The first data on the biology and distribution of the Japanese fringed sculpin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Porocottus japonicus</Emphasis> Schmidt, 1935 (Scorpaeniformes: Cottidae) in the northwestern Sea of Japan

The Japanese fringed sculpin Porocottus japonicus Schmidt has been found in the Rynda (44°48′03″ N, 136°23′24″ E) and Vladimira (43°52′36″ N, 135°29′30″ E) (Sea of Japan, Primorskii krai) bays for the first time. This species was formerly known only from the northern Tatar Strait and Aniva Bay. In Primorskii krai, P. japonicus inhabits macrophyte beds in shallow sublittoral waters. It reaches a length of 112 mm during its lifespan of approximately 4 years. Spawning occurs in the winter. The species preys predominantly on polychaetes (82.3% of the food weight).     

Length–weight relationship of selected elasmobranch species from north‐eastern Arabian Sea,India

Length–weight relationship (LWR) was estimated for 12 elasmobranch species; five shark species, four species of rays and three species of guitar fishes from north‐eastern Arabian Sea, India. Five major landing centres of Maharashtra were selected; Satpati (Lat. 19°43′15″N, Long. 72°42′00″E), Naigaon (Lat. 19°19′32″N, Long. 72°48′54″E), Versova (Lat. 19°08′33″N, Long. 72°48′11″E), New ferry Wharf (Lat. 18°57′29″N Long. 72°51′01″E) and Sassoon dock (Lat. 18°54′42″N, Long. 72°49′33″E). Samples were collected fortnightly during August 2016 to October 2017 from various gears; drift gill nets (Hung length 114–143 m and #100–270 mm) off Satpati coast at 35–50 m depth, dol nets (length 50–65 m and cod end # 30–69 mm) in Naigaon at 38–50 m depth and trawl (length 33–72 m and cod end # 17–32 mm) in Versova, New ferry Wharf and Sassoon dock operated at 20–50 m depth. Multiday fishing was carried out with 2–3 fishing trips in a month, each trip with duration of 7–13 days. Soaking time of gill net and dol net varied from 4 to 8 hr while each trawl haul lasted for 3–4 hr. Length–weight/Disc‐width‐weight relationship showed good fit with r² values varying from 0.818 to 0.999. In addition to information on LWR, new maximum size for three species of elasmobranchs is reported in this paper.     

Cultivation of a hybrid of free-living gametophytes between Undariopsis peterseniana and Undaria pinnatifida: morphological aspects and cultivation period

The kelp Undariopsis peterseniana is warm-water-tolerant, and consequently, there is currently considerable interest in developing commercial cultivation techniques for this species in Korea. U. peterseniana plants have been successfully transferred to the northern coast of Korea beyond their original habitat in Jeju Island (33°30′08.65″N, 126°55′39.02″E). In this study, we cultured a hybrid kelp consisting of a cross between free-living gametophytes of U. peterseniana and U. pinnatifida in an attempt to extend the culture period of Undaria which is an important species for both the abalone industry and for commercial seaweed mariculture for human food applications. Morphological characters and cultivation period were compared between the parent thalli and the hybrid. The cultivation experiment was conducted in Wando, on the southern coast of Korea (34°26′18.68″N, 127°05′43.88″E). The morphological characteristics of the hybrid thalli were intermediate between the two species having shallow pinnated blades and a reduced reproductive organ. Hybrid thalli showed faster growth rates, 1.5 times greater biomass, and a longer cultivation period than the parent thalli. The hybrid strain possessed characteristics that indicate it could be used as an alternative kelp source to supply the abalone feed industry.     

A record of the archerfish (Toxotes jaculator) from Iriomote Island,the Ryukyu Islands

A specimen ofToxotes jaculator (Pallas, 1767) (Pisces: Toxotidae) was collected from the mouth of Urauchi River (24°23′55″N, 123°46′48″E), Iriomote Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan. This species was recorded for the first time from the Japanese Archipelago. Its occurrence in Japan is the northern-most record of this species.     

Length–weight relationships of three fish species from Kerala waters,south‐west coast of India

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) of three fish species: Scomberomorus commerson, Alepes vari, and A. kleinii were estimated from Kerala waters, south‐west coast of India. Fish were captured between June 2016 and June 2017 by various gears such as ring seine (8–26 mm mesh size), trawl (30–40 mm cod end mesh size), hook and line (hook number VI–XII), smaller mesh sized drift gill net (26–90 mm) and larger one (120–170 mm) for bigger size fishes. Fish were collected on weekly basis from Cochin Fisheries Harbour (Lat. 09°56′327″N, Long. 76°15′764″E), Munambam Fisheries Harbour (Lat. 10°10′965″N, Long. 76°10′258″E), Kalamukku (Lat. 09°59′924″N, Long. 76°14′564″E) and Chellanam (Lat. 09°47′950″N, Long. 76°16′551″E). All LWRs were significant with r² values ranged from 0.944 to 0.996 and b values ranged from 2.722 to 3.021 (p < .001). In addition, this study provides the information on LWRs and new maximum size for Alepes vari and A. kleinii.     

