New lipid-dependent Malassezia species from parrots

BackgroundAll the currently recognized Malassezia species have been isolated from mammals. However, only a few of them have been isolated from birds. In fact, birds have been less frequently studied as carriers of Malassezia yeasts than mammals.AimIn this study we describe two new taxa, Malassezia brasiliensis sp. nov. and Malassezia psittaci sp. nov.MethodsThe isolates studied in this publication were isolated from pet parrots from Brazil. They were characterized using the current morphological and physiological identification scheme. DNA sequencing and analysis of the D1/D2 regions of the 26S rRNA gene, the ITS-5.8S rRNA gene sequences and the β-tubulin gene were also performed.ResultsThe strains proposed as new species did not completely fit the phenotypic profiles of any the described species. The validation of these new species was supported by analysis of the genes studied. The multilocus sequence analysis of the three loci provides robust support to delineate these species.ConclusionsThese studies confirm the separation of these two new species from the other species of the genus Malassezia, as well as the presence of lipid-dependent Malassezia yeasts on parrots.     

Two new species of the genus Pliciloricus (Loricifera, Pliciloricidae) from the Faroe Bank, North Atlantic

Five cruises to the Faroe Bank in the northeast Atlantic revealed a rich loriciferan fauna inhabiting shell gravel to fine carbonate sand. This paper describes two new species of Pliciloricus found at depths of 120-260 m. Currently, only six species of this genus have been described from various localities around the world, but several new species are currently being described. The diagnosis of the genus Pliciloricus is emended to include the two new taxa. The first of the two new species Pliciloricus leocaudatus sp. n. is characterized by having four new kinds of scalids in the second row and an additional row of alternating plates in the eighth row. The second species Pliciloricus shukeri sp. n. is characterized in having a secondary double organ in the third row. The morphology of the two species, including the new structures, has been investigated using LM and scanning electron microscopy. Conclusively, the scalid pattern of the introvert of Pliciloricus has been re-evaluated, due to the finding of the new structures. Additionally, a discussion of the life cycle of the genus Pliciloricus is given, since the postlarval stage is reduced in both new species.     

The parrots (Aves: Psittaciformes) from the Middle Miocene of Sansan (Gers,Southern France)

The occurrence of Archaeopsittacus sp. (Psittaciformes) in the fossil deposits of Sansan (France) is reported, testifying to a survival of this genus in the Middle Miocene, as Archaeopsittacus verreauxi was described from the Early Miocene of Saint-Gérand-le-Puy (France) and was recorded only from its type locality. The data discussed here indicate the presence of two parrot species from Sansan, as it is the type locality of another parrot species, Pararallus dispar, only known from this locality. The differences between the humeri of these two taxa are described in detail, together with the differences from the other European fossil parrot species. The presence of more than one species of parrot in the same locality is not rare, but in Europe it is recorded in Sansan for the second time. Evidence for parrots also confirms the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Sansan, as parrots are primarily arboreal species. Archaeopsittacus also represents one of the few common elements between the Early and Middle Miocene European bird assemblages.     

Two new parrot species (Psittaciformes) from the early Pliocene of Langebaanweg,South Africa,and their palaeoecological implications

Two new parrot species (Psittaciformes) are described from the early Pliocene Varswater Formation at Langebaanweg, South Africa, an area where no parrots currently are found. A coracoid, humeri, ulnae, carpometacarpi, tibiotarsi and tarsometatarsi of at least four individuals are assigned to a new species of lovebird Agapornis. Additional tarsometatarsi of at least five individuals including a nestling are referred to a new genus and species of Psittacinae, a taxon endemic to Africa comprising the extant genera Poicephalus and Psittacus. Both species form the as yet earliest geological record of parrots in Africa and document the early diversification of the taxa Agapornis and Psittacinae. Evidence for parrots in general, and a putative graminivorous species of lovebird in particular, indicates that woodlands as well as grasslands were present at Langebaanweg during the early Pliocene, which is consistent with current hypotheses on the palaeoenvironment at and around this site.     

