Anser Anser Research Articles

Urban Electric Vehicle Charging Station Placement Optimization with Graylag Goose Optimization Voting Classifier

Urban Electric Vehicle Charging Station Placement Optimization with Graylag Goose Optimization Voting Classifier

Reducing the number of grazing geese on agricultural fields - Effectiveness of different scaring techniques

Scaring is a widely used damage mitigation tool to make agricultural fields less attractive to wildlife and by that reduce crop damage. However, few experimental studies exist where the numerical response of different scaring devices has been compared. We tested experimentally the effect of three different scaring devices (kite, scarecrow, inflatable man) on the number of geese in fields with cereals, ley, rapeseed, potatoes, and carrots in Sweden. Geese were counted by camera traps and two approaches were used; in a first (model 1) only geese within 50–150m of the scaring devices were counted, and in a second (model 2) all geese in the field were included. A total of 42,281 geese were counted: Greylag goose Anser anser was the most common species (87%), followed by bean goose Anser fabalis (6%), greater white-fronted goose Anser albifrons (3%), barnacle goose Branta leucopsis (2%), and Canada goose Branta canadensis (2%). During scaring the number of geese significantly decreased for all three devices in model 2. The inflatable man decreased goose numbers by 90.0 %, scarecrow 64.6%, and kite 60.5%. A similar pattern was found in model 1, but the decrease was not significant. Our study shows that the scaring devices studied can reduce goose grazing pressure for some time and locally. However, since geese continue to graze during scaring, we conclude that scaring alone is not a final solution to mitigate crop damage. Future work to develop more effective control measures should address the efficiency of other management tools and scaring techniques in combination.

Observations of a White-tailed Eagle incubating eggs of a Greylag goose

Observations of a White-tailed Eagle incubating eggs of a Greylag goose

Towards a more rational and stable nomenclature for Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Greylag Goose Anser anser and their domesticates, including various priority issues, designation of lectotypes, and a First Reviser act

Towards a more rational and stable nomenclature for Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Greylag Goose Anser anser and their domesticates, including various priority issues, designation of lectotypes, and a First Reviser act

THE NUMBERS DYNAMICS OF ANATIDS (ANSERIFORMES, ANATIDAE, AVES) IN MODEL AREAS IN DAGESTAN, NORTHEASTERN CAUCASUS, RUSSIA

The numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds declining on a global scale is largely due to the reduction in wetland areas in the era of climate warming. Long-term monitoring data obtained in 1995–2020 in two Key Bird Areas of Russia of international importance, i.e. the Sulakskaya and Turalinskaya lagoons, the Republic of Dagestan, are presented, the transboundary populations of Anseriformes (Anatidae) taken as examples, Both model lagoons are located in one of Russia’s largest bottleneck places of the western Caspian flyways, where the fly routes of European and Asian migrants intersect. The Anseriformes model group, which includes 18 predominantly background species, was chosen based on their regular encounters during migration. According to the information on the ring returns obtained from the Research and Information Center for Bird Ringing at the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, a conditional outline of the generalized distribution range of Anseriformes was revealed, the faunogenetic basis of which is composed of widespread representatives of Arctic or Siberian fauna types. Based on all available data, including the information derived from literature sources, the geographic location both of populations and their regular migration areas was determined. The rating of 12 of all 18 study species was found to have significantly decreased, vs 2 that increased, and further 4 that remained stable. The resulting trends were synchronized with data available from literary sources on the same species of Anseriformes in their nesting areas. The coincidence of the corresponding trends with the distribution trends of the same anatid species in their nesting areas ensured the distance of distant populations of Anseriformes obtained along their flyways in the model lagoons to be correctly measured. This was found to correlate with the average monthly air temperatures in the autumn-winter period in the Primorskaya Lowland of Dagestan, 12 model species being associated with temperature fluctuations. The numbers of migratory populations of anatids in cold years are shown to lead to their increased migration in the study area, as a result the migration of migrants along the flight routes slowing down and their wintering places being changed. Correlation analysis showed a significant relation between the increased areas of Anseriformes wintering in the Caspian Sea with sea-level regression, in which the shallowing areas of marine waters limited the access of anatids to food resources (benthos). Three key factors determining the dynamics of a group of Anseriformes populations are discussed: hydroclimatic cycles, anthropogenic influence and foraging. A temporary ban on the hunting removal of 8 vulnerable species of anatids (the Greylag Goose, the Common Teal, the Garganey, the Gadwall, the Eurasian Wigeon, the Northern Pintail, the Northern Shoveler, and the Common Pochard) is proposed to be imposed in Siberia, Kazakhstan, the Urals Federal District, the Cis-Urals, the Volga region, and the Southern and North Caucasus federal districts until their populations become sufficiently restored.