New record of anoplocephalid eggs (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) collected from rodent coprolites from archaeological and paleontological sites of Patagonia,Argentina

Results of paleoparasitological examination of rodent coprolites collected from archaeological and paleontological sites from Patagonia, Argentina, are present. Each coprolite was processed, rehydrated, homogenized, spontaneously sedimented and examined using light microscope. Coprolites and eggs were described, measured and photographed, and were compared with current faeces of Lagidium viscacia. Eggs with morphological features, attributed to an anoplocephalid cestode were found in samples collected from Cueva Huenul 1 (36°56′45″S, 69°47′32″W, Neuquén Province, Holocene) and Los Altares Profile (43º53′35″S, 68º23′21″W, Chubut Province, Late Holocene). These are the first findings of this anoplocephalid from faecal material from patagonic rodents.     

Positive associations between the cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides (Caryophyllaceae) and other alpine plant species increase with altitude in the Sino‐Himalayas

Question: Does the facilitative effect of cushion plants increase with elevation as a result of increases in environmental harshness? Does this hypothesis apply in the Sino‐Himalayan Mountains? Location: Lakaka Pass on the Baima Snow Mountains (28°20′N, 99°05′E), SW China. Methods: We evaluated the spatial association of several plant species with the cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides (Caryophyllaceae) at two elevations (4500 m and 4700 m) in the study site and monitored temperature, moisture and nutritional status of soil beneath and outside the cushions. Results: While 14 species grow more frequently associated with the cushions at the higher elevation, at the lower site only three species were positively associated with cushions. Eleven of the species that occurred at both elevations changed their spatial association from neutral or negative with cushions at the lower site to positive at the higher elevation site. Substrate temperatures were rather similar between the cushions and areas of bare ground. Cushions maintained higher moisture than areas of bare ground at both elevations. Soils beneath cushions contained significantly more available nitrogen and potassium compared to open areas at the higher elevation. Conclusions: Our results show that facilitation by A. polytrichoides cushions increases with elevation in the Sino‐Himalayan region. This facilitation effect of A. polytrichoides cushions is probably due to the improved nutrient availability provided by cushion plants in the higher elevation, and these conditions probably permit increased plant recruitment, growth and survival.     

Differential endozoochory of aquatic invertebrates by two duck species in shallow lakes

Animal vectors are essential for the movement of invertebrate resting eggs between water bodies. However, differences in habitat preferences and feeding behaviour between bird species may result in variations in the dispersal of invertebrates via these birds, even if the different bird species live in the same lake. To test such effects, faecal samples from Anas platyrhynchos (collected in autumn and spring) and Tadorna tadorna (collected in spring) were cultured in water at 20° C and 12 L: 12 D conditions in order to quantify the resting eggs which could be internally transported by these birds. One half of each faecal sample was initially cultured at a conductivity of 0.6 mS cm⁻¹ and the other half at 6 mS cm⁻¹. 1054 invertebrates hatched from a total of 60 faecal samples, including cladocerans, copepods, ostracods, rotifers and ciliates, with a wide variability among faeces. Autumn yielded a low proportion of samples with hatchlings (12.5%) compared to spring (90%). Significant differences were observed between birds, but not between conductivity treatments. Thus, our results imply different hatching dynamics affected by disperser and season, but most species transported as resting eggs by birds seem to have a wide tolerance to hatch under variable salinity conditions. These differences may largery influence the metacommunity dynamics of lake networks, and could be a key factor to consider in wetland conservation planning.     

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships of thirteen fish species from the lower Jinsha River,southwest China

Length‐weight and length‐length relationships were investigated for 13 freshwater fish species from the lower Jinsha River, southwest China (from 101°32′49.63″E; 26°35′38.27″N to 104°37′48.14″E; 28°45′59.55″N). Fish were sampled from five sites during 2014 and 2016, using trap‐nets, gillnets (major mesh size: 2–6 cm), longline and electrofishing. Length‐weight relationships for six and length‐length relationships for 12 species are the first report to FishBase, respectively. Moreover, new maximum length for 11 species are also presented to FishBase in this study. All regressions were highly significant (p < .001), with the coefficient of determination r² > .950. These information will be helpful for management and conservation in local fishes and fisheries.     

