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The use of conservation dogs is rapidly increasing. These canine units are usually employed to discriminate target species odor from nontarget ones to monitor or aid in the conservation of species. Although the ability of dogs to identify individuals from the odor of fecal samples is well known, there are no studies yet investigating the ability of dogs to identify social status through scats. Therefore, we conducted a case study to test the effectiveness of a dog in identifying the scats of breeder wolves and ignoring offspring ones. The dog was trained using a multiple-choice carousel in a training/testing protocol. We show that training on three different breeders wolves enabled the dog to identify all the breeder wolves used in the study, indicating rapid generalization of the dog and an ability to train the odor concept. The dog's ability to identify only breeder wolves allows researchers to optimize sample collection in the field for estimating population size by noninvasive genetic analysis and reducing costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraging plays a vital role in the survival of wildlife, and shifts in food availability can impact species fitness and survival. Ursids are known to consume a wide variety of foods and are known to be opportunistic omnivores. Consequently, seasonal shifts in diet, which correspond to temporal and spatial shifts in the availability of food resources, have long captivated researchers studying the foraging behavior of Ursidae. Nevertheless, comprehensive dietary studies encompassing both the population and individual levels remain scarce. In this study, we investigated the dietary patterns of Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) at both the population and individual levels, using data collected through GPS collars and field surveys of individual bear scat samples in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, from 2016 to 2020. From early April to late June, bears mainly foraged on green vegetation. During this period, male and large‐bodied female bears showed a strong preference for green vegetation. Small‐bodied female bears also ate mostly green vegetation but tended to consume more fruit than other bears towards the end of this period. From June to October, bears' diets included a substantial amount of fruit, with notable peaks in fruit consumption in late June and early September. During the summer months, female bears often incorporated social insects into their diet compared to the population‐level trend. In mid‐September, the consumption of seeds from the Fagaceae family surged, becoming the primary dietary component during this period. This trend was consistently observed across the population. These findings underscore the importance conducting in‐depth dietary analyses that take into account individual characteristics such as sex, age, and body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This review reports on the current and potential utility of the "koala scat" sample to provide a range of ecological and physiological assessments both at the population and individual animal level and do so in a non-invasive manner. DNA recovered from the scat sample provides useful information on koala distribution, diet, genetics and disease, whereas hormone metabolites can inform physiology. While there are still limitations with respect to the decay of quality DNA (host, microbiome, and pathogen) over time related to climate and sample handling, some of these issues can be overcome with timely sample collection. Other current limitations include an inability to detect and quantify particular hormone metabolites such as oestrogens and/or an appropriate biological interpretation of glucocorticoid metabolite secretion when measured in the faecal sample. The use of samples or scats to provide important ecological, genetic, disease and physiology details on free-range populations is gaining popularity as an alternative non-invasive methodology. Koala populations in SE Queensland and NSW have recently been listed as endangered and continue to face anthropomorphic and stochastic environmental impacts that could potentially lead to their extinction. This scoping review examines the current and potential utility of the koala scat to contribute data relevant to the assessment of koala conservation status and decision making. Although we demonstrate that there is great potential for this methodology in providing details for both individual wild animal and population biology (distribution, abundance, sex ratio, immigration/emigration, genetic diversity, evolutionary significant unit, disease epidemiology, nutrition, reproductive status and stress physiology), the calibre of this information is likely to be a function of the quality of the scat that is sampled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr is categorized as Critically Endangered, with < 200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Historically the species ranged over an extensive area of western Saudi Arabia but, with no confirmed sightings since 2014, investigating potential continued presence and distribution is of critical conservation importance. We present the results of a comprehensive survey designed to detect any remaining Arabian leopard populations in Saudi Arabia. We conducted 14 surveys, deploying 586 camera-trap stations at 13 sites, totalling 82,075 trap-nights. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with 843 members of local communities across the Arabian leopard's historical range to assess the presence of leopards, other predators and prey species. Predator scats were collected ad hoc by field teams and we used mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify the originating species. We obtained 62,948 independent photographs of animals and people, but none were of Arabian leopards. Other carnivores appeared widespread and domestic animals were numerous, but wild prey were comparatively scarce. Three questionnaire respondents reported sightings of leopards within the previous year, but targeted camera-trap surveys in these areas did not yield evidence of leopards. Of the 143 scats sent for analysis, no DNA was conclusively identified as that of the leopard. From this extensive study, we conclude there are probably no surviving, sustainable populations of Arabian leopards in Saudi Arabia. Individual leopards might be present but were not confirmed. Any future Arabian leopard conservation in Saudi Arabia will probably require reintroduction of captive-bred leopards.

The Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr is categorized as Critically Endangered, with < 200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Historically the species ranged over an extensive area of western Saudi Arabia but, with no confirmed sightings since 2014, investigating potential continued presence and distribution is of critical conservation importance. We present the results of a comprehensive survey designed to detect any remaining Arabian leopard populations in Saudi Arabia. We conducted 14 surveys, deploying 586 camera-trap stations at 13 sites, totalling 82,075 trap-nights. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with 843 members of local communities across the Arabian leopard's historical range to assess the presence of leopards, other predators and prey species. Predator scats were collected ad hoc by field teams and we used mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify the originating species. We obtained 62,948 independent photographs of animals and people, but none were of Arabian leopards. Other carnivores appeared widespread and domestic animals were numerous, but wild prey were comparatively scarce. Three questionnaire respondents reported sightings of leopards within the previous year, but targeted camera-trap surveys in these areas did not yield evidence of leopards. Of the 143 scats sent for analysis, no DNA was conclusively identified as that of the leopard. From this extensive study, we conclude there are probably no surviving, sustainable populations of Arabian leopards in Saudi Arabia. Individual leopards might be present but were not confirmed. Any future Arabian leopard conservation in Saudi Arabia will probably require reintroduction of captive-bred leopards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We found evidence of a broad-toothed rat (Mastacomys fuscus) in a spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) scat collected within a fragmented site in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. The nearest known population of M. fuscus is located 50 km away in the Barrington Tops, where the population is listed as endangered. This is a potentially significant discovery for the conservation of this species and suggests that it may exist in a fragmented landscape outside its current distribution. We recommend further research is undertaken to determine if a population does exist near to where the sample was collected. A spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) scat collected in a fragmented habitat in the Hunter Valley, NSW contained evidence of a broad-toothed rat (Mastacomys fuscus). Given the nearest population of broad-toothed rat is located 50 km away in the Barrington Tops, this is a potentially important discovery for the conservation of this threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Foraging plays a vital role in the survival of wildlife, and shifts in food availability can impact species fitness and survival. Ursids are known to consume a wide variety of foods and are known to be opportunistic omnivores. Consequently, seasonal shifts in diet, which correspond to temporal and spatial shifts in the availability of food resources, have long captivated researchers studying the foraging behavior of Ursidae. Nevertheless, comprehensive dietary studies encompassing both the population and individual levels remain scarce. In this study, we investigated the dietary patterns of Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) at both the population and individual levels, using data collected through GPS collars and field surveys of individual bear scat samples in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, from 2016 to 2020. From early April to late June, bears mainly foraged on green vegetation. During this period, male and large‐bodied female bears showed a strong preference for green vegetation. Small‐bodied female bears also ate mostly green vegetation but tended to consume more fruit than other bears towards the end of this period. From June to October, bears' diets included a substantial amount of fruit, with notable peaks in fruit consumption in late June and early September. During the summer months, female bears often incorporated social insects into their diet compared to the population‐level trend. In mid‐September, the consumption of seeds from the Fagaceae family surged, becoming the primary dietary component during this period. This trend was consistently observed across the population. These findings underscore the importance conducting in‐depth dietary analyses that take into account individual characteristics such as sex, age, and body weight.

