Spilornis Cheela Research Articles

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Spilornis cheela (Falconiformes, Accipitridae): Comparison of S. cheela and Spizaetus alboniger

Here, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Spilornis cheela (Falconiformes, Accipitridae), which is considered as endemic raptor species and listed in the second category of National Key Protected Wild Animals in China. The genome is 18,291 bp in size. Its gene arrangement pattern was identical with that of Spizaetus alboniger. We compared the mitochondrial genome of S. cheela with that of S. alboniger. Nucleotide sequence similarity between the two whole mitochondrial genomes was 84.34%, and the relatively low similarity seems to indicate that the two species are distinctly separated on the species level. The information on the mitochondrial genome comparison of the two species is discussed in detail in this paper.

Anesthesia with Isoflurane and Sevoflurane in the Crested Serpent Eagle (<i>Spilornis cheela hoya</i>): Minimum Anesthetic Concentration, Physiological Effects, Hematocrit, Plasma Chemistry and Behavioral Effects

ABSTRACTThe initial goal of this study was to determine the minimum anesthetic concentration (MAC) for isoflurane (ISO) and sevoflurane (SEVO) for the crested serpent eagle. Next, we compared the anesthetic effects of each on the physiological effects, hematocrit, plasma chemistry values and behavior in spontaneously breathing captive adult crested serpent eagles. Sixteen eagles were randomly allocated to two groups for anesthesia with ISO (n=8) or SEVO (n=8). First, we measured the MAC values of ISO and SEVO, and four weeks later, we investigated the effect of each on the physiological effects, hematocrit (HCT) and plasma chemistry values. The MAC values of ISO and SEVO for crested serpent eagles were 1.46 ± 0.30 and 2.03 ± 0.32%, respectively. The results revealed no significant differences between the two anesthetics in induction time, while time of extubation to recovery was significantly shorter with SEVO. A time-related increase in end-tidal CO2 and decreases in body temperature and respiratory rates were observed during anesthesia with each anesthetic. There were no significant differences between the effect of the two anesthetics on heart rate, hematocrit, plasma chemistry values or respiration, although each caused minor respiration depression. We concluded that SEVO is a more effective inhalant agent than ISO for use in eagles, showing the most rapidest induction and recovery from anesthesia.

Breeding ecology of the crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela (Latham, 1790) (Aves: Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in Kolli hills, Tamil Nadu, India

The breeding ecology of the crested serpent eagle ( Spilornis cheela ), focusing on nest-site selection, food habits, and perch-site preference, was studied in the Kolli Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, from May 2005 to May 2010. Thirty-two active nests were located, with nest-site details collected from 27 nests that were accessible. The crested serpent eagle did not construct new nests, but did renew or alter old nests, mainly in December. Both sexes were involved in the nest renewal activities. The clutch size was one, the mean incubation period was 41.5 days, and the mean fledging period was 64.5 days. Nests were found largely along riverine patches. The results indicate the mature and less disturbed riverine forests with large sized trees are critical for the breeding and conservation of this species. The food habits of the eagle were known from prey items brought into the nest by the adult to feed the chick and prey items fed on by the adult. In total, 173 feeding observations were made and the prey items belonged to 17 species of vertebrates. The crested serpent eagle largely preferred reptiles, which accounted for 74% of their diet, followed by birds, which accounted for 18% of their diet. A total of 1237 perching records were observed. The crested serpent eagle preferred to perch on the outer canopy of the trees found largely in the forest edges. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tapro.v4i2.5059 TAPROBANICA . October, 2012. Vol. 04, No. 02: pp. 77-82

HELMINTH FAUNA OF A JAPANESE GOLDEN EAGLE,AQUILA CHRYSAETOS JAPONICA

A Japanese golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos japonica, was found dead in Nagano Prefecture PB 399-8200, Japan, and subjected to necropsy. The necropsy revealed that the entire length of the intestine was filled with several masses of intestinal parasites. The recovered helminths were identified as one digenean trematode species, Neodiplostomum reflexum; two species of nematodes, Synhimantus sp. and larvae of Porrocaecum sp.; and a single species of Acanthocephala, Centrorhynchus sp. Digenea and acanthocephalans were found in massive numbers, obliterating the intestinal lumen, which suggests that the bird died as a result of the parasitic intestinal obstruction. The same type of helminths as those observed in this case was previously recorded in crested serpent eagles (Spilornis cheela perplexus) in Japan, but the present study emphasizes the presence of the four species in the Japanese golden eagle as a new host record. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of N. reflexum in Japan.

