Big Cats Research Articles

An extremely large saber-tooth cat skull from Uruguay (late Pleistocene–early Holocene, Dolores Formation): body size and paleobiological implications

Among the three recognized species of Smilodon, S. populator is the largest in size and has the widest distribution across South America. The present contribution describes an almost complete skull assigned to the aforementioned felid. The material was recovered from sediments of the Dolores Formation (Lujanian Stage/Age) from the southern part of Uruguay. This specimen is remarkable for its unusual craniodental measurements, indicating that it is one of the largest known specimens of the genus. Estimates of body mass indicate that this individual weighed over 400 kg. In addition, maximum prey size estimation greatly surpasses 1 t and approach nearly 3 t. Based on this, aspects of the paleobiology and paleoecology of S. populator are discussed. Undoubtedly, this kind of carnivorous mammal was at the top of the food chain, with clear adaptations for feeding upon the largest available herbivores, which potentially includes several megafaunal mammal species found in South America during the late Pleistocene.Aldo Manzuetti [aldomanzuetti@adinet.com.uy], Facultad de Ciencias (UdelaR), Iguá 4225, CP 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay; Daniel Perea [perea@fcien.edu.uy], Facultad de Ciencias (UdelaR), Iguá 4225, CP 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay; Washington Jones [wawijo@yahoo.com.ar], Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, 25 de Mayo 582, CP 11000, Montevideo, Uruguay; Martín Ubilla [ubilla@fcien.edu.uy], Facultad de Ciencias (UdelaR), Iguá 4225, CP 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay; Andrés Rinderknecht [apaleorinder@yahoo.com], Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, 25 de Mayo 582, CP 11000, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Do spotted hyaenas outcompete the big cats in a small, enclosed system in South Africa?

AbstractCarnivores are adapted to kill, meaning sympatric carnivores can have particularly aggressive and harmful competitive interactions. The co‐existence of multiple carnivores in an ecosystem could be restricted by their similarity in ecological niches (e.g. dietary overlap); however, high prey abundances could facilitate their co‐existence. Although the development of small, enclosed reserves (<400 km2) in South Africa has reduced human–carnivore conflict, these systems may increase the likelihood of carnivore intra‐guild competition due to the clumping of competing carnivores into these restricted spaces. Using carnivore scat and kill site analyses, we determined the dietary preferences and overlap of sympatric large carnivores in a small, enclosed reserve, Selati Game Reserve (Selati). Large carnivores in Selati (lions (Panthera leo), spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) and leopards (Panthera pardus)) preferentially selected for varying combinations of prey size classes. Lions selected for large prey, leopards selected for small prey and spotted hyaenas did not prefer any particular prey size. Additionally, lions had the largest dietary breadth and the diet of leopards and spotted hyaenas overlapped considerably. Coupled with high prey densities in Selati, the predation strategies of the large carnivores could be facilitating their co‐existence. On the other hand, the high degree of dietary overlap among large carnivores suggests that there is strong potential for exploitation competition, particularly between spotted hyaenas and leopards as their diet overlapped extensively (91% and 93% for prey species and size class, respectively). Although spotted hyaenas are potentially outcompeting leopards in Selati, lions were the most dominant large carnivore. Our study reiterates the complexity of carnivore guild interactions and emphasizes how these interactions are subject to variation due to site‐specific circumstances (e.g. composition of prey and carnivore populations). We therefore encourage site‐specific, multi‐carnivore research throughout protected areas in southern Africa.

The Adapted Ears of Big Cats and Golden Moles: Exotic Outcomes of the Evolutionary Radiation of Mammals

The Adapted Ears of Big Cats and Golden Moles: Exotic Outcomes of the Evolutionary Radiation of Mammals

Captive large predators killing vultures: exposing captive facilities as an additional source of mortality to highly threatened birds

Background and objective: African vultures are under pressure from various, well-known anthropogenic threats. Here we describe and aim to highlight a littleknown source of mortality to two Critically Endangered vulture species (Gyps africanusand Necrosyrtes monachus), as well as the Endangered Cape Vulture (Gyps copropheres) in southern Africa – that of captive big cats killing vultures that land in their enclosures to feed on food scraps or faeces or to bathe in drinking water.Methods: Personal observations, reports from public, interviews with current and former staff from predator parks and lion hunting ranches.Discussion: While the spatial and numerical extent of this mortality has not yet been quantified, if it is found to be widespread then failure to address it may present a risk to the regions’ vulture populations.Conclusion: We encourage captive breeding facilities and regulatory authorities to take appropriate action to prevent free-roaming vultures from coming into contact with captive big cats, and we highlight the need for further research todetermine the spatial extent and magnitude of this threat to African vultures.