Insights into genetic diversity and phenotypic variations in domestic geese through comprehensive population and pan-genome analysis

BackgroundDomestic goose breeds are descended from either the Swan goose (Anser cygnoides) or the Greylag goose (Anser anser), exhibiting variations in body size, reproductive performance, egg production, feather color, and other phenotypic traits. Constructing a pan-genome facilitates a thorough identification of genetic variations, thereby deepening our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic diversity and phenotypic variability.ResultsTo comprehensively facilitate population genomic and pan-genomic analyses in geese, we embarked on the task of 659 geese whole genome resequencing data and compiling a database of 155 RNA-seq samples. By constructing the pan-genome for geese, we generated non-reference contigs totaling 612 Mb, unveiling a collection of 2,813 novel genes and pinpointing 15,567 core genes, 1,324 softcore genes, 2,734 shell genes, and 878 cloud genes in goose genomes. Furthermore, we detected an 81.97 Mb genomic region showing signs of genome selection, encompassing the TGFBR2 gene correlated with variations in body weight among geese. Genome-wide association studies utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and presence-absence variation revealed significant genomic associations with various goose meat quality, reproductive, and body composition traits. For instance, a gene encoding the SVEP1 protein was linked to carcass oblique length, and a distinct gene-CDS haplotype of the SVEP1 gene exhibited an association with carcass oblique length. Notably, the pan-genome analysis revealed enrichment of variable genes in the “hair follicle maturation” Gene Ontology term, potentially linked to the selection of feather-related traits in geese. A gene presence-absence variation analysis suggested a reduced frequency of genes associated with “regulation of heart contraction” in domesticated geese compared to their wild counterparts. Our study provided novel insights into gene expression features and functions by integrating gene expression patterns across multiple organs and tissues in geese and analyzing population variation.ConclusionThis accomplishment originates from the discernment of a multitude of selection signals and candidate genes associated with a wide array of traits, thereby markedly enhancing our understanding of the processes underlying domestication and breeding in geese. Moreover, assembling the pan-genome for geese has yielded a comprehensive apprehension of the goose genome, establishing it as an indispensable asset poised to offer innovative viewpoints and make substantial contributions to future geese breeding initiatives.

Plant traits associated with seed dispersal by ducks and geese in urban and natural habitats.

Ducks and geese are little studied dispersal vectors for plants lacking a fleshy fruit, and our understanding of the traits associated with these plants is limited. We analyzed 507 faecal samples of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Canada goose (Branta canadensis) from 18 natural and urban wetlands in England, where they are the dominant resident waterfowl. We recovered 930 plant diaspores from 39 taxa representing 18 families, including 28 terrestrial and five aquatic species and four aliens. Mallards had more seeds and seed species per sample than geese, more seeds from barochory and hydrochory syndromes, and seeds that on average were larger and from plants with greater moisture requirements (i.e., more aquatic). Mallards dispersed more plant species than geese in natural habitats. Plant communities and traits dispersed were different between urban (e.g., more achenes) and natural (e.g., more capsules) habitats. Waterfowl can readily spread alien species from urban into natural environments but also allow native terrestrial and aquatic plants to disperse in response to climate heating or other global change. Throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, the mallard is accompanied by a goose (either the Canada goose or the greylag goose) as the most abundant waterfowl in urbanized areas. This combination provides a previously overlooked seed dispersal service for plants with diverse traits.