Keratophagous insects consume proteinaceous foods (animal hair, feathers, and other substances containing keratin) that are low or even lacking in water, which necessitates a source of moisture beyond the primary diet. Tinea occidentella Chambers 1880 (Lepidoptera, Tineidae), which feeds upon the keratin in fur and feathers in mammalian carnivore scat and in pellets of birds of prey (foods very low in water), affords an understanding of the ecology of keratophagous insects in nature. The common name “western clothes moth” is a misnomer as it does not eat clothes but only scat and pellets. In laboratory experiments, we found that larvae did not absorb water vapour directly from the atmosphere, and they died at 45% rh–55% relative humidity (rh). We found no evidence that larvae drank. Larvae grew normally, had high survival, pupation, and eclosion only when feeding at very high (>88%–99%) rh upon fur from pellets and scat; the fur absorbed water from the atmosphere. While scat and pellets are abundant throughout North America, T. occidentella is mostly restricted to the moist, mild climates of coastal central and southern California, where fog, dew, and morning high rh of 99% are common. Outside of this coastal envelope where growing season climate is warmer, drier, and becoming more so, the species is rare. An intriguing notion, requiring research beyond the present report, is that the warming and drying climate of southwestern North America will contract the range of this insect.

Abstract Wild terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role as reservoir, maintenance, and spillover hosts for a wide parasite variety. They may harbor, shed, and transmit zoonotic parasites and parasites of veterinary importance for domestic hosts. Although wild carnivores are globally distributed and comprise many different species, some living in close proximity to human settlements, only a few studies have investigated parasites of wild terrestrial carnivores using non-specific techniques. Access to samples of wild carnivores may be challenging as some species are protected, and others are secretive, possibly explaining the data paucity. Considering the importance of wild carnivores’ health and ecological role, combined with the lack of specific diagnostic methodologies, this review aims to offer an overview of the diagnostic methods for parasite investigation in wild terrestrial carnivores, providing the precise techniques for collection and analysis of fecal, blood, and tissue samples, the environmental impact on said samples, and the limitations researchers currently face in analyzing samples of wild terrestrial carnivores. In addition, this paper offers some crucial information on how different environmental factors affect parasite detection postmortem and how insects can be used to estimate the time of death with a specific highlight on insect larvae. The paper contains a literature review of available procedures and emphasizes the need for diagnostic method standardization in wild terrestrial carnivores. Graphical Abstract

