Pulmonary lesions in disseminated visceral coccidiosis of sandhill and whooping cranes

Fifty cranes, consisting of 46 sandhill (Grus canadensis) and four whooping cranes (Grus americana), were studied. Eighteen sandhill cranes and the four whooping cranes were naturally infected with disseminated visceral coccidiosis (DVC). The remaining sandhill cranes were chicks experimentally infected with oocysts of Eimeria reichenowi and/or E. gruis; five chicks served as controls. There were no clinical signs attributed to respiratory infection. Necropsy of naturally infected adult birds revealed nodules in many organs, including the lung, air sacs, trachea and nares. Artificially infected sandhill cranes and the whooping crane chicks that died from DVC had congestion and consolidated areas in the lung with frothy fluid in the airways. Grossly visible nodules were observed from 10 days postinoculation. Granulomatous pneumonia and tracheitis were observed with light microscopy. Lesions were associated with merogonic and gametogonic stages of eimerian coccidia. Granulomas and granulomatous foci contained parasitized large mononuclear cells. Merogonic stages were seen in lymphoid cells by ultrastructural examination. Oocysts were observed in the trachea and bronchial mucosa and admixed with exudate in the airways, indicating that crane eimerians can complete their life cycle at these sites. Of the few eimeriid coccidia that have extraintestinal stages of development in birds and mammals, only the species in cranes complete their life cycle in both the digestive and respiratory tracts.     

Evaluation of the enteric microflora of captive whooping cranes (Grus americana) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis)

The enteric flora of captive whooping cranes (Grus americana) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) has not been well described, despite its potential importance in the understanding of both the normal condition of the intestinal physiology of these animals and the altered colonization within disease states in these birds. Nineteen whooping cranes and 23 sandhill cranes housed currently at the Calgary Zoo or its affiliated Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre (DWCC) in Calgary, Alberta were sampled from October 2004–February 2005 by collecting aerobic and anaerobic cloacal swabs from each bird. There were seven major groupings of bacteria isolated from both species of crane. Gram‐positive cocci, coliforms, and gram‐negative bacilli were the most prevalent types of bacteria isolated for both crane species, with Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus Group D, not Enterococcus the bacterial species isolated most commonly. There was a significant difference in the average number of isolates per individual between the two crane species but no differences between age or gender categories within crane species. Campylobacter sp. were isolated from five whooping cranes. The potential zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from one whooping crane and C. upsaliensis was isolated from a second. Three other isolates were unspeciated members of the Campylobacter genus and likely belong to a species undescribed previously. The evaluation of the enteric cloacal flora of whooping cranes and sandhill cranes illustrates that differences exist between these two closely related crane species, and highlights the potential implications these differences may have for current practices involving captive wildlife. Zoo Biol 0:1–13, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Coccidiosis of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) wintering in New Mexico

The feces of 212 sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) collected in central New Mexico from October 1982 to January 1983 and from October 1983 to January 1984 were examined to determine the prevalence of coccidial oocysts. One hundred forty-five granulomatous nodules from the viscera of 64 cranes and samples of lung, small intestine, and large intestine from 58 birds were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy for the presence of intestinal or extraintestinal coccidiosis. Of the 212 fecal samples, 160 (75%) were positive for oocysts of Eimeria, including E. gruis in 139 (66%) and E. reichenowi in 118 (56%) of the samples. Eimeria bosquei sp. n. was found in two (approximately 1%) of the fecal samples. Subspheroid to ovoid oocysts of this new species are 19-27 X 14-19 (23.6 X 17.1) micrograms with ovoid sporocysts 10-14 X 7-11 (12.3 X 9.3) micrograms. A rough, heavily pitted outer oocyst wall, sporocyst residuum, Stieda and substieda bodies, and multiple polar bodies are present. The polar bodies, of varying sizes, always aggregate at the apex of the sporulated oocyst. An Adelina sp. was found in one (0.5%) crane. Coccidian developmental stages were found in the epithelium and lamina propria of the small and large intestine. Disseminated granulomatous nodules were found in the oral mucosa, esophagus, heart, descending aorta, liver, small intestine, mesenteries, and parietal peritoneum. Unique cell types resembling coccidian asexual and sexual stages were observed by light and electron microscopy in some of the nodules.     

