scholarly journals Spatiotemporal patterns of wolf, mesocarnivores and prey in a Mediterranean area

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Rossa ◽  
Sandro Lovari ◽  
Francesco Ferretti
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Behavioural Interactions ◽  
Temporal Overlap

Abstract Spatial and temporal occurrence can mediate behavioural interactions between apex predators, mesocarnivores and herbivores. Predators should adapt their activity to that of prey, whereas predator avoidance would be expected to influence activity patterns and space use of prey and smaller competitors. We evaluated interspecific spatiotemporal relationships in a prey-rich community including an apex predator (the wolf), three wild ungulates and several smaller herbivores/mesocarnivores, through camera trapping. All considered species (i.e. wolves and potential prey/smaller competitors: wild boar, fallow deer, roe deer, crested porcupine, red fox and European badger) were active especially at night and/or twilight. Among wild ungulates, the wolf showed the greatest temporal overlap with the wild boar and the lowest one with the least abundant and used of them, i.e. the roe deer. The main prey (i.e. the fallow deer) showed more diurnal activity and a lower temporal overlap with the predator in sites with high wolf activity than in low-activity ones. Among mesocarnivores, the red fox showed extensive temporal overlap with the wolf: the overlap between the two canids was greater in sites intensively used by this apex predator than in sites with low wolf activity, supporting a concurrent study which suggested a potential for facilitative—rather than competitive—interactions. Spatiotemporal relationships suggest complex interactions between the apex predator, prey and smaller carnivores, for which a substantial temporal or spatial association was often supported. Significance statement There is a growing interest in the influence of apex predators on ecosystems through their effects on the behaviour of prey and smaller carnivores, especially in the light of the ongoing recovery of large carnivores in temperate areas. Predators should synchronise their activity to that of prey; conversely, prey and smaller carnivores would be expected to avoid predators. In a rich community including the wolf, three wild ungulates and several mesomammals, we detected (i) a substantial temporal overlap between wolves and wild boar, porcupines and mesocarnivores; (ii) a negative temporal association between the predator and its main prey (i.e. the fallow deer) and (iii) a great temporal overlap between the wolf and the red fox. We provide a baseline to evaluate temporal changes of predator-prey-mesocarnivore behavioural interactions along with variations of carnivore-prey densities.

Recolonizing wolves and opportunistic foxes: interference or facilitation?

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 196-210
Author(s):  
Francesco Ferretti ◽  
Giada Pacini ◽  
Irene Belardi ◽  
Bouke ten Cate ◽  
Marco Sensi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Habits ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Additional Food ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Carnivore Species

Abstract The mechanisms of interactions among carnivore species range from facilitation (mainly through increased availability of prey carcasses) to competition. We assessed the potential for facilitative/competitive interactions between the two most widespread carnivores in the world, the wolf and the red fox, in a prey-rich area recently recolonized by the apex predator. One could expect that the superior competitor would ecologically suppress the inferior one, leading to avoidance of the former by the latter. In a Mediterranean coastal area (2017–2018), we assessed spatiotemporal and dietary interspecific overlap and investigated whether the recovery of wolves affected food habits of foxes. Spatiotemporal overlap was extensive (0.84–0.89). Wild ungulates were the staple of the wolf diet (~88–90%); foxes used mainly invertebrates and fruits (~78%), with ungulates being a substantial food category (13% of diet; 66% of occurrences among vertebrate prey). Interspecific dietary overlap was low (0.23), but extensive (0.89) for vertebrate prey. In comparison to a preceding wolf-free period, the volume and occurrence of large mammals in the diet of foxes showed a 2.8- to 3.5-fold increase. Apparently, foxes did not avoid wolves, which provided additional food to the foxes as prey leftovers. In a rich community, the presence of wolves may increase the food spectrum of foxes. Temporal variation of facilitation vs. competition should be assessed in relationship to spatiotemporal changes of predator–prey numbers.

scholarly journals 190 A PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN FIBROBLASTS FROM WILD ANIMALS

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.N. Caamaño ◽  
M. Hermsen ◽  
J. Marcos ◽  
A. Meana ◽  
C. Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Skin Fibroblasts ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Grey Wolf ◽  
Striped Dolphin ◽  
Pyrenean Chamois