A new species of Alopoglossus lizard (Squamata,Gymnophthalmidae) from the tropical Andes,with a molecular phylogeny of the genus

We describe a new species of Alopoglossus from the Pacific slopes of the Andes in northern Ecuador based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species differs most significantly from all other congeners in having a double longitudinal row of widened gular scales, lanceolate dorsal scales in transverse rows, 29–32 dorsal scales in a transverse row at midbody, and 4 longitudinal rows of ventrals at midbody. It is most similar in morphology to A. festae, the only species of Alopoglossus currently recognized in western Ecuador. We analyze the phylogenetic relationships among species of Alopoglossus based on the mitochondrial gene ND4. Cis-Andean [east of the Andes] and Trans-Andean [west of the Andes] species are nested in two separate clades, suggesting that the uplift of these mountains had an important effect in the diversification of Alopoglossus. In addition, we present an updated key to the species of Alopoglossus.     

Morphology,ontogenesis and molecular phylogeny of a new saline soil ciliate,Uroleptoides salina nov. spec. (Ciliophora,Hypotrichia)

The morphology, morphogenesis and molecular phylogeny of a new saline soil hypotrich ciliate, Uroleptoides salina nov. spec., discovered from China, was investigated. The new species is characterized as follows: body 150–215 × 40–50 μm in vivo, slender and highly flexible; usually four ellipsoidal macronuclear nodules; contractile vacuole absent; cortical granules absent; endosymbiotic algae present; amphisiellid median cirral row consists of 14–25 cirri and terminates about 47% down length of body; usually three buccal cirri and 3–13 cirri left of anterior portion of amphisiellid median cirral row; 3–5 transverse cirri. Morphogenesis during binary fission is characterized by: (1) the parental adoral zone of membranelles is retained completely, parental paroral contributes to the formation of the undulating membranes anlage for the proter; (2) the oral primordium of the opisthe is formed apokinetally; and (3) the amphisiellid median cirral row is formed from two anlagen. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data show that Uroleptoides salina nov. spec. has a close relationship with its morphologically similar species, U. longiseries, U. magnigranulosus, Orthamphisiella breviseries, and Parabistichella variabilis.     

9TH ANNUAL CENERAL MEETINC OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN ORNITHOLOCICAL SOCIETY,HELD IN THE ZOOLOCICAL CARDENS,JOHANNESBURG, AT 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY, 25TH MARCH, 1939

The genus Poicephalus is one of four genera of parrots found on the African continent. However, little is known about this group of parrots as few studies have been undertaken in the wild and they remain one of the least studied groups of parrots. Decisions on their conservation status and determining appropriate trade quotas are often based on very limited information. Observing and collecting ecological and behavioural data on parrots in their natural habitat is difficult and accordingly the data from wild populations are limited. Genetic markers provide a potential method to obtain data on a species’ ecology, e.g. effective population size and reproductive behaviour, which can assist conservation management. However, developing or screening genetic markers for such investigations can be costly and time consuming and is not guaranteed; these constraints may deter researchers from considering or including them in proposals. This study has characterised 17 microsatellite loci across most species of the African Poicephalus parrots in order to encourage researchers to collect samples and/or to develop genetic studies for Poicephalus parrots. Additional knowledge from wild populations will benefit these little-known parrots.     

Nest site selection and efficacy of artificial nests for breeding success of Scarlet Macaws Ara macao macao in lowland Peru

Psittacidae (parrots) have the most threatened species of any bird family in the world. Most parrots are obligate secondary cavity nesters, and can be limited in their breeding success by the availability and quality of nest hollows. However, nesting opportunities for parrots can be increased by provision of artificial nest boxes. The Tambopata Macaw Project has been studying the breeding ecology and natural history of the Scarlet Macaw Ara macao macao in the south-eastern Peruvian Amazon for over 20 years by monitoring natural nest hollows and two types of artificial nest (wooden and PVC). We present data for breeding success in natural and artificial nests over 12 consecutive breeding seasons. The aims of this study were to: (a) determine the nesting requirements and reproductive success of breeding macaws; and, (b) compare the efficacy of the two types of artificial nests and natural nest cavities. Our data showed a high rate of reoccupation of successful nests in consecutive years and that nests in artificial and natural nests had very similar reproductive parameters. Our results indicate that artificial nest types can be used by conservation managers seeking to assist A. macao populations where nest hollows are in short supply, and that artificial nests can contribute important data to natural history studies of species where access to natural nests is limited.     

