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International Journal of Antimicrobial... Jun 2024Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global health challenge. However, the significance of AMR is not limited to humans and domestic animals but...
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global health challenge. However, the significance of AMR is not limited to humans and domestic animals but extends to wildlife and the environment. Based on the analysis of more than 200 peer-reviewed papers, this review provides comprehensive and current insights into the detection of clinically significant antimicrobial resistant bacteria and resistance genes in wild mammals, birds and reptiles worldwide. The review also examines the overlooked roles of wildlife in AMR emergence and transmission. In wildlife, AMR is potentially driven by anthropogenic activity, agricultural and environmental factors, as well as natural evolution. This review highlights the significance of AMR surveillance in wildlife, identifies species and geographic foci and gaps, and finally demonstrates the value of multifaceted One Health strategies if we are to curtail further escalation of AMR globally.
PubMed: 38906487
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107251 -
PloS One 2024Anthropogenic pressures threaten biodiversity, necessitating conservation actions founded on robust ecological models. However, prevailing models inadequately capture...
Anthropogenic pressures threaten biodiversity, necessitating conservation actions founded on robust ecological models. However, prevailing models inadequately capture the spatiotemporal variation in environmental pressures faced by species with high mobility or complex life histories, as data are often aggregated across species' life histories or spatial distributions. We highlight the limitations of static models for dynamic species and incorporate life history variation and spatial distributions for species and stressors into a trait-based vulnerability and impact model. We use green sea turtles in the Greater Caribbean Region to demonstrate how vulnerability and anthropogenic impact for a dynamic species change across four life stages. By incorporating life stages into a trait-based vulnerability model, we observed life stage-specific vulnerabilities that were otherwise unnoticed when using an aggregated trait value set. Early life stages were more vulnerable to some stressors, such as inorganic pollution or marine heat waves, and less vulnerable to others, such as bycatch. Incorporating spatial distributions of stressors and life stages revealed impacts differ for each life stage across spatial areas, emphasizing the importance of stage-specific conservation measures. Our approach showcases the importance of incorporating dynamic processes into ecological models and will enable better and more targeted conservation actions for species with complex life histories and high mobility.
Topics: Animals; Turtles; Biodiversity; Conservation of Natural Resources; Caribbean Region; Models, Biological; Life History Traits; Life Cycle Stages; Ecosystem
PubMed: 38905300
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305950 -
PloS One 2024Predicting and explaining species occurrence using environmental characteristics is essential for nature conservation and management. Species distribution models...
BACKGROUND
Predicting and explaining species occurrence using environmental characteristics is essential for nature conservation and management. Species distribution models consider species occurrence as the dependent variable and environmental conditions as the independent variables. Suitable conditions are estimated based on a sample of species observations, where one assumes that the underlying environmental conditions are known. This is not always the case, as environmental variables at broad spatial scales are regularly extrapolated from point-referenced data. However, treating the predicted environmental conditions as accurate surveys of independent variables at a specific point does not take into account their uncertainty.
METHODS
We present a joint hierarchical Bayesian model where models for the environmental variables, rather than a set of predicted values, are input to the species distribution model. All models are fitted together based only on point-referenced observations, which results in a correct propagation of uncertainty. We use 50 plant species representative of the Dutch flora in natural areas with 8 soil condition predictors taken during field visits in the Netherlands as a case study. We compare the proposed model to the standard approach by studying the difference in associations, predicted maps, and cross-validated accuracy.
FINDINGS
We find that there are differences between the two approaches in the estimated association between soil conditions and species occurrence (correlation 0.64-0.84), but the predicted maps are quite similar (correlation 0.82-1.00). The differences are more pronounced in the rarer species. The cross-validated accuracy is substantially better for 5 species out of the 50, and the species can also help to predict the soil characteristics. The estimated associations tend to have a smaller magnitude with more certainty.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggests that the standard model is often sufficient for prediction, but effort should be taken to develop models which take the uncertainty in the independent variables into account for interpretation.
Topics: Bayes Theorem; Soil; Plants; Ecosystem; Netherlands; Models, Biological; Conservation of Natural Resources; Environment
PubMed: 38905294
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304942 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2024The karyotype of an organism is the set of gross features that characterize the way the genome is packaged into separate chromosomes. It has been known for decades that...
The karyotype of an organism is the set of gross features that characterize the way the genome is packaged into separate chromosomes. It has been known for decades that different taxonomic groups often have distinct karyotypic features, but whether selective forces act to maintain these differences over evolutionary timescales is an open question. In this paper we analyze a database of karyotype features and sperm head morphology in 103 mammal species with spatulate sperm heads and 90 sauropsid species (birds and non-avian reptiles) with vermiform heads. We find that mammal species with a larger head area have more chromosomes, while sauropsid species with longer heads have a wider range of chromosome lengths. These results remain significant after controlling for genome size, so sperm head morphology is the relevant variable. This suggest that post-copulatory sexual selection, by acting on sperm head shape, can influence genome architecture.
