Alien species of mammals and their impact on natural ecosystems in the biosphere reserves of Russia

The paper analyses the results of a survey of 37 Russian biosphere reserves using questionnaires concerning the presence of alien species of mammals, their pathways of penetration, and their impacts on protected ecosystems. The penetration of alien mammals into terrestrial ecosystems of Russia is extensive, both in places with maximum human environmental impact (inhabited areas and agricultural lands) and in biosphere reserves with minimal human impact. There are 62 mammal species registered as alien in Russian ecosystems and they account for 22% of the terrestrial mammal fauna of Russia. The percentage of alien species in biosphere reserves is 32.6% at most. In most regions, Castor fiber, Ondatra zibethicus, Nyctereutes procyonoides, Canis familiaris, Neovison vison and Sus scrofa are very dangerous, and both Castor fiber and Sus scrofa can have environment‐forming impacts.     

Fine‐scale analysis of heavily invaded Italian freshwater fish assemblages

Inland waters are highly vulnerable to the introduction and spread of non‐native species, due to heavy human use of aquatic ecosystems and the natural linkages among streams and lakes. This is particularly noticeable in freshwater fish communities. To better evaluate how these communities are affected by non‐native species introductions, we conducted a fine‐scale analysis of the changes in Italian freshwater fish assemblages after species introduction. For this analysis, we collected information on fish species present in 44 basins. The present Italian freshwater fish fauna is composed of 48 native and 41 established introduced species, while a further 15 introduced species have been reported but are not yet considered naturalized. The changes in the fish assemblages mostly took place in the past 2 centuries and have increased recently, with nearly 60% of the species introduced in the past 3 decades. The number of species introduced per basin ranged from 0 to 35 (mean 10.85 ± 7.77 species/basin), and in 10 basins the number of species introduced is now equal to or even higher than the number of native species. In the past, introduced species mainly originated from America, but over the past three decades, an increase of introductions from other parts of Europe and Asia has been recorded. Our results show that basins already rich in native species tend to become even richer as a consequence of the establishment of introduced species. This confirms the trend toward a biotic homogenization of ecosystems even at a local scale, due to an increase in the human‐mediated spread of generalist species.     

Seed wasp invasions promoted by unregulated seed trade affect vegetal and animal biodiversity

Cone and seed insects are considered the most important predators of tree seeds during the pre-dispersal phase of development. Among them, exotic seed chalcids in the genus Megastigmus invaded Europe as a result of the rapidly-increasing and mostly unregulated seed trade for afforestation and ornamental plantations. Unlike their economic impact in seed orchards, until recently, little attention was paid to the ecological impact of these insects. In the present study, selected case studies of alien Megastigmus spp. were considered to assess their specific impact on the potential of natural regeneration of native woody plants and on the native entomofauna competing for seed resource. We re-analyzed data from former studies that did not focus on these ecological interactions and, here, present previously unpublished results. Seeds of Douglas-fir, true cedars, true firs and wild roses were sampled all over Europe, and the relative importance of the native and invasive chalcid species was assessed as well as their specific impact on seed yield. In most cases, the recent arrival of alien chalcids resulted in a significant decrease in the regeneration potential of the host trees. In the absence of competitors, alien chalcids occupied the entire seed niche in Douglas-fir, but their impact tended to decrease after the arrival of invasive seed bugs. In firs, alien chalcids tended to displace the native chalcids, but not in wild roses and cedars, where their damage was increasing. Different biological traits that might explain invasive success of alien chalcids are discussed. However, no general invasive patterns seem to exist.     

Effects of Sagebrush Restoration and Conifer Encroachment on Small Mammal Diversity in Sagebrush Ecosystem