A comparative analysis of hair morphology of wild and domestic ungulate prey species of Leopard Panthera pardus fusca (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) from Goa, India

Guard hairs were collected from four live domesticated ungulate species and shed guard hairs of six wild ungulate species from zoo captive animals from five individuals each. Photographic reference was prepared showing analytic features of hair characteristics. Study results were analysed and cuticle and medulla patterns were identified along with pigmentation features from the literature available for wild and domestic ungulates from India and abroad. Clear and easily distinguishable morphological characters of hair medulla and cuticle were used in the present study. Scat analysis of big cats used in this study is easy, speedy and efficient which can be used in routine investigations related to wildlife, crime forensics as well as human animal conflicts by studying carnivore feeding habits. In a majority of the animal species, the distal part of the hair showed maximum variation from the rest of the hair portions. The cuticle scales were imbricate in all tested animals. Scale position in almost all the tested animals was transversal except in goat (proximal part and medial part) and mouse deer (Distal part). Majority of the species showed smooth margins at proximal and medial part. Whereas the distal part scale margin was crenate and rippled in appearance the proximal part and medial part of hair of the majority of sampled animals showed a regular wave -type scale pattern whereas the distal part of hair showed irregular wave-type scale pattern in dominance. The composition of the medulla was multicellular in all the sampled deer species. Only the cow calf’s hair medulla was unicellular and uniseriate in appearance. A comparison of the hair of the domestic pig with that of the wild boar and gaur hair with that of cow calf and buffalo calf hair was made for the first time in the present study. Similarly goat hair morphology can also be differentiated from other cervids in this study. Medulla and cuticle characters in combination with each other can help differentiate wild ungulate species from the domestic ones since these wild ungulate species are frequently involved in hunting crime investigations. Therefore, the photographic reference presented in this study can be used in wildlife forensic science as well as predator diet analysis as an appropriate reference for prey species identification.

Estimation of the Numbers of the Far Eastern Leopard (Panthera pardus) in Russia

The Far Eastern leopard, Panthera pardus orientalis, is one of the rarest subspecies of large cats in the world. Its numbers used to be estimated at 25–50 individuals. New methods of research using automatic cameras and molecular-genetic diagnostics have failed to provide exhaustive information as well. Our work was carried out in 2011–2013 in the southwestern part of Primorskii krai: from the Razdolnaya River in the northeast to the border with North Korea in the south and China in the southwest. We chose a model area of ​​503 km2, where we installed a network of 41 pairs of Reconyx Rapidfire RC60, HC500, HC600 photo traps, high-speed automatic digital cameras with infrared motion sensors and infrared illumination, allowing us to obtain one frame per second. Information was removed from the photo traps once every four months. Two methods were used to survey the leopard population: direct extrapolation of the number of registered leopards during the year over the model area across the subspecies’ entire distribution area; and a modified method of the Capture program utilized to determine the population density, which is also based on the principle of recatching, taking into account the spatial relationships between animal registrations (Space Capture-Recapture, SECR) when using the SPACECAP program. The “effective trapping area” was determined for correct extrapolations, one designed as a variant of half the average distance between two recaptures (1/2MMDM). This allowed us to obtain a buffer zone with a width of 5.66 km. The “effective trapping area” amounted to 1023 km2. Apparently unsuitable habitats were excluded from this area. In 377 pictures obtained with photo traps, we identified 27 leopards. Ten of them were males, ten, females, and seven individuals remained unsexed, while ten individuals were unidentified. Extrapolating these data to the entire territory taken up by potential leopard habitats in the Russian Far East, i.e., over an area of 3502 km2, allows us to conclude that the numbers of leopards total about 96–100 individuals, of which about 60 animals are resident and 35–40 are young, nomadic individuals. However, given the previous counts of leopard numbers, traces of which were found in an area of 2233 km2, the overall estimate of the population is likely to be lower and will be about 60–65 leopards.