Circulation of Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli in Wild and Domestic Waterfowl in Ukraine.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasingly urgent problem for human and animal health due to the widespread use of antibiotics in medicine, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. At the same time, the natural reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant pathogens remain unclear. Wild birds may play a role in this due to their biology. Escherichia coli is a representative indicator pathogen for antibiotic resistance studies. Materials and Methods: In 2020-2021, sampling of feces and cloacal swabs from six species of wild waterfowl (Eurasian wigeon Anas penelope, Eurasian teal Anas crecca, white-fronted goose Anser albifrons, red-breasted goose Rufibrenta ruficollis, graylag goose Anser anser, shelduck Tadorna tadorna) and from two species of domestic waterfowl (ducks and geese) was conducted in the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Cherkasy regions of Ukraine. Biological material was collected, stored, and transported in cryotubes with transport medium (brain heart infusion broth [BHIB] with the addition of 15% glycerol) in liquid nitrogen. Bacteriological studies were carried out according to standard methods for the isolation and identification of microorganisms. Drug resistance of E. coli was carried out by a standard disk diffusion method. Results: Bacteria representing six families (Enterobacteriaceae, Yersiniaceae, Morganellaceae, Bacillaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Staphylococcaceae) were isolated from clinically healthy wild birds (wigeon, Eurasian teal, white-fronted goose, red-breasted goose, mallard, graylag goose, shelduck) in the southern regions of Ukraine with isolation rates ranging from 26.7% to 100%. A total of 19 E. coli isolates were cultured from 111 samples from wild birds, and 30 isolates of E. coli were cultured from 32 poultry samples. E. coli was isolated from birds of all species. The prevalence of E. coli ranged from 5.0% to 33.3% in wild waterfowl and from 90.9% to 100% in domestic waterfowl. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli ranged from 10.0% to 31.8% in wild and domestic waterfowl: 3 of 15 (20%) specimens from wild mallard were MDR in the Kherson region, as well as 7 of 22 domestic ducks (31.8%) and 1 of 10 geese (10%) in the Kharkiv and Cherkasy regions. Isolates from wild birds were the most resistant to ampicillin (AMP), amoxiclav (AMC), amoxicillin (AMX), doxycycline (DO), and chloramphenicol (C). Isolates from poultry were resistant to ampicillin, amoxiclav, doxycycline, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, and enrofloxacin (EX). Most of the other E. coli isolates from wild waterfowl were classified as non-multidrug-resistant (non-MDR) forms. Analysis of antibiotic sensitivity phenotypes showed that only four antibiotic-resistant phenotypes were detected among non-MDR bacteria, whereas among the MDR bacteria, two antibiotic-resistant phenotypes were detected in mallards and six in domestic waterfowl. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that wild waterfowl in Ukraine, which live in natural conditions and do not receive any antimicrobial drugs, are carriers of E. coli that are resistant to a number of antibiotics that are actively used in industrial poultry.

Greylag Goose Optimization: Nature-inspired optimization algorithm

Nature-inspired metaheuristic approaches draw their core idea from biological evolution in order to create new and powerful competing algorithms. Such algorithms can be divided into evolution-based and swarm-based algorithms. This paper proposed a new nature-inspired optimizer called the Greylag Goose Optimization (GGO) algorithm. The proposed algorithm (GGO) belongs to the class of swarm-based algorithms and is inspired by the Greylag Goose. Geese are excellent flyers and during their seasonal migrations, they fly in a group and can cover thousands of kilometers in a single flight. While flying, a group of geese forms themselves as a “V” configuration. In this way, the geese in the front can minimize the air resistance of the ones in the back. This allows the geese to fly around 70% farther as a group than they could individually. The GGO algorithm is first validated by being applied to nineteen datasets retrieved from the UCI Machine Learning Repository. Each dataset contains a varied amount of characteristics, instances, and classes that are used to choose features. After that, it is put to use in the process of solving a number of engineering benchmark functions and case studies. Several case studies are solved using the proposed algorithm too, including the pressure vessel design and the tension/compression spring design. The findings demonstrate that the GGO method outperforms numerous other comparative optimization algorithms and delivers superior accuracy compared to other algorithms. The results of the statistical analysis tests, such as Wilcoxon’s rank-sum and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), demonstrate that the GGO algorithm achieves superior results.

A preliminary investigation of zooplankton diapausing eggs from waterbird faecal droppings in New Zealand

ABSTRACT We analysed internal dispersal of zooplankton by waterbirds (endozoochory) in New Zealand, quantifying zooplankton eggs in faecal droppings collected at two lakes, Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton) and Lake Rotorua. Sixty-seven faecal droppings were collected from Mallard Ducks (20), Canada Geese (11), Greylag Geese (6), Black Swans (20) and Australian Coots (10). Fifty eggs were found, with a mean of 0.75 eggs per dropping, indicating that waterbirds consume zooplankton eggs, and that these pass through the digestive system. No significant difference was observed in the abundance of eggs among waterbird species, and no eggs hatched in the laboratory. Our results suggest that waterbird dispersal of zooplankton in New Zealand is occurring, but numbers being transported are low. Further, as non-native waterbirds such as mallard ducks and geese do not migrate in New Zealand to the extent they do elsewhere, they are likely not primary vectors for zooplankton dispersal.