The evolutionary diversification of parrots supports a taxon pulse model with multiple trans-oceanic dispersal events and local radiations

Vicariance is thought to have played a major role in the evolution of modern parrots. However, as the relationships especially of the African taxa remained mostly unresolved, it has been difficult to draw firm conclusions about the roles of dispersal and vicariance. Our analyses using the broadest taxon sampling of old world parrots ever based on 3219 bp of three nuclear genes revealed well-resolved and congruent phylogenetic hypotheses. Agapornis of Africa and Madagascar was found to be the sister group to Loriculus of Australasia and Indo-Malayasia and together they clustered with the Australasian Loriinae, Cyclopsittacini and Melopsittacus. Poicephalus and Psittacus from mainland Africa formed the sister group of the Neotropical Arini and Coracopsis from Madagascar and adjacent islands may be the closest relative of Psittrichas from New Guinea. These biogeographic relationships are best explained by independent colonization of the African continent via trans-oceanic dispersal from Australasia and Antarctica in the Paleogene following what may have been vicariance events in the late Cretaceous and/or early Paleogene. Our data support a taxon pulse model for the diversification of parrots whereby trans-oceanic dispersal played a more important role than previously thought and was the prerequisite for range expansion into new continents.     

Molecular characterization and distribution of Haemoproteus minutus (Haemosporida,Haemoproteidae): A pathogenic avian parasite

Recently, the lineage hTURDUS2 of Haemoproteus minutus (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) was reported to cause mortality in captive parrots. This parasite lineage is widespread and prevalent in the blackbird Turdus merula throughout its entire distribution range. Species identity of other closely related lineages recently reported in dead parrots remains unclear, but will be important to determine for a better understanding of the epidemiology of haemoproteosis. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based and microscopic methods, we analyzed 265 blood samples collected from 52 species of wild birds in Eurasia (23 samples from Kamchatka Peninsula, 73 from Sakhalin Island, 150 from Ekaterinburg and 19 from Irkutsk regions of Russia). Single infections of the lineages hTURDUS2 (hosts are redwing Turdus iliacus and fieldfare Turdus pilaris), hTUPHI1 (song thrush Turdus philomelos) and hTUCHR01 (fieldfare, redwing, song thrush and brown-headed thrush Turdus chysolaus) were detected. We identified species of these haemoproteids based on morphology of their blood stages and conclude that these lineages belong to H. minutus, a widespread parasite of different species of thrushes (genus Turdus), which serve as reservoir hosts of this haemoproteid infection. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the lineages hTURDUS2, hTUCHR01 and hTUPHI1 of H. minutus are closely related to Haemoproteus pallidus (lineages hPFC1 and hCOLL2), Haemoproteus pallidulus (hSYAT03), and Haemoproteus sp. (hMEUND3); genetic distance among their mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) lineages is small (< 1% or < 4 nucleotides). All these blood parasites are different in many morphological characters, but are similar due to one feature, which is the pale staining of their macrogametocytes' cytoplasm with Giemsa. Because of the recent publications about mortality caused by the lineages hTUPHI1 and hTURDUS2 of H. minutus in captive parrots in Europe, H. minutus and the closely related H. pallidus and H. pallidulus are worth more attention as these are possible agents of haemoproteosis in exotic birds. The present study provides barcodes for molecular detection of different lineages of H. minutus, and extends information about the distribution of this blood parasite.     