Demography, heritability and genetic correlation of feline hip dysplasia and response to selection in a health screening programme

Feline hip dysplasia (FHD) is a debilitating condition affecting the hip joints of millions of domestic cats worldwide. Despite this, little is known about FHD except that it is relatively common in the large breed Maine Coon. We used 20 years of data from 5038 pedigree-registered Maine Coon cats in a radiographic health screening programme for FHD to determine, for the first time, its heritability, genetic correlation to body mass and response to selection. FHD prevalence was 37.4%, with no sex predilection; however, FHD severity increased with age and body mass. Heritability of the radiographic categories used to classify FHD severity was 0.36 (95%CI: 0.30–0.43). The severity of FHD symptoms was also genetically correlated with body mass (0.285), suggesting that selection for a large body type in this breed concurrently selects for FHD. Support for this was found by following generational responses to selective breeding against FHD. Not only did selective breeding successfully reduce the severity of FHD symptoms in descendants, but these cats were also smaller than their ancestors (−33g per generation). This study highlights the value of breeding programmes against FHD and cautions against breed standards that actively encourage large bodied cats.

Tibetan Plateau: An evolutionary junction for the history of modern biodiversity

Holding particular biological resources, the Tibetan Plateau is a unique geologic-geographic-biotic interactively unite and hence play an important role in the global biodiversity domain. The Tibetan Plateau has undergone vigorous environmental changes since the Cenozoic, and played roles switching from “a paradise of tropical animals and plants” to “the cradle of Ice Age mammalian fauna”. Recent significant paleontological discoveries have refined a big picture of the evolutionary history of biodiversity on that plateau against the backdrop of major environmental changes, and paved the way for the assessment of its far-reaching impact upon the biota around the plateau and even in more remote regions. Here, based on the newly reported fossils from the Tibetan Plateau which include diverse animals and plants, we present a general review of the changing biodiversity on the Tibetan Plateau and its influence in a global scale. We define the Tibetan Plateau as a junction station of the history of modern biodiversity, whose performance can be categorized in the following three patterns: (1) Local origination of endemism; (2) Local origination and “Out of Tibet”; (3) Intercontinental dispersal via Tibet. The first pattern is exemplified by the snow carps, the major component of the freshwater fish fauna on the plateau, whose temporal distribution pattern of the fossil schizothoracines approximately mirrors the spatial distribution pattern of their living counterparts. Through ascent with modification, their history reflects the biological responses to the stepwise uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. The second pattern is represented by the dispersal history of some mammals since the Pliocene and some plants. The ancestors of some Ice Age mammals, e.g., the wholly rhino, Arctic fox, and argali sheep first originated and evolved in the uplifted and frozen Tibet during the Pliocene, and then migrated toward the Arctic regions or even the North American continent at beginning of the Ice Age; the ancestor of pantherines (big cats) first rose in Tibetan Plateau during the Pliocene, followed by the disperse of its descendants to other parts of Asia, Africa, North and South America to play as top predators of the local ecosystems. The early members of some plants, e.g., Elaeagnaceae appeared in Tibet during the Late Eocene and then dispersed and were widely distributed to other regions. The last pattern is typified by the history of the tree of heaven (Ailanthus) and climbing perch. Ailanthus originated in the Indian subcontinent, then colonized into Tibet after the Indian-Asian plate collision, and dispersed therefrom to East Asia, Europe and even North America. The climbing perches among freshwater fishes probably rose in Southeast Asia during the Middle Eocene, dispersed to Tibet and then migrated into Africa via the docked India. These cases highlight the role of Tibet, which was involved in the continental collision, in the intercontinental biotic interchanges. The three evolutionary patterns above reflect both the history of biodiversity on the plateau and the biological and environmental effects of tectonic uplift.

