Roles of maternal condition and predation in survival of juvenile Elk in Oregon

Abundant evidence supports the benefits accrued to the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) population via the genetic introgression project implemented in South Florida, USA, in 1995. Since then, genetic diversity has improved, the frequency of morphological and biomedical correlates of inbreeding depression have declined, and the population size has increased. Nevertheless, the panther population remains small and isolated and faces substantial challenges due to deterministic and stochastic forces. Our goals were 1) to comprehensively assess the demographics of the Florida panther population using long-term (1981–2015) field data and modeling to gauge the persistence of benefits accrued via genetic introgression and 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of various potential genetic management strategies. Translocation and introduction of female pumas (Puma concolor stanleyana) from Texas, USA, substantially improved genetic diversity. The average individual heterozygosity of canonical (non-introgressed) panthers was 0.386 ± 0.012 (SE); for admixed panthers, it was 0.615 ± 0.007. Survival rates were strongly age-dependent (kittens had the lowest survival rates), were positively affected by individual heterozygosity, and decreased with increasing population abundance. Overall annual kitten survival was 0.32 ± 0.09; sex did not have a clear effect on kitten survival. Annual survival of subadult and adult panthers differed by sex; regardless of age, females exhibited higher survival than males. Annual survival rates of subadult, prime adult, and old adult females were 0.97 ± 0.02, 0.86 ± 0.03, and 0.78 ± 0.09, respectively. Survival rates of subadult, prime adult, and old adult males were 0.66 ± 0.06, 0.77 ± 0.05, and 0.65 ± 0.10, respectively. For panthers of all ages, genetic ancestry strongly affected survival rate, where first filial generation (F1) admixed panthers of all ages exhibited the highest rates and canonical (mostly pre-introgression panthers and their post-introgression descendants) individuals exhibited the lowest rates. The most frequently observed causes of death of radio-collared panthers were intraspecific aggression and vehicle collision. Cause-specific mortality analyses revealed that mortality rates from vehicle collision, intraspecific aggression, other causes, and unknown causes were generally similar for males and females, although males were more likely to die from intraspecific aggression than females. The probability of reproduction and the annual number of kittens produced varied by age; evidence that ancestry or abundance influenced these parameters was weak. Predicted annual probabilities of reproduction were 0.35 ± 0.08, 0.50 ± 0.05, and 0.25 ± 0.06 for subadult, prime adult, and old adult females, respectively. The number of kittens predicted to be produced annually by subadult, prime adult, and old adult females were 2.80 ± 0.75, 2.67 ± 0.43, and 2.28 ± 0.83, respectively. The stochastic annual population growth rate estimated using a matrix population model was 1.04 (95% CI = 0.72–1.41). An individual-based population model predicted that the probability that the population would fall below 10 panthers within 100 years (quasi-extinction) was 1.4% (0–0.8%) if the adverse effects of genetic erosion were ignored. However, when the effect of genetic erosion was considered, the probability of quasi-extinction within 100 years increased to 17% (0–100%). Mean times to quasi-extinction, conditioned on going quasi-extinct within 100 years, was 22 (0–75) years when the effect of genetic erosion was considered. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the probability of quasi-extinction and expected time until quasi-extinction were most sensitive to changes in kitten survival parameters. Without genetic management intervention, the Florida panther population would face a substantially increased risk of quasi-extinction. The question, therefore, is not whether genetic management of the Florida panther population is needed but when and how it should be implemented. Thus, we evaluated genetic and population consequences of alternative genetic introgression strategies to identify optimal management actions using individual-based simulation models. Releasing 5 pumas every 20 years would cost much less ($200,000 over 100 years) than releasing 15 pumas every 10 years ($1,200,000 over 100 years) yet would reduce the risk of quasi-extinction by comparable amount (44–59% vs. 40–58%). Generally, releasing more females per introgression attempt provided little added benefit. The positive effects of the genetic introgression project persist in the panther population after 20 years. We suggest that managers contemplate repeating genetic introgression by releasing 5–10 individuals from other puma populations every 20–40 years. We also recommend that managers continue to collect data that will permit estimation and monitoring of kitten, adult, and subadult survival. We identified these parameters via sensitivity analyses as most critical in terms of their impact on the probability of and expected times to quasi-extinction. The continuation of long-term monitoring should permit the adaptation of genetic management strategies as necessary while collecting data that have proved essential in assessing the genetic and demographic health of the population. The prospects for recovery of the panther will certainly be improved by following these guidelines. © 2019 The Authors. Wildlife Monographs published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.     

