Epidemiology of Ancylostoma spp. in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in the Doñana National Park, south-west Spain

The epidemiology of Ancylostoma spp. was studied in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in the Do?ana National Park, south-west Spain. Faecal samples were collected throughout a complete annual cycle (August 1997 to September 1998). The overall egg prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. was 57.8%. The pattern of abundance of Ancylostoma spp. eggs in faeces was overdispersed. Juvenile lynx demonstrated a statistically higher prevalence and abundance of Ancylostoma spp. than in adults. These levels of egg output (maximum 21195 epg), as previously reported in free ranging large felid cubs, could be close to disease involvement. The potential pathogenicity of hookworms and the influence of individual and ecological factors on hookworm transmission in the Iberian lynx from the Do?ana National Park population are discussed.     

Bovine tuberculosis in a free ranging red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from Doñana National Park (Spain)

During 1997 and 1998, a survey of Iberian carnivores was conducted to study the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in the Do?ana National Park and surrounding areas in southwestern Spain. Post-mortem examinations were done on seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), two Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), one weasel (Mustela nivalis), two genets (Genetta genetta), one Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), one Eurasian badger (Meles meles), and two polecats (Mustela putorius). Lesions suggestive of bovine tuberculosis were not detected but, in culture, Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from the retropharyngeal lymph nodes of one adult male red fox. This is the first report of M. bovis infection in red fox in Spain.     

Estimation of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) population in the Do?ana area, SW Spain, using capture�Crecapture analysis of camera-trapping data

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) has a highly restricted geographic distribution, limited even within the Iberian Peninsula. The last national survey reported less than 200 remaining individuals, distributed in two isolated areas??Andújar-Cardeña and Doñana??and in consequence, the Iberian lynx was listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as ??Critically Endangered??. In this study, we estimate the Iberian lynx population size in the Doñana area using capture?Crecapture analysis of camera-trapping data. A model with different capture probability for each individual (M_h) yielded an estimate of 26 Iberian lynxes (SE?=?5.26) more than 1 year old. It is considered that a small slant in the estimation of the number of individuals could exist due to the presence of dispersers inside the study area that were not detected. Our study shows: (1) a reduction in number since the 1980s (45 individuals), and falling below the theoretical threshold of genetic viability, (2) changes in the species?? spatial distribution in this area, and (3) as for other carnivore species, photographic capture?Crecapture methods are applicable for estimating the size of Iberian lynx populations     

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection of amphibians in the Doñana National Park, Spain

Amphibian chytridiomycosis, caused by infection with the non-hyphal, zoosporic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is an emerging infectious disease recognised as a cause of recent amphibian population declines and extinctions worldwide. The Do?ana National Park (DNP) is located in southwestern Spain, a country with widespread Bd infection. This protected area has a great diversity of aquatic habitats that constitute important breeding habitats for 11 native amphibian species. We sampled 625 amphibians in December 2007 and February to March 2008, months that correspond to the early and intermediate breeding seasons for amphibians, respectively. We found 7 of 9 sampled species to be infected with Bd and found differences in prevalence between sampling periods. Although some amphibians tested had higher intensities of infection than others, all animals sampled were apparently healthy and, so far, there has been no evidence of either unusually high rates of mortality or amphibian population declines in the DNP.     

Flowering and fruiting phenology in the coastal shrublands of Doñana,south Spain

Flowering and fruiting phenological patterns at the individual-, population-, and community level were studied in a southern Spanish scrub community composed of 30 shrub species. Few individuals of any species produced a high number of flowers. Intrapopulation deviation in the peak time of flowering showed a strong and positive skewness. Relative flowering duration, however, displayed a virtually normal distribution. Generally, species flowering in spring have a short flowering time, while species flowering earlier or later in the year show significantly longer flowering periods. Species were in bloom throughout the year, but there was a major peak during spring and two lesser ones in autumn and early summer. Shallow rooting taxa in typically mediterranean genera displayed a strategy of spring flowering and summer fruiting. Summer and autumn flowering occurred among heath-like shrubs of relatively wet places, and forest-associated, vertebrate-dispersed species which commonly have underground storage organs. Species with ripe fruits presented two peaks, the major one during the summer including the majority of taxa with seeds dispersed by non-vertebrate agents. There was a minor fruiting peak in autumn dominated by taxa that rely on vertebrates for dispersal. The complex seasonal patterns observed are interpreted in relation to environmental conditions and physiological constraints on species living in a highly seasonal climate.     