Information on prey selection and the diet of the leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is essential for leopard conservation. We conducted an investigation into the prey species and the proportion of each species in the leopard's diet in a human‐dominated mid‐hill region of Nepal. The analysis of 96 leopard scats collected between August 2020 and March 2021 revealed that leopards consumed 15 prey species, including small‐ and medium‐sized mammals and livestock. In addition to these prey species, we also found plastic materials, bird feathers, and some unidentified items in the leopard scats. Wild ungulates (such as barking deer, Muntiacus muntjak and wild boar, Sus scrofa) constituted only 10% of the biomass in the scats, while livestock contributed 27%, and other wild prey contributed 50%. Among all species, domestic goats had the highest relative biomass in the scats, followed by the jungle cat (Felis chaus), domestic dog (Canis familiaris), and large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha). Similarly, the Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis) had the highest proportion of relative individuals present in the scat samples, followed by the jungle cat and the large Indian civet. A lower proportion of biomass from wild ungulates in the leopard's diet and a higher dependency of the leopard on domestic prey and other wild prey indicate a shortage of medium‐sized wild prey, such as barking deer and wild boar, in leopard habitats. Therefore, the conservation of wild prey species, especially medium‐sized prey, is crucial for reducing the leopard's dependence on livestock and mitigating human‐leopard conflicts in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Zoonoses associated with urban wildlife are increasingly concerning for human health and include the recent emergence of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in North America. AE develops following infection with the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. In Alberta, up to 65% of urban coyotes (Canis latrans) are infected with E. multilocularis, and infected scats contain eggs that can be accidentally ingested by people. Our goal was to determine the predictors of infection prevalence and intensity in coyote scats in Edmonton, Canada, and to identify the predictors of coyote scat deposition and content, especially as related to anthropogenic food sources and infrastructure. Methods: To study infection prevalence and intensity, volunteers collected 269 scats, which were tested for E. multilocularis using polymerase chain reaction. We compared infection prevalence and shedding intensity by habitat and scat content. To determine predictors of scat presence and content, we used snow tracking to identify 1263 scats. We compared landscape characteristics at scats and available points, and among scats with different contents. We used negative binomial regression to predict scat abundance in city-delineated green spaces. Results: 26.0% of tested scats were positive for E. multilocularis (n = 70), and infection was twice as common as expected near compost and 1.3x more common than expected when scats contained anthropogenic food. Scats were more common than expected near other scats (80% within 1mof scats, 27% at 11.5 m), buildings (19% at buildings, 16% at 80 m), and the camps of people experiencing homelessness (24% at camps, 20% at 60 m). Scats frequently contained fruit (52.9%), anthropogenic material (36.7%), and birdseed (16.0%), and scats containing anthropogenic material often occurred near human infrastructure, supporting a relationship between anthropogenic attractants and scat accumulation. Discussion: These results suggest that abundant food sources and anthropogenic food increase coyote aggregation, increasing both scat abundance and infection rates, which in turn increases risk of exposure to zoonotic parasites for humans. Risk to humans might be reduced by preventing coyote access to anthropogenic and aggregated food sources and educating people who are likely to encounter infected soil or vegetation, including gardeners, park users, and people experiencing homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Population-monitoring programs often use direct (e.g. live capture or spotlighting) or indirect (e.g. scats sightings) observations to estimate population abundance. Such methods, however, are often inadequate for rare, elusive, or cryptic species due to the difficulty in achieving sufficient encounters or detection rates. The mala (Lagorchestes hirsutus), a small native Australian macropod, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is difficult to capture, susceptible to capture myopathy, and not easily sighted in their dense habitat; consequently, the population size cannot always be estimated. The use of molecular markers to identify individual genotypes from non-invasively collected samples is increasingly being used in wildlife conservation and may be an alternative approach for mala. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive scat DNA sampling to estimate the population abundance of mala. Methods. A panel of microsatellite markers was developed for the identification of individual mala via profiling of their scats. Scats were systematically collected from a wild mala population located in an 1100-ha fenced reserve in Western Australia. Individual genotypes were determined using the microsatellite markers, and the abundance of mala was estimated using the genotypes with spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) and mark–resight analyses. Key results. The genetic markers proved variable and with sufficient exclusionary power to confidently identify unique individuals (mean locus genotyping error rate: 3.1%). Individual genetic identification from scat sampling, when used with traditional mark–recapture/resight analytical models, provides feasible estimates of population abundance. This is the first reliable abundance estimate of this mala population, suggesting a >70% increase in population size since the initial reintroduction of 64 individuals in 2011–13. Conclusions. Given the inherent difficulties in surveying mala, this approach would be valuable to ensure effective monitoring of the few remaining fenced and island mala populations to prevent further decline of this vulnerable species. Implications. This is the first study to identify species-specific microsatellite markers for mala and use genetic-capture sampling with scat DNA to estimate the abundance of a mala population. The study provides an evaluation of a valuable species monitoring technique that can be applied to other rare, elusive, or cryptic threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to manage the risk of infection, which is caused by social interaction, particularly in school events. Thus, the principals had to face the dilemma between avoiding the risk and favoring educational opportunity brought by school events which produce close interpersonal contact. The aim of present study is to reveal school principals' risk management of school events under such dilemma. Five school principals participated in the semi-structured interview and were asked how school events were administrated from 2020 onwards, including the cases in which the events were cancelled. The obtained data was analyzed through SCAT (Otani, 2008). As a result, 325 concepts/theme and 124 theoretical descriptions were obtained. The main findings were as follows: the policy focused on maintaining education opportunities was found to be the same for each participant, however, the actual risk-taking policies differed depending on each interviewee and activity. On risk management, the factors such as the thought of children and parents or school size affected. In particular, the school trip was the most difficult activity to manage. Moreover, in case of an out-of-prefecture trip, it was considered that a certain policy and scheme such as involving students education to risk management and close communication in/out of schools would make it possible. Through risk management, results on positive/negative outcomes, such as the improvement of school systems or the loss of social relationships, were obtained. Through consideration of these findings, a future direction of risk management in schools was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of samples or scats to provide important ecological, genetic, disease and physiology details on free-range populations is gaining popularity as an alternative non-invasive methodology. Koala populations in SE Queensland and NSW have recently been listed as endangered and continue to face anthropomorphic and stochastic environmental impacts that could potentially lead to their extinction. This scoping review examines the current and potential utility of the koala scat to contribute data relevant to the assessment of koala conservation status and decision making. Although we demonstrate that there is great potential for this methodology in providing details for both individual wild animal and population biology (distribution, abundance, sex ratio, immigration/emigration, genetic diversity, evolutionary significant unit, disease epidemiology, nutrition, reproductive status and stress physiology), the calibre of this information is likely to be a function of the quality of the scat that is sampled.

Abstract Information on prey selection and the diet of the leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is essential for leopard conservation. We conducted an investigation into the prey species and the proportion of each species in the leopard's diet in a human‐dominated mid‐hill region of Nepal. The analysis of 96 leopard scats collected between August 2020 and March 2021 revealed that leopards consumed 15 prey species, including small‐ and medium‐sized mammals and livestock. In addition to these prey species, we also found plastic materials, bird feathers, and some unidentified items in the leopard scats. Wild ungulates (such as barking deer, Muntiacus muntjak and wild boar, Sus scrofa) constituted only 10% of the biomass in the scats, while livestock contributed 27%, and other wild prey contributed 50%. Among all species, domestic goats had the highest relative biomass in the scats, followed by the jungle cat (Felis chaus), domestic dog (Canis familiaris), and large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha). Similarly, the Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis) had the highest proportion of relative individuals present in the scat samples, followed by the jungle cat and the large Indian civet. A lower proportion of biomass from wild ungulates in the leopard's diet and a higher dependency of the leopard on domestic prey and other wild prey indicate a shortage of medium‐sized wild prey, such as barking deer and wild boar, in leopard habitats. Therefore, the conservation of wild prey species, especially medium‐sized prey, is crucial for reducing the leopard's dependence on livestock and mitigating human‐leopard conflicts in the future.

