Pernis Ptilorhynchus Research Articles

Dark Morph of the Oriental Honey-Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus orientalis) is Attributable to Specific MC1R Haplotypes.

A thorough understanding of the development of complex plumages in birds necessitates the acquisition of genetic data pertaining to the mechanism underlying this phenomenon from various avian species. The oriental honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus orientalis), a tropical summer migrant to Northeast Asia, including Japan, exemplifies this aspect owing to the diversity of its ventral coloration and intra-feather barring patterns. However, genetic polymorphism responsible for this diversity has not been identified yet. This study aimed to investigate the link between dark-plumed phenotypes of this subspecies and haplotypes of the melanocortin-1-receptor (MC1R) gene. A draft sequence of MC1R was constructed using next generation sequencing and subsequently amplified using designed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. The genome sequences of 32 honey-buzzard individuals were determined using PCR, and 12 MC1R haplotype sequences were obtained. Among these haplotypes, we found that unique haplotypes with nine non-synonymous substitutions and four or five synonymous substitutions in the coding region had a perfect correlation with the dark-plumed phenotype. The lack of correlation between the genotype of ASIP coding region and plumage phenotype reiterated that the dark morph is attributable to specific MC1R haplotypes. The absence of a correlation between genetic polymorphisms of MC1R and the intra-feather barring patterns, as well as the diversity observed within lighter ground color classes (pale and intermediate), implies the involvement of alternative molecular mechanisms in the manifestation of the aforementioned phenotypes.

Rattling Call of Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus

We describe, for the first time, the rattling call of the Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus. This was previously considered to be a unique vocalization of European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus; however, we detected this series of rapidly repeated notes given by an adult female, a second-year, a juvenile and a nestling Crested Honey Buzzard. The rattling calls appeared to be given at times of great excitement, such as to an approaching intruder, mate or parent at the nest, or to a familiar person who usually gave food in the case of captive individuals. The rattling call of an adult female Crested Honey Buzzard at the nest was at a frequency of 2.12 (s.d.±0.07) kHz, and lasted 141 (s.d.±18) ms, which was higher and longer than in European Honey Buzzard.

Descriptive Comparison of Gastrointestinal Tract Histology of Various Avian Species based on their Natural Diet

Many animals species develop their gastrointestinal tube with special features to accommodate their natural diet to survive under adverse conditions including the nutrient absorption capability. Information related to the histologic description of various bird species' digestive organs based on their diet and its significance is yet limited. This study aimed to present a descriptive explanation of gastrointestinal organs of a changeable hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatu) and oriental honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) as carnivorous, a southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) as an omnivorous, and a domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) as granivorous. In the current study, proventriculus (glandular stomach) and intestinal segments were microscopically examined and compared to understand the special histological features among avian species due to their important roles to digest the ingesta. The dissected specimens were preserved in 10% non-buffered formalin, then were processed through the common standard procedure of tissue processing and eventually stained with haematoxylin-eosin. Microscopic observation showed variation in shape and size of proventricular glandular architecture among raptors. The intestine muscular layer of the cassowary also showed distinct thickness among birds. These results of the study preliminary proved that variation in diet might affect the histologic features of avian gastrointestinal tracts.

Among-Species Differences in Seasonal Timing and Weather Correlates of Autumn Raptor Migration at Khao Dinsor, Thailand, 2015–2016

ABSTRACT Identifying the drivers of shifts in the abundance of wildlife species has been a central focus of conservation ecology recently. With growing concern about the impacts of global environmental change on biodiversity patterns, ecologists are challenged to better understand the relationships between species' abundance and various environmental factors. Using raptor count data collected following a standardized protocol at Khao Dinsor, southern Thailand, in 2015 and 2016, we characterized the seasonal timing and identified weather associations of the visible migration of representative species, namely the Black Baza (Aviceda leuphotes), Chinese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter soloensis), and Oriental Honey-Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). We explored the associations of their daily total counts with local weather variables. We found that the magnitude of their migration within the season was linked with the prevailing meteorological conditions. In general, daily counts of all three species were positively associated with predominant wind patterns. Air temperature was positively associated with the daily counts of species that migrated early in the season (Chinese Sparrowhawk and Oriental Honey-Buzzard). Barometric pressure was negatively associated with the daily counts of species whose migration window coincides with the shift in monsoon season (Black Baza and Oriental Honey-Buzzard). These results provide us with a better understanding of the drivers of migration patterns at a representative monitoring site on a globally important and heavily used flyway. They may be useful for making better inferences and predictions on the population trajectories of migrating raptors in future environmental change scenarios.

