scholarly journals Metagenomic identification of a novel anellovirus in Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsii) lung samples and its detection in samples from multiple years

2011 ◽  
Vol 92 (6) ◽  
pp. 1318-1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Fei Fan Ng ◽  
Elizabeth Wheeler ◽  
Denise Greig ◽  
Thomas B. Waltzek ◽  
Frances Gulland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Harbor Seal ◽  
Phoca Vitulina ◽  
Viral Metagenomics ◽  
Harbor Seals ◽  
California Sea Lions ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Sea Lions ◽  
Mortality Event ◽  
Specific Pcr

To investigate viral pathogens potentially involved in a mortality event of 21 Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsii) in California in 2000, viral metagenomics was performed directly on lung samples from five individuals. Metagenomics revealed a novel seal anellovirus (SealAV), which clusters phylogenetically with anelloviruses from California sea lions and domestic cats. Using specific PCR, SealAV was identified in lung tissue from two of five animals involved in the 2000 mortality event, as well as one of 20 harbor seal samples examined post-mortem in 2008. The identification of SealAV in multiple years demonstrates that this virus is persistent in the harbor seal population. SealAV is the second anellovirus reported in the lungs of pinnipeds, suggesting that anellovirus infections may be common amongst marine mammals and that more research is needed to understand the roles of these viruses in marine mammal health and disease.

scholarly journals Novel anellovirus discovered from a mortality event of captive California sea lions

2009 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 1256-1261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Fei Fan Ng ◽  
Wm Kirk Suedmeyer ◽  
Elizabeth Wheeler ◽  
Frances Gulland ◽  
Mya Breitbart
Keyword(s):  
Lung Tissue ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Amino Acid Identity ◽  
Replicative Form ◽  
Sea Lion ◽  
California Sea Lions ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Sea Lions ◽  
Mortality Event ◽  
Specific Pcr

A viral metagenomic study was performed to investigate potential viral pathogens associated with a mortality event of three captive California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). This study identified a novel California sea lion anellovirus (ZcAV), with 35 % amino acid identity in the ORF1 region to feline anelloviruses. The double-stranded replicative form of ZcAV was detected in lung tissue, suggesting that ZcAV replicates in sea lion lungs. Specific PCR revealed the presence of ZcAV in the lung tissue of all three sea lions involved in the mortality event, but not in three other sea lions from the same zoo. In addition, ZcAV was detected at low frequency (11 %) in the lungs of wild sea lions. The higher prevalence of ZcAV and presence of the double-stranded replicative form in the lungs of sea lions from the mortality event suggest that ZcAV was associated with the death of these animals.

Pinniped splenic volumes

1992 ◽  
Vol 262 (2) ◽  
pp. R322-R325 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Ponganis ◽  
G. L. Kooyman ◽  
D. Sartoris ◽  
P. Jobsis
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Phoca Vitulina ◽  
The State ◽  
Zalophus Californianus ◽  
Harbor Seals ◽  
California Sea Lions ◽  
Axial Tomography ◽  
Splenic Volume ◽  
Sea Lions ◽  
Computerized Axial Tomography

Splenic volume was measured by computerized axial tomography in three harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and two California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Volumes ranged from 228 to 679 ml, representing 0.8-3.0% of calculated percentage body mass. Despite possible variation in the state of splenic contraction during the examination, these values are in the upper range of reported mammalian splenic volumes (as % of body mass). This reinforces the pinniped splenic erythrocyte storage concept.

scholarly journals Do Pinnipeds have Personality? Broad Dimensions and Contextual Consistency of Behavior in Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) and California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus).

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber J. de Vere ◽  
Malin K. Lilley ◽  
Lauren Highfill
Keyword(s):  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Routine Activity ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Harbor Seals ◽  
Behavioral Consistency ◽  
California Sea Lions ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Sea Lions

Personality has now been studied in species as diverse as chimpanzees and cuttlefish, but marine mammals remain vastly underrepresented in this area. A broad range of traits have been assessed only once in each of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, while consistent individual differences in a few specific behaviors have been identified in grey seals. Furthermore, the context component of definitions of personality is not often assessed, despite evidence that animals may show individual patterns of behavioral consistency across contexts. The current study therefore aimed to use behavioral coding to assess underlying personality factors and consistency across contexts in two marine mammal species: California sea lions and harbor seals. In both species, two personality factors were extracted using exploratory factor analysis. Both were broadly similar across species; the first, Boldness, resembled human Extraversion, and to some extent Openness, with sea lions exhibiting a greater social component. The second factor was labeled Routine Activity, and may contain some Conscientiousness-like traits. Species-specific patterns were also identified for interactive behaviors across two contexts. However, there was substantial individual variation in the frequency of these behaviors, as well as some animals who did not conform to group-level trends. This study therefore provides novel evidence for broad personality factors and both group- and individual-level patterns of contextual consistency in two pinniped species.

