The presence of rabbits adjacent to roads increases polecat road mortality

Road mortality is an increasing problem for terrestrial vertebrate conservation due to the increase of both road numbers and vehicle flow. We hypothesize that the probability of a predator being killed on the road is related to the presence of its prey adjacent to the road, which is likely to be related to the use that these predators make of road verges. We aim to identify the features of specific stretches of road where road-kills of a predator (European polecat) occur in Mediterranean landscapes, including the presence of its main prey (European rabbit) and landscape and road features. We compared 85 100 m long stretches of road where at least one road-kill was recorded with 104 stretches without any road-kill in a dry agricultural landscape in central Spain. We used regression analysis to investigate the relationship between road-kill occurrence and the features in the 67% of the cases. Road-kill stretches were characterised by greater numbers of rabbit burrows in the road verges and by higher traffic flow and speed (i.e. higher speed limit, lower proportion of heavy vehicles, wider road and lower proportion of unbroken central lines). Road-kill stretches also had more metres built over bridges and lower densities of people. We validated our best model with a dataset (the 33% of the cases) not included in its development, which correctly classified 82% of road-kill stretches and 89% of non-road kill stretches. Our results highlight the need for taking into account food resource distribution when studying causes of animal road-kills.     

艾虎对不同猎物的选择性

在室内条件下,将高原鼢鼠(Myospalaxbaileyi)、高原鼠兔(Ochotonacurzoniae)和根田鼠(Microtusoeconomus)作为艾虎(Mustelaeversmanni)的猎物选择对象,研究艾虎对猎物的选择性及艾虎捕杀猎物的行为时间分配。实验结果表明:艾虎对三种猎物的搜寻时间和搜寻频次基本一致,在搜寻猎物的过程中并非已知洞道系统中所存在的食物信息,是一种机会主义的捕食者;艾虎除了具有典型鼬科动物捕杀猎物的方法外,能够根据猎物的大小、活动性和反捕食能力采用不同的捕杀方法,在捕杀猎物的过程中首先捕杀高原鼢鼠,其致死部位全部为头部,其次捕杀高原鼠兔,其致死部位除了头部外,明显增加了颈部的比例,最后捕杀根田鼠,其致死部位主要是头部和胸部;艾虎在捕杀猎物的过程中,追击根田鼠的时间最多,追击鼢鼠的时间最少,而用于捕杀根田鼠的时间最少,用于捕杀鼢鼠的时间最多,艾虎捕杀高原鼠兔后单位时间内获得的能量值最大,其次为捕杀高原鼢鼠,而捕杀根田鼠后单位时间内活动的能量值最小。因此,在室内条件下艾虎对猎物的选择性主要依赖于其本身处理猎物的行为时间分配和猎物的反捕食行为,使单位时间内获得的能量值最大.     

Population genetic structure and distribution of introduced American mink (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mustela vison</Emphasis>) in Spain,based on microsatellite variation

The population genetic structure of an invasive species in Spain, the American mink (Mustela vison), was investigated using microsatellite DNA markers. This semi-aquatic carnivore, originating from North America, was imported into Europe for fur farming since the beginning of the 20th century. Due to massive escapes, farm damages, deliberate releases and/or accidents, feral mink populations were established in the aquatic ecosystems of many European countries, including Spain. We genotyped 155 American mink originating from the Spanish regions Basque Country, Catalonia, Castilla-Leon, Aragon, Valencia and Galicia using 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci to highlight population genetic structure, distribution and dispersal. M. vison populations in Spain appear differentiated and not yet connected by gene flow. Bayesian clustering analyses and spatial analyses of molecular variance detected four inferred clusters, overall coinciding with the sampled geographical localities. Preliminary testing shows moderate to large estimated effective population sizes. Molecular analyses result useful to provide baseline data for further research on the evolution of invasive mink populations, as well as support local management strategies and indirectly benefit the conservation of threatened species in Spain, such as the endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola), and the polecat (Mustela putorius), which share the habitat with the American mink. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Xavier Domingo-Roura.     

Studies on the development of growth hormone and prolactin cells in the rat pituitary gland by in situ hybridization

Summary An antiserum raised against N-amino-3-propyl melatonin bound to a protein carrier was used to visualize melatonin by immunohistochemistry and to measure melatonin concentration by radioimmunoassay in the pineal gland of intact mink females killed throughout the 24 h cycle and females killed after a bilateral ablation of the cervical superior ganglion. Melatonin immunoreactivity revealed by immunofluorescence or by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex was observed in the cytoplasm of presumed pinealocytes of all the females. Circadian changes in pineal melatonin content were not visualized by immunohistochemistry; furthermore, immunoreactivity was also present in the pineal gland of the ganglionectomized females. However, the melatonin content measured by radioimmunoassay was significantly higher in the pineal gland from intact females killed during the night compared with that of intact females killed during the day or of ganglionectomized females. The discrepancy between the results obtained using the two methods may arise because immunohistochemistry can detect very small amounts of melatonin.     