Between Hopes and Threats: New Migratory Birds Records on the Sawala Mandapa Education and Training Forest, Indonesia

Java Island is one of the tropical areas for bird migration, especially the Asian-Australian flyway of migratory birds. The SMETF is one of the protected forest areas that migratory birds can visit in Java. This research aims to identify migratory birds in SMETF. Transect and point count methods are used to observe migratory bird movements and their activities. In the research area, four migratory birds were identified: Ficedula zanthopygia, Agropsar sturninus, Pernis ptilorhynchus o., and Accipiter soloensis. The first and second species showed many activities for four months from October 2020 to January 2021, and this is an indication that both are using the research site as a wintering habitat. The activities of the Pernis ptilorhynchus o., Accipiter soloensis were dominated by flying “flock” over the forest. Only the Pernis ptilorhynchus was observed carrying out hunting activities, indicating that this bird uses the area as a stopover area. This research also identified illegal hunting techniques, such as ngaleugeut and mikat, as severe threats to migratory birds in the SMETF.

Climate change leads to range contraction for Japanese population of the Oriental Honey-Buzzards: Implications for future conservation strategies

Over the past decades, global environmental changes have led to unfavorable effects on migratory birds. However, many species that encounter climate change are listed as least concern by International Union for Conservation of Nature. Using species distribution models, we quantified the redistributions of breeding and wintering sites of oriental honey buzzards, OHB ( Pernis ptilorhynchus ), a long-distance migratory raptor that often preys on the larvae of wasps and bees under changing climate based on shared socio-economic pathways scenarios. We also incorporated climate and land use risks based on climate anomalies and vegetation dynamics to assess future conservation strategies. The results revealed a significant range contraction on the wintering and breeding areas of the OHB species by 2050 and 2100. Our results suggest that the migration distance will likely increase under all scenarios. In addition, we found many high-risk areas across OHB habitats while refugia areas were relatively only covered a small proportion. Habitat restoration and developing new protected areas become a fundamental strategy for OHB conservation. Our approaches have provided comprehensive insights into broad biogeographic dynamics under multifaceted threats and how to tackle global changes through the specific landscape management for long-distance migrants. • Oriental-Honey Buzzards (OHBs) is a long migratory raptor with the least concern status. • OHB will suffer a significant climate change impact by the end of the 21st century. • OHB distributions will face a significant range contraction within the wintering and breeding sites in the future. • High-risk areas across OHB habitats will increase by the climate change while refugia areas would likely shrink.

Spread of the Invasive Dwarf Honey Bee Apis florea Facilitates Winter Presence of Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus in Eilat, Israel

The seasonal presence of the Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus in Israel has changed during the last two decades. Up until the late 1990s, it occurred in Israel as a rare spring migrant, but has since been more frequently observed. In the last decade, it has established itself as a regular over-winterer in Eilat, as well as a rare summer visitor. The reasons for this change are unclear; however, this process is concurrent with the invasion of the Dwarf Honey Bee Apis florea to the southern part of Arava, the region extending from the Gulf of Aqaba to the southern tip of the Dead Sea. Similar invasions of this social honey bee, native to East Asia, have been reported from East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Using standardized line transects to count Oriental Honey Buzzard, and by creating a Honeybee Invasion Index (HII) for Dwarf Honey Bee, based on data collected by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to estimate its distribution, we show that the abundance of overwintering Oriental Honey Buzzard in Eilat is significantly related to the distribution of DHB in southern Arava. We suggest that the invasion of Dwarf Honey Bee in the area facilitates the presence of Oriental Honey Buzzard outside the migration season.

