scholarly journals Cranial morphology of captive mammals: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Siciliano-Martina ◽  
Jessica E. Light ◽  
A. Michelle Lawing
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Cranial Morphology ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Skull Length ◽  
Dietary Breadth ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
In Captivity

Abstract Background Captive facilities such as zoos are uniquely instrumental in conservation efforts. To fulfill their potential as bastions for conservation, zoos must preserve captive populations as appropriate proxies for their wild conspecifics; doing so will help to promote successful reintroduction efforts. Morphological changes within captive populations may be detrimental to the fitness of individual animals because these changes can influence functionality; thus, it is imperative to understand the breadth and depth of morphological changes occurring in captive populations. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis of scientific literature reporting comparisons of cranial measures between captive and wild populations of mammals. We investigate the pervasiveness of cranial differences and whether cranial morphological changes are associated with ecological covariates specific to individual species, such as trophic level, dietary breadth, and home range size. Results Cranial measures of skull length, skull width, and the ratio of skull length-to-width differed significantly between many captive and wild populations of mammals reported in the literature. Roughly half of captive populations differed from wild populations in at least one cranial measure, although the degree of changes varied. Carnivorous species with a limited dietary breadth displayed the most consistent changes associated with skull widening. Species with a more generalized diet displayed less morphological changes in captivity. Conclusions Wild and captive populations of mammals differed in cranial morphology, but the nature and magnitude of their cranial differences varied considerably across taxa. Although changes in cranial morphology occur in captivity, specific changes cannot be generalized for all captive mammal populations. The nature of cranial changes in captivity may be specific to particular taxonomic groups; thus, it may be possible to establish expectations across smaller taxonomic units, or even disparate groups that utilize their cranial morphology in a similar way. Given that morphological changes occurring in captive environments like zoos have the potential to limit reintroduction success, our results call for a critical evaluation of current captive husbandry practices to prevent unnecessary morphological changes.

scholarly journals High Prevalence of Novel Beak and Feather Disease Virus in Sympatric Invasive Parakeets Introduced to Spain From Asia and South America

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Francisco Morinha ◽  
Martina Carrete ◽  
José L. Tella ◽  
Guillermo Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Disease Virus ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Disease Symptoms ◽  
Myiopsitta Monachus ◽  
Psittacula Krameri ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Parrot Species ◽  
Feather Disease Virus

The psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a globally widespread infectious bird disease that mainly affects species within the Order Psittaciformes (parrots and allies). The disease is caused by an avian circovirus (the beak and feather disease virus, BFDV), which is highly infectious and can lead to severe consequences in wild and captive populations during an outbreak. Both legal and illegal trading have spread the BFDV around the world, although little is known about its prevalence in invasive parrot populations. Here, we analyze the BFDV prevalence in sympatric invasive populations of rose-ringed (Psittacula krameri) and monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) in Southern Spain. We PCR-screened 110 blood samples (55 individuals from each species) for BFDV and characterized the genotypes of five positives from each species. About 33% of rose-ringed parakeets and 37% of monk parakeets sampled were positive for BFDV, while neither species showed disease symptoms. The circovirus identified is a novel BFDV genotype common to both species, similar to the BFDV genotypes detected in several parrot species kept in captivity in Saudi Arabia, South Africa and China. Our data evidences the importance of an accurate evaluation of avian diseases in wild populations, since invasive parrots may be bringing BFDV without showing any visually detectable clinical sign. Further research on the BFDV prevalence and transmission (individual–individual, captive–wild and wild–captive) in different bird orders and countries is crucial to understand the dynamics of the viral infection and minimize its impact in captive and wild populations.

scholarly journals Demographic and genetic factors in the recovery or demise ofex situpopulations following a severe bottleneck in fifteen species of Hawaiian tree snails

PeerJ ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. e1406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa R. Price ◽  
David Sischo ◽  
Mark-Anthony Pascua ◽  
Michael G. Hadfield
Keyword(s):  
Life History Traits ◽  
Human Impacts ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Term Data

