Breeding Colony Research Articles

Black-tailed gulls alter their flight height and airspeed according to wind conditions during their coastal commuting trips

Seabirds are expected to increase their flight height in tailwind and to increase their airspeed in headwind during goal-oriented flight to minimize their cost of transport. To understand how flapping birds respond to variability in wind speed and direction experienced during their commuting flights between their breeding colony and foraging areas, we measured the flight height and speed of black-tailed gullsLarus crassirostrisusing GPS loggers. We analyzed the relationships between these flight parameters and local wind speed and direction. Over the course of the 2016 to 2018 breeding seasons, we tagged 105 birds at 2 colonies in northern Hokkaido, Japan. A total of 90 flight track-lines within a 500 m radius of 5 coastal meteorological stations were analyzed. The median flight height ranged from 0 to 153.8 m, and the median ground speed and airspeed were between 18.6-82.1 and 19.5-93.0 km h-1, respectively. Gulls flew higher with greater tailwind speed, supporting the hypothesis that birds utilize greater wind assistance at higher altitudes. Furthermore, gulls increased their airspeed under strong headwind conditions, suggesting they adjust airspeed to achieve the most cost-effective speed to reach their destination. Better understanding the drivers of seabird flight height is key to assessing the potential for collisions with wind turbines in coastal and offshore wind farms. These findings provide useful information to reduce collisions with coastal and offshore wind facilities.

Defining honeybee subspecies in an evolutionary context warrants strategized conservation.

Despite the urgent need for conservation consideration, strategic action plans for the preservation of the Asian honeybee, Apis cerana Fabricius, 1793, remain lacking. Both the convergent and divergent adaptations of this widespread insect have led to confusing phenotypical traits and inconsistent infraspecific taxonomy. Unclear subspecies boundaries pose a significant challenge to honeybee conservation efforts, as it is difficult to effectively prioritize conservation targets without a clear understanding of subspecies identities. Here, we investigated genome variations in 362 worker bees representing almost all populations of mainland A. cerana to understand how evolution has shaped its population structure. Whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on nuclear sequences revealed eight putative subspecies, with all seven peripheral subspecies exhibiting mutually exclusive monophyly and distinct genetic divergence from the widespread central subspecies. Our results demonstrated that most classic morphological traits, including body size, were related to the climatic variables of the local habitats and did not reflect the true evolutionary history of the organism. Thus, such morphological traits were not suitable for subspecific delineation. Conversely, wing vein characters showed relative independence to the environment and supported the subspecies boundaries inferred from nuclear genomes. Mitochondrial phylogeny further indicated that the present subspecies structure was a result of multiple waves of population divergence from a common ancestor. Based on our findings, we propose that criteria for subspecies delineation should be based on evolutionary independence, trait distinction, and geographic isolation. We formally defined and described eight subspecies of mainland A. cerana. Elucidation of the evolutionary history and subspecies boundaries enables a customized conservation strategy for both widespread and endemic honeybee conservation units, guiding colony introduction and breeding.

Re-establishment of an extinct breeding colony of Brünnich’s Guillemot Uria lomvia in West Greenland

