Crocidura Shantungensis Research Articles

Verifying the Diet of the Slender Racer, <i>Orientocoluber spinalis</i> (Peters, 1866), Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Across Northeast Asian Countries

Understanding the diet of a species provides important information on various aspects of its ecology. Diet studies are few on the reptile species, of which observation frequency is very low, due to the great difficulty of sampling. We investigated the diet of Orientocoluber spinalis, a long and slender small grassland snake with high rarity and a high extinction risk across northeast Asian countries, by applying regurgitated stomach content analysis and metabarcoding analysis using a developed O. spinalis blocking primer. Among 19 diet samples, which were mainly collected on islands along the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, we determined the food sources of 13 samples, which consisted of four small vertebrate species, the Tsushima smooth skink (Scincella vandenburghi), mountain grass lizard (Takydromus wolteri), Japanese keelback (Hebius vibakari), and lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura shantungensis). Among them, O. spinalis most frequently fed on S. vandenburghi (10 of 13 cases). Our results show that O. spinalis mainly forages small reptiles and mammals in grasslands adjoining to lowland forests and could be beneficial for conservation in the field and rearing of this vulnerable species in the facilities.

Decoding the RNA viromes in shrew lungs along the eastern coast of China

Shrews being insectivores, serve as natural reservoirs for a wide array of zoonotic viruses, including the recently discovered Langya henipavirus (LayV) in China in 2018. It is crucial to understand the shrew-associated virome, viral diversity, and new viruses. In the current study, we conducted high-throughput sequencing on lung samples obtained from 398 shrews captured along the eastern coast of China, and characterized the high-depth virome of 6 common shrew species (Anourosorex squamipes, Crocidura lasiura, Crocidura shantungensis, Crocidura tanakae, Sorex caecutiens, and Suncus murinus). Our analysis revealed numerous shrew-associated viruses comprising 54 known viruses and 72 new viruses that significantly enhance our understanding of mammalian viruses. Notably, 34 identified viruses possess spillover-risk potential and six were human pathogenic viruses: LayV, influenza A virus (H5N6), rotavirus A, rabies virus, avian paramyxovirus 1, and rat hepatitis E virus. Moreover, ten previously unreported viruses in China were discovered, six among them have spillover-risk potential. Additionally, all 54 known viruses and 12 new viruses had the ability to cross species boundaries. Our data underscore the diversity of shrew-associated viruses and provide a foundation for further studies into tracing and predicting emerging infectious diseases originated from shrews.

Predominance of the Blastocystis subtype ST5 among free-living sympatric rodents within pig farms in China suggests a novel transmission route from farms

Blastocystis is a parasitic protist that can infect humans and various domestic and wild animals. However, there is limited research on the prevalence of this parasite among rodents, particularly those living in pig farm settings. Therefore, to investigate the occurrence, molecular characterization, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis among rodents within pig farm environments, we conducted an investigation of 227 rodents and shrews from 34 pig farms located in Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi provinces of China using nested PCR of the SSU rRNA gene of Blastocystis. The potential transmission and public health implications were also assessed from a One Health perspective. Blastocystis was detected in 86 (37.9%) fecal samples. The highest infection rate was observed among Ruttus norvegicus (73.7%, 42/58), followed by Ruttus tanezumi (30.1%, 41/136), and Mus musculus (12.0%, 3/25). However, it was not detected among individuals with Apodemus agrarius (n = 1) and Crocidura shantungensis (n = 7). Five known zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes (ST1–ST5) were identified, with ST4 (51.2%, 44/86) and ST5 (40.7%, 35/86) being the predominant ones, followed by ST1 (3.5%, 3/86), ST3 (3.5%, 3/86), and ST2 (1.2%, 1/86). ST4 was prevalent among R. norvegicus (83.3%, 35/42), while ST5 dominated R. tanezumi (70.7%, 29/41). Furthermore, ST5 exhibited the widest distribution at pig farm level, accounting for 65.0% (13/20) of Blastocystis-positive pig farms. This investigation presents the first documented Blastocystis infection in R. tanezumi and M. musculus, highlighting the predominant presence of the zoonotic ST5 subtype in rodents for the first time. The results demonstrate that sympatric rodents can serve as natural reservoirs for Blastocystis and play a role in its transmission. These findings provide information on the dynamics of rodent transmission and emphasize the potential public health threat posed by zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes spillover from pig farms.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequencing of the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura shantungensis Miller, 1901; Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) from Jeju of Korea

We report the complete mitochondrial genome of Crocidura shantungensis (Asian Lesser White-toothed Shrew). The complete mitochondrial genome is 17,160bp in length and contains 13 protein coding genes, one replication origin region, 22 transfer RNA, two ribosomal RNA, and one D-loop (control region). The mitogenome is A+T rich, with a composition of A: 32.5%, T: 32.6%, C: 21.7%, and G: 13.1%. In the phylogenetic tree, the Crocidura genus species formed a solid monophyletic group in the family Soricidae, C. shantungensis was well grouped with sister group to C. sibicica within the Genus Crocidura clade, and each species noted against each other well.