Cues to individuality in Greylag Goose faces: algorithmic discrimination and behavioral field tests

Cues to individuality, and the corresponding capacity for individual-level discrimination, can allow individually specific investment by conspecifics into offspring, partners, neighbors or competitors. Here we investigated possible cues to individuality via faces in an ancient avian lineage, the Greylag Goose (Anser anser). Konrad Lorenz could famously name each Greylag Goose in ‘his’ flock from a photograph. Confirming this anecdotal observation, we developed facial recognition software that can reliably (~ 97% accuracy) assign a goose face to a goose ID within a database, using bill morphology normalized during photo preparation. To explore conspecific detection of individuality cues, we erected life-size photos of geese and measured subjects’ responses to photos of themselves (unfamiliar goose), their partner, and another flock mate. Geese displayed significantly greater affiliative response to photos of their partners, providing evidence that geese can use two-dimensional images as cues to determine social category (partner/non-partner) and/or individual-level recognition. Our methods provide novel approaches to automatically detect and monitor geese and to test avian cognition. Our approach may also create new opportunities for species monitoring approaches more generally using photographic images and citizen-science engagement.

EDNA Metabarcoding- and Microscopic Analysis for Diet Determination in Waterfowl, a Comparative Study in Vejlerne, Denmark.

Understanding diets and structural food webs are keys to the apprehension of ecological communities, upon which conservation and management biology are based. The understanding of grazing and habitat choice for waterfowl is one of the most important topics for avian ecologists today and can, to some degree, be answered by dietary analysis. Droppings collected from four waterfowl, the Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope), Greylag goose (Anser anser), pink-footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) and Barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) in Vejlerne (Denmark), were analysed microscopically and through eDNA metabarcoding with the use of next generation sequencing (NGS) to accumulate knowledge about the diet of these waterfowl. In total, 120 dropping samples were microscopically analysed, of which the eDNA metabarcoding analysis was done on 79 samples. The prey items were identified according to the taxonomic level of species, and a qualitative method, frequency of occurrence (FO) and FO calculated as a percentage, was used in order to compare the results from the two methods. As neither of the methods was able to encompass all species discovered when combining the two methods, it was concluded in this study that the two methods can support each other in a dietary analysis of waterfowl, but not replace one another.

Genomic signatures reveal selection in Chinese and European domesticated geese.

The Swan goose and Greylag goose are species of geese native to East Asia and Europe, respectively, and are widely believed to be the ancestors of Chinese and European domesticated geese. The Yili goose (YL) and European domestic geese originated from the Greylag goose, but the history of domestication is unclear. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the genome of the YL goose and the Hortobagy goose to combine with other previously sequenced goose populations for in-depth analysis. The population genetic variations in Stone geese, East Zhejiang White Geese, Taihu geese and Zi geese were also identified and compared. The results showed that admixture gene flow existed in the YL geese population, which was introgressed by Chinese geese, suggesting that gene flow events were frequent and widespread among domesticated geese. Further selected sweep analysis identified candidate genes and metabolic pathways that may be related to the differences in morphology. Several genes such as TGFBR3L, CMYA5, FOXD1, ARHGEF28 and SUCLG2 are associated with growth, reproduction and fertility traits. The results of this study will help to understand the genetic characteristics of domestic geese and the genes affecting important traits and provide a basis for the improved breed of domestic geese.

