Investigating Support for Management of the Pet Trade Invasion Risk

The non-native pet trade contributes directly to species invasions, thereby threatening wildlife. Biological invasions influence environmental change, resulting in species extinctions and biodiversity loss. To mitigate the pet trade invasion risk, interventions are required to prevent trade in non-native animals with high invasion potential, impulse or ill-informed purchases of non-native pets by individuals who may release these animals, and the deliberate release of non-native animals by pet owners. Interventions are also required to prevent the establishment of non-native animals that have been released by pet owners (e.g., euthanasia). The successful implementation of these interventions depends on the support of pet owners and the public in the form of political support for, and compliance with, interventions. In 2017–2018, using both mail and online surveys, we measured the support of 1,171 members of the public and 550 owners of non-native pets in Florida, USA, for 7 different interventions to mitigate the pet trade invasion risk, and we investigated determinants of this support. We found that individuals' support for interventions depended on their concern related to the invasion risks associated with the pet trade, trust in government to manage the pet trade, perceptions of how effective interventions would be in mitigating the pet trade invasion risk, and demographic characteristics. Support for interventions differed across pet owners and the public. Educating pet owners about the traits and cost of care for non-native animals and providing them with options to relinquish unwanted pets may reduce the pet trade invasion risk. Engaging the pet trade in the design of interventions to mitigate invasion risks is likely important to attain voluntary compliance with these interventions. The effectiveness of interventions also depends on enforcement by agencies. Implementing interventions that effectively reduce the pet trade invasion risk is important to protect native and endangered wildlife. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.     

A Survey of Companion-Animal Owners Affected by the East Japan Great Earthquake in Iwate and Fukushima Prefectures,Japan

ABSTRACT

The unprecedented East Japan Great Earthquake in March 2011 impacted many humans as well as animals. To date, only national surveys that do not necessarily focus on the heavily impacted areas have been administered, and there is a lack of data on the situation for companion animals and their owners in these areas. This survey was administered between June and November 2012 to pet owners in Iwate (n = 140) and Fukushima (n = 149) Prefectures in north-eastern Japan, areas heavily affected by the disaster. It explored the types of disaster preparations for pets engaged in by owners; the situation on evacuation with pets; the use of, and need for, pet-related support after the disaster; and the associations between pet attachment and disaster-related behaviors of pet owners. In total, 41.2% (n = 119) of all respondents were able to evacuate with their pets, and evacuation rates were especially low in Fukushima. With the exception of preparation of pet food and other supplies, less than 50% of respondents engaged in different types of pet-related disaster preparations. Especially in Fukushima, those who evacuated with their pets were better prepared compared with those who could not. The rate of utilization of support was also low, with less than 50% of respondents utilizing each type of support, regardless of pet-evacuation status and area. The need for support was generally higher during the initial phase (immediately after the disaster; 30–40%) compared with the current phase (20–30%). However, in Fukushima the difference between the initial and current phases was not significant for both those who evacuated with their pets and those who could not. Bivariate analyses indicated mixed results for the association between disaster-related behaviors and pet attachment. Implications for future disaster-prevention measures are discussed.     

Seasonal occurrence and diapause induction of a predatory bug Andrallus spinidens (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

The bug Andrallus spinidens (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is a polyphagous predator of insect larvae, which is distributed in tropical and warm temperate zones worldwide. Seasonal occurrence and diapause induction of this bug were studied in a population in Miyazaki, southern Kyushu, Japan. The field research showed that A. spinidens produces three or four generations a year and is most abundant from mid‐summer to autumn. Reproductive activity of field‐collected adults decreased from late summer to autumn, indicating that this bug enters adult diapause in autumn. Only adults were found in early spring and these were reproductive. Laboratory experiments showed that, irrespective of photoperiod, adult diapause is induced at lower temperatures (≤22.5°C), whereas it is avoided at higher temperatures (≥25°C). Ambient temperature falls across the critical range from late summer to autumn. Thus, the bug clearly overwinters in adult diapause induced by low temperatures and this diapause is terminated during the course of winter.     

