Gallinula Research Articles

The self-management organization as a way for the in situ conservation of native poultry genetic resources

Objective: To identify local organization strategies employed by peasant women to conserve their native hens. Methodology: Informal dialogues were held with five peasant women from the rural community of La Cuchilla, Nopala de Villagrán, Hidalgo, Mexico. The information collected was analyzed based on self-management organizational elements. Likewise, the proposals of three authors were used as a foundation for the analysis of the community organizational points in question, with the aim of strengthening the self-management organization. Results: Peasant women use specific self-organization strategies to conserve their native hens, which are considered of great value as a result of their resistance to diseases and their adaptation to the local feeding and environmental conditions. Based on the findings and the authors consulted, an analysis framework is proposed to design of actions that strengthen the self-management participation of women in the conservation of their native poultry resource. Study Limitations: Further studies about women self-management organization mechanisms in rural communities aimed at the conservation of their resources are recommended. The said studies will enable a more complex description of their functionality, potential, and cooperation mechanisms, among other elements that strengthen their structure. Conclusion: The mechanisms of self-management organization have great potential for the local and community conservation of native poultry resources

Effects of different levels of calcium and phosphorous on performance, immunity and percentage of hatching in Khorasan native hens

Effects of different levels of calcium and phosphorous on performance, immunity and percentage of hatching in Khorasan native hens

Laying, egg quality and blood profile of native hens

The objective of this study was to assess egg quality parameters for the whole laying period depending on oviposition time and breed of Czech and Slovak native breeds of laying hens. Besides, to determine the differences between selected breeds in laying pattern, related to the oviposition place. Furthermore, biochemical blood parameters were measured at the end of the study. A total of 60 pullets at the age of 20 weeks were divided according to the breed. Each treatment consisted of 3 replications of 10 laying hens. The eggs were collected every day, at 6:00, 10:00 and 14:00 and the amount of eggs was recorded for each oviposition time interval (from 14:00 to 5:59, from 6:00 to 9:59 and from 10:00 to 13:59). Moreover, the oviposition place (inside and outside the nest) and the amount of eggs in particular place were recorded. In addition, blood samples were collected. Significantly heavier eggs were laid between 10:00 and 13:59 than between 6:00 and 9:59 h (52.44 vs. 51.39 g, resp.). Haugh units were highest in eggs from Czech golden spotted hens that were laid between 6:00 and 9:59 h and in eggs from Oravka hens that were laid between 6:00 and 9:59 h and between 10:00 and 13:59 h. Significantly lower content of yolk cholesterol was found in Czech golden spotted hens compared to Oravka hens (10.64 vs. 11.22 mg/g, resp.). The Czech golden spotted hens had significantly higher level of glucose in blood serum than Oravka hens (16.47 vs. 14.03 mmol/l, resp.). The Czech golden spotted hens, gene reserve of the Czech Republic, are not yet sufficiently described in scientific literature, which highlights the importance of this study.

Checklist of Gruiform birds (Order Gruiformes) in Iraq

A total of six genus and eight species that belong to three family Gruidae, Otidae and Rallidae, Order Gruiforms; about 39specimens which are deposited in the birds collection of in the Iraq Natural History Research Center and Museum INHM were reviewed. In the current study, morphometrics of seven species of taxidermy Gruiform birds: Common CraneGrus grus (Linnaeus, 1758), Houbara BustardChlamydotis undulata (Jacquin, 1784), Water Rail Rallus aquaticus (Linnaeus, 1758), Spotted Crake Porzana porzana (Linnaeus, 1766), Little Crake Porzana parva (Scopoli, 1769), Coot Fulica atra (Linnaeus, 1758), Common Moorhens Gallinula chloropus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Purpul GallinulePorphyrio poliocephalus (Latham, 1801) were documented. In addition of the distribution ranges throughout Iraq and Global Conservation Status of each the mentioned species were reviewed and comprehensively discussed.