Temporal variation in soricid dentition: which are first – qualitative or quantitative features?

ABSTRACT The current paper offers a protocol for the analytic assessment of the intraspecific variability of dental morphology in shrews. Our approach blends a temporal aspect together with a comparative morphological analysis in terms of a unified morphogenetic concept based on the ‘activator-inhibitor cascades model’ and ‘decreasing heritability model’. We used material from the upper Pleistocene and Holocene fossiliferous deposits of Koridornaya and Sukhaya caves in the Russian Far East and analysed the first upper molars of specimens that were similar in size to the teeth of Crocidura lasiura but differed in some proportions and qualitative features. We analysed the temporal variation of the molar shape against samples of the extant species C. lasiura, Crocidura sibirica and Crocidura shantungensis along with fossil specimens using geometric morphometry based on three-dimensional landmarks and semi-landmark datasets. Our results revealed correspondence of the fossil teeth to intraspecies variation of C. lasiura with a slight increase in the morphospace size. We also found two deviant teeth, which, however, also fell in the range of C. lasiura and were determined as Crocidura cf. C. lasiura. A detailed description of the dental features became possible with the use of the computed microtomography approach.

Genetic diversity and phylogeography of Jeju Orthohantavirus (Hantaviridae) in the Republic of Korea

Orthohantaviruses are negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses harbored by rodents, shrews, moles, and bats. Of the shrew-borne orthohantaviruses in the Republic of Korea (ROK), Jeju orthohantavirus (Jeju virus, JJUV) was found on Jeju Island. This small-scale epidemiologic survey investigated the geographic distribution and molecular phylogeny of JJUV in the ROK. In 32 trapping sites, tissues of 84 Crocidura shantungensis were analyzed for JJUV RNA. JJUV RNA was detected in seven (8.3%) shrews captured on the Korean peninsula. The molecular epidemiologic survey demonstrated the prevalence of JJUV by geographic distribution. The RNA loads of JJUV were evaluated in various tissues. Entire coding sequences of tripartite genomes were recovered from two JJUV strains on the mainland. Phylogenetic relationships of the JJUV revealed a distinct geographic lineage of mainland strains from the strains on Jeju Island. This study sheds light on the molecular epidemiology, phylogeographic diversity, and virus-host co-divergence of JJUV, ROK.

Phylogeography of the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew, Crocidura shantungensis, in East Asia: role of the Korean Peninsula as refugium for small mammals.

Many peninsulas in the temperate zone played an important role as refugia of various flora and fauna, and the southern Korean Peninsula also served as a refugium for many small mammals in East Asia during the Pleistocene. The Asian lesser white-toothed shrew, Crocidura shantungensis, is a widely distributed species in East Asia, and is an appropriate model organism for exploring the role of the Korean Peninsula as a refugium of small mammals. Here, we investigated phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity based on the entire sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1140bp). A Bayesian tree for 98 haplotypes detected in 228 C. shantungensis specimens from East Asia revealed the presence of three major groups with at least 5 subgroups. Most haplotypes were distributed according to their geographic proximity. Pairwise FST's and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a high degree of genetic differentiation and variance among regions as well as among populations within region, implying little gene flow among local populations. Genetic evidence from South Korean islands, Jeju-do Island of South Korea, and Taiwan leads us to reject the hypothesis of recent population expansion. We observed unique island-type genetic characteristics consistent with geographic isolation and resultant genetic drift. Phylogeographic inference, together with estimates of genetic differentiation and diversity, suggest that the southern most part the Korean Peninsula, including offshore islands, played an important role as a refugium for C. shantungensis during the Pleistocene. However, the presence of several refugia on the mainland of northeast Asia is also proposed.