Development of 24 new microsatellite markers in the Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela hoya)

Twenty-four microsatellite markers were developed for the Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela hoya) composing a new marker set. The markers were tested on 61 Crested Serpent Eagle individuals. The number alleles ranged from 2 to 8 per locus (average = 3.8), and the effective number of alleles ranged from 1.13 to 6.07 (average = 2.34). In the new marker set, there were 11 markers with high polymorphism (PIC > 0.5), and the average HE and HO over all loci was 0.50 and 0.49, respectively. The results showed that the new marker set was highly polymorphic as an individual genetic marker compared to the existing cross-species markers previously used for population genetic structure monitoring of the Taiwan Crested Serpent Eagle. In conclusion, the microsatellite marker set developed can be applied as a molecular tool to investigate the genetic structure or phylogeny of the Crested Serpent Eagle.

BREEDING ECOLOGY OF THE CRESTED SERPENT EAGLE Spilornis cheela (LATHAM, 1790) (AVES: ACCIPITRIFORMES: ACCIPITRIDAE) IN KOLLI HILLS, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

The breeding ecology of the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela), focusing on nest-site selection, food habits, and perch-site preference, was studied in the Kolli Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, from May 2005 to May 2010. Thirty-two active nests were located, with nest-site details collected from 27 nests that were accessible. The crested serpent eagle did not construct new nests, but did renew or alter old nests, mainly in December. Both sexes were involved in the nest renewal activities. The clutch size was one, the mean incubation period was 41.5 days, and the mean fledging period was 64.5 days. Nests were found largely along riverine patches. The results indicate the mature and less disturbed riverine forests with large sized trees are critical for the breeding and conservation of this species. The food habits of the eagle were known from prey items brought into the nest by the adult to feed the chick and prey items fed on by the adult. In total, 173 feeding observations were made and the prey items belonged to 17 species of vertebrates. The crested serpent eagle largely preferred reptiles, which accounted for 74% of their diet, followed by birds, which accounted for 18% of their diet. A total of 1237 perching records were observed. The crested serpent eagle preferred to perch on the outer canopy of the trees found largely in the forest edges.

Hematocrit and Plasma Chemistry Values in Adult Collared Scops Owls (<i>Otus lettia</i>) and Crested Serpent Eagles (<i>Spilornis cheela hoya</i>)

In this study, we report hematocrit and plasma chemistry values for adult captive collared scops owls (Otus lettia) and crested serpent eagles (Spilornis cheela hoya). In particular, we address the gender-specific differences within these values. We measured hematocrit (HCT) and plasma chemistry values for uric acid (UA), plasma urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), glucose (GLU), cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), creatine (CRE), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), amylase (AMY), calcium (CA), ionic phosphorous (IP) and sodium (NA), potassium (K) and chloride ions (CL) in 37 adult captive collared scops owls and 39 adult captive crested serpent eagles. Significant differences between the sexes were found for UA, GLU and CPK in the collared scope owls. UA and GLU concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.01 and P<0.05) among males than females, while the CPK concentration was significantly lower (P<0.05) in males. There were no significant differences in of all of the measured parameters between male and female eagles. These finding suggested that HCT and plasma chemistry values of raptors vary individually according to species and sex. Our results provide the 1st available reference data for ranges of plasma values in adult captive collared scops owls and crested serpent eagles, making them a potentially useful complementary diagnostic tool for veterinary care of individuals for both species in captivity.

The anti-predator behaviour of wild white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar)

Predation on gibbons is rarely observed in the wild. However, the gibbons' moderate body size and relatively small social groups suggest high vulnerability to predation. To assess the role of predation and to study their anti-predator behaviour, we presented visual predator models to nine groups of wild white-handed gibbons at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. We measured subjects' immediate and delayed responses to four potential predators: tiger, clouded leopard, crested serpent eagle and reticulated python. Subjects reliably approached all four predators. In response to tigers and leopards, they additionally produced predator-specific songs and defecated copiously. In terms of delayed responses, distance between mated adults decreased, but only after exposure to the tiger model. In response to eagles and pythons, gibbons consistently vocalised, but this did not always include predator singing, and we found no long-term effects in overall activity or strata use. However, during 6 of 26 predator encounters, the gibbons produced songs with a structure that was intermediate between a duet song and a predator song more than 20 min after the predator encounter, indicating a long-term effect on their vocal behaviour. This study demonstrates that gibbons discriminate between different potential predators and respond to them with adaptive anti-predator behaviour, which include predator-specific vocal responses. We conclude that gibbons are not immune to predation and that terrestrial predators elicit consistent immediate and delayed anti-predation responses.