The breeding population of Brünnich’s Guillemot Uria lomvia in South and West Greenland has been decreasing for decades and some colonies have even disappeared (Merkel et al. 2014). Among these was one of the largest colonies, Salleq in Uummannaq Fjord (70°96’N 52°25’W; Figure 1), which was estimated at half a million birds in c. 1920 (Bertelsen 1921) and 150,000 birds in 1949 (Salomonsen 1950). These figures are most likely overestimations (Falk & Kampp 1997), but there is no doubt that the colony was among the largest in West Greenland. The colony then drastically decreased in size until 1975, when only 4,500 birds were counted (Falk & Kampp 1997). In 1984, there were only 150 individuals present and all were observed on the water below the cliff. In 1987, 50 birds were observed on the cliff without evidence of breeding, and the site was completely deserted by 1990 (Evans & Kampp 1991). The same fate was recorded for Black-legged Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla (hereafter ‘Kittiwakes’) and Razorbills Alca torda. The former declined from around 10,000 pairs in 1949, to 800 nests in 1975 and to zero in 1994 (F. Salomonsen unpublished; Boertmann et al. 1996). Razorbills declined from a few pairs in 1949 and 1975 to zero in 1994 (Boertmann et al. 1996). However, no population changes have been recorded for the Northern Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis which breed in huge numbers on the cliff. The decline and extinction of the Salleq Brünnich’s Guillemot colony in the decades after the Second World War was primarily caused by excessive hunting during spring. Fleischer (1994), the former editor of a Greenlandic newspaper, described how in the 1930s it was common in spring, when sea ice still covered the waters, to camp below the Salleq cliff and hunt hundreds of Brünnich’s Guillemots in a day. This occurred every spring, and people would travel from afar to participate in this hunt. This high hunting pressure was reflected in a higher recovery rate of ringed birds from Salleq in comparison to colonies in other parts of West Greenland (Kampp 1991). Naturally, the colony could not sustain such hunting pressure across multiple decades, and eventually disappeared. Another factor impacting the Brünnich’s Guillemot populations in West Greenland was bycatch by an extensive offshore drift net fishery for Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar, which peaked around 1970 and stopped in 1976 (Falk & Durinck 1991).

Re-establishment of an extinct breeding colony of Brünnich’s Guillemot Uria lomvia in West Greenland

Re-establishment of an extinct breeding colony of Brünnich’s Guillemot Uria lomvia in West Greenland

Have we achieved a sustainable balance? Evaluating the effects of regulated guano extraction on an important penguin breeding colony (2008–2019)

Have we achieved a sustainable balance? Evaluating the effects of regulated guano extraction on an important penguin breeding colony (2008–2019)

Effect of Cage Change Frequency on Perinatal Mortality in C57BL/6J Mice

Perinatal mortality is a common problem in mouse breeding colonies. Few studies have examined the influence of environmental changes on mouse pup survival. In this study, monogamous breeding cages of C57BL/6J mice were set up and randomized into 3 cage change groups: 1) cage change at 8 d after parturition, 2) cage change at 3 d after parturition, or 3) cage change at 3 d after parturition with the addition of a polycarbonate hut in the cage. Pairs were bred to produce a minimum of 4 litters. Pup survival to weaning relative to experimental cage change date, and survival rates after cage change were evaluated. The results revealed no significant differences between experimental groups. The majority of pup loss occurred within the first 24 h after birth for those pups that were alive at birth. Overall, the postpartum day of cage change did not affect the perinatal survival of mouse pups.

Increased foraging effort and reduced chick condition of razorbills under lower prey biomass in coastal Newfoundland, Canada

When resources are finite, individuals optimize energy allocation between survival and reproduction to maximize fitness. As food becomes more limited within foraging ranges of breeding colonies, long-lived seabirds are predicted to increase time spent foraging, and chick growth, breeding success and ultimately adult survival, will be reduced. Across 3 years (2017, 2019, 2020), we investigated responses of breeding razorbills Alca torda in coastal Newfoundland, Canada, to inter- and intra-annual variation in biomass of the primary forage fish, capelin Mallotus villosus, which migrate from offshore into coastal regions during the summer to spawn. We combined capelin biomass (hydroacoustic surveys) with chick-rearing razorbill foraging effort (GPS, temperature-depth recorders), dietary proportions (blood δ15N and δ13C) and adult/chick body condition. Peak capelin biomass was near the long-term average for the study area in 2017 (0.109 g m-2) and 2019 (0.098 g m-2) and the lowest on record in 2020 (0.002 g m-2). In 2017 and 2019, razorbill foraging effort decreased after spawning capelin arrived inshore, but this decrease was not observed in 2020 (mean ± SE trip distance: 12.8 ± 2.8 km in 2017, 14.3 ± 1.7 km in 2019, 150.4 ± 25.2 km in 2020; number of dives per trip: 48.4 ± 11.8 in 2017, 385.8 ± 67.4 in 2020). Increased foraging effort during 2020 was associated with lower chick and adult body condition, likely due to parental birds flying farther and diving more to capture capelin. Findings suggest that lower capelin biomass observed in recent years may have long-term population-level consequences for razorbills and other seabirds in this region.