Genetic identification of prey species from teeth in faeces from the Endangered leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence

To understand the dietary ecology of the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), DNA analysis was performed to identify prey species using DNA isolated from teeth harvested from the faeces of this feline species. From 70 DNA samples, a total of 52 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b (cytb) gene sequences of mammals were identified. The results of a sequence identity test indicated that those sequences were derived from four rodent species (Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus peninsulae, Eothenomys regulus and Tamias sibiricus) and two shrew species (Crocidura lasiura and Crocidura shantungensis). The sequences contained nine unique cytb sequences from site 1 and 13 from site 2. These results indicate that the leopard cat hunts rodents and shrews, and at least nine animals at site 1 and 13 animals at site 2 were eaten. These findings suggest that the animal molecular signatures that remain undigested in the faeces may provide useful ecological information about food items and may contribute to a better understanding of the leopard cat’s feeding ecology.

Current Status of Mammal Fauna on Jindo Island, Korea

In the present study, to explore the current status of mammals that inhabit Jindo Island, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, a survey was conducted from July 6 to July 9, 2016. Using several survey methods, such as Sherman's live trap, footprint, caves, excretions, and road-kill investigations, the mammals observed on Jindo Island were found to be from 5 orders and 9 families, including 12 species in total. Among them, three species of small mammals were Mogera wogura, Crocidura shantungensis, and Apodemus agrarius. Additionally, two legally protected species were found through excretion observations. Lutra lutra and Prionailurus bengalensis, which were designated to endangered wild animal classes I and II, respectively. The survey results can be used as a valuable resource for identifying the distribution and habitat status of mammals in the Jindo-gun area, as well as for building a database for ecosystem preservation.

Characteristics of External and Cranial Morphological Characters of Asian Lesser White-Toothed Shrew (Crocidura shantungensis)

Characteristics of External and Cranial Morphological Characters of Asian Lesser White-Toothed Shrew (Crocidura shantungensis)

Fine structural traits of Crocidura shantungensis caudal epididymal spermatozoa

The structural and morphometric traits of spermatozoa reflect species-specific evolutionary and functional characters. The shrew, Crocidura shantungensis, which is an indigenous species of Ulleung-do, is dominant on this island and is suspected to have unique traits different from other shrews. Based on a previous sperm ultrastructural analysis, the structural and morphometric traits of caudal epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Total length was 110.0 μm. The head was paddle shaped with a globular nucleus and was 16.0 μm in length. The acrosomal cap covered four-fifths of the nucleus, and the subacrosomal space had sawtooth-shaped edges. The number of mitochondrial gyres was 84–86. Nine segmented columns in the neck consisted of 12 knobs, and each column was fused with outer dense fiber. The outer dense fibers 1, 5, and 6 were thicker than the others. Outer fiber 1 was shaped like a horseshoe, whereas 5 and 6 were fused with each other. Numerous satellite fibers were scattered on the mid-piece between outer fibers 4 and 5, and 6 and 7. Two specific strong electron-dense fibers were found uniquely near the satellite fibers. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the caudal sperm of Ulleung-do C. shantungensis has unique ultrastructural and morphometric traits based on common sperm characters of the subfamilies, suggesting unique physiological roles in reproduction.

A preliminary study on genetic divergence of the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew Crocidura shantungensis (Mammalia: Soricomorpha) in mainland Korea, adjacent islands and continental East Asia: cytochrome b sequence analysis

A preliminary study on genetic divergence of the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew Crocidura shantungensis (Mammalia: Soricomorpha) in mainland Korea, adjacent islands and continental East Asia: cytochrome b sequence analysis

Complete mitochondrial genome of an Asian Lesser White-toothed Shrew, Crocidura shantungensis (Soricidae)

The complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced and annotated newly from an individual of Crocidura shantungensis (Soricidae) from Korea. The total length of the C. shantungensis genome is 17,160 bp, with a base composition of 32.5% A, 32.7% T, 21.6% C, and 13.1% G.

Divergent ancestral lineages of newfound hantaviruses harbored by phylogenetically related crocidurine shrew species in Korea

Spurred by the recent isolation of a novel hantavirus, named Imjin virus (MJNV), from the Ussuri white-toothed shrew (Crocidura lasiura), targeted trapping was conducted for the phylogenetically related Asian lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura shantungensis). Pair-wise alignment and comparison of the S, M and L segments of a newfound hantavirus, designated Jeju virus (JJUV), indicated remarkably low nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarity with MJNV. Phylogenetic analyses, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods, showed divergent ancestral lineages for JJUV and MJNV, despite the close phylogenetic relationship of their reservoir soricid hosts. Also, no evidence of host switching was apparent in tanglegrams, generated by TreeMap 2.0β.