Primary moult of continental Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa limosa in the Doñana wetlands,Spain

Capsule: Most Continental Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa limosa using the Doñana wetlands during post-breeding migration appear to begin moult before they arrive and suspend moult before they migrate onwards to West Africa.

Aims: We aim to describe the primary moult strategies and patterns in the Continental Black-tailed Godwits using the Doñana wetlands, a major passage and wintering area for waterbirds in southern Spain.

Methods: Individual godwits were captured, marked and their primary moult was scored in Doñana during the non-breeding season (June–March) in 2011 and 2012. Data from resightings of colour-marked godwits and birds equipped with satellite transmitters were used to estimate stopover duration during post-breeding migration (June–September) to determine if godwits move to West Africa before completing their primary moult.

Results: Average primary moult duration was estimated to be 84 days?±?9 se, during 29 June–21 September and did not differ between sexes. Only 2% of individuals were observed with suspended moult. We estimated stopover duration in Doñana to be 13 days?±?2 se before migrating to West Africa.

Conclusions: Most godwits stage for about two weeks in the Doñana wetlands during southward migration, moult their primaries and appear to suspend moult before crossing the Sahara. Others may complete their primary moult in Doñana, or elsewhere in Europe and overwinter in Doñana where increasing numbers of godwits have been detected in recent years. A few individuals may finish the moult in Doñana and migrate to West Africa late in the post-breeding season.     

Influence of grazing on the decomposition of Pinus pinea L. needles in a silvopastoral system in Doñana, Spain

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether goat grazing in the understory of a pine forest at Doñana Natural Park could accelerate the decomposition of the pine needles accumulated on the soil surface and, if so, through which mechanisms. Specifically, the roles of trampling (mechanical fragmentation) and nutrient enrichment through defecation (fertilization) were evaluated in terms of their effect on pine needle decomposition rates.

Methods

An experiment was conducted featuring the following 4 treatments: 1) intact needles (control), 2) trampled needles, 3) intact needles fertilized with liquid manure, and 4) trampled needles fertilized with liquid manure. Litter decomposition was determined as a function of mass loss over time, using the litter-bag method. Bags were recovered 4, 8, 16, 24 and 36 months after burial in soil, dried and weighed. Needle length, leaf mass per area and C and N concentration were also measured in the buried litter-bags.

Results

Four months after burial, mass loss was greater in the trampled (23–27 %) than non-trampled (14–16 %) treatments. However, from 8 months onwards, decomposition rates in the fertilized treatments were significantly higher than those in the non-fertilized treatments (between 5 % and 15 % less mass loss). Meanwhile, fertilized treatments presented higher N content (2.1 %) than the non-fertilized ones (1.2 %), with a significantly lower C:N ratio also found in the in the fertilized treatment.

Conclusions

Trampling and fertilization during grazing accelerates litter decomposition and thus promotes the incorporation of N into the system. Acceleration of decomposition reduces the accumulation of pine needles on the soil surface, reducing the risk of fire.     

A quantitative hydrogeomorphic approach to the classification of temporary wetlands in the Doñana National Park (SW Spain)

A quantitative hydrogeomorphic approach was applied to an extensive survey of temporary wetlands in the Doñana National Park (SW Spain) in search for quantitative thresholds for wetland classification. Twenty freshwater ponds on the aeolian sand mantle and 46 sites on silty-clay substrate, located in the southern marshland, were surveyed during the heaviest rainy period so far recorded (October 1995–September 1997). On average, temporary ponds showed higher water depth, longer flooding period, lower conductivity (<0.5 mS cm^?1), lower pH (6.7), lower phosphate concentration (0.4 μM) and a more balanced proportion of Ca²⁺/Na⁺ than temporary marshes. During floods, marshland sites exhibited higher water transparency, pH (9.5), alkalinity (3.5 meq l^?1), conductivity (8.2 mS cm^?1), phosphate concentration (0.7 μM), Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ concentrations (97.2 and 3.5 meq l^?1, respectively) than ponds. Study sites were significantly segregated (ANOSIM test: R = 0.88, P < 0.01, n = 92) in relation to water depth and conductivity. A conductivity of 1.6 mS cm^?1 is proposed as a threshold between marshland sites and ponds during floods. Marshland sites were further segregated into two groups (ANOSIM test: R = 0.777, P < 0.01, n = 23) according to the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio (in meq l^?1) at a threshold value of 25. An ordination by PCA showed that five variables grouped 81.4% of the total variance in two axes. The first PCA axis (60.7% of variance) separated temporary wetlands into ponds and marshland sites according to variables related to substrate and hydrology (Na⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio, conductivity, water depth and flooding period). Other variables (e.g., water transparency, alkalinity, pH, submersed macrophyte biomass, phosphate, nitrate and planktonic chlorophyll concentrations) did not produce a significant segregation between marshland and pond sites during floods. Further discrimination within each wetland type was thus not achieved.     

