Black Fur Research Articles

Genetic Diversity and Selection Signatures of Lvliang Black Goat Using Genome-Wide SNP Data.

Lvliang black goat (LBG) is an excellent local breed resource in China that is known for its black fur, excellent meat quality, and strong adaptability. Studying the genetic mechanism and germplasm characteristics of LBG can provide theoretical and practical basis for the protection of the genetic resources of this breed and help implement conservation and breeding. In this study, the genetic diversity of the LBG population was evaluated using whole-genome SNP data. It was found that the LBG population had a high genetic diversity and a low degree of inbreeding. According to the clustering results of male goats and the relationship between individuals, the LBG population was divided into 13 families. Then, through population structure analysis, it was found that LBG had a close genetic relationship with the Nanjiang goat and Qinggoda goat populations, and they may have the same ancestors. The LBG population has retained some ancient genetic characteristics and is a special population that integrates local genetic characteristics and foreign gene flow. Through four selection signal analyses, we detected multiple candidate genes related to economic traits (CFL2, SCD, NLRP14, etc.) and adaptability (C4BPA, FUT8, PRNP, etc.) in the LBG population. In addition, in a comparative analysis with three commercial breeds (Saanen goat, Boer goat and Angora goat) we also found multiple genes related to physical characteristics (ERG, NRG3, EDN3, etc.). Finally, we performed functional enrichment analysis on these genes and explored their genetic mechanisms. This study provides important data support for the protection and breeding of LBG and provides a new perspective for enriching the genetic diversity of goat populations.

Coat colour in marsupials: genetic variants at the ASIP locus determine grey and black fur of the brushtail possum.

The possession of fur or hair is a defining characteristic of mammals and can occur in a variety of colours and patterns. While genetic determinants of coat colour are well described in eutherian 'placental' mammals, the other major mammalian infraclass, marsupials, is grossly understudied. The fur of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), an iconic native mammal found throughout Australia and introduced into Aotearoa New Zealand, possesses two main colour morphs: grey and black. To identify genetic variants associated with coat colour, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with genotype by sequencing (GBS) data. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) on chromosome 3, close to the agouti signalling protein (ASIP) gene that controls the temporal and spatial distribution of pigments in eutherian mammals, were identified. Fine-mapping identified a C>T variant at chr3:100483705 that results in a ASIP:p.Arg115Cys missense substitution, and animals homozygous for this variant have black fur. In addition to uncovering the first genetic determinant of coat colour in a natural marsupial population, comparative analysis of ASIP in divergent marsupial species identified the dasyurids as having accelerated evolution, reflecting their well described diversity of coat colour and pattern.

Genomic structure analysis and construction of DNA fingerprint for four sheep populations

The Yongdeng Qishan sheep (QS) is a sheep population found locally in China. To gain in-depth knowledge of its population characteristics, three control groups were chosen, comprising the Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep (LFT), TAN sheep (TAN), and Minxian black fur sheep (MBF), inhabiting the nearby environments. This study genotyped a total of 120 individuals from four sheep populations: QS, LFT, TAN, and MBF. Using Specific-Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing, we conducted genetic diversity, population structure, and selective sweep analysis, and constructed the fingerprint of each population. In total, there were 782 535 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations identified, with most being situated within regions that are intergenic or intronic. The genetic diversity analysis revealed that the QS population exhibited lower genetic diversity compared to the other three populations. Consistent results were obtained from the principal component, phylogenetic tree, and population structure analysis, indicating significant genetic differences between QS and the other three populations. However, a certain degree of differentiation was observed within the QS population. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns among the four populations showed clear distinctions, with the QS group demonstrating the most rapid LD decline. Kinship analysis supported the findings of population structure, dividing the 90 QS individuals into two subgroups consisting of 23 and 67 individuals. Selective sweep analysis identified a range of genes associated with reproduction, immunity, and adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia. These genes hold potential as candidate genes for marker-assisted selection breeding. Additionally, a total of 86 523 runs of homozygosity (ROHs) were detected, showing non-uniform distribution across chromosomes, with chromosome 1 having the highest coverage percentage and chromosome 26 the lowest. In the high-frequency ROH islands, 79 candidate genes were associated with biological processes such as reproduction and fat digestion and absorption. Furthermore, a DNA fingerprint was constructed for the four populations using 349 highly polymorphic SNPs. In summary, our research delves into the genetic diversity and population structure of QS population. The construction of DNA fingerprint profiles for each population can provide valuable references for the identification of sheep breeds both domestically and internationally.