Within- and among-colony variation in non-breeding dispersion of Magellanic penguins breeding along the coast of Argentina

Magellanic penguins Spheniscus magellanicus are upper trophic level predators and play a key role within their marine ecosystems. However, we lack detailed understanding of their non-breeding distribution where they might be impacted by human threats and climate change. Using geolocator tracking devices deployed in 2021, we analyzed individual non-breeding movements, and differences in the spatial, environmental, and trophic niches of Magellanic penguins breeding along the Atlantic coast of Argentina. The results show that movement characteristics, including trip lengths and dispersal distance, were similar among individuals and across colonies. However, the temporal pattern, including the timing of arrival to the breeding sites, differed between colonies. During the non-breeding season, distributions showed considerable overlap between colonies, notably between individuals from the central and the northernmost breeding sites. Individuals from the northern and central colonies faced similar oceanographic features (i.e. sea surface temperature, chlorophyll a, salinity, depth) and used similar foraging niches while within the anchovy geographic domain. In contrast, individuals breeding farther south were feeding within the geographically distinct sprat domain. Our results indicate that Magellanic penguins breeding along the latitudinal range of Argentina express a broad variation in habitat use during the non-breeding period, and make use of a large proportion of the Patagonian Shelf. The latitudinal location of the breeding colony seems to define the trophic niche and where individuals move during the non-breeding season.

Pied Imperial Pigeon numbers on North Brook Island, Queensland, after Cyclone Yasi: Do they reflect forest recovery on the Australian mainland?

Eleven years after Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasi caused extensive structural damage to coastal rainforest of north-eastern Queensland, Pied Imperial Pigeons Ducula bicolor, counted in the evening return flight to their North Brook Island breeding colony from their mainland feeding grounds, are still significantly fewer. Counts were made from a boat anchored off the north-western spit of the island, starting at 1530 h and continuing until dusk. We consider that the most likely explanation is that the rainforest in the Pigeon’s mainland feeding grounds has not recovered to pre-Yasi maturity, thus reducing the crop of fruit, which is the primary food source for the Pigeons.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Alpha-Hemolytic Streptococcus spp. from the Oral Cavity and Blood of Septicemic Periparturient Immunodeficient Mice.

MISTRG is an immunodeficient mouse strain that expresses multiple human cytokines that support hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and myelopoiesis. While establishing a breeding colony of MISTRG mice in a dedicated barrier room, 6 cases of death or disease occurred in pregnant or postpartum mice. Clinically, this manifested as hunched posture, dyspnea, and 1 case of emaciation with ataxia. Pathologic analysis of 7 mice revealed multisystemic necrosuppurative inflammation variably affecting the uterus and placenta, joints, meninges, inner and middle ears, kidneys, and small intestine. Bacteria cultured from the blood of septic mice were identified with 89% probability by the Vitek 2 identification system as Streptococcus sanguinuswith atypical biochemical parameters; the API 20E/NE system fully differentiated the isolates as a novel Streptococcusspecies. MALDI Biotyper-based mass spectrometry also indicated that the phenotype represented a novel Streptococcusspp. Sequencing revealed that the full-length 16S rRNA gene identity was below 97% with known Streptococcus species, including the 2 closest species Streptococcus acidominimus and Streptococcus azizii. We propose the name Streptococcus murisepticum spp. nov to our novel isolates. All male mice in this colony remained healthy despite their association with diseased female mice. Overall, 19% of the colony carried the novel Streptococcus in their oral cavity, but it could not be detected in feces. The organism was sensitive to amoxicillin, which was administered via drinking water throughout pregnancy and weaning to establish a colony of pathogen-negative future breeders. The colony remained disease-free and culture-negative for Streptococcus murisepticum spp. nov after treatment with amoxicillin. We suspect that oral colonization of MISTRG mice with the novel Streptococcus species and its associated unique pathology in periparturient mice is potentially the principal cause of loss of this strain at several institutions. Therefore, screening the oral cavity for α-hemolytic streptococci followed by targeted antibiotic treatment may be necessary when establishing MISTRG and allied immunodeficient mouse strains.