Avian Pox Infection in a Free-Living Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) in Southern Taiwan

Avian pox viruses (APVs) have been reported to cause infection in diverse avian species worldwide. Herein we report the first case of APV infection in a free-living bird, a subadult crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela), in Taiwan. In addition to the typical wart-like lesions distributed on the cere, eyelid, and face, there were also yellowish nodules below the tongue and on the hard palate. Phylogenetic analysis of the 4b core protein gene showed that the APV is very close to that found in white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Japan recently. Because both cases are located on the same major flyway for migratory birds, the impact of this virus with regard to the wild and migratory raptor species along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and West Pacific Flyway requires immediate investigation.

Avian Pox Infection in a Free-Living Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) in Southern Taiwan

Avian Pox Infection in a Free-Living Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) in Southern Taiwan

Validation of Spilornis cheela hoya TaqMan probes for potential gender identification of many Accipitridae species

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that genders of Accipitridae species, with the same or similar sequences to our previously proposed Spilornis cheela hoya ( S. c. hoya) chromo- helicase- DNA binding protein ( CHD) -W-specific and CHD-ZW-common TaqMan probes, can be successfully determined. Eight species of Accipitridae with known genders were collected. After PCR, TA cloning, sequencing, and alignment analyses, sequence length differences of Griffiths P2/P8 PCR amplicons between CHD-Z and CHD-W genes ranged from 2 to 19 bp for these Accipitridae species, and they were unsolved in 3% agarose gel. Using our previous proposed S. c. hoya TaqMan probes, the genders of Circaetus gallicus, completely homologous to the sequences for these CHD probes, were successfully identified. With one nucleotide difference to S. c. hoya CHD-W-specific probe, gender identification of Accipiter gularis, Accipiter soloensis, Accipiter trivirgatus, Accipiter virgatus, and Butastur indicus were validated. With two nucleotide differences in the CHD-W-specific probe and one nucleotide difference in the CHD-ZW-common probe, Pernis ptilorhyncus also performed well for gender identification. In conclusion, the S. c. hoya CHD probes, coupled with the Griffiths P2/P8 primers, were validated to provide accurate and high-throughput gender identification for many Accipitridae species.

Use of random amplified polymorphic DNA to identify several novel markers for sex identification in the crested serpent eagle and crested goshawk

The crested serpent eagle ( Spilornis cheela hoya) has no distinct sexual dimorphic traits. In the current study, we report the results of an EE0.6 ( EcoRI 0.6-kb fragment) sequence applied to S. cheela hoya and a novel random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker that can be used to sex individuals within the species S. cheela hoya and Accipiter trivigatus formosae (crested goshawk). We used sex-specific primers for the avian CHD1 (chromo-helicase-DNA-binding 1) gene and the EE0.6 sequence in PCR assays to determine sex. In addition, 120 random primers were used for RAPD fingerprinting to search for novel sex-specific fragments of S. cheela hoya. The OPBB08 random primer generated a 1241-bp sex-specific fragment in all female S. cheela hoya. From the nucleotide sequence, PCR primers were designed to amplify 553-, 895-, and 194-bp sex-specific fragments present in all female S. cheela hoya. One of these primer pairs (ScBB08-7F/R) also amplified a male/female common fragment that can be used as an internal control (543 bp). Moreover, one of the primer pairs (ScBB08-5aF/5bR) could be used to identify genders of A. trivigatus formosae. In conclusion, we identified novel sex-specific DNA markers of S. cheela hoya and A. trivigatus formosae that can be used for rapid and accurate sex identification.