Inheritance of breeding traits in Karakul sheep under different selection approaches.

In the previous century, each intrabreed type of the Karakul sheep breed was characterized by significant numbers, representing a super population with rich genetic diversity. However, over time, the genetic diversity within the breed's gene pool has undergone significant depletion. At present, the Karakul breed is predominantly composed of only two small populations, distinguished by their fur colors: black and gray. Consequently, under such circumstances, genetic advancements in breeding endeavors are likely to be relatively limited, especially given the potential risk of these populations disappearing altogether in the future. Hence, the preservation and judicious utilization of the available genetic resources within the black and gray Karakul sheep populations hold paramount importance in breeding efforts. The primary objective of our research was to investigate the heritability of breeding traits among gray lambs through various selection options. The study was conducted at the "Kumkent" base farm in the Sozak district of the Kyzylorda region. Our findings revealed that the inheritance of gray and black fur colors across the different selection options occurred in a consistent ratio. In the first selection variant (a gray ram with even silver marking ♂ x a black jacket fur type ewe with intense pigmentation ♀), the proportion of gray offspring was 50.6%. Similarly, in the second selection variant (a black jacket fur type ram with intense pigmentation ♂ x a gray ewe with even silver marking ♀), the proportion of gray offspring was 49.6%. The percentage of black lambs obtained in both selection options was nearly equivalent, with 49.4% and 50.4% in the first and second variants, respectively.

Estrous Responses of Kejobong Goat Synchronized using Progesterone Hormone

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of age based on estrous responses. Material used in this study were 36 heads of Kejobong doe, with average body weight 32.21±1.41 kg; average Body Condition Score (BCS) 2.5; black fur color; had given birth, with age ranged 1-1.5 years old (P1, n = 7); 1.5-2 years old (P2, n = 15) and 2.5-3 years old (P3, n = 14). The sample was then put on a vaginal sponge containing 20 mg of Medroxy Progesterone Acetate (MPA) in the reproductive tract for 14 days. Parameter observed were estrous onset; estrous behavior including restlessness, aggressiveness, frequent wagging tail and climbing the feeder tray or other livestock and vulva condition including vulva temperature, swelling vulva and vulva color. Result showed there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between P1, P 2 and P3 on estrous onset, estrous behavior and vulva condition. In conclusion, the estrous response of Kejobong goat which is synchronized to estrous with the hormone progesterone is not affected by the age and have the same estrous response after reaching maturity.

Lifespans of Fur Color Morphs in Polymorphic Populations of the Mole Vole and the Hypothesis of Adaptive Polymorphism.

Different lifespans were for the first time demonstrated for three (brown, bicolor, and black) fur color morphs in ten mole vole populations of the Volga, Ural, and Trans-Ural regions. With the longest lifespan of 5 years in the species, morphs that numerically dominate in a population can live 1-4 years longer than accompanying morphs. Spearman's correlation coefficient between the longest lifespan of the morphs and their proportion in the population was Rsp = 0.81 (p < 0.0001). A number of morphological and functional features were identified in the color morphs. The findings are of general biological significance, confirming the hypothesis of adaptive polymorphism. Evolutionary and ecological mechanisms whereby selective advantages develop in morphs (as probable ecomorphs) are possible to evaluate using the morphs as a natural model of the initial step of sympatric form development in different parts of the range.

Surface guided electron FLASH radiotherapy for canine cancer patients.