Conifer encroachment in sagebrush ecosystems reduces habitat heterogeneity, niche space, and resource availability, all of which negatively affect many wildlife populations. Sagebrush restoration is recommended as a management action to mitigate conifer encroachment and restore wildlife across millions of hectares in the Great Basin. Despite this recommendation, the effects of conifer encroachment and sagebrush restoration are unknown for most wildlife species. Small nonvolant mammal communities include keystone species, consumers and prey; facilitate energy flow and ecological function; and provide important ecological goods and services. We assessed causal relationships between conifer encroachment and sagebrush restoration (conifer removal and seeding native plants) on small mammal communities over 11 yr using a Before-After-Control–Impact design. Sagebrush habitat supported an additional small mammal species, twice the biomass, and nearly three times higher densities than conifer-encroached habitat. Sagebrush restoration increased shrub cover, decreased tree cover, and density but failed to increase native herbaceous plant density. Restoration caused a large increase in the non-native, invasive annual cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.). Counter to prediction, small mammal diversity did not increase in response to sagebrush restoration, but restoration maintained small mammal density in the face of ongoing conifer encroachment. Piñon mice (Peromyscus truei), woodland specialists with highest densities in conifer-encroached habitat, were negatively affected by sagebrush restoration. Increasing cheatgrass due to sagebrush restoration may not negatively impact small mammal diversity, provided cheatgrass density and cover do not progress to a monoculture and native vegetation is maintained. The consequences of conifer encroachment, a long-term, slow-acting impact, far outweigh the impacts of sagebrush restoration, a short-term, high-intensity impact, on small mammal diversity. Given the ecological importance of small mammals, maintenance of small mammal density is a desirable outcome for sagebrush restoration.     

外来牧草入侵风险评估体系研究

风险评估是预防外来物种入侵的有效手段,为科学评价外来牧草的入侵风险,防止盲目引种带来生态安全威胁,本研究将频度分析法与层次分析法结合,建立外来牧草入侵风险评估指标体系;该体系由5个一级指标和18个二级指标组成,包括外来牧草的入侵性、适应性、扩散性、生物学特性、危害性、防除难度等方面;本研究中,利用4种禾本科外来入侵牧草和3种禾本科外来牧草对构建的评估体系进行验证,并利用该体系对外来牧草柳枝稷（Panicum virgatum L.）进行了入侵风险评估实例研究,得出其入侵风险为中等,主要体现在适应性强和扩散性强方面。本研究建立的评估体系,可初步明确柳枝稷入侵风险的主要来源,为外来牧草的引种管理提供参考。     

Human disturbance,climate and biodiversity determine biological invasion at a regional scale

Many factors may affect biological invasion, but their effects have not been quantitatively calculated. Recent studies on the relationship between biodiversity and biological invasion are still controversial. Native biodiversity and alien species diversity are often positively correlated in large‐scale observation studies, but negatively correlated in small‐scale experimental studies. By using partial correlation and principal component regression methods, we found that human disturbance, climate, native biodiversity and their interactions explained, respectively, 30.3, 34.6, 26.4 and 4.4% of the variation in alien species diversity (ASD) and 50.3, 22.2, 10.8 and 5.5% of the variation in the relative invasibility of alien species (RIA = ASD/native biodiversity) at the regional scale in China. The correlation between ASD and native biodiversity is positive, but the correlation between RIA and native biodiversity is negative. Island and coastal provinces have suffered heavier biological invasions than inland provinces. These findings indicate that biological invasion is mostly determined by human disturbance and favorable climate, but less determined by native biodiversity. A disturbance‐dependent niche‐vacancy hypothesis is proposed to explain the contradictory observations in large‐and small‐scale studies.     

Truth and consequences: the bioinvasion of the Mediterranean Sea

Over 660 alien marine multicellular species have been recorded in the Mediterranean Sea, with many establishing viable populations and subsequently dispersing from their points of entry. A brief overview is presented of the current state of knowledge of bioinvasions in the Mediterranean Sea, with particular attention paid to gelatinous invasive species. A database of alien species records was used to characterize their identity, pattern of expansion and native region, and to discuss the relative importance of different taxa and vectors in the various regions of the sea. The temporal and spatial spread of 4 alien scyphozoans and 2 alien ctenophores is outlined. Although thermophilic species constitute the majority of Mediterranean aliens, Erythrean aliens are predominant in the east, with shipping and mariculture being mainly responsible for introductions in the northwest. The propagule pressure driving the Erythrean invasion is powerful in the establishment and spread of alien species in the eastern Mediterranean. The implications of the enlargement of the Suez Canal, reflecting patterns in global trade and economy, are briefly discussed. Finally, as alien species inventories play a pivotal role in informing regional policy and management decisions and identifying resource priorities, the scientific community is called upon to pay particular attention to their accuracy and veracity.     

