Preliminary investigation on rodent–ectoparasite associations in the highlands of Tigray,Northern Ethiopia: implications for potential zoonoses

We studied associations between rodents and their arthropod ectoparasites in crop fields and household compounds in the highlands of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Ectoparasite infestation indices, such as percent infestation, mean abundance, prevalence and host preferences, were calculated for each taxon. In total, 172 rodents from crop fields and 97 from household compounds were trapped. Rodent species and numbers trapped from the crop fields and household compounds were Mastomys awashensis (Lavrenchenko, Likhnova & Baskevich, 1998) (88 and 44), Arvicanthis dembeensis (Ruppel, 1842) (63 and 37) and Acomys sp. (21 and 16), respectively. A total of 558 insects and acarids (belonging to 11 taxa) were recovered from the rodents trapped in the crop fields, and 296 insects and acarid (belonging to 6 taxa) from the rodents trapped in the household compounds. Approximately 66% of the rodents trapped from the crop fields and 47% of those trapped from the household compounds were infested with ectoparasites. Laelaps sp. (64.9%) and Xenopsylla sp. (20.6%) comprised the highest proportion of the ectoparasites recovered in the crop fields, and the same ectoparasites, but in reverse order, comprised the highest proportions in the household compounds (Xenopsylla [50.3%] and Laelaps sp. [29%]). Our study revealed that crop fields and household compounds in the highlands share similar rodents and several ectoparasites. Furthermore, at least 1 of the rodent species and some of the ectoparasites identified in this study were reported to have posed medical and veterinary threats in other parts of Ethiopia and neighboring countries.     

Inter-breed diversity and temporal dynamics of the faecal microbiota in healthy horses

Understanding gut microbiota similarities and differences across breeds in horses has the potential to advance approaches aimed at personalized microbial modifications, particularly those involved in improving sport athletic performance. Here, we explore whether faecal microbiota composition based on faecal 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing varies across six different sport breeds at two time points 8 months apart within a cohort of 189 healthy horses cared for under similar conditions. Lusitano horses presented the smallest and Hanoverians the greatest bacterial diversity. We found subtle but significant differences in β-diversity between Lusitano, Anglo Arabian and the central European breeds, and we reproduced these results across the two time points. Repeat sampling of subjects showed community to be temporally more stable in Lusitano and Anglo Arabian breeds. Additionally, we found that 27 genera significantly varied in abundance across breeds. Overall, 33% of these taxa overlapped with previously identified taxa that were associated with genetic variation in humans or other species. However, a non-significant correlation was observed between microbial composition and the host pedigree-based kinship. Despite a notable variation in the diversity and composition of the faecal microbiota, breed exerted limited effects on the equine faecal microbiota.     

Adaptive evolutionary expansion of the ribonuclease 6 in Rodentia

Ribonuclease 6 (RNase6 or RNase K6) is a protein that belongs to a superfamily thought to be the sole verte‐brate‐specific enzyme known for a wide range of physiological functions, including digestion, cytotoxicity, angiogenesis, male reproduction and host defense. In our study, 51 functional genes and 11 pseudogenes were identified from 27 Rodentia species. Intriguingly, in the 3 main lineages of rodents there were multiple RNase6s identified in all species of Ctenohystrica, whereas only a single RNase6 was observed in other Rodentia species examined except for 2 species in the mouse‐related clade. The evolutionary scenario of “birth (gene duplication) and death (gene deactivation)” and gene sorting have been demonstrated in Ctenohystrica. In addition, bursts of positive selection, diversification of isoelectric point and positive net charge have been identified in Ctenohystrica, especially at two key sites that are involved in antimicrobial function. Site Trp30 has undergone positive selection and Ile45 has changed into other residues in Group B and Group C of the Ctenohystrica. Our results demonstrated a complex and intriguing evolutionary pattern of rodent RNase6, and indicated that functional modification may have occurred, which establishes an important theoretical foundation for future functional assays in rodent RNase6.     

