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This paper aims to explore the diverse impacts of religious sacred places on specific spheres of contemporary international relations, particularly in the context of public health governance as well as the fight against COVID-19. The spread of disease or germs and viruses within the context of pilgrimage, the healing purposes associated with such practices, as well as historical conquests of sacred places have attracted the attention of ancient physicians and modern scientists. In the nineteenth century, many Abrahamic religions sought to strengthen their influence in the Holy Land, particularly in the sacred city of Jerusalem. As part of their efforts, they focused on constructing modern hospitals, which became a means of religious competition over the region. From the perspective of the specific relationship between the sacred places and the public health governance system in the modern age, sacred places continue to succeed in animal management (native animals and sacrifice animals), water source management (sacred water and holy rivers), and management of sanitary quarantine (the extension of homeland health security defense), which have present positive effects. Based on the literature review, case analysis and interdisciplinary research methods, several findings have emerged regarding the global fight against COVID-19 since early 2020. Mecca-Medina, Jerusalem-Bethlehem, Rome-Vatican, Santiago de Compostela, Qom, and other religious sacred cities have faced huge pandemic pressures. These cities have played unique roles in protecting the health of pilgrims and have implemented measures to reduce the number and scale of pilgrimages in response to the global mobility challenges posed by the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the wooded hillside of the Origins Centre, a small retreat centre in Western Australia with a strong ethos of active care, the appearance of native animals, especially those that are scarce or sporadic, is interpreted as indicative of spiritual and ecological health. Conversing with human-animal relationships within other Buddhist traditions, this article explores the resonances between the presence of animals and ideas of successful labour, both physical and contemplative, amongst Australian Buddhists in a time of ecological crises. In conversation with notions of ecological health and renewal, native animals are often seen as companions, tutelary beings, and as being indicative of successful practice. At a centre where regenerative work to re-establish disrupted ecologies is considered collaboration, receptivity to the movements, moods, and activities of animals, and of ecosystems more broadly, is cultivated to support the flourishing of life, and is coupled with a culture of dedicated work.

On the wooded hillside of the Origins Centre, a small retreat centre in Western Australia with a strong ethos of active care, the appearance of native animals, especially those that are scarce or sporadic, is interpreted as indicative of spiritual and ecological health. Conversing with human-animal relationships within other Buddhist traditions, this article explores the resonances between the presence of animals and ideas of successful labour, both physical and contemplative, amongst Australian Buddhists in a time of ecological crises. In conversation with notions of ecological health and renewal, native animals are often seen as companions, tutelary beings, and as being indicative of successful practice. At a centre where regenerative work to re-establish disrupted ecologies is considered collaboration, receptivity to the movements, moods, and activities of animals, and of ecosystems more broadly, is cultivated to support the flourishing of life, and is coupled with a culture of dedicated work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ethnozoological knowledge is less documented than ethnobotanical. With this field study, we aim to record and analyze the Riffian Berber knowledge about the use of animals in traditional human and veterinary medicine. Our research question is what is their knowledge of ethnozoological practices? Methods: We performed semi-structured interviews with local inhabitants in Riffian vernacular language. The reliability of the sampling effort was assessed by a rarefaction curve. Data were compared with previous studies in order to determine the geographical and historical extensions of described uses and possible conservation implications for the species used. Results: We obtained information regarding 107 ethnozoological uses based on 197 use reports. Among the 31 species used, mammals were most frequently cited. Diseases related to the traditional medicinal system were most frequently treated with these resources, as well as those of the respiratory, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. Thirty percent of uses are associated with magico-religious practices. Only three of the species used are threatened at the global level, two of them extinct in the study area, indicating low potential damage to regional biodiversity from current practices utilizing native animals. Within modern Morocco, Riffians have continued practicing ethnozoological uses anathema to Islam, like the consumption of animals considered impure (dogs, jackals, wild boars, and hyenas). Conclusions: The use of primarily mammalian species and of many animal body parts is likely related to the Berber belief in homology between the area of the human body in which the ailment occurs and the corresponding animal body part. These findings unveil the nature of ethnozoological practices, highly linked to folklore and culture-bound conditions, and lacking in the Western empirical rationale for nearly one third of reported uses. The consumption of animals considered impure according to Islam was probably initiated before the conquering of the Maghreb by Arabs in the seventh century and was maintained through the secular isolation of Riffians in mountain areas. This can reflect traditional healing habits being maintained over thousands of years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predation by introduced mammals frequently limits abundance of New Zealand's native invertebrates. We investigated responses of beetle and wētā communities to mammal eradication at two fenced forest sites at Maungatautari. Ground-dwelling beetle abundance, but not species richness, increased inside the southern exclosure two years after all mammals were eradicated. In the next 5 years, when all mammals except mice were eradicated from all of Maungatautari, beetle abundance and species richness were frequently higher in the mouse-free southern exclosure. Beetle community composition changed after mammal eradication, and over time with increasing mice densities outside the southern exclosure. Large, predatory, and native beetles showed the most differences between inside and outside the southern exclosure over some years. Wētā were more responsive to mammal removal than beetles. Wētā abundances both inside and outside the southern exclosure were similar when most mammals were eradicated and mice were controlled to low numbers. However, wētā declined in the following 2 years outside the southern exclosure when mouse abundance increased. Abiotic and biotic factors affecting the beetle and wētā communities are complex and interactions poorly understood. This study indicates that climate and predation by native fauna are likely to be important factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the importance of maintaining the genetic diversity in native animals, this study conducted to analyse genetic diversity in dromedary populations in the north of Kerman province, Iran, using eight autosomal microsatellite markers. Eighty-one blood samples were collected from five different populations and DNA was extracted. The highest and the lowest allele number and effective alleles were shown in YWLL08 (21 and 4) and VOLP32 (14.97 and 3.11), respectively. The expected heterozygosity varied from 0.778 in Sahra-e Jahad population to 0.847 in Nogh population. The test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed significant deviations in most loci. The mean multilocus FST value (0.057) suggested that differentiation is moderate between populations. From total genetic diversity, only 6% were due to differentiation among populations, while the remaining 94% corresponded to differences among individuals within each population. The results of the current study indicated that the Camelus dromedarius populations in the north of Kerman province have a relativity high genetic variation and the data could be useful for designing the breeding strategies and conservation. The degree of variability demonstrated implies that studied populations are rich reservoirs of genetic diversity that must be preserved. A future direction to our study can be studying all of the Iranian