Integrating small mammal community variables into aircraft–wildlife collision management plans at Namibian airports

Understanding ecosystems within and around airports can help to determine the causes and possible mitigation measures for collisions between aircraft and wildlife. Small mammal communities are an important component of the semi‐arid savanna ecosystems of Namibia, its productivity and its ecosystem integrity. They are also a major direct attractant for raptors at airports. The present study compared the abundance and diversity of small mammals between Namibia's 2 main airport properties (Hosea Kutako International Airport and Eros Airport), and among areas of land used for various purposes surrounding the airports. A total of 2150 small mammals (3 orders, 11 species) were captured over 4 trapping seasons. Small mammal abundance was significantly higher at the end of the growing season than during the non‐growing season. The grass mowing regimen in current management plans at the airports resulted in a significant reduction of small mammal abundance at Hosea Kutako during the non‐growing season only, thus indicating that annual mowing is effective but insufficient to reduce the overall abundance of mammal prey species for raptors. Small mammal numbers were significantly higher at Hosea Kutako Airport compared to the cattle and game farming land surrounding the airport, while no differences in small mammal densities or diversity were found for areas with different land uses at and surrounding Eros. The study suggests that the fence around Hosea Kutako provides a refuge for small mammals, resulting in higher densities. It also indicates that different surrounding land use practices result in altered ecosystem function and productivity, an important consideration when identifying wildlife attractants at airports.     

Variation in mammal species richness and relative abundance in the Karoo§

Understanding how climate change and land transformation may impact the distribution and diversity of wildlife species requires landscape-level foundational biodiversity surveys. The Karoo BioGaps Project aims to provide such data and to support the scientific assessment for shale gas development projects in the Karoo basin. In this paper we present the findings of the BioGaps mammal survey, which recorded medium and large mammals across twenty-five 1 km × 1 km sampling sites within the proposed fracking footprint using camera trapping techniques. We use sample rarefaction curves, non-parametric species richness estimators and non-metric multidimensional scaling plots to explore both species richness and community structure. We also used a generalised linear model to investigate how species diversity varies with both site-specific and landscape-level predictors. A total of 38 species were recorded at the majority of sites. Longitude (z = 4.018, p = 0.0005) emerged as the best predictor of species diversity across the study area, which we suggest is linked to the clear east–west aridity gradient. Together these results reveal the cosmopolitan distribution of the mammal taxa in the Karoo and could be used to inform decision-making linked to mining activities in the area.     

Toxoplasma gondii infection in Colombia with a review of hosts and their ecogeographic distribution

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasites among warm‐blooded animal populations (humans included) around the world, causing multiple clinic manifestations including death in the most severe cases of infection. Due to the versatile life cycle of T. gondii and its diversity of potential hosts, there is a common perception that natural areas and wildlife are highly prevalent reservoirs for the parasite; however, information and reports of the parasite on wildlife populations in Colombia are scarce. Using PRC‐based detection analyses of the B1 gene, we evaluated the presence of T. gondii in 49 native small mammal species (10% of the mammal species of Colombia) from 4 different undisturbed natural habitats. Additionally, to understand the ecogeographical distribution of the parasite in Colombia, we developed a literature search of infection reports including information on the host species, density of records and occurrence patterns (using landcover and ecoregions) in natural, rural and urban areas. Our literature review showed a total of 8,103 reports of T. gondii for Colombia of which 86% were related to humans, and 14% to non‐human mammals and other categories, with just a single report associated to wildlife; additionally, 82% of all reports were associated to urban areas whereas only 18% to rural sites. Based on the negative results for the presence of T. gondii in our PCR‐based analyses and our literature search, we suggest that T. gondii has a synanthropic distribution in Colombia occurring in ecoregions as variable as the xeric scrubs in the northern lowlands and humid montane Andean forests, also we show a lack of information on the parasite relationship with wildlife, a concerning fact given that zoonoses are the leading mechanism for the emergence of infectious diseases.     