During recent years FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) has shown promising results in radiation oncology, with the potential to spare normal tissue while maintaining the antitumor effects. The high speed of the FLASH-RT delivery increases the need for fast and precise motion monitoring to avoid underdosing the target. Surface guided radiotherapy (SGRT) uses surface imaging (SI) to render a 3D surface of the patient. SI provides real-time motion monitoring and has a large scanning field of view, covering off-isocentric positions. However, SI has so far only been used for human patients with conventional setup and treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of SI as a motion management tool during electron FLASH-RT of canine cancer patients. To evaluate the SI system's ability to render surfaces of fur, three fur-like blankets in white, grey, and black were used to imitate the surface of canine patients and the camera settings were optimized for each blanket. Phantom measurements using the fur blankets were carried out, simulating respiratory motion and sudden shift. Respiratory motion was simulated using the QUASAR Respiratory Motion Phantom with the fur blankets placed on the phantom platform, which moved 10mm vertically with a simulated respiratory period of 4 s. Sudden motion was simulated with an in-house developed phantom, consisting of a platform which was moved vertically in a stepwise motion at a chosen frequency. For sudden measurements, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10Hz were measured. All measurements were both carried out at the conventional source-to-surface distance (SSD) of 100cm, and in the locally used FLASH-RT setup at SSD=70cm. The capability of the SI system to reproduce the simulated motion and the sampling time were evaluated. As an initial step towards clinical implementation, the feasibility of SI for surface guided FLASH-RT was evaluated for 11 canine cancer patients. The SI camera was capable of rendering surfaces for all blankets. The deviation between simulated and measured mean peak-to-peak breathing amplitude was within 0.6mm for all blankets. The sampling time was generally higher for the black fur than for the white and grey fur, for the measurement of both respiratory and sudden motion. The SI system could measure sudden motion within 62.5ms and detect motion with a frequency of 10Hz. The feasibility study of the canine patients showed that the SI system could be an important tool to ensure patient safety. By using this system we could ensure and document that 10 out of 11 canine patients had a total vector offset from the reference setup position<2mm immediately before and after irradiation. We have shown that SI can be used for surface guided FLASH-RT of canine patients. The SI system is currently not fast enough to interrupt a FLASH-RT beam while irradiating but with the short sampling time sudden motion can be detected. The beam can therefore be held just prior to irradiation, preventing treatment errors such as underdosing the target.

Photobiomodulation as a treatment in dogs with black hair follicular dysplasia

Non-inflammatory alopecia can affect animals at any age, but it is necessary to rule out other skin diseases, endocrinopathies and neoplasms, and when diagnosed there is no definitive and standardized treatment, thus the objective is to try to repilate the patient with integrative therapy. Canine patient treated in the dermatology sector at a veterinary clinic in Espírito Santo, with alopecia, hypotrichosis and desquamation all over the body where it has black fur. As a treatment with EccoVet ® equipment, photobiomodulation was performed using red light at a power of 2 joules with follicular growth effect, and blue and green light with an action equal to red light, but adding the effect of shine and softness on the coat and skin hydration, being performed just one weekly session. As a result, the patient started to repilate soon after the first session and achieved total improvement after five sessions. It is concluded that photobiomodulation promotes follicular growth of alopecia in dogs, provided that the protocol indicated for each situation is chosen, in a fast, non-invasive and practical way.

Identification of mutant gene for Black crystal coat and non-allelic gene interactions in Neogale vison

Sable (Martes zibellina) and American mink (Neogale vison) are valuable species characterized by a variety of coat colour produced on fur farms. Black crystal fur phenotype is Mendelian codominant trait: heterozygous animals (Cr/ +) have white guard hairs scattered predominantly on the spine and the head, while homozygous (Cr/Cr) minks have coats resembling the Himalayan (ch/ch) or white Hedlund (h/h) types. It is one of the most recent of more than 35 currently known phenotypic traits of fur colour in American mink. Black crystal fur phenotype was first described in 1984 in the Russian population of mink, which had undergone selection for domestic defensive response to humans. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing of American mink with Cr/Cr phenotype. We identified a missense mutation in the gene encoding the α-COP subunit of the COPI complex (COPA). The COPI complex mediates retrograde trafficking from the Golgi system to the endoplasmic reticulum and sorting of transmembrane proteins. We observed an interaction between a newly identified mutation in the COPA gene and a mutation in the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), the latter mutation led to the formation of the white Hedlund (h/h) phenotype. Double heterozygotes for these mutations have an entirely white coat and a black-eyed phenotype similar to the phenotype of Cr/Cr or h/h minks. Our data could be useful for tracking economically valuable fur traits in mink breeding programs to contribute to global fur production.