Parental Development of Eimerian Coccidia in Sandhill and Whopping Cranes1

In contrast with isosporoid species of coccidia that have established extraintestinal phases of development, the eimeriids, except for a few species, generally have been considered inhabitants of the intestinal tract. Eimeria infection in sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) and whooping cranes (G. americana) may result in disseminated visceral coccidiosis. Nodules were observed in the oral cavity of 33% (n = 95) of the G. canadensis at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) in Laurel, MD. Necropsy of six of the afflicted cranes revealed granulomatous nodules in many tissues and organs. Histologic studies disclosed protozoan organisms morphologically resembling schizonts in the granulomas, and endogenous stages of coccidia were present in the intestines of four birds. Fecalysis of three of four sandhill cranes yielded oocysts of E. reichenowi and E. gruis. Only E. reichenowi-type oocysts were recovered from a dead whooping crane sample. Domestic broiler chicks each intubated with about 1 times 10⁶ pooled sporulated oocysts of E. reichenowi and E. gruis were not infected. Exposure of six incubator-hatched and hand-reared sandhill crane chicks to oocysts artificially (two chicks) and naturally (four chicks) resulted in typical infection of intestinal epithelium with invasion of subepithelial tissues extending to the muscular layer and widespread extraintestinal development. Asexual and sexual stages occurred primarily in macrophages in the liver, spleen, heart, and lung. In the lung, oocysts were found in bronchial exudate and epithelial lining cells. Six of ten G. canadensis chicks, one adult G. americana, and three of five G. americana chicks that died naturally at PWRC had disseminated visceral coccidiosis.     

Coccidian Parasites and Conservation Implications for the Endangered Whooping Crane (Grus americana)

While the population of endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana) has grown from 15 individuals in 1941 to an estimated 304 birds today, the population growth is not sufficient to support a down-listing of the species to threatened status. The degree to which disease may be limiting the population growth of whooping cranes is unknown. One disease of potential concern is caused by two crane-associated Eimeria species: Eimeria gruis and E. reichenowi. Unlike most species of Eimeria, which are localized to the intestinal tract, these crane-associated species may multiply systemically and cause a potentially fatal disease. Using a non-invasive sampling approach, we assessed the prevalence and phenology of Eimeria oocysts in whooping crane fecal samples collected across two winter seasons (November 2012–April 2014) at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge along the Texas Gulf coast. We also compared the ability of microscopy and PCR to detect Eimeria in fecal samples. Across both years, 26.5% (n = 328) of fecal samples were positive for Eimeria based on microscopy. Although the sensitivity of PCR for detecting Eimeria infections seemed to be less than that of microscopy in the first year of the study (8.9% vs. 29.3%, respectively), an improved DNA extraction protocol resulted in increased sensitivity of PCR relative to microscopy in the second year of the study (27.6% and 20.8%, respectively). The proportion of positive samples did not vary significantly between years or among sampling sites. The proportion of Eimeria positive fecal samples varied with date of collection, but there was no consistent pattern of parasite shedding between the two years. We demonstrate that non-invasive fecal collections combined with PCR and DNA sequencing techniques provides a useful tool for monitoring Eimeria infection in cranes. Understanding the epidemiology of coccidiosis is important for management efforts to increase population growth of the endangered whooping crane.     

Fecal corticosterone reflects serum corticosterone in Florida sandhill cranes

Florida sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) were conditioned to confinement 6 hr/day for 7 days. On day 8, each bird's jugular vein was catheterized, blood samples were drawn, and each crane was confined for 6 hr. Using a randomized, restricted cross-over design, cranes were injected intravenously with either 0.9% NaCl solution or ACTH (cosyntropin; Cortrosyn; 0.25 mg). During the 6 hr of confinement, fecal samples (feces and urine) were collected from each of five cranes immediately after defecation. Individual fecal samples were collected approximately at hourly intervals and assayed for corticosterone. We showed previously that serum corticosterone did not vary significantly following saline injection, but peaked significantly 60 min after ACTH injection. Maximal fecal corticosterone concentrations (ng/g) were greater (P < 0.10; median 1087 ng/g) following ACTH stimulation compared to maximal fecal corticosterone concentrations at the end of acclimation (day 7; median 176) and following saline treatment (median 541). In cranes under controlled conditions, fecal corticosterone concentration reflects serum corticosterone levels, fecal corticosterone, Grus canadensis pratensis, sandhill cranes, serum corticosterone levels.     

