nature and Landscape Conservation ,Wildlife conservation - Abstract
This paper describes the results of a camera-trapping study in Hawf, eastern Yemen, of the relationships between human presence and the richness, diversity and distribution of wild medium-sized and large mammals. The study comprised 3,351 trap-nights over 225.3 km2 during which 963 captures of 14 mammalian species and 985 captures of humans were obtained. Human presence was positively linked with species richness and diversity, but only when the number of human captures was ≤100 captures/site. At higher numbers of human captures, the positive trend reversed and only three species (wolf, fox and porcupine) succeeded in dominating their communities. Human presence was also strongly and positively associated with colonization and occupancy of some species, but decreased their detection probabilities. Contrary to expectations, human presence did not affect activity patterns of species. Co-existence between human presence and mammals caused by resource sharing, viz. establishment and use of same trails and water sources, attraction to livestock, garbage and food leftovers, is discussed. In contrast, the leopard, wild cat, Nubian ibex and mountain gazelle are severely depleted. Co-existence between humans and mammals has significant implications for proper management and wildlife conservation in unprotected human-dominated landscapes, protected areas and buffer zones of developing countries such as Yemen.
- Published
- 2014
40. TAENIA MULTICEPSBRAIN CYST REMOVAL IN TWO WILD NUBIAN IBEX (CAPRA NUBIANAS)
- Author
-
Zahi Aizenberg, Roni King, Yael Chamisha, Nili Anglister, Yael Merbl, Merav H. Shamir, Yael Shilo-Benjamini, Igal H. Horowitz, and Orit Chai
- Subjects
Male ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Taenia multiceps ,Head tilt ,Neurologic Signs ,Animals, Wild ,Teaching hospital ,Lesion ,medicine ,Animals ,Cyst ,Israel ,Brain Diseases ,Taenia ,General Veterinary ,biology ,Goats ,General Medicine ,Anatomy ,Cestode Infections ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Nubian ibex ,Female ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Capra ,medicine.symptom - Abstract
Two wild adult Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) were captured and admitted to the Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with various neurologic signs, including alerted mentation, head tilt, and pathologic nystagmus. The lesion in the central nervous system was localized to the forebrain in one ibex and to the cerebellum of the other. Both ibex's were diagnosed with brain cyst using computed tomography (CT). Craniectomy was performed to remove the cysts, and both animals returned to their natural environment after a rehabilitation period. Parasitologic examination revealed cysts of Taenia multiceps coenurus. This is the first report to describe the neurologic signs, CT findings, surgical procedure, and follow-up postsurgery information in wild Capra nubiana.
- Published
- 2014
41. Foraging patterns of habitat use reveal landscape of fear of Nubian ibex Capra nubiana
- Author
-
Burt P. Kotler and Cecilia Iribarren
- Subjects
Geography ,biology ,Habitat ,Ecology ,Foraging ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Capra ,biology.organism_classification ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Nature and Landscape Conservation ,Predation ,Nubian ibex ,Vegetation cover - Abstract
Different environmental features may serve as cues of the risk of predation. Therefore, when foraging in heterogeneous landscapes, the costs of predation for optimal foragers should vary along with the environmental features. In our study, we describe how foraging costs of predation vary spatially for Nubian ibex Capra nubiana with respect to characteristics of their natural environment, i.e. we quantified their ‘landscape of fear’. To do so, we established a five by five array of feeding trays within the natural environment of free-ranging Nubian ibex and measured the variation of giving-up densities (GUD, i.e. the amount of food remaining in a resource patch following exploitation) in relation to the landscape variables. The ibex' perceptions of risk of predation increased with distance from cliff and slope edges, and decreased with vegetation cover. Although several environmental variables are probably involved in the determination of an animal's foraging behaviour, with our study we revealed the most ...
- Published
- 2012
42. Impact of tourism on Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana) revealed through assessment of behavioral indicators
- Author
-
Solomon Tadesse and Burt P. Kotler
- Subjects
education.field_of_study ,biology ,Ecology ,National park ,Foraging ,Population ,biology.organism_classification ,Nubian ibex ,Optimal foraging theory ,Habitat ,Behavioral ecology ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Capra ,education ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Behavioral indicators can provide critical information to conservation managers. Here we apply behavioral indicators based on foraging theory to quantify the effect of tourists on the critically endangered Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana). Ibex are habituated to human presence in En Avdat National Park, Israel; nevertheless, they exhibit heightened wariness of humans especially during the kidding season or when far from escape terrain. We applied behavioral indicators through the measurement of givingup-densities (GUD, the amount of food that a forager leaves behind in a resource patch) and vigilance behavior to investigate the spatial and temporal variation in the patch use behavior of Nubian ibex under the influence of tourism. We hypothesized that Nubian ibex should treat the presence of tourists in a similar matter to the risk of predation. Our results show that the impact of tourism on ibex significantly varied both temporally and spatially in response to tourist activity. In regard to the temporal variation, ibex had higher GUDs on weekends when tourist activity was high than on weekdays. Furthermore, ibex GUDs were highest in the habitat most frequented by tourists, but only at times of high tourist activity. In a second experiment, the presence of tourists in close proximity always caused Nubian ibex to increase their GUDs in resource patches, even on a steep slope. The spatial position of the tourists up slope or down slope from the ibex affected both GUDs and vigilance behavior. The response was especially sharp when the tourists disturbed ibex from up slope, blocking escape lines. Even for this apparently well-habituated population of ibex, tourist presence significantly increased foraging costs as revealed by behavioral indicators. This study demonstrates how applying methods from behavioral ecology to conservation problems allows access to useful information that may be difficult to obtain using other approaches. Key wor ds: behavioral indicators, conser vation, foraging costs, giving-up-densities, spatial and temporal variations, tourist presence, vigilance behavior [Behav Ecol].
