Listeriosis in an immature black buck antelope (Antilope cervicapra)

A 10-week-old, black buck antelope calf, from the Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville, Indiana was found dead without observed signs of illness. Necropsy disclosed disseminated ecchymoses on the pericardium, diaphragm, intestines, and renal capsules and more extensive hemorrhage in the muscles of the hindquarters. There were numerous, 1 mm, pale foci on the capsular and cut surfaces of the liver and spleen which, on microscopic examination, were necrotic foci containing variable numbers of neutrophils and mononuclear leukocytes with numerous, short, Gram-positive, cocco-bacilli at the periphery. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from the liver. Septicemia is the most common form of listeriosis in non-domestic ruminants. Listeriosis should be suspected when unexpected deaths are accompanied by multifocal necrotizing hepatitis and splenitis, myocarditis, and disseminated hemorrhage.     

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) in southern India

Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is a threatened species endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Many populations of blackbuck are found in southern India. Populations of blackbuck are negatively affected in many places for various reasons, such as habitat destruction and poaching. Their range decreased sharply during the 20th century. There is very limited information available on the population dynamics of blackbuck in southern India. For the phylogenetic and genetic diversity analyses of blackbuck populations among different distribution ranges in southern India, we sequenced mt DNA of cytochrome b (Cyt b) for 120, cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1 (COI) for 137 and the control region (CR) for 137 fecal pellets from eleven different locations in southern India. We analyzed the genetic structure of three mitochondrial markers, the CR, Cyt b and the COI region, separately and in a combined dataset. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of CR were 0.969 and 0.047, respectively, and were higher than those of Cyt b and COI. A Bayesian phylogeny and an MJ network based on the CR and combined dataset (105 sequences) signified several distinct haplotype clusters within blackbuck, whereas no clusters were identified with the Cyt b and COI phylogenetic analyses. The analysis of molecular variance of the combined data set revealed 52.46% genetic variation within the population. Mismatch distribution analysis revealed that blackbuck populations underwent complex changes with analysis of the combined dataset in each population and analysis of each marker separately in the overall population. The results provide evidence that blackbuck in different geographic locations has a distinct population structure due to habitat fragmentation after the formation of the Western and Eastern Ghats.

     

Unusually large sex chromosomes in the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei) and the blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)

Sex chromosomes in mammals are generally of the XY type with the X chromosome constituting 5% by weight of the haploid chromosomal complement. Unusually large sex chromosomes have been described in a few species all of which belong to theRodentia, but two members of theArtiodactyla, the African sitatunga and the Indian blackbuck, have now been found to have this peculiarity. The sitatunga has an X chromosome that represents 13.08% and a Y that represents 7.29% of the haploid complement, and the X of the blackbuck represents 14.96% of its haploid complement. Portions of both extra large sex chromosomes in a pair are late replicating. Theories concerning the formation of these outsized chromosomes are discussed.     

Cross-amplification of ungulate microsatellite markers in the endemic Indian antelope or blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) for population monitoring and conservation genetics studies in south Asia

The Indian antelope or blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, inhabiting scrublands and dry grasslands. Most of the blackbuck populations are small, isolated, and threatened by habitat fragmentation and degradation. Management of such disjunct populations requires genetic characterization, which is critical for assessing hazards of stochastic events and inbreeding. Addressing the scarcity of such information on the blackbuck, we describe a novel panel of microsatellite markers that could be used to monitor blackbuck demography and population genetic parameters using non-invasive faecal sampling. We screened microsatellites (n?=?40) that had been reported to amplify in bovid and cervid species using faecal samples of the blackbuck collected from Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India and its vicinities. We selected 12 markers for amplification using faecal DNA extracts (n?=?140) in three multiplex reactions. We observed a mean amplification success rate of 72.4% across loci (92.1–25.7%) with high allele diversity (mean number of alleles/locus?=?8.67?±?1.03). Mean genotyping error rates across the markers were low to moderate (allelic drop-out rate?=?0.09; false allele rate?=?0.11). The proportions of first- and second-order relatives in the study population were 0.69% and 6.21%, respectively. Based on amplification success, genotyping error rates and the probability of identity (P_ID), we suggest (i) a panel of five microsatellite markers (cumulative P_ID?=?1.24?×?10^–5) for individual identification and population monitoring and (ii) seven additional markers for conservation genetics studies. This study provides essential tools capable of augmenting blackbuck conservation strategies at the landscape level, integral to protecting the scrubland-grassland ecosystem.

     

Blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra), a new host for Psoroptes cuniculi (Acari: Psoroptidae)

Information was requested on the cause of extensive lesions and death of a blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra). Psoroptes cuniculi, the ear mite of domestic rabbits, was identified as the cause of the lesions. Death of the antelope was attributed to a secondary bacterial infection. This is the first report of P. cuniculi on blackbuck antelope. The potential impact of these mites on blackbuck antelope and other exotics in Texas is unknown.     