Year-long presence of Eimeria echidnae and absence of Eimeria tachyglossi in captive short-beaked echidnas ( Tachyglossus aculeatus )

The short-beaked echidna ( Tachyglossus aculeatus ) is 1 of 5 extant species of monotreme, found only in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The aim of this study was to identify the species of coccidia present and establish a range of subclinical Eimeria spp. (Coccidia: Apicomplexa) oocyst shedding in echidnas from eastern Australia over 18 mo. The coccidia were detected in 89% (49/55) of fecal samples from 12 long-term monitored and healthy captive echidnas, 75% (3/4) of 4 healthy long-term captive echidnas, 83% (5/6) of 6 short-term captive echidnas, and 60% (6/10) of 10 wild echidnas. Echidnas captive for 4 to 23 yr shed 100-46,000 oocysts g(-1) of E. echidnae and remained clinically healthy during this study. Sub-adult and adult wild, and short-term captive, echidnas shed oocysts of both E. echidnae and E. tachyglossi . The lack of coccidia in juvenile short-beaked echidnas suggests these animals are probably non-immune and should not be placed in environments heavily contaminated with oocysts. In addition, no oocysts were found in captive long-beaked echidnas ( Zaglossus bartoni bartoni , n = 2) housed at Taronga Zoo. This study represents an important step in understanding the host-parasite interaction between coccidia and short-beaked echidnas.     

Levels of fecal corticosterone in sandhill cranes during a human-led migration

Fourteen captive-reared greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) were conditioned to follow ultralight aircraft to promote migration between Wisconsin and Florida (USA) after release. Fecal samples were collected throughout the training period in Wisconsin and during a l977-km human-led migration to Florida to determine fecal corticosterone (FC) concentrations by radioimmunnoassay. The mean (+/-SE) FC concentration during the training period was 109.5 +/- 7.5 ng/g and was representative of baseline levels recorded previously from sandhill cranes. Fecal corticosterone concentrations increased in early migration compared to concentrations I mo prior to departure (P < 0.01) but were not different from baseline concentrations at tile end of the 6-wk migration period. The variability of FC concentrations in individual samples was greater throughout the migration than the training period. Increases in FC during migration were modest and generally consistent with normal corticosterone elevations observed in migrating birds.     

Fecal corticoid monitoring in whooping cranes (Grus americana) undergoing reintroduction

We used radioimmunoassay to determine fecal corticoid concentrations and assess potential stress in 10 endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana) undergoing reintroduction to the wild. Fecal samples were collected shortly after hatching at a captive facility in Maryland, during field training in Wisconsin, and throughout a human‐led migration to Florida. After a 14‐day decline following hatching, fecal corticoid concentrations stabilized at baseline levels for the duration of the captive period, despite exposure to potentially stressful stimuli. Shipment of the cranes to the field training site was correlated with an eight‐ to 34‐fold increase in fecal corticoid concentrations, which returned to baseline levels within 1 week. Increases were positively correlated with age but not body weight at the time of shipping. Fecal corticoid concentrations during the training period increased slightly and exhibited greater variation than levels observed at the captive facility, but were well within expected norms based on previous studies. Fecal corticoid concentrations increased twofold following premigration physical examinations and placement of radiotransmitters, and persisted for up to 4 days before they returned to baseline levels. Though fecal corticoid concentrations and variation during the migration period were similar to training levels, there was an overall decline in fecal corticoid concentrations during the artificial migration. Acute stressors, such as capture, restraint, and severe storms, were associated with stress responses by the cranes that varied in accordance with lasting physical or psychological stimuli. The overall reintroduction process of costume‐rearing, ultralight aircraft habituation, training, and artificial migration was not associated with elevations in fecal corticoid concentrations suggestive of chronic stress. Zoo Biol 24:15–28, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Variation in Eimeria oocyst count and species composition in weanling beef heifers

Rectal fecal samples were collected daily on 10 consecutive days in November 2004 from 11 weaned beef heifers to assess daily variation in fecal oocyst count and species composition. Subsequent samples were collected from the same animals on 15 April 2005 and 9 June 2005. Oocyst numbers were determined by the modified McMaster's test, and species were identified by examination of oocysts recovered with the Wisconsin sugar flotation technique. Soil samples were collected from the heifer pasture on 8 June 2005, and oocysts were quantified and identified to species. Mean fecal oocyst counts varied little at all sampling dates ranging from 134-377 oocysts/g. Ten Eimeria spp. were identified in fecal samples collected in November and April and 11 in June. Eimeria bovis was the most common species identified at all samplings. Mean species composition showed little variation during the 10-day sampling period in November, remained similar in April, and varied slightly in June. Twelve Eimeria spp. were identified in soil samples in proportions similar to those seen in fecal samples. The results indicate that clinically normal weanling beef heifers are likely to be infected with a diverse, but relatively stable, community of Eimeria spp.     