外来入侵种的危害与防治对策

外来入侵种对当地的自然生态系统结构和功能以及生物多样性都有着深远的影响,而且可能对地方的生态环境和经济造成严重危害。四川已经成为遭受外来入侵种威胁的省份之一,全省现有20多个外来入侵种。为了防止外来入侵种的泛滥,应当建立外来物种的引入评价机制,慎重进行有意引种;加强口岸管理,防止外来入侵种通过贸易途径无意引入,同时采取措施控制已经产生危害的外来入侵种。     

Assessing the impacts of domesticated versus wild ungulates on terrestrial small mammal assemblages at Telperion Nature Reserve,South Africa

Grazing by large mammals alters vegetation physiognomy, consequently changing habitat suitability for small mammal communities. We investigated the response of terrestrial small mammals to grazing by wild and domesticated ungulates at the boundary of a protected area (Telperion Nature Reserve) and surrounding cattle ranches in Mpumalanga, South Africa over two seasons. Fifteen paired grids were set on either side of the boundary fence at which small mammals were trapped in Sherman live traps placed flat on the ground. A total of 11 760 trap nights resulted in the capture of 187 animals belonging to 14 species (11 rodents, two shrews and one elephant shrew). The small mammal communities in grasslands grazed by domesticated or wild ungulates were similar in abundance, species richness, diversity and demographic parameters, likely due to the fact that vegetation structure of the two grazing systems was also similar. We used generalised linear models to show that rock and grass cover were plausible predictors of small mammal abundance in this system. Rock cover showed a positive relationship with small mammal abundance whilst grass cover showed a negative relationship. Our observations suggest that at the scale of our study and with the current stocking densities, wild and domesticated ungulates have similar impacts on the small mammal community.     

甘肃连城国家级自然保护区地栖鸟兽红外相机初步监测

为了解甘肃省连城自然保护区内野生动物资源现状,于2017年8月至2018年7月,在保护区内布设61台红外相机并开展调查工作。结果共记录到兽类4目9科15种,鸟类4目18科42种,其中梅花鹿(Cervus nippon)、林麝(Moschus berezovskii)、马麝(Moschus chrysogaster)、斑尾榛鸡(Bonasa sewerzowi)为国家Ⅰ级重点保护野生动物,马鹿(Cervus elaphus)、青鼬(Martes flavigula)、荒漠猫(Felis bieti)、血雉(Ithaginis cruentus)、蓝马鸡(Crossoptilon auritum)为国家Ⅱ级重点保护野生动物。相对丰富度最高的5种动物为狍(Capreolus pygargus)、喜马拉雅旱獭(Marmota himalayana)、赤狐(Vulpes vulpes)、猪獾(Arctonyx collaris)、蓝马鸡(Crossoptilon auritum)。兽类和鸟类物种数月变化均较为明显,2018年6月最多,2017年12月至2018年1、2月受冬眠和迁徙影响相对较低。本研究提供了甘肃省连城自然保护区部分地栖兽类和鸟类资源的最新现状,同时丰富了祁连山鸟兽调查数据,为祁连山国家公园体制建设及保护区生物多样性监测提供基础资料。研究表明红外相机在调查大中型兽类、地栖性鸟类以及夜行性动物方面具有明显的优势,而对于小型兽类和非地栖性鸟类则有一定的局限性。     

Evidence-based Medicine in Small Mammals

Evidence-based medicine in small exotic mammals is often considered challenging because of a lack of information related to reference data, validated diagnostic tests, treatment outcome, side effects, long-term prognosis, and financial constraints of the owner. However, despite this lack of information, it is still possible to provide good medical care to small exotic mammals and confirm a disease diagnosis that can be properly treated. With many small exotic mammal cases, the condition of the animal and, ultimately, the disease diagnosis, may not be familiar to the attending veterinarian, and in some cases the disease itself may not have ever been described in that species in the scientific literature. This article describes the process of diagnosing hyperthyroidism in a guinea pig using a recommended patient assessment, diagnostic, and treatment protocol.     