Hormonal and behavioural detection of oestrus in blackbuck, Antilope cervicapra, and successful artificial insemination with fresh and frozen semen

Hormonal detection of urinary pregnanediol-3 alpha-glucuronide proved an effective method of monitoring the progress of oestrous cycles in the blackbuck; observation of sexual behaviour in a vasectomized male was, however, a more practical procedure. Good correlation was observed between the occurrence of minimal pregnanediol concentrations in females and the maximal behavioural response by the male. On the basis of intervals between periods of behaviourally detected oestrus, a mean cycle length of 16.9 days (+/- 0.62, s.e.m.) was derived from 12 cycles (4 animals). Eleven females were inseminated in this study, 8 with freshly collected semen and 3 with frozen semen; 6 calves were obtained, 1 after the use of frozen semen. Pregnancy was monitored by measurements of pregnanediol-3 alpha-glucuronide excretion and by ultrasound scanning. The mean interval between insemination and parturition was 183.3 days inclusive, ranging from 182 to 186 days.     

Investigating the genetic diversity and presence of forensically informative nucleotide sequences in Indian antelope (Antilope cervicapra) using multiple genes of the mitochondrial genome

Molecular Biology Reports - Indian antelope or Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is one of the widely distributed endemic species in India among wild bovids and a majority of preferred habitats are...     

Spermatogonial stem cells in the testis of an endangered bovid: Indian black buck (Antilope cervicapra L.)

Numerous wild bovids are facing threat of extinction owing to the loss of habitat and various other reasons. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) represent the only germline stem cells in adult body that are capable of self-renewal and that can undergo differentiation to produce haploid germ cells. SSCs can, therefore, serve as a useful resource for preservation of germplasm of threatened and endangered mammals. The Indian black buck (Antilope cervicapra L.) is a small Indian antelope that is listed as endangered by the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Immunohistochemical analysis of testes tissues of black buck revealed the presence of spermatogonia that were specifically stained by lectin-Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA). The expression of pluripotent cell-specific markers, NANOG and stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA-1), was detected in spermatogonia. Interestingly, the expression of POU5F1 (OCT3/4) was absent from spermatogonia, however, it was detected in differentiating cells such as spermatocytes and round spermatids but not in elongated spermatids. The expression of NANOG protein was also present in spermatocytes but absent in round and elongated spermatids. Using the testis transplantation assay, stem cell potential of black buck spermatogonia was confirmed as indicated by the presence of colonized DBA-stained cells in the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules of xenotransplanted mice testis. The findings from this study suggest the presence of SSCs in the testis of an endangered bovid for the first time and open new possibility to explore the use of SSCs in conservation.     

Diurnal variation in ciliate protozoa in the rumen of black buck (Antilope cervicapra) fed green forage

The protozoa in the rumen of a black buck were a B-type population with numbers varying between 0·31 and 0·61 times 10⁶cells/ml rumen liquor, when the animal was fed either vegetative green oat or third cut berseem. The total protozoa, total holotrichs, Dasytricha, total spirotrichs and small spirotrichs were significantly higher ( P < 0·01) on berseem feeding than those on oat feeding, while the numbers of Isotricha and large spirotrichs were unaffected by change of diet. Numerically the most important group of protozoa was small spirotrichs (74·4–75·6% of total population) which accounted for only 9·85–13·61% of protozoal cell mass in the rumen.     

Beiträge zu einern Aktionssystem der Hirschziegenantilope: (Antilope cervicapra Linné 1758)

Es wird über eine fakultative Putzsymbiose zwischen Stichling (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) und Hecht (Esox lucius L.) im Aquarium berichtet. Das Putzverhalten des Stichlings wird quantitativ und qualitativ analysiert und mit dem Putzverhalten anderer Fische verglichen. Stichlinge putzen mit den gleichen Bewegungen wie sie Nahrung an totem Substrat suchen und aufnehmen. Interspezifische Verständigungssignale sind bei beiden Partnern erst andeutungsweise vorhanden.     

Impact of zoo visitors on the fecal cortisol levels and behavior of an endangered species: Indian blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra L.)

This study investigated behavioral activities (resting, moving, aggressive, social, and reproductive behavior) and fecal cortisol levels in 8 individually identified adult male blackbucks during periods of varying levels of zoo visitors (zero, low, high, and extremely high zoo visitor density). This study also elucidated whether zoo visitor density could disturb nonhuman animal welfare. This study analyzed fecal cortisol from the samples of blackbuck by radioimmunoassay and found significant differences (p < .05) for time the animals devoted to moving, resting, aggressive, reproductive, and social behavior on days with high and extremely high levels of zoo visitors. The ANOVA with Duncan's Multiple Range Test test showed that the fecal cortisol concentration was higher (p < .05) during the extremely high (137.30 ± 5.88 ng/g dry feces) and high (113.51 ± 3.70 ng/g dry feces) levels of zoo visitor density. The results of the study suggest that zoo visitor density affected behavior and adrenocortical secretion in Indian Blackbuck, and this may indicate an animal welfare problem.     