The number of wild animals threatened or at risk of extinction constantly increases and, as a result, biodiversity decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to set in motion proceedings to preserve the genetic variability and to overcome factors leading to this situation. Banks of cryopreserved cells, such as skin fibroblasts, from wild animals could be used both for genetic studies and as a cell source for technologies able to reproduce individuals. In this study we report that a single basic protocol provides a method for obtaining, culturing, and cryopreserving skin fibroblasts from a wide range of wild animals. Skin biopsies were taken in Cantabria (Spain) from live, anesthetized brown bear (Ursus arctos, n = 4), and in Asturias (Spain) from carcasses of accidentally killed individuals from the following species: grey wolf (Canis lupus, n = 1), red fox (Vulpes vulpes, n = 1), eurasian badger (Meles meles, n = 1), ermine (Mustela erminea, n = 1), fallow deer (Dama dama, n = 7), pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica, n = 1), western roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, n = 1), wild boar (Sus scrofa, n = 1), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba, n = 1) and one avian species, capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus, n = 1). Once obtained and transported to the laboratory, all samples were processed identically. Tissue samples were manually cut into small pieces and enzymatically digested with 0.05% trypsin-EDTA (Sigma-Aldrich, Madrid, Spain) for 30 min, and then with collagenase (300 units/mL) (Sigma) for 14 h at 38°C. Disaggregated cells were centrifuged at 1600 rpm for 10 min and the pellet was diluted with D-MEM (Sigma) containing 10% FBS. Cells were counted and a minimum of 3 × 105 cells were placed in a 25 cm2 flask for culture under 5% CO2 in air and high humidity at 37°C (red fox, badger, ermine, western roe deer) or 38°C (brown bear, grey wolf, fallow deer, pyrenean chamois, wild boar, striped dolphin, capercaillie). Confluent fibroblast monolayers were obtained after 5–7 days in culture except for the striped dolphin whose sample was contaminated. Two to three passages were performed using 75 cm2 flasks before freezing fibroblasts in D-MEM containing 10% DMSO (Sigma) and 10% FBS. Total cell yield from a confluent flask was 5–11 × 106 cells, depending on the animal species. Fibroblasts recovered from all thawed samples grew to confluence, and karyotypes were performed at this step. It was possible to obtain, culture, freeze, and thaw skin fibroblasts successfully from all the above-mentioned land species. Although more research is needed, preliminary data suggest that the above-described procedure can be applied to mammals and birds, thus helping to preserve genetic material of wild animals. Grant Support: Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Ordenación del Territorios e Infraestructuras, Asturias, SPAIN. The authors acknowledge CEPESMA, Luarca, Asturias, SPAIN.

scholarly journals Polychlorinated biphenyl toxicity in the thyroid gland of wild ungulates: an in vitro model

2020 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-162
Author(s):  
Ehdaa Eltayeb Eltigani Abdelsalam ◽  
Hana Banďouchová ◽  
Tomáš Heger ◽  
Miroslava Kaňová ◽  
Kateřina Kobelková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polychlorinated Biphenyl ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Iodide Uptake ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Test Species

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are carcinogens causing endocrine disruption. While production of PCBs is now banned, wildlife exposure still occurs due to environmental contamination. We investigated thyroid toxicity in wild ungulates using three-dimensional primary thyrocyte cultures exposed to PCB 138 for 24, 48, and 72 h at concentrations ranging within 0–3000 ng/ml. Thyrocyte viability ranged within 78.71–118.34%, 98.14–104.45%, and 84.16–106.70% in fallow deer-, mouflon-, and roe deer-derived cells, respectively. Viability decreased significantly in fallow deer (P = 0.012) and roe deer (P = 0.002) thyrocytes exposed for 48 h at 30 ng/ml. While cytotoxicity ranged within 2.36–16.37%, 3.19–9.85%, and 2.76–11.21% in fallow deer, mouflon, and roe deer, respectively, only roe deer displayed significantly higher cytotoxicity at a 3 ng/ml exposure (P < 0.05) and lower cytotoxicity at 30 ng/ml (P < 0.01). Exposure to 30 ng/ml for 24 and 48 h induced reactive oxygen species in fallow deer. Iodide uptake at 30 ng/ml exposure increased after 24 h in fallow and roe deer, but showed a significant drop after 48 and 72 h in fallow deer, mouflon, and roe deer. Thyroxine T4 release at 30 ng/ml exposure decreased significantly after 48 and 72 h; 24, 48 and 72 h; and 48 h in fallow deer, mouflon, and roe deer, respectively. Our findings indicate time- and species-dependent effects of PCB on performance and thyrocyte function. Use of cell culture models reduces the number of experimental specimens, increases test species welfare and replaces whole organisms with specific target cells.