Camelus dromedarius populations to better evaluate the level of inbreeding and establish the appropriate conservation strategies aimed to avoid losses of genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of roads on natural environments have been studied in many places around the world. The presence of roads can be considered for native animals as a disturbance stimulus. Besides, roads can facilitate arrival and entry of alien species, such as domestic and feral ungulates, which sometimes compete with native species. Due to this, we assessed if the presence of roads affect directly or indirectly, through the presence of non-native ungulates, the activity patterns of the guanaco, a native ungulate. Sampling was conducted during three years, in two types of roads. We used camera traps at different distances from these infrastructures. We found that the abundance of guanacos was not affected by that of non-native ungulates, but it was higher in the dry than in the wet season. In relation to activity patterns, the guanaco showed a diurnal activity pattern with an activity peak at 12:00 h. Moreover, donkeys showed cathemeral activity pattern, whereas cattle had the same activity pattern as guanacos, causing a switch to bimodal activity pattern of guanacos in the presence of cattle. We proved an indirect effect of roads, a temporal segregation of guanacos probably caused by cattle. Our results demonstrate that the activity pattern of guanacos changes from unimodal to bimodal near the paved road, probably due to the high abundance of cattle near these areas. Our findings also highlight the need for further studies to discriminate between direct and indirect effects of roads on wildlife in South American deserts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zerdava dogs are considered as one of the many native animal genetic resources of Turkey. However, the genetic characteristics of these dogs and detailed phenotypic studies related to them have not been reported yet. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological and genetic characteristics of Zerdava dogs. Blood samples (n = 100) were collected from Zerdava dogs. The morphological characteristics of these dogs were also taken. The mean live weights of Zerdava dogs were found to be 16.02±0.35 kg. The mean withers height, rump height and body length were measured as 48.20±0.21, 47.08±0.24 and 51.24±0.23 cm, respectively. According to the results of microsatellite markers, the mean FIS (inbreeding coefficient) value was documented as 0.0361±0.0003. Observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) values were found to be 0.708±0.091 and 0.694±0.077, respectively. In addition, the frequency of A018 (72%) and B001 (16%) haplotypes were high in Zerdava dogs. The mitochondrial DNA sequence results show that the majority of Zerdava dogs originate from two different maternal lines. According to the results, the phenotypic and genotypic variations of Zerdava dogs were low. Therefore, these results may suggest that Zerdava dogs may have been protected by local breeders and can be considered a separate breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organismal distributions in human‐modified landscapes largely depend on the capacity of any given species to adapt to changes in habitat structure and quality. The golden‐headed lion tamarin (GHLT; Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an Endangered primate from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest whose remaining populations occupy heterogeneous landscapes consisting primarily of shade cacao (Theobroma cacao) agroforestry, locally known as cabrucas. This cash crop can coexist with high densities of native tree species and holds a significant proportion of the native fauna, but its widely extolled wildlife‐friendly status is increasingly threatened by management intensification. Although this potentially threatens to reduce the distribution of GHLTs, the main determinants of tamarin's occupancy of cabrucas remain unknown, thereby limiting our ability to design and implement appropriate conservation practices. We surveyed 16 cabruca patches in southern Bahia, Brazil, and used occupancy modeling to identify the best predictors of GHLT patch occupancy. Key explanatory variables included vegetation structure, critical resources, landscape context, human disturbance, and predation pressure. We found a negative relationship between GHLT occupancy and the prevalence of jackfruit trees (Artocarpus heterophylus), which is likely associated with the low representation of other key food species for GHLTs. Conversely, cabrucas retaining large‐diameter canopy trees have a higher probability of GHLT occupancy, likely because these trees provide preferred sleeping sites. Thus, key large tree resources (food and shelter) are currently the main drivers of GHLT occupancy within cabruca agroecosystems. Since both factors can be directly affected by crop management practices, intensification of cabrucas may induce significant habitat impacts on GHLT populations over much of their remaining range‐wide distribution. Research Highlights: Key habitat resources (food and sleeping sites) are the main drivers of golden‐headed lion tamarin (GHLT) occupancy in cabrucas, and they are affected by management practices. Intensification of management can induce significant impacts on GHLT persistence in cabrucas in much of its remaining habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squamate reptiles (snakes and lizards) rely on chemical cues from conspecifics to search the environment for potential mates. How such cues are used by invasive species to facilitate reproduction, especially seasonally, is a key question that can inform management practices. The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) is an invasive reptile species in south Florida threatening native fauna in biodiverse regions such as Everglades National Park. While some information exists on the reproductive ecology of this species in its native range in South America, the chemical ecology of S. merianae is unclear especially in its invasive range. By testing both male (n = 7) and female (n = 7) tegus in a Y-maze apparatus, we assessed if either sex follows chemical trails left by conspecifics and if behaviors were sex- or season-specific. We conducted three types of trials where conspecifics created odor trails: Male-only (male scent only in base and one arm of Y), Female-only, and Male vs. female. Males did not preferentially follow scent trails from either sex, but they did differentially investigate conspecific scent from both sexes. Seasonally, males showed increased rates of chemosensory sampling (rates of tongue-flicking) during the spring (breeding season; March-May) compared to fall (non-breeding season; September-November). Males also had reduced turning and pausing behavior while trailing in the spring. Female tegus exhibited stronger conspecific trailing abilities than males, following both male and female scent trails, and they explored the maze less before making an arm choice. Females also investigated the scent trails intensely compared to males (more passes in scented arms, more time with scent trails). Our results demonstrate for the first time that females of an invasive reptile species can follow conspecific scent trails. Given the strong female responses to odor, sex-specific targeting of tegus via application of a conspecific chemical cue in traps could enhance removal rates of females during the breeding season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of Australia's native animals being rescued from the devastating bushfires of 2019-2020 have sustained burns and other injuries related to the bushfires. The aims of treating native wildlife are often different from treating humans or domestic animals with burns. This difference in approach poses many diagnostic, treatment and humanitarian challenges for veterinary personnel and wildlife carers. Additional challenges arise from treating animals during a state of widespread natural disaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife translocations have been historically plagued by failure. As more species gain endangered status, we must increase the success rate through use of pre‐emptive empirical, evidence‐based research. The main ecological risk is the potential for the relocated individuals to have competitive advantage at the recipient site, acting invasively and, potentially, outcompeting the native fauna for food, shelter or other resources. Here we investigated the ecological risk of increased population density, following a population augmentation of the pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis) an endangered lizard, endemic to South Australia. We experimentally increased T. adelaidensis density to ascertain if a sudden increase in T. adelaidensis density would negatively affect the abundance or body condition of the resident