scholarly journals Potential and realised endozoochorous dispersal by herbivores and omnivores in a Caspian forest steppe area

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorour Karimi ◽  
Mahmoud-Reza Hemami ◽  
Mostafa Tarkesh Esfahani ◽  
Christophe Baltzinge
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Wild Boar ◽  
Natural Condition ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Dispersal Vectors

Abstract Background: Among other factors, feeding regimes of different mammals affect their roles as endozoochorous seed dispersal vectors. We thus conducted a cross-species comparative approach involving two herbivores, red and roe deer; and two omnivores and opportunistic frugivores, wild boar and brown bear, which occupy the forest and prairie-forest ecotone habitats of the south-eastern Caspian region. To compare their potential and realised endozoochorous seed dispersal, we used two different seed germination methods: controlled greenhouse and natural conditions. Results: Of the 136 plant taxa (3078 seedlings) recorded from the 445 paired dung sub-samples of both methods, only 36 taxa (336 seedlings) were recorded under natural conditions, among which five taxa showed no emergence in the greenhouse. Graminoids and forbs composed 91% of the seedlings in greenhouse but shrub species were more abundant under natural conditions (55% of emerged seedlings). Considering greenhouse condition, red deer and then wild boar dispersed more species than the other animals, while in natural condition brown bear was the most effective vector. We observed remarkably higher species richness and seedling abundance in the controlled greenhouse method than natural condition (P≤0.001). This difference may be related to dung sample preparation method or meteorological conditions in the field during our experiment. Conclusions: The studied sympatric vectors were shown to provide different seed dispersal services and may, therefore, be regarded as complementary. Our results provide evidence for the potential positive bias arising when only considering germination under controlled greenhouse conditions. Relativising the potential versus the realised endozoochorous dispersal of seeds by different mammals would help determine management options to maintain plant biodiversity. Keywords : Different germination methods, Mammal functional groups, Potential endozoochory, Realised endozoochory

scholarly journals Endozoochorous dispersal by herbivores and omnivores is mediated by germination conditions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorour Karimi ◽  
Mahmoud-Reza Hemami ◽  
Mostafa Tarkesh Esfahani ◽  
Christophe Baltzinger
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Wild Boar ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Dispersal Vectors

Abstract Background: Vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal is probably the main long distance dispersal mode. Through endozoochory, large mammals act as mobile links between habitats within and among forest patches. Along with other factors, their feeding regimes do affect their contribution as dispersal vectors. We conducted a cross-species comparative experiment involving two herbivores, red deer and roe deer; and two opportunistic omnivores, wild boar and brown bear, all occurring in the forest and steppe-forest ecotone habitats of the south-eastern Caspian region. We compared their role as endozoochorous seed dispersal agents by monitoring seedling emergence in their dungs under greenhouse and natural conditions. Results: In total, 3078 seedlings, corresponding to 136 plant taxa sprouted from 445 paired dung sub-samples, under greenhouse and natural conditions. Only 336 seedlings, corresponding to 36 plant taxa, emerged under natural conditions, among which five taxa did not appear under greenhouse conditions. Graminoids and forbs composed 91% of the seedlings in the greenhouse whereas shrubs were more abundant under natural conditions, representing 55% of the emerged seedlings. Under greenhouse conditions, first red deer and then wild boar dispersed more species than the other two mammals, while under natural conditions brown bear was the most effective vector. We observed remarkably higher species richness and seedling abundance per dung sub-sample under buffered greenhouse conditions than we did under natural conditions. Conclusions: The four sympatric mammals studied provided different seed dispersal services, both in terms of seedling abundance and species richness and may therefore be regarded as complementary. Our results highlight a positive bias when only considering germination under buffered greenhouse conditions. This must be taken into account when planning management options to benefit plant biodiversity based on the dispersal services concluded from greenhouse experiments.

scholarly journals Temporal Patterns of Vehicle Collisions with Roe Deer and Wild Boar in the Dinaric Area