Adult mammalian neurogenesis and the New Zealand white rabbit

Although the central nervous system is unable to undergo spontaneous repair and is hostile to the integration of exogenously delivered cells, various examples of adult structural plasticity have been shown to occur. It is now widely accepted that endogenous proliferative activity leading to the production of new neurons exists, at least within two restricted brain sites: the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the forebrain subventricular zone. A substantial insight into spontaneous neurogenesis within these allocortical regions in rodents has been obtained, but less is known regarding its occurrence in other mammalian brain regions. In this review, differences in the structural and temporal characteristics of protracted neurogenesis in mammals will be considered. Attention will be focused on the rabbit cerebrum and cerebellum, where unexpected features of structural plasticity have been found to occur despite the relative closeness of the Orders Lagomorpha and Rodentia.     

中国伞形科当归属及相关类群毛状体和果实结构的系统学价值

深入研究了当归属及其相关7属,古当归属,高山芹属,柳叶芹属,独活属,欧当归属,山芹属及前胡属毛状体和果实结构。结果显示毛状体及果实结构(如:毛状体细胞,翅,油管,维管束,中果皮,内果皮,结合面及结晶)可以用于区分当归属及其相关类群。滇南当归及隆萼当归应从当归属移入独活属,其余当归属物种分为结合面宽及结合面窄两组,前者与前胡属较为相似,但与独活属差别较大,后者与古当归属,高山芹属,柳叶芹属,欧当归属有相似之处。支持分子系统学揭示的当归属不是个自然类群,当归属与前胡属共同位于当归分支,而独活属位于独活分支。山芹属果实结构与其他属不同,翅的中果皮无细胞,且伴生油管位于维管束内侧,为分子系统学显示此属与高山芹属,柳叶芹属,及欧当归属亲缘关系较远提供了形态学依据。     

Scatter‐hoarding rodents as secondary seed dispersers of a frugivore‐dispersed tree Scleropyrum wallichianum in a defaunated Xishuangbanna tropical forest,China

Local extinction or population decline of large frugivorous vertebrates as primary seed dispersers, caused by human disturbance and habitat change, might lead to dispersal limitation of many large‐seeded fruit trees. However, it is not known whether or not scatter‐hoarding rodents as secondary seed dispersers can help maintain natural regeneration (e.g. seed dispersal) of these frugivore‐dispersed trees in the face of the functional reduction or loss of primary seed dispersers. In the present study, we investigated how scatter‐hoarding rodents affect the fate of tagged seeds of a large‐seeded fruit tree (Scleropyrum wallichianum Arnott, 1838, Santalaceae) from seed fall to seedling establishment in a heavily defaunated tropical forest in the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan Province, in southwest China, in 2007 and 2008. Our results show that: (i) rodents removed nearly all S. wallichianum seeds in both years; (ii) a large proportion (2007, 75%; 2008, 67.5%) of the tagged seeds were cached individually in the surface soil or under leaf litters; (iii) dispersal distance of primary caches was further in 2007 (19.6 ± 14.6 m) than that in 2008 (14.1 ± 11.6 m), and distance increased as rodents recovered and moved seeds from primary caches into subsequent caching sites; and (iv) part of the cached seeds (2007, 3.2%; 2008, 2%) survived to the seedling stage each year. Our study suggests that by taking roles of both primary and secondary seed dispersers, scatter‐hoarding rodents can play a significant role in maintaining seedling establishment of S. wallichianum, and are able to at least partly compensate for the loss of large frugivorous vertebrates in seed dispersal.     

甘肃尕海-则岔自然保护区蝶类群落及其区系

2012-2015年5月-9月,通过走样线和广泛采集的方式首次对甘肃尕海-则岔国家级自然保护区的蝶类进行了调查,采集到蝶类标本共计681号,经整理鉴定共有136种(亚种),隶属于8科74属。其中凤蝶科1属3种、绢蝶科1属13种、粉蝶科8属32种、眼蝶科14属19种、蛱蝶科21属32种、蚬蝶科2属3种、灰蝶科20属25种、弄蝶科7属9种。其中,粉蝶科和蛱蝶科为优势种群,灰蝶科和眼蝶科为次优势种群,绢蝶科和弄蝶科为常见种群,凤蝶科和蚬蝶科为罕见种群。136种蝶类中,属于古北界的有95种,占69.85%;东洋界的有5种,占3.68%;广布种有36种,占总种数的26.47%,即古北界分布的种类占绝对优势。通过研究该保护区的蝶类资源对于甘肃及我国蝶类研究积累基础资料。     