Within-colony nest distribution of a waterbird mixed colony in a small alluvial forest at El Salvador

ABSTRACT Breeding in colonies is a defining characteristic of many waterbird species and several behavioural and habitat traits determine nest-site selection. Although there is relatively extensive literature on the topic, information on the within-colony distribution of nests lacks for mixed colonies, especially for ardeid-cormorant associations and in regions such as Central America. Here, geospatial data on vegetation associated with a mixed colony, established in a small alluvial forest northwest of El Salvador and collected from June to November 2015 was assessed to identify some behavioural and habitat features that could influence nest-site selection. Four ardeid species (Ardea alba, Egretta thula, Bubulcus ibis, and Nycticorax nycticorax) and one cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) conformed the colony, where the last was the outstanding species. The total area of the colony was 2.14 ha (14% of La Barra forest) with high nest densities (584.58 nests/ha). Spatial analyses indicate that some species prefer to occupy trees/shrubs close to other trees/shrubs with conspecific or similarly sized species. A remarkable height-strata distribution was found, with large-sized species in the canopy, and small-sized species in the lower strata. The resulting estimates of the generalized linear models applied suggest that the within-colony nest-site selection is determined by the combination of higher heights of the tree/shrub used for nesting, nearest distance to a food source, fewer species sharing the same tree/shrub and an increasing effect of the interaction of the latter two factors. Finally, the temporal evolution of La Barra’s colony shows that the increasing number of Neotropical Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) could be shaping and threatening the colony’s species structure and possibly the vegetation as well. Conservation measures should be implemented to manage the population of this species.

Мостові споруди як місця поселення рукокрилих (Chiroptera): видова та просторова різноманітність

In 2000–2021, 150 various types of bridge structures were examined in different regions of Ukraine, where 742 individuals of 13 bat species were found: Myotis dasycneme, Myotis daubentonii, Myotis brandtii, Myotis mystacinus, Myotis aurascens, Myotis nattereri, Nyctalus noctula, Plecotus auritus, Plecotus austriacus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Pipistrellus nathusii, Pipistrellus kuhlii, and Eptesicus serotinus. The occupancy rate was 30.7%. M. daubentonii and P. auritus were observed in most of the studied regions. The frequency of observations of M. daubentonii was 50% of inhabited bridges (n = 23) and almost 65% of the number of individuals, with a concentration of localities in the western and north-western parts of the country. P. auritus (frequency 32.6%) dominated the bridges of the Dnipro Lowland and the Western Polissia. M. aurascens (Azov Sea region), M. mystacinus and M. brandtii (Western Polissia), P. austriacus (Black Sea region), and P. kuhlii (Azov Sea region) were found singly or only in some regions. Nursery colonies of M. daubentonii were found in the Western Polissia, Volynian–Podolian Upland, and Dnipro Lowland, N. noctula in the Dnipro region, P. auritus in the Western Polissia and the Black Sea region, and M. aurascens in the Azov Sea region. In a geographical aspect, the number of species in bridges is the highest in the regions of Western Polissia and Azov Sea (7 species each), and slightly lower in the Dnipro Lowland (n = 6). The highest percentage of inhabited bridges (64.3%) was found in the Dnipro Lowland; in other regions it was 37.8–10.5%. Bridges play an important role as summer roosts for bats (both for single individuals and breeding colonies), as well as in late summer–autumn (after the disbandment of breeding colonies) and as spring roosts (during seasonal migrations). Bridge structures can be important for the settlement of bats in regions with no underground cavities of natural or anthropogenic origin. We assume that this is the reason why the maximum number of species and abundance of bats in bridges was found in the Western Polissia and Dnipro Lowland, which are characterised by flat topography and lack of abundant and various underground cavities.