Wildlife species commonly involved in the WVC and roadkill along the roadway in plantation area

This paper aimed to discuss wildlife-vehicle collisions along the roadway in Wilayah Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia and provide the data sources for conservation, preservation and mitigation of wildlife. The primary objective of this survey is to reveal and prepare the roadkill inventory of fauna and avifauna mortality in Wilayah Jengka plantation zone due to wildlife-vehicle collisions. Some of the animals are listed under Schedule 1 and others in Schedule 2 of the Act 716. Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) contributes to road mortality of wildlife species in Wilayah Jengka and little is known about roadkill in this area. The highest mortalities include Common Palm Civet (27.41%), Leopard Cat (14.51%), Large Indian Civet & Barn Owl (9.61% each), Clouded Monitor (8.06%), Long-Tailed Macaque & Wild Boar (6.45% each), Monitor Lizard (4.83%), Greater Coucal, Oriental Honey Buzzard & Red Junglefowl (3.22% each), and White-Breasted Waterhen (1.61%).

Modeling the Wintering Habitat Distribution of Oriental Honey Buzzards in West Java Indonesia with Satellite Tracking Data Using Logistic Regression

Oriental honey buzzards (OHBs, Pernis ptilorhynchus) are one of migratory raptor from Japan to Indonesia which is widely recognized as indicator species reflecting the conditions of their habitat. Since 2003, OHBs have been satellite-tracked in their wintering grounds in Indonesia. Less information available on wintering areas in the west Java, which hampers the OHB conservation efforts. This paper proposes a new approach for predicting the probability models of the wintering habitat distribution of OHBs with the presence data derived from satellite tracking using logistic regression analysis coupled with RAMAS GIS. This spatial model was locally constructed from the data concerning Talaga Bodas and its surrounding areas and extrapolated for the entire West Java region. The best predicted probability model successfully characterized the distribution of the OHB wintering habitat using slope (25–40%), elevation (0–300 m and >1,000 m), and land cover (forest, paddy field, and water body). The extrapolation model generated potential areas of the wintering habitat distribution covering an area of 3013.13 km2 (8.11% of West Java). These areas were predominantly located outside the protected areas (94.04%). The modeling approach proposed herein may be used to study other migratory species that are tracked using satellite or other navigation technologies.

Raptor migration at Guantouling, south-west China: phenology, weather influence and persecution pressure

Summary South-west China, particularly between the Himalayas and the Beibu Gulf, constitutes an important corridor for migratory raptors along the East-Asian continental flyway. However, a lack of ornithological assessment and the common practice of illegal hunting in this region emphasize the need for research and conservation actions. To investigate the ecology of migration and scale of persecution, we launched one of the first citizen-science projects in mainland China to record southward-migrating raptors and hunting gunshots from 2015 to 2019 on Guantouling, a well-known raptor site in South-west China. A total of 42,891 raptors were recorded, belonging to 30 diurnal raptor species. Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus, Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus and Amur Falcon Falco amurensis were the three most abundant species recorded. The bulk of Grey-faced Buzzard and Amur Falcon migrated through Guantouling from mid-October till early November, while Oriental Honey Buzzard migrated throughout October and early November. Precipitation slowed down migration significantly while increasing cloud cover was favoured by the three most abundant species. We found hunting mostly occurred in the afternoon, coinciding with an increasing number of Oriental Honey Buzzard, which may become a major victim of hunting. It is thus suggested to prioritize peak raptor migration period for law enforcement actions, especially on cloudy days and after passage of cold fronts, when Oriental Honey Buzzards and other species are likely to migrate. The annual counting scheme on Guantouling is not only an ecological survey, but also an effective way of engaging the public to counter raptor persecution.

Mitogenomes of Accipitriformes and Cathartiformes Were Subjected to Ancestral and Recent Duplications Followed by Gradual Degeneration.

The rearrangement of 37 genes with one control region, firstly identified in Gallus gallus mitogenome, is believed to be ancestral for all Aves. However, mitogenomic sequences obtained in recent years revealed that many avian mitogenomes contain duplicated regions that were omitted in previous genomic versions. Their evolution and mechanism of duplication are still poorly understood. The order of Accipitriformes is especially interesting in this context because its representatives contain a duplicated control region in various stages of degeneration. Therefore, we applied an appropriate PCR strategy to look for duplications within the mitogenomes of the early diverged species Sagittarius serpentarius and Cathartiformes, which is a sister order to Accipitriformes. The analyses revealed the same duplicated gene order in all examined taxa and the common ancestor of these groups. The duplicated regions were subjected to gradual degeneration and homogenization during concerted evolution. The latter process occurred recently in the species of Cathartiformes as well as in the early diverged lineages of Accipitriformes, that is, Sagittarius serpentarius and Pandion haliaetus. However, in other lineages, that is, Pernis ptilorhynchus, as well as representatives of Aegypiinae, Aquilinae, and five related subfamilies of Accipitriformes (Accipitrinae, Circinae, Buteoninae, Haliaeetinae, and Milvinae), the duplications were evolving independently for at least 14–47 Myr. Different portions of control regions in Cathartiformes showed conflicting phylogenetic signals indicating that some sections of these regions were homogenized at a frequency higher than the rate of speciation, whereas others have still evolved separately.