Wild populations of endangered Hawaiian tree snails have declined precipitously over the last century due to introduced predators and other human impacts. Life history traits, such as very low fecundity (<5 offspring per year across taxa) and maturity at approximately four years of age have made recovery difficult. Conservation efforts such asin situpredator-free enclosures may increase survival to maturity by protecting offspring from predation, but no long-term data existed prior to this study demonstrating the demographic and genetic parameters necessary to maintain populations within those enclosures. We evaluated over 20 years of evidence for the dynamics of survival and extinction in captiveex situpopulations of Hawaiian tree snails established from wild-collected individuals. From 1991 to 2006, small numbers of snails (<15) from fifteen species were collected from the wild to initiate captive-reared populations as a hedge against extinction. This small number of founders resulted in a severe bottleneck in each of the captive-reared populations. We identified key demographic parameters that predicted population recovery from this bottleneck. Species with captive populations that produced between two and four offspring per adult per year and had 20–50% of those offspring survive to maturity recovered to numbers above 100 individuals, and maintained viable populations following a decline that occurred between 2009 and 2014. Those populations that had less than two offspring per adult per year and less than 20% survival to maturity did not reach 100 individuals in captivity, and many of these populations died out during the recent decline. We suggest that small reductions in fitness may contribute to extirpation in taxa with inherently low fecundity, by keeping populations below a threshold number essential to long-term recovery. Futureex situpopulations should be founded with no less than 15 adults, and maintained in conditions closely approximating the temperature and humidity of source locations to optimize fitness. Permanent translocations of wild populations for conservation purposes will be more likely to succeed with greater than 100 adults, and should be limited to locations with a similar climate to source locations.

Surveying for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans presence in Spanish captive collections of amphibians

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 ◽  
pp. 99-103
Author(s):  
D Lastra González ◽  
V Baláž ◽  
P Chajma ◽  
J Vojar
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Fungus ◽  
Dynamic Environments ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Fatal Disease ◽  
Apparent Lack ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Batrachochytrium Salamandrivorans ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
In Captivity

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), a pathogenic fungus causing the fatal disease chytridiomycosis in amphibians, was likely introduced to Europe through the trade in pet salamanders from Asia and then escaped into wild populations. Among European countries, Spain has a large number of private breeders and keepers of pet salamanders, and cases of Bsal in wild and captive populations already have been confirmed there. However, surveillance for the pathogen in Spanish collections of amphibians is sparse. Therefore, assisted by private owners and breeders, we surveyed 10 amphibian collections and analysed a total of 317 samples for presence of Bsal. All of our analyses yielded negative results. However, this apparent lack of Bsal cases in captivity should not encourage relaxation of vigilance, quarantine efforts or good practices. Because amphibian collections represent highly dynamic environments (animals are coming in and out), the pathogen could easily be introduced into a collection by new individuals. Any case of Bsal infection in captive animals could lead to its further spread to wild populations of susceptible species, potentially decimating them, and thus should be prevented.

scholarly journals Selection of optimal spawning pairs to maintain genetic variation among captive populations of Acipenseridae based on the polymorphism of microsatellite loci

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz Kaczmarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Computer Program ◽  
Microsatellite Loci ◽  
Fish Farm ◽  
Actual Data ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Theoretical Paper ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract The American paddlefish, Polyodon spathula (Walbaum), is an endangered acipenserid fish. Its wild populations are supplemented with stocking material that is obtained by conducting artificial spawning in aquaculture conditions. When fish are bred in captivity, it is important to select breeding pairs that will produce the most genetically diverse progeny, since this permits maintaining the fitness of wild populations. Breeding pairs of land animals are selected successfully based on the polymorphism of their microsatellite loci. This theoretical paper asks how to adapt this technique to fish so that American paddlefish spawners can be paired with the aim of producing restocking material in aquaculture that maintains genetic variation. To test our calculating techniques, we used actual data on the polymorphism of the microsatellites from paddlefish broodstock at the Pogorze fish farm (Poland). The data enabled us to do calculations that showed which spawner pairs would create the most genetically diverse offspring and how to assemble sets of spawning pairs that would be best for maintaining genetic variation. The method presented in this paper can be used for breeding fish in aquaculture to help conserve species. It could also be used in a computer program which would automate calculations and present them in easy-to-read tables and graphs.