A Survey of the Ectoparasites Found on Wild Birds in Northwest Turkey

Background: Turkey is home to various resident and migratory wild bird species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ectoparasites found on 188 injured or rescued resident and migratory wild birds from Bursa and surroundings between 2015 and 2019. Methods: Sampled birds were examined for different ectoparasites and all of the collected parasites were placed into tubes containing 70% ethyl alcohol. After mounting onto slides or fixing onto a plate, each parasite was identified to species using a light or stereo microscope. Result: Results revealed that 88 (46.8%) of the examined wild birds were infested with one or two of 3 different species of ectoparasites. The species identified were 38 lice, three ticks and two flies. The lice were highly prevalent (40.4%) species than the flies (2.1%) and ticks (2.1%). The results also first geographically documented the lice and ked fly species as follows, with additional new host records: Fulicoffula gallinula and Pseudomenapon pilosum in the common moorhens (Gallinula chloropus); Ciconiphilus decimfasciatus in the grey heron (Ardea cinerea); Saemundssonia clayae in the Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola); Ardeicola ixobrychae in the common little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) and the ked fly as Ornithophila metallica in the Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) in Turkey. The study results provided valuable data on the ectoparasites living on migratory and resident bird species during their migration throughout northwest Turkey. Further research on the related pathogens that these ectoparasites harbor is in need.

A sustainable conservation strategy of wildlife in urban ecosystems: Case of Gallinula chloropus in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

In the context of urbanization, due to lack of the unified planning of land use for representative ecological indicators, the sustainable wildlife existence in urban ecosystems is emerging as a burning issue. A new descriptive method is proposed to establish the sustainable conservation strategy of protected wildlife in the current urbanization scenario. We use the Habitat Quality module in the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs model (InVEST-HQ), straightforward construction package of complex ecological niche Ecological Niche Modeling at The MetaLand EcologyLab (ENMTML) and ecological corridors construction model Species Distribution Model toolbox (SDMtoolbox) to distinguish the priority protected areas (PAs) and construct the ecological corridors of Gallinula chloropus (G. chloropus) in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, China in 2018. The results show that the PAs are fragmented and only occupy 0.05% of total area in BTH region, which indicate an urgent conservation issue in highly urbanization area. For the sustainable conservation strategy of protected G. chloropus, 25 ecological corridors comprised 2790.8 km are required to construct, mainly distributed in Beijing and Tianjin city. Ecological corridors are also distributed close to the border of southeast, southwest and eastern coastal areas of the BTH region. In order to optimize the ecological corridors, 9 important ecological corridors comprised 813.4 km are suggested to build firstly, which are mainly distributed in the central and eastern coastal areas of the BTH region. Our combined modeling (ENMTML-InVEST-HQ) indicate that based on actual species occurrence data and land uses, it can successfully generate the PAs which should be paid more attention. Furthermore, concrete measures to build ecological corridors which connect PAs in BTH region are proposed. In order to well-targeted organized planning in highly urbanized areas, measures to protect key habitats of wildlife need to be defined and this research provides a reference for sustainable protection and management of wildlife.

Ultrastructural adaptation of the oropharyngeal cavity of the Eurasian common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus): Specific adaptive dietary implications.

The present investigation represents the first morphological description of the oropharyngeal cavity of Eurasian common moorhen. Nine oropharyngeal cavities were examined grossly and by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations. The tongue had a rounded apex with multiple acicular processes on its rostral and lateral borders. The dorsal lingual surface of the apex and body had a median sulcus. The papillary crest carried four caudally directed triangular conical papillae on its median part and four triangular conical papillae on each lateral part. The filiform papillary system; small papillae on apex and long papillae on the rostral part of the body while broad papillae on the caudal part of the body. The lingual root had a special appearance by presence of three areas: mucosal fossa, two lateral ridges, and rhomboidal elevated central part. The caudal border of the mound carried heart-shaped pharyngeal papillae that possessed three papillary rows. The palate had a median palatine ridge rostrally that surrounded by two lateral palatine ridges. The choanae had two equal parts: rostral tapering and wide caudal. The rostral tapering choanal part was surrounded by two longitudinal rows of caudally directed conical papillae, one on each side. There was a single transverse row of conical papillae on each side of the caudal part of the rostral tapering choanal part. The caudal wide choanal part did not encircle by any papillae. Our conclusion exhibited unique structural and functional specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity with the tongue that evident with nutritional behavior.