scholarly journals Wild ungulates in Jordan: past, present, and forthcoming opportunities

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 19338-19351
Author(s):  
Ehab Eid ◽  
David Mallon
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Equus Hemionus ◽  
Wild Ass ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Arabian Oryx

Twelve species of ungulates are reported from the wild in Jordan. Three of these, Addax nasomaculatus (Addax), Bos primigenius (Aurochs), and Cervus elaphus (Red Deer) are known only from archaeological excavations. Dama mesopotamica (Mesopotamian Fallow Deer), Oryx leucoryx (Arabian Oryx) and Equus hemionus hemippus (Syrian Wild Ass) have been regionally extirpated in the wild. A semi-captive population of Persian Onager (E. h. hemionus) is held in Shumari Wildlife Reserve. The Arabian Oryx is also managed in semi-captive conditions in two reserves. Except the commonly occurring Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), other surviving ungulate species continue to be under serious threat. Gazella gazella (Palestinian Mountain Gazelle), Capreolus capreolus (European Roe Deer), Gazella marica (Arabian Sand Gazelle), and Gazella dorcas (Dorcas Gazelle) are Critically Endangered, and Capra nubiana (Nubian Ibex) is Endangered in the region. This paper provides a review of the historical and current status of wild ungulates in Jordan, listing the threats and conservation measures and provides recommendations for management and conservation in the future.

scholarly journals Human–Wildlife Conflicts in Krakow City, Southern Poland

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1014
Author(s):  
Sayantani M. Basak ◽  
Izabela A. Wierzbowska ◽  
Agnieszka Gajda ◽  
Marcin Czarnoleski ◽  
Maciej Lesiak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Hot Spots ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Spatial Association ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Potential Conflict

Efforts to reduce human-wildlife-conflict are integral to wildlife management and conservation in urban habitats. In our study, we identified the HWC situations in urban areas of Krakow city, based on animal-vehicle collisions, intrusion to property, and damages. Hot spot analysis and Moran’s Index were used to identify the location of maximum potential conflict. We analysed 2512 incidents in which animals (of which 85% included mammals and 15% birds) were involved in conflict situations between 2007 and 2013. A significant seasonal variation was observed among the animals. We also identified roe deer (50.23%), red fox (22.80%) and wild boar (11.40%), as the three prominent conflicted animals. Getis–Ord Gi* analysis was used to identify spatial clusters of conflict. A significant spatial association was found in the location of clusters of hot spots in specific land-use based on Moran’s Index. Hot spots of roe deer and wild boar were high in grasslands and in forest and for red fox in built-up area. The results underscore the notion that conservation and wildlife management efforts must take into account differences in the seasonality of HWC among species. This information can be used to inform mitigation strategies.

scholarly journals Mesopredators change temporal activity in response to a recolonizing apex predator

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 1324-1335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn R Shores ◽  
Justin A Dellinger ◽  
Eric S Newkirk ◽  
Shannon M Kachel ◽  
Aaron J Wirsing
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Gray Wolf ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Anthropogenic Landscapes ◽  
Mediated Effects ◽  
Top Predators ◽  
Temporal Overlap

Abstract Apex predators can influence ecosystems through density and behaviorally mediated effects on herbivores and mesopredators. In many parts of the world, apex predators live in, or are returning to, landscapes that have been modified by people; so, it is important to understand their ecological role in anthropogenic landscapes. We used motion-activated game cameras to compare the activity patterns of humans and 2 mesopredators, coyotes (Canis latrans) and bobcats (Lynx rufus), in areas with and without an apex predator, the gray wolf (Canis lupus), in a multiuse landscape of the northwestern United States. In areas with wolves, there was a significant increase in temporal niche overlap between the mesopredators owing to higher levels of coyote activity at all time periods of the day. Temporal overlap between mesopredators and humans also increased significantly in the presence of wolves. Coyotes exposed to wolves increased their activity during dawn, day, and dusk hours. The increase in coyote activity was greatest during the day, when wolves were least active. The direction of change in bobcat activity in areas with wolves was opposite to coyotes, suggesting a behaviorally mediated cascade between wolves, coyotes, and bobcats, although these findings would need to be confirmed with further research. Our findings suggest that mesopredators in human-dominated systems may perceive humans as less dangerous than apex predators, that humans may be more likely to encounter mesopredators in areas occupied by top predators, and that behaviorally mediated effects of apex predators on mesopredators persist in human-dominated landscapes.

