Blackbuck Research Articles

Ecology of Indian wolf Canis lupus pallipes in the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur, Maharashtra, India

The Indian wolf, Canis lupus pallipes is an endangered carnivore of India listed in Schedule-1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. There is not much information available on the species and with this perspective, the present study was initiated in the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in Maharashtra. Direct and indirect evidences were used to assess its population status and distribution, habitat use, feeding ecology, denning behaviour and wolf-human conflict emanating due to livestock depredation. Intensive ecological and behavioural studies were conducted at Nannaj on one pack between 1991 and 1994. The wolf survives all over the Sanctuary, which is densely populated by humans as elsewhere in its distribution range in India where wolf-human conflicts are common arising either due to livestock depredation or child-lifting. Usually, large packs were present in Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra areas whereas smaller packs inhabited areas not supporting healthy populations of Blackbuck. In Blackbuck poor areas, the wolf survived mainly on livestock. The Sanctuary supports 40-58 wolves. The wolves had a seasonal pattern of habitat use related to movement of prey and livestock. Wolves selected those areas as rendezvous sites which had higher prey density, vegetation cover, minimum human disturbance and were located close to water source. On an average wolves consumed 3.68 (S.E.=0.17) kg/wolf/kill and kill periodicity was 3.65 days (S.E.=0.58). Wolves preyed largely on blackbuck during the non-breeding period and livestock during denning period. Predation was higher on male blackbuck than females despite female biased sex ratio. The average litter size of three packs was recorded to be 5 (range 4-6). The dominant male and female wolves guarded the dens more often than the helpers. They used multiple dens for raising pups that were excavated and/or renewed during denning period. Important conservation problems of wolf have also been discussed in the paper.

Ecology of Indian wolf Canis lupus pallipes in the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur, Maharashtra, India

The Indian wolf, Canis lupus pallipes is an endangered carnivore of India listed in Schedule-1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. There is not much information available on the species and with this perspective, the present study was initiated in the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in Maharashtra. Direct and indirect evidences were used to assess its population status and distribution, habitat use, feeding ecology, denning behaviour and wolf-human conflict emanating due to livestock depredation. Intensive ecological and behavioural studies were conducted at Nannaj on one pack between 1991 and 1994. The wolf survives all over the Sanctuary, which is densely populated by humans as elsewhere in its distribution range in India where wolf-human conflicts are common arising either due to livestock depredation or child-lifting. Usually, large packs were present in Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra areas whereas smaller packs inhabited areas not supporting healthy populations of Blackbuck. In Blackbuck poor areas, the wolf survived mainly on livestock. The Sanctuary supports 40-58 wolves. The wolves had a seasonal pattern of habitat use related to movement of prey and livestock. Wolves selected those areas as rendezvous sites which had higher prey density, vegetation cover, minimum human disturbance and were located close to water source. On an average wolves consumed 3.68 (S.E.=0.17) kg/wolf/kill and kill periodicity was 3.65 days (S.E.=0.58). Wolves preyed largely on blackbuck during the non-breeding period and livestock during denning period. Predation was higher on male blackbuck than females despite female biased sex ratio. The average litter size of three packs was recorded to be 5 (range 4-6). The dominant male and female wolves guarded the dens more often than the helpers. They used multiple dens for raising pups that were excavated and/or renewed during denning period. Important conservation problems of wolf have also been discussed in the paper.

The first molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne pathogens in captive wild animals from Lohi Bher zoo, Pakistan.

