scholarly journals Influence of Bison bonasus on flora and vegetation change in Krasnikovsky forestry of “Orlovskoe Polesie” national park

2021 ◽  
Vol 265 ◽  
pp. 01018
Author(s):  
L.L. Kiseleva ◽  
Zh.G. Silaeva ◽  
N.N. Chaadaeva ◽  
E.A. Parakhina
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Vegetation Change ◽  
European Bison ◽  
Bison Bonasus ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Pasture Digression ◽  
Feeding Station ◽  
Ecological Scale ◽  
Solonetzic Soil ◽  
Weak Influence

The purpose of the study is to reveal the influence of European bison (Bison bonasus) on flora and vegetation change in Krasnikovsky forestry of “Orlovskoe Polesie” national park. In August-September of 2019, floristic and geobotanical studies of flora and vegetation were carried out at self-feeding stations, in the locations of salt licks, as well as in the bisons’ passage points in Krasnikovsky forestry of “Orlovskoe Polesie” national park. There were identified 142 species of vascular plants of 9 phytocenotic formations according to G. Zozulin’s classification: nemoral, birch forest, helobious grass, alder, boreal-willow, boreal forest, pine forest, meadow and anthropogenic. The number of phytocenotic groups and the percentage of species in each of them varied. A direct relationship was established between the time of self-feeding stations formation and the participation of non-forest species in the corresponding phytocenoses: the earlier self-feeding station was formed, the higher the participation percentage in the coen of non-forest species. When assessing geobotanical descriptions according to the Ramensky’s pasture digression ecological scale it was revealed that the greatest digression degree is observed in the locations of self-feeding stations: from a moderate influence of grazing (semi-pasture stage, 5 points) to a weak influence of grazing (hay stage, 4.5 points). In places adjacent to feeding self-feeding stations, or bisons’ passages, a weak influence of grazing was noted, a haying stage (3.7-4.0 points). In the places solonetzic soil locations, the influence of grazing does not affect (2 points) or there is a weak influence of grazing, haying stage (3-4 points).

scholarly journals New data on the genetic diversity of European bison Bison bonasus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Belarus

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (19) ◽  
pp. 45-53
Author(s):  
Kanstantsin V. Homel ◽  
◽  
K. Śliwińska ◽  
Arseni A. Valnisty ◽  
Mikhail E. Nikiforov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
National Park ◽  
Bison Bison ◽  
Fixation Index ◽  
European Bison ◽  
Bison Bonasus ◽  
Genetic Structuring ◽  
The Past ◽  
Low Genetic Diversity ◽  
Expected Heterozygosity

The paper presents data on the assessment of the genetic diversity of five subpopulations of the European bison (Bison bonasus) in Belarus — from the National Park “Belovezhskaya Pushcha”, the National Park “Pripyatsky”, the Osipovichi district (Mogilev area), SEI “Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve” and the Grodno region. In general, the work includes 30 samples of muscle tissue from the collection of Gene bank of wild fauna in SSPA “SPC NAS of Belarus on Bioresources” (Minsk, Belarus). Microsatellites were used as markers to assess genetic diversity, structure, and search for signs of a sharp decline in the size of bison subpopulations in the past. A total of 11 microsatellite markers were used, recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for cattle research. The analysis of B. bonasus subpopulation from the NP “Pripyatsky” showed signs of passing through the genetic bottleneck. All studied subpopulations are characterized by a similarly low genetic diversity level in all analyzed indicators (mean number of alleles, allelic diversity, observed and expected heterozygosity). The expected heterozygosity (He) for the three subpopulations from the NP “Belovezhskaya Pushcha”, the NP “Pripyatsky” and from the Osipovichi district ranged from 0.37 to 0.39. For the studied subpopulations, the values of the fixation index were negative. The assessment of the presence of genetic structuring between the subpopulations of bison from the NP “Belovezhskaya Pushcha”, the NP “Pripyatsky” and from the Osipovichi district based on the values of such indexes as Fst and DJost which showed no signs of genetic differentiation, which is also confirmed by principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The European bison conservation in Belarus has required tremendous efforts in the past. So far, even though the impressively large population size reached in Belarus, B. bonasus status still should not be considered as stable, which is closely linked to aspects of its overall low genetic diversity. Our research confirmed the low genetic variability of Belarusian subpopulations. Therefore, the more extensive research concentrated on identifying genetic diversity is necessary to ensure the beneficial control of gene flow and register a potential correlation of unfavorable gene variants with possible inbreeding depression. These attempts are required to lay the groundwork for the management and protection of the European bison in Belarus.