Genetic divergence without spatial isolation in polecat Mustela putorius populations

Understanding how genetic divergence could exist without spatial isolation is a fundamental issue in biology. Although carnivores have previously been considered as having a weak genetic variability, polecats Mustela putorius from eight distinct populations exhibited both a strong polymorphism (17.5–22.5%) and a substantial allele effective number reaching N_e=1.12. Heterozygosity ranging from H_o=0.031–0.063 significantly differed among populations, while the mean F_IS averaging 0.388 stressed a real deficiency of heterozygotes. Observed heterozygosity levels among populations did not correlate with any habitat types but were clearly associated with habitat diversity index. The habitat structure in polecat home range corresponded to habitat mosaic structure in which discrete habitat types alternated causing multifactorial constraints that may favour heterozygosity. Allozymic frequencies within populations did not vary with dominant habitat. But in the Tyrosinase‐1, the rare homozygote BB, resulting in a ‘dark’ phenotype, was found much more in deciduous woods than the homozygote AA showing the ‘typical’ pattern. Thus, the genetic basis for a character differentiation was here evidenced in a remarkable situation without spatial isolation. Further, the very low proportion of heterozygotes for this locus suggests a disruptive effect and supports the prediction of intermediate phenotypes being at a disadvantage. This heterozygote deficit may also result from an assortative mating intra phenotype (homogamy). The divergence in polecat phenotypes showed that genetic differentiation can be induced by subtle variations in environment, a situation that is likely to be frequent in most natural populations, and emphasized the adaptive nature of habitat preference.     

Assessing camera traps for surveying the European mink,<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Mustela lutreola</Emphasis> (Linnaeus, 1761), distribution

This study assesses the suitability of camera trapping as a method for detecting the European mink and determining its distribution in a region located in southwestern Europe. Using this technique, 98 river stretches were surveyed, resulting in the detection of 11 species of carnivores. A high photographic rate was obtained for the European mink, and we were able to get a picture of its distribution area in the year 2000. No seasonal differences were found in the efficiency of the method used. Camera trapping is an effective technique that provides quick updates of the distribution of the European mink and may be used in programs monitoring this species.     

内蒙古典型草原区狭颅田鼠集群数量与被捕食风险的关系

2005年9月15日—30日,在内蒙古锡林郭勒盟西乌珠穆沁旗的典型草原上研究了狭颅田鼠(Microtus gregalis)冬季集群与来自艾虎(Mustela eversmanni)的捕食风险。采用鼠洞口数量作为狭颅田鼠集群大小的指标,分析了艾虎对不同大小狭颅田鼠集群的捕食优先选择偏好。对实验样地内狭颅田鼠的洞群洞口数进行了调查统计(样地内总共涉及102个狭颅田鼠有效洞群),并计数此期间的艾虎粪便堆数以及攻击掘开狭颅田鼠洞群的情况。运用非参数的Mann-Whitney U检验法进行数据分析,结果表明:从艾虎遗留的粪便痕迹来看,没有被艾虎访问过的田鼠洞群与被艾虎访问过的洞群之间差异达到极显著水平;另外,从狭颅田鼠洞口被艾虎掘开的痕迹来分析,没有被艾虎挖掘的洞群与被艾虎挖掘的洞群之间的差异也达到极显著的水平;另外,随着田鼠洞群洞口数量的增加,出现艾虎粪便和掘洞的频次和概率就越高。表明艾虎对狭颅田鼠集群洞口数的选择差异性非常显著,明显倾向于选择在洞口数量多的狭颅田鼠洞群停留,同时也更倾向于掘开洞口数量较高的狭颅田鼠洞群作为捕食对象。     

Establishment and characterization of ferret cells in culture

Summary Cells derived from the brain of a 6 wk-old ferret have been subcultured over 100 times and have undergone over 400 population doublings in vitro. These cells, referred to as Mpf cells, have an absolute efficiency of colony formation in excess of 45%, exhibit a mean population doubling time of 12.5 h, possess ferret-specific antigens, and have isozymes with electrophoretic properties that are the same as those of isozymes found in ferret liver. The cells exhibit a cytopathic effect and support the synthesis of progeny virus when they are infected with the viruses of lymphocytic choriomeningitis, Newcastle disease, pseudorabies, Sindbis, vaccinia, and vesicular stomatitis. The passage level of the Mpf cells, their elapsed number of population doublings, their possession of ferret-specific antigens, and the comigration of four isozymes obtained from these cells and ferret liver define the cells as an established line of ferret cells.     