Tick-borne pathogens are causing severe diseases in livestock, wild animals, and humans. Wild animals play a crucial role in tick-borne pathogens' transmission life cycle by serving as reservoir hosts or intermediate hosts, posing a continuous risk for domestic animals and humans. The presence of tick-borne pathogens is often ignored in wild animals kept in zoos, which is a public health concern. In the present study, we investigated these pathogens in tick-infested captive wild animals at the Lohi Bher zoo, Pakistan. Blood samples were collected from 22 animals, which include urials (4) (Ovis aries vignei), blackbucks (3) (Antilope cervicapra), fallow deer (1) (Dama dama), hog deer (6) (Axis porcinus), chinkaras (4) (Gazella bennettii), white tiger (2) (Panthera tigris tigris), a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), and African lions (2) (Panthera leo). The samples were screened for Piroplasm and Anaplasma spp. by polymerase chain reaction targeting different gene loci. We detected three Theileria spp. and one Anaplasma sp. from the investigated captive wild animals. The Theileria sp. dama gazelle was detected from chinkara, Theileria sp. NG-2012b from chinkara and giraffe and T. parva from African lion, and Anaplasma bovis was identified in a giraffe. Moreover, Theileria sp. and Anaplasma sp. coinfection was detected in one giraffe. Overall, this study shows that Theileria spp. and Anaplasma spp. are circulating in captive wild animals, which can play an important role in their spread. Further studies are required to monitor tick-borne pathogens in zoo animals and their potential to spread from exotic wild captive animals to local wild and domestic.

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium orygis in wild ungulates in Chennai, South India.

We report the isolation of Mycobacterium orygis, a member of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), from two black bucks (Antelope cervicapra) and one spotted deer (Axis axis) from the Guindy National Park forest range in Chennai, India. Lung tissue and lymph node samples collected during post-mortem examination were processed using NaOH method and cultured in solid and liquid media. DNA extracted from the cultured isolates was used to amplify the mpt64 gene by specific primers and the band visualized at 240bps confirmed the isolates as a member of MTBC. Further examination of these isolates by spoligotyping and whole-genome sequencing confirmed the isolates as M. orygis and the phylogenetic tree revealed their well-clustered position with other M. orygis isolates around the globe. The deletion of RD7-RD10, RDOryx_1, RDOryx_4, RD12Oryx, RD301 and RD315 further substantiated these isolates as M. orygis. The exact source of infection in animals was untraceable and the pairwise comparison of the genomes based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms difference did not detect any events of transmission within the affected animals. Nevertheless, it would be wise to take into account the environment where there exists a high chance of transmission due to the increased human-animal interaction. Since it is well known that the pathogen is capable of causing infection in both human and animal hosts, systematic surveillance and screening of spotted deer, black buck as well as humans in the vicinity is essential for successful implementation of the One Health approach.

Plant diversity of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and fodder species grazed by the Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra L.

A rapid but intense survey was conducted using visual landmarks in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary to enumerate the flora and foraging habits of the Blackbuck Antelope cervicapra. The area was divided into various segments such as the sanctuary entrance, Maattu muni kovil, Savukku plot or Casuarina plantation, S-Bend road and the old light house for precise enumeration. A total of 111 plant species that include 50 herbs, 16 climbers/lianas, 30 shrubs and sub-shrubs, and 15 trees belonging to 39 plant families were recorded in this study. Visual observations showed that Blackbucks grazed on grasses such as the Mangrove Grass Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Thwaites, Dog’s Tooth Grass Cynodon barberi Rang. & Tadul., Indian Durva Grass Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Feather Finger Grass Chloris virgata Sw., and a sedge, the pointed fimbristylis Fimbristylis acuminata Vahl during the day time. They were also observed browsing on the leaves and pods of Algaroba Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. in the evenings. Our observation on the presence of feral horses and stray cattle in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary shows that they compete for food and water with the Blackbuck. The spread of invasive alien plant species competes with and reduces the space for native species.