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joso Vrkljan ◽  
Dubravka Hozjan ◽  
Danijela Barić ◽  
Damir Ugarković ◽  
Krešimir Krapinec
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Lunar Phase ◽  
Large Species ◽  
Vehicle Collisions

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) based on the animal species, and to deepen the knowledge of temporal patterns of vehicle collisions with roe deer and wild boar. The study analyses the data from police reports on vehicle collisions with animals on state roads, by date and time, section of road, and animal species over a 5-year period (2012–2016). These data were analysed to determine the temporal dynamics of vehicle collisions with roe deer and wild boar by month, time of day, and moon phase. On the state roads in the Dinaric area, roe deer are most commonly involved in vehicle collisions (70.1% of all collisions), followed by wild boar (11.0%). Other large species involved in collisions were fallow deer (4.8%), brown bear (1.8%), red deer (0.9%), grey wolf (0.7%), and European mouflon (0.5%), respectively. Most collisions with roe deer occurred in the period April–August, with reduced frequency during autumn and winter. For wild boar, there was no association between month and frequency of collisions. At the annual level, collisions with roe deer were significantly higher during night (37%) and twilight (41%) than during the day (22%). For wild boar, most collisions occurred during twilight (26%) and night (72%), although the difference between these two periods was not statistically significant. For roe deer, collisions had no association with lunar phase, though wild boar collisions during twilight (dawn or dusk) were more common during twilight periods on days with less moonlight. Since vehicle collisions with wildlife showed certain temporal patterns, these should be taken into consideration in developing statistical models of spatial WVC patterns, and also in planning strategies and countermeasures to mitigate WVC issues.

scholarly journals 190 A PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN FIBROBLASTS FROM WILD ANIMALS

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.N. Caamaño ◽  
M. Hermsen ◽  
J. Marcos ◽  
A. Meana ◽  
C. Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Skin Fibroblasts ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Grey Wolf ◽  
Striped Dolphin ◽  
Pyrenean Chamois

The number of wild animals threatened or at risk of extinction constantly increases and, as a result, biodiversity decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to set in motion proceedings to preserve the genetic variability and to overcome factors leading to this situation. Banks of cryopreserved cells, such as skin fibroblasts, from wild animals could be used both for genetic studies and as a cell source for technologies able to reproduce individuals. In this study we report that a single basic protocol provides a method for obtaining, culturing, and cryopreserving skin fibroblasts from a wide range of wild animals. Skin biopsies were taken in Cantabria (Spain) from live, anesthetized brown bear (Ursus arctos, n = 4), and in Asturias (Spain) from carcasses of accidentally killed individuals from the following species: grey wolf (Canis lupus, n = 1), red fox (Vulpes vulpes, n = 1), eurasian badger (Meles meles, n = 1), ermine (Mustela erminea, n = 1), fallow deer (Dama dama, n = 7), pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica, n = 1), western roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, n = 1), wild boar (Sus scrofa, n = 1), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba, n = 1) and one avian species, capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus, n = 1). Once obtained and transported to the laboratory, all samples were processed identically. Tissue samples were manually cut into small pieces and enzymatically digested with 0.05% trypsin-EDTA (Sigma-Aldrich, Madrid, Spain) for 30 min, and then with collagenase (300 units/mL) (Sigma) for 14 h at 38°C. Disaggregated cells were centrifuged at 1600 rpm for 10 min and the pellet was diluted with D-MEM (Sigma) containing 10% FBS. Cells were counted and a minimum of 3 × 105 cells were placed in a 25 cm2 flask for culture under 5% CO2 in air and high humidity at 37°C (red fox, badger, ermine, western roe deer) or 38°C (brown bear, grey wolf, fallow deer, pyrenean chamois, wild boar, striped dolphin, capercaillie). Confluent fibroblast monolayers were obtained after 5–7 days in culture except for the striped dolphin whose sample was contaminated. Two to three passages were performed using 75 cm2 flasks before freezing fibroblasts in D-MEM containing 10% DMSO (Sigma) and 10% FBS. Total cell yield from a confluent flask was 5–11 × 106 cells, depending on the animal species. Fibroblasts recovered from all thawed samples grew to confluence, and karyotypes were performed at this step. It was possible to obtain, culture, freeze, and thaw skin fibroblasts successfully from all the above-mentioned land species. Although more research is needed, preliminary data suggest that the above-described procedure can be applied to mammals and birds, thus helping to preserve genetic material of wild animals. Grant Support: Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Ordenación del Territorios e Infraestructuras, Asturias, SPAIN. The authors acknowledge CEPESMA, Luarca, Asturias, SPAIN.

Evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in game animals from Slovenia

2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 441-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Žele ◽  
Jana Avberšek ◽  
Igor Gruntar ◽  
Matjaž Ocepek ◽  
Gorazd Vengušt
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Game Species ◽  
Game Animals

Anaplasma phagocytophilumis a tick-borne rickettsial pathogen responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis in mammalian hosts including humans. Wild animals may play an important role in the epidemiology of this disease. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of infection withA. phagocytophilumamong wildlife in Slovenia. Serum samples (n = 376) from the most important game species [red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and brown bear (Ursus arctos)] were examined byA. phagocytophilum-specific indirect fluorescent-antibody assay (IFA) and wild boar spleen samples (n = 160) were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).A. phagocytophilum-specific antibodies were found in 72% of sera andA. phagocytophilumDNA was present in 6.2% of spleens. The data indicate thatA. phagocytophilumis present and widespread in Slovenian game animals and that game species are involved in the natural life cycle ofA. phagocytophilum.

scholarly journals Feeding ecology of the wolf (Canis lupus) in a near-natural ecosystem in Mongolia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Tiralla ◽  
Maika Holzapfel ◽  
Hermann Ansorge
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Ecology ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Mountain Forest ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Natural Ecosystem ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Siberian Roe Deer ◽  
Northern Mongolia

AbstractThe increasing animosity towards wolves (Canislupus) by livestock-keeping nomads in Mongolia and the accompanying conflicts highlight the urgent need for knowledge about the feeding behavior of wolves, since information on the feeding ecology of wolves in Mongolia is rare, especially in the mountain taiga and mountain forest steppe regions of Northern Mongolia. Those regions are characterized by a relatively high wildlife diversity and are sparsely populated by humans. To face this problem, 137 wolf scats were collected in the Khentii Mountain range in Northern Mongolia between 2008 and 2012. Almost all wolf faeces contained remnants of wild ungulates, which made up 89% of the consumed biomass. Siberian roe deer (Capreoluspygargus) was the most important and positively selected prey species. It was followed by red deer (Cervuselaphus) and wild boar (Susscrofa), which was negatively selected by wolves. Wolves also fed on buffer prey species such as lagomorphs and small mammals. No evidence of domestic ungulates was found in the wolf diet. Thus, near-natural habitats with a diverse fauna of wild animals are important to limit livestock depredation.

SPECIALIZATION OF GRAIN PRODUCTION BY ZONE IN THE REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (3) ◽  
pp. 45-49
Author(s):  
S.SH. ASLAEVA ◽  
◽  
R.F. GATAULLIN ◽  
Keyword(s):  
High Volume ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Grain Production ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Main Condition ◽  
Republic Of Bashkortostan ◽  
General Scientific ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Republic