- Published
- 2012
43. Ibex-Associated Malignant Catarrhal Fever–Like Disease in a Group of Bongo Antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus)
- Author
-
Bradd C. Barr, R. Peterson, G. Benjamin, Hong Li, David J. Gasper, T. Hunt, N. Taus, and Patricia A. Pesavento
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Pathology ,Myocarditis ,Molecular Sequence Data ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,law.invention ,Fatal Outcome ,law ,Tragelaphus eurycerus ,medicine ,Animals ,Herpesviridae ,Polymerase chain reaction ,Base Sequence ,General Veterinary ,biology ,Respiratory distress ,Outbreak ,Sequence Analysis, DNA ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Nubian ibex ,Antelopes ,Liver ,Malignant Catarrh ,DNA, Viral ,Animals, Zoo ,Histopathology ,Vasculitis - Abstract
A private zoological facility experienced an outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in 3 bongo antelope ( Tragelaphus eurycerus). All cases were periparturient bongos that presented acutely anorectic beginning ~6 weeks after being housed with a Nubian ibex. Disease quickly progressed to respiratory distress and death within 24–72 hours of onset of clinical signs. Consistent gross findings in affected bongos were pulmonary edema and small pale tan foci in the livers. Histological lesions included a nonsuppurative vasculitis in multiple tissues, which is well recognized in MCF, but additionally included necrotizing cholangiohepatitis and neutrophilic, necrotizing myocarditis. Ibex-associated viral DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction and was identical in sequence whether derived from bongos or ibex. The sequence closely matched an MCF viral DNA fragment that had been amplified from an ibex and bongo in a previous case report.
- Published
- 2011
44. Seasonal Habitat Use by Nubian Ibex (Capra Nubiana) Evaluated with Behavioral Indicators
- Author
-
Burt P. Kotler and Solomon Tadesse
- Subjects
Time budget ,Geography ,Vigilance (behavioural ecology) ,Habitat ,biology ,Ecology ,Time allocation ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Capra ,biology.organism_classification ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Nubian ibex ,Predation - Abstract
Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) prefer steep terrain in their landscape to reduce risks of predation and human nuisance disturbances. They also use vigilance and time allocation to manage risk of predation. We studied time budgets and habitat selection of Nubian ibex to: (1) identify the habitat variables to which Nubian ibex were behaviorally responsive; (2) investigate how time budget responses of Nubian ibex were related to season, slope condition, group size, and sex-age structure; and (3) develop behavioral-based models that account for the variations in the behaviors of Nubian ibex across the landscape and seasons.To quantify time budgets, we took regular field observations on focal individuals of Nubian ibex classified according to their habitat, group size, sex, and age. For each focal observation, we quantified environmental variables that were thought to influence the behavioral responses of ibex. Then, we developed behavioral models by correlating the proportion of behaviors measured in focal animal observations to the influential environmental variables. The behaviors of Nubian ibex significantly varied with sex and age structure, season, habitat type, and slope conditions. Adult females are more vigilant than adult male ibex, especially in the spring. This correlates with breeding and nursing activities. Based on the characteristics of the habitat, ibex behave to minimize risks of predation and human nuisance disturbances while maximizing their food intake.