Length–weight relationships for Eutropiichthys murius (Hamilton, 1822), Coilia reynaldi Valenciennes, 1848 and Johnius gangeticus Talwar, 1991 from lower stretch of the River Ganga,India

Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for three fish species from the River Ganga (India) is presented. Sampling was conducted from the lower stretch of the River Ganga (Patna: 25°36′51.66″N & 85°12′7.02″E to Freserganj: 21°35′40.58″N & 88°15′28.92″E) during April, June and September and December of 2017. Specimens were caught using gill nets (18 nos.; mesh 18–32 mm), and bag nets (3 nos.; mesh 14–22 mm). The values a and b from LWRs ‐were found to be 0.007 and 2.977 for Eutropiichthys murius; 0.003 and 3.001 for Coilia reynaldi; 0.009 and 3.010 for Johnius gangeticus.     

Habitat and food utilization of the Siberian chipmunk,Tamias sibiricus,in Korea

Compared to European countries where the Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus) is an invasive species, there is a paucity of information on the ecology and natural history of Korean populations. T. sibiricus is a native species with large populations in Korea. We conducted field research during January to December 2012 in a forest habitat located in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do (37° 45′ 50″ N, 127° 50′ 52″ E) in central Korea. We used both radio-tracking and capture-recapture techniques to determine home range size and nocturnal shelters. We also excavated and measured burrows and analyzed food items from caches. The mean 95 % of kernel home range size for males was 16,586 m² (100 % of MCP?=?14,129 m²) and 4,432 m² (100 % of MCP?=?4,512 m²) for females. Burrow systems typically had a nest, latrine, and food caches with tunnels. Nocturnal shelters were uncommon and co-habiting for summer sleeping and winter torpor were also rare. The primary food items in caches were chestnuts (77.0 %), Mongolian oak acorns (12.1 %), and bird’s-foot trefoil (2.1 %). The information on the ecology and natural history of the Korean subspecies of Siberian chipmunks reported in this research shows significant differences from the ecological information for the subspecies in Hokkaido Japan.     

Are we overestimating risk of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans?

Enteric illnesses remain the second largest source of communicable diseases worldwide, and wild birds are suspected sources for human infection. This has led to efforts to reduce pathogen spillover through deterrence of wildlife and removal of wildlife habitat, particularly within farming systems, which can compromise conservation efforts and the ecosystem services wild birds provide. Further, Salmonella spp. are a significant cause of avian mortality, leading to additional conservation concerns. Despite numerous studies of enteric bacteria in wild birds and policies to discourage birds from food systems, we lack a comprehensive understanding of wild bird involvement in transmission of enteric bacteria to humans. Here, we propose a framework for understanding spillover of enteric pathogens from wild birds to humans, which includes pathogen acquisition, reservoir competence and bacterial shedding, contact with people and food, and pathogen survival in the environment. We place the literature into this framework to identify important knowledge gaps. Second, we conduct a meta‐analysis of prevalence data for three human enteric pathogens, Campylobacter spp., E. coli, and Salmonella spp., in 431 North American breeding bird species. Our literature review revealed that only 3% of studies addressed the complete system of pathogen transmission. In our meta‐analysis, we found a Campylobacter spp. prevalence of 27% across wild birds, while prevalence estimates of pathogenic E. coli (20%) and Salmonella spp. (6.4%) were lower. There was significant bias in which bird species have been tested, with most studies focusing on a small number of taxa that are common near people (e.g. European starlings Sturnus vulgaris and rock pigeons Columba livia) or commonly in contact with human waste (e.g. gulls). No pathogen prevalence data were available for 65% of North American breeding bird species, including many commonly in contact with humans (e.g. black‐billed magpie Pica hudsonia and great blue heron Ardea herodias), and our metadata suggest that some under‐studied species, taxonomic groups, and guilds may represent equivalent or greater risk to human infection than heavily studied species. We conclude that current data do not provide sufficient information to determine the likelihood of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans and thus preclude management solutions. The primary focus in the literature on pathogen prevalence likely overestimates the probability of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans because a pathogen must survive long enough at an infectious dose and be a strain that is able to colonize humans to cause infection. We propose that future research should focus on the large number of under‐studied species commonly in contact with people and food production and demonstrate shedding of bacterial strains pathogenic to humans into the environment where people may contact them. Finally, studies assessing the duration and intensity of bacterial shedding and survival of bacteria in the environment in bird faeces will help provide crucial missing information necessary to calculate spillover probability. Addressing these essential knowledge gaps will support policy to reduce enteric pathogen spillover to humans and enhance bird conservation efforts that are currently undermined by unsupported fears of pathogen spillover from wild birds.     