Evidence for chronic stress in captive but not free-ranging cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) based on adrenal morphology and function

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is highly endangered because of loss of habitat in the wild and failure to thrive in captivity. Cheetahs in zoos reproduce poorly and have high prevalences of unusual diseases that cause morbidity and mortality. These diseases are rarely observed in free-ranging cheetahs but have been documented in cheetahs that have been captured and held in captive settings either temporarily or permanently. Because captivity may be stressful for this species and stress is suspected as contributing to poor health and reproduction, this study aimed to measure chronic stress by comparing baseline concentrations of fecal corticoid metabolites and adrenal gland morphology between captive and free-ranging cheetahs. Additionally, concentrations of estradiol and testosterone metabolites were quantified to determine whether concentrations of gonadal steroids correlated with corticoid concentration and to assure that corticosteroids in the free-ranging samples were not altered by environmental conditions. Concetntrations of fecal corticoids, estradiol, and testosterone were quantified by radioimmunoassay in 20 free-ranging and 20 captive cheetahs from samples collected between 1994 and 1999. Concentrations of baseline fecal corticoids were significantly higher (p = 0.005) in captive cheetahs (196.08 +/- 36.20 ng/g dry feces) than free-ranging cheetahs (71.40 +/- 14.35 ng/g dry feces). Testosterone concentrations were lower in captive male cheetahs (9.09 +/- 2.84 ng/g dry feces) than in free-ranging cheetahs (34.52 +/- 12.11 ng/g dry feces), which suggests suppression by elevated corticoids in the captive males. Evidence for similar sulppression of estradiol concentrations in females was not present. Adrenal corticomedullary ratios were determined on midsagittal sections of adrenal glands from 13 free-ranging and 13 captive cheetahs obtained between 1991 and 2002. The degree of vacuolation of cortical cells in the zona fasciculata was graded for each animal. Corticomedullary ratios were larger (p = 0.05) in captive cheetahs; however, there was no difference (p = 0.31) in the degree of corticocyte vacnolation between the two populations. These data proxile both mnorphologic and functional evidence suggestive of chronic stress in captive cheetahs. Further research into the role of hypercortisolemia in the pathogenesis of the reproductive abnormalities and unusual diseases of captive cheetahs is needed.     

Two new species of Eimeria from peacocks (Pavo cristatus) in Saudi Arabia

Fifteen fecal samples from peacocks (Pavo cristatus) in Saudi Arabia contained oocysts of Eimeria riyadhae n. sp. in two peacocks and oocysts of E. arabica n. sp. in one peacock. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria riyadhae are ellipsoidal, 27-30.5 x 20.5-25 (28.8 +/- 1.3 x 22.4 +/- 1.6) micron, with a two-layered wall and bilobed polar body, but without a micropyle or residuum. The sporocysts are ovoid, 11-14.5 x 6.5-8 (13.2 +/- 1.2 x 7.2 +/- 0.6) micron with a thick, knob-like Stieda body and a residuum. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria arabica are spheroidal, 17.5-21.5 x 17.5-21.5 (19.2 +/- 1.6 x 19.2 +/- 1.6) micron, with a two-layered wall and two refractile polar bodies, but without a micropyle or residuum. The sporocyts are elongate ovoid, 9.5-12 x 4-6.5 (11.2 +/- 0.9 x 5.5 +/- 0.88), with a small crescent-shaped Stieda body. The host bird belongs to the order Galliformis.     

Comparison of three fecal steroid metabolites for pregnancy detection used with single sampling in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)

We conpared three fecal steroid metabolite assays for their usefulness in detecting pregnalcy among free-ranging Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Wyoming and Montana (USA) and captive bighorn ewes at ZooMontana in Billings, Montana. Fecal samples were collected from 11 free-ranging, radio-collared bighorn ewes in late January-May 2001 and from 20 free-ranging, radio-collared ewes in late March to mid-May 2002. Free-ranging ewes were monitored the following spring to determine whether or not they lambed. In addition, two captive ewes were studied at ZooMontana. With three exceptions, free-ranging bighorn ewes that produced lambs had nonspecific progesterone metabolite (iPdG) levels of >1800 ng/g feces and iPdG levels >7000 ng/gm feces when samples were collected between early March and mid-May. Samples collected earlier in the year were inconclusive. One false negative was suspected to be the result of sample collection error. Of the captive ewes, nonspecific pregnanediol-3alpha-glucuronide (PdG) and iPdG followed a predictable curve over the course of the 180-day pregnancies. We conclude that estrone conjugates are not useful in diagnosing pregnancy; however, fecal steroid analysis of PdG and iPdG can be used to accurately determine pregnancy and reproductive function in bighorn sheep. This holds great potential as a noninvasive technique for understanding the role of reproductive disease in wild bighom sheep.     