Distribution and reproduction of the temperate-specific morphotype of the coral Favites flexuosa in the subtropical region,Lyudao, Taiwan

Favites flexuosa is one of the abundant coral species in the temperate regions of Japan. Although the species ranges widely, from tropical to temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific, colonies of this species living in temperate areas exhibit specific morphological features (in terms of color and skeletal attributes). In addition, the temperate-specific morphotype is limited in distribution to the temperate regions of Japan and has not been recorded in subtropical Okinawa. In the present study, we recorded the temperate morphotype in subtropical Lyudao (Green Island), Taiwan, suggesting that the morphotype is more widely distributed than previously thought and may have colonized temperate Japan directly from Lyudao. We describe the first records of spawning at Lyudao, Taiwan, and also at Wakayama in temperate Japan. In laboratories located in either region, spawning was observed between 30?min and 1?h after sunset. Intraspecific crossing of morphotype samples from either region revealed that the fertilization rates were high (>90%). In addition, we crossed F. flexuosa with Diploastrea favus at Lyudao. The two species hybridized successfully although the fertilization rate was relatively low.     

Amphibian chytridiomycosis in Japan: distribution,haplotypes and possible route of entry into Japan

A serious disease of amphibians caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was first found in Japan in December 2006 in imported pet frogs. This was the first report of chytridiomycosis in Asia. To assess the risk of pandemic chytridiomycosis to Japanese frogs, we surveyed the distribution of the fungus among captive and wild frog populations. We established a nested PCR assay that uses two pairs of PCR primers to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of a ribosomal RNA cassette to detect mild fungal infections from as little as 0.001 pg (1 fg) of B. dendrobatidis DNA. We collected swab samples from 265 amphibians sold at pet shops, 294 bred at institutes and 2103 collected at field sites from northern to southwestern Japan. We detected infections in native and exotic species, both in captivity and in the field. Sequencing of PCR products revealed 26 haplotypes of the B. dendrobatidis ITS region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three of these haplotypes were specific to the Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus) and appeared to have established a commensal relationship with this native amphibian. Many other haplotypes were carried by alien amphibians. The highest genetic diversity of B. dendrobatidis was found in the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). Some strains of B. dendrobatidis appeared to be endemic to Japanese native amphibians, but many alien strains are being introduced into Japan via imported amphibians. To improve chytridiomycosis risk management, we must consider the risk of B. dendrobatidis changing hosts as a result of anthropogenic disturbance of the host‐specific distribution of the fungus.     

Preliminary observations of wild black-crested gibbons (Hylobates concolor concolor) in Yunnan province,people's republic of China

Black-crested gibbons (Hylobates concolor concolor), which inhabit the subtropical forests of southern China and northern Vietnam, have until now never been the subject of any systematic behavioral or ecological field study. This report presents the findings of a three-month field study of wild black-crested gibbons in the Wuliang and Ailao Mountain Game Reserves in Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. The sites visited consisted of temperate, subtropical, broadleaf evergreen forests, with trees belonging to the families Elaeocarpaceae, Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Magnoliaceae, and Theaceae. Black-crested gibbons were documented from four sites visited and were found to be polygynous, with an average group size of seven to eight animals. The family groups were observed to comprise one adult male, from one to four adult females, and numerous offspring of various ages. Both sexes of this species emit interactive songs, and various features of this loud vocal behavior were analyzed and are discussed here. Since all other gibbon species were found to inhabit only tropical rain forests and live in strictly monogamous family groups, some of the ecological and evolutionary implications of these findings are also presented.     

秦岭兰科植物新记录——凹唇鸟巢兰

该文报道了秦岭兰科(Orchidaceae)植物分布新记录种——凹唇鸟巢兰(Neottia papilligera Schltr.)。凹唇鸟巢兰原分布区为中国东北、俄罗斯西伯利亚东部至远东地区、朝鲜半岛、日本,在秦岭地区的分布记录使其在中国的分布区向南扩展了约8个纬度,由寒温带、中温带扩展到达了中国暖温带的最南缘。文中并给出了目前秦岭地区已知的8种鸟巢兰属(Neottia Guett.)植物的分种检索表。     

Cutaneous thermal thresholds of tropical indigenes residing in Japan

The purpose of this study was to examine the deacclimatization of the cutaneous thermal sensations of tropical indigenes residing in temperate climates. Tropical indigenes (n=13) who were born and raised in tropics but had resided in Japan for 5–61 months participated in this study, along with temperate indigenes (n=11). Their cutaneous thermal thresholds for warm, cool, hot, and cold sensations were measured in 12 body regions using a thermal stimulator controlled by a Peltier element and a push button switch. Subjects pressed the button-switch as soon as they perceived a feeling of being ‘slightly warm’, ‘slightly cool’, ‘hot’, or ‘cold’ from a neutral thermal state. Our results showed that: (1) among the tropical indigenes, no significant relationship was found between the duration of their stay in Japan and their cutaneous thermal thresholds; (2) the tropical indigenes were, on average, 3.3, 3.5, 4.2, and 7.3 °C less sensitive to warm, hot, cool, and cold sensations, respectively, than the temperate indigenes (P<0.05); and (3) the inter-threshold sensory zones between cutaneous warmth and coolness, and hot and cold sensations were wider among the tropical indigenes than among the temperate indigenes. It was concluded that the nature of the heat acclimatization of the cutaneous thermal thresholds for the tropical indigenes was retained despite their residence in a temperate climate for up to 61 months, indicating that they had more blunted perceptions of both warming and cooling than the temperate indigenes.     