Using occupancy models to investigate space partitioning between two sympatric large predators, the jaguar and puma in central Brazil

Coexistence of sympatric species is mediated by resource partitioning. Pumas occur sympatrically with jaguars throughout most of the jaguar's range but few studies have investigated space partitioning between both species. Here, camera trapping and occupancy models accounting for imperfect detection were employed in a Bayesian framework to investigate space partitioning between the jaguar and puma in Emas National Park (ENP), central Brazil. Jaguars were estimated to occupy 54.1% and pumas 39.3% of the sample sites. Jaguar occupancy was negatively correlated with distance to water and positively correlated with the amount of dense habitat surrounding the camera trap. Puma occupancy only showed a weak negative correlation with distance to water and with jaguar presence. Both species were less often present at the same site than expected under independent distributions. Jaguars had a significantly higher detection probability at cameras on roads than at off-road locations. For pumas, detection was similar on and off-road. Results indicate that both differences in habitat use and active avoidance shape space partitioning between jaguars and pumas in ENP. Considering its size, the jaguar is likely the competitively dominant of the two species. Owing to its habitat preferences, suitable jaguar habitat outside the park is probably sparse. Consequently, the jaguar population is likely largely confined to the park, while the puma population is known to extend into ENP's surroundings.     

Predation of wild spider monkeys at La Macarena,Colombia

The killing of an adult male spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth ) by a jaguar (Panthera onca) and a predation attempt by a puma (Felis concolor) on an adult female spider monkey have been observed at the CIEM (Centro de Investigaciones Ecológicas La Macarena), La Macarena, Colombia. These incidents occurred directly in front of an observer, even though it is said that predation under direct observation on any type of primate rarely occurs. On the basis of a review of the literature, and the observations reported here, we suggest that jaguars and pumas are likely to be the only significant potential predators on adult spider monkeys, probably because of their large body size.     

Microstructural Reinforcement in the Canine Enamel of the Hyaenid Crocuta crocuta, the FelidPuma concolorand the Late Miocene Canid Borophagus secundus

In bone-eating carnivores such as the hyena Crocuta crocuta, the tooth enamel contains a secondary vertical prism decussation phyletically derived from the wavelike horizontal decussation of primitive carnivores. The structure resists fracture under vertical, oblique, and horizontal tensile stresses, owing to the following modifications of the primitive structure. Positions of wave crests and of wave troughs are synchronized in the vertically successive layers of decussating prisms. Prisms in each successive layer run in a common direction at the crests and in a common but reversed direction at the troughs. Between the crests and troughs, prisms in obliquely slanting layers often retain their primitively reversed prism directions. Near the enamel–dentine junction (EDJ), irregular horizontal decussation is retained. In the upper canine of C. crocuta, a consumer of large bones, secondary vertical decussation is largely confined to the labial and anterior sides of the crown toward the tip where modeling of the static stresses predicts the tensile stresses to be highest and aligned vertically. In Puma concolor, which does not consume large bones, secondary vertical decussation is absent, indicating stress magnitude to be a critical factor in the selection for secondary vertical decussation. The canine enamel in Borophagus secundus, an extinct canid with derived aspects of skull and dental shape like those in hyenas, has dental structures similar to those in C. crocuta but which differ in several ways. The wavelike shapes of the decussation planes are better developed in transverse sections in B. secundus than in C. crocuta, suggesting either the folds are less modified or they dip at a steeper angle. Secondary vertical decussation in B. secundus is more extensive around the circumference of the canine than in C. crocuta, related to a difference in cross-sectional shape of the tooth. Vertical prism decussation may have been more frequently attained in carnivorous mammals than in ungulates because of the more random orientation of dental stresses which creates a selective advantage for wavy decussation planes—a structural transition to vertical decussation.     

Hair Snares for Noninvasive Sampling of Felids in North America: Do Gray Foxes Affect Success?