Behavioural biology and ecology of Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) : A Review

Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) belongs to the Bovidae family and subfamily Antilopinae and is distributed in India, Pakistan, Nepal and United Arab Emirates. It can live in wide variety of habitats, including grassland, bush land, scrubland and dry thorn habitats. Sexual dimorphism is very clear. Males have blackish or dark brown coat colours, while females have a yellowish coat colour. Males have a shorter lifespan as compared to females. Generally, blackbuck forage in the daytime but sometimes also forage at night and their foraging activity patterns are influenced by environmental factors and seasonal variations. They use to prefer wide variety of food materials, like leaves, grasses, cereals, vegetables, shrubs and varieties of crops. During the breeding season, males become territorial. Herd size is also affected by the seasons and environmental factors. Exotic species invasion, habitat loss, anthropogenic activity, overgrazing and agricultural expansion, urbanization and industrialization all reduce suitable habitat for blackbuck survival. Illegal hunting, poaching, habitat loss, road killing and lack of genetic variation are also responsible for the dramatic decline in the population of blackbuck. Study of genetic variation, captive breeding and the establishment of a blackbuck rescue centre might be helpful for enhancing the population and survival of blackbucks.

Assessment of Cortisol Levels in Captive Blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra)

Assessment of Cortisol Levels in Captive Blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra)

Aboveground Biomass Stockpile of Trees in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, Peninsular India

A forest tree inventory study was conducted in Vallanadu Black buck sanctuary, Tuticorin. The current study was conducted to assess tree density, species richness, basal area (BA) and aboveground biomass (AGB) stockpile. The study area has been classified as Southern Thorn Forest (SFT). One hundred square plots (total area 1 ha), each 10m × 10m (100 m2 each) laid randomly across study area. All live trees with ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) measured at 137 cm above the ground. As the whole, 1335 individual trees ≥5cm DBH recorded. A total number of 18 species recorded from 14 genera and 11 families in study area. The family Mimosaceae has maximum number of species (7 species) followed by Rhamnaceae (2 species), while 9 families had just single species’ each. The total basal area recorded was 22.046 m2 ha-1, while, the mean wood density (WD) of trees estimated as 0.70±0.093 g cm-3. Total amount of 50.065 Mg ha-1 present in STF. The contribution of different species in terms of total AGB varied significantly. Commiphora berryi stocked 45.13% (22.588 Mg ha-1) of AGB followed by A. planifrons (23.31%, 11.669 Mg ha-1), A. mellifera (7.233%, 3.621 Mg ha-1), whereas remaining 15 species collectively stocked 24.327% (12.187 Mg ha-1) AGB. The STF had a large number of trees compared to some dry forests within Tamil Nadu. Southern Thorn Forest endowed with a moderate number of trees species. Aboveground biomass stockpile of trees is comparable with the range recorded from Indian dry forests. The study area experiences lesser mean annual rainfall and >6 months dry season. Further, endowed with short-bole and smaller leaved trees, hence stocked a relatively lesser AGB in trees.

Seasonal food preferences and group activity pattern of Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra (L., 1758) (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) in a semi-arid region of western Haryana, India

To evaluate food preferences and group activity patterns, a fragmented population of Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra was selected for observation in a semi-arid ecosystem of western Haryana. A field survey was conducted fortnightly, from dawn to dusk, between September 2019 and August 2020, covering every season. Scan sampling and quadrat methods were used to record data on group size and vegetation. Group sizes ranged from 3 to 72 individuals. Based on visual observation, blackbuck seasonally consumed 26 species belonging to 25 families with varied preferences, out of a total of 53 plant species documented from the study site. Some plant species with high medicinal and therapeutic values were preferred, including Artemisia scoparia, Cucumis callous, Ziziphus jujuba, and Ziziphus nummularia. Unlike most herbivores, Blackbuck also consumed the toxic and medicinally rich Calotropis procera. We suggest that zoos which house blackbuck include these preferred wild plant species in their diet. Observations on group activity were analyzed on hourly, monthly and seasonal bases, and converted into time percentages. Group foraging activity was at a maximum in the monsoon (62%) and minimum in winter (50%), followed by resting: maximum in winter (21%) and minimum (12%) in monsoon, largely influenced by food availability. Foraging/walking ratio was at a maximum (5.2) in monsoon and minimum (3.1) in winter, and was correlated with the number of group sightings (maximum in winter and minimum in monsoon) in nearby farmland, when the animals faced food scarcity in their natural habitat and fed on crops.