Evaluation of iron status in lemurs by analysis of serum iron and ferritin concentrations, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation

OBJECTIVE: To assess serum iron and ferritin concentrations, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation as indicators of iron metabolic status in 3 genera of lemurs and determine whether these variables are useful for screening for iron overload. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 11 ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), 11 black lemurs (Eulemur macaco macaco), and 11 red-ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra). PROCEDURES: Blood samples were collected weekly for 3 weeks and assayed for serum iron and ferritin concentrations and total iron-binding capacity. Liver biopsy specimens were evaluated histologically and assayed for total iron, nonheme iron, and trace mineral concentrations. Deposition of iron was scored on Prussian blue-stained slides. RESULTS: Hepatic iron content ranged from 497 to 12,800 Pg/g dry weight (median, 2,165 Pg/g). Differences were seen in mean hepatic iron content across genera, with ruffed lemurs having the highest concentrations and ring-tailed lemurs having the lowest. Iron accumulation in the liver was mild, and cellular pathologic changes associated with iron storage disease were not detected in any lemur. Ferritin concentration was the only variable that correlated significantly with hepatic iron content in all 3 genera of lemurs; however, both transferrin saturation and serum iron concentration were correlated with hepatic iron concentration in ring-tailed and ruffed lemurs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum ferritin concentration was the only variable that was consistently correlated with hepatic iron content in all 3 genera. Mean hepatic iron content varied across genera, suggesting that the propensity for lemurs to develop iron overload in captivity may vary across taxa.     

江西凌云山自然保护区两栖爬行动物多样性调查与区系分析

为掌握江西宁都凌云山省级自然保护区野生动物资源现状,促进自然保护区的有效管理和建设,作者于2012年至2013年多次对该保护区两栖爬行动物资源进行了实地考察。调查结果显示,凌云山保护区现已记录两栖爬行动物52种,隶属于2目13科37属。其中,两栖动物19种,隶属于1目6科14属,占江西省39种两栖动物的48. 7%;爬行动物33种,隶属于1目7科23属,占江西省80种的41. 3%。凌云山位于动物地理分布区中的东洋区系区的偏北位置,向古北区靠近,古北区的种类也会扩散到这一地区,成为东洋区、古北区的共有种。因此在两栖爬行种类组成上以东洋区的种类为主,具有多样性较为丰富的特点。最后对凌云山保护区的保护与管理工作提出了加大对当地群众的宣传和教育工作等建议。     

The role of the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Octodontidae) in the life cycle of Taenia taeniaeformis (Cestoda: Taeniidae) in urban environments

This work is the first report of subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Octodontidae) as intermediate host of Taenia taeniaeformis in urban areas of Mar de Cobo (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) and to experimentally reproduce in domestic dogs the adult stage of this parasite. Prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity of infection with T. taeniaeformis larvae in the liver and peritoneal cavity of C. talarum were 64%, 15.3 and 9.8, respectively. Ten adults of T. taeniaeformis were obtained from experimentally infected dogs. Information about the role of subterranean rodents in the life cycle of this parasite is also given. The above mentioned data indicate that T. taeniaeformis is a frequent parasite of this species of rodents, at least within the study area. Also explanations for the high prevalence of larval forms of this parasite in C. talarum populations are given.     

The sclerodactylid holothurians of southern Africa,with the erection of one new subfamily and two new genera (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea)

The sclerodactylid subfamily Sclerodactylinae is restricted to include only those forms with a short, compact, tubular calcareous ring and a new subfamily Sclerothyoninae is diagnosed to accommodate two new southern African monotypic genera Sclerothyone and Temparena, with compact but non-tubular calcareous rings. The new genera are erected respectively for Ludwig and Heding's (1935) Cucumaria? velligera and C.l chuni, formerly classified in Pentamera. This brings the total number of sclerodactylid holothurians known from southern Africa to six genera and seven species. All taxa are diagnosed and/or described, a key is provided for all southern African species and their local distributions are mapped.     