Morphological Changes in the Brain of Acutely Ill and Weight-Recovered Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jochen Seitz ◽  
Katharina Bühren ◽  
Georg G. von Polier ◽  
Nicole Heussen ◽  
Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Clinical Prognosis ◽  
Qualitative Review ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
The Brain

Objective: Acute anorexia nervosa (AN) leads to reduced gray (GM) and white matter (WM) volume in the brain, which however improves again upon restoration of weight. Yet little is known about the extent and clinical correlates of these brain changes, nor do we know much about the time-course and completeness of their recovery. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis and a qualitative review of all magnetic resonance imaging studies involving volume analyses of the brain in both acute and recovered AN. Results: We identified structural neuroimaging studies with a total of 214 acute AN patients and 177 weight-recovered AN patients. In acute AN, GM was reduced by 5.6% and WM by 3.8% compared to healthy controls (HC). Short-term weight recovery 2–5 months after admission resulted in restitution of about half of the GM aberrations and almost full WM recovery. After 2–8 years of remission GM and WM were nearly normalized, and differences to HC (GM: –1.0%, WM: –0.7%) were no longer significant, although small residual changes could not be ruled out. In the qualitative review some studies found GM volume loss to be associated with cognitive deficits and clinical prognosis. Conclusions: GM and WM were strongly reduced in acute AN. The completeness of brain volume rehabilitation remained equivocal.

scholarly journals Effect of captivity on morphology: negligible changes in external morphology mask significant changes in internal morphology

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 172470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie K. Courtney Jones ◽  
Adam J. Munn ◽  
Phillip G. Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
External Morphology ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Internal Morphology ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Two Generations ◽  
Breeding Programmes ◽  
Source Populations

Captive breeding programmes are increasingly relied upon for threatened species management. Changes in morphology can occur in captivity, often with unknown consequences for reintroductions. Few studies have examined the morphological changes that occur in captive animals compared with wild animals. Further, the effect of multiple generations being maintained in captivity, and the potential effects of captivity on sexual dimorphism remain poorly understood. We compared external and internal morphology of captive and wild animals using house mouse ( Mus musculus ) as a model species. In addition, we looked at morphology across two captive generations, and compared morphology between sexes. We found no statistically significant differences in external morphology, but after one generation in captivity there was evidence for a shift in the internal morphology of captive-reared mice; captive-reared mice (two generations bred) had lighter combined kidney and spleen masses compared with wild-caught mice. Sexual dimorphism was maintained in captivity. Our findings demonstrate that captive breeding can alter internal morphology. Given that these morphological changes may impact organismal functioning and viability following release, further investigation is warranted. If the morphological change is shown to be maladaptive, these changes would have significant implications for captive-source populations that are used for reintroduction, including reduced survivorship.

scholarly journals Pattern and pace of morphological change due to variable human impact: the case of Japanese macaques

Primates ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine Geiger
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Human Impact ◽  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Japanese Macaques ◽  
Linear Measurements ◽  
Skull Shape ◽  
Rates Of Change ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
In Captivity

AbstractHuman impact influences morphological variation in animals, as documented in many captive and domestic animal populations. However, there are different levels of human impact, and their influence on the pattern and rate of morphological variation remains unclear. This study contributes to the ongoing debate via the examination of cranial and mandibular shape and size variation and pace of change in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). This species is ideal for tackling such questions because different wild, wild-provisioned, and captive populations have been monitored and collected over seven decades. Linear measurements were taken on 70 skulls from five populations, grouped into three ‘human impact groups’ (wild, wild-provisioned, and captive). This made it possible to investigate the pattern and pace of skull form changes among the human impact groups as well as over time within the populations. It was found that the overall skull shape tends to differ among the human impact groups, with captive macaques having relatively longer rostra than wild ones. Whether these differences are a result of geographic variation or variable human impact, related to nutritional supply and mechanical properties of the diet, is unclear. However, this pattern of directed changes did not seem to hold when the single captive populations were examined in detail. Although environmental conditions have probably been similar for the two examined captive populations (same captive locality), skull shape changes over the first generations in captivity were mostly different. This varying pattern, together with a consistent decrease in body size in the captive populations over generations, points to genetic drift playing a role in shaping skull shape and body size in captivity. In the captive groups investigated here, the rates of change were found to be high compared to literature records from settings featuring different degrees of human impact in different species, although they still lie in the range of field studies in a natural context. This adds to the view that human impact might not necessarily lead to particularly fast rates of change.

