<Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinococcus multilocularis</Emphasis> in the red fox (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis>) in Slovenia

Using the parasitological washing out method, we examined the intestines of 428 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) for the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis (Leuckart 1863) and found that the overall prevalence was 2.6% (confidence interval 95% 1.3–4.5%). This is the first extended research reporting on the presence of E. multilocularis in the Slovenian fox population.     

The diet of feral raccoon dog (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nyctereutes procyonoides</Emphasis>) and native badger (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Meles meles</Emphasis>) and red fox (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis>) in Denmark

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an East Asian Canid that has been introduced in Europe. Introduction of alien species is an increasing conservation issue. We examined the diet of a recently established raccoon dog population in Denmark by analysing stomach content in 249 carcasses collected in 2008–2016. Raccoon dog diet was compared to the diet of native badger (Meles meles) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Denmark. The most common food for raccoon dogs were invertebrates (frequency of occurrence, FO 69%), small mammals (FO 68%), birds (FO 41%), fruits (FO 38%), amphibians (FO 36%) and carrions (FO 34%). The occurrence of invertebrates was highest during spring and summer, while fruits, cereals and carrions were eaten most often during autumn and winter. As expected, raccoon dog shared the major food categories with badger and red fox, but generally, it had a wider dietary niche. Overall, dietary overlap between raccoon dog and badger was 0.74 (Pianka index, O_jk). The dietary overlap with red fox was relatively high in all seasons, peaking in summer (O_jk 0.87) and dropping in winter (O_jk 0.79). Despite the dietary overlap between the alien racoon dog and native red fox and badger, the species may coexist due to partitioning of feeding habitats and/or because the red fox is limited by other factors, e.g. diseases and anthropogenic activities. The introduced raccoon dog seems to fit a dietary niche between badger and red foxes in human-dominated landscapes in north-western Europe.     

Density estimation and survey validation for swift fox <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes velox</Emphasis> in Oklahoma

The swift fox Vulpes velox Say, 1823, a small canid native to shortgrass prairie ecosystems of North America, has been the subject of enhanced conservation and research interest because of restricted distribution and low densities. Previous studies have described distributions of the species in the southern Great Plains, but data on density are required to evaluate indices of relative abundance and monitor population trends. We examined regressions of swift fox density (estimated by mark-recapture) on timed-track surveys, scat surveys, and catch-per-unit effort indices. Seventy-nine swift foxes (42 male, 37 female) were captured 151 times during 10 240 trapnights between May 2003 and December 2004 in the Panhandle of Oklahoma, USA. Density estimates, based on mark-recapture data from autumn 2004, were 0.08–0.44 foxes/km². Survey indices explained 51 to 76% of the variation in estimates of fox density. Our study indicates that surveys of time-to-track encounters and scat deposition rates show promise in monitoring trends in population abundance over large areas.     

The effects of sex,age, season and habitat on diet of the red fox <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis> in northeastern Poland

The diet of the red fox Vulpes vulpes was investigated in five regions of northeastern Poland by stomach content analysis of 224 foxes collected from hunters. The red fox is expected to show the opportunistic feeding habits. Our study showed that foxes preyed mainly on wild prey, with strong domination of Microtus rodents, regardless of sex, age, month and habitat. Voles Microtus spp. were found in 73% of stomachs and constituted 47% of food volume consumed. Other food items were ungulate carrion (27% of volume), other mammals (11%), birds (9%), and plant material (4%). Sex- and age-specific differences in dietary diversity were found. Adult males and juvenile foxes had larger food niche breadths than adult females and their diets highly overlapped. Proportion of Microtus voles increased from autumn to late winter. Significant habitat differences between studied regions were found. There was a tendency among foxes to decrease consumption of voles with increasing percentage of forest cover. Based on our findings, red foxes in northeastern Poland can be recognized as a generalist predators, consuming easily accessible and abundant prey. However, high percentage of voles consumed regardless of age, sex, month, or habitats may indicate red fox specialization in preying on Microtus rodents.     