Evidence of a further emerging threat to lion conservation; targeted poaching for body parts

The African lion, Panthera leo, has, like many of the world’s megafauna, become threatened with extinction over the past century. Loss of habitat and prey, persecution in retaliation of livestock depredation, by-catch by bushmeat poachers and unsustainable trophy hunting are all documented anthropogenic caused threats to lion conservation. Here we present data that indicate the emergence of a further threat to lion conservation: the targeted poaching of lions for body parts. We present lion abundance and mortality data from field surveys in southern Africa between 2011 and 2018 of a resident lion population. The targeted poaching of lions for body parts accounted for 35% of known human caused mortalities across the landscape and 61% of mortalities within Limpopo National Park with a clear increase in this pressure in 2014. Retaliatory killing for livestock conflict accounted for 51% of total mortalities, however in 48% of conflict cases body parts were also removed, suggesting that a demand for body parts may incentivize conflict related killing of lions. The use of poison was the most common means of killing lions and was recorded in 61% of mortalities. Teeth and claws were the body parts harvested most often from illegally killed animals in the study area, with an increase from 2014 onwards. This pressure threatens the viability of the species in our study area and the success of current conservation initiatives. We suggest that the results of this study be viewed as a warning to the global conservation community to be vigilant of the impact that illegal wildlife trade can have on the conservation of lions, just as a similar pressure has already had on other big cat populations.

Big cat in well: an unconventional threat to leopards in southern India

AbstractThe Vulnerable leopard Panthera pardus is declining as a result of poaching, habitat loss, retaliatory killing and collisions with vehicles. In the southern Indian state of Karnataka there is also an unconventional threat that has received little attention: leopards accidentally falling into unsecured open wells. During 2008–2017 there were 70 incidents of leopards falling into wells, in 10 of 30 districts, with the greatest number recorded in Udupi district (46%). Leopards were released at the site (40%, n = 28), or assisted to escape on their own or were translocated after rescue (41%, n = 29). Eleven per cent (n = 8) of the leopards died as a result of the fall, and 7% (n = 5) were sent to zoos, with serious injuries. The highest number of falls occurred during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons in districts with high rainfall, which may curtail visibility. Open wells are an emerging threat to the leopard and other animal species, and require covers and the security of a parapet.

Iliac auricular surface morphofunctional study in felidae

Felids show remarkable phenotypic similarities and are conservative in behavioral and ecological traits. In contrast, they display a large range in body mass from around 1kg to more than 300kg. Body size and locomotory specializations correlate to skull, limb and vertebral skeleton morphology. With an increase in body mass, felids prey selection switches from small to large, from using a rapid skull or spine lethal bite for small prey, to sustained suffocating bite for large prey. Dietary specialization correlates to skull and front limbs morphology but no correlation was found on the spine or on the hind limb. The morphology of the sacroiliac junction in relation to ecological factors remained to be described. We are presenting a study of the overall shape of the iliac auricular surface with qualitative and quantitative analyses of its morphology. Our results demonstrate that body mass, prey selection, and bite type, crucially influence the auricular surface, where no significant effect of locomotor specialization was found. The outline of the surface is significantly more elevated dorso-caudally and the joint surface shows an irregular W-shape topography in big cats whereas the surface in small cats is smoother with a C-shape topography and less of an elevated ridge. Biomechanically, we suggest that a complex auricular surface increases joint stiffness and provides more support in heavier cats, an advantage for subduing big prey successfully during a sustained bite.

Motion Illusions as Environmental Enrichment for Zoo Animals: A Preliminary Investigation on Lions (Panthera leo).