Weak genetic structure, shared nonbreeding areas, and extensive movement in a declining waterbird

AbstractUnderstanding population mixing, movements, and connectivity of populations is an important first step towards effective conservation, particularly for long distance migrants that are suffering the greatest population declines, as this allows researchers to recognize how populations may face different risks throughout the annual cycle. We combined population genetic and individual tracking data to quantify the genetic structure and full-cycle movements of the declining North American Black Tern (Chlidonias niger surinamensis). A total of 147 genetic samples were collected from 9 breeding colonies across the range (Maine, Ontario, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Saskatchewan, and Oregon), and 19 light-level geolocators were recovered from 3 colonies (Ontario, Michigan, and Saskatchewan). Our results demonstrated weak genetic structure, and tracking data demonstrated the use of shared nonbreeding areas between central (Saskatchewan) and eastern (Ontario and Michigan) breeding populations. Our tracking data also provide novel evidence of long-distance breeding dispersal (~1,400 km between breeding locations across years) based on an individual tracked across multiple years, as well as short distance dispersal (~2.5–57 km) based on new recovery locations of 6 tracked individuals. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the shared use of nonbreeding areas influences physical condition, timing of departure, and subsequent reproductive timing in such a way as to facilitate dispersal across the breeding range and contribute to weak genetic structure among breeding populations. This study is the first to explore population genetics and migration of North American Black Terns. Extensive movement of individuals may pose a challenge from a conservation perspective as important areas and habitats throughout the annual cycle may be difficult to predict, and future studies should build on our work via extensive mark-resight effort using color bands, tracking individuals from more breeding sites, and examining carry-over effects to further investigate when in the annual cycle populations are most limited.

Application of genetic and Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture analyses to design adaptive feral cat control in a large inhabited island

Faunas of oceanic islands have a high proportion of endemic species which contribute to the uniqueness of island communities. Island species are particularly naïve and vulnerable to alien predators, such as cats (Felis catus). On large, inhabited islands, where the complete eradication of feral cat populations is not considered feasible, control represents the best management option to lower their detrimental effects on native fauna. The first objective of our study was to investigate population genetics of feral cats of Réunion Island. The second objective was to understand the space use of feral cats established near the breeding colonies of the two endemic and endangered seabirds of Réunion Island, the Barau’s Petrel (Pterodroma baraui) and the Mascarene Petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima). We evaluated genetic diversity, population structure and gene flow amongst six groups of feral cats located at a maximum of 10 km from known petrel colonies. We also analysed the behaviour and space use of one of these feral cat groups using camera-trap data and Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture (SECR) models. Genetic analyses revealed that feral cats were structured in three genetic clusters explained mostly by the island topography. Two clusters were observed at five sampled sites, suggesting high connectivity amongst these sites. The last cluster was found in only one site, suggesting high isolation. This site was a remote mountain area located in the vicinity of one of the main Barau’s Petrel colonies. The behavioural study was conducted on this isolated feral cat population. Mark recapture analysis suggested that feral cats were present at low density and had large home ranges, which is probably explained by reduced food availability. Finally, we make several recommendations for refining feral cat management programmes on inhabited islands.