Cryptosporidium sp. Infections in Green Turtles, Chelonia mydas, as a Potential Source of Marine Waterborne Oocysts in the Hawaiian Islands

For the first time, Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were identified in fecal and intestinal samples from free-ranging marine turtles, Chelonia mydas, from the Hawaiian Islands. The oocysts produced positive reactions with commercial test kits recommended for the detection of human-infectious waterborne oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum.     

高原姬鼠一新艾美球虫记述(顶复合门,艾美球虫科)

粪检云南省昆明市太平镇捕获的31只高原姬鼠Apodemus chevrieri,在9只高原姬鼠中共发现了2种艾美球虫,自然感染率为29%,其中1种被命名为新种:齐氏艾美球虫Eimeria chevrieri sp.nov.。齐氏艾美球虫孢子化的卵囊椭圆形,大小为21·2μm×16·3μm(22·2~19·7μm×17·3~15·6μm)。卵囊壁光滑,单层,厚约1·0μm;无胚孔和卵囊余体。有1~2个极体,极体形状不规则,直径1·0~2·0μm。卵圆形的孢子囊大小为11·2μm×7·5μm(12·3~10·3μm×8·3~6·8μm),有孢子囊余体,且主要分布在2个子孢子的中间,斯氏体扁豆形,大小为1·0μm×0·3μm,亚斯氏体亚球形,大小为2·5μm×1·5μm。子孢子在孢子囊里面头尾相接,在其宽端有1个明显的反光体,直径约3μm。模式标本保存在云南大学标本馆。齐氏艾美球虫,新种Eimeria chevrieri sp·nov.(图1~2,4)寄生于姬鼠属,具有椭圆形的卵囊,卵囊壁具有光滑、无色、单层特点的艾美球虫有3种:E.gomurica Musaev and Veisov,1963,E.kaunensis Arnastauskiene et al.,1978和E.gandobica Musaev and Veisov,1965。E.gomurica、E.kaunensis与本种的主要区别是卵囊较小且有卵囊余体;E.gandobica与本种的主要区别是卵囊呈宽椭圆形,卵囊和孢子囊较小(19·0μm×16·8μmvs·21·2μm×16·3μm;8·0μm×5·0μmvs·11·2μm×7·5μm),孢子囊余体少,无反光体和亚斯氏体。寄生于姬鼠属,具有椭圆形的卵囊,卵囊壁具有光滑、2层特点的艾美球虫有3种:E.alorani Hurková et al.,2005、E.apodemi Pell啨rdy1974和E.zaurica Musaev and Veisov,1965。E.zaurica与本种的主要区别是具有卵囊余体;E.alorani的卵囊和孢子囊比本种大的多(26·9μm×19·3μmvs.21·2μm×16·3μm),且其孢子囊余体形成一个直径约4~5μm的球状结构;E.apodemi的孢子化卵囊呈宽椭圆形,经常不对称,无极体和斯氏体。该种区别其它种的关键特征是:1)孢子化卵囊椭圆形,卵囊壁光滑、单层、无色;2)有极体;3)孢子囊有亚斯氏体。模式标本,含孢子化卵囊的齐氏姬鼠粪便保存在云南大学生物系,标本编号:2006047;齐氏姬鼠标本保存于云南大学标本馆,标本编号20060081。词源:种名源自宿主种名。     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. IV. Four new species in Talpa europaea from England

Moles from England were examined for coccidian oocysts and all 64 Talpa europaea were infected; of 64 infected hosts, 56 (88%) had multiple infections representing two to six coccidian species when examined. Oocysts in 31 of the 64 samples remainedunsporulated. Three eimerians and one isosporan were studied from the 33 fecal samples that had sporulated oocysts and these are described as new species; Cyclospora talpae Pellérdy & Tanyi, 1968, and Isospora sofiae (Golemansky, 1978) Levine & Ivens, 1979, are redescribed; and Cyclospora sp., similar to C. talpae, is discussed. Sporulated oocysts of C. talpae are ellipsoidal, 14.3 X 9.6 (12-19 X 6-13) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 9.4 X 5.7 (6-13 X 4-8) microns; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 12.5 X 8.9 (10-14 X 6-12) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 8.6 X 5.3 (6-10 X 4-6) microns; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria avonensis n. sp. are elongate-ellipsoidal, 15.0 X 9.6 (13-20 X 7-12) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 6.6 X 3.6 (5-9 X 3-7) microns; it was found in 15 of the 33 (45.5%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria berea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 12.1 X 10.5 (10-15 X 8-14) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 6.3 X 3.9 (5-10 X 2-5) microns; it was found in 8 of the 33 (24.2%) sporulated samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of environmental stressors on nest success of introduced birds