Hunting for answers: rabbit (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryctolagus cuniculus</Emphasis>) population trends in northeastern Spain

Some populations of European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spain have recovered after rabbit hemorrhagic disease, but others (the majority) have not recovered. The European wild rabbit is a keystone species in Spain’s Mediterranean ecosystems, and several factors have been studied to determine what will stabilize populations and possibly propagate recovery. Many of the previous efforts to determine these pivotal factors have been short-term studies focused on few localities. Most management efforts and studies focused on the well-preserved habitats of southwestern Spain. Our objective was to examine spotlight counts from 60 localities over the past 13 years following the arrival of rabbit hemorrhagic disease in Aragón, northeastern Spain, to estimate rabbit population trends using linear regressions. The number of rabbits seen was transformed into a rough kilometric abundance index. With this data, we calculated a population trend index only for those localities with 6 or more years of data (n=42). No clear population trends were observed for the study period at a regional scale [±SE, range]; (0.065±0.081 from −0.860 to 0.915). We also examined factors that potentially influence regional rabbit population trends, including vegetation, topography, soil softness, climate, predator population trends, and hunting pressure. Our results indicate that rabbit trends have their strongest positive correlation with low hunting pressure and are negatively affected in areas of hard soils. In Aragón, the best populations of endangered raptors are concentrated in the Central Valley, which is the same area where rabbit populations are currently increasing.     

Polymorphism of prion protein gene in Arctic fox (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes lagopus</Emphasis>)

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders of humans and certain other mammals. Prion protein gene (Prnp) is associated with susceptibility and species barrier to prion diseases. No natural and experimental prion diseases have been documented to date in Arctic fox. In the present study, coding region of Prnp from 135 Arctic foxes were cloned and screened for polymorphisms. Our results indicated that the Arctic fox Prnp open reading frame (ORF) contains 771 nucleotides encoding 257 amino acids. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (G312C, A337G, C541T, and A723G) were identified. SNPs G312C and A723G produced silent mutations, but SNPs A337G and C541T resulted in a M–V change at codon 113 and R–C at codon 181, respectively. The Arctic fox Prnp amino acid sequence was similar to that of the dog (XM 542906). In short, this study provides preliminary information about genotypes of Prnp in Arctic fox.     

The high level of nutritional niche overlap between red fox (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis>) and sympatric golden jackal (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Canis aureus</Emphasis>) affects the body weight of juvenile foxes

In the period of August 2013 to September 2015, we collected and measured the body weight of 246 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) carcasses collected during hunts. A portion of these red foxes (n = 153) was originally from habitats they shared with the golden jackal (Canis aureus), while the other portion (n = 93) had almost no contact with this species. We analyzed the body weight of red foxes from both areas according to age (adult-cub) as well as gender. We have found that the younger animals that live sympatrically with the golden jackal weigh less than those from the golden jackal-free territory regardless of gender. In the case of adult red foxes, the habitat-related differences between body weight were found to be insignificant. These results suggest that the high level of nutritional niche overlap between sympatric red fox and golden jackal could affect the body weight of juvenile red foxes.     

Genetic diversity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gracilaria changii</Emphasis> (Gracilariaceae,Rhodophyta) from west coast,Peninsular Malaysia based on mitochondrial <Emphasis Type="Italic">cox</Emphasis>1 gene analysis

Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) was employed to investigate the intraspecific genetic diversity of Gracilaria changii collected from various localities distributed along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Gracilaria changii is an agarophyte with potential for commercialization in Malaysia as it has high yields of good quality agar with high gel strength for the production of food grade agar and agarose. The phylogeographic aspect of G. changii has not been studied despite its abundance and potential commercialization. In this study, six mitochondrial haplotypes (C1–C6) were revealed from 62 specimens varying by 0–3 bp over 923 bp. Results indicate that haplotype C1 is the common ancestor and the most widespread haplotype due to its prevalence in Morib, Gua Tanah, Middle Banks, Batu Besar, Batu Tengah, Sungai Pulai, and Kuala Sungai Merbok. In this study, Morib was suggested as contributing the highest intra-population diversity with the identification of three haplotypes. The mitochondrial marker cox1 is a highly divergent mitochondrial marker and is applicable for studies on species identification and assessment of genetic diversity of G. changii.     