- Published
- 2011
45. Habitat Choices of Nubian Ibex (Capra Nubiana) Evaluated with A habitat Suitability Modeling and Isodar Analysis
- Author
-
Burt P. Kotler and Solomon Tadesse
- Subjects
biology ,Habitat ,Ecology ,Isodar ,Foraging ,Wildlife ,Endangered species ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Wildlife management ,biology.organism_classification ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Nubian ibex ,Wildlife conservation - Abstract
The value of a habitat for a forager may be affected by habitat characteristics related to food availability, energetic costs of foraging, predation costs, and the foraging opportunities available in other habitats. Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) are stout, sure-footed social wild goats that inhabit arid landscapes with steep terrain. We investigated their habitat selection behavior using indicators to (1) develop a habitat suitability index (HSI) model that would account for the variation in the activity densities of Nubian ibex across habitat types and seasons, (2) apply the isodar technique to look for density-dependent habitat selection behavior in Nubian ibex, and (3) investigate the proximate environmental factors that correlate to relative activity densities of Nubian ibex. We determined relative densities of the ibex by recording sightings of animals along standard walking transects. We incorporated the habitat variables that had greatest influence on the densities of Nubian ibex into habitat suitability index models for both spring and summer seasons.The HSI models revealed that Nubian ibex most preferred open cliff face habitat offering safety during the spring season, but their habitat preference shifted towards an area with watered gardens ("grave area habitat") during the summer season. Significant isodars were only obtained for the summer season comparisons between grave area versus cliff face, and between grave area versus plateau habitats. The slopes of the isodars suggest that the grave area habitat is 10.5 and 7.6 times more productive than the plateau and the cliff face habitats, respectively. Our results suggest that the relative abundances and habitat preferences of Nubian ibex varied with the seasonal availability of habitat resources, extent of predation risks, and human nuisance disturbances across the landscape. We recommend that wildlife managers dealing with the conservation and protection of the endangered Nubian ibex should focus on the various ecological and anthropogenic factors governing the habitat selection and preferences.
- Published
- 2010
46. A Linear Dominance Hierarchy in Female Nubian Ibex
- Author
-
Dalia Greenberg-Cohen, Yoram Yom-Tov, and Philip U. Alkon
- Subjects
Capra ibex ,biology ,Aggression ,Ecology ,biology.organism_classification ,Social relation ,Nubian ibex ,Dominance hierarchy ,Agonistic behaviour ,medicine ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Late afternoon ,medicine.symptom ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Demography ,Morning - Abstract
We monitored agonistic interactions amongst a group of individually marked, free-ranging female Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) in the Negev Desert highlands of southern Israel. Seven agonistic behaviours were defined, and the frequency and outcomes of dyadic interactions were analysed to estimate social structure and to compare rank with age and morphological variables. Most agonistic behaviours took place during the early morning and late afternoon when the animals were actively moving and feeding. The outcomes of agonistic bouts revealed a significant linear dominance hierarchy among a core group of 13 adult females, and among an expanded group that included ≤ 10 additional females that had temporal affiliations with the core group. Dominance relationships remained stable for at least 1 yr. Social rank correlated positively with an index of absolute aggression, and with age, born size, and other morphological traits. There was no clear relationship between rank and type of agonistic interaction
- Published
- 2010
47. Dynamic social system in Nubian ibex: can a second mating season develop in response to arid climate?
- Author
-
Alessandro Massolo, T. H. Tear, M. W. Lawrence, J. A. Spalton, L. Said al Harsusi, and Sandro Lovari
- Subjects
education.field_of_study ,biology ,Range (biology) ,Ecology ,Desert climate ,Population ,biology.organism_classification ,Nubian ibex ,Animal science ,Seasonal breeder ,Temperate climate ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Capra ibex nubiana ,Mating ,education ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
We studied a population of Nubian ibex Capra ibex nubiana in the eastern extreme of its range, the hyper-arid central desert of the Sultanate of Oman. Long-term data were collected from January 1983 to December 1997 by direct observation, as well as VHF telemetry on 12 animals (eight from 1987 to 1990; four from 1994 to 1996). We recorded 884 sightings: 40.4% of single animals and 59.6% of groups. Although no significant monthly variation of group size (Jarman's Typical Group Size) was found, there were distinct peaks in March (4.0 ind. group−1) and September (5.1 ind. group−1). Groups of males and females formed especially in March and November, and female–kid groups in February and July–August. Our data may suggest two mating periods: the first one in autumn (similar to the rut of ibex in temperate mountain areas), with kids born in spring/early summer, after winter–spring rainfall, and the second one in spring, with kids born in late summer/autumn, before winter–spring rainfalls. We suggest that the second rutting period may have evolved as a micro-evolutionary process, with the local population adapting to hyper-arid environment constraints. The spring mating season may favour only females in prime conditions, who can afford a pregnancy in the local severe summers and will deliver kids when plant greening begins, in the autumn, whereas the autumn (original) mating season may be afforded by any female, but kids will be born in an unfavourable period, before the summer drought.