scholarly journals PCR-RFLP identification of meat from red deer, sika deer, roe deer, fallow deer, mouflon, wild boar, hare and cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela Nesvadbová ◽  
Gabriela Bořilová ◽  
Radka Hulánková
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Sika Deer ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Lepus Europaeus ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Processed Meat ◽  
Food Of Animal Origin ◽  
Pcr Rflp

Meat authentication is currently a key topic in relation to the quality and safety of food of animal origin at all levels of production and the global distribution chain. New polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) based on digestion of PCR products with two restriction enzymes, MboII and AciI, have been developed for the specific identification of raw and heat-processed meat from red deer (Cervus elaphus), sika deer (Cervus nippon), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), mouflon (Ovis musimon), wild boar (Sus scrofa), hare (Lepus europaeus) and cattle (Bos taurus). The PCR primers were targeted in a well-conserved region of the cytochrome b (CYTB) gene to amplify a 378 bp region of all the analysed species. This simple, rapid and cost-effective method is suitable for identification of the meat of game species and their possible substitution by beef.

scholarly journals The Wily and Courageous Red Fox: Behavioural Analysis of a Mesopredator at Resource Points Shared by an Apex Predator

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eamonn Wooster ◽  
Arian D. Wallach ◽  
Daniel Ramp
Keyword(s):  
Red Fox ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Social Stability ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Behavioural Analysis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Remote Camera ◽  
Ethological Study

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a widespread and ecologically significant terrestrial mesopredator, that has expanded its range with human globalisation. Despite this, we know relatively little about their behaviour under the wide range of ecological conditions they experience, particularly how they navigate the risk of encounters with apex predators. We conducted the first ethological study of foxes outside their historic native range, in Australia, where both the foxes and their main predator were protected from human hunting. Using remote camera traps, we recorded foxes visiting key resource points regularly utilised by territorial dingoes (Canis dingo), their local apex predator, in the Painted Desert, South Australia. We constructed an ethogram sensitive to a range of behaviours and attitudes. Since foxes are suppressed by dingoes, we expected that the foxes would primarily be in a cautious state. In contrast, we found that foxes were in a confident state most of the time. Where human hunting is absent, social stability of predators may increase predictability and therefore decrease fear.

scholarly journals Zoohygienic and economic aspects of construction and operation of the average complex for the conservation of wild haves

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-40
Author(s):  
V. O. Pepko ◽  
T. A. Velesik ◽  
R. M. Sachuk ◽  
Yu. M. Mandigra ◽  
S. V. Zhigalyuk
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Capital Investments ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Literary Sources ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Village ◽  
Cost Of Construction

The formation and development of a market-based management system for hunting in Ukraine require fundamentally new approaches to the organization of business management. The practical implementation of any commercial project is significantly complicated without a previously developed zoo-hygienically and economically sound business plan. The purpose of the study was to improve measures for the organization and operation of the aviary complex for the maintenance and breeding of wild ungulates. The work used sanitary-hygienic methods of scientific research, in addition applied theoretical analysis of scientific literary sources, synthesis, generalization, comparison, concretization. According to the results of the research on the basis of zoohygienic norms and economic calculations, the project of organization and development of the aviation complex “Hunting farm “Polisske-Sarny” is located near the village. Terrible of Sarnensky District on the lands of the State Forest Fund of Strashevsky Forestry of SE Sarnenskoye Forestry. The area of the enclosure is 146.7 ha, which is divided into 4 contours to hold the fallow deer, red deer, wild boar and European mouflon. Proposed measures for construction and operation of the aviary complex for keeping wild ungulates (fallow deer and mouflon European, as well as wild boar and red deer), owned by the Polisske-Sarny Hunting Enterprise. The total amount of capital investments for the creation of a cage for the maintenance of wild animals, including the cost of construction, purchase of livestock breeders is from 1337.1 thousand UAH. Due to the sale of animals to other farms, you can receive from 280–320 thousand UAH income per year. Taking into account the initial investments for the establishment of the aviary complex, the payback period is 3 years.

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