Divergent post-breeding spatial habitat use of Laysan and black-footed albatross

Understanding the at-sea movements of wide-ranging seabird species throughout their annual cycle is essential for their conservation and management. Habitat use and resource partitioning of Laysan (Phoebastria immutabilis) and black-footed (Phoebastria nigripes) albatross are well-described during the breeding period but are less understood during the post-breeding period, which represents ~40% of their annual cycle. Resource partitioning may be reduced during post-breeding, when birds are not constrained to return to the nest site regularly and can disperse to reduce competitive pressure. We assessed the degree of spatial segregation in the post-breeding distributions of Laysan (n = 82) and black-footed albatrosses (n = 61) using geolocator tags between 2008 and 2012 from two large breeding colonies in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Midway Atoll, and Tern Island. We characterized the species-and colony-specific foraging and focal distributions (represented by the 95 and 50th density contours, respectively) and quantified segregation in at-sea habitat use between species and colonies. Laysan and black-footed albatross showed consistent and significant at-sea segregation in focal areas across colonies, indicating that resource partitioning persists during post-breeding. Within breeding colonies, segregation of foraging areas between the two species was more evident for birds breeding at Tern Island. Spatial segregation decreased as the post-breeding season progressed, when spatial distributions of both species became more dispersed. In contrast to studies conducted on breeding Laysan and black-footed albatross, we found that sea surface temperature distinguished post-breeding habitats of black-footed albatrosses between colonies, with black-footed albatrosses from Midway Atoll occurring in cooler waters (3.6°C cooler on average). Our results reveal marked at-sea segregation between Laysan and black-footed albatross breeding at two colonies during a critical but understudied phase in their annual cycle. The observed variation in species-environment relationships underscores the importance of sampling multiple colonies and temporal periods to more thoroughly understand the spatial distributions of pelagic seabirds.

No "carry-over" effects of tracking devices on return rate and parameters determining reproductive success in once and repeatedly tagged common swifts (Apus apus), a long-distance migratory bird.

To understand life-history strategies in migratory bird species, we should focus on migration behaviour and possible carry-over effects on both population and individual level. Tracking devices are useful tools to directly investigate migration behaviour. With increased use of tracking devices, questions arise towards animal welfare and possible negative effects of logger on birds. Several studies were conducted to address this question in birds that were tagged and tracked for one complete non-breeding season including migration but with mixed results. To detect individual-based decisions regarding migration strategy, we need to track the same individuals several times. So far, there are no studies investigating effects of repeatedly tagging on reproduction and life-history traits in individual migratory birds, especially in small birds. We used long-term data of 85 tagged common swifts (Apus apus), a long-distance migratory bird, of a breeding colony in Germany to test whether carrying a geolocator or GPS logger once or repeatedly during non-breeding season affected return rate, apparent survival, and parameters determining reproductive success. Additionally, we checked for individual differences in arrival date and breeding parameters when the same individuals were tagged and when they were not tagged in different years. Further, we calculated the individual repeatability in arrival at the breeding colony and date of egg laying in repeatedly tagged swifts. Once and repeatedly tagged birds returned to the colony at a similar rate as non-logger birds and arrived earlier than non-logger birds. We found no effect of logger-type on return rate in logger birds. We detected no differences in apparent survival, time lag to clutch initiation, date of clutch initiation, clutch size, number of chicks and fledglings between logger and non-logger birds. We found neither an effect of loggers nor of logger-types on the arrival date and breeding parameter on individual-level. Arrival date was highly repeatableand date of clutch initiation was moderately repeatable within repeatedly tagged individuals.

Diet and debris ingestion of skuas on Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica.

Using pellet analysis, we characterized the diet and plastic and non-plastic debris ingestion of skuas (Catharacta spp.) during 2017-2020 summer seasons along the coastal sector of Fildes Peninsula (King George Island, Antarctica). In addition, we conducted the same analysis during the 2020 breeding season on reproductive territories of south polar (Catharacta maccormicki) and brown (Catharacta antarctica lonnbergi) skua. Our results confirm the generalist and opportunistic habits of both skua species. Additionally, it has been proposed that brown skua displaces south polar skua from penguin breeding colonies given its higher competitive abilities, and our results suggest this might not have happened during the study period. Along with evidence from other studies, this work underlines the idea that potential local anthropogenic sources of plastic and non-plastic debris at Fildes Peninsula need to be further addressed to improve current mitigation efforts.