Investigating perceptual and cognitive abilities of zoo animals might help to improve their husbandry and enrich their daily life with new stimuli. Developing new environmental enrichment programs and devices is hence necessary to promote species-specific behaviors that need to be maintained in controlled environments. As far as we are aware, no study has ever tested the potential benefits of motion illusions as visual enrichment for zoo animals. Starting from a recent study showing that domestic cats are spontaneously attracted by a well-known motion illusion, the Rotating Snake (RS) illusion, we studied whether this illusion could be used as a visual enrichment for big cats. We observed the spontaneous behavior of three lionesses when three different visual stimuli were placed in their environment: the RS illusion and two control stimuli. The study involved two different periods: the baseline and the RS period, in which the visual stimuli were provided to the lionesses. To assess whether the lionesses were specifically attracted by the RS illusion, we collected data on the number of interactions with the stimuli, as well as on the total time spent interacting with them. To investigate the effect of the illusion on the animals’ welfare, individual and social behaviors were studied, and compared between the two periods. The results showed that two lionesses out of three interacted more with the RS stimulus than with the two control stimuli. The fact that the lionesses seemed to be more inclined to interact with the RS stimulus indirectly suggests the intriguing possibility that they were attracted by the illusory motion. Moreover, behavioral changes between the two periods were reported for one of the lionesses, highlighting a reduction in self-directed behaviors and an increase in attentive behaviors, and suggesting positive welfare implications. Thus, behavioral observations made before and during the presentation of the stimuli showed that our visual enrichment actually provided positive effects in lionesses. These results call for the development of future studies on the use of visual illusions in the enrichment programs of zoo animals.

Choreographing with Big Cats

ABSTRACTThis article describes how third-grade dance students learn about collaborative choreography with a unit on big cats. You will find many opportunities for dancing and learning as you come along on an adventure with third-grade students as they explore the movements of big cats and create dances including a Big Cat Brain Dance, Habitat Dance, Habitat Destruction Dance, and Energy Dance. Students also collaborate in a finale dance of “Circle of Life” from The Lion King using hula hoops. This article outlines the activities and timeline of the project, which originated with National Geographic sponsorship, so that you might create this adventure at your school.

China’s Rosewood Boom: A Cultural Fix to Capital Overaccumulation

Rosewood has become the world’s most trafficked group of endangered species, with global seizure values surpassing that of ivory, rhino horn, and big cats combined. This is almost entirely attributable to growth in demand from China over the past two decades. Since 2000, classical rosewood furniture that dates back to the Ming Dynasty has been revived as a hot cultural commodity. This article explores China’s recent rosewood renaissance, which has brought annual market sales up to nearly $26 billion. In contrast to accounts that attribute Chinese demand for endangered species to the conspicuous consumption of a rising elite, I focus on the speculative aspect of the demand. I argue that China’s rosewood boom is largely the result of speculative investment that functions as a “cultural fix” to the country’s growing problem of capital overaccumulation. As with Harvey’s spatial fix, a cultural fix pioneers new productive outlets for the accumulation of surplus value. Unlike Harvey’s spatial fix, however, a cultural fix seeks these new productive outlets in cultural realms—specifically, through the mutual convertibility of cultural and economic capital, as defined by Bourdieu. Given the oversaturation of more conventional investment avenues, Chinese investors have increasingly turned to rosewood and other culturally important endangered resources, such as ivory, rhino horn, and tiger parts, as a new outlet for the accumulation of surplus value. More than conspicuous consumption, China’s rosewood boom is the result of rampant financial speculation resulting from a cultural fix. Key Words: China, cultural capital, endangered species, overaccumulation, spatial fix.

Adenovirus Isolated From a Cat Is Related to Human Adenovirus 1.

An adenovirus (AdV) has been isolated from the rectal swab of a domestic cat (Felis catus) and named feline adenovirus (FeAdV) isolate. It replicates and causes cytopathological effects in many human, feline, other mammalian cell lines that have both Coxsackie-adenovirus-receptor and integrins. Its antigens cross-react with anti-human adenovirus antibodies in immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry assays. Electron microscopy revealed typical extracellular icosahedral particles and pseudo arrays inside cells. Sequence analysis of hexon and fiber genes indicates that this virus might belong to human adenovirus (HAdV) C species and might be a variant of type 1. In the fiber protein, three altered amino acids occur in the shaft; four altered residues are found in the knob region as compared to a European HAdV might be type 1 isolate (strain 1038, D11). One alteration affects amino acid 442 forming an RGS motif in an alanine rich region that might be an alternative way to bind integrins with subsequent internalization. Substitutions in the hexon sequence are silent. As compared to published HAdV sequences, the fiber is related to the original American prototype and recently described Taiwanese HAdV 1 isolates, but the hexon sequences are related to adenovirus isolates from France, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. Serology carried out on FeAdV infected M426 cells indicates a prevalence of IgG in 80% of domestic cats in Delaware, United States. FeAdV isolate seems to be a recently recognized virus with possible pathogenic effects and, simultaneous human and feline infections are possible. Further molecular and biological characterization of this feline adenovirus isolate, as well as studies on both human and feline epidemiology and pathomechanisms, especially in endangered big cats, are warranted. FeAdV might have further practical advantages. Namely, it could be utilized in both human and feline AIDS research, developed into diagnostic tools, and gene therapy vectors in the near future.

