First evidence of avian predation of threatened freshwater mussels (Echyridella spp.) in New Zealand: predation patterns, prey characteristics and prey selectivity of a native wading bird (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridgette Farnworth
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Freshwater Mussels ◽  
Prey Selectivity ◽  
Avian Predation ◽  
Wading Bird ◽  
Porphyrio Porphyrio

scholarly journals Assessing bird predation on New Zealand’s lizard fauna using lizard-mimicking replicas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Brittany Florence-Bennett
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Predation Risk ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Daily Rainfall ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Avian Predation ◽  
Top Predators ◽  
Mammalian Predators

<p>Wildlife management is fraught with challenges due to the complexities of community ecology. Interventions aimed at restoring ecosystems, or managing species, can have unintended negative outcomes for target species. The effect of avian predation on native lizard fauna in New Zealand is not clearly understood, despite birds being regarded as top predators within mammal-free ecosystems. At least thirty-one species of bird have been recorded preying on native lizards, but few studies have directly addressed avian predation on lizards, with the majority of evidence sourced from published anecdotes. New Zealand’s herpetofauna are already vulnerable due to range contractions resulting from mammalian predation and habitat loss, with 87% of New Zealand lizard species considered ‘At Risk’ or ‘Threatened’. Understanding the risks posed to lizards will help to inform successful management of vulnerable populations.  I used lizard-mimicking replicas to identify and assess predation rates exerted by bird species on lizard populations within the Wellington region of New Zealand. I examined the use of lizard replicas as a tool to quantify predation by examining how birds interacted with replicas and comparing attack rates with novel items simultaneously placed in the field. I determined which bird species were preying on replicas, the extent of such predation, and whether site vegetation or daily weather influenced the probability of avian attack on replicas. Although attack frequency did not differ between novel items and lizard replicas, birds exhibited a realistic predatory response by preferentially attacking the head of lizard replicas. Interactions by birds with lizard-mimicking replicas cannot be confirmed as true predation attempts, but lizard replicas can nevertheless be used to quantify predation pressures exerted on lizard populations by opportunistic bird species.   Seven ground-foraging bird species were found to attack lizard replicas. Two species, the pūkeko (Porphyrio melanotus melanotus) and southern black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus dominicanus), were identified as high impact species. The average predation risk experienced by lizard replicas varied greatly across environments, with 0 – 25% of replicas attacked daily at sites. Canopy cover and daily rainfall were not significant predictors, but potentially decreased the likelihood of replica attack. Predation risk varied for lizard replicas as a result of differing assemblages of bird predators at sites, and the presence and foraging behaviour of specific predatory birds.   Predation by birds is likely to be an issue where predation pressure is high, or lizard populations are small, range restricted, or recovering from the presence of mammalian predators. When managing vulnerable lizard populations, managers should take into account the threats posed by avian predators so that lizard communities can recover successfully following the same trajectory as native birds.</p>

scholarly journals Assessing bird predation on New Zealand’s lizard fauna using lizard-mimicking replicas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Brittany Florence-Bennett
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Predation Risk ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Daily Rainfall ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Avian Predation ◽  
Top Predators ◽  
Mammalian Predators

<p>Wildlife management is fraught with challenges due to the complexities of community ecology. Interventions aimed at restoring ecosystems, or managing species, can have unintended negative outcomes for target species. The effect of avian predation on native lizard fauna in New Zealand is not clearly understood, despite birds being regarded as top predators within mammal-free ecosystems. At least thirty-one species of bird have been recorded preying on native lizards, but few studies have directly addressed avian predation on lizards, with the majority of evidence sourced from published anecdotes. New Zealand’s herpetofauna are already vulnerable due to range contractions resulting from mammalian predation and habitat loss, with 87% of New Zealand lizard species considered ‘At Risk’ or ‘Threatened’. Understanding the risks posed to lizards will help to inform successful management of vulnerable populations.  I used lizard-mimicking replicas to identify and assess predation rates exerted by bird species on lizard populations within the Wellington region of New Zealand. I examined the use of lizard replicas as a tool to quantify predation by examining how birds interacted with replicas and comparing attack rates with novel items simultaneously placed in the field. I determined which bird species were preying on replicas, the extent of such predation, and whether site vegetation or daily weather influenced the probability of avian attack on replicas. Although attack frequency did not differ between novel items and lizard replicas, birds exhibited a realistic predatory response by preferentially attacking the head of lizard replicas. Interactions by birds with lizard-mimicking replicas cannot be confirmed as true predation attempts, but lizard replicas can nevertheless be used to quantify predation pressures exerted on lizard populations by opportunistic bird species.   Seven ground-foraging bird species were found to attack lizard replicas. Two species, the pūkeko (Porphyrio melanotus melanotus) and southern black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus dominicanus), were identified as high impact species. The average predation risk experienced by lizard replicas varied greatly across environments, with 0 – 25% of replicas attacked daily at sites. Canopy cover and daily rainfall were not significant predictors, but potentially decreased the likelihood of replica attack. Predation risk varied for lizard replicas as a result of differing assemblages of bird predators at sites, and the presence and foraging behaviour of specific predatory birds.   Predation by birds is likely to be an issue where predation pressure is high, or lizard populations are small, range restricted, or recovering from the presence of mammalian predators. When managing vulnerable lizard populations, managers should take into account the threats posed by avian predators so that lizard communities can recover successfully following the same trajectory as native birds.</p>

