Molecular identification of Sarcocystis halieti in the muscles of two species of birds of prey from Spain

Abstract Background Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites characterized by a prey–predator two-host life-cycle. Sarcocysts are formed in the muscles or central nervous system of the intermediate host (IH), while sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host (DH). Various birds of prey have been confirmed to be DH for Sarcocystis spp. Three Sarcocystis species, S. wobeseri, S. halieti and S. falcatula, have been identified in the muscles of birds of prey, of which the latter are known to be pathogenic and can cause encephalitis in various birds. The aim of this study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in the muscles of birds of prey from Spain. Methods Between 2019 and 2020, muscle tissue samples taken from 59 birds of prey admitted to the Wildlife Recovery Centre in Ilundain (Navarra, Spain) were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocysts in fresh squashed samples were morphologically characterized under the light microscope (LM). Sarcocystis spp. were identified by means of 28S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer 1 sequence analysis. Results Microscopic examination of squashed tissue samples stained with methylene blue revealed the presence of sarcocysts in three of the 59 (5.1%) birds examined. Only one sarcocyst type was observed under the LM. Sarcocysts were thread-like (1050–2160 × 130–158 μm) and had a thin (0.7–1.4 μm) and smooth cyst wall. Septa divided the cysts into compartments filled with banana-shaped (5.9 × 1.7 μm) bradyzoites. On the basis of DNA sequence results, S. halieti was identified in the western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the black kite (Milvus migrans) for the first time. Sarcocysts of S. halieti were shorter and wider compared to those observed in the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the herring gull (Larus argentatus). According to current knowledge, S. halieti may infect birds belonging to four different orders: Suliformes, Charadriiformes, Strigiformes and Accipitriformes. Conclusions This is the first report of S. halieti in the western marsh harrier and the black kite as IH. So far, little research has been conducted on birds of prey as IH for Sarcocystis spp. These results indicate that further studies combining morphological, histopathological, and molecular methods are required. Graphical abstract

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Molecular Identification of Sarcocystis Halieti in Birds of Prey From Spain

10.21203/rs.3.rs-491040/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Petras Prakas ◽

Antonio Bea ◽

Evelina Juozaiė-Ngugu ◽

Iñaki Olano ◽

Diego Villanúa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blue Staining ◽

Birds Of Prey ◽

Great Cormorant ◽

28S Rrna ◽

Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽

Its1 Sequence ◽

Milvus Migrans ◽

Marsh Harrier ◽

Black Kite ◽

Circus Aeruginosus

Abstract Background: Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites characterized by a prey-predator two-host life cycle. Sarcocysts are formed in muscles or CNS of the intermediate host (IH), while sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host (DH). Various birds of prey were confirmed to be DH for Sarcocystis spp. By contrast, only two species, S. wobeseri and S. falcatula were identified in the muscles of birds of prey. The latter species is pathogenic and can cause encephalitis in various birds. The aim of the present study was to identify Sarcocystis species in the muscles of birds of prey from Spain. Methods: In the period between 2019 and 2020, muscle tissues of 59 birds collected from Spain were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocysts in fresh squashed samples were morphologically characterised under a light microscope (LM). Sarcocystis species were identified by means of 28S rRNA and ITS1 sequence analysis. Results: With the help of methylene blue-staining microscopic sarcocysts were detected in 3/59 (5.1%) birds of prey from Spain. Under LM, one type of sarcocysts was observed. Sarcocysts were thread-like (1050–2160 × 130–158 μm), had a thin (0.7–1.4 μm) and smooth cyst wall. Septa divided the cysts into compartments filled with banana-shaped (5.9 × 1.7 μm) bradyzoites. On the basis of DNA sequence results, S. halieti was identified in the western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the black kite (Milvus migrans) for the first time. Sarcocysts of S. halieti detected in the black kite and the western marsh harrier were shorter and wider as compared to those observed in the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the herring gull (Larus argentatus). Hence, S. halieti might infect birds belonging to three different orders, Suliformes, Charadriiformes and Accipitriformes. Conclusions: This is the first report of S. halieti in birds of prey as IH. Due to the inconsistency of research on Sarcocystis spp. from birds of prey, further complex morphological, histopathological, and molecular studies are required.