Cyclopoid copepods as bioindicators of eutrophication in reservoirs: Do patterns hold for large spatial extents?

Some species of copepods are sensitive to water quality oscillations from natural or anthropogenic causes. Information on basic ecological attributes such as abundance can be helpful in the context of hydric resources monitoring. Our study analyzed if the abundance of 22 copepod species of the second largest basin of South America was more associated with variables oscillating by natural or anthropic causes, contrasting among oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic reservoirs. Our aim was to identify and understand the abundance of species with potential to monitor water quality in large scale assessments. Potential bioindicators would have different abundances in eutrophic, mesotrophic and oligotrophic sites and would not oscillate according to natural characteristics of reservoirs (water temperature, air temperature, and depth). Two species were sensitive to eutrophication and were not related to natural characteristics of reservoirs, that is, they were suitable for biomonitoring the La Plata Basin. Thermocyclops minutus negatively responded to eutrophication, while Acanthocyclops robustus responded positively. Additional exploratory analyses identified that Copepod abundance was related to total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a concentration, water transparency, total suspended matter, and depth. Metacyclops mendocinus, Acanthocyclops robustus, Mesocyclops meridianus, Mesocyclops ogunnus, and Thermocyclops decipiens were abundant in eutrophic reservoirs, and Thermocyclops minutus, and Thermocyclops inversus were associated with higher water transparency, typically oligo/mesotrophic reservoirs. Overall, we found that cyclopoids are highly affected by eutrophication, and species abundance could be used to monitor reservoirs and anticipate potential impacts on water quality in large-scale biomonitoring schemes.     

Crustacean and rotifer composition of temporary ponds in the Doñana National Park (SW Spain) during floods

The zooplankton of 18 temporary ponds in the Doñana National Park (SW Spain) was studied during floods in February and May 1997. A total of 37 rotifer taxa and 34 crustaceans species were identified (17 cladocerans, 2 ostracans, 4 diaptomids, 7 cyclopodids, 1 harpacticoid, 1 anostracan, 1 notostracan and 1 conchostracan). Zooplankton samples were collected separately from the littoral and the open-water of 12 different ponds. Commonly distributed zooplankton species (frequency of appearance 50%) were not segregated to either the littoral or the open-water according to a chi-square test (P>0.005). The study ponds were divided into seasonal, intermediate and ephemeral ponds according to the length of their hydroperiod. The total numbers of both crustacean and rotifer taxa were highest in the intermediate-hydroperiod ponds (26 and 32 taxa, respectively). The total number of zooplankton taxa collected in both February and May was not significantly correlated to the hydroperiod of the temporary ponds of Doñana during the study period (r=0.165, P=0.526). 21 rotifer taxa and 20 crustacean species were found in the ephemeral ponds; the number of restricted species was also relatively high (3 rotifers and 4 crustaceans). Therefore, the ephemeral ponds held a relatively rich community during floods compared to other temporary ponds of Doñana despite their small size and short wet phase.     

Ancient vs. recent processes as factors shaping the genetic variation of the European wild boar: are the effects of the last glaciation still detectable?

