scholarly journals Ex situ co culturing of the sea urchin, Mespilia globulus and the coral Acropora millepora enhances early post-settlement survivorship

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Craggs ◽  
James Guest ◽  
Mark Bulling ◽  
Michael Sweet
Keyword(s):  
Sea Urchins ◽  
Benthic Algae ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Acropora Millepora ◽  
Reef Restoration ◽  
Limited Food ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Density Treatment

Abstract Reef restoration efforts, utilising sexual coral propagation need up-scaling to have ecologically meaningful impact. Post-settlement survival bottlenecks, in part due to competitive benthic algae interactions should be addressed, to improve productivity for these initiatives. Sea urchins are keystone grazers in reef ecosystems, yet feeding behaviour of adults causes physical damage and mortality to developing coral spat. To investigate if microherbivory can be utilised for co-culture, we quantitatively assessed how varying densities of juvenile sea urchins Mespilia globulus (Linnaeus, 1758), reared alongside the coral Acropora millepora (Ehrenberg, 1834) effected survival and growth of coral recruits. Spawning of both species were induced ex situ. A comparison of A. millepora spat reared in three M. globulus densities (low 16.67 m−2, medium 37.50 m−2, high 75.00 m−2) and a non-grazed control indicated coral survival is significantly influenced by grazing activity (p < 0.001) and was highest in the highest density treatment (39.65 ± 10.88%, mean ± s.d). Urchin grazing also significantly (p < 0.001) influenced coral size (compared to non-grazing control), with colonies in the medium and high-densities growing the largest (21.13 ± 1.02 mm & 20.80 ± 0.82, mean ± s.e.m). Increased urchin density did however have a negative influence on urchin growth, a result of limited food availability.

Coral husbandry for ocean futures: leveraging abiotic factors to increase survivorship, growth, and resilience in juvenile Montipora capitata

2021 ◽  
Vol 657 ◽  
pp. 123-133
Author(s):  
JR Hancock ◽  
AR Barrows ◽  
TC Roome ◽  
AS Huffmyer ◽  
SB Matsuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Larval Rearing ◽  
Abiotic Conditions ◽  
Montipora Capitata ◽  
Reef Restoration ◽  
Juvenile Corals ◽  
Bleaching Response ◽  
The Face ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Global And Local

Reef restoration via direct outplanting of sexually propagated juvenile corals is a key strategy in preserving coral reef ecosystem function in the face of global and local stressors (e.g. ocean warming). To advance our capacity to scale and maximize the efficiency of restoration initiatives, we examined how abiotic conditions (i.e. larval rearing temperature, substrate condition, light intensity, and flow rate) interact to enhance post-settlement survival and growth of sexually propagated juvenile Montipora capitata. Larvae were reared at 3 temperatures (high: 28.9°C, ambient: 27.2°C, low: 24.5°C) for 72 h during larval development, and were subsequently settled on aragonite plugs conditioned in seawater (1 or 10 wk) and raised in different light and flow regimes. These juvenile corals underwent a natural bleaching event in Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i (USA), in summer 2019, allowing us to opportunistically measure bleaching response in addition to survivorship and growth. This study demonstrates how leveraging light and flow can increase the survivorship and growth of juvenile M. capitata. In contrast, larval preconditioning and substrate conditioning had little overall effect on survivorship, growth, or bleaching response. Importantly, there was no optimal combination of abiotic conditions that maximized survival and growth in addition to bleaching tolerances. This study highlights the ability to tailor sexual reproduction for specific restoration goals by addressing knowledge gaps and incorporating practices that could improve resilience in propagated stocks.

scholarly journals Grazing Effects of Fish versus Sea Urchins on Turf Algae and Coral Recruits: Possible Implications for Coral Reef Resilience and Restoration

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leor Korzen ◽  
Alvaro Israel ◽  
Avigdor Abelson
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Sea Urchins ◽  
Benthic Algae ◽  
Herbivorous Fish ◽  
Grazing Impact ◽  
Turf Algae ◽  
Coral Reef Resilience ◽  
Drastic Increase ◽  
The Impact

Herbivory is an important structuring factor in coral reefs, influencing seaweed abundance, competitive interactions between seaweeds and corals, and coral reef resilience. Despite reports of a drastic increase in the cover of benthic algae and turf dominancy in the coral reefs of Eilat, Red Sea, very little is known about the factors responsible for this phenomenon or the possible effects of herbivory on turf algae and coral recruits. Here, we examine the effects of herbivory by experimentally exposing turf algae and coral recruits to grazing activities of herbivorous fish and sea urchins. Using remote video cameras to document removal of algae and coral spats, we show that the main grazing impact is due to daily grazing by fishes, whereas the significant impact of sea urchins is mainly expressed in their adverse effect on the survival of coral recruits, with a relatively low effect on algal biomass. These findings contribute to our understanding of the factors influencing turf algae establishment and proliferation, and the survival of coral recruits on the coral reefs of Eilat. The clear differences between the impact of herbivorous fish and that of sea urchins, on the Eilat reefs, have critical implications for reef resilience and restoration measures.