Influence of habitat management on the abundance and diet of wild rabbit (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus</Emphasis>) populations in Mediterranean ecosystems

During the last decades wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations have been progressively declining in the Iberian Peninsula as a result of several factors, namely habitat deterioration. Hence, habitat management has become one of the most commonly used management techniques to restore wild rabbit populations. To test the efficacy of some of these measures (creation of pastures, opening firebreaks) in rabbit populations, two managed (M1 and M2) and two control areas (C1 and C2) were selected in the Portuguese Southwest (SW) Coast. In each study area, the influence of habitat management was tested assessing temporal changes in rabbit abundance obtained from pellet counts and in rabbits’ diet through microhistological analysis of fecal pellets. Rabbit densities were higher in managed than in control areas (mean annual values: M1–1.08 pellets/m²; M2–1.60 pellets/m²; C1–0.69 pellets/m²; C2–0.40 pellets/m²). In general, Gramineae was the most consumed plant group throughout the year and in all study areas. In control areas, consumption of alternative species with low nutritive value (e.g., Cistus ladanifer) was observed, especially in summer. Our data suggest a positive influence of habitat management on rabbit populations since in managed areas individuals presented an overall higher abundance and a more nutritive diet. In addition, there was no evidence that sown species were consumed in detriment to naturally occurring grasses, suggesting that in Mediterranean semi-arid regions clearing vegetation inside the scrubland might be sufficient to improve habitat conditions for rabbits.     

The effects on terrestrial arthropod communities of invasion of a coastal heath ecosystem by the exotic weed bitou bush (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysanthemoides monilifera</Emphasis> ssp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">rotundata</Emphasis> L.)

Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata) is a major environmental weed of littoral habitats on the southeastern coast of Australia. This study investigates the impacts upon selected arthropod assemblages of habitat invasion by this weed. Sixteen sites were placed at four geographic localities within nature reserves between Forster and Budgewoi on the coast of New South Wales. The sampling design included two spatial scales (between and within localities) and eight repeat samples (taken at two scales of temporal separation). Arthropods were collected from both arboreal and epigaeic micro-habitats. Specimens of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), beetles (Coleoptera), true bugs (Heteroptera) and spiders (Araneae) were identified to species level. Differences in α diversity and species abundance distributions between the taxonomic assemblages are described, along with comparisons of data contrasts between bitou bush-free (“control”) and bitou bush-invaded (“impact”) habitats and between geographic localities. A subsidiary impact associated with herbicide application for control of the weed is also examined. Analysis of environmental differences indicates that bitou bush acts as a dampening agent, reducing the degree of seasonal fluctuation in factors such as leaf litter cover. Arboreal Heteroptera were the only group to show consistent evidence of significant differences in taxon richness or abundance between control and impact treatments within a locality, seen as a disruption of normal seasonal variation in diversity in bitou bush-impacted sites. Significant differences between geographic localities were more common, suggesting an effect at broader spatial scales. Evidence for arthropod assemblages characteristic of specific vegetation types was detected for several groups, as were changes in arthropod assemblage composition following application of herbicide for bitou bush control.     

Analysis of genetic structure of the red shrimp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aristeus antennatus</Emphasis> from the Western Mediterranean employing two mitochondrial regions

In this paper we addressed the phylogeographical genetic structure of the economically important red shrimp, Aristeus antennatus (Crustacea, Aristeidae) in the Western Mediterranean. Partial mitochondrial regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (514 bp) and ribosomal 16S subunit (547 bp) were sequenced in 137 individuals collected at three localities: Catalan Sea, Ligurian Sea and the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. Values of haplotypic diversity were h = 0.552–0.724, whereas those for nucleotide diversity were π = 0.0012–0.0026. Among-sample genetic diversity was not significant and no geographical patterns in the distribution of haplotypes were apparent. Results of the present study are consistent with a past population expansion that occurred <2,000 years ago. Despite the current fishing pressure, genetic variability appears to be sufficiently high to keep A. antennatus populations stable over time. Dispersal-related life history traits may account for the shallow genetic structure. Our results are not in contrast with the hypothesis of sustainability of Western Mediterranean red shrimp fisheries predicted on the basis of previously obtained biological results.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcocystis</Emphasis> sp. in red foxes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis>) from northern Croatia

The prevalence of Sarcocystis sp. was assessed in foxes from northern Croatia (city of Varadin). The intestine of 50 (29 male and 21 female) foxes aged 1–5 years, killed during the rabies control campaign, were examined. Sarcocystis sp. was identified in 62% of the fox intestinal samples examined. There was no sex difference in the rate of invasion. However, the rate of invasion differed significantly between the animals aged 1 year (47%), and those aged 2 (71%) and 3–5 years (71%).     