A vadlúd monitoring eredményei a 2020/2021-es idényben Magyarországon

Results of Geese Monitoring in Hungary in the season 2020/2021. The author presents the results of the HUNGARIAN GEESE MONITORING (Table 1.) for 2020/2021 in the form of a data base. After reviewing the basic data recorded at each site of observation (Table 3-21.) he analyse the obtained data separately for each species, i.e. Brent Goose (Branta bernicla) (Table 22., Map 1., Figure 1-2.), Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) (Table 23., Map 2., Figure 3-4.), Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) (Table 24, Map 3., Figure 5-6.), Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) (Table 25, Map 4, Figure 7.), Greylag Goose (Anser anser) (Table 26., Map 5., Figure 8-10.), Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris rossicus) (Table 27., Map 6., Figure 11-13.), Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis) (Table 28, Map 7, Figure 14.), Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) (Table 29., Map 8., Figure 15.), White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) (Table 30., Map 9., Figure 16-18.), Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) (Table 31., Map 10., Figure 19-20.), as well as for the total of observed geese (Table 32., Figure 21-24.). In respect of dominance – when data recorded monthly in each of the observed sites (Table 3-21., Figure 25.) or those referring to the total of geese present in Hungary (Table 33., Figure 25.) are analysed, it is found that in conformity with the numbers of individuals, also in the season 2020/2021 White-fronted Goose was the most common goose species in Hungary (max. 265 010 birds, max. 96%), followed by Greylag Goose (max. 39 261 birds, max. 100%), Tundra Bean Goose (max. 711 birds, max. 0-1%) ranking third. Dominance of Red-breasted Goose and Lesser White-fronted Goose – both are globally threatened species – ranged both from 0% to <1% (max. 147 and 10 birds). If the data obtained for the season 2020/2021 are fitted into the data series of long-term monitoring, the following conclusions can be drawn from the actual changes in population numbers of the geese species in the Pannon region. In the season 2020/2021, we observed max. 2 Brent Geese, max. 1 Barnacle Goose, max. 1 Bar-headed Goose, max. 1 Pink-footed Goose and max. 6 Taiga Bean Goose. For the globally threatened Red-breasted Goose may be considered higher (+40% – 147 birds) to the maximum counted in the season 2019/2020 (105 birds), but much lower to the record number counted in the season 2014/2015 (1258 birds). Greylag Goose continued to be present with high numbers in Hungary. However, in the new season its peaks (39 261 birds) were found to be higher (+4%) those counted in the previous 2019/2020 season (37 707 birds). Peak number of Tundra Bean Goose (711 birds) was lower (–8%) as the maximum counted in the season 2019/2020 (769 birds). The dramatic decline in the dynamics of the Tundra Bean Goose population continued and stabilized in the Pannon Region. Peak number of White-fronted Goose (265 010 birds) was 5% higher as the maximum counted in 2019/2020 (250 888 birds). For the globally threatened Lesser White-fronted Goose may be considered higher (10 birds) to the maximum counted in the season 2019/2020 (9 birds). The maximum numbers of total geese in the season 2020/2021 registered simultaneously (306 526 birds) was 11% higher to the maximum number of the season 2019/2020 (275 164 birds).

Complete seasonal surveillance of Greylag Goose (Anser anser) foraging behavior on dairy grassland and the effect of limited lethal scaring

In northern Norway, an increasing population of Greylag Geese (Anser anser) forages considerably on dairy grassland and can eat up to 60% of the grass (dry matter mass) on a field if allowed to eat undisturbed throughout the growing season. In this study, the seasonal foraging behavior of Greylag Geese on diary grassland was continuously monitored with game cameras from late April to the end of August to be able to pinpoint effective preventive measures to manage, control, and prevent this crop damage. Limited, but regular, lethal scaring was conducted on some fields to reveal the preventive effect of this measure. Foraging from Greylag Geese in a rangeland area was also monitored, and a complete dataset of seasonal foraging behavior of this species is presented here. Greylag Geese foraging on the fields reaches a top between 04:00 and 08:00 h am, all season. Energy and digestibility of the field grass (timothy) did not reveal any correlation with grazing patterns. Greylag Geese do not visit the fields during molting; however, they may visit fields with their chicks to forage. Lethal scaring completely removes visits from Greylag Geese on the fields where this is conducted, while foraging continues if geese are given undisturbed access. In the rangeland area foraging seems to be even and continuous throughout the season, but significantly lower. In the end of June and late July/early August, there is a peak in visits and number of geese per visit on the fields. Preventive and effective measures against crop damage from Greylag Geese must therefore at least be initiated during late June and early August, and between 04:00 and 08:00 am.

Gapassipi

Gapassipi

Co-occurrence with Greylag Geese Anser anser and other factors affecting vigilance in White‑fronted Geese Anser albifrons during their spring staging in Central Europe

Vigilance, a crucial factor affecting the behaviour of birds, is key to the safety of migratory animal flocks against predators and other threats. We examined the vigilance of White-fronted Geese in the Biebrza Basin (NE Poland), one of their major stopover sites in Europe. The study took place during their spring staging, from the end of February until the beginning of April. We found that the vigilance of White-fronted Geese decreased in the centre of mixed flocks with Greylag Geese. This may be associated with the larger size and wider field of view of Greylag Geese, as well as their territorial behaviour, as some of them belong to the local breeding population. White-fronted Geese can benefit from the group-size effect when they form larger flocks. In the presence of a vigilance stimulus, the individuals in the centre of a flock raised their alertness levels. As the probability of detecting danger is higher in large groups, flock size negatively affected the birds’ vigilance. Owing to their different experience and roles (adults care for their broods by being vigilant), adult birds appeared to be vigilant on both grassland and arable land, whereas immatures were vigilant only on arable land, where exposure to predatory pressure was greater. We believe that the lower level of vigilance of White-fronted Geese in large and mixed flocks may give them more time for foraging and, therefore, improve their chances of survival and breeding success during the oncoming spring.