IntroductionZoonoses associated with urban wildlife are increasingly concerning for human health and include the recent emergence of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in North America. AE develops following infection with the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. In Alberta, up to 65% of urban coyotes (Canis latrans) are infected with E. multilocularis, and infected scats contain eggs that can be accidentally ingested by people. Our goal was to determine the predictors of infection prevalence and intensity in coyote scats in Edmonton, Canada, and to identify the predictors of coyote scat deposition and content, especially as related to anthropogenic food sources and infrastructure.MethodsTo study infection prevalence and intensity, volunteers collected 269 scats, which were tested for E. multilocularis using polymerase chain reaction. We compared infection prevalence and shedding intensity by habitat and scat content. To determine predictors of scat presence and content, we used snow tracking to identify 1263 scats. We compared landscape characteristics at scats and available points, and among scats with different contents. We used negative binomial regression to predict scat abundance in city-delineated green spaces.Results26.0% of tested scats were positive for E. multilocularis (n = 70), and infection was twice as common as expected near compost and 1.3x more common than expected when scats contained anthropogenic food. Scats were more common than expected near other scats (80% within 1 m of scats, 27% at 11.5 m), buildings (19% at buildings, 16% at 80 m), and the camps of people experiencing homelessness (24% at camps, 20% at 60 m). Scats frequently contained fruit (52.9%), anthropogenic material (36.7%), and birdseed (16.0%), and scats containing anthropogenic material often occurred near human infrastructure, supporting a relationship between anthropogenic attractants and scat accumulation.DiscussionThese results suggest that abundant food sources and anthropogenic food increase coyote aggregation, increasing both scat abundance and infection rates, which in turn increases risk of exposure to zoonotic parasites for humans. Risk to humans might be reduced by preventing coyote access to anthropogenic and aggregated food sources and educating people who are likely to encounter infected soil or vegetation, including gardeners, park users, and people experiencing homelessness.

The purpose of this article is to identify the methods of interaction of national folklore with the idioms of pop music and jazz in the creation of the vocal-instrumental group “Orizont”, led by Oleg Milstein. Based on the detailed analysis of the compositions “La morișca”, „Leana”, „Moldovan tunes”, etc. the author reveals the most representative methods of involving Romanian folklore in the sound texture of the pieces performed by the band “Orizont”. Among them it is worth mentioning: quoting popular songs, composing contrapuntal lines to folk melodies, combining themes of folkloric origin with stylistic and genre elements of pop, rock and jazz music. Special attention is paid to the treatment of vocal jazz methods used by the members of the “Orizont” band.

Background. The Galapagos sea lion, Zalophus wollebaeki, is an endemic and endangered otariid, which is considered as a sentinel species of ecosystem dynamics in the Galapagos archipelago. Mitochondrial DNA is an important tool in phylogenetic and population genetic inference. In this work we use Illumina sequencing to complement the mitogenomic resources for Zalophus genus-the other two species employed Sanger sequencing-by a complete mitochondrial genome and a molecular clock of this species, which is not present in any case. Materials and Methods. We used DNA obtained from a fresh scat sample of a Galapagos sea lion and shotgun-sequenced it on the Illumina NextSeq platform. The obtained raw reads were processed using the GetOrganelle software to filter the mitochondrial Zalophus DNA reads (~16% survive the filtration), assemble them, and set up a molecular clock. Results. From the obtained 3,511,116 raw reads, we were able to assemble a full mitogenome of a length of 16,676 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNA), and two ribosomal RNAs (rRNA). A time-calibrated phylogeny confirmed the phylogenetic position of Z. wollebaeki in a clade with Z. californianus, and Z. japonicus, and sister to Z. californianus; as well as establishing the divergence time for Z. wollebaeki 0.65 million years ago. Our study illustrates the possibility of seamlessly sequencing full mitochondrial genomes from fresh scat samples of marine mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary study of carnivores has garnered a great deal of attention for a very long time since it provides information for comprehending ecological processes and tracking the economic effects of animals on food production. Few studies reported alternative prey that is detrimental to food production, such as rodents and insects, in addition to the numerous studies on livestock predation. Therefore, this study aims to provide information on the diet composition and overlap of two mesocarnivore species, Javan mongoose (Urva javanica) and leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), in Java, Indonesia. The macroscopic observation technique was applied for identifying food remnants found in the 90 feces of the mongoose and 100 feces of the cat collected in 2018. Twenty three and 21 taxa of prey were found in the leopard and Javan mongoose feces. Rodentia was the most frequent taxa found in the feces of both species, followed by Galliformes. Insects comprised the majority of diet items but at low frequencies. Two mesocarnivores were specialists (Levin’s index of leopard cat: 0.08; Javan mongoose: 0.26) with fairly high diet overlap (Pianka’s index = 0.78). The results provided compelling evidence of the positive and negative impacts of mesocarnivores on food production in Java. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Context: Monitoring low-density, elusive predators such as grey wolves (Canis lupus) has often been undertaken via live-capture and radio-collaring. Recent advances in non-invasive methods suggest live-captures may not be necessary for adequate monitoring. Further, non-invasive methods are considered best practice when possible. Aims: I evaluated whether a suite of non-invasive methods could replace aerial radiotelemetry to census resident pack wolves. Methods: I employed aerial snow-tracking, ground snow-tracking, camera-trapping, non-invasive genetic surveys, and community-scientist reports during three winters (2019–2021) in north-eastern Minnesota, USA to census pack wolves in a 2060 km2 area. I attempted to enumerate individual pack sizes as has been historically undertaken to compile the census. Traditional aerial radiotelemetry methods were also conducted for comparison. Key results: Ground snow-tracking and camera-trapping provided the most similar information to radiotelemetry for determining pack counts and territory information, and, in some cases, documented higher pack counts than those obtained by aerial radiotelemetry. Radiotelemetry was the best method for determining pack territories, but was limited to radioed packs. A staggered application of both approaches resulted in increased precision and additional pack-level information without greatly increasing overall field effort. Non-invasive methods allowed trapping for radio-collaring to be reduced to every other year (a 50% reduction), but depending on trapping success, survival of animals, and radio-collar battery life, might even be reduced to every third year. Conclusions: In this 3-year trial, non-invasive methods were not sufficient to completely replace radio-collaring. Nevertheless, non-invasive methods allowed for a 50% reduction in trapping, increased the annual wolf-count precision, and increased community involvement. Anticipated technological improvements in non-invasive methods should reduce some issues encountered – but others will likely persist, in part, because of the fundamental nature of non-invasive methods. Implications: Less reliance on captures, enhanced pack information, and increased public involvement are all successful outcomes of this 3-year trial of non-invasive methods for monitoring wolf populations. Non-invasive methods continue to broaden and improve technologically, and information from trials such as this will help guide others as they increasingly implement non-invasive methods as partial or complete replacements for traditional capture-based methods. I evaluated non-invasive methods, along with ongoing radio-collar monitoring, during three winters (2019–2021) in north-eastern, Minnesota, USA, to census resident grey wolves (Canis lupus) in a 2060 km2 area. I attempted to enumerate individual pack sizes as has been historically done to compile the census. Non-invasive methods were not a complete replacement of radiotelemetry, but they reduced the project's reliance on animal captures by 50%, increased precision of the annual wolf count, provided enhanced wolf-pack information, and increased community involvement. Photograph by Bert Hyde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Galapagos sea lion, Zalophus wollebaeki, is an endemic and endangered otariid, which is considered as a sentinel species of ecosystem dynamics in the Galapagos archipelago. Mitochondrial DNA is an important tool in phylogenetic and population genetic inference. In this work we use Illumina sequencing to complement the mitogenomic resources for Zalophus genus—the other two species employed Sanger sequencing—by a complete mitochondrial genome and a molecular clock of this species, which is not present in any case. Materials and Methods We used DNA obtained from a fresh scat sample of a Galapagos sea lion and shotgun-sequenced it on the Illumina NextSeq platform. The obtained raw reads were processed using the GetOrganelle software to filter the mitochondrial Zalophus DNA reads (∼16% survive the filtration), assemble them, and set up a molecular clock. Results From the obtained 3,511,116 raw reads, we were able to assemble a full mitogenome of a length of 16,676 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNA), and two ribosomal RNAs (rRNA). A time-calibrated phylogeny confirmed the phylogenetic position of Z. wollebaeki in a clade with Z. californianus, and Z. japonicus, and sister to Z. californianus; as well as establishing the divergence time for Z. wollebaeki 0.65 million years ago. Our study illustrates the possibility of seamlessly sequencing full mitochondrial genomes from fresh scat samples of marine mammals.