PubMed: 38903758
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1396530 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The study of consistent between-individual behavioural variation in single (animal personality) and across two or more behavioural traits (behavioural syndrome) is a...
The study of consistent between-individual behavioural variation in single (animal personality) and across two or more behavioural traits (behavioural syndrome) is a central topic of behavioural ecology. Besides behavioural type (individual mean behaviour), behavioural predictability (environment-independent within-individual behavioural variation) is now also seen as an important component of individual behavioural strategy. Research focus is still on the 'Big Five' traits (activity, exploration, risk-taking, sociability and aggression), but another prime candidate to integrate to the personality framework is behavioural thermoregulation in small-bodied poikilotherms. Here, we found animal personality in thermoregulatory strategy (selected body temperature, voluntary thermal maximum, setpoint range) and 'classic' behavioural traits (activity, sheltering, risk-taking) in common lizards (Zootoca vivipara). Individual state did not explain the between-individual variation. There was a positive behavioural type-behavioural predictability correlation in selected body temperature. Besides an activity-risk-taking syndrome, we also found a risk-taking-selected body temperature syndrome. Our results suggest that animal personality and behavioural syndrome are present in common lizards, both including thermoregulatory and 'classic' behavioural traits, and selecting high body temperature with high predictability is part of the risk-prone behavioural strategy. We propose that thermoregulatory behaviour should be considered with equal weight to the 'classic' traits in animal personality studies of poikilotherms employing active behavioural thermoregulation.
Topics: Animals; Lizards; Body Temperature Regulation; Behavior, Animal; Personality; Male; Female
PubMed: 38902323
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64305-z -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Before the rise of dinosaurs and pterosaurs, pseudosuchians-reptiles from the crocodilian lineage-dominated the Triassic land ecosystems. This lineage diversified into...
Before the rise of dinosaurs and pterosaurs, pseudosuchians-reptiles from the crocodilian lineage-dominated the Triassic land ecosystems. This lineage diversified into several less inclusive clades, resulting in a wide ecomorphological diversity during the Middle and Late Triassic. Some giant pseudosuchians occupied the top of the trophic webs, while others developed extensive bony armor as a defense mechanism, which later evolved as a convergence in the avemetatarsalian lineage. On the other hand, there were groups like the Gracilisuchidae, which was composed of carnivorous forms with lightweight build and less than 1 m in length. The fossil record of gracilisuchids is geographically restricted to China and Argentina, with one ambiguous record from Brazil. In the present study, the first unambiguous gracilisuchid from Brazil is described. Parvosuchus aurelioi gen. et sp. nov. comes from the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone of the Santa Maria Formation, which is associated with the Ladinian-Carnian boundary. Composed of a complete cranium, vertebrae, pelvic girdle and hindlimbs, the new species nests with Gracilisuchus stipanicicorum and Maehary bonapartei in a phylogenetic analysis. Its discovery fills a taxonomic gap in Brazilian pseudosuchian fauna and reveals the smallest known member of this clade from the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone, highlighting the diversity of pseudosuchians during the moment that preceded the dawn of dinosaurs.
Topics: Animals; Fossils; Brazil; Phylogeny; Dinosaurs; Biological Evolution; Reptiles; Predatory Behavior; Skull
PubMed: 38902259
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63313-3 -
Comparative Medicine Jun 2024Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan species of the genus and transmitted by female mosquitos of the genus and other Culicidae. Most of the parasites of...
Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan species of the genus and transmitted by female mosquitos of the genus and other Culicidae. Most of the parasites of the genus are highly species specific with more than 200 species described affecting different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. species strictly affecting humans are , , , and More recently, and other nonhuman primate plasmodia were found to naturally infect humans. Currently, malaria occurs mostly in poor tropical and subtropical areas of the world, and in many of these countries it is the leading cause of illness and death. For more than 100 y, animal models, have played a major role in our understanding of malaria biology. Avian species were the first to be used as models to study human malaria. Malaria parasite biology and immunity were first studied using mainly and . Rodent malarias, particularly and , have been used extensively as models to study malaria in mammals. Several species of from nonhuman primates have been used as surrogate models to study human malaria immunology, pathogenesis, candidate vaccines, and treatments. , , and are important models for studying malaria produced by and , while is used as a model for studying severe malaria. Other nonhuman primate malarias used in research are , , , , and . Very few nonhuman primate species can develop an infection with human malarias. Macaques in general are resistant to infection with , , , and . Only apes and a few species of New World monkeys can support infection with human malarias. Herein we review the most common, and some less common, avian, reptile, and mammal plasmodia species used as models to study human malaria.