conspecifics and co‐existing lizard species found at the recipient site. Twenty‐four individuals, from two populations, were relocated into previously built enclosures at a recipient site in grassland habitat, north of Adelaide, South Australia. For one activity‐season pre and post the augmentation, co‐existing lizard species were sampled in an effort to detect any changes inabundance or body condition. Comparisons were also made between experimental enclosures, containing residents and translocated individuals and control enclosures, containing only residents. Using Menetia greyii as a proxy for all of the competing species, our results show there was no reduction in abundance or body condition post augmentation. Our lack of evidence indicating a negative impact of the T. adelaidensis translocation on the body condition and abundance of the resident lizard species is a positive outcome for future conservation of this species. This study provides a new way of approaching wildlife movements, through identification of potential risks using small‐scale translocations in an enclosed area before conducting large‐scale releases into unfenced areas; the results are intended to facilitate higher translocation success rates and limit the negative effects upon the wider ecological community at recipient sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limnoperna fortunei, the golden mussel, is a bivalve mollusc native to Southeast Asia, which was introduced to South America via ballast water from commercial cargo ships from China and South Korea. In Brazil, the golden mussel is considered an invasive species, which has caused enormous economic and environmental damage. This is mainly due to the obstruction of pipes carrying water for the cooling systems within hydroelectric power plants. The presence of this invasive species also negatively impacts native fauna and flora. Early detection and rapid response during the early stages of infestation for this invasive species is essential to effectively control populations and prevent new infestations from forming. Techniques within molecular biology allow for more efficient detection of the golden mussel in all stages of development. In addition, the analysis of the genome, transcriptome and proteome of this species makes it possible to identify targets of biotechnological interest, which may be useful for the control of the golden mussel or for the generation of products of technological innovation. This review presents an overview of molecular studies involving this species and the perspectives on the prevention, control and combat of the golden mussel using these approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the case for, and plausibility of, eradicating American mink Neovison vison from mainland Great Britain and its associated offshore islands. This invasive species causes extensive damage to native fauna throughout Europe, and the UK Government is obliged to eradicate it, if feasible, under the Bern Convention. Current mink control buys time, but is patchy and dependent on substantial funding in perpetuity. If enacted, eradication would be cheaper in the long term and much more effective in preserving native wildlife. The methodology of an eradication campaign is explored, together with risks, challenges, and a tentative timeline and cost. We judge that mink eradication is now logistically feasible, due to technological developments and experience gained from landscape‐scale control. Using live traps fitted with electronic sensors – 'smart' traps – as the primary means of catching mink would render the campaign efficient, humane and free of non‐target mortality and negative environmental impacts. The ecological benefits of mink eradication would be profound, including greatly improving prospects for water vole Arvicola amphibius populations. Reinvasion is highly unlikely. The greatest logistical challenge is probably removing mink from Scottish west coast islands. Eradication might take around a decade and be dependent on co‐ordination between many conservation, fishing, farming, and water‐related organisations, together with the consent of landowners. By adding alarms to existing mink traps, land and water managers can pave the way to eradication now. A mink‐free Great Britain would plausibly cost tens of millions of pounds, against which could be set the limitless future costs of mink control. Such a campaign would be by far the world's largest invasive predator eradication project by geographical area and would set a precedent for citizen‐led conservation action globally. Regional trials would be extremely valuable in determining the costs and practicality of a GB‐wide campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of urbanisation is increasing the frequency and magnitude of fluctuations in the availability of food resources for fish. In this study, we investigated whether the diet and prey selected by the guppy Poecilia reticulata reflect the different levels of urbanisation using the total area of impervious surface soil as the metric. Rural streams (low percentage of urbanisation—LPU) and urban streams (high percentage of urbanisation—HPU) were sampled during both the rainy and dry seasons. The hypothesis tested was that the diet and selective behaviour differ spatially and seasonally between LPU and HPU streams. Among the analysed items, seasonal significant differences were only observed in HPU streams. In LPU streams, the trophic spectrum was wider, and a higher diversity of prey was selected. In HPU streams, the diet richness was lower with a dominance of Chironomidae, and there was also less variability in selected prey. Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera were always avoided, but Coleoptera were avoided only in LPU, while Oligochaeta were avoided in HPU streams. Thus, the diet and prey selected by P. reticulata were different between LPU and HPU streams, and this species has potential to compete for food with the native fauna in a wide variety of environmental conditions and available resources. Therefore, this dietary flexibility probably offers competitive advantages when colonising and establishing in a new habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorooctanoic acid's (PFOA) widespread use, presence and persistence in the aquatic environment has led to an increasing number of studies focusing on its toxicological effects. In Australia, PFOA has been detected in the aquatic environment, however its effects on Australian native fauna are unknown. In this study, male Australian native fish Murray River rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) were exposed to four different concentrations of PFOA (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg L−1). Variations in thyroid hormones (Triiodothyronine (T3)/Thyroxine (T4)) and the presence of vitellogenin were determined in plasma. Oxidative stress responses were evaluated in gills and liver. Exposure of male fish to PFOA resulted in altered T3/T4 ratios and the presence of vitellogenin in the plasma. Activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione- S-transferase (GST) were significantly increased in the gills and significantly reduced in the liver. Lipid peroxidation was observed in both tissues showing that vital organs could not neutralize the peroxides generated by oxidative stress resulting from exposure to PFOA. In natural populations exposed to PFOA, such hormonal disturbances can have negative effects, notably through altered capacity to respond to changes in environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study compared Portuguese and Spanish children in the 6th year of primary school in terms of their knowledge and live experience of animals from the Iberian Peninsula (IP) and the African savannah. A questionnaire was administered to 420 children from state schools, 215 from Portugal and 205 from Spain. The questionnaire included photos of eleven mammals from each region. The pupils had to identify them, to say if they had observed them live and where, and if they are native in the IP. The results showed a greater knowledge of both groups of the savannah species, also the ones most had seen live. However, the Spanish children had a better performance in the identification of the native mammals and which animals are native on IP, probably because these children are from a less urban zone, with more direct contact with some of the species presented. The school does not seem to play, in either group, an important role in the learning about native species. Boys from both countries performed better than girls on the issues under study. A high percentage of children from both countries think that several of the savannah species occur wild on the IP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Can weedy regrowth be sometimes useful in restoration? Former pastures, created historically by deforestation and other interventions