In Memoriam: Beatrice Mintz, PhD (1921–2022)

In Memoriam: Beatrice Mintz, PhD (1921–2022)

Evaluation of Semen Quality of Jeju Black Cattle (JBC) to Select Bulls Optimal for Breeding and Establish Freezing Conditions Suitable for JBC Sperm.

Simple SummaryJeju black cattle, a type of native Korean cattle characterized by black fur covering the entire body, inhabit Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, a World Natural Heritage Site. Although this breed was state designated as a natural monument in 2013 due to its characteristics and genetic traits, it is on the verge of extinction and thus there is a need to preserve this breed and further improve its traits. Therefore, we evaluated sperm motility, vitality, and morphology, which have long been considered good predictors of fertility in the absence of female infertility factors. Our findings showed that the semen of the JBC-A bull was superior to the semen of four other JBC bulls. Due to the aging of the population of JBC breeding bulls, strategies should be devised to improve sperm production in vivo.To optimize the reproduction of Jeju black cattle (JBC), freezing conditions for sperm were established and sperm motility, vitality, morphology, and fertility were evaluated to select the optimal bull for breeding. Semen samples from five JBC bulls were individually mixed with freezing medium at a final concentration of 1 × 108 sperm/mL and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor at a height of 3 or 7 cm (referred to as 3 cm sperm and 7 cm sperm, respectively). When the freezing conditions were compared, the motility of 7 cm sperm was significantly higher than that of 3 cm sperm for the JBC-A bull. The motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, and average path velocity of fresh and frozen–thawed sperm were the highest for the JBC-A bull. The vitalities of fresh and frozen–thawed sperm were the highest for the JBC-A/E and JBC-A bulls, respectively. The percentage of normal cells in fresh sperm was the highest for the JBC-D bull. The rates of the normal formation of two pronuclei and total sperm penetration were the highest in zygotes fertilized with sperm from the JBC-A bull. The sperm from the JBC-A bull had superior qualities and are thus the most appropriate choice for the preservation and reproduction of these endangered cattle.

The giant panda is cryptic

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an iconic mammal, but the function of its black-and-white coloration is mysterious. Using photographs of giant pandas taken in the wild and state-of-the-art image analysis, we confirm the counterintuitive hypothesis that their coloration provides camouflage in their natural environment. The black fur blends into dark shades and tree trunks, whereas white fur matches foliage and snow when present, and intermediate pelage tones match rocks and ground. At longer viewing distances giant pandas show high edge disruption that breaks up their outline, and up close they rely more on background matching. The results are consistent across acuity-corrected canine, feline, and human vision models. We also show quantitatively that the species animal-to-background colour matching falls within the range of other species that are widely recognised as cryptic. Thus, their coloration is an adaptation to provide background matching in the visual environment in which they live and simultaneously to afford distance-dependent disruptive coloration, the latter of which constitutes the first computational evidence of this form of protective coloration in mammals.

Comparative transcriptome and histological analyses provide insights into the skin pigmentation in Minxian black fur sheep (Ovis aries).

