Phacoemulsification in a clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Phacoemulsification and prophylactic retinopexy were performed on a 3‐month‐old hand‐raised clouded leopard with a unilateral mature cataract. The same procedures were repeated 3 months later when a cataract developed in the fellow eye. Examination procedures, anesthetic protocols, and surgical techniques were similar to those utilized in domestic cats. The patient retains highly functional aphakic vision at the present age of 2.5 years. An inherited basis for the cataracts is proposed. Although the cub was hand raised, the cataracts were unlike nutritional cataracts reported previously in domestic cats and dogs. To the author’s knowledge this is the first report of cataract formation and phacoemulsification in a clouded leopard.     

Chemical characterization of milk oligosaccharides of the island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)

Although a considerable amount of information has accumulated about oligosaccharides in the milk and colostrum of representatives of various mammalian orders, nothing is so far known concerning these sugars in the milk of any bat species (order Chiroptera). In this study, we determined that the following oligosaccharides occur in milk of the island flying fox, Pteropus hypomelanus (Chiroptera: Pteropidae): Gal(α1–3)Gal(β1–4)Glc (isoglobotriose), Gal(β1–4)GlcNAc(β1–3)Gal(β1–4)Glc (lacto‐N‐neotetraose), Gal(β1–4)GlcNAc(β1–3)[Gal(β1–4)GlcNAc(β1–6)]Gal(β1–4)Glc (lacto‐N‐neohexaose) and Neu5Gc(α2–3)Gal(β1–4)Glc (3′‐NGc‐SL). However, lactose was found to be the dominant saccharide in this milk, as in most eutherian mammals. The biologic importance of oligosaccharides in Chiropteran milks warrants further study.     

Peste des petits ruminants virus detected in tissues from an Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) belongs to Asian lineage IV

In this study, peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) was detected in frozen pooled tissue samples from a dead Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). The samples were negative for canine distemper virus and positive for PPRV nucleic acids when tested with one-step RT-PCR using the appropriate virus-specific primers. Subsequent amplification, cloning, and sequencing of the partial nucleocapsid, matrix, and fusion genes confirmed the presence of PPRV nucleic acid. Comparative sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the structural genes of the isolated virus confirmed that the virus belonged to Asian lineage IV and was closely related to PPRV circulating in India.     

Evaluation of butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam as a reversible narcotic combination in free-ranging African lions (Panthera leo)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of the combination butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam (BMM) and its reversibility in lions.Study designProspective clinical trial.AnimalsThirty free-ranging lions, 10 male and 20 female, weighing 81-210 kg.MethodsLions were immobilised with butorphanol mean 0.31 ± SD 0.034 mg kg^?1, medetomidine 0.052 ± 0.006 mg kg^?1, midazolam 0.21 ± 0.024 mg kg^?1 and hyaluronidase 1250 IU administered intramuscularly with a dart gun. Upon recumbency, physiological parameters and anaesthetic depth were monitored 10-15 minutes after darting (T1) and repeated every 10 minutes for a further 30 minutes (T2, T3, T4). Arterial blood gas analyses were performed at T1 and T4. At the end of the procedure, 45-60 minutes after initial darting, immobilisation was reversed with naltrexone 0.68 ± 0.082 mg kg^?1, atipamezole 0.26 ± 0.031 mg kg^?1, and flumazenil 0.0032 ± 0.0007 mg kg^?1 administered intravenously and subcutaneously.ResultsThe BMM combination rapidly induced immobilisation and lateral recumbency was reached within 7.25 ± 2.3 minutes. Median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.4 (range 1-2). Cardio-respiratory parameters were stable. Heart rate varied from 32 to 72 beats per minute, respiratory rate from 14 to 32 breaths minute^?1 and rectal temperature from 36.6 to 40.3 °C. No sudden arousals were observed. Arterial blood gas analyses revealed a mean pH of 7.33, PaCO₂ of 33 mmHg and PaO₂ of 87 mmHg. Mild to moderate hypoxemia was seen in four lions. Recovery was smooth and lions were walking within 4.4 ± 4.25 minutes. Median recovery score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.3 (range 1-2).Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe drug combination proved to be effective in immobilising free-ranging healthy lions of both sexes with minimal cardio-respiratory changes.     