scholarly journals Bloom Forming and Toxic Cyanobacteria in New Zealand Species Diversity and Distribution, Cyanotoxin Production and Accumulation of Microcystins in Selected Freshwater Organisms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Susanna A Wood
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Muscle Tissue ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Freshwater Mussels ◽  
Cyanobacterial Blooms ◽  
Cylindrospermopsis Raciborskii ◽  
Cyanobacterial Mat ◽  
Cell Counts

<p>The objective of this doctoral study was to identify waterbodies in New Zealand containing cyanobacterial blooms and mats, to assess the species composition and to establish types and concentrations of cyanotoxins in samples obtained. A total of 271 water and cyanobacterial mat samples from 147 different waterbodies around New Zealand were collected or received between January 2001 and December 2004. Sixty seven percent were found to contain cyanobacteria and 4l% of the samples contained cyanobacteria in sufficiently high concentrations to be termed a bloom. A total of 54 different cyanobacteria species were recorded. Prior to 1987, 33 lakes in New Zealand were recorded as having experienced cyanobacterial blooms. In the present study an additional 18 lakes were recorded as having experienced blooms. Eight bloom forming cyanobacteria species not previously identified in New Zealand (Anabaena planktonica, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Microcystis botrys, M. panniformis, M. icthtyoblabe, M. wesenbergii, Planktothrix peronata f. attenuata and Sphaerocavum brasiliense) were found to be dominant or co-dominant in at least some cyanobacterial blooms. In addition to these species, three non-dominant species were identified that were also new records for New Zealand. The water and cyanobacterial mat samples were analysed using ELISA's, LC/MS, HPLC and neuroblastoma assays for cyanotoxins and identified; microcystins/nodularins (102 samples from 54 different locations), anatoxin-a (3 samples from 3 different locations), cylindrospermopsins (l sample) and saxitoxins (48 santples from 4l different locations). Species from the genera Microcystis, Anabaena, Cylindrospermopsis, Nostoc, Planktothrix, Oscillatoria and Phormidium produce these cyanotoxins. An in-depth study in Lakes Rotoehu and Rotoiti investigated the relationship between cyanobacteria species composition and levels of microcystins over a six month period and examined accumulation of microcystins in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchtts mykiss) and freshwater mussels (Hydridella menziesi). Weekly water samples collected from both lakes showed that cyanobacteria species and levels of microcystins can vary over time during a bloom event. When phytoplankton samples were dominated by very high cell concentration of Microcystis spp. they were found to contain microcystins. Generally cell counts were found to be a poor indicator of levels of microcystins in the water samples, suggesting that cell counts alone are not a satisfactory way of identifying human health dangers in waterbodies containing cyanobacteria. Microcystins were detected in rainbow trout liver and muscle tissue, and in freshwater mussels. The Total Daily Intake of microcystins recommended by the World Health Organisation for humans is 0.04 pg kg-1 tdoy-1. A 70kg human consuming 300g of muscle tissue would have exceeded this level in 50% (Lake Rotoiti) and 7l% (Lake Rotoehu) of the samples. Health problems could result if more than 300 g of trout muscle tissue was consumed on a regular basis over an extended period. This study has demonstrated that the prevalence of freshwater cyanotoxin-producing cyanobacteria is widespread in New Zealand waterbodies and these cyanotoxins pose a potential health risk to both humans and animals either directly or indirectly.</p>

scholarly journals Hydrology-mediated invasive macrophyte impacts on freshwater mussels in a hydropeaking reservoir