Survey of Alouatta caraya, the black-and-gold howler monkey, and Alouatta guariba clamitans, the brown howler monkey, in a contact zone, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: evidence for hybridization

Sympatry and natural hybridization between howler monkey taxa (Alouatta spp.) has only recently being confirmed in the wild. Surveys in areas of potential contact between the distribution of two taxa have shown that sympatry is rare, although more common than previously known. Here we report the results of a survey conducted in a contact zone between the only two sexually dichromatic howler monkey taxa, Alouatta caraya and A. guariba clamitans, in São Francisco de Assis, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Our survey, covering an area of about 400 ha at the Cerro dos Negros (29°33′50″–29°35′10″S, 54°58′40″–54°59′50″W; ~100–279 m a.s.l.), was successful in locating seven black-and-gold and one brown howler monkey social groups living syntopically. Black-and-gold group size ranged from 5 to 15 individuals, whereas the brown group was composed of 7 individuals. The pelage color of three adult males belonging to different black-and-gold groups and another adult male belonging to the brown howler group presented a mosaic of red or rufous and black. These adult males and an adult female living in another black-and-gold group are putative hybrids. Therefore, it appears that pre-zygotic reproductive isolation has not evolved, at least not completely, between these howler monkey species, corroborating previous reports for these and other Alouatta taxa. Future genetic studies need to confirm the occurrence of hybridization in this contact zone, and to determine the viability and fertility of hybrids and their possible offspring. In addition, there is no evidence supporting the existence of significant segregation in habitat and resource utilization by black-and-gold and brown howler monkeys.     

Microsporidian Species Known To Infect Humans Are Present in Aquatic Birds: Implications for Transmission via Water?

Human microsporidiosis, a serious disease of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed people, can be due to zoonotic and environmental transmission of microsporidian spores. A survey utilizing conventional and molecular techniques for examining feces from 570 free-ranging, captive, and livestock birds demonstrated that 21 animals shed microsporidian spores of species known to infect humans, including Encephalitozoon hellem (20 birds; 3.5%) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (1 bird; 0.2%). Of 11 avian species that shed E. hellem and E. intestinalis, 8 were aquatic birds (i.e., common waterfowl). The prevalence of microsporidian infections in waterfowl (8.6%) was significantly higher than the prevalence of microsporidian infections in other birds (1.1%) (P < 0.03); waterfowl fecal droppings contained significantly more spores (mean, 3.6 × 10⁵ spores/g) than nonaquatic bird droppings contained (mean, 4.4 × 10⁴ spores/g) (P < 0.003); and the presence of microsporidian spores of species known to infect humans in fecal samples was statistically associated with the aquatic status of the avian host (P < 0.001). We demonstrated that a single visit of a waterfowl flock can introduce into the surface water approximately 9.1 × 10⁸ microsporidian spores of species known to infect humans. Our findings demonstrate that waterborne microsporidian spores of species that infect people can originate from common waterfowl, which usually occur in large numbers and have unlimited access to surface waters, including waters used for production of drinking water.     

Length–weight and length–length relationships for two gobiids from the Anzali Wetland,in the southern Caspian Sea basin

Length–weight (LWR) and length–length (LLR) relationships were estimated for specimens of two gobiid species collected from the Anzali Wetland and its related streams in the southern Caspian Sea basin, in August 2017. These represent the first reports of LWR and LLR data for Rhinogobius cf. similis Gill, 1859 (37°28′13″N, 49°20′33″E; 50 individuals) and Proterorhinus nasalis (De Filippi, 1863) (36°54′10.89″N, 53°48′48.33″E; 30 individuals) from the Wetland. A new maximum length is reported for P. nasalis. The length–weight parameter b for these species ranged a minimum of 2.99 for Rhinogobius cf. similis to a maximum of 3.04 for P. nasalis with regression coefficients (r²) ranging from .95 to .97. All LLRs were highly significant (r²>.96).     

Length–weight relationships for four fish species from lower stretch of River Ganga,India

Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) for four fish species from the River Ganga (India) is presented. Sampling was conducted in the lower stretch of the river (Buxar: 25°33′43.90″N and 83°56′3.10″E to Freserganj: 21°35′40.58″N and 88°15′28.92″E) on tri‐monthly basis from September 2016 to December 2017. Specimens were caught in gill nets (mesh, 18–68 mm), cast nets (mesh, 12–14 mm), seine nets (mesh, 12–14 mm) and various traditional traps those were put over night and lifted in early morning. Total length and wet body weight of fish were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.01 g by a digital caliper and electronic balance respectively. From LWRs, the estimated b values were found to be 2.88 (Pisodonophis boro) to 3.17 (Gagata sexualis) whereas a value ranged from 0.001 (Pisodonophis boro) to 0.009 (Botia lohachata). As per FishBase, the species Gagata sexualis and Botia lohachata had new TLmax reported for LWR estimation.     