Intraspecific variation in group size in the blackbuck antelope: the roles of habitat structure and forage at different spatial scales

The main ecological factors that are hypothesized to explain the striking variation in the size of social groups among large herbivores are habitat structure, predation, and forage abundance and distribution; however, their relative roles in wild populations are not well understood. I combined analyses of ecological correlates of spatial variation in group size with analyses of individual behaviour in groups of different sizes to investigate factors maintaining variation in group size in an Indian antelope, the blackbuck Antilope cervicapra. I measured group size, habitat structure, forage, and the occurrence of predators in ten blackbuck populations, and, at a smaller spatial scale, within an intensively studied population. To examine the processes by which these ecological factors influence group size, I used behavioural observations and an experiment to estimate the shape of the relationship between group size and potential costs and benefits to individuals. Group size varied extensively both among and within populations. Analyses of spatial variation in group size suggested that both forage and habitat structure influence group size: large-scale, among-population variation in group size was primarily related to habitat structure, while small-scale, within-population variation was most closely related to forage abundance. Analyses of individual behaviour suggested that larger groups incur greater travel costs while foraging. However, individuals in larger groups appeared to experience greater benefits, namely the earlier detection of a “predator”, a reduction in vigilance, and an increase in the time spent feeding. Overall, these findings suggest that individuals in groups experience a trade-off between predation-related benefits and costs arising from feeding competition. Habitat structure and forage likely influence the nature of this trade-off; thus, variation in these ecological factors may maintain variation in group size. The role of predation pressure and other factors in explaining the remaining variation needs further exploration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Ectoparasites of the Irish stoat

A sample of 196 Irish stoats Mustela ermineae hibernica Thomas & Barrett-Hamilton (Carnivora: Mustelidae) were examined and yielded 2580 arthropod ectoparasites, including 1819 larval mites Neotrombicula autumnalis (Shaw) from a single host. Other ectoparasites recovered included lice (99% Trichodectes ermineae (Hopkins], ticks (mostly Ixodes hexagonus Leach) and four species of fleas. The ticks and fleas were considered to have come mainly from nests of other hosts. The flea species did not reflect the status of their usual hosts in the diet of stoats, but did reflect the stoats' use of their usual hosts' habitat.     

Physiology of the dik-dik antelope

1. The East African dik-dik antelope represents a miniature model ruminant for comparative studies. 2. Dik-diks are browsers, consuming a diet consistently high in fermentable and digestable plant material. 3. Their foregut structure is designed for a relatively rapid passage of food and effective absorption of fermentative products. 4. Dik-dik antelopes are very economical in their use of water, having a low daily water exchange and excreting a highly concentrated urine. 5. Dik-diks have been observed to employ three thermoregulatory mechanisms; thermopanting, active sweating and a labile body temperature. 6. Their reproductive cycle is polyestrous with peak breeding in June and December, having a gestation period of between 170 and 174 days.     

Demographic history of the Tibetan antelope Pantholops hodgsoni(chiru)

The Tibetan antelope(chiru,Pantholops hodgsoni),a heavily poached species and symbol of the QinghaiTibetan Plateau(QTP),is noted worldwide for its special calving migration.This species originated in the early Quaternary and it is interesting to know how the following climatic oscillations affected its demographic dynamics in the climate-sensitive QTP.In this study,we analyzed the mitochondrial D-loop region from 312 individuals sampled in all of the six major populations.We found high rates of gene flow and little genetic differentiation between populations,suggesting that the calving migration may have homogenized the genetic pool of this species.Both mismatch distribution analyses and coalescent simulations suggested that this species experienced a demographic expansion approximately 600-200 Kyt following the retreat of the large glaciers developed in the QTP at 800-600 Kyr,rather than at the end of the last glacial age,as previously suggested based on a limited sample size.In addition,we found evidence of a chiru population decrease probably related to the human settings at the QTP during the middle Holocene.     

Demographic history of the Tibetan antelope Pantholops hodgsoni (chiru)

Abstract The Tibetan antelope (chiru, Pantholops hodgsoni), a heavily poached species and symbol of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP), is noted worldwide for its special calving migration. This species originated in the early Quaternary and it is interesting to know how the following climatic oscillations affected its demographic dynamics in the climate‐sensitive QTP. In this study, we analyzed the mitochondrial D‐loop region from 312 individuals sampled in all of the six major populations. We found high rates of gene flow and little genetic differentiation between populations, suggesting that the calving migration may have homogenized the genetic pool of this species. Both mismatch distribution analyses and coalescent simulations suggested that this species experienced a demographic expansion approximately 600–200 Kyr following the retreat of the large glaciers developed in the QTP at 800–600 Kyr, rather than at the end of the last glacial age, as previously suggested, based on a limited sample size. In addition, we found evidence of a chiru population decrease probably related to the human settings at the QTP during the middle Holocene.