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P. Moore ◽  
Susan J. Clearwater ◽  
Ian C. Duggan ◽  
Kevin J. Collier
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Freshwater Mussels ◽  
Sediment Organic Matter ◽  
Ceratophyllum Demersum ◽  
Water Interface ◽  
Interface Conditions ◽  
Littoral Zones

Globally-threatened freshwater mussels belonging to the order Unionida (Bivalvia) may be adversely affected by dense beds of submerged macrophytes that modify habitat at the sediment-water interface. Such effects can be particularly pronounced in modified lentic ecosystems such as reservoirs which are subject to hydrological regimes (e.g., hydropeaking) that can exacerbate macrophyte-mediated impacts, including anoxic or hypoxic conditions, the related release of toxic ions (e.g., ammonia), and silt accumulation that inhibits filter-feeding. Accordingly, we compared how population size-structure and biomass of the New Zealand mussel Echyridella menziesii varied inside and outside of dense beds of invasive macrophytes known to have similar impacts on water chemistry (e.g., anoxia) in two northern New Zealand hydroreservoir locations with contrasting hydrology (lacustrine location dominated by Ceratophyllum demersum; and riverine location dominated by Egeria densa). We found adverse sediment-water interface conditions were not always associated with dense submerged macrophyte beds in littoral zones. Nonetheless, where they occurred, adverse sediment-water interface conditions were primary drivers in reduced mussel density and adult skewed size-structure, inferring reduced recruitment. Disentangling direct and indirect effects with structural equation modelling indicated that increased pore-water ammonia did not impact these primarily adult populations of freshwater mussels. Increased sediment organic matter, silt, and previously recorded hypoxia and anoxia were exacerbated in the lacustrine section where variable flows promoting water mixing were not present to reduce their effects. High densities of mussels less than 40 mm in length were associated with favourable sediment-water interface conditions of low silt and sediment organic matter, suggesting that enhanced water exchange in and around macrophyte beds may increase juvenile mussel survival in littoral zones of the riverine lake section. Our findings highlight a potential role for hydropeaking management in mitigating the development of adverse physicochemical conditions, and underscore the context-specific effects that dense non-native macrophyte beds can have on mussel populations.

scholarly journals Bloom Forming and Toxic Cyanobacteria in New Zealand Species Diversity and Distribution, Cyanotoxin Production and Accumulation of Microcystins in Selected Freshwater Organisms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Susanna A Wood
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Muscle Tissue ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Freshwater Mussels ◽  
Cyanobacterial Blooms ◽  
Cylindrospermopsis Raciborskii ◽  
Cyanobacterial Mat ◽  
Cell Counts

<p>The objective of this doctoral study was to identify waterbodies in New Zealand containing cyanobacterial blooms and mats, to assess the species composition and to establish types and concentrations of cyanotoxins in samples obtained. A total of 271 water and cyanobacterial mat samples from 147 different waterbodies around New Zealand were collected or received between January 2001 and December 2004. Sixty seven percent were found to contain cyanobacteria and 4l% of the samples contained cyanobacteria in sufficiently high concentrations to be termed a bloom. A total of 54 different cyanobacteria species were recorded. Prior to 1987, 33 lakes in New Zealand were recorded as having experienced cyanobacterial blooms. In the present study an additional 18 lakes were recorded as having experienced blooms. Eight bloom forming cyanobacteria species not previously identified in New Zealand (Anabaena planktonica, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Microcystis botrys, M. panniformis, M. icthtyoblabe, M. wesenbergii, Planktothrix peronata f. attenuata and Sphaerocavum brasiliense) were found to be dominant or co-dominant in at least some cyanobacterial blooms. In addition to these species, three non-dominant species were identified that were also new records for New Zealand. The water and cyanobacterial mat samples were analysed using ELISA's, LC/MS, HPLC and neuroblastoma assays for cyanotoxins and identified; microcystins/nodularins (102 samples from 54 different locations), anatoxin-a (3 samples from 3 different locations), cylindrospermopsins (l sample) and saxitoxins (48 santples from 4l different locations). Species from the genera Microcystis, Anabaena, Cylindrospermopsis, Nostoc, Planktothrix, Oscillatoria and Phormidium produce these cyanotoxins. An in-depth study in Lakes Rotoehu and Rotoiti investigated the relationship between cyanobacteria species composition and levels of microcystins over a six month period and examined accumulation of microcystins in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchtts mykiss) and freshwater mussels (Hydridella menziesi). Weekly water samples collected from both lakes showed that cyanobacteria species and levels of microcystins can vary over time during a bloom event. When phytoplankton samples were dominated by very high cell concentration of Microcystis spp. they were found to contain microcystins. Generally cell counts were found to be a poor indicator of levels of microcystins in the water samples, suggesting that cell counts alone are not a satisfactory way of identifying human health dangers in waterbodies containing cyanobacteria. Microcystins were detected in rainbow trout liver and muscle tissue, and in freshwater mussels. The Total Daily Intake of microcystins recommended by the World Health Organisation for humans is 0.04 pg kg-1 tdoy-1. A 70kg human consuming 300g of muscle tissue would have exceeded this level in 50% (Lake Rotoiti) and 7l% (Lake Rotoehu) of the samples. Health problems could result if more than 300 g of trout muscle tissue was consumed on a regular basis over an extended period. This study has demonstrated that the prevalence of freshwater cyanotoxin-producing cyanobacteria is widespread in New Zealand waterbodies and these cyanotoxins pose a potential health risk to both humans and animals either directly or indirectly.</p>