Impact of groundwater salinity on vegetation species richness in the coastal pine forests and wetlands of Ravenna,Italy

In the coastal pine forests (Pinus pinea and Pinus pinaster) of Ravenna (Italy) along the Adriatic coast, many pine trees are stressed or dying. In this paper we present ground elevation, depth to watertable, salinity of groundwater and vegetation species richness data within one of the coastal pine forests and some wetlands north of the Bevano River between LAT. 44°23′10″ and LAT. 44°20′21″ and between LONG. 12°17′25″ and LONG. 12°19′33″. The data are presented areally and along a 50 m long transect perpendicular to the coast to study the cause of distress in the pine forest and in different water pools within the wetlands. The findings were compared to published values of tolerance to salinity for 39 plant species typical of the area and incorporated into a web application to help nature managers in assessing or adjusting water salinity in relation to the vegetation species present. The pine trees are relatively tolerant to salinity (up to 12 g/l) but cannot survive a shallow watertable. On the other hand, species richness or biodiversity in this area is promoted by a shallow watertable and low salinity.     

Investigation of the faecal microbiota of geriatric cats

Aims: Aim of the study was to investigate the faecal microbiota of geriatric cats, as aging affects the nutrient digestibility and metabolic function of the feline intestine. Methods and Results: Twenty geriatric cats were randomly assigned to two groups that were fed different foods. Coriobacteriaceae, Clostridium cluster XIV, bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria were the dominant faecal bacterial groups, accounting for c. 40% of total bacteria. Clostridium cluster IX was less predominant (0·5% of total bacteria), while the remaining bacterial populations enumerated only accounted for 0·2% of total bacteria. Highly diverse microbial profiles were demonstrated for geriatric cats with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, although a few common bands were evident. Some differences were seen in the feline faecal microbiota between animal groups at the same time or over time for individual animals. However, no obvious clustering based on animal group or sample time was indicated. Conclusions: Geriatric cats harboured a complex faecal microbiota and c. 41% of total bacteria have been detected with the probes employed. Significance and Impact of the Study: First molecular‐based study examining faecal microbiota of geriatric felines. Knowledge of the microbiota associated with ageing in cats may allow improved development of foods specific for the needs of senior cats.     

Aspergillus fumigatus and Other Thermophilic Fungi in Nests of Wetland Birds

A study was performed on the numbers and species diversity of thermophilic fungi (growing at 45 °C in vitro) in 38 nests of 9 species of wetland birds, taking into account the physicochemical properties of the nests and the bird species. It was found that in nests with the maximum weight (nests of Mute Swan), the number and diversity of thermophilic fungi were significantly greater than in other nests, with lower weight. The diversity of the thermophilic biota was positively correlated with the individual mass of bird and with the level of phosphorus in the nests. The dominant species within the mycobiota under study was Aspergillus fumigatus which inhabited 95 % of the nests under study, with average frequency of ca. 650 cfu g^?1 of dry mass of the nest material. In a majority of the nests studied (nests of 7 bird species), the share of A. fumigatus exceeded 50 % of the total fungi growing at 45 °C. Significantly higher frequencies of the fungal species were characteristic of the nests of small and medium-sized piscivorous species, compared with the other bird species. The number of A. fumigatus increased with increase in the moisture level of the nests, whereas the frequency of occurrence of that opportunistic pathogen, opposite to the general frequency of thermophilic mycobiota, was negatively correlated with the level of phosphorus in the nest material, and with the body mass and length of the birds. The authors indicate the causes of varied growth of thermophilic fungi in nests of wetland birds and, in particular, present a discussion of the causes of accumulation of A. fumigatus, the related threats to the birds, and its role as a source of transmission in the epidemiological chain of aspergillosis.     

Length‐weight relationships of six fish species from São Marcos Bay,Northeastern Brazil

Length‐weight relationship parameters were calculated for six fish species from São Marcos Bay, in Northeast Brazil (the segment between 02°35′55″S and 44°20′58″W; 02°34′53″S and 44°21′48″W; 02º42′25″S and 44º26′46″W). The specimens were caught quarterly from April 2010 to February 2013, using monofilament gillnets (2, 4 and 6 cm between knots) from 100 m to 3,000 m long and 4 m to 6 m high. The present study covers a much wider size range for four species and adds new information for the maximum length of Notarius bonillai.