Autumnal shift from diurnal to nocturnal peaking feeding activity of Rutilus rutilus in boreal lake littoral zones

The possibility that the feeding activity of roach Rutilus rutilus shows an autumnal shift towards hours of lower light intensity in shallow and illuminated habitats in temperate watercourses as a consequence of relatively increasing daytime predation risk was tested in a littoral zone of a large boreal lake using trapping experiments. Autumnal feeding activity of R. rutilus first showed a striking shift from day to twilight when water temperature fell from 20 to 10° C, and a low but steady night activity prevailed in late autumn, when temperature had fallen to 5° C and the length of the night had increased. The size of the captured littoral R. rutilus also increased throughout the autumn. Both shifts may be linked to increasing daytime predation risk and decreasing food demand and availability.     

Drosophila parasitoids (Hymenoptera) of Japan

The Drosophila parasitoid system is an excellent model for the study of biological and ecological interactions. In Japan, extensive studies have been carried out on Drosophila parasitoids since the early 2000s. Here we provide up-to-date information on their diversity, distributions, host use and reproductive mode. Until now, 45 wasp species have been recorded. In addition, four genetically distinct groups (tentatively assigned as “races”) have been found in Ganaspis brasiliensis (Figitidae). Most of them are larvo-pupal parasitoids belonging to the families Figitidae and Braconidae, and some are pupal parasitoids of the families Pteromalidae and Diapriidae. A species of Encyrtidae was also recorded. Their major hosts are indicated with information on the host's breeding sites. Except Ganaspis xanthopoda and two races of G. brasiliensis that are distributed both in tropical and temperate regions, they are divided into tropical and temperate species. The tropical species are mainly distributed in Southeast Asia, and their distributions in Japan are restricted to the Ryukyu islands, particularly Iriomote-jima. The temperate species have been recorded from the main islands of Japan and surrounding islands but not from the Ryukyu islands, except two braconid species, Asobara japonica and Phaenocarpa sp. TK1. Some of the temperate species have also been recorded from Korea, China, Europe and/or North America. Among the 45 Japanese parasitoid species, at least seven are assumed to be thelytokous.     

Distribution of Asiablatta kyotensis in Korea

Asiablatta kyotensis (Asahina, 1976) is an endemic wood cockroach found in Far Eastern Asia, Korea, and Japan. A. kyotensis is found primarily outdoors in association with decaying wood, but it can also be found inside buildings. Wood cockroaches are not serious pests, but a possibility exists for them being a nuisance when many individuals live in a building.The detailed biology and distribution of A. kyotensis are almost unknown in both Korea and Japan. After a male A. kyotensis was found in a warehouse in Seoul, which is further north than previously reported in Korea, authors investigated A. kyotensis specimens from three Korean organizations (the National Institute of Biological Resources, Seoul National University, and Kangwon National University) and one Japanese organization (Kyushu University). All specimens found through the investigation were discovered in the western and southern areas of Korea, where the annual mean temperature ranges from 12 to 14 °C and are in warm temperate or subtropical climate zones. A. kyotensis populations in Korea live in warm temperate and subtropical regions and their geographic distribution in Korea is related with temperature conditions.     

Composition,dynamics and disturbance regime of temperate deciduous forests in Monsoon Asia

Temperate deciduous forests in Monsoon Asia are classified into three forest types which differ in floristic composition, dynamics and disturbance regime. The cool temperate mixed deciduous broadleaf/conifer forest, dominated by Quercus spp. (mainly Q. mongolica or Q. crispula) and conifers, is distributed in northern parts of the temperate zone. The cool temperate deciduous forest, dominated by Fagus crenata, is distributed in Honshu, Japan under a humid climate through the year. The warm temperate deciduous forest dominated by Quercus spp. (mainly Q. acutissima or Q. serrata) occurs in the continental areas, the Korean Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean side of Japan. The species diversity of cool temperate deciduous forest was lower than the other two types because of the intensive dominance of Fagus crenata. The disturbance regimes also varies among the three types; small scale treefall gaps are prevailing in the cool temperate deciduous forest, while larger scaled disturbances are important in the other two forest types. Fire seems to be important in the warm temperate deciduous forest, and both fire and large scale blowdowm seems important in the cool temperate mixed broadleaf/conifer forest. These differences in forest composition and disturbance regimes associated with climatic conditions and ancient human impacts have a close analogy with the Northeastern Hardwood forests in North America.     