Growth rates of vibrissae of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus)

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 1053-1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy C Hirons ◽  
Donald M Schell ◽  
David J St. Aubin
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Harbor Seal ◽  
Phoca Vitulina ◽  
Harbor Seals ◽  
Eumetopias Jubatus ◽  
Steller Sea Lions ◽  
Active Growth ◽  
Sea Lions ◽  
Two Peaks

Growth rates of vibrissae (whiskers), which act as a temporal record of feeding in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), were estimated using 13C- and 15N-labeled glycine followed by stable-isotope analysis. The labeled glycine was incorporated into keratin and served as a temporal marker for growth-rate calculation. One captive harbor seal received two doses 147 days apart, while a second seal received one dose; vibrissae were analyzed after 86 and 154 days. The peak positions indicated that growth began in the fall, continued into spring, but ceased in June, with active growth rates of 0.33 mm/day. Two adult captive Steller sea lions each received two labeled doses during a 308-day period. After 427 days vibrissae in both sea lions showed two peaks corresponding to the markers; growth rates were calculated as 0.05–0.07 mm/day. Growth rates in captive juvenile and wild adult Steller sea lions, 0.10–0.17 mm/day, supported the assumption that major isotopic oscillations in vibrissae of wild sea lions were annual. The multiyear records imply that Steller sea lions retain their vibrissae; harbor seal vibrissae, in contrast, have periods of rapid growth and appear to be shed, at least in part, annually.

scholarly journals The Protection of Animals During Warfare

AJIL Unbound ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 272-276
Author(s):  
Jérôme de Hemptinne
Keyword(s):  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Rapid Rate ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Armed Groups ◽  
Military Operations ◽  
Protected Species ◽  
California Sea Lions ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Sea Lions

In times of war, the first instinct is to relieve the suffering of human beings. Environmental and animal interests are always pushed into the background. However, warfare strongly affects natural resources, including animals, which makes animal issues a matter of great concern. Certain species have been vanishing at a rapid rate because of wars, often with disastrous effects on the food chain and on the ecological balance. Indeed, belligerents rarely take into account the adverse consequences of their military operations on animals. They even take advantage of the chaotic circumstances of war in order to poach protected species and to engage in the trafficking of expensive animal products. While generating billions of dollars each year, such poaching and trafficking allows armed groups to grow and to reinforce their authority over disputed territory. States have also trained, and continue to train, certain animals—principally marine mammals such as bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions—to perform military tasks, like ship and harbor protection, or mine detection and clearance. Millions of horses, mules, donkeys, camels, dogs, and birds are obliged to serve on various fronts (transport, logistics, or communications) and become particularly vulnerable targets.

scholarly journals Low‐frequency hearing in California sea lions and harbor seals

1994 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 3251-3251
Author(s):  
David Kastak ◽  
Ronald J. Schusterman
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Harbor Seals ◽  
California Sea Lions ◽  
Sea Lions

Hormonal changes and enforced diving in the harbor seal Phoca vitulina. II. Plasma catecholamines

1982 ◽  
Vol 242 (5) ◽  
pp. R528-R532 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Hance ◽  
E. D. Robin ◽  
J. B. Halter ◽  
N. Lewiston ◽  
D. A. Robin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Recovery Period ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Plasma Catecholamines ◽  
Harbor Seal ◽  
Phoca Vitulina ◽  
Harbor Seals ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Inotropic Effects ◽  
Arterial Constriction

Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were measured in five harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, during a control period, during a 6-min dive, and during a 30-min postdiving recovery period. Measurements were performed with and without prior glucose administration. Control epinephrine concentrations [189 +/- 118 (SD) pg/ml] and norepinephrine concentrations (340 +/- 191 pg/ml) were similar to resting values in humans. During diving there are dramatic increases in both epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations, which returned to control values by 30 min of the postdiving recovery period. A similar pattern was found after glucose infusion. The increased catecholamines were not the primary mechanism responsible for arterial constriction during the dive. Persistent diving bradycardia suggests obliteration of the chronotropic effects of catecholamines during the dive. An unchanged stroke volume suggests obliteration of the inotropic effects of catecholamines during the dive. Catecholamines do not appear to be involved in postdiving hyperglycemia and hyperglucogenemia. Neither the regulatory role of increased catecholamines nor the physiological function of increased catecholamines was apparent from the studies. However, dramatic increases in plasma catecholamines during diving appear to be an important component of the hormonal response to prolonged diving in aquatic mammals.

scholarly journals Morphological characteristics of harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) whiskers and their use in dietary reconstruction using stable isotope ratios

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (11) ◽  
pp. 1255-1263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Smith ◽  
Shawna Karpovich ◽  
Greg A. Breed ◽  
Diane M. O’Brien
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Whisker Growth ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Isotope Ratios ◽  
Harbor Seal ◽  
Phoca Vitulina ◽  
Harbor Seals ◽  
Dietary Reconstruction ◽  
Whisker Morphology

We investigated whether inferences about harbor seal (Phoca vitulina Linnaeus, 1758) whisker shed status and growth rates based on whisker morphology could improve dietary time series from whisker isotopic profiles. We identified morphometric characteristics of Alaskan harbor seal whiskers, including a smooth root section (SRS) and a bumpy section. The SRS was longer for spring versus fall-collected whiskers and matched the length of fully grown, shed whiskers. Thus, SRS length can differentiate whisker shed and growth status, and we used it to determine the sequence of whisker shedding by cohort in summer-captured harbor seals. The mean interbump length (IBL) correlated with whisker length, potentially providing a proxy for whisker growth rate. We compared carbon isotope ratios (expressed as δ13C values) along the three longest whiskers from 10 harbor seals, using two approaches for converting whisker position to date: (1) a standard growth rate constant based on captive studies and (2) individually adjusted growth rates based on whisker morphology. Intraindividual patterns of whisker δ13C values became more synchronous when expressed by deposition date rather than by position; however, adjusting growth rates based on IBL did not improve synchrony further. These findings suggest that whisker morphology can contribute whisker growth rate and shedding information for dietary reconstruction.

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