Lorilichus,a new genus of feather mites (Acarina,Pterolichidae) from lories and lorikeets (Aves,Psittacidae)

Lorilichus n. g. (Pterolichidae, Pterolichinae) is restricted to the Indo-Australian parrots of the family Loriidae. Assigned to this new genus are Pterolichus (Pseudalloptes) species described by Trouessart in 1884, namely, lobiger (type-species), delibativentris, discifer, cultriventris, emargiventris and securiventris. The first three named species are illustrated and two new species, parvifolius and grandifolius, are described: the five species are from Lorius domicellus (L.).     

Energetics of New Zealand's temperate parrots

Abstract

As in most parrots (Order: Psittaciformes) studied, New Zealand species have, independent of body mass, high basal rates of metabolism, low thermal conductances, and precisely regulated body temperatures. An analysis of covariance showed that basal rate in parrots correlates with body mass and thermal climate; temperate species have basal rates that are 21% higher than those of tropical species; and New Zealand's parrot have basal rates 32% higher than expected from body mass. Present information suggests that basal rate in parrots appears to be correlated neither with water availability in the environment nor with food habits. High basal rates in parrots are associated with large pectoral muscle masses. The very small pectoral muscle masses of the kakapo, Strigops habroptilus, predict that this flightless parrot has a low basal rate.     

A cryptic and critically endangered species revealed by mitochondrial DNA analyses: the Western Ground Parrot

We examined cytochrome b sequence data to resolve the intraspecific taxonomy of ground parrots Pezoporus wallicus. The species occurs in fragmented coastal heaths in south-eastern and south-western Australia. Net nucleotide divergences among all eastern populations were very low (0.0–0.6%) and genetic diversity unstructured, suggesting relatively recent common ancestry. Gene flow among them was probably maintained via land bridges and the persistence of suitable habitat during the Pleistocene. In contrast, net nucleotide divergence was high (4.4–5.1%) between western and eastern populations, suggesting more ancient divergence about 2 million years ago. The magnitude of divergence between eastern and western lineages is similar to a wide range of avian congeners. Our data support the need to reconsider the intraspecific taxonomy of ground parrots, and we cautiously suggest the recognition of Western Ground Parrots as a species, P. flaviventris, for conservation prioritization, planning and management purposes. Given their recent precipitous decline to approximately 110 individuals, most of which occur at one location, this makes Western Ground Parrots one of the world’s most threatened bird species.     

Micro‐evolutionary diversification among Indian Ocean parrots: temporal and spatial changes in phylogenetic diversity as a consequence of extinction and invasion

Almost 90% of global bird extinctions have occurred on islands. The loss of endemic species from island systems can dramatically alter evolutionary trajectories of insular species biodiversity, resulting in a loss of evolutionary diversity important for species adaptation to changing environments. The Western Indian Ocean islands have been the scene of evolution for a large number of endemic parrots. Since their discovery in the 16th century, many of these parrots have become extinct or have declined in numbers. Alongside the extinction of species, a number of the Indian Ocean islands have experienced colonization by highly invasive parrots, such as the Ring‐necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri. Such extinctions and invasions can, on an evolutionary timescale, drive changes in species composition, genetic diversity and turnover in phylogenetic diversity, all of which can have important impacts on species potential for adaptation to changing environmental and climatic conditions. Using mtDNA cytochrome b data, we resolve the taxonomic placement of three extinct Indian Ocean parrots: the Rodrigues Psittacula exsul, Seychelles Psittacula wardi and Reunion Parakeets Psittacula eques. This case study quantifies how the extinction of these species has resulted in lost historical endemic phylogenetic diversity and reduced levels of species richness, and illustrates how it is being replaced by non‐endemic invasive forms such as the Ring‐necked Parakeet. Finally, we use our phylogenetic framework to identify and recommend a number of phylogenetically appropriate ecological replacements for the extinct parrots. Such replacements may be introduced once invasive forms have been cleared, to rejuvenate ecosystem function and restore lost phylogenetic diversity.     