Identification of sialyl oligosaccharides including an oligosaccharide nucleotide in colostrum of an addax (Addax nasomaculatus) (Subfamily Antelopinae)

Mammalian milk/colostrum usually contains milk oligosaccharides along with the predominant lactose. Although milk oligosaccharides of a variety of Bovidae species including cow, sheep and goat have been characterized, those of the addax, an Antelopinae species of the Bovidae, have not as yet been clarified. In this study, several sialyl oligosaccharides were purified from a sample of addax colostrum and characterized as follows: Neu5Ac(α2‐8)Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc, Neu5Gc(α2‐8)Neu5Gc(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc, Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc, Neu5Ac(α2‐6)Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc, Neu5Gc(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc, Neu5Gc(α2‐6)Gal(β1‐4)Glc, Neu5Gc(α2‐6)Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc. In addition, an oligosaccharide nucleotide Neu5Gc(α2‐6)Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAcα1‐UDP was characterized. Molecular species of a variety of sialyl oligosaccharides found in milk and colostrum of these Bovidae were compared.     

Chemical characterization of milk oligosaccharides of the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus)

Previous structural characterizations of marsupial milk oligosaccharides have been performed in the tammar wallaby, red kangaroo, koala, common brushtail possum and the eastern quoll. To clarify the homology and heterogeneity of milk oligosaccharides among marsupial species, which could provide information on their evolution, the oligosaccharides of wombat milk carbohydrate were characterized in this study. Neutral and acidic oligosaccharides were isolated from the carbohydrate fractions of two samples of milk of the common wombat and characterized by ¹H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The structures of six neutral saccharides were found to be Gal(β1‐4)Glc (lactose), Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc (3'‐galactosyllactose), Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc (3',3”‐digalactosyllactose), Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc, Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐3)[Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐6)]Gal(β1‐4)Glc (galactosyl lacto‐N‐novopentaose I) and Gal(β1‐3)[Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐6)]Gal(β1‐3)[Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐6)]Gal(β1‐4)Glc (lacto‐N‐novooctaose), while those of six acidic saccharides were Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc. (sialyl 3'‐galactosyllactose), Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc (sialyl 3',3”‐digalactosyllactose), Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐3)[Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐6)]Gal(β1‐4)Glc (sialyl lacto‐N‐novopentaose a), Gal(β1‐3)[Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐6)]Gal(β1‐4)Glc (sialyl lacto‐N‐novopentaose c), Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc,, Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐3)[Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐6)]Gal(β1‐4)Glc and Gal(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐3)[Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐6)]Gal(β1‐4)Glc. In addition, small amounts of sulfated oligosaccharides but no oligosaccharides containing Neu5Gc or α(2–6) linked Neu5Ac were detected.     

Neutral and acidic milk oligosaccharides of the striped skunk (Mephitidae: Mephitis mephitis)

The biological significance of the tremendous variation in proportions of oligosaccharides and lactose among mammalian milks is poorly understood. We investigated milk oligosaccharides of the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and compared these results to other species of the clade Mustelida. Individual oligosaccharides were identified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In the striped skunk, six oligosaccharides were identified: isoglobotriose, 2′‐fucosyllactose, A‐tetrasaccharide, Galili pentasaccharide, 3′‐sialyllactose and monosialyl monogalactosyl lacto‐N‐neohexaose. Four of these have been found in related Mustelida and the other two in more distantly related carnivorans. The neutral and acidic oligosaccharides derive from three core structures: lactose (Gal(β1–4)Glc), lacto‐N‐neotetraose (Gal(β1–4)GlcNAc(β1–3)Gal(β1–4)Glc) and lacto‐N‐neohexaose (Gal(β1–4)GlcNAc(β1–3)[Gal(β1–4)GlcNAc(β1–6)]Gal(β1–4)Glc).     

Structural determination of the oligosaccharides in the milk of a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridatyla)

There appears to be strong evidence supporting four major clades of placental mammals: (i) Afrotheria; (ii) Xenarthea; (iii) Euarchontoglires; and (iv) Laurasiathera. This is the first study in which the carbohydrates have been analyzed in the milks of Xenarthea. Our aim was to clarify whether the saccharides of giant anteater milk resemble those of other eutherian species, especially of the Asian elephant, which is one of the Afrotherea. We found that lactose is a dominant saccharide in this milk, as it is in that of most eutherians, and that the milk contains smaller amounts of oligosaccharides, whose structures were determined as Gal(α1‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc (isoglobotriose), Neu5Ac(α2‐6)Gal(β1‐4)Glc (6'‐N‐acetylneuraminyllactose), Neu5Gc(α2‐6)Gal(β1‐4)Glc (6'‐N‐glycolylneuraminyllactose), Neu5Ac(α2‐6)Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc (LST c) and Neu5Gc(α2‐6)Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc. This pattern of milk carbohydrates is rather close to that of the milks of other eutherian species. It is notable that the milk contained oligosaccharides with Neu5Gc residues but no oligosaccharides containing α(2‐3) linked Neu5Ac residues such as Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐4)Glc.     