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Polychlorinated biphenyls in raptor and owl eggs in the Czech Republic

Veterinární Medicína ◽

10.17221/5791-vetmed ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 48 (No. 12) ◽

pp. 363-368 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

I. Kustova ◽

M. Vavrova ◽

ILiterak

Keyword(s):

Czech Republic ◽

Tyto Alba ◽

The Czech Republic ◽

Pcb Congeners ◽

Milvus Migrans ◽

Marsh Harrier ◽

Black Kite ◽

Circus Aeruginosus ◽

Lipid Weight ◽

Aquila Heliaca

In 2001, raptor and owl eggs were collected for the purpose of detection of contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at 15 sites in the southeastern area of the Czech Republic. In total 31 unhatched eggs of 4 raptor species and 3 owl species were examined. PCB determination was carried out by high-resolution gas chromatography. PCB content was expressed in μg per 1 kg of lipid weight for the major PCB congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180, serving as indicators. In all examined eggs the indicator PCB congeners were found. The ranges of total values of indicator PCB congeners found in different raptor and owl species were as follows: kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) 37.0 and 44.3 (n = 2), black kite (Milvus migrans) 28.3–40.5 (n = 3), imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) 66.4 (n = 1), marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) 45.1 (n = 1), barn owl (Tyto alba) 20.6–46.1 (n = 17), long-eared owl (Asio otus) 32.0–41.9 (n = 6) and tawny owl (Strix aluco) 47.5 (n = 1) μg/kg of lipid weight. PCB congener 153 was the one most frequently found.

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Diet composition, guild structure and trophic relationships of wintering birds of prey in an estuarine wetland (The Evros Delta National Park, Greece)

Ecologica Montenegrina ◽

10.37828/em.2021.39.3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 ◽

pp. 15-29

Author(s):

Haralambos Alivizatos ◽

Vassilis Goutner

Keyword(s):

Small Mammals ◽

National Park ◽

Habitat Preferences ◽

Bird Species ◽

Trophic Relationships ◽

Birds Of Prey ◽

Tyto Alba ◽

Milvus Migrans ◽

Black Kite ◽

Circus Aeruginosus

Seven species of birds of prey studied in the Evros Delta National Park belong to a common assemblage of a trophic guild. However, their diet study revealed different groups of feeding niches. A cluster analysis provided three groups with very similar diets: The eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) and greater spotted eagle (Clanga clanga) constituted a group feeding mainly on birds with their diets including 96% (13 bird species) and 98% (16 bird species), by number respectively, most bird prey being water birds. A second group, characterized by a considerable variety of prey types dominated by small mammals and birds, included the western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) (67% mammals, 27% birds -at least 12 species ), black kite (Milvus migrans) (46% mammals, 39% birds -at least 11 species) and common buzzard (Buteo buteo) (birds 36% -at least 7 species, mammals 22%). In all three species, birds dominated by biomass, whereas other prey such as arthropods (mainly insects), amphibians and reptiles had a low contribution by mass where they occurred. A third group included the common barn owl (Tyto alba), feeding mainly on small mammals (97%, at least 12 species) and little owl (Athene noctua). The little owl’s diet consisted of mammals (29%, -at least 6 species), birds (5% -at least 7 species) and, though insects preponderated by number (64%), mammals were dominant by biomass in both owls. Diversity indices estimated on class level were low, ranked as B. buteo > M. migrans > A. noctua > C. aeruginosus > A. heliaca = T. alba > A. clanga. Dietary similarities may be partly due to common habitat preferences and the role of other potential factors to niche partitioning is discussed.