but then retired from agricultural use, now provide a major opportunity for forest restoration. Globally, forest has begun to regenerate spontaneously at large scales on many such retired pasture lands. Additionally, non‐native species are increasingly often the first trees and shrubs to establish in this situation. Here, I consider the ecological processes that enable some of these species to be useful in restoring diverse rainforest communities of flora and fauna to disused pasture and other agricultural lands; in terms of both the generalised ecological mechanisms involved and specific cases in rainforest landscapes of eastern Australia. Ecological research has shown that regrowth trajectories which begin with dominance by non‐native trees and shrubs may of themselves sometimes transition over several decades towards dominance by native rainforest species, and that these novel ecosystems provide significant habitat for native fauna, as well as a range of ecosystem services. Their destruction in the name of weed control is likely to have an immediate adverse ecological impact. Alternatively, they could be managed and harnessed as a useful part of the practitioners' toolkit for rainforest restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about natural history of invasive species (such as parasitism) is a relevant issue in order to consider potential threats to native fauna. In this work we report two pterygosomatid mites for the first time in Colombia, Geckobia bataviensis and G. keegani, parasites of the invasive house gecko Hemidactylus frenatus. Although it has not been demonstrated that these mites may infest native gecko lizards, our study highlights the need to explore the prevalence of internal and external parasites in native and invasive geckos, to better evaluate the potential impact of invasive Hemidactylus lizards in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 75 arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) have been identified in Australia. While Alfuy virus (ALFV), Barmah Forest virus (BFV), Edge Hill virus (EHV), Kokobera virus (KOKV), Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), Sindbis virus (SINV), Ross River virus (RRV), Stratford virus (STRV), and West Nile virus strain Kunjin (KUNV) have been associated with human infection, there remains a paucity of data regarding their respective transmission cycles and any potential nonhuman vertebrate hosts. It is likely that these viruses are maintained in zoonotic cycles involving native animals rather than solely by human-to-human transmission. A serosurvey (n = 100) was undertaken to determine the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against a panel of Australian arboviruses in western gray kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) obtained from 11 locations in the midwest to southwest of Western Australia. Neutralizing antibodies against RRV were detected in 25%, against BFV in 14%, and antibodies to both viruses in 34% of serum samples. The prevalence of antibodies against these two viruses was the same in males and females, but higher in adult than in subadult kangaroos (p < 0.05). Twenty-one percent of samples had neutralizing antibodies against any one or more of the flaviviruses ALFV, EHV, KOKV, MVEV, and STRV. No neutralizing antibodies against SINV and KUNV were detected. If this sample of kangaroo sera was representative of the broader Australian population of macropods, it suggests that they are common hosts for RRV and BFV. The absence or low seroprevalence of antibodies against the remaining arboviruses suggests that they are not prevalent in the region or that kangaroos are not commonly infected with them. The detection of neutralizing antibodies to MVEV requires further investigation as this virus has not been identified previously so far south in Western Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rose flea beetle, RFB (Luperomorpha xanthodera Fairmaire 1888) is a new flower pest in Europe. In 2012, it was brought accidentally to central Poland. To search for this introduced species in the area adjacent to the site of the first finding, 29 plant species belonging to five botanical families (Lamiaceae, Brassicaceae, Asteraceae, Plantaginaceae, Crassulaceae) were monitored over a 3-year-long study (2016-2018). RFB were found on 11 herbaceous/ornamental plant species (Lamiaceae, Brassicaceae, Asteraceae) along with feeding damage to the flowers. White mustard (Sinapis alba L., Brassicaceae), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), and Monarda spp. (Lamiaceae) were its most preferred host plants. In each season, RFB females preferred host plants which bloomed abundantly and vividly. However, among the examined plant species there was a large variation in the year-to-year RFB abundance. Over the examined period the RFB extended its abundance exponentially, and its population survived and established itself in the area. The general sex ratio of the beetles was strongly female biased. In the female pool, females with conspicuously swollen abdomens predominated. The results of our study provide more insight into RFB behaviour, its establishment and spreading into new areas. To support the evidence for the RFB risk factor as an agricultural/ horticultural pest, further research should focus on the beetles' biology, reproductive tactics, larval host plant preference, larva-inflicted damage and harmfulness, the impact of the RFB on the native fauna, as well as its further local and distant migration propensity. Presently our knowledge about these aspects is still fragmentary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 617 faecal samples (including 235, 188 and 194 samples from native cows, crossbred cows and buffaloes, respectively) were examined from January 2017 to December 2017, with an overall prevalence rate of 56.73% (native: 60.85%, crossbred: 57.45% and buffaloes: 51.03%) for gastrointestinal nematode infections and mixed infection in 11.35% with no statistical difference (p>0.05). Throughout the whole study period strongyles were found to be the most dominant (47.49%) followed by Strongyloides sp. (16.86%). A highly significant statistical variation (p<0.05) were reported in season wise as well as district wise analysis with maximum infection in rainy season (64.90%) and in Jodhpur district (62.54%), respectively. Quantitative analysis revealed EPG (eggs per gram of faeces) for stongyles ranging from 100-2500 (1291±237.56) and Strongyloides sp. from 100-800 (416.67±75.71). Multivariate binary logistic regression model revealed positive association of rainy (B=0.407) and negative association of summer season (B=-.221) when compared to winter season whereas, association was reported negative in Barmer district (B=0.517) when compared to Jodhpur district. Similarly, comparing to native animals, a negative association in crossbred (B=-0.197) and buffaloes (B=-0.462)was also reported in the study period. Coproculture analysis revealed the presence of nematodes of genera Haemonchus sp. (40.58%), Oesophagostomum sp. (26.09%), Strongyloides sp. (18.84%), Trichostrongylus sp. (8.695%) and Cooperia sp. (5.797%) in decreasing order of prevalence. Considering the impact of the infections on animal production and public health, the current investigation may be used to design rational, economic, selectively effective strategic and locally sustainable control programs against gastrointestinal nematode infections in the dairy animals of arid western plains of Rajasthan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite our growing understanding of the impacts of invasive plants on ecosystem structure and function, important gaps remain, including whether native and exotic species respond differently to plant invasion. This would elucidate basic ecological interactions and inform management. We performed a meta‐analytic review of the effects of invasive plants on native and exotic resident animals. We found that invasive plants reduced the abundance of native, but not exotic, animals. This varied by animal phyla, with invasive plants reducing the abundance of native annelids and chordates, but not mollusks or arthropods. We found dissimilar impacts among "wet" and "dry" ecosystems, but not among animal trophic levels. Additionally, the impact of invasive plants increased over time, but this did not vary with animal nativity. Our review found that no studies considered resident nativity differences, and most did not identify animals to species. We call for more rigorous studies of invaded community impacts across taxa, and most importantly, explicit consideration of resident biogeographic origin. We provide an important first insight into how native and exotic species respond differently to invasion, the consequences of which may facilitate cascading trophic disruptions further exacerbating global change consequences to ecosystem structure and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the