scholarly journals Natural infection with Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758) in the European bison (Bison bonasus) in Białowieża National Park, Poland

2013 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Kiziewicz
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Bison Bison ◽  
European Bison ◽  
Bison Bonasus ◽  
Wild Host ◽  
Białowieża National Park

Abstract The aim of our study was to determine prevalence of appearance of Fasciola hepatica L. among European bison Bison bonasus selected in Białowieża National Park, Poland from 2001 to 2006. The analyzed ITS-1 and ITS-2 sequences of nuclear DNA of Fasciola hepatica have a length of 433bp and an AT content of 47.8 % and a length of 365 bp and an AT content of 51.2 % respectively. Among 178 bison liver fluke was found in liver of 63 (35.3 %) individuals including as follow: in 39 (21.9 %) adults, 11 (6.1 %) juveniles and 13 (7.3 %) calves. Results of researches are as follow: prevalence of infection of Fasciola hepatica among bison in Białowieża National Park between 2001–2006 oscillated about 35.3%. The most extensive invasion of fascioliasis was observed in adult animals (21.9 %). We pay attention that between infected animals were calves 13 (7.3 %). Conclusions: The obtained results referring to infection of bison within the Białowieża National Park, Poland of F. hepatica are very interesting. The epidemiological importance of these finding is evident, demonstrating the fascioliasis expansion in restricted or protected areas, as National Parks such as Białowieża National Park, habitat of this wild host, and where no domestic animals are present.

scholarly journals Stress hormone level and the welfare of captive European bison (Bison bonasus): the effects of visitor pressure and the social structure of herds

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Klich ◽  
Rafał Łopucki ◽  
Marta Gałązka ◽  
Agnieszka Ścibior ◽  
Dorota Gołębiowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Structure ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Active Role ◽  
European Bison ◽  
Bison Bonasus ◽  
Fecal Cortisol ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Parasitic Burden ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Study Sites

Abstract Background Captive European bison (Bison bonasus) play an active role in conservation measures for this species; this includes education, which may conflict with these animals’ welfare. The effect of the presence of visitors on the welfare of captive animals can be negative, positive or neutral. However, the response of a given species to visitors is difficult to predict, since even closely related species display varying levels of tolerance to captivity. The aim of the study was to compare immunoreactive fecal cortisol levels (regarded as an indicator of the level of physiological stress) in groups of captive European bison that differed in terms of their social structure and the level of visitor pressure. The second aim was to determine if there was a correlation between intestinal parasitic burden and immunoreactive fecal cortisol levels. Results Immunoreactive fecal cortisol levels were not influenced by sex or age. However, study site and the interaction between study site and visitor pressure were statistically significant. European bison in one enclosure presented higher levels of immunoreactive fecal cortisol on weekdays than at weekends. In the other two study sites, the levels did not differ between weekdays and weekends. No correlation was found between parasitological infestation and immunoreactive fecal cortisol levels. Conclusions Measurement of fecal cortisol metabolites could be a valuable method for further research into the welfare of European bison in captivity. More subtle factors such as individual animal characteristics, feeding systems, and the arrangement of enclosures can be of great importance in terms of the effect of visitors on animals. The results of this study can be used in guidelines for the management of European bison populations.