中国帕米尔高原禾本科植物区系特点

在整理鉴定中国帕米尔高原禾本科植物标本的基础上,对该区禾本科植物区系特点进行了研究。结果表明:该区禾本科植物资源丰富,有32属132种,分别占新疆禾本科属、种数的45.1%和35.1%;寡种属、单种属相对较多。该区植物区系地理成分多样,汇集了6个分布类型和2个变型,其中温带性质明显的有25属,占总属数的80.6%,热带成分占一定比例,为18.8%,在属级水平上有东亚、中亚和地中海区系成分的渗入。与邻区植物相比,喀喇昆仑—昆仑山与中国帕米尔相似系数最高。     

甘肃啮齿动物区系组成研究

通过实地调查、查阅文献资料,核对甘肃省各级相关单位的鼠类标本,研究后确认:甘肃啮齿类动物区系组成为90种31个亚种,隶属于43属、9科、12亚科、2亚目和2目。仓鼠科的种数占啮齿目种数的44.3%,鼠兔科的种数占兔形目种数的81.8%。仓鼠科、鼠科、松鼠科、鼠兔科和跳鼠科5科共计85种,是甘肃啮齿类动物的基本类群。     

Larval development of Sesarma catenate Ortmann (Brachyura,Grapsidae, Sesarminae) reared in the laboratory

Sesarma catenata larvae were raised in the laboratory and the development stages described in detail. Larval development comprises four zoea and one megalopa stage. Morphological features of the first zoea and megalopa stages of Sesarma catenata are compared with those of other Sesarminae species described in the literature. The genera Sesarma, Metasesarma, and Bresedium appear to be closely related taxa within the subfamily. The diagnostic value of some features of larval morphology is briefly discussed.     

Multispecies Allometric Models Predict Grass Biomass in Semidesert Rangeland

Multispecies allometric models to predict grass biomass may increase field study efficiency by eliminating the need for species-specific data. We used field measurements during two growing seasons to develop single-species and multispecies regression models predicting the current year’s aboveground biomass for eight common cespitose grass species. Simple and stepwise regression analyses were based on natural log expressions of biomass, basal diameter, and height, and a dummy variable expression of grazing history. Basal diameter had the strongest relationship with biomass among single-species (adjusted R² = 0.80 to 0.91) and multispecies (adjusted R² = 0.85) models. Regression slopes (b) for diameter among single-species (b = 1.01 to 1.49) and the multispecies (b = 1.25) models suggests that biomass will double when diameter increases ~ 75%. Height and grazing history added little predictive value when diameter was already in the model. When applied to actual populations, biomass estimates from multispecies models were within 3-29% of estimates from the single-species models. Although the multispecies biomass-size relationship was robust across the cespitose life-form, users should be cautious about applying our equations to different locations, plant sizes, and population size-structures.     

Seed traits and taxonomic relationships determine the occurrence of mutualisms versus seed predation in a tropical forest rodent and seed dispersal system

Although many studies have been carried out on plant–animal mutualistic assemblages, the roles of functional traits and taxonomy in determining both whether interactions involve mutualisms or predation and the structure of such assemblages are unclear. We used semi‐natural enclosures to quantitatively assess the interaction strengths between seeds of 8 sympatric tree species and 4 rodent species in a tropical forest in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, Southwest China. We found 2 clusters of species in the seed–rodent network represented by 2 genera in the Fagaceae (Castanopsis, Lithocarpus). Compared to seeds of 3 Castanopsis species, seeds with heavy weight, hard coat or caloric content (including 3 Lithocarpus species) were eaten less and more frequently hoarded by rodents. In turn, hoarded seeds showed less predation and more mutualism with rodents. Our results suggest that seed traits significantly affected the hoarding behavior of rodents, and, consequently, the occurrence of mutualisms and predation as well as assemblage structure in the plant–animal seed dispersal system. Taxonomically‐related species with similar seed traits as functional groups belong to the same substructures in the assemblage. Our results indicate that both seed traits and taxonomic relationships may simplify thinking about seed dispersal systems by helping to elucidate whether interactions are likely to be dominated by predation or mutualism.     

