RECORD OF A LEUCISTIC PAMPAS FOX LYCALOPEX GYMNOCERCUS (CARNIVORA: CANIDAE) IN NORTHEASTERN OF ARGENTINA

Leucism is a frequent chromatic mutation in mammals that causes partial or complete fur depigmentation. This type of mutation is interesting because they have physiological and ecological implications. We report here the first record of leucism in a pampas fox Lycalopex gymnocercus (Carnivora: Canidae), photographed using a camera trap in the northeast of the province of Corrientes, Argentina. Although cases of hypopigmentation are apparently very rare among pampas foxes, they could actually be more frequent than previously assumed. Given the ecological and physiological importance of these anomalies, researchers should report all records of this type in order to understand the degree to which these genetic variants are present in wild populations of different species of vertebrates.

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First record of the alien exotic sap beetle Phenolia (Lasiodites) picta (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in Greece

ENTOMOLOGIA HELLENICA ◽

10.12681/eh.21323 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 11

Author(s):

Konstantinos Kalaentzis ◽

Athanasios Mpamnaras ◽

Christos Kazilas

Keyword(s):

Alien Species ◽

Species Distribution ◽

First Record ◽

Photographic Material ◽

Sap Beetle ◽

Central Greece ◽

Ecological Implications ◽

First Time

The exotic sap beetle Phenolia (Lasiodites) picta (Macleay, 1825) is recorded for the first time in Greece. In August 2018, a nitidulid beetle was found near Mt. Pelion of Central Greece. It was later identified as P. picta, a recent alien species in Europe, previously recorded from Spain, France, and Turkey. Photographic material and information on the species’ distribution, biology, and potential economic and ecological implications are presented and discussed.

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On track to becoming a cosmopolitan invasive species: First record of the box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in the African continent

ENTOMOLOGIA HELLENICA ◽

10.12681/eh.23483 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 27

Author(s):

Karim Haddad ◽

Konstantinos Kalaentzis ◽

Jakovos Demetriou

Keyword(s):

Invasive Species ◽

First Record ◽

African Continent ◽

Ecological Implications

Native to E. Asia, the box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) has managed to establish itself, and gradually expand its distribution, across Europe, Asia and recently America. This publication documents the first known record of the invasive species in Africa. The moth was observed in Constantine, Algeria in 2018 and was later identified as C. perspectalis. Possible scenarios of its introduction on the continent, as well as potential ecological implications, are discussed.

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Ramifications of reproductive diseases on the recovery of the Sumatran Rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae)

Journal of Threatened Taxa ◽

10.11609/jott.5390.12.3.15279-15288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 15279-15288 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nan E. Schaffer ◽

Muhammad Agil ◽

Zainal Z. Zainuddin

Keyword(s):

Camera Trap ◽

Captive Population ◽

Wild Populations ◽

Fertility Status ◽

Technological Advances ◽

In Captivity ◽

Declining Populations ◽

Reproductive Techniques ◽

Reproductive Pathology

The Sumatran Rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis is on the edge of extinction. The decline of this species was initially attributed to poaching and habitat loss, but evidence presented here indicates that reproductive failure has also been a significant cause of loss, and continues to affect wild populations. Indonesia’s remaining populations of Sumatran Rhino are small and scattered, with limited access to breeding opportunities with unrelated mates. This leaves them subject to inbreeding and isolation-induced infertility, linked to fertility problems analyzed here. Sumatran Rhino females in captivity showed high rates (>70%) of reproductive pathology and/or problems with conception, which has significantly hindered the breeding program. Technological advances enabling examination immediately after capture revealed similarly high rates and types of reproductive problems in individuals from wild populations. The last seven Sumatran Rhino females captured were from areas with small declining populations, and six had reproductive problems. Going forward, capturing similarly compromised animals will take up valuable space and resources needed for fertile animals. The high risk of infertility and difficulty of treating underlying conditions, coupled with the decreasing number of remaining animals, means that the success of efforts to build a viable captive population will depend upon utilizing fertile animals and applying assisted reproductive techniques. Decades of exhaustive in situ surveys have not provided information relevant to population management or to ascertaining the fertility status of individual animals. Thus the first priority should be the capture of individuals as new founders from areas with the highest likelihood of containing fertile rhinos, indicated by recent camera trap photos of mothers with offspring. In Sumatra these areas include Way Kambas and parts of the Leuser ecosystem.