A PCR-RFLP method on faecal samples to distinguish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Martes martes</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Martes foina</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mustela putorius</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis>

A non-invasive genetic approach has been recently employed in the population genetics of wild species, using faeces that could be easily collected, particularly of elusive or endangered species. However, faeces of pine (Martes martes) and beech marten (M. foina) can be morphologically similar and could be confused with those of polecat (Mustela putorius) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). On this basis, a rapid, simple and inexpensive RFLP protocol using a cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene fragment of mtDNA, isolated from faecal samples, was performed to distinguish the above-mentioned species.     

Habitat loss exacerbates regional extinction risk of the keystone semiarid shrub <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ziziphus lotus</Emphasis> through collapsing the seed dispersal service by foxes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis>)

Habitat loss and landscape degradation affect animal-mediated seed dispersal, often collapsing the regeneration of endangered plant species and habitats in anthropogenic landscapes. We first compared the role of red fox and other vertebrates as seed disperser for the keystone scrub Ziziphus lotus. Because it turned out that foxes are the major Z. lotus dispersers, we investigated how fox activity and dispersal service relate to habitat loss and landscape alteration in the threatened Ziziphus semiarid scrublands, a priority habitat for conservation in Europe. Considering its opportunistic behavior, we hypothesized that landscape features should affect moderately fox abundance, while influence in a large extent its dispersal service. Accordingly, we predicted that a substantial decline in Ziziphus fruit consumption rather than in disperser activity would be responsible for seed dispersal collapse under severe habitat loss. We evaluated fox activity and dispersal service in 17 populations of Z. lotus spread through the range of its habitat in Spain and found within landscapes with different land-use intensity. We certified the collapse of the dispersal service by fox under severe habitat loss and confirmed that fox activity was less affected by habitat loss or landscape alteration than consumption of Ziziphus fruits. Consequently, the decline of consumption of Ziziphus fruits under severe habitat loss triggers the collapse of its seed dispersal. Results suggest that without increase of the remnant areas other managements may not suffice to achieve seed dispersal and habitat restoring. Dispersal service and natural regeneration in many Ziziphus habitat remnants will possibly cease in the future if habitat loss continues.     

Range structure in the red fox (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis> L.) in the forest zone of Eastern Europe

Over the last 40 years, the red fox has spread into the tundra zone, which coincided with its population increase in European Russia. Foxes become more abundant from the northeast southwestward according to zonal regularities. Their population density is the highest in the southern taiga, the subtaiga, and partly in the forest tundra of the Kola Peninsula. The distribution of foxes depends on the abundance of their prey. Nevertheless, the ratio of forested to open areas, mosaic and habitat fragmentation, as well as forest structure, also play an important role. The best ratios between habitat areas have been determined. The red fox is an ecotone species. Human impact on forest habitats caused an increase in its population and its wide expansion into the taiga.     

Anti-amoebic properties of a Malaysian marine sponge <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aaptos</Emphasis> sp<Emphasis Type="Italic">.</Emphasis> on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acanthamoeba castellanii</Emphasis>

Crude methanol extracts of a marine sponge, Aaptos aaptos, collected from three different localities namely Kapas, Perhentian and Redang Islands, Terengganu, Malaysia, were tested in vitro on a pathogenic Acanthamoeba castellanii (IMR isolate) to examine their anti-amoebic potential. The examination of anti-Acanthamoebic activity of the extracts was conducted in 24 well plates for 72 h at 30 °C. All extracts possessed anti-amoebic activity with their IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.615 to 0.876 mg/mL. The effect of the methanol extracts on the surface morphology of A. castellanii was analysed under scanning electron microscopy. The ability of the extracts to disrupt the amoeba cell membrane was indicated by extensive cell’s blebbing, changes in the surface morphology, reduced in cell size and with cystic appearance of extract-treated Acanthamoeba. Number of acanthapodia and food cup was also reduced in this Acanthamoeba. Morphological criteria of apoptosis in Acanthamoeba following treatment with the sponge’s extracts was determined by acridine orange-propidium iodide staining and observed by fluorescence microscopy. By this technique, apoptotic and necrotic cells can be visualized and quantified. The genotoxic potential of the methanol extracts was performed by the alkaline comet assay. All methanol extracts used were significantly induced DNA damage compared to untreated Acanthamoeba by having high percentage of scores 1, 2, and 3 of the DNA damage. Results from cytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies carried out in the present study suggest that all methanol extracts of A. aaptos have anti-amoebic properties against A. castellanii.     