Interclutch variability in egg characteristics in two species of rail: Is maternal identity encoded in eggshell patterns?

Maternal signatures are present in the eggs of some birds, but quantifying interclutch variability within populations remains challenging. Maternal assignment of eggs with distinctive appearances could be used to non-invasively identify renesting females, including hens returning among years, as well as to identify cases of conspecific brood parasitism. We explored whether King Rail (Rallus elegans) eggs with shared maternity could be matched based on eggshell pattern. We used NaturePatternMatch (NPM) software to match egg images taken in the field in conjunction with spatial and temporal data on nests. Since we had only a small number of marked breeders, we analyzed similar clutch images from a study of Eurasian Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus chloropus) with color-banded breeders for which parentage at many nests had been verified genetically to validate the method. We ran 66 King Rail clutches (n = 338 eggs) and 58 Common Moorhen clutches (n = 364 eggs) through NPM. We performed non-metric multidimensional scaling and permutational analysis of variance using the best egg match output from NPM. We also explored whether eggs could be grouped by clutch using a combination of egg dimensions and pattern data derived from NPM using linear discriminant analyses. We then scrutinized specific matches returned by NPM for King Rail eggs to determine whether multiple matches between the same clutches might reveal maternity among nests and inform our understanding of female laying behavior. To do this, we ran separate NPM analyses for clutches photographed over several years from two spatially distant parts of the site. With these narrower datasets, we were able to identify four instances where hens likely returned to breed among years, four likely cases of conspecific brood parasitism, and a within-season re-nesting attempt. Thus, the matching output was helpful in identifying congruent egg patterns among clutches when used in conjunction with spatial and temporal data, revealing previously unrecognized site fidelity, within-season movements, and reproductive interference by breeding females. Egg pattern data in combination with nest mapping can be used to inform our understanding of female reproductive effort, success, and longevity in King Rails. These methods may also be applied to other secretive birds and species of conservation concern.

Observations of re-nesting in three resident species: Common Moorhen, Common Myna and Spotted Dove

Observations of re-nesting in three resident species: Common Moorhen, Common Myna and Spotted Dove

Growth Evaluation of Native Chicken on Different Type of Hen Body Weight

The aim of this research is to measure effect of hen body weight to the growth rate of native chicken. Ten native hens divided by two classifications (heavy and light body weight), 2 native roosters, 58 (from hen with heavy body weight) and 62 (from hen with light body weight) female day old chicks (DoC) use in this research. Hatching machine, communal cage, feeder tray, drinking jar, balance body weight and vernier calliper, were use in this research. Body weight and morphometric of female native chicken from DoC up to 10 week was measured. T-test analysis was used with help of SPSS 25. The results showed that the hen with heavy body weight resulted to the higher morphometric and body weight of female native chicken (P<0.05) on 7 and 8 week, respectively. The growth rate gain of female native chicken hatched by the hen with heavy body weight is significantly difference (P<0.05) on body weight. The conclusion is the hen with heavy body weight will result to the higher body weight and morphometric of female native chicken.

Characterization of Oviduct Lining, with Emphasis on the Sperm Storage Tubule Region (Uterovaginal Junction), Correlated with Fertility in Mature and Old Thai Native Hens.