Effect of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase supplementation on cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen.

The present experiment was carried out with the objectives to study the effects of antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GSH) on cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen. Semen ejaculates (n = 60) were collected from eight bucks by artificial vagina method and diluted with Tris citrate egg yolk glycerol extender. To study the effect of antioxidants, SOD was added @ 0, 100, and 150IU/ml; CAT was added @ 0, 200, and 400IU/ml while GSH was added @ 0, 1, and 2mM of diluted semen. Semen samples were equilibrated and vapor frozen in liquid nitrogen. Semen samples were evaluated after 48h of storage for post thaw in vitro characters such as motility, viability, functional membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity. Semen extenders supplemented with SOD @ 100 and 150IU/ml and GSH @ 1 and 2mM had a higher (p < 0.01) number of motile cells, viable cells, HOST reacted cells, and acrosome intact cells than their respective controls. Further, semen extenders added with catalase @ 200 and 400IU/ml had more (p < 0.05) number of viable, HOST reacted cells and significantly higher (p < 0.01) acrosome intact sperm cells than its control group. It can be concluded that supplementation of antioxidants SOD, GSH, and CAT had a beneficial effect on cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen.

Assessment of Crop Damage By Blackbuck around Blackbuck Conservation Centre, Palasallu, Aligarh, U.P., India

A need for living provoked conflict between humans and blackbuck ( Antilope cervicapra ), in and around Blackbuck conservation centre, Palasallu, Gabhana, Aligarh district which arises due to human encroachment of grassland area for agriculture land. Anthropogenic pressure and change in the land use pattern has restricted the habitat of blackbuck into the small Prosopis juliflora, and Prosopis cineraria, in and around ( Antilope cervicapra ) Blackbuck conservation centre, Palasallu, Gabhana, Aligarh district UP forest, with not much food within but treat of crops all around, thus being the cause of heavy damage to the crops. Examining patterns of conflict and associated tolerance is important to devise policies to reduce conflict impacts on people and wildlife. The survey was done from 120 households from 13 villages within 3 km of Blackbuck conservation Centre which was divided into conflict (8 villages) and non-conflict zone (5 villages). The damage decreased with an increase in distance from the Conservation centre. Blackbuck raided the seedling stage of Wheat ( Triticum aestivum ), Arhar ( Cajanus cajan ), and Mustard ( Brassica nigra ), the most. Guarding was the most effective way for them almost adopted by 34.8% of farmers in the conflict zone. Due to conflict people in the conflict zone are less into farming (32.3%) now, even though 90% of the people are in favour of Blackbuck conservation centre and are proud of it and only ask for better management and policies from the government to mitigate the conflict.

Ecological Studies on the Population Composition, Group Size and Diurnal Activity Pattern of Blackbuck, &lt;i&gt;Antilope cervicapra&lt;/i&gt; (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) in Western Haryana, India

Population composition, group size and diurnal activity patterns of Blackbuck, Antilope cervicapra were monitored in significant population at Lalpur Jheel, Dobhi Village of district Hisar (Haryana) and the relevant data was collected following scan sampling method, during March, 2017 to February, 2019. Population structure data revealed that the population was dominated by adult female. In comparison to adult individuals, greater number of sub-adults and young were recorded. The overall mean group size ± S.E. recorded from March, 2017 to February, 2019 was 13.19±1.29 in 130 sightings, comprising of 1716 individuals sighting. Diurnal activity data reflected that standing was the highest annual mean per cent activity recorded during both the study years. Variation in the highest mean per cent activity between same seasons of first (March, 2017 to February, 2018) and second year (March, 2018 to February, 2019) were noticed. Habitat fragmentation caused by construction of road, disturbance caused by plying of vehicles, increased grazing pressure caused by construction of gaushala were the major factors responsible for changes in the diurnal activity pattern between first and second year.