中国典型地带陆生等足类的区系研究

通过对我国５个典型地带（热带、亚热带、暖温带、高寒带）２０个样点进行陆生等足类的调查采集，共发现陆生等足类１１科、２９属、７２种。由于各地带自然环境明显不同，造成了物种分布上的差异，其中热睡亚热睦区种类最多，分别为３８种和４７种，两地带物种共占总种数的８０％以上；曙带和温带地区仅发现９种，而高寒带由于平均气温在０℃以下，不利于陆生等足类的生存，故迄今仅发现２种。其区系特点为：（１）区系分布的地带性     

Potential impacts on Japanese fauna of canestriniid mites (Acari: Astigmata) accidentally introduced with pet lucanid beetles from Southeast Asia

To develop a risk-assessment system for small organisms accidentally introduced with imported organisms, we investigated as a first case study parasitic canestriniid mites, which have been imported into Japan via pet lucanid beetles from Southeast Asia. We collected mites from pinned specimens of Japanese lucanids collected before 1999—when the Japanese government lifted a ban on the import of the beetles—and living mites from imported and native lucanid beetles collected after that. No foreign canestriniid was found on any of the native Japanese beetles. Because the mites collected from imported beetles were different from Japanese species, we conclude that the foreign mites have not yet established wild populations in Japan. However, because the Japanese mites migrate between hosts without host physical contact, introduced mites are assumed to be able to migrate from a foreign to Japanese host. In fact, possible contamination was observed in pet shops. We observed host switching in only one direction: Southeast Asian Canestrinia nr spectanda switched to Japanese Dorcus rectus, but Japanese Coleopterophagus berlesei never switched to Indonesian D. titanus. The foreign mites reproduced between 15°C and 25°C, suggesting that the mites could survive in mountainous sites in southern Japan and at low elevations in northern Japan. The ability of foreign parasitic canestriniids to infect and survive on Japanese hosts at temperatures characteristic of much of Japan leads us to conclude that these mites present a potential risk to Japanese endemic canestriniids as well as to native Japanese lucanids.     

Cicada parasitic moths from China (Lepidoptera: Epipyropidae): morphology,identity, biology,and biogeography

Species of the family Epipyropidae are infrequently collected due to their ectoparasitic lifestyle and have therefore received little study. Based on our morphological and molecular analyses, all specimens found parasitizing different species of cicadas in China belong to one species, Epipomponia nawai (Dyar). The species Epipomponia oncotympana Yang (nom. invalid.) was found to be identical with E. nawai. The morphology of the egg, larva, pupa, and adult of E. nawai is described, including the ultrastructure of the egg and larva. Seven types of sensilla and their distribution pattern on the antennae of both females and males of E. nawai are examined using scanning electron microscopy, resulting in a better understanding of sexual dimorphism in this species. Population differentiation and phylogenetic relationships amongst populations of E. nawai occurring in China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan are analysed. The intraspecific genetic distances suggest a low genetic differentiation which is also consistent with the minor morphological variations. The biogeographic analysis reveals that the Qinling Mountain Range, which is geographically the border of the subtropical and temperate zones, is presumably one of the most important geographic barriers to the gene flow of E. nawai. Our molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the COI gene of E. nawai indicates that frequent gene flow might have occurred in the China mainland, Taiwan and Japan islands, and possibly also the Ryukyu Islands after the Quaternary ice ages. In addition, the biology and behaviour of both larvae and adults of E. nawai were also observed, and results indicate the possibility of bisexual reproduction in this moth. Our results increase the understanding of the morphology, diversity, distribution, and biology of this unusual moth, and should aid future studies on patterns of population differentiation, biogeography, and reproductive behaviour in other epipyropids.     

A structural analysis of three Irish wooded wetlands

Abstract. Transect analyses emphasize the differences in tree species composition and structure of three different wooded wetland tracts in Co. Kerry, Ireland. These are variously dominated by Alnus glutinosa, Betula pubescens, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur and Salix cinérea ssp. oleifolia. Stand density ranged from 16 to 54 live trees per 100 m², tree height did not exceed 15 m, mean individual basal area ranged from 78 to 165 cm² and the average total basal area per hectare was between 3.6 and 4.1m². The sites were quite different in a number of the characteristics recorded. The Irish forests were smaller in stature and denser than others in both temperate zones (Continental Europe, North America, Japan) and the tropics. Crown area indices were also lower than for other areas, ranging from 1.15 to 1.79. The height: diameter relationships may reflect the state of sylvige-nesis of each stand. Death by blowdown appears to be less frequent in the younger stands than death by suppression. Gaps are therefore formed gradually, not suddenly, allowing neighbouring suppressed trees to develop into the spaces formed.     