Magellanic Cloud Eclipsing Binaries: Primary Distance Indicators

1999 ◽  
Vol 190 ◽  
pp. 563-566
Author(s):  
J. D. Pritchard ◽  
W. Tobin ◽  
J. V. Clausen ◽  
E. F. Guinan ◽  
E. L. Fitzpatrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Magellanic Cloud ◽  
Eclipsing Binaries ◽  
Fundamental Parameters ◽  
Distance Indicators

Our collaboration involves groups in Denmark, the U.S.A. Spain and of course New Zealand. Combining ground-based and satellite (IUEandHST) observations we aim to determine accurate and precise stellar fundamental parameters for the components of Magellanic Cloud Eclipsing Binaries as well as the distances to these systems and hence the parent galaxies themselves. This poster presents our latest progress.

Heat-Etching with a Bullivant Type II Simple Freeze-Cleave Device

1970 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 106-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald S. Weinstein ◽  
N. Scott McNutt
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Massachusetts General Hospital ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Collaborative Effort ◽  
Temperature And Pressure ◽  
The University

The Type I simple cold block device was described by Bullivant and Ames in 1966 and represented the product of the first successful effort to simplify the equipment required to do sophisticated freeze-cleave techniques. Bullivant, Weinstein and Someda described the Type II device which is a modification of the Type I device and was developed as a collaborative effort at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Auckland, New Zealand. The modifications reduced specimen contamination and provided controlled specimen warming for heat-etching of fracture faces. We have now tested the Mass. General Hospital version of the Type II device (called the “Type II-MGH device”) on a wide variety of biological specimens and have established temperature and pressure curves for routine heat-etching with the device.

A Cytochemical Study of Glucose-6-Phosphatase (G-6-PASE) in Cells Participating in Atherogenesis of Rabbit Aorta

1975 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 460-461
Author(s):  
Sidney D. Kobernick ◽  
Edna A. Elfont ◽  
Neddra L. Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Aortic Wall ◽  
Rabbit Aorta ◽  
Plaque Formation ◽  
Metabolic Changes ◽  
Atherosclerotic Plaques ◽  
Cytochemical Study ◽  
Cellular Alteration ◽  
New Zealand White Rabbits

This cytochemical study was designed to investigate early metabolic changes in the aortic wall that might lead to or accompany development of atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits. The hypothesis that the primary cellular alteration leading to plaque formation might be due to changes in either carbohydrate or lipid metabolism led to histochemical studies that showed elevation of G-6-Pase in atherosclerotic plaques of rabbit aorta. This observation initiated the present investigation to determine how early in plaque formation and in which cells this change could be observed.Male New Zealand white rabbits of approximately 2000 kg consumed normal diets or diets containing 0.25 or 1.0 gm of cholesterol per day for 10, 50 and 90 days. Aortas were injected jin situ with glutaraldehyde fixative and dissected out. The plaques were identified, isolated, minced and fixed for not more than 10 minutes. Incubation and postfixation proceeded as described by Leskes and co-workers.

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