Simple SummaryAlthough a reduction in the number of sperm in the sperm storage tubule (SST) regions in older hens was hypothesized to relate to fertility, no comparison has been made to date on the effect of age (mature and old) on reproduction, the morphology of the sperm storage reservoir, the resident sperm in the UVJ, and the fertility duration in chickens. The present study indicated the morphological characteristics of reproductive organs did not differ between mature and old hens. The numbers of ovarian follicles were greater in mature hens. Significant differences in the sperm storage reservoir, such as the inner and outer diameter of the SSTs and epithelium height, were demonstrated. The number of resident sperm cells that were related to fertility periods was greater in mature hens than in old hens.The effect of age on fertility was investigated in Thai native chickens. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of age (mature and old) on the morphological characteristics of the reproductive organs and the histological characteristics of the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) tissues, resident sperm in the UVJ, and fertility duration in Thai native hens. We found no differences in the morphological characteristics of the reproductive organs, except for the number of follicles and the sizes of the fifth large yellow follicle in mature hens, which were greater than those in old hens (p < 0.05). The diameter of the sperm storage tubules (SSTs) epithelium was larger in old hens than in mature hens (p < 0.05), whereas the epithelium height was lower in old hens (p < 0.05). The number of sperm in the SSTs was greater in mature hens compared with old hens (p < 0.05). Mature hens showed a higher fertility rate than old hens. Our results suggest that, in old hens, the function of the SSTs is impaired, and sperm cannot be retained. Such a deterioration of the SSTs may be one of the factors involved in the decline in fertility.

Histopathological effects of the nematode Amidostomum acutum on the small intestines of two aquatic birds: Fulica atra and Gallinula chloropus

The small intestine of two rallid aquatic birds (Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758 and Gallinula chloropus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Bahr Al-Najaf depression, southwest of Al-Najaf city, mid-Iraq), were infected with the nematode Amidostomum acutum Seurat, 1918 with a prevalence of 25% and 50%, respectively, and a mean intensity of 24.5 and 30, respectively. The infected birds showed several gross pathological and microscopic lesions in their small intestine due to the infection with this nematode. The gross lesions included hypertrophy in the anterior part of the duodenum and small rough nodules on the small intestine wall. Microscopic lesions included necrosis and shortening of villi with their fullness with inflammatory cells, degeneration of villi, and an increased number of acini at the base of the intestinal villi.

Transplantion of predominant Lactobacilli from native hens to commercial hens could indirectly regulate their ISC activity by improving intestinal microbiota.

SummaryIn poultry, HyLine (HL) Hens are known for their excellent laying performance. However, ZhenNing (ZN) Hens, a native chicken breed in China, are known for their unique flavour. The intestinal mucosa, which is the main organ for nutrient absorption, could affect livestock product quality. In ZN Hens’ intestinal mucosa, we found more villus wrinkles, larger villus circumference and higher amino acid transporters mRNA abundance compared with HL Hens. Among three laying periods of ZN Hens, in the intestinal lumen, Lactobacillus salivarius (L. sa.), Lactobacillus agilis (L. ag.) and Lactobacillus aviarius were the predominant species in the laying peak period. Furthermore, multiple‐antibiotics feeding in ZN Hens and predominant Lactobacillus feeding in HL Hens suggested that these Lactobacilli could indeed increase villus wrinkles and improve intestinal absorption. In HL Hens, L. sa. + L. ag. treatment could promote organoids budding in vitro, and promote epithelial proliferation in vivo. Collectively, the unique intestinal mucosa morphology in ZN Hens was due to the high abundance of intestinal L. sa. and L. ag. Transplant these Lactobacilli to HL Hens could increase their intestinal probiotics abundance, fine adjust the intestinal stem cell function and promote the epithelial proliferation, in turn, increase villus winkles and mucosal absorption area.