Reserve size and anthropogenic disturbance affect the density of an African leopard (Panthera pardus) meta-population

Determining correlates of density for large carnivores is important to understand their ecological requirements and develop conservation strategies. Of several earlier density studies conducted globally, relatively few addressed a scale (usually >1000 km2) that allows inference on correlates of density over heterogeneous landscapes. We deployed 164 camera trap stations covering ~2500 km2 across five areas characterized by broadly different vegetation cover in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, to investigate correlates of density for a widespread and adaptable carnivore, the leopard (Panthera pardus). We modelled data in a spatially explicit capture-recapture framework, with both biotic and abiotic covariates hypothesised to influence density. We found that leopard density increased with distance to protected area boundary (mean±SE estimated effect = 0.44±0.20), a proxy for both protected area extent and distance from surrounding human settlements. We estimated mean density at 4.22 leopards/100 km2 (85% CI = 3.33‒5.35/100 km2), with no variation across habitat types. Results indicate that protected area extent and anthropogenic disturbance limit leopard populations whereas no support was found for prey availability and trap array as drivers of leopard density. Such vulnerability is relevant to the conservation of the leopard, which is generally considered more resilient to human disturbance than other large cats. Our findings support the notion that protected areas are important to preserve viable population of leopards, increasingly so in times of unprecedented habitat fragmentation. Protection of buffer zones smoothing the abrupt impact of human activities at reserve edges also appears of critical conservation relevance.

Une Quête de Soi au Carrefour des Identités : Fiction et Réalité dans Surtout ne te Retourne pas de Maissa Bey = A Quest for the Self at the Crossroads of Identities : Fiction and Reality in Surtout ne te Retourne pas by Maissa Bey

Surtout ne te retourne pas is the story of a young girl victim of an earthquake and an identity crisis. It is also the story of Amina, the amnesiac who tries to unravel the threads of her past existence through some tragic stories, including that of Dada Aicha, Mourad, Nadia, and Sarah. In this article, we seek to examine Amina at the crossroads of several identities. Would she be Amina, the daughter of a so busy entrepreneur with his status as a future legislator, a submissive mother, or a fundamentalist brother? Would it be Amina who ran a runaway at 15 days to escape her arranged marriage? Would she be Amina the maid's niece? Would she be El Wahida that Dadda Aicha finds annihilated, lying on the road, curled up, frozen, and rigid?. Or is she Amina the daughter of Dounya? In the light of these textual details, we will try to highlight the plurality of identity, which emerge from a fragmentation of the identities of the character in search of the self. The writer traces sketches of the individual and her society. The 2003 earthquake and Amina's amnesia are only a pretext for dealing with the past memory, of the present of an Algeria plagued by big cats, which have submitted the mother of the character, who succeeds finally free herself and to allow her daughter to outwit the patriarchal projects. Thus, to grasp the meaning of the text, the mythanalytic data will make it possible to turn down the meaning. The myth of the end of the world, the myth of creation and the myth of rebirth have given birth to another text in which Amina experiences a symbolic death, which evolves into two rebirths; one with Dadda Aicha, the other with Dounya.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging study of a normal tarsal joint in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris)