Recurrent high-biomass blooms of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alexandrium taylorii</Emphasis> (Dinophyceae), a HAB species expanding in the Mediterranean

Summer outbreaks of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium taylorii Balech are recurrent events in nearshore waters of Sicily (Italy)—a central region in the Mediterranean Sea—producing dense yellowish–green patches. Beyond the local phenomenon, the problem covers a broader geographic scale, involving also other European localities, mostly in Spain. Biological, environmental, and molecular data are reported here from a semi-closed bay of Sicily (Vulcano Island, Tyrrhenian Sea, 2000–2003), showing in summer the recurrence of high-biomass blooms and events of water discolouration. Without underestimating the setbacks to the tourism industry, the ecological impact of A. taylorii blooms may be important considering the high levels of biomass produced (West Bay, Vulcano: up to a magnitude order of 10⁷ cells l⁻¹, 50–180 μg-Chla l⁻¹, June 2002 and 2003) and coincident conditions of oxygen supersaturation of the waters (130–170%). Trophic trends in the Tyrrhenian site indicate high amounts of nutrients linked to the increased anthropogenic activity in summer, although recently there has been an apparent shift of the marked eutrophic conditions towards a slighter eutrophy. Genetic data on isolates of A. taylorii from the Mediterranean Sea are also discussed. Molecular analyses implied the sequencing of target rDNA regions (5.8S rDNA and ITS regions) of several isolates from different Mediterranean localities, as well as the application of species-specific PCR assays for rapid species identification in preserved field samples. The confirmation of the specific identity provided new insights into the biogeography of this species and further evidence of the occurrence of A. taylorii in a number of Mediterranean localities, both in the western side (the Catalan coast of Spain) and the eastern area (Greece). Analyses of the molecular diversity of geographically distinct isolates of A. taylorii from Italy, Spain, and Greece based on the 5.8S rDNA-ITS region sequences showed a high level of similarity, indicating the existence of an unique Mediterranean population.     

mtDNA Diversity and genetic lineages of eighteen cattle breeds from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos taurus </Emphasis>and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Bos indicus</Emphasis> in China

In order to clarify the origin and genetic diversity of indigenous cattle breeds in China, we carried out phylogenetic analysis of representatives of those breeds by employing mitochondrial gene polymorphism. Complete cyt b gene sequences, 1140 bp in length, were determined for a total of 136 individuals from 18 different breeds and these sequences were clustered into two distinct genetic lineages: taurine (Bos taurus) and zebu (Bos indicus). In analysis of the cyt b gene diversity, Chinese cattle showed higher nucleotide (0.00923) and haplotype diversity (0.848) than the reports from other studies, and the animals from the taurine lineage indicated higher nucleotide diversity (0.00330) and haplotype diversity (0.746) than the ones from the zebu lineage (0.00136; 0.661). The zebu mtDNA dominated in the southern breeds (63.3–100%), while the taurine dominated in the northern breeds (81.8–100%). Six cattle breeds from the central area of China exhibited intermediate frequencies of zebu mtDNA (25–71.4%). This polymorphism revealed a declining south-to-north gradient of female zebu introgression and a geographical hybrid zone of Bos taurus and Bos indicus in China.     

Estimation of foraging on the sea urchin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis</Emphasis> (Echinoidea: Echinoida) by the red king crab <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralithodes camtschaticus</Emphasis> (Malacostraca: Decapoda) in coastal waters of the Barents Sea

A new method for the estimation of foraging on the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (O.F. Müller, 1776) by the red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus (Tilesius, 1815) is proposed. This method uses the reconstruction of the size, number, and biomass of eaten sea urchins, based on fragments of their teeth and tests from the crab’s digestive tract. Data obtained by this method suggest that in shallow waters of the Barents Sea (Kola Bay, Dal’nezelenetskaya Bay) adult, most often, female and immature crabs predominantly consume juvenile sea urchins. The weight of sea urchins daily eaten by one adult red king crab was 0.2–8.0% of its body weight for sexually mature crabs and 3.0–28.0% for immature specimens. Damage inflicted to the S. droebachiensis population as a result of the crab feeding activity was estimated to be at least 10% of the sea urchin biomass in Dal’nezelenetskaya Inlet and at least 30% in Kola Bay.