The main condition for specialization in agriculture is the production of those products for which there is the most favorable natural environment. The purpose of our study is to determine the nature of territorial specialization in grain production based on the level and its dynamics. The object of the research is the agriculture of the Republic of Bashkortostan, which is one of the leading in the Russian Federation. The subject of the research is the factors of formation of territorial specialization of grain production. The work was carried out on the basis of the application of general scientific research methods within the framework of comparative, logical, statistical analysis and graphic interpretation of the results. The territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan is divided according to the complex of natural conditions, respectively, and according to the peculiarities of agriculture, into six zones. We have grouped municipal districts according to the volume of grain production in statics and in dynamics. A map of the municipal districts of the Republic of Bashkortostan for the production of grain by agricultural zones has been built. It was revealed that the dynamics of grain production in the republic has a multidirectional character. In terms of grain production, many regions of the region are promising territories, which, despite the low volume of production, are characterized by positive dynamics, as well as stagnant territories, which are characterized, despite the high volume of production, by negative dynamics. Areas in which grain production is higher than the average for the region are located in agricultural zones belonging to the Southern forest-steppe, the Ural steppe, and the Trans-Ural steppe. But at the same time, in many areas of the Cis-Ural and Trans-Ural steppe, grain production is also increasing, many of them have grain-growing specialization. In the regions located in the southern forest-steppe, grain production is below the average level in the republic, sunflower is most of all cultivated. Agriculture in the republic must be developed in the direction of creating specialized zones, which will allow lower costs to ensure the growth of production. At the same time, the organizational and economic mechanism must change in such a way as to stimulate the specialization and concentration of production.

Which stem parts of Slender speedwell (Veronica filiformis) are the most successful in plant regeneration?

Biologia ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Božena Šerá
Keyword(s):  
Plant Regeneration ◽  
Natural Condition ◽  
Clonal Plants ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Nodal Segment ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Manipulative Experiment ◽  
Best Response ◽  
Small Parts ◽  
Internodal Segment

AbstractRegeneration of Slender speedwell (Veronica filiformis) from small parts of stem without using stimulative agents was the focus of the investigation. Four different short fragments of shoot (main terminal, secondary terminal, nodal segment and internodal segment) were cultivated under greenhouse and natural conditions. All tested vegetative segments induced roots, rooted in a soil substrate and in a semi-natural lawn, survived winter, and flowered. Multiplication of clonal plants was confirmed for both the main and secondary terminal segments. These terminal segments had the best response in number of growing individuals, flowering stems, and weight of dried biomass. The manipulative experiment revealed that clonal success of speedwell is connected with possibilities to hive off of all tested above-ground segments. Establishment of plantlets from the segment in natural condition was not successful when accompanied by certain grass species.

scholarly journals  Cadmium, lead, and mercury concentrations in tissues of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) and wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) from Lowland Croatia

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (No. 6) ◽  
pp. 624-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Srebočan ◽  
A. Prevendar Crnić ◽  
A.M. Ekert Kabalin ◽  
M. Lazarus ◽  
JurasovićJ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Mercury Concentration ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Lead Concentration ◽  
Cadmium Concentration ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Cadmium Lead

Cadmium, lead, and mercury concentrations were determined in roe deer and wild boar tissues (muscle, liver, kidney) of three different age groups from lowland Croatia. Cadmium concentrations in the examined tissues increased with age in both species, being the highest in the kidney, and higher in roe deer as compared to wild boar. Lead concentration was higher in younger animals in comparison with both older groups. Contrary to the expectations, roe deer tissues revealed mostly higher lead concentrations than those of wild boar. Mercury concentration in the tissues of the animals examined was relatively low and no correlation with age was found. However, mercury concentration was higher in kidney than in liver with both species. Wild boar had higher mercury concentrations in tissues than roe deer in all age groups. Cadmium and mercury concentrations in both species from lowland Croatia are comparable to those given in similar studies in other European countries, while lead concentration was lower in wild boar and higher in roe deer tissues than those in the same species from European countries. From the hygienic point of view, the muscle samples from roe deer and wild boar were edible as the concentrations of cadmium and lead did not exceed the values prescribed by the official regulations. However, cadmium concentration in liver exceeded the prescribed values in one fifth of all samples while lead concentrations were lower than the allowed concentrations. Most kidney samples from both animal species contained cadmium exceeding the recommended concentrations, while lead concentrations in all samples did not exceed the official value regulation. Mercury concentrations are no longer (since 2008) a matter of legislative.

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