The synanthropic Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) in North Africa: The Impact of habitat degradation on breeding performances

We carried out a study on dynamics of the Common Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus, a synanthropic rallid (Aves, Gruiformes), to elucidate the adverse effects this species has possibly suffered from the markedly increased habitat degradation that has been taking place over the last decades at Boussedra Pond, north-eastern Algeria. During the period 2015–2018, this wetland-related species showed an annual 35.4% decrease in its numbers, and the number of breeding pairs, which was monitored between 2008 and 2018, experienced an annual drop of 4.9%. The clutch size, a key determinant of breeding performance, averaged 4.7 ± 1.0 eggs (N = 26 clutches) in 2018 and was significantly lower than those reported in previous studies. As a result of anthropogenic activities, the size of the marsh decreased by more than 50% over the 1984–2018 period. The long-lasting shrinkage of this relict wetland was accompanied by the expansion of built-up areas (&gt;50%) and cultivated plots, and, also, by a marked reduction in natural both wet- and dry-land habitats in its vicinity. We suggest that the decrease in the population trend and the breeding performance of the Common Moorhen could be indicative of the species stress response to the long-lasting land conversion, pressuring the relict habitat of Boussedra Pond.

Influence of breeding time, nest size, and egg size on the breeding success of the Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

We investigated the relationships between the breeding success of the Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus and its breeding time, nest size, and egg size in a man-made wetland (Ab-bandan) during the 2008 breeding season in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. For each nest, the date of the first laid egg, the first hatching, and the first fledgling was recorded as well as the clutch size. Nest characteristics (height, depth, diameter, and water level underneath) and egg characteristics (shape index and weight) were measured. The first egg was laid on June 15 and the last chick left the nest on August 30. From 251 eggs in 27 nests, 229 eggs hatched (91.2%) and 204 chicks left the nest (Mean breeding success = 81.3%). A GLM revealed that egg weight negatively affected breeding success (P = 0.024) meaning heavier eggs were less likely to produce fledglings. The specific underlying physiological mechanisms require further investigation.

Close to the Madding Crowd: Waterbird Responses to Land Use Conversion in and Around a Mediterranean Urban Wetland

Investigating how Mediterranean wetlands respond to adjacent land use conversion, is an important first step in mitigating the impact of human encroachment and other environmental stressors. We monitored the composition and structure of waterbird assemblages, in a Mediterranean urban marsh, subjected to severe anthropogenic pressures. Remote sensing indicated that in the last two decades Boussedra Pond was subjected to landfill, resulting in a substantial reduction (~ 50 %) of the marsh, while due to a lack of urban planning urban built-up and agriculture areas expanded considerably in its surroundings. This precipitous reduction of the size of this urban pond threatens the diversity of its resident waterbirds which include the globally Endangered (EN) White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala, the Near-Threatened (NT) Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, and many other staging and wintering migratory species. The long-term study suggested that breeding waterbirds species responded differentially to the loss and degradation of the marsh, as highlighted by the apparent resilience of the synanthropic Moorhen Gallinula chloropus and the disappearance of several breeding marsh specialists, such as the Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus and the Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. The study also points out the need for both a coordinated cross-sectorial land use planning and an immediate, affordable and sustainable wetland conservation action.

Ultrastructural characterization of the intestine of the Eurasian common moorhen using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy.

The present investigation focused on the morphological features of the intestine of Eurasian common moorhen by the aid of scanning electron microscopy and histological, morphometric, and statistical examinations. The intestinal villi were varied in shape along the intestinal tract; the duodenal villi were elongated and twisted, the jejunal villi were tongue-like, the ileal villi were cuboidal, and the cecal villi were tongue-like and finger-like at the base and body of the cecum. While at the apex of the cecum, it appeared as corrugated longitudinal folds and the rectal villi appeared as columns. The microvilli were present as projections on the surface of villi of the small intestine and the base of the cecum. While at the body and the apex of the cecum, the microvilli appeared as threads and as brush hairs on the rectal villi. The duodenal, jejunal, ileal, cecal, and rectal villi were lined by simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The submucosal layer of small intestine consisted of connective tissue fibers along the intestinal tract, but it was absent at the base of the cecum. The tunica musculosa consisted of single longitudinal layer of smooth muscle fibers in the duodenum and rectum. While in the jejunum, ileum, and cecum, it was composed of single circular layer of smooth muscle fibers. The thickness of the tunics differed among the intestinal parts.