Origins, timing and introgression of domestic geese revealed by whole genome data

BackgroundGeese are among the most important poultry species in the world. The current generally accepted hypothesis is that the European domestic geese originated from greylag geese (Anser anser), and Chinese domestic geese have two origins, most of which originated from swan geese (Anser cygnoides), and the Yili goose originated from greylag geese. To explain the origin and demographic history of geese, we selected 14 goose breeds from Europe and China and wild populations of swan and greylag geese, and whole genome sequencing data were obtained for 74 samples.ResultsPopulation structure analysis and phylogenetic trees showed that the wild ancestor of Chinese domestic geese, except for Yili, is the swan geese, and the wild ancestor of Chinese Yili and European domestic geese is greylag geese. Analysis of the demographic history suggests that the domestication of Chinese geese occurred ~ 3499 years ago and that of the European geese occurred ~ 7552 years ago. Furthermore, gene flow was observed between domestic geese and their wild ancestors. Analysis of introgression showed that Yili geese had been introgressed by Chinese domestic geese, and the body size of Yili geese may be influenced by introgression events of some growth-related genes, including IGF-1.ConclusionsOur study provides evidence for the origin of geese at the genome-wide level and advances the understanding of the history of goose domestication and the traits affected by introgression events.

Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Riemerella anatipestifer in Poultry and Wild Geese in Poland

Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) is one of the most relevant bacterial pathogens of commercial waterfowl from clinical and economic points of view. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of RA infection in different types of commercial poultry in Poland and verify the potential role of wild geese as vectors of this pathogen. We tested a total of 126 poultry flocks, including geese (N = 20), ducks (N = 42), turkeys (N = 64) and 19 wild geese, including greater white-fronted geese (N = 9), greylag geese (N = 5) and Taiga bean geese (N = 5). Tracheal swabs were examined for RA using a PCR targeting a conserved region of the 16S rRNA gene. Selected PCR products were sequenced to perform the phylogenetic analysis. Among the commercial poultry, the highest RA prevalence was found in flocks of ducks (35.7%) and geese (30.0%), whereas the lowest one was found in turkeys (3.2%). Most tested wild geese (94.7%) were RA positive. The phylogenetic analysis showed relatively low genetic diversity of the sequences analyzed, which gathered in two clusters of the phylogenetic tree, and the minimum nucleotide identity was 98.6%. Our results would support the contention that RA isolates from commercial poultry circulate in wild bird populations but are not transmitted back to poultry.

Long-term monitoring of pelicans in National Chambal Sanctuary, India

Monitoring of Gharial Gavialis gangeticus in National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) since 1983 has resulted in collection of data on other ecological associates, located between 25.8474–26.4389 0N, 76.5645–79.2132 0E. One such beneficiary of this long term monitoring program are the pelicans, locally called ‘Hawaseel’. Pelican species visiting Chambal from November to March include the Dalmatian Pelecanus crispus, Great White Pelecanus onocrotalus, and Spot-billed Pelecanus philippensis. Species-wise separation of pelicans at the sites of congregation is often difficult. The total number of pelicans counted during the annual census from 2003 to 2016 was 4,429. The study area extends over 435 km comprising 12 study zones, 99% counts were made in the study zones X, XI and XII. These zones stretch over 115 km that occur near the confluence of Chambal with river Yamuna. Here, the river is deep. Other large birds seen with the pelican squadrons are groups of Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Nakta or Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos, and the Greylag Goose Anser anser. Other large birds seen on the riverbanks were the Common Crane Grus grus, Sarus Crane Grus antigon, Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus species, and Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo. The study provides a baseline about the population of pelicans and the availability of large wetland birds in NCS. The biodiversity significance of NCS got highlighted because of the ongoing gharial conservation programme. The Chambal River Sanctuary is a composite unit of several un-notified ‘core areas’. The sanctuary fulfills six of the nine criteria for possible consideration as an international Ramsar Wetland.