Eighty years of change: vegetation in the montane ecoregion of Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (11) ◽  
pp. 2010-2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanine M Rhemtulla ◽  
Ronald J Hall ◽  
Eric S Higgs ◽  
S Ellen Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Fire Regime ◽  
Reference Conditions ◽  
Habitat Diversity ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Jasper National Park ◽  
Closed Canopy

Repeat ground photographs (taken in 1915 and 1997) from a series of topographical survey stations and repeat aerial photographs (flown in 1949 and 1991) were analysed to assess changes in vegetation composition and distribution in the montane ecoregion of Jasper National Park, in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. A quantitative approach for assessing relative vegetation change in repeat ground photographs was developed and tested. The results indicated a shift towards late-successional vegetation types and an increase in crown closure in coniferous stands. Grasslands, shrub, juvenile forest, and open forests decreased in extent, and closed-canopy forests became more prevalent. The majority of forest stands succeeded to dominance by coniferous species. Changes in vegetation patterns were likely largely attributable to shifts in the fire regime over the last century, although climatic conditions and human activity may also have been contributing factors. Implications of observed changes include decreased habitat diversity, increased possibility of insect outbreaks, and potential for future high-intensity fire events. Results of the study increase knowledge of historical reference conditions and may help to establish restoration goals for the montane ecoregion of the park.

Antibody responses in European bison (Bison bonasus) naturally infected with Mycobacterium caprae

2021 ◽  
Vol 253 ◽  
pp. 108952
Author(s):  
Anna Didkowska ◽  
Monika Krajewska-Wędzina ◽  
Wojciech Bielecki ◽  
Sylwia Brzezińska ◽  
Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Bison Bison ◽  
European Bison ◽  
Bison Bonasus ◽  
Mycobacterium Caprae

Seasonal expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), its receptor IGF-1R and klotho in testis and epididymis of the European bison (Bison bonasus, Linnaeus 1758)

2019 ◽  
Vol 126 ◽  
pp. 199-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Tabecka-Lonczynska ◽  
Jennifer Mytych ◽  
Przemyslaw Solek ◽  
Mariusz P. Kowalewski ◽  
Marek Koziorowski
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Bison Bison ◽  
European Bison ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
Bison Bonasus

The social network structure of a semi-free roaming European bison herd (Bison bonasus)

2019 ◽  
Vol 158 ◽  
pp. 97-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amandine Ramos ◽  
Lola Manizan ◽  
Esther Rodriguez ◽  
Yvonne J.M. Kemp ◽  
Cédric Sueur
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
European Bison ◽  
Bison Bonasus ◽  
Social Network Structure ◽  
The Social

scholarly journals Vegetation change (1988–2010) in Camdeboo National Park (South Africa), using fixed-point photo monitoring: The role of herbivory and climate

Koedoe ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mmoto L. Masubelele ◽  
Michael T. Hoffman ◽  
William Bond ◽  
Peter Burdett
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Fixed Point ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
National Park ◽  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Growth Form ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Management Interventions

Fixed-point photo monitoring supplemented by animal census data and climate monitoring potential has never been explored as a long-term monitoring tool for studying vegetation change in the arid and semi-arid national parks of South Africa. The long-term (1988–2010), fixed-point monitoring dataset developed for the Camdeboo National Park, therefore, provides an important opportunity to do this. Using a quantitative estimate of the change in vegetation and growth form cover in 1152 fixed-point photographs, as well as series of step-point vegetation surveys at each photo monitoring site, this study documented the extent of vegetation change in the park in response to key climate drivers, such as rainfall, as well as land use drivers such as herbivory by indigenous ungulates. We demonstrated the varied response of vegetation cover within three main growth forms (grasses, dwarf shrubs [< 1 m] and tall shrubs [> 1 m]) in three different vegetation units and landforms (slopes, plains, rivers) within the Camdeboo National Park since 1988. Sites within Albany Thicket and Dwarf Shrublands showed the least change in vegetation cover, whilst Azonal vegetation and Grassy Dwarf Shrublands were more dynamic. Abiotic factors such as drought and flooding, total annual rainfall and rainfall seasonality appeared to have the greatest influence on growth form cover as assessed from the fixed-point photographs. Herbivory appeared not to have had a noticeable impact on the vegetation of the Camdeboo National Park as far as could be determined from the rather coarse approach used in this analysis and herbivore densities remained relatively low over the study duration.Conservation implications: We provided an historical assessment of the pattern of vegetation and climatic trends that can help evaluate many of South African National Parks’ biodiversity monitoring programmes, especially relating to habitat change. It will help arid parks in assessing the trajectories of vegetation in response to herbivory, climate and management interventions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document