Abstract Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum; hereafter THL) were once abundant throughout Texas; however, their distribution and abundance have decreased, and currently they are listed as a threatened species in the state. Detection of THL can be difficult because of their cryptic nature and sporadic distribution. Using indirect signs such as fecal pellets (i.e., scat) to determine occupancy is a widely practiced survey technique. However, it is unknown if scat size can be used to determine the age structure of THL. Our objectives were to determine 1) if THL scats were consistently produced and at consistent size in relation to lizard snout‐vent length (SVL), 2) if THL scats remain intact in the environment, and 3) if scat length and diameter could be used as an indicator of THL size, which could be used to determine population age structure. We tested the feasibility of using scat morphometrics to estimate age class ratios, body size, and population estimates for THL. Data collection was conducted in 3 phases, which occurred from 2001–2019. Scats were collected daily for 6 days from 6 hatchling, 10 juvenile, and 10 adult THL collected from southern Texas. Texas horned lizards were measured for snout‐to‐vent length (mm) and categorized as either hatchling, juvenile, or adults based on estimates from the literature. On average, THL produced one scat/day, typically in the morning. Scat length and width increased as lizard size (i.e., SVL) increased with each age class. Scat size of each age class of THL was consistent between days; thus, objective one was met. Scats were measured for length and width (mm) and placed in direct sunlight for 90 days, submerged in water for 2 days, and placed in typical summer weather conditions of southern Texas. Texas horned lizard scat did not shrink or swell in size or decay due to environmental conditions during the 90‐day experiment. Thus, THL scats do remain intact in the environment. We collected scat from 70 known‐size THL from south‐central Texas. Simple log‐log regression models demonstrated a linear relationship (r2 = 0.89) between loge (SVL) and loge (scat length, mm). Slopes were similar among age classes, but intercepts differed as expected. We tagged individual THL to follow growth rates through time. Thirteen of 20 tagged females produced 178 hatchlings, of which 56, 23, 19, and 6 were recaptured during their hatchling, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year, respectively. Models for growth rates of known‐age THL were not equal (η ˆ p 2 = 0.73 ,F6,69 = 44.6, P

Abstract Background Concussion in sport is an ongoing global concern. The head injury assessment (HIA) by the field of play is acknowledged as the first step in recognising and identifying concussion. While previous systematic literature reviews have evaluated the sensitivity of side-line screening tools and assessment protocols, no systematic review has evaluated the research designs and assessments used in a field setting. This systematic review investigated existing screening and diagnostic tools used in research as part of the HIA protocol to identify concussion that are currently used in professional, semi-professional and amateur (club) sports settings. Methods A systematic searching of relevant databases was undertaken for peer-reviewed literature between 2015 and 2020. Results Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were of moderate to good quality, reporting a variety of designs. The majority of studies were undertaken in professional/elite environments with medical doctors and allied health practitioners (e.g., physical therapists) involved in 88% of concussion assessments. While gender was reported in 24 of the 26 studies, the majority of participants were male (77%). There was also a variety of concussion assessments (n = 20) with the sports concussion assessment tool (SCAT) used in less than half of the included studies. Conclusion The majority of studies investigating concussion HIAs are focused on professional/elite sport. With concussion an issue at all levels of sport, future research should be directed at non-elite sport. Further, for research purposes, the SCAT assessment should also be used more widely to allow for consistency across studies.

The present study aimed to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative effectiveness of an undergraduate course entitled, 'What is disability?' Specifically, we measured changes in perceptions of Japanese freshmen towards people with disabilities (PWDs) using the Disability Social Work scale, and what they learned from the course. In total, 18 freshmen university students (8 females, 10 males; mean age, 18.5 years; age range, 18 to 21 years) collectively majoring in literature, education, medicine, law, economics, engineering, and pharmacology registered for the course. Pre- and post-tests showed significant improvements in the participants' perceptions of disability rejection, psychological distance from disability, and the idea that PWDs are incapable of managing tasks. A qualitative analysis yielded two conceptual categories, changed perceptions towards disability and PWDs and gaining new perspectives on disability and PWDs. The first category consists of three subcategories (trivialising disability, increasing psychological proximity towards disability, and 'do PWDs really want our support?') and the second category consists of two subcategories (recognising dichotomy of difficulty and capability in disability and recognising his/her own ableism). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative studies on the diet of large felids in protected areas (PAs) and surrounding multi-use landscapes are important for their conservation. The Asiatic lion is an endangered felid distributed in Gir PA and the surrounding multi-use land matrix. Based on scat analyses, we assessed the dietary composition of Asiatic lions. The frequency of occurrence (FOO), biomass consumption model, dietary niche breadth and dietary overlap index was used to quantify diet. The Asiatic lion ate more wild prey (74%) than domestic livestock (26%) in the Gir PA. In contrast, lion diets comprised 51% wild prey and 42% domestic livestock in the multi-use land matrix. Sambar contributed most (38%) to the diet in PAs, while blue bull most (29%) in the multi-use land matrix. However, diet diversity and niche breadth were similar between these two areas. The dietary overlap in the lions' diet between these two areas was 0.52. The results suggest that large-size wild ungulates are the main prey species in Gir PA, while in the surrounding multi-use land matrix, both large wild ungulates and domestic livestock are the main prey. The present study may help future lion conservation management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the International Association of Early Childhood Education is the property of International Association of Early Childhood Education 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.)