Establishment risk and potential invasiveness of the selected exotic amphibians from pet trade in the European Union

The pet trade has grown in recent years and become the most important pathway for the introduction of non-indigenous species of amphibians and reptiles worldwide. Amphibians traded on the pet market have been widely overlooked in systematic invasion studies, so their establishment potential and invasion dynamics remain poorly understood, despite the fact that the impact of invaders from this taxonomic group on native biota may be considerable. The determination of the most common species of amphibians traded as pets was based on a survey of the market in the Czech Republic, which is an export hub for ornamental aquatic animals into the European Union (EU). Subsequently, the establishment potential of the most common species for EU was determined using a proven risk assessment model. Amphibians that scored higher than the established species Xenopus laevis were additionally evaluated for their invasion potential using the Amphibian Invasiveness Screening Kit (AmphISK).Sixteen species of amphibians in pet market (14 Anura, 2Caudata) have an establishment potential in the EU. However, none of these species have reached the invasion potential score of already spreading species X. laevis and Lithobates catesbeianus. The species closest to the threshold value were Lithobates pipiens and Pelophylax saharicus. Amphibians represent a rather small group within all traded animals but this fact should not lead us to an underestimation of their potential invasiveness.     

Phylogeography and climatic niche evolution in live oaks (Quercus series Virentes) from the tropics to the temperate zone

Aim We investigated the phylogeography, geographical variation in leaf morphology, freezing tolerance and climatic niches of two widespread evergreen sister oak species (Quercus) in the series Virentes. Location South‐eastern USA, Mexico and Central America. Methods Nuclear microsatellites and non‐recombining nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences were obtained from trees throughout the range of two sister lineages of live oaks, represented by Quercus virginiana in the temperate zone and Q. oleoides in the tropics. Divergence times were estimated for the two major geographical and genetic breaks. Differentiation in leaf morphology, analysed from field specimens, was compared with the molecular data. Freezing sensitivities of Q. virginiana and Q. oleoides populations were assessed in common garden experiments. Results The geographical break between Q. virginiana and Q. oleoides was associated with strong genetic differentiation of possible early Pleistocene origin and with differentiation in freezing sensitivity, climatic envelopes and leaf morphology. A second important geographical and genetic break within Q. oleoides between Costa Rica and the rest of Central America showed a mid‐Pleistocene divergence time and no differentiation in leaf morphology. Population genetic differentiation was greater but genetic diversity was lower within the temperate Q. virginiana than within the tropical Q. oleoides, and genetic breaks largely corresponded to breaks in leaf morphology. Main conclusions Two major breaks, one between Mexico and the USA at the boundary of the two species, and a more recent one within Q. oleoides between Honduras and Costa Rica, implicate climatic changes as potential causes. The latter break may be associated with the formation of the Cordillera de Guanacaste, which was followed by seasonal changes in precipitation. In the former case, an ‘out of the tropics’ scenario is hypothesized, in which the acquisition of freezing tolerance in Q. virginiana permitted colonization of and expansion in the temperate zone, while differences in climatic tolerances between the species limited secondary contact. More pronounced Pleistocene changes in climate and sea level in the south‐eastern USA relative to coastal Mexico and Central America may explain the greater population differentiation within temperate Q. virginiana and greater genetic diversity in tropical Q. oleoides. These patterns are predicted to hold for other taxa that span temperate and tropical zones of North and Central America.     

Airborne transmission of the rhizosphere bacteriumAzospirillum

In controlled environments, plants inoculated withAzospirillum brasilense caused the contamination of noninoculated plants via air transmission. This was detected up to 6 m from the inoculation source. In the temperate agricultural zone studied in field experiments, localAzospirillum strains were detected year-round. Other diazotrophs showed a similar distribution pattern. It is proposed that (1) contamination fromAzospirillum-inoculated plants may occur via airborne bacteria, (2) local azospirilla and other diazotrophs have an airborne phase in temperate agricultural zones, and (3) because of the existence of an airborne phase for Gram-negative rhizosphere bacteria, inoculation presents a risk of uncontrolled airborne contamination.