BackgroundMinxian black fur (MBF) sheep are found in the northwestern parts of China. These sheep have developed several special traits. Skin color is a phenotype subject to strong natural selection and diverse skin colors are likely a consequence of differences in gene regulation.MethodsSkin structure, color differences, and gene expression (determined by RNA sequencing) were evaluated the Minxian black fur and Small-tail Han sheep (n = 3 each group), which are both native Chinese sheep breeds.ResultsSmall-tail Han sheep have a thicker skin and dermis than the Minxian black fur sheep (P < 0.01); however, the quantity of melanin granules is greater (P < 0.01) in Minxian black fur sheep with a more extensive distribution in skin tissue and hair follicles. One hundred thirty-three differentially expressed genes were significantly associated with 37 ontological terms and two critical KEGG pathways for pigmentation (“tyrosine metabolism” and “melanogenesis” pathways). Important genes from those pathways with known involvement in pigmentation included OCA2 melanosomal transmembrane protein (OCA2), dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase related protein (TYRP1), melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), and premelanosome protein (PMEL). The results from our histological and transcriptome analyses will form a foundation for additional investigation into the genetic basis and regulation of pigmentation in these sheep breeds.

That Which I Consider Untamable

81 PAIGE QUIÑONES That Which I Consider Untamable • There is an animal behind my house. I can smell him from my bedroom. At night, he pulls at the cellar, claws shapes into trees with scores so deep they pulse. An X, an eye, a goat. Mornings, there are birds in neat rows on my doorstep. Starlings, meadowlarks: each breast splayed open like a gentleman’s waiting hand. I can only imagine his mouth, that primitive hole, lined in feathers as if Hope were a word he could craft. I see him sometimes at the bottom of my stairs, spine low, darkness slinking closer. I light more lanterns. I caught him once, coming away with only a fistful of black and silver fur. Though I keep this tuft in a jewelry box, it is not enough. I would like his entire pelt. I would like to lie in it. ...

That Which I Consider Untamable

81 PAIGE QUIÑONES That Which I Consider Untamable • There is an animal behind my house. I can smell him from my bedroom. At night, he pulls at the cellar, claws shapes into trees with scores so deep they pulse. An X, an eye, a goat. Mornings, there are birds in neat rows on my doorstep. Starlings, meadowlarks: each breast splayed open like a gentleman’s waiting hand. I can only imagine his mouth, that primitive hole, lined in feathers as if Hope were a word he could craft. I see him sometimes at the bottom of my stairs, spine low, darkness slinking closer. I light more lanterns. I caught him once, coming away with only a fistful of black and silver fur. Though I keep this tuft in a jewelry box, it is not enough. I would like his entire pelt. I would like to lie in it. ...

Abstract A084: Personalized prediction of radiation sensitivity

Abstract Purpose/Objective: Patients of different races with similar cancers are often treated with radiation according to safety criteria largely collected from patients of European origin. However, even among those patients, toxicities are not predictable. Patients of African origin appear to have more severe skin radiation reactions, particularly Black women with breast cancer, than other populations. We have developed a technique using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) that appears to predict toxicity in patients with otherwise similar radiation dosimetry, allowing for early intervention to prevent side effects (marketed as RadToxTM, DiaCarta, Inc.). Methods: Pre-clinical studies were performed in mice with white (BALB/c), brown (C3H/HeJ), or black (C57BL/6) fur. Radiation was delivered to the hind limb, and the skin reaction was evaluated. Blood was collected to evaluate changes in cfDNA as compared to severity of cutaneous toxicity. A phase I/II clinical study (n=54) was also performed to determine if plasma cfDNA measured early in a radiotherapy course can predict the subset of patients who experience grade 2 or higher radiotoxicity. Results: The most severe toxicity was seen in the C57BL/6 mice, and at similar doses the increase in cfDNA was higher than in the other two strains. Fifty-four patients were evaluable for the clinical study. Radiation significantly increased cfDNA on all days following the first radiation session. Acute maximum GI toxicity score, but not acute GU toxicity, was significantly correlated with cfDNA levels obtained on days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of radiotherapy (p&amp;lt;0.005). Conclusions: Plasma cfDNA levels predicted the mouse strain that experienced more severe toxicity, and in a small study detected acute bowel toxicity. A larger study is needed to confirm the results and the value of the test for identifying patients who need special interventions to reduce toxicity. Further testing of this hypothesis is under evaluation in an NCI-funded multi-institutional study. Citation Format: Natalie Lockney, Steven G Swarts, Jennifer Li, Christopher Morris, Randal Henderson, Steven B Zhang, Zhenhuan Zhang, Sadasivan Vidyasagar, Reshu Gupta, Katherine Casey-Sawicki, Robert Zlotecki, Paul Okunieff. Personalized prediction of radiation sensitivity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A084.