The European wild boar is an important game species, subjected to local extinctions and translocations in the past, and currently enormously and worryingly expanding in some areas where management is urgently required. Understanding the relative roles of ancient and recent events in shaping the genetic structure of this species is therefore not only an interesting scientific issue, but it represents also the basis for addressing future management strategies. In addition, several pig breeds descend from the European wild boar, but the geographical location of the domestication area(s) and the possible introgression of pig genomes into wild populations are still open questions. Here, we analysed the genetic variation in different wild boar populations in Europe. Ten polymorphic microsatellites were typed in 252 wild boars and the mtDNA control region was sequenced in a subset of 145 individuals. Some samples from different pig breeds were also analysed. Our results, which were obtained considering also 612 published mtDNA sequences, suggest that (i) most populations are similarly differentiated, but the major discontinuity is found along the Alps; (ii) except for the Italian populations, European wild boars show the signature of a postglacial demographic expansion; (iii) Italian populations seem to preserve a high proportion of preglaciation diversity; (iv) the demographic decline which occurred in some areas in the last few centuries did not produce a noticeable reduction of genetic variation; (v) signs of human-mediated gene flow among populations are weak, although in some regions the effects of translocations are detectable and a low degree of pig introgression can be identified; (vi) the hypothesis of an independent domestication centre in Italy is not supported by our data, which in turn confirm that Central European wild boar might have represented an important source for domestic breeds. We can therefore conclude that recent human activities had a limited effect on the wild boar genetic structure. It follows that areas with high variation and differentiation represent natural reservoirs of genetic diversity to be protected avoiding translocations. In this context controlling some populations by hunting is not expected to affect significantly genetic variation in this species.     

Evaluation of the role of cytokines in autoimmune disease: The importance of TNFα in rheumatoid arthritis

Cytokines and growth factors are involved in all important biological processes. Hence it is anticipated that they will be of importance in autoimmune disease. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases involves a number of stages, initiation, perpetuation and tissue damage, each of which involves different cell and molecular interactions. In this review, we will discuss an outline of the cytokine involvement in the various stages of autoimmune development, prior to focusing on the analysis of cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis. Cytokines exert their effect via high affinity cell surface receptors. Thus an understanding of cytokines involves the analysis of receptor expression, and also of cytokine inhibitors. Currently there is only adequate knowledge of these aspects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and as such the emphasis of this review is on RA. One of the major reasons for being interested in the role of cytokines in autoimmunity is to define possible therapeutic targets. There is now considerable evidence that TNFα is such a target in RA, and the effect of anti TNFα monoclonal antibody therapy in RA is discussed.     

Copepods and branchiopods of temporary ponds in the Doñana Natural Area (SW Spain): a four-decade record (1964–2007)

The Doñana Natural Area includes a large array of wetlands with the highest degree of environmental protection in Spain, and so it has long attracted many studies. We present a cumulative list of zooplankton taxa (Copepods and Branchiopods) based on a collection of 18 publications (1964–2007) and 4 unpublished studies. Seventy-eight taxa have been recorded in a set of 55 ponds, and 72 taxa at 38 sites spread over the Doñana marshland. In total, 96 taxa have been recorded, including 50% of all branchiopod species reported for the whole Iberian Peninsula. Taxa composition was significantly segregated between ponds and marshland during floods (ANOSIM test, R = 0.929, P < 0.01), but this segregation disappeared at a larger spatio-temporal scale when a non-metric MDS ordination produced a gradient from ponds to marshland (ANOSIM test, R = 0.272, P < 0.01). The lack of segregation between ponds and marshland sites, and among ponds with different hydroperiods, was not due to a large number of cosmopolitan species, but to a random distribution of a large number of low-occurrence species (67% of total taxa occurred with a frequency <15%). Long-hydroperiod ponds occupy a key position among the Doñana wetlands in terms of biodiversity as these ponds accumulated a high crustacean richness over time. They also supported a significantly higher cumulative number of cladoceran and harpacticoid taxa, while short-hydroperiod ponds accumulated the lowest number of diaptomid taxa. Our data indicate the need for recording biodiversity in the long term as richness on a short-temporal scale is not a good indicator of the number of crustacean species that would be encountered with a longer sampling period in Mediterranean temporary wetlands.     