main causes of severe pneumonia, interstitial edema, and emphysema in cattle. The current study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of BRSV in cattle in the Nineveh Province, Iraq. Materials and Methods: Between September 2017 and September 2018, 450 serum samples were collected from nonvaccinated cattle of different ages and breeds for BRSV testing. The epidemiological information of the animals was recorded. The prevalence of the disease was determined using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The prevalence of BRSV was 83.11%, and it was significantly (p<0.05) higher in cattle aged greater than 7 months-1.5 years than in older animals; in imported cattle than in Native animals; and in animals originating from large herds (100 animals) than in those from smaller herds (40 animals). There was no significant difference between BRSV prevalence in male and female animals. When samples from different regions of the Nineveh Governorate were compared, the northern region was associated with the highest prevalence of the disease. Samples harvested in the winter displayed the highest BRSV titer, compared to those collected during the other seasons. Conclusion: BRSV is prevalent in cattle from the Nineveh Governorate. Risk factors such as animal age, origin, herd size, and the herd's geographical location are associated with an increased prevalence of the disease in this region. Routine vaccination programs should be adopted to reduce the prevalence of BRSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of domestic cats in natural areas is considered one of the main reasons for species loss, especially on islands and among native small non-volant mammals, birds and reptiles. However, in this study, we detected values opposite to those expected for species richness, abundance, and diversity among different areas when considering the presence or absence and density of these felines. We also observed that in the evaluated environments, prey availability did not influence consumption of small mammal species. Our results reinforce the theory of domestic cats' behaviour as being opportunistic and generalist predators. In addition, we only recorded the presence of exotic species in the faeces of cats; that is, we did not capture exotic species in the traps. The close relationship between these exotic species and anthropogenic environments indicates that felines are likely hunting in areas close to the homes where they live. Assessing the impact of predation by domestic cats on native fauna is important for the development and implementation of strategic resource management and to minimize long-term impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watershed tree plantations in Morocco are expanding under the National Watershed Management Plan and thus their value for native fauna and agroforestry system dynamics requires investigation. Using generalized linear mixed models, we assessed the relative value of artificial habitats—olive and eucalypt plantations—over four seasonal periods, by comparing their avifauna richness to those of natural habitats—Thuya forests. Bird species richness depended on both habitat type and season. Our results showed that natural Thuya forests supported higher bird diversity than both olive and eucalypt plantations. Moreover, bird diversity was higher in eucalyptus plantations compared to olive plantations during the winter period, while the opposite trend was observed in autumn. A principal component analysis also revealed a significant positive effect of shrub layer complexity (PC1) in all seasons, habitat artificiality (PC3) in spring, breeding season, and autumn, and tree size (PC2) during winter and autumn. Overall, our findings stress that, in our study area, artificial plantations do not have the same ecological value as the original habitat. We therefore advise restoring native forests rather than reforesting eucalypt species. Research programs should continue in order to assess the impact of conservation actions on biodiversity and determine how this agroforestry system would change under the increasingly detrimental effects of drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals communicate with potential mates using species‐specific signals, and pheromones are powerful sexual signals that modify conspecific behavior to facilitate mate location. Among the vertebrates, snakes are especially adept in mate searching via chemical trailing, which is particularly relevant given that many snake species are invasive outside their native ranges. Chemical signals used in mate choice are, thus, potentially valuable tools for management of invasive snake species. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive snake in the Florida Everglades where it is negatively impacting native fauna. In this study, we sought to: (i) determine if males can follow conspecific chemical trails in a Y‐maze; and (ii) describe the mate searching behaviors exhibited by males while trailing. All males consistently followed a single female scent trail in the maze, but when only a male scent trail was present they did not discriminate between the male and blank arms. Rate of tongue‐flicking, a proxy for chemosensory sampling, was also marginally higher when males were following female versus male scent trails. However, when both female and male scent trails were simultaneously present in the Y‐maze, males did not show a preference for the female arm, although the tongue‐flick rate was higher in the female‐only trial compared to female versus male. Analyses of multiple male behaviors individually and using an ethogram revealed that behaviors were more frequent and complex in the female‐only trials compared to male‐only trials. Additional behavioral trials are needed to determine if an effective pheromonal approach to Burmese python management is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-indigenous species are recognised as a significant threat to estuaries as they can negatively impact native fauna and ecosystem functioning. This study compared the abundance and distribution of the introduced gobiid, Acentrogobius pflaumii, with native gobiids in the shallow, nearshore and deeper, offshore waters of the Swan-Canning Estuary over 31 consecutive months and determined the influence of salinity and water temperature on the gobiid assemblage. Eight gobiid species were recorded (six native and two non-indigenous). Each species was present in offshore waters, with five also occurring in nearshore waters. The contribution of A. pflaumii to the gobiid fauna varied markedly between depths, not being recorded in the 1240 samples from nearshore waters, but representing almost half of all gobiids caught in offshore waters. The percentage contribution of this species to the total gobiid abundance declined with distance from the estuary mouth, from 96% in the most downstream region to only 0.4% in the uppermost. The overwhelming contributions of A. pflaumii in the lower estuary, which historically contained few gobiids, indicate that it has successfully exploited an unoccupied niche. Gobiid composition, in both depths, differed mainly among regions, with species partitioning themselves along the longitudinal axis of the estuary. In offshore waters, Favonigobius lateralis and A. pflaumii dominated the lower regions and Arenigobius bifrenatus, Favonigobius punctatus and Pseudogobius olorum the regions further upstream. The distributions of these species are influenced by salinity and, to a lesser extent, temperature. While there is spatial overlap between A. pflaumii and native gobiid species, its preference for deeper, more saline waters may limit the impact of this non-indigenous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment and naturalization of non-native Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) in southwestern US riparian habitats is hypothesized to have negative implications for native flora and fauna. Despite the potential for Russian olive establishment in new riparian habitats, much of its ecology remains unclear. Arid river systems are important stopover sites and breeding grounds for birds, including some endangered species, and understanding how birds use Russian olive habitats has important implications for effective non-native species management. We compared native bird use of sites that varied in the amount of Russian olive and mixed native/non-native vegetation along the San Juan River, UT, USA. From presence/absence surveys conducted in 2016 during the breeding season, we found 1) fewer bird species and functional groups used Russian olive habitats and 2) the composition of species within Russian olive habitats was different from the composition of species in mixed native/non-native habitats. Our results suggest Russian olive may support different bird compositions during the breeding season and as Russian olive continues to naturalize, bird communities