PubMed: 38902006
DOI: 10.30802/AALAS-CM-24-000019 -
ELife Jun 2024Comprehensive biodiversity data is crucial for ecosystem protection. The mobile app, launched in Japan, efficiently gathers species observations from the public using...
Comprehensive biodiversity data is crucial for ecosystem protection. The mobile app, launched in Japan, efficiently gathers species observations from the public using species identification algorithms and gamification elements. The app has amassed >6 million observations since 2019. Nonetheless, community-sourced data may exhibit spatial and taxonomic biases. Species distribution models (SDMs) estimate species distribution while accommodating such bias. Here, we investigated the quality of data and its impact on SDM performance. Species identification accuracy exceeds 95% for birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, but seed plants, molluscs, and fishes scored below 90%. Our SDMs for 132 terrestrial plants and animals across Japan revealed that incorporating data into traditional survey data improved accuracy. For endangered species, traditional survey data required >2000 records for accurate models (Boyce index ≥ 0.9), while blending the two data sources reduced this to around 300. The uniform coverage of urban-natural gradients by data, compared to traditional data biased towards natural areas, may explain this improvement. Combining multiple data sources better estimates species distributions, aiding in protected area designation and ecosystem service assessment. Establishing a platform for accumulating community-sourced distribution data will contribute to conserving and monitoring natural ecosystems.
Topics: Biodiversity; Animals; Smartphone; Japan; Conservation of Natural Resources; Mobile Applications; Ecosystem; Plants
PubMed: 38899444
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.93694 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024The aim of our study was to measure fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations in captive and free-ranging male and female mountain gazelles () during their...
INTRODUCTION
The aim of our study was to measure fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations in captive and free-ranging male and female mountain gazelles () during their circannual cycle. In addition, FGM concentrations were used to track the intensity of the adrenocortical response in mountain gazelles during the same period.
METHODS
Fecal samples were collected from the ground in the Hatay Mountain Gazelle Wildlife Development Area in the Hatay Province of Türkiye (36°32' N, 36°32' E) in each season of the year (December, April, July, September). The sex of the animals was determined by detecting the gene of the Y chromosome in DNA isolated from the fecal samples. FGM was extracted from dried fecal samples with methanol, and its concentration was measured using a previously partially validated ELISA.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results indicate that season is the most important factor explaining the variability in FGM concentrations in mountain gazelles. In animals of both sexes, the highest concentrations of FGM were observed in September. The values were significantly higher in the captive population, perhaps due to unpredictable stress. In July, FGM concentrations were low in both populations. As a result of the overall analysis across seasons, the comparison of FGM concentrations between captive and free-ranging animals revealed higher concentrations in captive animals only in September but not in other seasons, although higher concentrations have been previously reported for several wild captive species. Due to predation risk, the presence of offspring can be considered a critical point in the biological cycle for the welfare of free-ranging mountain gazelles, as suggested by the higher FGM concentrations in the free-ranging population in July. The high number of visitors could be a challenge for mountain gazelles in captivity, as indicated by higher FGM concentrations during September. Sex had no effect on the FGM concentrations of either population.
PubMed: 38898996
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1386009 -
Journal of Thermal Biology Jun 2024In ectothermic vertebrates, behavioral fever, where an individual actively seeks warmer areas, seems to be a primary response to pathogens. This is considered a broad... (Review)
Review
In ectothermic vertebrates, behavioral fever, where an individual actively seeks warmer areas, seems to be a primary response to pathogens. This is considered a broad and evolutionarily conserved response among vertebrates. Recent population declines in amphibians are associated with an increase of infectious disease driven largely by climate change, habitat degradation, and pollution. Immediate action through research is required to better understand and inform conservation efforts. The literature available, does not provide unifying concepts that can guide adequate experimental protocols and interpretation of data, especially when studying animals in the field. The aim of this review is to promote common understanding of terminology and facilitating improved comprehension and application of key concepts about the occurrence of both sickness behavior or behavioral fever in ectothermic vertebrates. We start with a conceptual synthesis of sickness behavior and behavioral fever, with examples in different taxa. Through this discussion we present possible paths to standardize terminology, starting from original use in endothermic tetrapods which was expanded to ectothermic vertebrates, particularly amphibians and reptiles. This conceptual expansion from humans (endothermic vertebrates) and then to ectothermic counterparts, gravitates around the concept of 'normality'. Thus, following this discussion, we highlight caveats with experimental protocols and state the need of a reference value considered normal (RVCN), which is different from experimental control and make recommendations regarding experimental procedures and stress the value of detailed documentation of behavioral responses. We also propose some future directions that could enhance interaction among disciplines, emphasizing relationships at different levels of biological organization. This is crucial given the increasing convergence of fields such as thermal physiology, immunology, and animal behavior due to emerging diseases and other global crises impacting biodiversity.
PubMed: 38897001
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103889