Contrasting invasion patterns in intertidal and subtidal mussel communities

Two invasive mussel species are known from South Africa, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Semimytilus algosus. Most of the existing research on these invaders has focused on the intertidal zone, with little attention paid to subtidal habitats. This study addresses this knowledge gap by quantifying the relative abundance and size of native and alien mussels from the high-shore down to the subtidal zone, while accounting for the effects of wave exposure. This was achieved through extensive surveys along the west coast of South Africa and the Cape Peninsula. At all shore zones, mussel abundance varied among species and wave exposures. In intertidal habitats, invasive species were recorded in greatest abundances at wave-exposed sites. Specifically, M. galloprovincialis was dominant in the high-shore, but this pattern changed down the shore. In the mid-shore, the invaders were equally dominant over native mussels, while in the low-shore S. algosus became the most abundant. Notably, the native Choromytilus meridionalis was absent intertidally. In the subtidal zone M. galloprovincialis was rarely present, whereas S. algosus maintained a strong presence. The maximum size of native Aulacomya atra and invasive S. algosus in the subtidal zone was roughly double that recorded in the intertidal zone. Importantly, these results highlight that observations made from intertidal studies of mussel invasions cannot be used to infer subtidal patterns.     

Possible routes of introduction of bluetongue virus serotype 8 into the epicentre of the 2006 epidemic in north-western Europe

In August 2006, bluetongue (BT) was notified in The Netherlands on several animal holdings. This was the onset of a rapidly spreading BT-epidemic in north-western Europe (latitude >51 degrees N) that affected cattle and sheep holdings in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Luxembourg. The outbreaks were caused by bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 8, which had not been identified in the European Union before. Bluetongue virus can be introduced into a free area by movement of infected ruminants, infected midges or by infected semen and embryos. In this study, information on animal movements or transfer of ruminant germ plasms (semen and embryos) into the Area of First Infection (AFI), which occurred before and during the onset of the epidemic, were investigated in order to establish the conditions for the introduction of this virus. All inbound transfers of domestic or wild ruminants, non-susceptible mammal species and ruminant germ plasms into the AFI during the high-risk period (HRP), registered by the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) of the EC, were obtained. Imports originating from countries with a known or suspected history of BTV-incidence of any serotype were identified. The list of countries with a reported history of BTV incidence was obtained from the OIE Handistatus II for the period from 1996 until 2004. No ruminants were imported from a Member State (MS) with a known history of BTV-8 or from any other country with a known or suspected history of BTV incidence of any serotype. Of all non-susceptible mammal species only 233 horses were transported directly into the AFI during the HRP. No importations of semen or embryos into the AFI were registered in TRACES during the period of interest. An obvious source for the introduction of BTV-8, such as import of infected ruminants, could not be identified and the exact origin and route of the introduction of BTV-8 thus far remains unknown. However, the absence of legal import of ruminants from outside the EU into the AFI and the absence of BTV-8 in southern Europe suggest that, the introduction of the BTV-8 infection into the north-western part of Europe took place via another route. Specifically, in relation to this, the potential for Culicoides to be imported along with or independently of the import of animals, plants or other 'materials', and the effectiveness of measures to reduce such a possibility, merit further study.     

Successful eradication of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and house mouse (Mus musculus) from the island of Selvagem Grande (Macaronesian archipelago), in the Eastern Atlantic

The Portuguese island of Selvagem Grande (Great Salvage) in Macaronesia is an important seabird breeding station in the eastern Atlantic. Significant populations of Cory's shearwater Calonectris diomedea (Scopoli, 1769), Bulwer's petrel Bulweria bulweria (Jardine & Selby, 1828) and little shearwater Puffinus assimilis baroli (Bonaparte, 1857) are present, and white-faced storm-petrel Pelagodroma marina (Latham, 1790) and Madeiran storm-petrel Oceanodroma castro (Harcourt, 1851) populations are of global significance. Selvagem Grande also provides diverse habitats for an extensive flora, including 11 endemic species. The 270-ha island was also inhabited by two alien invasive mammals: the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the house mouse Mus musculus (Linnaeus, 1758). Both are known to have had adverse impacts on breeding seabirds and island vegetation. In 2002, the Natural Park of Madeira conducted a program using brodifacoum bait formulations aimed at rabbit and mouse eradication. Approximately 17 000 individual baiting points were established on a 12.5 × 12.5 m grid. Baits were also applied by hand “seeding” on steep slopes and cliffs where bait stations could not be placed. Rabbits were removed after a month. However, mice persisted for considerably longer and strategic bait applications against them continued for a further six months. Subsequent assessments by trapping, bait takes and systematic observation of signs over three years, has confirmed the removal of both alien invasive species. This paper presents information on these operations, on measures adopted to mitigate adverse impacts of the eradication program on important vertebrate non-target species, including Berthelot's pipit Anthus berthelotii Bolle, 1862 and a species of gecko Tarentola bischoffi Joger, 1984 and on the initial response of the island's ecosystem to the eradication of rabbits and mice.     