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and pathways in the brain of the female mink (Mustela vison)

Summary The distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-immunoreactive neurons and processes was mapped in the female mink brain using coronal, horizontal and sagittal sections. Perikarya were found along a ventral continuum including the olfactory tubercle, the diagonal band of Broca, the lateral septum, the preoptic and anterior hypothalamic area and the mediobasal hypothalamus; 80% of the perikarya were counted in the mediobasal hypothalamus. Fibres were mainly observed in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and the median eminence. A few processes terminated in the ependymal cells lining the third and lateral ventricles. The total number of immunoreactive perikarya was the highest in the brains of females sacrificed in July; it then significantly decreased until December. This variation is discussed in relation to the annual breeding cycle.     

The genetic legacy of the 19th‐century decline of the British polecat: evidence for extensive introgression from feral ferrets

In the 19th century, the British polecat suffered a demographic contraction, as a consequence of direct persecution, reaching its lowest population in the years that preceded the First World War. The polecat is now recovering and expanding throughout Britain, but introgressive hybridization with feral ferrets has been reported, which could be masking the true range of the polecat and introducing domestic genes into the species. We used a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region and 11 microsatellite loci to characterize the frequency and extent of hybridization and introgression between the two species and assess whether the 19th‐century decline corresponded to a genetic bottleneck in the polecat. The proportion of admixture detected in the wild was high (31%) and hybrids were more frequently found outside Wales, suggesting that hybridization is more likely to occur along the eastern edge of the polecat's range expansion. The patterns observed in the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data show that introgression was mediated by crosses between male polecats and female ferrets, whose offspring backcrossed with polecats. No first‐generation (F₁) hybrids were identified, and the broad range of observed admixture proportions agrees with a scenario of past extensive hybridization between the two species. Using several different methods to investigate demographic history, we did not find consistent evidence for a genetic bottleneck in the British polecat, a result that could be interpreted as a consequence of hybridization with ferrets. Our results highlight the importance of the Welsh polecat population for the conservation and restoration of the genetic identity of the British polecat.     

The effect of heat incubators on chilled mink kits

Hypothermia is considered a major risk factor increasing kit mortality in farmed mink. We studied the effects of reheating chilled mink kits. From each of 27 litters, three 1-day-old kits were exposed to one of three treatments: (i) chilling and reheating in a farm incubator (INCU), (ii) chilling and reheating in home nest (HOME), and (iii) control, remained in nest (NEST). During cold exposure (8 °C) mink kits were active in average 67% of the time before they turned inactive; the latency until inactivity averaged 12.3 (0.8) min. We suggest that kit behaviour during early cooling may function to increase chances of eliciting maternal care, and we found that duration of kit activity increased with body weight in 1-day-old kits (P < 0.001). In addition, the most active kits had a shorter latency of coming inactive (P = 0.002), suggesting that the behaviour is energy costly. The kit mortality was low (5 out of 81), making statistical analysis of mortality infeasible. We found no treatment effects on weight gain over 7 days. We did not find any additional effect of the traditional incubator used in reheating chilled 1-day-old mink kits, as the dam in the home nest appeared as efficient to reheat a small chilled kit.     

Cellular mechanisms of paired electrical stimulation in ferret ventricular myocardium: relationship between myocardial force and stimulus interval change

Summary The subcellular mechanisms of twitch-force potentiation with paired electrical stimulation was studied in ferret ventricular myocardium using the bioluminescent calcium indicator aequorin. It is demonstrated for the first time that interpolation of an extrasystole in a train of conditioned twitches results in a beat-to-beat change in [Ca²⁺]_i and force. Steady-state twitch force and Ca _i ²⁺ were increased with paired stimulation. Increased [Ca²⁺]₀ in the setting of paired stimulation resulted in an increase in the amplitude of the postextrasystole and associated Ca²⁺ transient. Verapamil, a Ca²⁺ channel antagonist, had the opposite effect of increased [Ca²⁺]₀. Postextrasystole potentiation was still present, but diminished in amplitude. These results indicate that postextrasystole potentiation is in part due to a verapamil-depletable store (Ca²⁺). Postextrasystole potentiation is therefore predominantly dependent on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ loading. Ryanodine, an alkaloid which induces Ca²⁺ leakage from the SR, abolished postextrasystole potentiation; however, in the presence of ryanodine the extrasystole was potentiated. Caffeine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor which induces SR Ca²⁺ release and impairs uptake, also abolished postextrasystole potentiation. As with ryanodine there was resultant potentiation of the extrasystole. In the case of caffeine the calcium transient consisted of a second slow component associated with extrasystole twitch potentiation. The results are consistent with sarcolemmal Ca²⁺ influx playing a role in potentiation of the extrasystole in the presence of an impaired SR. These data indicate that transsarcolemmal Ca²⁺ influx in the presence of impaired intracellular Ca²⁺ buffering can directly activate the myofilaments in agreement with reports on human myocardium.Abbreviations C conditioned stimulus - ESI extrasystolic interval - L_max active tension - PES postextrasystole - PESI postextrasystolic interval - SR sarcoplasmic reticulum - T test stimulus     