may change. Finally, we highlight the paucity of research surrounding Russian olive ecology and stress the need for rigorous studies to improve our understanding of Russian olive ecology. • Fewer bird species and functional groups were detected in Russian olive (RO) habitats than in mixed vegetation sites • Bird species composition in RO habitat was different from that in mixed vegetation sites • RO sites did support native birds, so we recommend removal be coupled with restoration to maintain resources for native fauna [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoration plantings are an increasingly common management technique to address habitat loss in agricultural landscapes. Native fauna, including birds, may occupy planted areas of vegetation. However, unless restoration plantings support breeding populations, their effectiveness as a conservation strategy may be limited. We assessed breeding activity of birds in box-gum grassy woodland restoration plantings in the South-west Slopes bioregion of New South Wales, Australia. We compared breeding activity in plantings of different size (1.3–7.7 ha) and shape (linear and block-shaped) to breeding activity in a set of remnant woodland sites. Contrary to expectations, we found that bird breeding activity was greatest per hectare in small patches. This trend was driven by the superb fairywren – the most abundant species in the woodland assemblage. We also found a negative effect of planting age, with younger plantings supporting more breeding activity per hectare. We found no effect of patch type or shape on breeding activity, and that species' relative abundance was not predictive of their degree of breeding activity. Our results highlight the value of small habitat patches in fragmented agricultural landscapes, and indicate that restoration plantings are as valuable as remnant woodland patches for supporting bird breeding activity. We demonstrate the importance of breeding studies for assessing the conservation value of restoration plantings and other habitat patches for avifauna. • Woodland bird breeding activity higher in smaller than in larger habitat patches • Breeding activity in restoration plantings equivalent to that in remnant patches • Species' relative abundance not predictive of their degree of breeding activity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Polledness has been shown to have autosomal Mendelian inheritance, with the polled locus being dominant to the horned locus. This trait was mapped to the BTA1 centromeric end in several breeds. One of the distinctive attributes of Creole cattle, such as the Argentinean Creole, is the presence of long, lyre‐shaped horns. However, polled native animals were reported before the introduction of modern selected European breeds. Here, we studied the origin of the polled mutation, either independent or introgressed, in a Creole line from the Creole cattle founder group at the IIACS‐INTA Leales Experimental Station (northwest Argentina). The study sample (65 animals: 26 horned and 39 polled) was genotyped using high‐density SNP microarrays and three previously reported genetic markers (P202ID, P80kbID and PG). A genome‐wide association study, selection signatures, linkage disequilibrium analysis and copy number variations were used to detect the responsible region and the segregating haplotypes/alleles. The interval mapped in the Leales herd (1.23–2.13 Mb) overlapped with the region previously reported in several European cattle breeds, suggesting that the same locus could be segregating in this population. The previously reported variants PF and PG were not detected, thus dismissing the Holstein‐Friesian and Nellore origins of the polled phenotype in this native breed. Conversely, the presence of the Celtic variant PC suggests an almost complete co‐segregation. The cluster analysis rejected the hypothesis of recent introgression, which is compatible with the historical record of polled Creole cattle in northwest Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a fragmented landscape, yerba mate and tea are perennial agroecosystems that provide habitat continuity for diverse arthropods. Our objective was to characterize the influence of these two agroecosystems on the native fauna of salticids, measuring the levels of richness, diversity, and density. We hypothesized that the agroecosystems studied do not differ in their capacity to function as reservoirs for the regional fauna of spiders. Each sample comprised suctioning the vegetation in an area of 1 m3 for one minute using a Garden-Vacuum. Twenty-five species of salticids were found. Naubolus posticatus, Chira spinosa, Scopocira histrio and Maeota dichrura were dominant, accounting for more than 20% of the total. Spider densities were similar, 2.21 and 2.47 individuals/m3 in yerba mate and tea. The complexity of the plants was adequate for accommodating several species of salticids. Both crops were also similar in richness and diversity, shared at least 44% of the species, and held more than one fifth of the known richness in the Misiones Atlantic Forest. The discovery of species from an adjacent ecoregion suggests that these crops serve as a reservoir for the fauna and can also act as corridors in the ecotone zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endemic fauna of New Zealand evolved in the absence of mammalian predators and the introduction of the latter has been devastating. There have been numerous avian extinctions and 80% of the extant native avian taxa are currently threatened or at risk of extinction. Declines continue, and a fundamental change in predator management is required. In 2016 came the announcement of the ambitious Predator Free 2050 (PF 2050) programme, which aims to eradicate rats, mustelids, and Brushtail Possums from New Zealand by 2050. This paper reviews some of the many techniques being discussed or developed to implement the programme. Existing techniques are being refined and new tools are being developed. Research on new toxins, including those with potentially higher species specificity, is under way, and novel baits and toxin-delivery devices are being developed. Existing trap designs are being refined, and new self-resetting traps capable of multiple kills have been developed. Research is also under way on new lures and repellents. Eradications may be achieved in stages, and barriers (both natural and artificial) will be needed to protect areas already cleared. Current techniques will probably be inadequate to effect nationwide eradications, and new tools (possibly based on genetic technologies) will probably be required. Regulatory hurdles will need to be overcome, and community consultation and support (social licence) will be required throughout the programme. The use of some new technologies may be contentious, and not every new idea will necessarily be adopted. Technical, social, and organisational challenges exist, and national and international collaboration will be required for PF 2050 to succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-roaming horses are a widespread conservation challenge. Horse use (grazing and related impacts) is largely unmanaged, leading to concerns about its impact on native plant communities and ecosystem function. We synthesized the literature to determine the ecological effects of free-roaming horses in North American rangelands. Largely unmanaged horse use can alter plant community composition, diversity, and structure and can increase bare ground and erosion potential. Free-roaming-horse use has also been linked to negative impacts on native fauna. Horses have repeatedly been shown to limit and even exclude native wildlife's use of water sources. These effects would likely be greatly reduced if the horse populations were better managed, but sociopolitical factors often preclude improved management. Using rigorous ecological research to educate politicians and the general public may facilitate the development of science-based management of free-roaming horses; however, ecological effects may have to become more severe before such changes can be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals adjust the timing of their activity to maximize benefits, such as access to resources, and minimize costs, such as exposure to predators. Despite many examples of invasive plants changing animal behavior, the potential for invasive plants to alter the timing of animal activity remains unexplored. In eastern North America, invasive shrubs might have particularly strong effects on animal activity timing during spring and fall, when many invasive shrubs retain their leaves long after native species' leaves senesce. We experimentally removed an invasive shrub (buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica) and monitored the activity timing of a ubiquitous small-mammal species (white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus) in spring, summer, and fall. We