Introduction,establishment and spread of the Southern mouthbrooder Pseudocrenilabrus philander in the Baakens River,Eastern Cape,South Africa

This paper provides evidence for the extralimital establishment and spread of Pseudocrenilabrus philander in the Baakens River, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Since the first occurrence record at a single locality in 1994 this species has now spread throughout the river and the population contains both reproductive adults and juveniles. Gut content analysis demonstrated potential dietary overlap with native fishes and predation on fish larvae. Pseudocrenilabrus philander in the Baakens River therefore satisfies all criteria for an invasive species in this river and was categorised as invasive using a unified framework for biological invasions.     

黑龙江穆棱东北红豆杉自然保护区兽类多样性及东北虎猎物资源

为了深入了解黑龙江穆棱东北红豆杉国家级自然保护区兽类组成及东北虎(Panthera tigris altaica)猎物资源现状,于2016—2018年在保护区内布设40个红外相机监测点和7个大样方调查兽类多样性和分析东北虎主要猎物资源。相机监测累计照相日12250个,共获得有效独立照片1139张,从中鉴定出野生兽类4目8科17种,其中国家一级重点保护动物有东北虎和东北豹(Panthera pardus orientalis)。样方调查记录到兽类足迹261条,足迹识别出兽类4目7科10种,其中包括国家一级重点保护动物东北豹1种,东北虎主要猎物野猪(Sus scrofa)、马鹿(Cervus elaphus)、西伯利亚狍(Capreolus pygargus)和梅花鹿(Cervus nippon)4种。兽类物种相对丰富度分析表明,相对丰富度最高的是西伯利亚狍和狗獾(Meles leucurus),赤狐(Vulpes vulpes)和东北豹最低。猎物资源分析表明,保护区内分布有西伯利亚狍681只,野猪510只,马鹿35只,梅花鹿27只,4种动物的生物量分别为西伯利亚狍生物量为20210.94 kg,野猪生物量为64735.00 kg,马鹿生物量为6023.25 kg,梅花鹿生物量为1635.00 kg,保护区东北虎可捕食的主要猎物生物量为92604.19 kg。研究表明,保护区内兽类种类虽然较多,但东北虎、东北豹、梅花鹿和马鹿数据仍然较少,需要重点加强保护。     

Identification of novel DNA fragments and partial sequence of a genomic island specific of Brucella pinnipedialis

Since the 1990s, Brucella strains have been isolated from a wide variety of marine mammals and were recently recognized as two different species, i.e. Brucella pinnipedialis for pinniped isolates and Brucella ceti for cetacean isolates. The aim of this study was to identify specific DNA fragments of marine mammal Brucella strains using a previously described infrequent restriction site-PCR (IRS-PCR) method but with three new couples of restriction enzymes applied on a larger panel of marine mammal Brucella isolates (n=74) and one human isolate from New Zealand likely from marine mammal origin. This study revealed five DNA fragments specific of Brucella strains isolated from marine mammals. Among them two new DNA fragments were specific of B. pinnipedialis but were not detected in hooded seal isolates. DNA fragment I identified in the previous IRS-PCR study and fragment VI of this study were located on a cloned and sequenced 6kb SacI fragment. Its nucleotide sequence revealed that it is likely part of a putative genomic island. Sequence analysis showed that it carries four ORFs coding for putative metabolic functions. Although hooded seal isolates are classified within B. pinnipedialis it was shown in this study that they do not carry this genomic island and this raises the question about their evolutionary history within B. pinnipedialis.