scholarly journals Ecology and demography of the Critically Endangered Kandian torrent toadAdenomus kandianus: a long-lost endemic species of Sri Lanka

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 619-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suranjan Karunarathna ◽  
Sujan Henkanaththegedara ◽  
Dinesh Gabadage ◽  
Madhava Botejue ◽  
Majintha Madawala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Population Monitoring ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Management Actions

AbstractThe tropical island nation of Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot with a high diversity and endemism of amphibians. The endemic, stream-dwelling Kandian torrent toadAdenomus kandianusis Critically Endangered and was considered to be extinct until its rediscovery in 2012. The species is now known from two localities in tropical montane forests. We conducted a 4-year study using transect surveys and opportunistic excursions to assess habitat associations, demographics and abundance ofA. kandianusin and around Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest. We recorded a mean of 44.25 post-metamorphs per year, with a density of < 1 individual per 100 m2, with occurrence within a narrow extent (c. 0.005 km2) of the stream channel. Behaviour and microhabitat selection varied depending on sex and stage of maturity. The species preferred moderately sized montane streams with rocky substrates and woody debris, colder temperatures, and closed-canopy, intact riparian forests. We noted size-based reversed sexual dimorphism and a strong ontogenetic relationship between snout–vent length and body weight. Anthropogenic activities such as intensive crop farming deterred the species; proximity to croplands had a negative influence on abundance. We recommend re-delineation of the boundary of Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest to incorporate the toad's habitat into the core of the reserve and thus limit the impacts of human activities. Conservation and management actions such as ex-situ breeding, population monitoring, and restoration of degraded habitats could also contribute towards the persistence of this toad. Our findings provide useful insights into ecological research on and conservation of range-restricted aquatic amphibians.

scholarly journals Prospective Study on the Excretion of Mucous Stools and its Association with Age, Gender, and Feces Output in Captive Giant Pandas

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 264
Author(s):  
Zixiang Li ◽  
Xuefeng Liu ◽  
Juan Zhao ◽  
Yanhui Liu ◽  
Haihong Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
High Fiber ◽  
Fecal Output ◽  
Seasonal Factors ◽  
The Mean

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) has evolved a large number of mucous glands in the intestinal lining to adapt to the digestion of high-fiber foods. However, in captive pandas, excessive mucus might form a mass and then be eliminated, which is often accompanied by discomfort and decreased activity. This event is called ‘mucous excretion’. The causes of mucus excretions in captive pandas, however, remain unknown. The aims of this study were to document the occurrence of mucus excretion and to investigate its possible associations with pandas’ age, gender, and feces output. Eighteen giant pandas were studied at the Beijing Zoo from April 2003 to June 2017, and a total of 900 occurrences of mucous excretion and 32,856 daily defecation outputs in weight were recorded. The likelihood of mucous excretion occurrence decreased by 11.34% for each 1 kg of fecal output (Z = −4.12, p < 0.0001), while it increased by 5.89% per year of age (Z = 4.02, p < 0.0001). However, individual differences in gender had no significant effect on the mucous occurrence (Z = −0.75, p = 0.4508). A monthly change in mucus occurrence was also found. The mean frequency of mucus occurrence was significantly higher in October. In August, time (month) change showed the biggest negative influence on feces output but the biggest positive influence on mucus excretion (seasonal factors were −2.261 and 0.0126, respectively). Our results documented the occurrence of mucous excretions and confirmed their possible associations with the pandas’ age and fecal output based on a 15-year prospective study. This study not only adds to our knowledge of panda physiology but also suggests the need for further studies examining the causes of the excretion of mucous stools in captive pandas. Reducing the incidence of mucous excretion would promote ex situ conservation and enhance panda welfare.

