scholarly journals Factors influencing genotyping success and genotyping error rate of Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) faeces collected in temperate Central Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia Sittenthaler ◽  
Eva Maria Schöll ◽  
Christoph Leeb ◽  
Elisabeth Haring ◽  
Rosemarie Parz-Gollner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influential Factors ◽  
Lutra Lutra ◽  
Sample Treatment ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Allelic Dropout ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Eurasian Otter ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Elusive Species

AbstractThe use of non-invasively collected DNA source material for genetic and genomic applications is usually characterized by low target DNA concentration and quality, genotyping errors and cost-intensive lab procedures. However, for otters (Lutrinae) as elusive species of conservation concern, genetic non-invasive sampling has become an important tool to study their ecology and demography. To increase cost-efficiency of monitoring programmes and to promote the expansion of genomic approaches to non-invasive samples, we aimed to refine sample collection and preparation. Therefore, we examined the effects of intrinsic sample characteristics (including diet), environmental conditions in the field and sample treatment in the molecular laboratory on the success of genotyping and allelic dropout (ADO) rates using microsatellite markers in 1970 fresh Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) scats. Using fresh samples only, we probably eliminated one of the most important impediments of genotyping DNA from otter faecal samples beforehand. But, we observed higher genotyping success and lower ADO rates for anal glad secretions and faecal samples containing high proportions of mucus. Moist conditions during sample collection may promote DNA degradation and PCR inhibition, leading to decreased genotyping success rates. ADO was further affected by the type of extraction kit. However, a high proportion of variance remaining unexplained by our models implied that additional parameters were acting (amount of PCR inhibitors, non-uniform distribution of intestinal cells, efficiency of PCRs, specific microclimate at marking sites). We summarized influential factors maximizing genotyping quality of otter scats and give recommendations for sample collection, storage and DNA extraction based on our results and current literature.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Genetic Mark-Recapture as a Means to Study Population Sizes and Marking Behaviour of the Elusive Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. e0125684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Lampa ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Mihoub ◽  
Bernd Gruber ◽  
Reinhard Klenke ◽  
Klaus Henle
Keyword(s):  
Lutra Lutra ◽  
Mark Recapture ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Eurasian Otter ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Marking Behaviour

Non-invasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity in European badgers (Meles meles) and effects of sample collection and storage on faecal cortisol metabolite concentrations

2012 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Barja ◽  
Gema Escribano-Ávila ◽  
Carlos Lara-Romero ◽  
Emilio Virgós ◽  
Javier Benito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Lapse ◽  
Meles Meles ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Adrenocortical Activity ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
European Badgers ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Cortisol Metabolites

Due to the increasing demand for methods to quantify adrenal activity in response to stressors in wild animals, we evaluated whether stimulation with adrenocorticopic hormone (ACTH) increases faecal cortisol metabolite levels in European badgers. We also conducted several experiments to evaluate the effect of storage time and collection methods on cortisol metabolite levels of faecal samples. Faecal samples were collected from five captive European badgers (Meles meles) and cortisol metabolites were quantified by an enzyme immunoassay. Faecal cortisol metabolite levels increased 1-2 days after ACTH injection and dropped to pre-treatment levels 3 days after ACTH stimulation. We found that cortisol metabolite levels were not affected by the 8-hour time lapse from collection in the field until freezing of faecal samples, environmental exposure (temperature 25.66 ± 2.55°C; range 21.20-32.20) or mean relative humidity 62.77 ± 9.90% (range 42.00-79.00). Cortisol metabolites were not homogenously distributed in the scats. Cortisol metabolite levels were significantly lower when faecal extracts and samples were frozen for long periods of time (14 weeks or more). Thus, the measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites is a suitable method for the non-invasive evaluation of adrenocortical activity in European badgers. However, some aspects related to the collection and storage of faecal samples should be considered in future studies conducted with this species.