Effect of L-cysteine Supplementation on Cryopreservation of Black Bengal Buck Semen

Background: Black Bengal goat is one among the valuable goat breeds of India. Semen preservation and artificial insemination are practical technologies for conservation and improving livestock germplasm. Various biochemical changes that occur during cryopreservation of semen, results in loss of sperm cell structure and their functions. Inclusion of antioxidants to the semen extender has been reported to have positive effects on sperm recovery in various livestock species. The present experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of antioxidant L-cysteine on post freeze thaw sperm characters, lipid peroxide level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity during cryo­preservation of Black Bengal buck semen. Methods: Twenty numbers of semen ejaculates were collected from Black Bengal bucks, antioxidant L cysteine was added to the semen extender @ 0, 1 and 2 mM in control group (CC), treatment group 1 (CT1) and treatment group 2 (CT2), respectively. Semen samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen and measured post freeze-thaw in vitro sperm characters, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and SOD activity. Result: Though there was no significant improvement in post thaw sperm motility, functional membrane integrity and viability count, supplementation of L-cysteine significantly improved the percentage of sperm cells with intact acrosome and significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced the level of malondialdehyde. Post thaw SOD activity was found significantly lower in the antioxidant treated groups than the control. It is concluded that supplementation of L cysteine is effective in controlling lipid peroxidation and conserving in vitro sperm characters during freezing of Black Bengal buck semen.

Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) estimates in human-dominated landscape in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India

Information on the status of the Indian Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra is mostly available from protected areas (PA), although 80% of its population occurs outside PAs. We conducted surveys to assess the status, age structure, sex ratio, and conservation issues of Blackbuck in and around Aligarh between February and June 2014. A median of 672 individuals at 18 separate locations were recorded with a group size ranging 4–216 except for solitary individuals. The abundance of Blackbuck was maximum in Sikandra Rao (range: 154–216) followed by Andla (range: 47–65), and Pala-Sallu (range: 53–62). Sex ratio was skewed towards females (1:4.5) with yearling to female and fawn to female ratio of 7.8:100 and 6.7:100, respectively. The percentage of adult males of Blackbuck (12.8% adult males, 8.4% sub-adult males) as well as adult females (56.4% adult females, 11.9% sub-adult females) was higher than other age classes or groups in the population. The preliminary observations indicate that the increasing population of free-ranging feral dogs, degradation of forest patches, social forestry plantations, competition with livestock, and poaching pressure are the major conservation issues of Blackbuck in the area. The current information is expected to serve as baseline in assessing the population of Blackbuck in the future.

The reproductive phenology of blackbuck: influence of seasonal nutritional resources and flexible lactation as an adaptive strategy

AbstractSeasonality poses significant nutritional constraints for ungulates. Consequently, most ungulates time their energy‐demanding events like calving and lactation to the availability of abundant and high‐quality nutritional resources. We investigated the reproductive phenology of blackbuck, Antilope cervicapra, in relation to resource seasonality, in a semi‐arid grassland in western India. We examined whether the body condition of females, forage abundance and forage quality influenced the timing of blackbuck reproduction. We also used a conceptual model to explore whether blackbuck use behavioural adaptations in maternal care as an adaptive strategy to buffer the high nutritional demands of lactation. Blackbuck showed biannual calving, which occurred before (pre‐monsoon) and after the rains (post‐monsoon). We found statistically significant relationships, albeit small effect sizes, of body condition, forage abundance (biomass) and moisture content of grasses on the proportion of lactating females. The biannual reproductive phenology seems more complex than a simple relationship of reproduction with body condition and optimal nutrition supply. In the conceptual model based on our data, we propose that blackbuck females shortened their lactation time and weaned their calves sooner during the pre‐monsoon calving to coincide with a period of optimal food quality, thus, ensuring sufficient nutrition for both weanlings and allowing the females to regain body reserves, whereas, resource availability during the post‐monsoon calving likely allowed females to invest in longer lactation, weaning the calves later, as compared to the pre‐monsoon calving season. Thereby, blackbuck may be maintaining biannual calving and thus increase their lifetime reproductive output.