Changes in Pyrenean woodlands as a result of the intensity of human exploitation: 2,000 years of metallurgy in Vallferrera, northeast Iberian Peninsula

This research is based on the discovery of a large number of charcoal kiln sites and abandoned iron mines in Vallferrera (Axial Pyrenees, northeastern Spain). The study reveals that this region has been affected by the metal mining and smelting industry for at least 2,000 years, with maximum intensity in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, followed by abandonment of the activity. The region’s woodland dendrochronology and historical records indicate that exploitation of wood charcoal for metalworking affected the past vegetation in the area and impeded the development of mature woodland. Our findings suggest that the greatest changes in vegetation and landscape history occurred at times of particular specialization in socioeconomic activities.

Biochemical bio markers of pollution in Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) to assess the effects of the AznalcÓllar disaster on Doñana Park (Spain)

On April 25, 1998, a tailings dam of the Aznalcóllar pyrite mine partially collapsed and released to the Guadiamar river acidic water (pH &lt; 3) and mud containing toxic metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, As, Cu, Sb, Co, Tl, Bi, Cd, Ag, Hg, Sr), threatening the Doñana National Park, a Spanish wildlife reserve. To assess possible biological effects in terrestrial ecosystems, biochemical biomarkers have been assayed for the first time in Algerian mice (Mus spretus), a non-protected and free-living species, from several areas of Doñana and Guadiamar. Biomarkers assayed responded to different types of contaminants: I-metals and oxidant compounds (Se-glutathione peroxidase (SeGSHPx) and antioxidant activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione redox status); II-Aromatic chemicals (ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity); III-Compounds of both types (glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities). Before the Aznalcóllar spill (October 1997), mice from the 'Brazo de la Torre' had SeGSHPx and EROD activities close to animals from the Huelva Industrial Park, suggesting similar levels of oxidant and aromatic contaminants at both sites. Six months after the spill (October 1998), mice from the lower Guadiamar areas ('Cangrejo Grande' and 'Brazo de la Torre') also showed significant increase of soluble and microsomal GST activities, and altered levels of several antioxidant enzymes. Thus, the spilled chemicals could have induced further biological effects in mice from the exposed areas. Although no significant responses to contamination were found after the spill at Doñana core, further investigations should be carried out to monitor the situation.     

Non-timber forest products in the community of El Terrero, Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, Mexico: Is their use sustainable?

The importance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to rural income was examined in a highland community in the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, Jalisco-Colima, Mexico. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) techniques were used to interview 70% of households in the community of El Terrero. Of the nine plant species identified as NTFP sources, the two principal species traded by the community were tila (derived from the flowers and fruits of the tree Ternstroemia lineata), and blackberry (Rubus spp.). Collecting and selling of NTFPs was almost exclusively undertaken by women, with 80% of respondents participating. NTFP sale ranked as the most important source of cash income for 30% of women interviewed, and either second- or third-most important for the remainder. The research examined harvesting impact on populations of T. lineata, an understory tree species characteristic of cloud forest, which this was assessed in the four most-frequented collecting sites. Our results suggested that current harvesting approaches appear to be sustainable, although 95% of the women interviewed reported a decline in resource availability within the last 15 years, apparently resulting from illegal cutting. Suggestions are made with respect to the sustainable development of NTFP resources to help alleviate poverty within the Reserve.     

Effects of seed ingestion and herbivory by waterfowl on seedling establishment: a field experiment with wigeongrass Ruppia maritima in Doñana,south-west Spain

The ingestion of seeds by vertebrates usually affects the viability and/or germination rate of seeds. Increases in germination rate following passage through the vertebrate gut have often been assumed to be favourable for seedling survival and plant fitness, but this assumption has never been tested experimentally. Given that numbers of herbivorous waterfowl are higher in winter in Mediterranean wetlands, herbivory pressure there will be higher for early growing plants. In a factorial experiment we investigated the effects of seed ingestion by ducks (shoveler, Anas clypeata) on the survival of wigeongrass Ruppia maritima seedlings in the field in Doñana (south-west Spain), under differing exposures to herbivory by waterfowl and fish. We planted ingested and non-ingested seeds in December, using exclosures to protect half of them from herbivores. When they were protected inside exclosures, there was no difference between ingested and non-ingested seeds in the number of plants that survived until June-July. However, fewer plants survived from ingested seeds when exposed to natural levels of herbivory because they were exposed for longer than plants germinating from non-ingested seeds. In conclusion, increases in germination rate after ingestion are not necessarily beneficial for the plant, and the final outcome depends on complex interactions with other factors such as herbivore abundance.