한려해상국립공원 홍도와 태안 난도의 괭이갈매기 번식현황

Seabirds take a long time to recover if their population decreases due to slow growth and small clutch size. This study was conducted to collect basic data of breeding status of Black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) on Hongdo Island of Hallyeohaesang National Park and and Nando Island. These two breeding colonies are designated as natural monuments. We investigated egg volume, clutch size and nest density in May 2022. As results, clutch size was 1.89±0.57 in Hongdo Island and 1.91±0.48 in Nando Island. The egg volume was also similar between Hongdo Island (59.22±5.47) and Nando Island (59.63±3.96). The nest density was significantly higher in Hongdo Island (1.27±0.18/㎡) than in Nando Island(0.54±0.15/㎡). Breeding population was estimated as 56,729 pairs in Hongdo Island while 14,112 pairs in Nando Island based on the proportion of breeding areas. Long-term monitoring is required to know the trends of Black-tailed gulls to protect breeding colonies.

Detailed phenotypic and functional characterization of CMV-associated adaptive NK cells in rhesus macaques.

Previous research on adaptive NK cells in rhesus macaques suffered from the lack of specific antibodies to differentiate between inhibitory CD94/NKG2A and stimulatory CD94/NKG2C heterodimeric receptors. Recently we reported an expansion of NKG2C receptor-encoding genes in rhesus macaques, but their expression and functional role on primary NK cells remained unknown due to this deficit. Thus, we established monoclonal antibodies 4A8 and 7B1 which show identical specificities and bind to both NKG2C-1 and NKG2C-2 but neither react with NKG2C-3 nor NKG2A on transfected cells. Using a combination of 4A8 and Z199 antibodies in multicolor flow cytometry we detected broad expression (4-73%) of NKG2C-1 and/or NKG2C-2 (NKG2C-1/2) on primary NK cells in rhesus macaques from our breeding colony. Stratifying our data to CMV-positive and CMV-negative animals, we noticed a higher proportion (23-73%) of primary NK cells expressing NKG2C-1/2 in CMV+ as compared to CMV- macaques (4-5%). These NKG2C-1/2-positive NK cells in CMV+ macaques are characterized by lower expression of IL12RB2, ZBTB16, SH2D1B, but not FCER1G, as well as high expression of IFNG, indicating that antibody 4A8 detects CMV-associated adaptive NK cells. Single cell RNA seq data of 4A8-positive NK cells from a rhCMV-positive macaque demonstrated that a high proportion of these adaptive NK cells transcribe in addition to NKG2C-1 and NKG2C-2 also NKG2C-3, but interestingly NKG2A as well. Remarkably, in comparison to NKG2A, NKG2C-1 and in particular NKG2C-2 bind Mamu-E with higher avidity. Primary NK cells exposed to Mamu-E-expressing target cells displayed strong degranulation as well as IFN-gamma expression of 4A8+ adaptive NK cells from rhCMV+ animals. Thus, despite co-expression of inhibitory and stimulatory CD94/NKG2 receptors the higher number of different stimulatory NKG2C receptors and their higher binding avidity to Mamu-E outreach inhibitory signaling via NKG2A. These data demonstrate the evolutionary conservation of the CMV-driven development of NKG2C-positive adaptive NK cells with particular molecular signatures in primates and with changes in gene copy numbers and ligand-binding strength of NKG2C isotypes. Thus, rhesus macaques represent a suitable and valuable nonhuman primate animal model to study the CMV-NKG2C liaison in vivo.

Marine litter pollution of breeding colony and habitat use patterns of Black-tailed gulls in South Korea

Marine litter can affect the survival of the breeding population in seabird colonies. In this study, five 5 m × 5 m quadrats were installed at a Black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) breeding colony on Nan Island to collect marine litter and regurgitated pellets, from which the types, sizes, and quantities of marine litter were identified. Global positioning system (GPS) devices were attached to five adult gulls to investigate their major foraging habitats during the breeding period. Eighty-two pieces of marine litter were found, of which 74.4 % were related to fishing; all pellets contained fishing-related marine litter. Over half of the foraging habitats included fishing areas (ports and fish farms). This study is the first to quantitatively demonstrate the exposure of breeding colonies of Black-tailed gulls, the most dominant Korean seabird, to marine litter pollution during the breeding period; the birds forage predominantly in fishing areas close to their breeding colonies during this period.