- Published
- 2007
48. IBEX-ASSOCIATED MALIGNANT CATARRHAL FEVER IN A BONGO ANTELOPE (TRAGELAPHUS EURYCEROS)
- Author
-
Hong Li, Naomi S. Taus, Michael M. Garner, Danelle M. Okeson, and Rob L. Coke
- Subjects
Male ,DNA polymerase ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,Virus ,law.invention ,Lethargy ,Fatal Outcome ,law ,medicine ,Animals ,Polymerase chain reaction ,General Veterinary ,biology ,General Medicine ,biology.organism_classification ,Virology ,Nubian ibex ,Diarrhea ,Antelopes ,Malignant Catarrh ,DNA, Viral ,biology.protein ,Animals, Zoo ,Animal Science and Zoology ,medicine.symptom ,Antibody ,Capra - Abstract
A 4-yr-old male bongo antelope (Tragelaphus euryceros) died after an acute clinical course involving a febrile illness, anorexia, lethargy, minor oculonasal discharge, and diarrhea. Histologic lesions were compatible with malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed an amplified region of a herpesviral DNA polymerase gene sequence nearly identical to that of a MCF virus previously identified in Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana). The bongo had been housed across from an exhibit containing Nubian ibex that tested positive for MCF viral antibodies by competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Further testing of the zoo's ibex via PCR also revealed viral DNA sequences nearly identical to those found in the bongo's tissues.
- Published
- 2007
49. Can landscape use be among the factors that potentially make some ungulates species more difficult to conserve?
- Author
-
Omar Attum
- Subjects
Ungulate ,Ecology ,biology ,business.industry ,Bovidae ,biology.organism_classification ,Nubian ibex ,Geography ,Livestock ,Capra ,business ,Anthropogenic factor ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Earth-Surface Processes - Abstract
Mountain gazelles Gazella gazella have historically been more difficult to protect than Nubian ibex Capra nubiana in the Ibex Reserve, Saudi Arabia. I tested poachers’ claims that mountain gazelles are easier to hunt and experience more anthropogenic disturbances than Nubian ibex because of mountain gazelles’ use of open landscapes. My results show that mountain gazelles occurred in significantly wider valleys that are accessible to off road vehicles and which resulted in spatial overlap with domestic livestock. In contrast, Nubian ibex occurred in narrower valleys that were less accessible to off road vehicles, further away from people, and had no significant spatial overlap with domestic livestock. Mountain gazelles and Nubian ibex occurred in significantly different valley widths in areas protected and unprotected from hunting, suggesting that anthropogenic disturbances may be affecting ungulate spatial use. Use of open landscapes makes mountain gazelles more susceptible to anthropogenic disturbances, hunting from off-road vehicles, and competition from livestock, which could be among the factors that explain why mountain gazelles have been more difficult to protect than Nubian ibex.
- Published
- 2007
50. Patch use, apprehension, and vigilance behavior of Nubian Ibex under perceived risk of predation
- Author
-
Valeria Hochman and Burt P. Kotler
- Subjects
Herbivore ,Apprehension ,biology ,Ecology ,Foraging ,biology.organism_classification ,Predation ,Optimal foraging theory ,Nubian ibex ,Vigilance (behavioural ecology) ,Habitat ,medicine ,Animal Science and Zoology ,medicine.symptom ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Foraging theory predicts that animals will sacrifice feeding effort in order to reduce predation risk. Once a forager chooses a habitat, it must decide how to allocate its foraging effort. Nubian Ibex are diurnal, social, cliff-dwelling herbivores. Many of their characteristics seem to have evolved as responses to predation risk. In order to assess the effects that perceived risk of predation might have on foraging behavior of free-ranging Nubian Ibex in the Negev Desert, Israel, we measured giving-up densities (GUDs) in artificial food patches and used them to gauge apprehension level. (Apprehension can be defined as a reduction in attention devoted to performing an activity as a consequence of reallocating attention to detecting or responding to predation risk. A forager can also be vigilant. Vigilance is often defined as time spent scanning the surroundings with the head up.) We also quantified time budgeting using focal observation of individual Nubian Ibex. Habitat preferences and patch selectivity as a measure of apprehension were considered. In particular, we tested the effect of distance from refuge on GUDs, the effect of micropatch structure on selectivity, and the effect of distance from the refuge and group size on Nubian Ibex vigilance level and apprehension. Nubian Ibex allocate their foraging effort more toward patches closer to the escape terrain. At the same time, Nubian Ibex are more apprehensive at intermediate distances from the cliff edge than nearer the cliff, and their use of vigilance increases with distance from the cliff edge. These results suggest that Nubian Ibex may switch from apprehension to a more extreme behavior of vigilance at greater distances from the refuge. This study demonstrated the use of antipredatory behaviors, apprehension, and vigilance by a forager. Estimating apprehension and vigilance levels of a forager simultaneously gives a more complete and accurate picture of how the habitat is perceived by them and combined with measurements of GUD allow a more accurate assessment of habitat quality. Key words: apprehension, foraging behavior, giving-up densities, Nubian Ibex, patch use, predation risk, vigilance. [Behav Ecol]
- Published
- 2007
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