captured nearly 3 times as many P. leucopus in plots invaded by R. cathartica compared with plots with R. cathartica removed, and P. leucopus were captured 2 h earlier in invaded plots. Regardless of invasion treatment, P. leucopus appear to follow a common rule to set activity timing: P. leucopus were only active below a threshold of ground-level moonlight illuminance (0.038 lux). Diel and monthly lunar cycles play an important role in regulating small-mammal activity, but our data suggest that decreased light penetration dampens the influence of moonlight illuminance in habitats invaded by R. cathartica, allowing P. leucopus to remain active throughout the night. By changing the temporal niche of ubiquitous native animals, invasive shrubs may have unappreciated effects on many ecological interactions, including processes that alter community diversity and affect human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas are currently expanding to the detriment of natural areas; small localities seem to preserve better the biodiversity, including the native fauna. This was verified in the case of the terrestrial isopod fauna in a small town from northwestern Romania. Previous data on terrestrial isopods were available from the surrounding natural areas. In the town 16 terrestrial isopod species were identified. The number of species in this town is higher than that in other towns of western Romania or even in the neighboring natural areas. Despite having many common species, the town does not shelter the region's native fauna. Many of the additional species from the town are introduced, but the native species are missing. In the past the region was covered by large wetlands populated by wetland and forest species. The development of the town had destroyed the humid zones, eliminating the native species and leading to the introduction of the nonnatives. Even if the town is located in an area with rich native fauna, it preserves less of this fauna than other towns. The survival of native fauna in a town is not determined only by its size and surroundings, but also by the town's development and its effect on species with different ecological demands. The ecology of the native species is at least as important as the town's characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of research demonstrates the impacts of invasive alien plants on native animals, but few studies consider thermal effects as a driver of the responses of native organisms. As invasive alien plants establish and alter the composition and arrangement of plant communities, the thermal landscapes available to ectotherms also change. Our study reviews the research undertaken to date on the thermal effects of alien plant invasions on native reptiles, amphibians, insects and arachnids. The 37 studies published between 1970 and early 2019 portray an overall detrimental effect of invasive plants on thermal landscapes, ectothermic individuals' performance and species abundance, diversity and composition. With a case study of a lizard species, we illustrate the use of thermal ecology tools in plant invasion research and test the generality of alien plant effects: changes in thermoregulation behaviour in invaded landscapes varied depending on the level of invasion and lizard traits. Together, the literature review and case study show that thermal effects of alien plants on ectotherms can be substantial albeit context-dependent. Further research should cover multiple combinations of native/invasive plant growth forms, invasion stages and ectotherm traits. More attention is also needed to test causality along the chain of effects from thermal landscapes to individuals, populations and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predator perception studies generally only regard adults. However, it is necessary to also understand children perceptions in order to achieve more effective long term conservation and environmental educational strategies, since many of them will be the future resource managers. We analyze perceptions of the jaguar amongst children (n = 89) between 8 and 12 years old, in the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve (SMBR) and its influence zone (ZI). To understand their perceptions, we organized workshops, using open-ended questions, to be answered with drawings: What animals live in the forest? Which dangerous animals live in the forest? What do jaguars look like and what do they eat? In all questions, we specified that we referred to animals close to their community. Apparently collective apprehension influences, which animals are perceived as part of the environment. Our results suggest that the jaguar is not conceived as part of the (direct) environment, but is conceived as dangerous animal in the area. Snakes are most mentioned as part of the environment; at the same time, they are perceived as the most dangerous. In the dangerous animal drawings, there were 72 mentions of no native animals. In all cases, more than half of the children knew the basic shape of a jaguar. Overall in the SMBR, most children drew cattle as the main food staple for the jaguar, representing one of the human-jaguar conflicts. Half of children drew deer as jaguar diet in the SMBR and one third in the ZI. A considerable number of children included humans in the jaguar diet in both zones. We conclude that it is necessary to develop strategies to change the negative perceptions of the jaguar. As such, it is important to generate educational material and carry out educational campaigns that highlight the ecological importance of the jaguar, and emphasizing those livestock management actions to reduce predation and the disappearance of false beliefs; which include jaguar as a people eater. In summary, is important to generate greater empathy with the jaguar, and clarify misconceptions that may affect the long-term survival of the jaguar in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many intermittent streams, remnant pools persist after flow ceases and provide refuge for aquatic organisms able to tolerate stagnant water conditions. The conservation value of these pools may be greatly under‐appreciated, especially in regions with a Mediterranean climate, where perennial streams have been substantially modified or disturbed by human activities.Fish, amphibians, aquatic reptiles, and aquatic invertebrates were sampled from 15 remnant pools and three seeps at Coyote Creek, California, USA, in the late summer of 2014, during the height of the most intense drought that California has experienced in 500 years. Patterns of vertebrate and invertebrate species richness and community composition were compared with abiotic factors (e.g. water quality and habitat size).Thirteen vertebrate species and 172 invertebrate taxa were identified from remnant pools and seeps. Overall vertebrate richness and composition were not correlated with abiotic factors, but fish species richness increased with remnant pool size and depth. Invertebrate taxon richness increased with pool size. Invertebrate community composition differed by habitat type (pool versus seep) and gradients in composition were correlated with several abiotic factors (e.g. pool size, substrate, and canopy cover).Remnant pools at Coyote Creek supported a full assemblage of native fishes and numerous imperilled taxa, including California red‐legged frogs and California floater mussels. Nearly all native fishes and imperilled taxa are absent from artificially perennial and urbanized reaches of Coyote Creek just a few kilometres downstream of the study area.Remnant pools in intermittent streams should be a focus of conservation efforts in regions with a Mediterranean climate, especially during extreme droughts. Native fauna adapted to harsh intermittent flow regimes can thrive in these habitats, whereas non‐native taxa may fare poorly. Furthermore, remnant pools supported by deep groundwater sources, such as those along geological faults, may provide both ecological refuge and evolutionary refugia for freshwater biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species have impacted biodiversity all around the world. Among various ecosystems, islands are most vulnerable to these impacts due to their high ratio of endemism, highly specialized adaptation, and isolated and unique fauna. As with other subtropical islands, Taiwan faces Conant risk of biological invasions and is currently ranked as one of the countries most affected by invasive amphibians and reptiles. In this paper, a comprehensive checklist of all known exotic amphibians and reptiles is provided, including twelve species which have successfully colonized Taiwan and six species with a controversial status. We provide an update on the knowledge of all these species including their distribution, colonization history, threats to native animals, and population trends based on literature records, fauna surveys, and data collected during invasive species