BackgroundIn this research, using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we provide a thorough description of the standard appearance of a right tarsal joint in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris). CT scans were performed using a bone and soft tissue window setting, and three-dimensional surface reconstructed CT images were obtained. The MRI protocol was based on the use of Spin-echo (SE) T1-weighted and Gradient-echo (GE) STIR T2-weighted pulse sequences. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were taken in the transverse, sagittal and dorsal planes. We also performed anatomical dissections to facilitate the interpretation of the different structures of the tarsus joint and allow comparisons with CT and MRI images.ResultsThe CT images allowed us to observe differences between the bones and soft tissues of the tarsal joint. When applying the bone window setting, the obtained footage showed the anatomy between the medulla and cortex. Additionally, the trabecular bone was delineated. By contrast, the soft tissue window allowed the main soft tissue structures of the tarsal joint, including ligaments, muscles and tendons, to be differentiated. Footage of the main anatomical structures of the standard tiger tarsus was obtained through MRI. The SE T1-weighted images showed the best evaluation of the cortical, subchondral and trabecular bone of the tibia, fibula, tarsus and metatarsus bones. Nonetheless, the GE STIR T2-weighted images allowed us to better visualize the articular cartilage and synovial fluid. In both MRI pulse sequences, the ligaments and tendons appeared with low signal intensity compared with muscles that were visible with intermediate signal intensity.ConclusionsThe results of this CT and MRI study of the Bengal tiger tarsal joint provide some valuable anatomical information and may be useful for diagnosing disorders in this large non-domestic cat.

Advancing Cancer Research in Africa Through Early-Career Awards: The BIG Cat Initiative.

PURPOSEThe burden of cancer in Africa is growing rapidly, and increased cancer research on the continent is a critical component of an effective response. In 2010, the US National Cancer Institute, in partnership with the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer, launched the Beginning Investigator Grant for Catalytic Research (BIG Cat) initiative to support cancer research projects conducted by early-career African investigators.METHODSTo date, BIG Cat has provided 18 awards of up to $50,000 to support 2-year cancer research projects. In 2017, the National Cancer Institute evaluated BIG Cat’s early outcomes for cancer research and impacts on career development and local cancer research capacity. Data collection consisted of a review of project documentation and a survey fielded to the 12 investigators who had completed their BIG Cat awards.RESULTSBIG Cat–supported research projects have generated locally relevant findings that address a range of cancer sites and multiple areas of scientific interest. The 11 survey respondents produced 43 scholarly products (e.g., publications, presentations) about findings from their BIG Cat research. They reported increases in cancer research funding applications and awards after receipt of the BIG Cat award compared with before the award. They also reported increased resources for cancer research, participation in teaching and mentoring on cancer research, and supervision of cancer research staff. Investigators identified scientific mentoring as a key facilitator of the success of their BIG Cat projects and limited time and funding as key challenges.CONCLUSIONFindings provide early evidence that BIG Cat advanced locally relevant cancer research and facilitated career advancement and development of local cancer research capacity. Findings have implications for the design of future related efforts.

Big cats at large: Density, structure, and spatio‐temporal patterns of a leopard population free of anthropogenic mortality

AbstractHuman impact is near pervasive across the planet and studies of wildlife populations free of anthropogenic mortality are increasingly scarce. This is particularly true for large carnivores that often compete with and, in turn, are killed by humans. Accordingly, the densities at which carnivore populations occur naturally, and their role in shaping and/or being shaped by natural processes, are frequently unknown. We undertook a camera‐trap survey in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve (SSGR), South Africa, to examine the density, structure and spatio‐temporal patterns of a leopard Panthera pardus population largely unaffected by anthropogenic mortality. Estimated population density based on spatial capture–recapture models was 11.8 ± 2.6 leopards/100 km2. This is likely close to the upper density limit attainable by leopards, and can be attributed to high levels of protection (particularly, an absence of detrimental edge effects) and optimal habitat (in terms of prey availability and cover for hunting) within the SSGR. Although our spatio‐temporal analyses indicated that leopard space use was modulated primarily by “bottom‐up” forces, the population appeared to be self‐regulating and at a threshold that is unlikely to change, irrespective of increases in prey abundance. Our study provides unique insight into a naturally‐functioning carnivore population at its ecological carrying capacity. Such insight can potentially be used to assess the health of other leopard populations, inform conservation targets, and anticipate the outcomes of population recovery attempts.