In inclusive physical education classes, teachers focus on building relationships between children in the regular classroom and children with disabilities. However, the type of knowledge teachers have or apply to their classes has remained unclear. Also, in relation to the process of creating teaching materials, the type of knowledge applied when planning classes, or the degree to which the content or procedures need to be modified or adjusted for each physical activity depending on teachers' aims, has not been adequately investigated. The purpose of this study was to clarify the knowledge of teachers needed for conducting inclusive physical education classes. For the interview, teachers conducting inclusive physical education classes were asked to share their thoughts about lesson plans and actual instruction while watching a video of their own lesson practice. To examine their knowledge, SCAT, a qualitative data analysis method, was applied to the contents of the interviews. Then, the themes and constructs extracted by SCAT were classified into the seven knowledge domains of Shulman's knowledge base. As a result, the following points were clarified: (1) In this case study, "pedagogical context knowledge" (PCK), which is knowledge specific to teachers, was applied when the teacher gave guidance for building relationships between children in regular classes and children with disabilities. This knowledge allowed teachers to play a bridging role with the aim of making the two parties mutually responsive in order to build consensus. (2) When teachers created teaching materials for the inclusive physical education classes, they employed a two-stage reconstruction approach, using different knowledge at each stage. In the first stage, teachers developed materials based on sports and other sources using "knowledge of content" and "knowledge of general teaching methods". In the second stage, the teachers modified the physical education materials to take into account the participation of children with learning disabilities in the inclusive physical education classes using PCK such as changing the equipment to make ball handling easier and changing the rules to facilitate competition. These findings indicate that teachers apply their own knowledge of inclusive physical education to actual lessons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Management Philosophy is the property of Academy of Management Philosophy 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.)

Introduction: Analyzing the causes of accidents in order to control and prevent their recurrence is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to combine the two methods of Fishbone and SCAT to analyze the root cause of the accidents, address them in details, and track them in the depth of organizational structures. Methods: This study analyzed the data about accidents using a Fishbone and SCAT Combined Method. Initially, the interface and root causes obtained by the Fishbone Method, as well as control measures were entered into SCAT cause and effect table. The results of the questionnaires were collected, and the causes of accidents were investigated using the Chi-Square test. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 24. Results: The findings indicated that the most important direct cause of the accidents was the the variable related to indoor and outdoor environment of the refinery, and the most important root cause of the accident was “unforeseen economic changes such as changing exchange rate, tax rate”, and “lack of a continuous planning for the staff's training”. Increasing the efficiency of training the staff is the most important control measure suggested. There was also a significant relationship between surface and root causes. Conclusions: According to the statistical test, a systematic connection between root causes and intermediate causes of the accident were found. The combined method presented in this study can meet the needs of different organizations regarding the causes of accidents in many cases, and is currently one of the most important methods. Therefore, it is suggested to combine the SCAT with other methods to analyze the causes of accidents in refinery plants.