The measurement of glucocorticoid concentrations in the serum and faeces of captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana) after ACTH stimulation : research communication

2000 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
S.K. Stead ◽  
D.G.A. Meltzer ◽  
R. Palme
Keyword(s):  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
African Elephants ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Cortisol Metabolites

Conventionally, the assessment of adrenal responses to stress relies on blood sample collection. However, blood collection from animals is impossible without restraint or immobilisation that influences results. This study was undertaken to validate recently established enzyme immunoassays that measure faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in elephants, and to perform a preliminary investigation into the biological relevance of this non-invasive method for use in assessing the degree of stress in this species. Four juvenile African elephants were injected i.m. with 2.15 mg synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (Synacthén, Novartis, Switzerland). Blood and faecal samples were collected over 4 h and 7 d respectively. Concentrations of serum cortisol and faecal cortisol metabolites were determined using immunoassay. Variability of basal and peak values in blood and faeces was observed among the elephants. After ACTH injection, serum cortisol concentrations increased by 400-700 %. An 11-oxoaetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) proved best suited to measure cortisol metabolites (11,17-dioxoandrostanes) when compared to a cortisol and corticosterone EIA in faecal samples. Concentrations of faecal 11,17-dioxoandrostanes increased by 570-1070 %, reaching peak levels after 20.0-25.5 h. Greater levels of glucocorticoid metabolites were measured in faecal samples from elephants kept in small enclosures compared to levels in the faeces of animals ranging over a larger area. The results of this preliminary study suggest that non-invasive faecal monitoring of glucocorticoid metabolites is useful in investigating adrenal activity in African elephants.

scholarly journals Genetic and viability assessment of a reintroduced Eurasian otter Lutra lutra population on the River Ticino, Italy

Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Alessandro Balestrieri ◽  
Luca Gianfranceschi ◽  
Francesca Verduci ◽  
Emanuele Gatti ◽  
Pietro Boggioni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Population ◽  
Lutra Lutra ◽  
Founder Population ◽  
Viability Assessment ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Eurasian Otter ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Genetic Pool

Abstract On the River Ticino in northern Italy, a small number of captive Eurasian otters Lutra lutra, belonging to the European breeding programme for self-sustaining captive populations, were reintroduced in 1997, after the species had been declared locally extinct in the 1980s. We surveyed for otter signs in 2008, 2010, 2016–2017 and 2018, confirming the presence of what is probably a small population. To assess the abundance and viability of the population, we genotyped fresh spraints collected during the last two surveys, using 11 microsatellite markers, and modelled the population trend using Vortex. A minimum of six individuals were identified from 25 faecal samples. The analysis of mitochondrial DNA determined that the reintroduced otters share a transversion that is characteristic of the Asiatic subspecies Lutra lutra barang, confirming the contribution of the Asiatic subspecies to the genetic pool of the captive-bred founder population. Population size was consistent with the release of three pairs of otters and all models implied that the number of founders was too small to ensure the long-term survival of the population. Stochastic factors are therefore likely to threaten the success of this reintroduction.

Helminth parasites of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra in southwest Europe

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Torres ◽  
C. Feliu ◽  
J. Fernández-Morán ◽  
J. Ruíz-Olmo ◽  
R. Rosoux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Helminth Fauna ◽  
Helminth Species ◽  
Lutra Lutra ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Eurasian Otter ◽  
Concentration Method ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Third Stage ◽  
First Time

AbstractThe helminth fauna in 109 Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra L.) from France, Portugal and Spain was analysed, together with 56 faecal samples collected in Portugal and 23 fresh stools from otters included in a reintroduction programme. Seven helminth species were found in L. lutra in southwest Europe: Phagicola sp. (Trematoda), Aonchotheca putorii, Eucoleus schvalovoj, Strongyloides lutrae, Anisakis (third stage larvae) and Dirofilaria immitis (Nematoda), and Gigantorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala). Eucoleus schvalovoj was the dominant species throughout southwest Europe. Strongyloides lutrae was significantly more prevalent in the Iberian Peninsula than in France. Apart from these two dominant nematodes and A. putorii, the other helminth species were incidental parasites of L. lutra in southwest Europe. The helminth fauna of L. lutra in southwest Europe is, in general, poorer than that reported in eastern Europe and in all other aquatic mustelids in southwest Europe. Phagicola specimens are reported for the first time in a non-marine wild carnivore in Europe. The prevalences of E. schvalovoj and S. lutrae obtained by necropsy were higher than those observed by coprological analysis using a formalin-ether concentration method (Ritchie). Nevertheless, the culture of fresh faeces appears to be the best method to study infection of L. lutra by Strongyloides.