Experimental evaluation of the reliability of placental scar counts in American mink (Mustela vison)

Counting of placental scars in the uterus is a valuable method to estimate female fecundity in wild-ranging mammalian populations, but the reliability of placental scar counts (PSC) has only been thoroughly assessed for a few species. Here we evaluate the reliability of PSC in American mink (Mustela vison) through examination of farm animals with known reproductive history. PSC estimated pregnancy rate and litter size accurately in individuals up to 3 months postpartum. Placental scars were detectable in most female American mink sampled 7–8 months postpartum, but the proportion of minks misclassified as barren was overestimated, and mean litter size was underestimated. We found a large variation in the intensity of pigmentation in placental scars with similar age. Differentiation of scars according to shading as indicating either successful full-term pregnancies or post-implantation loss of embryos was not possible. We propose that these results are applicable for fecundity analysis in American mink and closely related mustelids.     

Adaptations to fasting in the American mink (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mustela vison</Emphasis>): nitrogen metabolism

The aim of this study was to investigate the adaptations of protein metabolism to seasonal fasting in an actively wintering boreal carnivore. Fifty farm-bred male American minks Mustela vison were divided into a fed control group and four experimental groups fasted for 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. The responses of nitrogen metabolism to wintertime food deprivation were determined by measuring the rate of weight loss, the tissue total protein concentrations and the plasma amino acid, urea, ammonia, uric acid and total protein levels. The mink has relatively poor adaptations to food deprivation, as it is not able to prolong phase II of fasting with fat as the major metabolic fuel. Instead, the species has to derive a part of its energy requirements from the breakdown of body proteins. The end product of protein catabolism—urea— accumulates in its circulation, and the mink may not be able to recycle urea-N. Although the mink can still have a high body fat percent at the end of the 7-day fast, it appears to enter phase III of fasting with stimulated proteolysis during this period.     

捕食风险对不同饥饿状态下艾虎取食行为的影响

在室内条件下,将大鵟作为艾虎的天敌动物,通过双通道选择实验确定6 只成体艾虎在3 个捕食风险水平和4 种饥饿状态条件下的取食行为,探讨艾虎在取食过程中对饥饿风险与捕食风险的权衡策略。研究结果表明:在无捕食风险存在时,艾虎被剥夺食物0 d 和1 d 后对食物量不同的两个斑块中的取食量和利用频次均无明显不同(P > 0. 05),但对高食物量斑块的利用时间均明显高于低食物量斑块的(P <0.05),而艾虎被剥夺食物2 d和3 d后对高食物量斑块中的取食量和利用时间均明显高于低食物量斑块中的(P < 0.05),但在利用频次上均无明显差异(P > 0.05)。在面临低风险时,艾虎在4 种饥饿状态下均只利用无天敌动物存在的低食物量斑块,而基本不利用有天敌动物存在的高食物量斑块。在面临高风险时,艾虎不得不利用有天敌动物存在的食物斑块,被剥夺食物0 d 时艾虎对无风险、无食物量斑块的利用时间基本相同于对高风险、有食物量斑块的利用时间(P>0.05),而被剥夺食物1d、2 d 和3 d 后艾虎对高风险、有食物量斑块的利用时间明显高于无风险、无食物量斑块的(P< 0. 05)。在相同风险条件下,随着饥饿程度增加,艾虎在斑块中的取食量均明显增加(P< 0.05),而对斑块的利用时间和利用频次明显降低(P<0.05)。在相同的饥饿状态下,不同风险水平时,艾虎在斑块中的取食量无明显的差异(P>0.05),但在低风险和高风险时对斑块的利用时间和频次均明显低于无风险时的(P <0.05)。以上结果说明艾虎能够根据食物摄取率和自身的能量需求在捕食风险和饥饿风险之间做出权衡,当饥饿风险小于捕食风险时,艾虎趋于躲避捕食风险,当饥饿风险大于捕食风险时,艾虎趋于面对捕食风险,所采用的取食策略是减少活动时间和能量消耗,最大程度地提高单位时间内获得的能量。