eradication and control programs. A list of species with high invasive potentials is also provided. This study reports, for the first time, a comprehensive survey of invasive herpetofauna in Taiwan, which should provide a valuable reference to other regions which might suffer from similar invasion risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of nymphs of the introduced pentastomid parasite Linguatula serrata is verified in a native Australian animal, the red-necked wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus), for the first time. Morphological and genetic analyses confirmed the species identification, with a 100% genetic match to samples collected from various introduced animals from the same location in Kosciuszko National Park. Previous reports of pentastomids, including possible Linguatula sp. infections, in native animals are discussed. More research is required to confirm the validity of these reports. Linguatula serrata is an introduced pentastomid parasite that infects a wide range of introduced and feral hosts. This paper provides the first verified report of L. serrata nymphs in a native Australian animal, the red-necked wallaby, from areas adjacent to Kosciuszko National Park. The need for more research on parasites of Australian wildlife is discussed. Photos of whole parasite and hook: D. Barton; SEM: M. Porter; dog eating carcass: T. Rowley [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive non-native parakeet populations are increasing throughout Europe with proved negative impact on native fauna and Turkey is no exception. Rose-ringed and Alexandrine parakeets have established populations in Turkey’s large cities but even basic distribution, abundance and breeding behaviour information is missing. This study aims at determining the breeding status and identifying the nest characteristics of Rose-ringed and Alexandrine parakeets in Istanbul’s city parks. The study is carried out in 9 city parks during one breeding season. Data on the presence of breeding parakeet species, their nest characteristics and characteristic of suitable cavities on non-nesting trees were collected. Both species were recorded breeding sympatrically in 5 out of 9 city parks with probable breeding in one more park. When nesting, both species preferred high trees with high diameter but Rose-ringed parakeet nests were placed lower than those of Alexandrine parakeet’s. Plane (Platanus sp.) species were the most used as a nesting tree for both species. This study reveals the first systematic observations on the breeding Rose-ringed and Alexandrine parakeet populations in Istanbul and serves as a basis for further detailed research on both species in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic diversity of the Opiliones fauna of Canada is reviewed and summarised. At present, 36 native and seven non-native species have been documented in Canada using traditional morphological taxonomy, although more than 20 species may remain undiscovered based on species diversity in the adjacent United States and evidence from DNA barcoding. Consequently, the native fauna is yet to be fully explored and the number, distribution and ecological effects of non-native species remain unclear. Until the 1960s, work on the Canadian Opiliones fauna was largely conducted by researchers based outside the country. From that time on, several Canadian workers became active. However, these taxonomists have now retired and no one has assumed their role. Thus, there is a need to invigorate taxonomic research on the harvestmen of Canada and for the production of easy-to-use identification tools for use by non-taxonomists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Despite its wide distribution worldwide, only 4.6% of temperate grasslands are included within systems of protected areas. In Argentina, this situation is even more alarming: only 1.05% is protected. The study area (central area of the southern Salado River basin) has a large extent of grasslands of Paspalum quadrifarium (Pq) which has been target since the middle of the last century of a variety of agricultural management practices including fire burning for cattle grazing. Methods. Five binary images of presence-absence data of Pq from a 42-year range (1974 2016) derived from a land cover change study were used as base data. Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), Morphological Change Detection (MCD) and Network Connectivity Analysis (NCA) were performed to the data using Guidos Toolbox (GTB) for the estimation of habitat and connectivity dynamics of the Pq patches (fragments). Results. A loss of the coverage area and habitat nuclei of this grassland was observed during the study period, with some temporal oscillation but no recovery to initial states. Additional drastic reduction in connectivity was also evident in resulting maps. The number of large Pq grassland fragments (>50 ha) decreased at beginning of the study period. Also, fragmentation measured as number of components (patches) was higher at the end of the study period. The Pq pajonal nuclei had their minimum representativeness in 2000, and recovered slightly in area in 2011, but with a significant percentage increase of smaller patches (Dislets) and linear elements as bridges and branches. Large corridors (mainly edge of roads) could be observed at the end of the study period, while the total connectivity of the landscape pattern drops continuously. Statistics of links shows mean values decreasing from 1974 to 2016. On the other hand, maximum values of links decreased up to 19% in 2011, and recovered to a 54% of their original value in 2016. Discussion. Pq fragmentation and habitat reduction could have an impact on the ecosystem functioning and the mobility of some species of native fauna. The connecting elements of the landscape were maintained and/or recovered in percentage in 2011 and 2016. This fact, although favoring the dispersion of the present diversity in the habitat nuclei could cause degradation by an edge effect. Part of the area has the potential to be taken as an area of research and as an example of livestock management, since it is the one that would most preserve the biodiversity of the Pq environment. On the methodological side, the use of a proved tool as GTB is useful for monitoring dynamics of a grassland-habitat fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified habitats often pose challenges to native fauna. Red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) successfully inhabits territory of the cities. However research on quite abundant red squirrel populations in urban parks of Lithuania was lacking. The investigation was carried out in two city parks (area of Giruliai park 152 ha, Pasakų park forest - 31 ha) in Vilnius, Lithuania. Both areas were mainly coniferous, dominated with pine (Pinus sylvestris). Drey (N = 415) counts were done in February and March 2014-2016. Dreys were found in eight tree species. The red squirrels' dreys were mainly built in most widespread tree species: pine (84.8% of all dreys) and birch (8.1%). Most of the found dreys were built on the side branches at the stem (47.7%). 21.8% of the dreys were built on the branches further from the stem, 18.5% on the top branches and 12% in the stem fork-off. Most of the dreys were set in the southern exposition (33.9%). Average number of red squirrels in both parks in 2014-2016 was 0.20±0.01 squirrels/ha, the average number of dreys - 0.75±0.05 dreys/ha. The population of urban red squirrels in Vilnius city parks can be regarded as stable and having medium abundance, which is supported by supplementary feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduced (or exotic) species are any taxa living outside their native range. The ecological impact of these species is highly variable although many have altered, at the ecosystem level, biological communities and their native fauna. Millipeds (Diplopoda) are known to have arrived into many nonnative sites via potted plants and compost from greenhouses. Here, we provide a summary of the introduced millipeds of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new species Mesoplophora (Mesoplophora) parainvisitata sp. nov. from the Palm house of Praha is described. In 30 of soil and litter from the Palm houses in Berlin, Praha, Brest and Minsk, 13 species of ptyctimous mites were found. Five of them are widely distributed, one is holarctic, four are semicosmopolitan and eight of them are exotic species. Among the exotic species one is newly described, one is oriental, one is Neotropical and five are pantropical species. Generally, it was established that more than half of the species come from the country of the plant origin, while the rest are probably native fauna to the soil added to the introduced plants. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:31638FCF-FE3E-4E17-8783-175491915860 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]