ИСТОРИЧЕСКИЙ АСПЕКТ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТИ НИЖНЕЙ ЧЕЛЮСТИ CROCIDURA SHANTUNGENSIS MILLER, 1901 (EULIPOTYPHLA: SORICIDAE)

Low jaw measure characters variability of Crocidura shantungensis Miller, 1901 was analyzed in last 43 Ka. It was shown that the largest samples of mandible correspond to Holocene, the smallest ones – to recent, samples from Pleistocene are intermediate.

Y chromosome peculiarities and chromosomal G- and C-staining in Crocidura shantungensis Miller, 1901 (Soricomorpha: Soricidae)

Cytogenetical examinations of Crocidura shantungensis Miller, 1901 from small Young Island of South Korea and the mainland of Russian Far East (Vladivostok) were carried out and literature data concerning Tsushima Island of Japan and Cheju Island of Korea were considered. The chromosome sets of all investigated specimens are characterized by 2n = 40 and NFa = 46. Four pairs of biarmed autosomes, 15 pairs of acrocentrics and two sex chromosomes were identified applying G- and C-banding. The X chromosome is a large metacentric whereas the Y chromosome is a middle sized acrocentric element. A variation in the Y chromosome size in samples from the three islands is noticeable. Comparative analysis of G-banded chromosomes of C. shantungensis (our material) and C. suaveolens (Pallas, 1811) (literature data) shows a similarity between karyotypes of these two species.

Social and Genetic Mating Systems of the Asian Lesser White-toothed Shrew, Crocidura shantungensis, in Taiwan

Abstract The social and genetic mating systems of species can differ. This discrepancy occurs in many birds; however, only 2 studies have examined this issue for shrews, and both were conducted on species that live in temperate regions. We provide the 1st spatial and genetic data to reveal the mating system of the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura shantungensis) in a subtropical region. We tested the hypothesis that the mating system of shrews in the subfamily Crocidurinae is monogamous in subtropical or tropical regions with seasonal climate and resource availability. We used capture–mark–recapture methods to assess spatial organization of shrews during the reproductive season in 2006, and applied 8 microsatellite primers to perform parentage analyses and examine multiple paternity within litters. Males had larger home ranges than females, and the home ranges of resident females, but not males, overlapped with more opposite-sex than same-sex individuals. This spatial structure suggested a polyg...

Application of molecular methods to identify food resources of short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) in wetland community

The short-eared owl (Asia flammeus), which lives in open wetland habitats, has been threatened and become endangered in South Korea due to the destruction and loss of its habitats. However, the diet of the short-eared owl remains to be studied. The prey of the short-eared owl was monitored using molecular methods as an alternative tool. A total of 121 pellets of the species were collected in the Dalsung wetland. Of these pellets, about 30% (n = 33) were selected for prey identification in 2002 (n = 12), 2003 (n = 6) and 2006 (n = 15). Two hundred and thirty-two bone fragments were successfully analyzed and 9 prey species were detected. In an expanded analysis, excluding 4 pellets used for the preliminary analysis, small mammals constituted the highest percentage (89.1%): 47.6% Eurasian field mouse (Apodemus agrarius); 27.2% European harvest mouse (Micromys minutus); 6.1% Japanese wild house mouse (Mus musculus); 5.4% Asian lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura shantungensis); and 2.7% Norway rat (Battus norvegicus). Not only small mammals, but birds and amphibians were also identified: 4.1% Japanese quail (Cotumix japonica); 3.4% vinous-throated parrotbill (Paradoxornis webbianus); 0.7% eastern turtle dove (Streptopelia orientalis); and 2.7% Kori salamander (Hynobius yangi). This result would be valuable in understanding the feeding ecology of the short-eared owl in its wetland habitats.

Morphometric geographic variation in the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew Crocidura shantungensis (Mammalia, Insectivora) in East Asia.

This study investigated geographic variation in the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew, Crocidura shantungensis Miller, 1901, among a number of localities in East Asia, including the Korean Peninsula, Tsushima Island, Cheju Island, and Taiwan, using univariate and multivariate analyses of cranial morphometric characters. Sexual differences were found in Taiwanese shrews, but were not evident in those from Korea or Tsushima. The samples from Taiwan had a larger overall cranial size than those from Korea and Tsushima, and were well separated from the latter two samples in the discriminant analyses. The overall size of the Cheju shrews was also greater, but lay within the variation of those from Taiwan. Crocidura dsinezumi quelpartis Kuroda, 1934, described from Cheju Island, is actually a junior synonym of C. shantungensis, and is not related to C. dsinezumi.