Cross-species meta-analysis of transcriptome changes during the morula to blastocyst transition: metabolic and physiological changes take center stage

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Z. Schall ◽  
Keith E. Latham
Keyword(s):  
Inner Cell Mass ◽  
Cholesterol Biosynthesis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cell Mass ◽  
Tca Cycle ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Model Species ◽  
Ampk Signaling ◽  
Estrogen Receptor Signaling

The morula to blastocyst transition (MBT) culminates with formation of inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) lineages. Recent studies identified signaling pathways driving lineage specification, but some features of these pathways display significant species divergence. To better understand evolutionary conservation of the MBT, we completed a meta-analysis of RNA sequencing data from five model species and ICM-TE differences from four species. While many genes change in expression during the MBT within any given species, the number of shared DEGs is comparatively small, and the number of shared ICM-TE DEGs is even smaller. DEGs related to known lineage determining pathways (e.g., POU5F1) are seen, but the most prominent pathways and functions associated with shared DEGs or shared across individual species DEG lists impact basic physiological and metabolic activities, such as TCA cycle, unfolded protein response, oxidative phosphorylation, sirtuin signaling, mitotic roles of polo-like kinases, NRF2-mediated oxidative stress, estrogen receptor signaling, apoptosis, necrosis, lipid and fatty acid metabolism, cholesterol biosynthesis, endocytosis, AMPK signaling, homeostasis, transcription, and cell death. We also observed prominent differences in transcriptome regulation between ungulates and non-ungulates, particularly for ICM- and TE-enhanced mRNAs. These results extend our understanding of shared mechanisms of the MBT and ICM/TE formation and should better inform the selection of model species for particular applications.

scholarly journals Protocol for a systematic review of psychological treatment for methamphetamine use: an analysis of methamphetamine use and mental health symptom outcomes

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e015383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Stuart ◽  
Amanda L Baker ◽  
Jenny Bowman ◽  
Kristen McCarter ◽  
Alexandra Mary Janice Denham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Psychological Treatments ◽  
Methamphetamine Use ◽  
Research Reporting ◽  
Quantitative Synthesis

IntroductionPeople who use methamphetamine (MA) regularly, often experience symptoms of mental ill health associated with the use of the drug. These include symptoms of psychosis, depression, anxiety and also cognitive deficits. Accordingly, psychological treatments aim to reduce MA use and related problems, including symptoms of mental ill health. Although there has been a substantial body of research reporting on the evidence of effectiveness of psychological treatments for MA use, there is a paucity of research addressing the effectiveness of these treatments for coexisting symptoms of mental ill health. We aim to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the evidence for psychological treatments for MA use and associated symptoms of mental ill health in experimental/controlled clinical studies. In addition, a critical evaluation of study methods and the outcomes of psychological interventions on MA use and symptoms of mental ill health will be conducted.Methods and analysisThe Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement will be used to inform the methods of this review. Eight electronic peer-reviewed databases will be searched. Pilot searches have been conducted for MA literature considering controlled clinical trials only. Eligible articles will be independently assessed against inclusion criteria. Before final analyses are completed, searches will be rerun and if eligible, additional studies will be retrieved for inclusion. A quantitative synthesis of the findings will be reported where possible, and ‘summary of findings’ tables will be generated for each comparison. Risk ratios and 95% CI (dichotomous outcomes) will be calculated and/or effect size according to Cohen’s formula (continuous outcomes) for the primary outcome of each trial.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical issues are foreseen. Findings will be disseminated widely to clinicians and researchers via journal publication and conference presentation(s).Trial registration numberCRD42016043657.

scholarly journals Comparison of Cranial and External Morphology of Tree Squirrels (Funiscurus leucogenys) in Selected Locations of Rainforest in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
A. O. Bamidele ◽  
A. I. Akinpelu
Keyword(s):  
External Genitalia ◽  
The Body ◽  
Wire Mesh ◽  
Cranial Morphology ◽  
Generic Level ◽  
History Museum ◽  
Cranial Measurements ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Tree Squirrels ◽  
Body Parameters

This study looked at the differences in cranial morphology of tree squirrel species (F. leucogenys) from four different locations in Rainforest part of Nigeria. The squirrels were captured through the use of locally fabricated live traps made of wire-mesh and steel. Trapped specimens were immediately transferred to the laboratory in captivity cages, where they were euthanized in a bell-jar containing chloroform-soaked cotton wool. Specimens were then preliminarily identified to the generic level, using an identification key. The skull of 131 tree squirrels were prepared using Long Island Natural History Museum guide and the sex of the specimens was determined by visual inspection of the external genitalia. The skull and other body parameters were measured using digital venier caliper. The results showed that the body parameters (HBL, TL, TBL, EL, HFL and BW) measured were slightly different from one location to another. Also, the cranial measure showed some similarities among some locations (Ile-Ife, Emure-Ekiti and Ado-Ekiti), while measurement on squirrels from Sekona was different from other three locations. In conclusion, the cranial measurements of the tree squirrels shows there was no new species of F. leucogeny from the sampled locations.

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