A description of the life stages of Echinoparyphium elegans (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)

South Africa urgently requires a national strategic plan for the conservation of the country's biodiversity. The formulation of such a plan would be relatively easy if centres (hotspots) of richness, endemism and rarity were congruent, both within and among many different taxa, if these hotspots captured a large proportion of the total species, and if hotspots fell within existing reserves. The investigation of six vertebrate taxa (vizfreshwater fish, frogs, tortoises and terrapins, snakes, birds, and various mammal orders) at a national scale reveals that hotspots are not coincident within taxa. Centres of richness are concentrated in the north-eastern areas of the country, whereas endemism is concentrated in the south-west, and centres of rare and threatened {Red Data Book) species can be in either area. Paired comparisons among taxa reveal greatly varying proportional overlaps of species richness hotspots (0-72%). The proportion of total species falling in hotspots ranges from low (66% for fish) to high (92% for birds). Hotspots are thus not an efficient method of siting representative (ideal) reserves. In order to design a more representative reserve system to protect all vertebrate species, a complementarity algorithm was applied to all taxa separately, and then to all taxa combined. The combined analysis yielded more efficient results {66 reserves are required to represent all 1074 species at least once) than the separate analyses (97 reserves). Many of these representative reserves coincide with both hotspots and existing reserves, and over 85% of the hotspots of most taxa coincide with existing reserves, thus South Africa's vertebrate fauna could be more effectively protected with only moderate acquisition of new, well-sited reserves. A biome analysis reveals that these reserves will also have to incorporate areas of those biomes that are currently inadequately protected, viz grassland, Succulent Karoo and Nama-Karoo. The methods outlined in this paper should be applied to as many other taxa as possible, in order to aid the formulation of a national strategic plan for biodiversity conservation.     

Habitat use and home range of black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) on farmlands in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

Black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) are an abundant mesopredator on farmlands (croplands and rangelands) across South Africa. Given their adaptability in a changing anthropogenic landscape, knowledge of spatial movements can provide important ecological information on the species. We captured, collared and monitored five black-backed jackals in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal to determine their home range and habitat use in farmlands. The 95% fixed kernel (95% FK) home range sizes were large, showing a marked seasonal variation in movement. One adult male dispersed 150?km over two seasons (winter and spring) and thereafter settled into a home range that it maintained. Transient home ranges of males and juveniles were larger than resident home ranges. The mean resident home ranges (95% FK) across seasons for adult males, adult female and juvenile males were 11.4 ± 4.3 km², 5.6 ± 0.36?km² and 2.15 ± 0.45?km², respectively. The mean transient home ranges (95% FK) of all the seasons for adult and juvenile males were 1 181.93 ± 575.81 km² and 104.27 ± 35.64?km², respectively. Adult jackal preferred croplands in spring, summer and autumn but avoided croplands in winter. Variable habitat use and large home ranges in our study confirmed the species’ ability to adapt to agricultural areas.     

引黄灌区不同种植年限紫花苜蓿土壤养分与细菌群落特征研究

以宁夏引黄灌区种植年限为1～6年(2012-2017年)的紫花苜蓿地土壤为研究对象,采用16S rRNA扩增子测序技术对细菌群落组成、丰度和多样性等特征进行研究,分析了土壤养分与细菌种群多样性的相关关系。结果表明:不同种植年限苜蓿地土壤中共检测出细菌约40个门、78个纲、151个目、275个科和416个属;在门水平下细菌的优势门类为变形菌门、酸杆菌门和拟杆菌门,共占细菌总数的68%;随种植年限的增加,细菌菌群丰度和多样性变化表现为1 yr>5 yr>3 yr>4 yr>2 yr>6 yr;土壤pH、有机碳、全氮和碱解氮呈先降低后增大的变化趋势,且都在第5年时达到最大,与细菌群落组成变化规律基本保持一致。Spearman相关性分析结果表明,有机碳、全氮和碱解氮对细菌群落组成具有显著影响(P<0.05)。