Presence–absence surveys of prey and their use in predicting leopard (Panthera pardus) densities: a case study from Armenia

It is important to predict how many individuals of a predator species can survive in a given area on the basis of prey sufficiency and to compare predictive estimates with actual numbers to understand whether or not key threats are related to prey availability. Rugged terrain and low detection probabilities do not allow for the use of traditional prey count techniques in mountain areas. We used presence–absence occupancy modeling and camera‐trapping to estimate the abundance and densities of prey species and regression analysis to predict leopard (Panthera pardus) densities from estimated prey biomass in the mountains of the Nuvadi area, Meghri Ridge, southern Armenia. The prey densities were 12.94 ± 2.18 individuals km^?2 for the bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus), 6.88 ± 1.56 for the wild boar (Sus scrofa) and 0.44 ± 0.20 for the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The detection probability of the prey was a strong function of the activity patterns, and was highest in diurnal bezoar goats (0.59 ± 0.09). Based on robust regression, the estimated total ungulate prey biomass (720.37 ± 142.72 kg km^?2) can support a leopard density of 7. 18 ± 3.06 individuals 100 km^?2. The actual leopard density is only 0.34 individuals 100 km^?2 (i.e. one subadult male recorded over the 296.9 km²), estimated from tracking and camera‐trapping. The most plausible explanation for this discrepancy between predicted and actual leopard density is that poaching and disturbance caused by livestock breeding, plant gathering, deforestation and human‐induced wild fires are affecting the leopard population in Armenia.     

Elusive cats in our backyards: persistence of the North Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) in a human-dominated landscape in central China

The North Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis), the least-known big cat, disappeared in most historical range for decades, following the development of modern civilization. Unfortunately, we have scarce knowledge about the status of this big cat so far, apart from anecdotal reports. In this study, we investigated density, distribution, and habitat use of the leopard, the apex predator, in a complex forest landscape in the Loess Plateau. We used a camera-trapping network to obtain population estimates for leopards over 2 years through spatially explicit capture–recapture models. Our results, based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian/MCMC methods, reveal that the largest wild population of the leopard was found widely distributed in remnant forests in central Loess plateau. The population is increasing in our study area, and the density of leopards (1.70 (SE = 0.48) − 2.40 (SE = 0.67)/100 km²) is higher than other areas of China. According to the analysis of 2 seasonal occupancy models, prey species drive partially the leopard habitat use, predicting that the big cat thrives from the recovery of prey community. However, human disturbances, especially oil wells, seem to have negative impacts on the habitat use of leopards. Specifically, it is necessary to have joint efforts by the government and researchers to improve human disturbances management and prey species population density, as well as strengthen the investment in research on the North Chinese leopard, which could all further strengthen protection ability and ensure the long-term survival of this species.     

Home range establishment and utilization by reintroduced lions (Panthera leo) in a small South African wildlife reserve

Understanding of animal spatial behavior is essential for informed management decisions. In southern Africa, reintroduction of lions (Panthera leo) to small reserves (<1000 km²) has increased since the early 2000s, however studies on their ranging behavior in these enclosed systems remain lacking. We applied Time Local Convex Hull (T‐LoCoH) methods to study the home range establishment and utilization of 11 lions reintroduced to Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa, during 2011 through 2014. Lions established home ranges close to their release sites and during the following 3 years their home range sizes continued to increase, but in each individual case the size remained smaller than half of the reserve area (<70 km²). Space use strategies differed between the core and the entire home range, with higher frequency of visits found in core areas. Exceptionally high rates (>60 separate visits) around the largest dam and along rivers suggest the importance of water and its surrounding vegetation in the lions' space utilization pattern. The home range size did not differ with season or sex of the individuals, whereas shifts in locations of home ranges revealed differences in the response of the 2 sexes to territorial conflicts and management interventions. Our study shows a dynamic home range utilization pattern and highlights the importance of both fine‐scale space use patterns (frequency and duration of visits) and broad‐scale home range changes in understanding the ranging behavior of reintroduced animals.     

Genetic and biological characterization of feline foamy virus isolated from a leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) in Vietnam

Foamy viruses have been isolated from various mammals and show long-term co-speciation with their hosts. However, the frequent inter-species transmission of feline foamy viruses (FFVs) from domestic cats to wild cats across genera has been reported. Because infectious molecular clones of FFVs derived from wild cats have not been available, whether there are specific characteristics enabling FFVs to adapt to the new host species is still unknown. Here, we obtained the complete genome sequences of two FFV isolates (strains NV138 and SV201) from leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in Vietnam and constructed an infectious molecular clone, named pLC960, from strain NV138. The growth kinetics of the virus derived from pLC960 were comparable to those of other FFVs derived from domestic cats. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these two FFVs from leopard cats are clustered in the same clade as FFVs from domestic cats in Vietnam. Comparisons of the amino acid sequences of Env and Bet proteins showed more than 97% identity among samples and no specific amino acid substitutions between FFVs from domestic cats and ones from leopard cats. These results indicate the absence of genetic constraint of FFVs for interspecies transmission from domestic cats to leopard cats.     