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Co-occurrence of nativeOstrea edulisand non-nativeCrassostrea gigasrevealed by monitoring of intertidal oyster populations

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom ◽

10.1017/s0025315417001448 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 98 (8) ◽

pp. 2029-2038 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Nadescha Zwerschke ◽

Judith Kochmann ◽

Elizabeth C. Ashton ◽

Tasman P. Crowe ◽

Dai Roberts ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Native Species ◽

Continuous Monitoring ◽

Wadden Sea ◽

Population Expansion ◽

First Record ◽

Ostrea Edulis ◽

Population Status ◽

Wild Populations ◽

Potential Impact ◽

Native Oyster

Coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to alien invasions. Regular, standardized, targeted monitoring of coastal areas helps to detect the arrival of non-native species early, identify sites most vulnerable to invasion, and assess potential for further spread. This study quantified the spread and changes in distribution of non-native oyster,Crassostrea gigas, populations around the coast of Ireland. In total 37 sites were surveyed, in areas which either currently or previously harboured cultivatedC. gigas, for the presence and abundance of ‘wild’C. gigas. Wild populations were identified at 20 sites and at four additional sitesC. gigaswas observed as recently discarded from aquaculture activity. Five of the invaded sites were identified as being highly suitable for a population expansion based on their current population status. Importantly, we also identified individuals ofC. gigasand native European oysters,Ostrea edulis, co-occurring within the same shore at five sites. This is the first record to our knowledge of such co-occurrence within Europe. This evidence of co-existing oyster species raises concerns regarding the potential impact ofC. gigason recoveringO. edulispopulations. In Ireland, however,C. gigasdoes not typically spread extensively from introduction points, and although self-containing populations exist, they are currently sustained at a much lower density than those observed in other regions such as the Wadden Sea or French Atlantic coasts. We suggest, therefore, that to protect native oyster populations,C. gigasshould be eradicated where co-occurring withO. edulisand recommend continuous monitoring of invaded sites.

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First record of a wild population of Laelia dawsonii f. dawsonii (Orchidaceae) for the state of Jalisco, Mexico

Lankesteriana ◽

10.15517/lank.v21i1.46102 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Miguel J. Cházaro-Basáñez ◽

Alexander Jiménez-Vázquez ◽

Eduardo A. Pérez-García

Keyword(s):

Wild Population ◽

First Record ◽

The State ◽

Wild Populations ◽

Wide Geographical Distribution ◽

Mexican State ◽

Sierra Madre ◽

Sierra Madre Del Sur ◽

The 19Th Century ◽

First Time

The existence of a wild population of Laelia dawsonii f. dawsonii is recorded for the first time in the Mexican State of Jalisco. Laelia dawsonii has a wide geographical distribution throughout the Sierra Madre del Sur (Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Jalisco); however, the populations are very isolated, and each one has very few individuals. Until now, no wild populations of this species had been registered outside of the State of Oaxaca. The population found in Jalisco is composed of about 100 plants. Due to its horticultural importance, L. dawsonii has been frequently extracted from the field, and its Oaxacan populations have been decimated since the end of the 19th century. Currently, this species is considered endangered in Mexico. Keywords: biogeography, conservation, Laeliinae, Laelia anceps

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Genetic classification ofCryptosporidiumisolates from humans and calves in Slovenia

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182008004800 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 135 (11) ◽

pp. 1263-1270 ◽

Cited By ~ 59

Author(s):

B. SOBA ◽

J. LOGAR

Keyword(s):

Dna Sequencing ◽

Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽

Genetic Variants ◽

Variable Region ◽

First Record ◽

Zoonotic Transmission ◽

Genetic Classification ◽

Direct Dna Sequencing

SUMMARYTo assess the importance of cattle as a source of human cryptosporidial infections in Slovenia,Cryptosporidiumisolates from calves and humans with cryptosporidiosis were characterized genetically by direct DNA sequencing, targeting a variable region of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. In total, 15 genetic variants, designated ‘subtypes’, were identified, of which 7 were novel. In humans,C. hominisIa (subtype IaA17R3) and Ib (IbA10G2) andCryptosporidium parvumIIa (IIaA9G1R1, IIaA11G2R1, IIaA13R1, IIaA14G1R1, IIaA15G1R1, IIaA15G2R1, IIaA16G1R1, IIaA17G1R1 and IIaA19G1R1), IIc (IIcA5G3), and IIl (IIlA16R2) were recorded; this is the first record of the latter subtype in humans. In cattle,C. parvumIIa (IIaA13R1, IIaA15G2R1, IIaA16R1 and IIaA16G1R1) and IIl (IIlA16R2 and IIlA18R2) were recorded. Of the 15 subtypes identified, subtypes ofC. parvumIIa were the most frequently encountered (>90%) in both humans and calves. The present findings suggest that zoonotic transmission plays an important role in sporadic human cryptosporidiosis in Slovenia.