Measures of Sociality, Social Organization and Population Structure in Blackbuck, Antilope cervicapra (Linnaeus, 1758)

Measures of Sociality, Social Organization and Population Structure in Blackbuck, Antilope cervicapra (Linnaeus, 1758)

EFFECT OF REARING TYPE ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF LOCAL GOATS IN THE SULAYMANIYAH REGION

This study was conducted in two different areas in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate / Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in spring 2021. Thirty-six adult local goats (18 does + 18 bucks) and different colors of goats (black, brown and white), aged 1.5-2 years by using two types of rearing, OG: Open grazing (for this system Qaiwan area was used, Mountainous logic), the animal in the group open grazing deepening on natural grazing for all days. IS: Intensive system (for this system Arbat area was used, not a mountain logic), the animal in the group intensive system depending on traditional feeding regime. The purpose of this study was to see how different husbandries affected some blood and hormone parameters. Moreover, blackbuck goat’s, (WBCs), L%, MCHC, and MCV were significant differences (p<0.05) for OG, and MO%, N%, N/L, Hb and HCT for IS, brown goat’s, L% and MO% for OG, and (WBCs), N/L and MCHC for IS, white goat’s, (WBCs), L%, Hb and HCT for IS and MCHC for OG. Black doe goat’s, N%, E%, B%, N/L, RBC, Hb, and MCV were significant differences (p<0.05) for OG, and (WBCs), L%, MO%, MCHC and MCH for IS, brown goat’s, N%, E%, N/L and MCV for OG, and L%, RBC, MCHC and MCH for IS, white goat’s, (WBCs), L%, N%, Hb and MCHC for OG and N/L and RBC for IS, whereas other parameters were not significant. Cholesterol level in both sexes of (black and white) and brown doe goats were significant differences (p<0.05) for IS, brown buck goats was not significant. The total protein level in both sexes of black goats and brown doe goats were significantly different (p<0.05) for IS, while brown buck and white doe for OG. Glucose concentration was significantly different (p<0.05) in both sexes of three-color in OG, except brown doe, was for IS. Cortisol levels, in both sexes, were significant differences (p<0.05), (black and white buck) and (brown and white doe) goats for IS, whereas brown buck and white doe for OG. Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) levels in buck goats were not significant, while white and brown doe were significant differences (p<0.05) for OG, black doe for IS.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminthic Infections in Black Bucks (Antilope cervicapra) of Tal Chhapar Sanctuary of Rajasthan

Background: Blackbuck is the most elegant member of the antelope family has long been associated with Indian culture. Wildlife parasitic diseases represent an important field of investigation as they may have a significant impact on wild animal health and are responsible for one-third of total losses due to all animal diseases. Adequate information on epidemiology of helminthic infections is a crucial requirement for the sustainable control of GIH in black bucks in near future.Methods: A total of 632 faecal samples were collected from Tal-Chhapar Sanctuary of Rajasthan during summer, rainy and winter season from November 2018 to September 2019 and examined qualitatively by faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques for helminth eggs and quantitatively by modified McMaster egg counting technique.Result: Coprological examination of samples revealed an overall prevalence of 72.46% for gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) with a mixed infection of 38.92%. Among different helminths recorded with their respective prevalences (%) were, Strongyle (56.80%), Strongyloides sp. (40.98%), Trichuris sp. (8.22%), Marshallagia sp. (6.64%) and Ascaris sp. (5.22%). Quantitative analysis revealed egg per gram of faeces ranging from 200-1200 and 200-900 with an average of 561.11 ± 67.74 and 469.23 ± 62.50 for strongyle and Strongyloides sp., respectively. Statistical analysis using multivariate binary logistic regression model revealed highly significant difference (P less than 0.01) in the prevalence of GIH infection among different seasons. The coproculture study revealed Bunostomum sp. (42%) as the major contributor of strongyle nematode population, followed by Haemonchus sp. (31%), Trichostrongylus sp. (26%) and Strongyloides sp. (1%).