Tiger (Panthera tigris) is an endangered felid on the IUCN list. Habitat loss, landscape fragmentation, prey depletion, and poaching have contributed to the decline of the tiger in its entire range in Asia. In India also, it survives only in well-protected tiger reserves and gone or decreased drastically in less-protected areas. The same situation is seen in the terai arc landscape. Thus, accurate knowledge of a species' diet is essential for effective conservation and is vital for conservation initiatives like habitat prioritization, protection, and restoration. Scats analysis was used to determine the food habit of tigers in the tropical moist-evergreen forest of Dudhwa National Park, northern India. A total of 116 scats were collected and analyzed. Scat contents were analyzed in terms of the relative frequency of occurrence and the relative prey biomass consumed. A minimum of 14 prey species were identified. In terms of frequency of occurrence and biomass, the most important prey species were barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii) and spotted deer (Axis axis), making up to 55% of biomass consumed. Domestic livestock contributed almost 10% to the diet of the tiger. The study revealed that tiger and leopard (Panthera pardus), the two main predators in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve differentiate their niches by segregating the available resources as 55% of the tiger diet comprises barasingha and spotted deer. On the other side, leopard mainly feeds on spotted deer and rodents and may avoid direct competition from the tiger by shifting the space and diet, as revealed by another study in the same area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the convergent validity and reliability of instruments for measuring the level of anxiety in water using the Sport Competition Anxiety Test Modification (SCAT-M) instrument, anxiety behavior observation (ABO) and performance test (PT) as predictors. The participants were 60 college students, men (n = 44) and women (n = 16) (age range: 19-22 years), who could not swim 25 m. The descriptive analysis included the average, standar deviation (SD), and range; the inferential analysis of validity with internal validity for each instrument with a total score was based on the bivariate Person correlation. The obtained results included the intraclass correlations coefficient SCAT-M r = 0.562, (moderate), AOB r = 0.838 (high), and PT r = 0.559 (moderate). Reliability test-retest (separated by 1 week) SCAT-M r = 0.841(high), AOB r = 0.914 (very high), and PT r = 0.904 (very high). The validity predictive instrument SCAT-M, which is used to evaluate high anxiety and performance, exhibited the predictive validity of r = -0.043 (p = 0.02 < 0.05); it showed significant relationship but negative correlation and low performance. The AOB instrument, which is used to evaluate high anxiety and performance, showed significant correlation but negative r = -0.185 (p = 0.01 < 0.05), in the category of low level of performance. Validity predictive analysis has significant but negative relationship. Students with high level of anxiety, determined by both SCAT-M or ABO instruments, have low performance, can only submerge their head in the water, and have some floating ability. Conclusion: the measurement of water anxiety level using both the SCAT-M questionnaire and behavioral observation allows to determine the anxiety level of students in water and predict their basic swimming abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food acquisition is a fundamental process that drives animal distribution and abundance, influencing how species respond to changing environments. Disturbances such as fire create significant shifts in available dietary resources, yet, for many species, we lack basic information about what they eat, let alone how they respond to a changing resource base. In order to create effective management strategies, faunal conservation in flammable landscapes requires a greater understanding of what animals eat and how this change following a fire. What animals eat in postfire environments has received little attention due to the time‐consuming methodologies and low‐resolution identification of food taxa. Recently, molecular techniques have been developed to identify food DNA in scats, making it possible to identify animal diets with enhanced resolution. The primary aim of this study was to utilize eDNA metabarcoding to obtain an improved understanding of the diet of three native Australian small mammal species: yellow‐footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes), heath mouse (Pseudomys shortridgei), and bush rat (Rattus fuscipes). Specifically, we sought to understand the difference in the overall diet of the three species and how diet changed over time after fire. Yellow‐footed antechinus diets mostly consisted of moths, and plants belonging to myrtles and legume families while bush rats consumed legumes, myrtles, rushes, and beetles. Heath mouse diet was dominated by rushes. All three species shifted their diets over time after fire, with most pronounced shifts in the bush rats and least for heath mice. Identifying critical food resources for native animals will allow conservation managers to consider the effect of fire management actions on these resources and help conserve the species that use them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sampling fecal droppings (scat) to genetically identify individual animals is an established method for monitoring mammal populations and could be highly useful for monitoring reptile populations. Whereas existing protocols for obtaining DNA from reptile scat focus on analyses of whole, fresh scat deposited during animal handling, the collection of scat naturally deposited by reptiles in situ, as required for non‐invasive population monitoring, requires protocols to extract highly degraded DNA. Using surface swabs from such scats can reduce PCR inhibition and increase genotyping success. We report on three related but independently designed studies of DNA analyses from scat swabs of herbivorous reptiles under natural desert conditions: two free‐ranging desert tortoise species (Agassiz's desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, California, US, and Morafka's desert tortoise, G. morafkai, Arizona, US) and the common chuckwalla (Sauromalus atar) (Arizona, US, and Sonora, MX). We analyzed samples from both tortoise species with the same set of 16 microsatellites and chuckwalla samples with four mtDNA markers; studies also varied in swab preservation medium and DNA extraction method. Microsatellite amplification success per sample, defined as ≥9 loci with amplification, was 15% for the study of Agassiz's desert tortoise and for the study of 42% Morafka's desert tortoise. For chuckwallas, we successfully amplified and sequenced 50% of samples. We recovered fragments up to 400 bp for tortoises and 980 bp for chuckwallas from scat swab samples. This study indicates that genotypes can successfully be obtained from swabs of scat from herbivorous reptiles collected in the field under natural environmental conditions and emphasizes that repeat amplifications are necessary for the genetic identification of individuals from non‐invasive samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coyotes Canis latrans have expanded their geographic range by 40% in the last 120 years, raising questions about their ecological impacts in the newly colonised areas. Despite a wealth of local knowledge on coyote diet in North America, we have little information about how and why diet might vary throughout the species' range.We conducted the first rangewide meta‐analysis of coyote diet by investigating how ecoregion, coyote mass, environmental conditions, presence of top predators and alternative food items are related to coyote dietary diversity, as well as consumption of small mammals, lagomorphs, vegetation and ungulates.Using data from 93 studies, we used generalised linear mixed models to determine which variables best explained coyote dietary patterns.Coyotes were generally more carnivorous in temperate forests than in other ecoregions, primarily due to greater ungulate consumption. Dietary diversity was most influenced via a negative effect of mammal consumption; coyote diet was more diverse in the spring and where human footprint was greater. There was minor variation in small mammal consumption, but lagomorph consumption was greater in spring and winter and when coyotes were larger. Vegetation consumption was greatest in summer and autumn. Ungulate consumption was positively related to coyote mass, snow cover and the presence of grey wolves Canis lupus.Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors were related to coyote diet. Larger coyotes ate larger foods, which parallels the relationship between mass and prey size across the carnivore guild. Wolves and humans have opposing effects on coyote diet. Coyotes seem to prioritise eating wild mammals, though more work is needed to quantify scavenging. Collectively, our findings emphasise the need for continued local or regional studies to understand the highly variable ecological effects of coyotes within the diverse ecosystems they currently inhabit and are poised to inhabit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olfaction is a widespread mode of communication in mammals. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in biological samples such as scat and urine give them either a repellent property to warn prey or an attractant property to communicate reproductive, social, and territorial status to conspecifics. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are VOC differences in the scat of a dingo compared to that of a domestic German Shepherd Dog (GSD). We standardised the diet for 10 days and then collected scat from 14 dingoes and 11 GSDs. Using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we characterised VOCs present in the dingo scat and compared the composition with those of GSDs. We identified 58 significant VOCs out of a total of 154 VOCs identified in both dingoes and GSDs. Of these, 12 were significantly higher in the scat of dingoes and 46 elevated in the GSD. Of the 12 elevated in the dingo, three were unique and present in high concentration (>10 ng/g), four were elevated and present in high concentration and five were present at low concentrations (<10 ng/g). We suggest that the detected differences show potential to be incorporated into dingo management strategies. Integrated pest management is a recommended control method for wild dogs in Australia. This study takes the first step in identifying potential population-specific chemical cues in scat as a step towards supplementing existing strategies with chemical approaches aimed at excluding pure dingoes from agricultural lands. Photograph by Barry Eggleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring carnivore populations requires sensitive and trustworthy assessment methods to make reasonable and effective management decisions. The Eurasian fish otter Lutra lutra experienced a dramatic population decline throughout Europe during the twentieth century but is currently recovering in both distribution range and population size. In Austria, most assessments on otter distribution have applied a modified version of the so-called "British" or "standard" method utilizing point-wise surveys for otter spraints at predefined monitoring bridges. In this study, we synthesize several recent statewide assessments to compile the current otter distribution in Austria and evaluate the efficiency and sensitivity of the "monitoring bridge" approach in comparison to the "standard" method. The otter shows an almost comprehensive distribution throughout eastern and central Austria, while more western areas (Tyrol and Vorarlberg) are only partially inhabited, likely due to a still ongoing westward expansion. Furthermore, the bridge monitoring method utilizing presence/absence information on otter spraints reveals itself to be a time- and cost- effective monitoring tool with a tolerable loss of sensitivity for large-scale otter distribution assessments. Count data of spraints seem to be prone to observer bias or environmental influences like weather or flooding events making them less suitable for quantitative analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Food acquisition is a fundamental process that drives animal distribution and abundance, influencing how species respond to changing environments. Disturbances such as fire create significant shifts in available dietary resources, yet, for many species, we lack basic information about what they eat, let alone how they respond to a changing resource base. In order to create effective management strategies, faunal conservation in flammable landscapes requires a greater understanding of what animals eat and how this change following a fire. What animals eat in postfire environments has received little attention due to the time‐consuming methodologies and low‐resolution identification of food taxa. Recently, molecular techniques have been developed to identify food DNA in scats, making it possible to identify animal diets with enhanced resolution. The primary aim of this study was to utilize eDNA metabarcoding to obtain an improved understanding of the diet of three native Australian small mammal species: yellow‐footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes), heath mouse (Pseudomys shortridgei), and bush rat (Rattus fuscipes). Specifically, we sought to understand the difference in the overall diet of the three species and how diet changed over time after fire. Yellow‐footed antechinus diets mostly consisted of moths, and plants belonging to myrtles and legume families while bush rats consumed legumes, myrtles, rushes, and beetles. Heath mouse diet was dominated by rushes. All three species shifted their diets over time after fire, with most pronounced shifts in the bush rats and least for heath mice. Identifying critical food resources for native animals will allow conservation managers to consider the effect of fire management actions on these resources and help conserve the species that use them.