The utility of the "Glowing Head" mouse for breast cancer metastasis research.

The expression of cellular reporters to label cancer cells, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) and luciferase, can stimulate immune responses and effect tumor growth. Recently, a mouse model that expresses GFP and luciferase in the anterior pituitary gland was generated to tolerize mice to these proteins; the "Glowing Head" mouse. Mice were obtained from a commercial vendor, bred, and then used for tumor growth and metastasis studies. The transgene expression of luciferase was assessed within tumor-naïve mice as well as mice with mammary tumors or metastases. Tumor-free mice with white fur, compared to black fur, allowed for stronger luciferase transgene expression to be observed in the pituitary, sternum, and femur. Growth of four different luciferase-expressing mouse cancer cell lines readily occurred in the mammary gland. Though sternum expression of the luciferase transgene occurred in cancer-free mice, growth or death of luciferase positive cancer cells in the lung could be observed. Liver metastases seeded by portal vein injections of luciferase positive cancer cell lines were completely distinct from luciferase transgene expression. Though lung and brain metastasis studies have limitations, the Glowing Head mouse can be useful to inhibit immune system rejection of luciferase or GFP expressing cancer cells. This mouse model is most beneficial for studies of mammary tumors and liver metastases.

Sylvilagus obscurus (Lagomorpha: Leporidae)

AbstractSylvilagus obscurus Chapman, Cramer, Dippenaar, and Robinson, 1992, commonly called the Appalachian cottontail, is distinguished from other syntopic leporids by its black spot between the ears, black fur along the anterior edge of the ears, and reddish-gray sides overlaid with a black wash. One of 22 species in the genus, S. obscurus is found across the Appalachian Mountains region, from Pennsylvania to northern Alabama. An inhabitant of habitats with dense woody understory cover such as early successional forests and mature forests with ericaceous shrubs, this rabbit is considered “Near Threatened,” with major threats that include habitat destruction, climate change, and competition with the eastern cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus.

Down by the River: A Family Fly Fishing Story by A. Weiner

Weiner, Andrew. Down by the River: A Family Fly Fishing Story. Harry N. Abrams, 2018. &#x0D; This is a beautifully illustrated book that tells a simple story about a boy, Art, who goes on a fly-fishing trip with his mother and grandfather. The story recalls a time when Art’s grandfather taught his mother to fish. April Chu has used a subdued palette for her two-page riverine landscapes, with lots of green and rich autumn colours in the environment. The book has a calm and peaceful feel about it that mirrors the contemplative nature of fly-fishing. &#x0D; The text is simple and descriptive of a day spent on the river. The reading level is too difficult for the intended Kindergarten to Grade 2 audience, so an adult will need to read the book aloud, especially those sentences that could confuse young readers with difficult concepts or complicated jargon: “The line arced forward and the fly landed softly a few feet above the rock. It drifted with the current past the rock. There was a splash and the line went tight.” &#x0D; The last three pages contain information about fly fishing, the clothing worn by fly fishers and where to get more information about the sport. The end pages are decorated with images of intricate flys with such fun and mysterious names as: “Ian’s Crunch Caddis,” “Black Fur Ant,” and “Purple Parachute Adams.”&#x0D; This book is a good introduction to fly fishing for younger children that also tells a charming story. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.&#x0D; Highly Recommended: 4 stars out of 4 Reviewer: Sandy Campbell&#x0D; Sandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.

Microsciurus santanderensis(Rodentia: Sciuridae)

Microsciurus santanderensis (Hernandez-Camacho, 1957) is a sciurid commonly called the Santander dwarf squirrel. M. santanderensis is a small tree squirrel with orange and black mixed fur and is 1 of 4 species in the genus Microsciurus. Endemic to Colombia, South America, in forests at elevations up to 3,800 m, M. santanderensis is listed as “Data Deficient” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and more research is needed to determine its conservation needs.