Morphology and ontogenesis of two new Hemiholosticha species (Ciliophora,Hypotrichia, Hemiholostichidae nov. fam.)

The morphology and ontogenesis of two new hypotrich ciliates, Hemiholosticha solitaria and Hemiholosticha germanica, were studied using live observation, protargol impregnation, and scanning electron microscopy. Both species share a medium-sized, almost globular body with a short anterior projection; two macronuclear nodules with a single micronucleus in between; a central contractile vacuole; three or four ventral, one postoral, one right and one left marginal cirral row; and three dorsal kineties extending along ribs. However, H. germanica is distinguished from congeners by a higher number of cirri in ventral rows R1 and R2 (3–6 vs. 2 cirri in each row). Hemiholosticha solitaria differs from congeners by having four (vs. three) ventral cirral rows and by the lack (vs. presence) of intracellular green algae. The ontogenesis of H. solitaria follows the H. pantanalensis mode in that (i) the oral primordium develops in a deep pouch and generates the first two cirral streaks in addition to adoral membranelles and undulating membranes, (ii) the undulating membrane anlage does not produce any cirri, and (iii) the longitudinal ventral cirral row R3 originates from two anlagen. The ontogenetic peculiarities along with the 18S rRNA gene phylogenies suggest classification of Hemiholosticha, Psilotrichides, and Urospinula into a new family, Hemiholostichidae.     

A novel form of spontaneous tool use displayed by several captive greater vasa parrots (Coracopsis vasa)

Parrots are frequently cited for their sophisticated problem-solving abilities, but cases of habitual tool use among psittacines are scarce. We report the first evidence, to our knowledge, of tool use by greater vasa parrots (Coracopsis vasa). Several members of a captive population spontaneously adopted a novel tool-using technique by using pebbles and date pits either (i) to scrape on the inner surface of seashells, subsequently licking the resulting calcium powder from the tool, or (ii) as a wedge to break off smaller pieces of the shell for ingestion. Tool use occurred most frequently just prior to the breeding season, during which time numerous instances of tool transfer were also documented. These observations provide new insights into the tool-using capabilities of parrots and highlight the greater vasa parrot as a species of interest for studies of physical cognition.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Argyripnus boreopacificus</Emphasis> sp. nova,a new species of hatchetfishes (Sternoptychidae) from the subtropical Northwestern Pacific

A new species of the genus Argyripnus is described from the underwater elevations of the Northwestern Pacific. The species is most similar to A. hulleyi from the western Indian Ocean, but it differs in a larger number of rays of the dorsal and pectoral fins, a slightly larger number of photophores in the ventral row, and several other characters. The type series of the species is the most northern record of the representatives of the genus in the Pacific Ocean.     

Characterization of 12 microsatellite primer pairs for the African grey parrot,Psittacus erithacus and their conservation across the Psittaciformes

This study describes 12 microsatellite loci identified in the African grey parrot Psittacus erithacus. Eleven were polymorphic, with observed heterozygosities 42–94% (average 68) and exclusion powers of P_E1 = 0.996 and P_E2 = 0.999. Microsatellites have previously been developed for a number of other parrots but showed limited cross‐species polymorphism. Here high levels of cross‐species amplification were observed: 71% of 32 Psittacines (22 genera). At least seven loci, 58%, were polymorphic in other African parrots as well as Neotropical and Australasian parrots, which diverged from the African parrots c30.6 and over 41.4 million years ago, respectively.     

New species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tryssogobius</Emphasis> (Gobiidae) from the tropical the Western Pacific with a complete set of pores of the seismosensory system on the head

A new species, Tryssogobius fisunovi sp. n., is described from the depth of 73 m in the region of the Anambas Islands (Indonesia), South China Sea. Based on the presence of the preopercular and orbito-scapular canals, the species is similar to T. porosus, but it differs from the latter species in coloration, location of the mental row of genipores f, separated pelvic fins, and other characters. The problems of the systematics of the genera Tryssogobius and Obliquogobius are discussed.