Understanding the influence of environmental stressors on daily nest survival of introduced birds is important because it can affect introduction success as well as the ability to evaluate introduction programs. For long-lived birds with low annual production, adjustment to local breeding conditions can take many years. We examined nest success rates of 2 introduced bird species, whooping crane (Grus americana) and trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator), in Wisconsin. Both species are long-lived with low annual reproductive rates. Trumpeter swans were established in our study area approximately 10 years before whooping cranes. We predicted that trumpeter swans would show less sensitivity to environmental stressors. We used daily nest survival rates (DNSRs) as our response variable to model several environmental parameters including weather, phenology, and ornithophilic black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). Additionally, we examined the influence of captive history, age, release method, energetics, and nesting experience on whooping crane DNSRs. Daily nest survival of whooping cranes was the most sensitive to stressors. Trumpeter swan daily nest survival showed less sensitivity to the same stressors. Daily nest survival for both species peaked later in the nesting season, after 30 April and before 30 May. We also found that the daily nest survival rate (DNSR) for whooping cranes was potentially affected by captive exposure (measured by generations removed from the wild). Our results highlight the difficulties associated with conservation of long-lived birds with low annual productivity as they adjust to local breeding conditions and that nest phenology at the source location can determine how these conditions are interfaced. We recommend that the juxtaposition of source and introduction location nest phenology be considered prior to introduction site selection. Additionally, strategically selecting offspring from captive pairs with nest phenology similar to that of sympatric species at the introduction location should be considered. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.     

Intestinal Parasites of Free-ranging,Semicaptive,and Captive <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pongo abelii</Emphasis> in Sumatra,Indonesia

We collected fecal samples from 32 free-ranging, 19 semicaptive, and 54 captive Sumatran orangutans on Sumatra from 1998 until 2004 and screened them for gastrointestinal parasites. Our objectives were to compare the intestinal parasites of free-ranging, semicaptive, and captive orangutans and to evaluate the risk of parasite transmission in orangutan reintroduction programs. We identified 4 genera of Protozoa, 7 genera of nematodes, 1 trematode sp., and 1 cestode sp. The prevalence of Balantidium coli in free-ranging orangutans was significantly higher than in captive individuals. However, the prevalence of Strongyloides sp. was higher in captive than in free-ranging orangutans. Free-ranging female orangutans had a significantly higher total prevalence of intestinal parasites than that of males. We found no significant difference between parasite prevalences in different age groups. Compared to gorillas and chimpanzees, orangutans carry a smaller variety of protozoan and nematode species. Strongyloides sp. infections form the highest risk in reintroduction programs as crowding, ground-dwelling, and poor hygiene in captive and semicaptive orangutans may cause a constant reinfection.     

Fecal Bacterial Composition of Sichuan Snub-Nosed Monkeys (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhinopithecus roxellana</Emphasis>)

The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the health of its host, including human and nonhuman primates. Little is known about the intestinal bacterial composition of the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana), which has been classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List since 2003. We evaluated the fecal bacterial compositions of 11 Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys, including six young captive individuals (one sample from each), three adult captive individuals (four samples each), and two adult provisioned free-ranging individuals (four samples each). We also quantified fecal Bacteroides vulgatus, Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus spp., which are defined as probiotics in humans, using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We identified five major phyla in the collected samples, including Firmicutes (32.4 %), Bacteroidetes (14.7 %), Verrucomicrobia (8.8 %), Actinobacteria (4.4 %), and unclassified microbacteria (39.7 %). Fecal bacteria composition varied with age and different seasons. The fecal bacterial composition of the captive monkeys was less variable than that of provisioned free-ranging monkeys. B. vulgatus amounts were almost 100 times higher in the provisioned free-ranging monkeys (10¹²) than in the captive monkeys (10¹⁰). Our results provide an initial catalogue of gut microbiota in the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey, which helps to enrich our knowledge of gut microbiota in nonhuman primates.