Parasitic Helminths and Arthropods of the Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela perplexus Swann, 1922 from the Yaeyama

Thirty-eight individuals of the Crested Serpent Eagle, Spilornis cheela perplexus Swann, 1922 collected between 2001 and 2009 from Yaeyama Archipelago, Okinawa, Japan, were investigated. A total of 11 helminth and two arthropod parasites, including seven nematodes (Eucoleus contortus, Baruscapillaria falconis, Aonchotheca caudinflata, Porrocaecum angusticolle, Procyrnea leptoptera, Microtetrameres accipiter and Synhimantus sp.), three trematodes (Basantisia ridwani, Strigea microbursa and Neodiplostomum georgesduboisi), an acanthocephalan (Centrorhynchus spilornae), a chewing louse (Craspedorrhynchus sp.) and a feather mite (Artamacarus sp.), were identified. Among these parasites, E. contortus, B. falconis, A. caudinflata, P. leptoptera, M. accipiter, Synhimantus sp. and Artamacarus sp. were the first host records for S. cheela, and all helminths and arthropods are the first host records from S. c. perplexus. With the exception of E. contortus, all helminths and arthropods were the first local records from the Yaeyama Archipelago.

High-throughput gender identification of Accipitridae eagles with real-time PCR using TaqMan probes

The objective was to develop high-throughput gender identification of eagles. Based on BLAST and alignment analyses, the CHD-Z and CHD-W sequences of nine species of eagles were highly homologous with Spilornis cheela hoya (S. c. hoya); therefore, TaqMan probes were designed to target their CHD-ZW-common and CHD-W-specific regions. In S. c. hoya, genders were identified using TaqMan-based, real-time PCR (amplified by P2/P8 primers); this method was validated with anatomically confirmed controls (one of each gender). Both genders had high intensities of the HEX-labeled (CHD-ZW-common) probe, whereas only females had high intensity of the FAM-labeled (CHD-W-specific) probe. The sequence of the CHD-W-specific probe designed for S. c. hoya was completely homologous with the CHD-W-specific region in Circaetus gallicus, Gyps indicus, and Gyps bengalensis, and was only one nucleotide different from those of Accipiter nisus, Spizaetus nipalensis, Aquila chrysaetos, Circus spilonotus, and Milvus migrans. For the CHD-ZW-common probe, all species listed were completely conserved. Using real-time PCR software, we established auto-calling of the genders of 15 individuals of S. c. hoya. In conclusion, this method provided accurate, high-throughput gender identification for S. c. hoya, and has considerable potential for identifying the gender of several related species of eagles.

An improved PCR method for gender identification of eagles

Eagles are sexually monomorphic and therefore it is difficult to determine their gender, which is a crucial need for management purposes. In this study, we have developed an improved gender identification method by exploiting length differences between the Chromo-Helicase-DNA binding protein (CHD)-Z and CHD-W genes of Spilornis cheela hoya. By comparing DNA sequences for CHD-W and CHD-Z from 10 species of Falconiformes eagles we designed universal gender identification PCR primers that exploit differences in product size. Standard agarose gels were shown to easily distinguish between the 148-bp CHD-ZW and the 258-bp CHD-W PCR products. When used with 28 samples of S. cheela hoya, our improved universal primers provided a fast and precise gender identification assay.

High-throughput avian molecular sexing by SYBR green-based real-time PCR combined with melting curve analysis

BackgroundCombination of CHD (chromo-helicase-DNA binding protein)-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with electrophoresis (PCR/electrophoresis) is the most common avian molecular sexing technique but it is lab-intensive and gel-required. Gender determination often fails when the difference in length between the PCR products of CHD-Z and CHD-W genes is too short to be resolved.ResultsHere, we are the first to introduce a PCR-melting curve analysis (PCR/MCA) to identify the gender of birds by genomic DNA, which is gel-free, quick, and inexpensive. Spilornis cheela hoya (S. c. hoya) and Pycnonotus sinensis (P. sinensis) were used to illustrate this novel molecular sexing technique. The difference in the length of CHD genes in S. c. hoya and P. sinensis is 13-, and 52-bp, respectively. Using Griffiths' P2/P8 primers, molecular sexing failed both in PCR/electrophoresis of S. c. hoya and in PCR/MCA of S. c. hoya and P. sinensis. In contrast, we redesigned sex-specific primers to yield 185- and 112-bp PCR products for the CHD-Z and CHD-W genes of S. c. hoya, respectively, using PCR/MCA. Using this specific primer set, at least 13 samples of S. c. hoya were examined simultaneously and the Tm peaks of CHD-Z and CHD-W PCR products were distinguished.ConclusionIn this study, we introduced a high-throughput avian molecular sexing technique and successfully applied it to two species. This new method holds a great potential for use in high throughput sexing of other avian species, as well.