Contraceptive effect of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone vaccine on a captive female African Lion (Panthera leo): a case study

Lions (Panthera leo) breed well under captivity, so contraception has been commonly conducted for population management, leading to a demand for a less invasive and reversible contraceptive approach in lions. In this study, we examined the efficacy of a commercial gonadotropin-releasing hormone vaccine as a method of suppressing reproductive activity in a sexually matured female lion. Under behavioral restraint, the vaccine was injected twice (days 0 and 109). After the initial vaccination, ovarian activity is still observed. After the second vaccination, contraceptive effect was confirmed for 246 days until restart of estrous cycles. We confirmed only a slight swelling around the injection site after the second vaccination. This study may suggest an alternative option for a contraceptive method in lions.     

Surgical resection of an orbital fat prolapse in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)

A 23-year-old captive female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) developed an inferiotemporal subconjunctival swelling of the right eye. Surgical excision of the mass was performed and a diagnosis of orbital fat prolapse was confirmed histopathologically. There was no recurrence of orbital fat prolapse at 15 months post operatively. This is the first known case of orbital fat prolapse in the California sea lion.     

Faecal helminth egg and oocyst counts of a small population of African lions (Panthera leo) in the southwestern Kalahari, Namibia

An endoparasite survey of a small pride of African lions (Panthera leo) was conducted at Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, southwestern Namibia, during winter and summer of 2003 and 2004, respectively. Overall, 23 fresh lion scats were collected opportunistically during fieldwork trials. A flotation technique was employed for the diagnosis of parasites. Three nematodes, Ancylostoma braziliense, Gnathostoma spinigerum and Uncinaria stenocephala and two coccidians, Toxoplasma gondii and Isospora felis were recorded. By using the McMaster method for quantification, a maximum number of 14866 oocysts per gram of faeces was obtained for I. felis during winter 2003. Endoparasite taxa carried by the different individuals in the pride were found to be related to their levels of association. Rates of infection were relatively low as a result of the habitat, semi-captive conditions and earlier sporadic deworming.     

Assurance of the existence of a trans‐boundary population of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) at Tsagaanshuvuut – Tsagan‐Shibetu SPA at the Mongolia–Russia border

The existence of a trans‐boundary population of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) that inhabits the massifs of Tsagaanshuvuut (Mongolia) – Tsagan‐Shibetu (Russia) was determined through non‐invasive genetic analysis of scat samples and by studying the structure of territory use by a collared female individual. The genetic analysis included species identification of samples through sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome b gene and individual identification using a panel of 8 microsatellites. The home range of a female snow leopard marked with a satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) collar was represented by the minimum convex polygon method (MCP) 100, the MCP 95 method and the fixed kernel 95 method. The results revealed insignificant genetic differentiation between snow leopards that inhabit both massifs (minimal fixation index [F_ST]), and the data testify to the unity of the cross‐border group. Moreover, 5 common individuals were identified from Mongolian and Russian territories. This finding clearly shows that their home range includes territories of both countries. In addition, regular movement of a collared snow leopard in Mongolia and Russia confirmed the existence of a cross‐border snow leopard group. These data support that trans‐boundary conservation is important for snow leopards in both countries. We conclude that it is crucial for Russia to study the northern range of snow leopards in Asia.     

Medical and Surgical Management of a Dystocia Because of Foetopelvic Disproportion in an African Lioness (Panthera Leo)

Medical and surgical management of a foetopelvic dystocia in an African lioness (Panthera leo) and the post‐operative complications are reported. A caesarean section was performed to extract an oversize foetus blocked at the cervical canal; the lioness died 36 h after surgery. At necropsy, an abdominal effusion with sero‐haemorrhagic fluid was observed, along with a fibrinopurulent exudate adhered to the serosal surfaces of the pelvic and abdominal cavities. In addition, the pelvic symphysis was not cartilaginous, but formed a firm and rigid joint between the pubis and ischium of each hip. The macroscopic and microscopic findings confirmed the presence of metritis, vaginitis and peritonitis. Dystocia may be caused by the premature ossification of the pelvic symphysis, reducing the dimensions of the pelvic cavity.