The distribution and diversity of chewing lice (Phthiraptera) on the Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus in Algeria

ABSTRACT Capsule The distribution and prevalence of chewing lice found on Common Moorhens Gallinula chloropus varied between seasons and peaked during the winter. There was also significant variation in how lice were distributed around the body regions of the hosts. Aims To identify the species of lice found on the Common Moorhen, evaluate the seasonal variation in their intensity of infestation and determine spatial distribution on the hosts. Methods Eighty-six Common Moorhens were captured, examined for lice, and released from December 2018 to February 2020 at Lake Tonga, Algeria. Lice were extracted, preserved in 70% ethanol, cleared, and mounted in Canada balsam for identification. The population mean intensity and prevalence of lice species were calculated for each season. Data were inspected using descriptive statistical tools, such as principal component analysis, to explore spatial dispersion on the body regions of the hosts. Results Five louse species were identified: Pseudomenopon pilosum, Rallicola minutus, Laemobothrion chloropodis, Fulicoffula sp, and Incidifrons gallinulae, with percentages of prevalence of 79.07%, 70.93%, 56.98%, 40.70%, and 23.26%, respectively. Their prevalence varied significantly across months, with a peak in the winter. Louse species were non-randomly distributed across the body regions of the hosts. Conclusion This study documents the distribution and diversity of chewing lice on the Common Moorhen for the first time in Algeria and establishes a baseline dataset for further monitoring studies.

Assessment of heavy metal concentration of two species of birds in Hor Al-Dalmaj, Southern Iraq

The study was carried out on Hor Al-Dalmaj in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, this study included assessing the concentration of heavy elements (lead, cadmium and copper) in two types of birds. swamphens and moorhen (Gallinula chloropus and Porphyrio alleni). The results of measurement of the concentration of heavy elements are shown, the highest average concentration of elemental Lead. in the bird samples it was 233.8 ppm in Liver samples of Gallinula chloropus during the summer season. For Cadmium concentrations, the highest concentration for bird samples the highest concentration reached 2.316 ppm in the muscles of a bird Porphyrio alleni during the winter season. The concentration of the copper element reached the highest significant concentration in birds reached 37.7 ppm in the muscles Porphyrio alleni during the summer season.

An innovative approach to identify environmental variables with conservation priorities in habitat patches

Conservation of habitat patches and the related environment benefits both the focal species and human well-being. Many indices use the dispersal range to identify habitat patches with conservation priorities. However, there lacks approaches to identify environmental variables with conservation priorities (noted as target variables) in those identified patches. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach to identify environmental variables with conservation priorities in habitat patches using perception range and introduces the related assumption. It is assumed the agents select habitats based on their prior preference and perceived information in their perception ranges, which avoids the omniscient assumption of agents. Based on such assumptions, the proposed approach identifies the target variables by approximating how animals identify their habitats. It highlights the use of perception range and identifies target variables using the maximum information gain. The variables that contribute the largest reduction of uncertainty are regarded as the target variables in the habitat patches. Taking the Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) living in Tianjin, China as the case, different scenarios with 100 m, 250 m and 500 m perception ranges are designed to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The proposed approach identifies the normalized vegetation index, rather than the distance to water surface, is the target variable in 42.3%, 58.9% and 72.1% habitat patches with given perception ranges. Adjustments are made on areas within the given perception range of each patch. More grid cells that has increased suitability index can be found in scenarios given 250 m perception range, which indicates the conservation area is not always the large the better. Optimizations are expected on both a better approximation method and a more thorough hypothesis of using perception range.