Effect of Overhead Spray and Brush Roller Treatment on the Survival of Pectobacterium and Salmonella on Tomato Surfaces

2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALINA N. BALAGUERO ◽  
ASWATHY SREEDHARAN ◽  
KEITH R. SCHNEIDER
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Plant Pathogen ◽  
Tomato Fruit ◽  
Soft Rot ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Tomato Quality ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Salmonella Survival

Overhead spray and brush roller (OSBR) treatment has been shown to remove significantly more Salmonella from tomato surfaces than flume treatment. However, OSBR is not widely used in tomato packing facilities compared with other commodities, and little is known about whether brushing causes microabrasions or other physical damage. Bacteria such as Pectobacterium, a soft rot–producing plant pathogen, and Salmonella, a human pathogen, show increased survival and growth on damaged tomato surfaces. This study evaluated whether OSBR treatment had a negative effect on the safety and/or marketability of tomatoes by examining its effect on Pectobacterium and Salmonella survival. Pectobacterium survival was evaluated on inoculated tomatoes that were OSBR treated with water or sanitizer (100 ppm of NaOCl, 5 ppm of ClO2, or 80 ppm of peracetic acid). A 15-s OSBR treatment using water or sanitizer achieved a 3-log CFU/ml reduction in Pectobacterium levels. Survival of Pectobacterium and Salmonella on OSBR-treated, untreated, and puncture-wounded tomatoes stored at 25°C and 75 to 85% relative humidity for 7 days was also assessed. Both Pectobacterium and Salmonella populations declined rapidly on OSBR-treated and untreated tomatoes, indicating that brushing does not damage tomato fruit to the extent of promoting better pathogen survival. In contrast, the survival of both organisms was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher on artificially wounded fruit. These results indicate that OSBR treatment does not increase the survival and growth of Pectobacterium or Salmonella on tomato surfaces and that it is effective in reducing Pectobacterium levels on the surface of inoculated tomatoes. These results suggest that, if used properly, an OSBR system in packinghouses is effective in removing surface contamination and does not affect tomato quality or safety.

Survival and regeneration of dormant silver birch buds stored at super-low temperatures

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena Ryynänen
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Nitrogen ◽  
Silver Birch ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Gene Conservation ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Ideal Method ◽  
Cooling Velocity ◽  
Female Catkin ◽  
Normal Laboratory

Cryopreservation was developed for the storage of in vivo buds of silver birch (Betulapendula Roth). The principles of the optimized method were the use of buds already acclimated in nature and slow freezing with a cooling velocity of 10 °C/h down to a terminal temperature of −38 °C. After 24 h at this temperature the buds were immersed in liquid nitrogen at − 196 °C for 8 days, 6 months, or 12 months. After fast thawing, 5 min in a water bath at 37 °C, the buds were surface sterilized and cultured according to the normal laboratory routine. The buds were examined after 2 and 4 weeks of cultivation. There were no significant differences in survival and growth between the unfrozen controls and buds stored in liquid nitrogen for different times. The growth percentage of buds without a female catkin was double that of buds with a catkin. These results indicate that cryopreservation would be an ideal method for the ex situ gene conservation of birch and retention of the juvenility of adult genotypes.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF STOCK DENSITY OF GOLDEN-MOUTH TURBAN (Turbo chysostomus, L.) ON THEIR SURVIVAL AND GROWTH UNDER AIR WATER LIFT SYSTEM

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 289-297
Author(s):  
M.S. Hamzah
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Shell Height ◽  
Mouth Opening ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Food Absorption ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Similar Growth ◽  
Density Treatment

Golden-mouth turban (Turbo chrysostumus, L.) belongs to the phylum of molluscs that inhabits coral reef ecosystem in group. Golden-mouth turban normally uses algae for their food. Study on survival and growth of the juvenile golden-mouth turban focussing on different density under air water lift sys-tem is still limited. This study was conducted on 7 January – 6 May,  2015, in a laboratory to observe the effect of different density on the survival and growth of golden-mouth turban under air water lift system. Based on the analyses of variance (ANOVA), there was no significant different (P>0.05) on mortality rate for different stock density treatment (5 ind., 10 ind., 15 ind., and 20 ind. each in 10 liter water volume). However, based on growth rate, the density of 5 individuals produced the highest monthly growth rate of 1.88 mm/month of shell height, 1.18 mm/month of mouth opening, and 1.1 gr/month of wet weight with the highest daily mean food absorption of 91.55 %. For all treatment, the correlation of shell height and wet body weight exhibited a similar growth pattrern i.e., allometry minor (b<3). Ketwords: Survival, growth, golden-mouth turban (Turbo chrysostumus), stocking density, air water lift system.

scholarly journals Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Rare Zamia spp. in Organic and Inorganic Substrates: Advancing Ex Situ Conservation Horticulture

HortScience ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 679-683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Calonje ◽  
Chad Husby ◽  
Michael Calonje
Keyword(s):  
Germination Rate ◽  
Leaf Length ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Silica Sand ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Inorganic Substrates ◽  
Early Seedling ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Propagation Methods ◽  
Germination And Growth