Abstract Sampling fecal droppings (scat) to genetically identify individual animals is an established method for monitoring mammal populations and could be highly useful for monitoring reptile populations. Whereas existing protocols for obtaining DNA from reptile scat focus on analyses of whole, fresh scat deposited during animal handling, the collection of scat naturally deposited by reptiles in situ, as required for non‐invasive population monitoring, requires protocols to extract highly degraded DNA. Using surface swabs from such scats can reduce PCR inhibition and increase genotyping success. We report on three related but independently designed studies of DNA analyses from scat swabs of herbivorous reptiles under natural desert conditions: two free‐ranging desert tortoise species (Agassiz's desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, California, US, and Morafka's desert tortoise, G. morafkai, Arizona, US) and the common chuckwalla (Sauromalus atar) (Arizona, US, and Sonora, MX). We analyzed samples from both tortoise species with the same set of 16 microsatellites and chuckwalla samples with four mtDNA markers; studies also varied in swab preservation medium and DNA extraction method. Microsatellite amplification success per sample, defined as ≥9 loci with amplification, was 15% for the study of Agassiz's desert tortoise and for the study of 42% Morafka's desert tortoise. For chuckwallas, we successfully amplified and sequenced 50% of samples. We recovered fragments up to 400 bp for tortoises and 980 bp for chuckwallas from scat swab samples. This study indicates that genotypes can successfully be obtained from swabs of scat from herbivorous reptiles collected in the field under natural environmental conditions and emphasizes that repeat amplifications are necessary for the genetic identification of individuals from non‐invasive samples.

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is an invasive tree that has spread throughout much of the western United States. The mode of seed dispersal occurs by hydrochory and possibly by birds. Seed dispersal by frugivorous mammals has not been investigated. Between 15 October and 4 November 2020, we walked through Russian olive windbreaks in western North Dakota, USA, and surveyed for mammal scat, and found 10 coyote (Canis latrans) and 54 porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) scats that contained intact Russian olive seeds. We subsequently evaluated the viability, germination frequency, and time to germination of seeds ingested by coyote and porcupine relative to un‐ingested control seeds harvested from trees at sites where we collected scat. Overall, Russian olive seeds that passed through mammal intestinal tracts had similar viability and equivalent (porcupine) or higher (coyote) germination frequency compared to controls. Additionally, coyote‐ingested seeds germinated earlier (time to germination was low) than controls, but porcupine‐ingested seeds were similar to controls. Thus, our data supports the idea that mammals may be agents of regional Russian olive seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yellow-footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes is a widespread dasyurid marsupial living in a range of habitats in eastern and south-western Australia. Little is known of its diet; however, based on limited studies and anecdotes, it is thought to be a generalist carnivore. From a micro-histological study of scats from 25 animals in south-western Victoria, we found that while A. flavipes' diet consisted primarily of invertebrates, it also included considerable plant and some fungal material. Substantial variation in diet between individuals suggested that, like other species of the genus Antechinus, A. flavipes is most likely a generalist and opportunistic feeder, taking a wide range of food items, probably in response to their availability during individual foraging events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sports-related concussion (SRC) assessment tools are primarily based on subjective assessments of somatic, cognitive, and psychosocial/emotional symptoms. SRC symptoms remain underreported, and objective measures of SRC impairments would be valuable to assist diagnosis. Measurable impairments to vestibular and oculomotor processing have been shown to occur after SRC and may provide valid objective assessments. Purpose: Determine the diagnostic accuracy of sideline tests of vestibular and oculomotor dysfunction to identify SRC in adults. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Electronic databases and gray literature were searched from inception until February 12, 2020. Physically active individuals (>16 years of age) who participated in sports were included. The reference standard for SRC was a combination of clinical signs and symptoms (eg, the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool [SCAT]), and index tests included any oculomotor assessment tool. The QUADAS tool was used to assess risk of bias, with the credibility of the evidence being rated according to GRADE. Results: A total of 8 studies were included in this review. All included studies used the King-Devick test, with no other measures being identified. Meta-analysis was performed on 4 studies with a summary sensitivity and specificity of 0.77 and 0.82, respectively. The overall credibility of the evidence was rated as very low. Conclusion: Caution must be taken when interpreting these results given the very low credibility of the evidence, and the true summary sensitivity and specificity may substantially differ from the values calculated within this systematic review. Therefore, we recommend that clinicians using the King-Devick test to diagnose SRC in adults do so in conjunction with other tools such as the SCAT. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42018106632. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]