Pulmonary hair embolism in a rescued free-ranging Eurasian otter Lutra lutra in Kinmen, Taiwan

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 ◽  
pp. 55-61
Author(s):  
WT Li ◽  
YL Chiang ◽  
TY Chen ◽  
CL Lai
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Body ◽  
Traumatic Injury ◽  
Lung Parenchyma ◽  
Giant Cells ◽  
Hair Shaft ◽  
Lutra Lutra ◽  
Lung Lobe ◽  
Eurasian Otter ◽  
Foreign Body Giant Cells ◽  
Free Ranging

Eurasian otters Lutra lutra are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and are imperiled by habitat loss, water pollution, and poaching. Harassment and attacks by stray animals are also recognized threats to the health of wild Eurasian otters. Pulmonary hair embolism is a possible complication in animals with deep traumatic injury, but to date no cases have been reported in wildlife. A free-ranging, adult male Eurasian otter was rescued due to severe emaciation and multiple bite wounds. The otter died 3 d after rescue and was necropsied. Grossly, a 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm firm nodule was observed in the left cranial lung lobe. Histologically, a fragment of hair shaft surrounded by multinucleated foreign body giant cells was observed in a medium-sized vein, and extensive eosinophilic infiltration was noted in the adjacent vascular wall and lung parenchyma. Based on the gross and histological findings, the pulmonary lesion was consistent with eosinophilic pneumonia and vasculitis induced by hair embolism. The presence of well-formed multinucleated foreign body giant cells and eosinophils may imply a late stage of foreign body reaction, and thus the presumptive source of hair embolism is an animal bite. This is the first report of pulmonary hair embolism associated with animal bite in a rescued free-ranging Eurasian otter.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Molecular Survey of Sarcoptic Mange in Wildlife: Diagnostic Performance in Wolf Faecal Samples Evaluated by Multi-Event Capture–Recapture Models

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
Julieta Rousseau ◽  
Mónia Nakamura ◽  
Helena Rio-Maior ◽  
Francisco Álvares ◽  
Rémi Choquet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Detection ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
Sarcoptic Mange ◽  
Diagnostic Specificity ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Event Capture

Sarcoptic mange is globally enzootic, and non-invasive methods with high diagnostic specificity for its surveillance in wildlife are lacking. We describe the molecular detection of Sarcoptes scabiei in non-invasively collected faecal samples, targeting the 16S rDNA gene. We applied this method to 843 Iberian wolf Canis lupus signatus faecal samples collected in north-western Portugal (2006–2018). We further integrated this with serological data (61 samples from wolf and 20 from red fox Vulpes vulpes, 1997–2019) in multi-event capture–recapture models. The mean predicted prevalence by the molecular analysis of wolf faecal samples from 2006–2018 was 7.2% (CI95 5.0–9.4%; range: 2.6–11.7%), highest in 2009. The mean predicted seroprevalence in wolves was 24.5% (CI95 18.5–30.6%; range: 13.0–55.0%), peaking in 2006–2009. Multi-event capture–recapture models estimated 100% diagnostic specificity and moderate diagnostic sensitivity (30.0%, CI95 14.0–53.0%) for the molecular method. Mange-infected individually identified wolves showed a tendency for higher mortality versus uninfected wolves (ΔMortality 0.150, CI95 −0.165–0.458). Long-term serology data highlights the endemicity of sarcoptic mange in wild canids but uncovers multi-year epidemics. This study developed and evaluated a novel method for surveying sarcoptic mange in wildlife populations by the molecular detection of S. scabiei in faecal samples, which stands out for its high specificity and non-invasive character.

Distribution and diet of recovering Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) along the natural-to-urban habitat gradient (river Segura, SE Spain)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ettore Emanuele Dettori ◽  
Alessandro Balestrieri ◽  
Victor Manuel Zapata-Perez ◽  
Daniel Bruno ◽  
Nuria Rubio-Saura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Habitat ◽  
Lutra Lutra ◽  
Se Spain ◽  
Eurasian Otter ◽  
Habitat Gradient

scholarly journals Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) diet as an early indicator of recovery in defaunated river communities

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 ◽  
pp. 106547
Author(s):  
Marta Narváez ◽  
Sonia Cabezas ◽  
Francisco Blanco-Garrido ◽  
Raquel Baos ◽  
Miguel Clavero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lutra Lutra ◽  
Early Indicator ◽  
Eurasian Otter ◽  
River Communities
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