Abstract: Hair-snare sampling has become a popular technique to assess distribution and abundance of felids. Using standard hair-snaring protocols, we sampled for margays (Leopardus wiedii) in Mexico and mountain lions (Puma concolor) in California, USA, without success. However, we noted a preponderance of gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) hair at sampling stations. Our review of recent literature suggests a pattern of failure to detect target felids in hair-snare surveys conducted within the range of the gray fox. We propose, among several alternative explanations, that marking by gray foxes interferes with the tendency of felids to face-rub at sampling stations.     

Use of Camera-Trapping to Estimate Puma Density and Influencing Factors in Central Brazil

Abstract: We used remotely triggered cameras to collect data on Puma (Puma concolor) abundance and occupancy in an area of tropical forest in Brazil where the species' status is poorly known. To evaluate factors influencing puma occupancy we used data from 5 sampling campaigns in 3 consecutive years (2005 to 2007) and 2 seasons (wet and dry), at a state park and a private forest reserve. We estimated puma numbers and density for the 2007 sampling data by developing a standardized individual identification method. We based individual identification on 1) time-stable parameters (SP; physical features that do not change over time), and 2) time-variable parameters (VP; marks that could change over time such as scars and botfly marks). Following individual identification we established a capture-recapture history and analyzed it using closed population capture-mark-recapture models. Puma capture probability was influenced by camera placement (roads vs. trails), sampling year, and prey richness. Puma occupancy was positively associated with species richness and there was a correlation between relative puma and jaguar (Panthera onca) abundance. Identifications enabled us to generate 8 VP histories for each photographed flank, corresponding to 8 individuals. We estimated the sampled population at 9 pumas (SE = 1.03, 95% CI = 8–10 individuals) translating to a density of 3.40 pumas/100 km². Information collected using camera-traps can effectively be used to assess puma population size in tropical forests. As habitat progressively disappears and South American felines become more vulnerable, our results support the critical importance of private forest reserves for conservation.     

Cougar survival and source-sink structure on Greater Yellowstone's Northern Range

We studied survival and causes of mortality of radiocollared cougars (Puma concolor) on the Greater Yellowstone Northern Range (GYNR) prior to (1987–1994) and after wolf (Canis lupus) reintroduction (1998–2005) and evaluated temporal, spatial, and environmental factors that explain variation in adult, subadult, and kitten survival. Using Program MARK and multimodel inference, we modeled cougar survival based on demographic status, season, and landscape attributes. Our best models for adult and independent subadults indicated that females survived better than males and survival increased with age until cougars reached older ages. Lower elevations and increasing density of roads, particularly in areas open to cougar hunting north of Yellowstone National Park (YNP), increased mortality risks for cougars on the GYNR. Indices of ungulate biomass, cougar and wolf population size, winter severity, rainfall, and individual characteristics such as the presence of dependent young, age class, and use of Park or Wilderness were not important predictors of survival. Kitten survival increased with age, was lower during winter, increased with increasing minimum estimates of elk calf biomass, and increased with increasing density of adult male cougars. Using our best model, we mapped adult cougar survival on the GYNR landscape. Results of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated a good model fit for both female (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.70–0.92, n = 35 locations) and male cougars (AUC = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.74–0.94, n = 49 locations) relative to hunter harvest locations in our study area. Using minimum estimates of survival necessary to sustain the study population, we developed a source-sink surface and we identify several measures that resource management agencies can take to enhance cougar population management based on a source-sink strategy. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Nucleostemin和PUMA在骨肉瘤细胞的表达及意义

目的研究Nucleostemin(NS)和p53上调凋亡调控因子(P53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis,PUMA)在骨肉瘤中的表达。探讨其表达与骨肉瘤的病理分型,临床外科分期的关系。方法收集30例骨肉瘤患者手术标本,采用免疫组织化学SABC法检测这组标本中NS和PUMA的表达,应用图像分析系统测量其阳性表达的平均光密度值。结果 1.NS蛋白定位于细胞核,NS在骨肉瘤组表达高于骨软骨瘤组(P<0.05),在骨肉瘤组随Ennking分期的递增而增加(P<0.05),NS的表达与骨肉瘤的病理分型无关(P>0.05)。2.PUMA定位于细胞质,在骨肉瘤组表达明显低于骨软骨瘤组(P<0.05),其表达与骨肉瘤Ennking分期和病理分型无关(P>0.05)。结论 NS和PUMA在骨肉瘤发生和发展过程中起着重要的作用。