A record of the Crested Serpent Eagle on Taketomi-jima Island of the Ryukyu Islands

A record of the Crested Serpent Eagle on Taketomi-jima Island of the Ryukyu Islands

Nematode Parasites of Oceanica. XI. Madelinema angelae gen. et sp. n., and Inglisonema mawsonae sp. n. (Heterakoidea: Inglisonematidae) from Birds

Madelinema angelae gen. et sp. n. is described from an eagle, Spilornis cheela palawanensis, from Taiwan. It differs from Inglisonema Mawson, 1968, in possessing symmetrical caudal alae and in having a different form of preanal sucker. Inglisonema mawsonae sp. n. is described from Pitta sordida from Palawan. It differs from I. typos Mawson, 1968, in spicule ratio and location of excretory pore. Inglisonematinae Mawson, 1968, is elevated to family status and is placed in the Heterakoidea. The specimens on which this report is based were collected by the second author and his associates of Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2 on an expedition to Palawan, Republic of the Philippines, and during field operations on Taiwan. Host identifications are those given by Kuntz (1969) and Kuntz and Dien (1970). The worms were killed in hot alcohol and stored in 70% alcohol with 10 parts glycerine. They were cleared for study by dehydration in glycerine. All measurements are in microns unless

Centrorhynchus spilornae sp. n. (Acanthocephala), and Other Centrorhynchidae from the Far East

Six species of Centrorhynchus and three species of Sphaerirostris are reported from birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals from Taiwan, Borneo and Pakistan. C. spilornae sp. n. is described from the serpent eagle, Spilornis cheela hoya. It differs from C. madagascariensis (Golvan, 1957) Golvan, 1960, in possessing two rather than three cement glands; in having longer hooks, with the longest near the apex of the proboscis; and in having a distinct swelling in the center of the proboscis. Centrorhynchus amphibius Das, 1950, is described from adults for the first time. C. falconis Johnston and Best, 1943, is redescribed and the female reported for the first time. Other species discussed are C. magnus Fukui, 1929; C. elongatus Yamaguti, 1935; C. aluconis (Miiller, 1780) Liihe, 1911; C. buteonis (Schrank, 1788) Kostylew, 1914; Sphaerirostris pinguis (Van Cleave, 1918) Golvan, 1960; S. lancea (Westrumb, 1821) Golvan, 1960; and S. turdi (Yamaguti, 1939) Golvan, 1960. The acanthocephalans discussed in this paper were collected by the second author and his associates while attached to Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2, Taipei, Taiwan. Materials and methods are the same as reported previously (Schmidt and Kuntz, 1966). Measurements are in microns unless otherwise stated. Further host data can be obtained from the second author by referring to the PF, PAK, and PJ numbers stated in text and written on all slides and vials deposited in

Rare and new records of birds from the Ryu Kyu Is.

New specimen records of Aquila heliaca (Iriomote I.), Aegypius monachus (Miyako I.), Ciconia ciconia (Okinawa I.), Diomedea immutabilis (Kume I.) and Grus vipio (Okinawa I.) (by Takara), and 65 sepecies to be added as specimen or sight records to avifaunae of islands of the Ryu Kyu Chain (Okinawa to Yonaguni), as the result of field and specimen survey during January 12 and February 17, 1969 (by Kuroda), are reported. Brief notes on status of a few species are added. Anthus cervinus (Okinawa to Yonaguni), Motacilla flava taivana (Yonaguni) and Phylloscopus inornata (Okinawa to Yonaguni), for example, were common wintering species, the second species having been found foraging in association with grazing cows. Turdus pallidus was very common on all islands except Iriomote. Endemic Dendrocygna javanica and Spilornis cheela (Saphaeopipo noguchii has been treated in other article) are decreasing owing to increasing hunting. Butastur indicus which concentrate on Miyako I. on migration in great numbers had been so much caught by islanders by special perching devise that has greatly decreased recently. The search for Halcyon miyakoensis was made based on remour of its rediscovery but with no definite evidence, though further care should be kept on this species.Only Miyako I. is flat possibly with stable air conditions and this may be a reason why rather many atragglers of large gliding birds, including hawk, eagle, crane or stork, have been found and caught. Rarities are often shot against game law and protection of native as well as these migrants is needed.