Paucimyces polynucleatus gen. nov, sp. nov., a novel polycentric genus of anaerobic gut fungi from the faeces of a wild blackbuck antelope.

The anaerobic gut fungi (AGF; phylum Neocallimastigomycota) reside in the alimentary tracts of herbivores. Multiple novel, yet-uncultured AGF taxa have recently been identified in culture-independent diversity surveys. Here, we report on the isolation and characterization of the first representative of the RH5 lineage from faecal samples of a wild blackbuck (Indian Antelope, Antilope cervicapra) from Sutton County, Texas, USA. The isolates displayed medium sized (2-4 mm) compact circular colonies on agar roll tubes and thin loose biofilm-like growth in liquid medium. Microscopic examination revealed monoflagellated zoospores and polycentric thalli with highly branched nucleated filamentous rhizomycelium, a growth pattern encountered in a minority of described AGF genera so far. The obtained isolates are characterized by formation of spherical vesicles at the hyphal tips from which multiple sporangia formed either directly on the spherical vesicles or at the end of sporangiophores. Phylogenetic analysis using the D1/D2 regions of the large ribosomal subunit (D1/D2 LSU) and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) revealed sequence similarities of 93.5 and 81.3%, respectively, to the closest cultured relatives (Orpinomyces joyonii strain D3A (D1/D2 LSU) and Joblinomyces apicalis strain GFH681 (ITS1). Substrate utilization experiments using the type strain (BB-3T) demonstrated growth capabilities on a wide range of mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides, including glucose, xylose, mannose, fructose, cellobiose, sucrose, maltose, trehalose, lactose, cellulose, xylan, starch and raffinose. We propose accommodating these novel isolates in a new genus and species, for which the name Paucimyces polynucleatus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed.

Isolation, Description and Genome Analysis of a Putative Novel Methylobacter Species (‘Ca. Methylobacter coli’) Isolated from the Faeces of a Blackbuck (Indian Antelope)

Enteric fermentation of methane by ruminant animals represents a major source of anthropogenic methane. Significantly less information is available on the existence of methanotrophs in the gut of ruminants. Therefore, detailed strain descriptions of methanotrophs isolated from ruminant faeces or gut are rare. We present a first report on the enrichment and isolation of a methanotroph, strain BlB1, from the faeces of an Indian antelope (blackbuck). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain BlB1 showed the highest identity (98.40% identity) to Methylobacter marinus A45T and Methylobacter luteus NCIMB 11914T. Strain BlB1 showed coccoidal cells (1.5–2 µm in diameter), which formed chains or aggregates of 3–4 cells of light yellow-coloured colonies on agarose when incubated with methane in the gas phase. The draft genome of BlB1 (JADMKV01) is 4.87 Mbp in size, with a G + C content of 51.3%. The draft genome showed 27.4% digital DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) and 83.07% average nucleotide identity (ANIb) values with that of its closest phylogenetic neighbour, Methylobacter marinus A45T. Due to the lower values of DDH and ANIb with the nearest species, and &lt;98.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity, we propose that strain BlB1 belongs to a novel species of Methylobacter. However, as the culture has to be maintained live and resisted cryopreservation, deposition in culture collections was not possible and hence we propose a Candidatus species name, ‘Ca. Methylobacter coli’ BlB1. ‘Ca. Methylobacter coli’ BlB1 would be the first described methanotroph from ruminants worldwide, with a sequenced draft genome. This strain could be used as a model for studies concerning methane mitigation from ruminants.