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Diurnal birds of prey of national nature park ‘Dvorichanskyi’ and adjacent territories

V N Karazin National University Series “Biology” ◽

10.26565/2075-5457-2019-32-6 ◽

2019 ◽

Keyword(s):

Conservation Status ◽

Breeding Habitat ◽

Birds Of Prey ◽

Pedunculate Oak ◽

Natural Ecosystems ◽

Common Buzzard ◽

Milvus Migrans ◽

Black Kite ◽

Circus Aeruginosus ◽

Nature Park

The studies of species composition and abundance of diurnal birds of prey may be quite indicative of the state of natural ecosystems and of the level of impact of human-induced factors on their functions. Such studies are particularly important within the protected areas taking into account unfavourable conservation status of many species of the group. The status, abundance, aspects of habitat distribution and breeding habitat preferences of diurnal birds of prey were studied within national nature park ‘Dvorichanskyi’ and adjacent territories (750 sq. km, Dvorichanskyi district, Kharkiv Region, Ukraine) in 2010–2018. 22 species were registered. The breeding of six species was confirmed e.g. Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). The breeding of four more species is considered probable namely Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus), White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and Hobby (Falco subbuteo). There are indications of possible breeding of Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) and Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). The rest of the species are migrating and/or wintering. The most numerous breeding species is Common Buzzard. The abundance of Booted Eagle is comparatively high that discerns the study area from other parts of Kharkiv Region. 40 nests of birds of prey were carefully inspected. The majority were found in ravine steppe forests (83%). Oak, alder and willow flood-plain forests are very important breeding habitats for Black Kite and Booted Eagle while ravine steppe forests are those for Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard and Booted Eagle. Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) is the most favourable tree species for building the nests (47.5% of all inspected nests) followed by European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) (15%) and European pear (Pyrus communis) (10%).

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Comparison of metal burden in different muscle tissues of Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research ◽

10.1007/s11356-021-15600-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

József Lehel ◽

Adrienn Grúz ◽

András Bartha ◽

Imre Pintér ◽

Zoltán Lénárt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Optical Emission ◽

Pectoral Muscle ◽

Thigh Muscle ◽

Great Cormorant ◽

Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽

Wetland Birds ◽

Conservation Area ◽

Tissue Samples ◽

Muscle Tissues

AbstractConcentrations of 12 metals (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn) were examined in the pectoral and thigh muscle of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo). The samples were collected from Central Tisza-Jászság Nature Conservation Area in Hungary. The tissue samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The aim of the study was to examine the impacts of heavy metal pollution on the water birds, determine the concentrations of the abovementioned metals in the different muscle tissues of these wetland birds, and provide the basic materials for monitoring the environmental pollution. Among the investigated elements/metals, the detected concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo and Ni were below the detection limit. Higher concentration of Cu, Hg, Mn and Pb was measured in the pectoral muscle compared to the thigh muscle, but only in the case of Cu and Mn were found significant differences between the tissues. In the case of the Zn concentration, the higher value was detected in the thigh muscle. There were no statistical differences between males and females in either metal concentrations.

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Environmental factors affecting the wintering raptor community in Armenia, Southern Caucasus

Community Ecology ◽

10.1007/s42974-021-00038-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gianpasquale Chiatante ◽

Michele Panuccio

Keyword(s):

General Pattern ◽

Abundant Species ◽

Theoretic Approach ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Milvus Migrans ◽

Gyps Fulvus ◽

Black Kite ◽

Southern Caucasus ◽

And Migration ◽

Information Theoretic Approach

AbstractThe species–habitat relationships can change during the year because of the seasonality of resources. Therefore, the investigation of habitat use by animals in each season plays a fundamental role in their conservation. The main aim of this research was to investigate the raptor community that spends the winter in Armenia, southern Caucasus, and to explore its relationship with environmental features, such as land use and topography. During January 2012, we collected data by carrying out 15 roadside counts along which we calculated three community parameters: the relative abundance, the species richness, and the species diversity. Then, we carried out a multiple linear regression with the Information-Theoretic Approach, to explain the relationship between the parameters and environmental variables. Besides, we computed a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) between the species and the environment around their observations. As a general pattern, the community was associated with permanent crops, maybe because of their heterogeneity, which in turn allows them to support higher densities of prey during the winter. The most abundant species was the Black Kite (Milvus migrans), followed by the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies investigating the wintering raptor community in the Caucasus, with raptors generally studied in this area during the breeding season and migration.

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