Improved propagation methods greatly benefit conservation of rare cycads. Appropriate substrate conditions, especially excellent root aeration, are crucial to successful cultivation of most cycads. Typical cycad substrates include substantial portions of organic materials that will decompose over time, reducing drainage and increasing water retention. In this study, two inorganic substrates, arcillite (Turface® MVP®) and coarse silica sand, and one mixed cycad substrate (with organic and inorganic components) were evaluated for germination and growth of three rare Zamia species: Z. fairchildiana L.D. Gómez, Z. cunaria Dressler & D.W. Stev., and Z. aff. portoricensis Urb. over a period of 14 months from seed sowing. Substrate type affected leaves per seedling and leaf length. These factors also varied by species as did taproot length and germination rate. There were also significant interactions between substrate and species for caudex diameter and leaf variables, likely reflecting ecological differences among the species, two of which are from rainforest habitats and one from dry forest. All three substrates performed adequately for germination, survival, and growth of Zamia. Turface® and possibly the silica sand likely require additional watering to improve their performance as cycad substrates.

scholarly journals Effects of Different Diet Types on Growth and Survival of White-Clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in Hatcheries

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jen Nightingale ◽  
Gareth Jones ◽  
Gráinne McCabe ◽  
Paul Stebbing
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Live Food ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
High Survival ◽  
Optimal Diet ◽  
Agar Gel ◽  
Austropotamobius Pallipes ◽  
Survival And Growth

Developing an optimal diet for rearing endangered white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes is important for captive breeding success prior to wild release. Four ex situ, 40-day experiments assessed survival and growth of crayfish fed different treatment diets. Two experiments (A and B) were undertaken with hatchlings, to determine if live food was an essential dietary component during the first few weeks after hatching. The second set of experiments (C and D) were undertaken with juvenile (60-day-old) A. pallipes, to determine an optimal diet after the initial critical feeding stage. In experiment A, we fed hatchlings: i) live Artemia nauplii + plankton (Live + P); ii) decapsulated Artemia cysts + plankton (Cyst + P) or iii) decapsulated Artemia cysts + plankton encapsulated in agar gel (Gel + CP). Survival and growth was significantly greater with Live + P than with the other two diets. In experiment B we compared Live + P with commercially available feeds by feeding hatchlings: i) live Artemia nauplii + Australian pellet (Live + Aus); ii) live Artemia nauplii plus New Zealand pellet (Live + NZ); iii) live Artemia nauplii + plankton (Live + P); or (iv) practical Spanish crayfish pellet diet (Spain). Under these experimental conditions crayfish survival was significantly higher with Live + P diet than with Live + Aus or Spain. Growth was also significantly greater with Live + P than with the Live + NZ or Spanish treatment diets. In experiment C, 60-day-old juvenile A. pallipes were fed: i) defrosted plankton plus vegetables (Standard) or (ii) defrosted plankton plus vegetables encapsulated in agar gel (Gel + PV). Survival was not significantly different between the diets; however, growth was significantly greater with the Standard diet rather than Gel + PV. In experiment D, juveniles were fed four different diets: i) Australian pellet (Australia); ii) New Zealand pellet (New Zealand); iii) plankton and vegetables (Standard); or iv) practical Spanish diet (Spain). Survival was significantly lower in crayfish fed the New Zealand diet. Crayfish growth was significantly greater with the Standard diet of plankton and vegetables than all three pellet diets. Our results showed that live food is optimal for high survival and growth in A. pallipes hatchlings and a plankton, plus vegetable, diet produces higher growth in juveniles compared to pellet diets.

scholarly journals Investigating sea urchin densities critical to macroalgal control on degraded coral reefs

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Jan-Claas Dajka ◽  
Victoria Beasley ◽  
Gilberte Gendron ◽  
Nicholas AJ Graham
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Sea Urchin ◽  
Sea Urchins ◽  
Patch Reef ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Macroalgal Cover ◽  
Current Densities ◽  
Tropical Sea ◽  
Density Treatment ◽  
Modelling Approach

Summary There is an assumption that tropical sea urchins are macroalgal grazers with the ability to control macroalgal expansion on degraded coral reefs. We surveyed abundances of Echinothrix calamaris, an urchin species common in the western Indian Ocean on 21 reefs of the inner Seychelles and predicted their density using habitat predictors in a modelling approach. Urchin densities were greatest on patch reef habitat types and declined with increasing macroalgal cover. Next, we experimentally investigated the macroalgae-urchin relationship by penning two sea urchin densities on macroalgal fields. Over six weeks, the highest density treatment (4.44 urchins m−2) cleared 13% of macroalgal cover. This moderate impact leads us to conclude that controlling macroalgal expansion is not likely to be one of the main functions of E. calamaris in the inner Seychelles given the current densities we found in our surveys (mean: 0.02 urchins m−2, maximum: 0.16 urchins m−2).

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