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First record of Blanford’s Fox Vulpes cana (Blanford, 1877) from Iraq

Mammalia ◽

10.1515/mammalia-2020-0166 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Soran A. Ahmed ◽

Omar F. Al-Sheikhly

Keyword(s):

Middle East ◽

East Africa ◽

First Record ◽

Camera Trap ◽

Disjunct Distribution ◽

Northern Iraq ◽

Blanford's Fox ◽

Made In

Abstract The Blanford’s Fox Vulpes cana (Blanford, 1877) is an enigmatic carnivore of Asia and East Africa with sporadic and disjunct distribution in the Middle East. It was suspected to occur in western Iraq, but no confirmed records have been made. In October 2020, the first confirmed occurrence of Blanford’s Fox was made during a camera-trap survey in Xoshk Mountain in northern Iraq (Kurdistan) and is described in this account.

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Neopsittaconirmus vendulae, a new species of louse (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) from the Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus (Psittaciformes: Cacatuidae)

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.1270.1.5 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 1270 (1) ◽

pp. 57 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

OLDÃICH SYCHRA

Keyword(s):

Czech Republic ◽

New Species ◽

First Record ◽

Wild Populations ◽

Nymphicus Hollandicus ◽

A New Species

A new species of Neopsittaconirmus Conci is described from lice collected from captive cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus, in Australia, Czech Republic, and Germany. This is the first record of lice from this host. These captive birds probably originated from limited populations which were randomly selected from wild populations and then bred and transported by cage-bird breeders. Keys are provided for identification of the 27 species of Neopsittaconirmus.

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Taxonomic study of crustose coralline algae off the northeastern Brazilian coast

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.190.1.10 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 190 (1) ◽

pp. 130 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Iara Oliveira Costa ◽

Paulo Antunes Horta ◽

Ellie R Bergstrom ◽

José Marcos De Castro Nunes

Keyword(s):

Red Algae ◽

First Record ◽

Coralline Algae ◽

Brazilian Coast ◽

Taxonomic Study ◽

Northern Coast ◽

Crustose Coralline Algae ◽

Coralline Red Algae ◽

The North ◽

Ecological Implications

This work presents a detailed morphoanatomical study of crustose coralline algae species from the northeastern Brazilian coast, in the north of Bahia state. Nine species have been recognized: Sporolithon episporum, Lithophyllum stictaeforme, Spongites yendoi, Spongites sp., Mesophyllum erubescens, Phymatolithon masonianum, Phymatolithon calcareum, Lithothamnion crispatum and Lithothamnion brasiliense. Phymatolithon masonianum and Phymatolithon calcareum constitute the first record of these species for the northern coast of Brazil. An identification key, as well as descriptions, illustrations, comparisons with related taxa, and geographical distributions for Brazil as well as global geographic distributions are presented. Additionally, some ecological implications are discussed focusing the need of more studies about this neglected group of coralline red algae.

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Occurrence of twin embryos in the eastern bluebird

10.7287/peerj.preprints.186v1 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Robyn L. Bailey ◽

Gerald E. Clark

Keyword(s):

First Record ◽

Wild Birds ◽

National Program ◽

Wild Populations ◽

Free Living ◽

Sialia Sialis ◽

The Public ◽

Eastern Bluebird ◽

Central Pennsylvania ◽

Large Numbers

We report the first record of presumed twinning in eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) and provide a review of all previously reported twinning events in wild birds. A nest containing twin eastern bluebird nestlings was monitored in 2013 in central Pennsylvania and reported to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch program, a national program where volunteers submit data on wild nesting birds. A presumed double-yolked egg of a free-living eastern bluebird pair hatched successfully, and twin nestlings lived for 11 days in a nest box shared by three siblings. Due to the rarity of twinning in wild birds, engaging the public to monitor large numbers of nests is the most likely approach to documenting twinning in wild populations, and citizen science provides the infrastructure for individuals to share observations.

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