Keanekaragaman dan Kemelimpahan Burung Pemangsa (Raptor) Migran di Kawasan Bukit 76 Kaliurang, Yogyakarta

Migratory birds are birds that fly or move from their breeding place to their non-breeding location. Migratory birds usually migrate to the southern part of the earth or tropical regions to avoid limited resources during winter in their breeding areas (Bildstein, 2006). Bird of Prey or Raptors are a group of birds that frequently migrate. Raptors carry out-migration in several areas which are commonly referred to as flyways. Indonesia is also part of the flight path for migratory birds (Sukmantoro et al., 2007). At this time there were approximately 17 types of migrant raptors in Indonesia. Research on raptor migration has been carried out for a long time in various regions. In the Yogyakarta area, there have been observations of a migrant raptor, but there are no official publications and research on migrant raptor in the Bukit 76 Kaliurang area, Yogyakarta. Therefore this research was conducted to know about migratory raptor in Yogyakarta. This research was conducted at Bukit 76 Kaliurang, Hargobinangun, Pakem, Yogyakarta. The research was conducted in December 2019-March 2020, July-August 2020, and October-November 2020. This research was conductes through observations in the morning at 07.00-11.00 WIB using birdwatching techniques and purposive methods. The results of this study recorded 1 species of migrant raptor, namely the Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) and 2 species of resident raptors, namely the Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) and the Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus).

FIRST REPORT ON HUNTING BEHAVIOR OF MIGRATORY ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD (PERNIS PTILORHYNCHUS ORIENTALIS) TOWARDS MIGRATORY GIANT HONEYBEE (APIS DORSATA DORSATA) (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) ON JAVA ISLAND, INDONESIA

Both Migratory Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus orientalis) and migratory giant honeybee (Apis dorsata dorsata) can be found in South-east Asia. The Oriental Honey-buzzard is the main predator of the giant honeybee, prey upon its honeycomb, larvae, and honey. Its existence always follows the migration of the giant honeybee. They stay on Java island during the migratory season. The giant honeybee lives in a large colony and has a powerful sting that is useful for defence against its predators. The bee is among the most dangerous animals since its threatening defensive behavior causes severe impact on the eagle and is even frequently fatal for human beings. Data collections on hunting behavior of the Oriental Honey-buzzard were based on irregular observations and interviews between the year 2003 to 2019. We categorized five hunting behaviors during data collections: flying orientation around the bee’s nest, attack on living nest, failure to collect the living nest, preying upon the newly empty nest, and transferring attack of the angry bee to people nearby. The safest hunting for the Oriental Honey-buzzard is to prey upon newly empty nest left by the honeybee. When the nest was still occupied by the bee colonies, the eagle should develop a strategy to avoid and reduce the risk of being attacked. It sometimes transfers the attack to people nearby.

Interspecific correlations toward climatic factors in migratory raptor species across Mt. Sega, Karangasem, Bali

It has been known that climate change can affect organisms in various ways. For example, studies found that climate change affect phenology i.e. migratory arrival of migratory species. This study was aimed to find out whether the migratory arrival of five species of bird of prey flying across Mt. Sega Karangasem – Bali correlates with climate factors in the region. This study took place from 1 October to 30 November 2018 by using look up method, and found that air temperature, cloud cover, humidity, and air pressure had a stronger correlation toward the migratory bird of prey species that crossed over the Mt. Sega compared to wind speed and precipitation. The air temperature, cloud cover and wind speed had a positive correlation toward the migratory bird of prey arrival, whereas the negative correlation was demonstrated by humidity, air pressure, and precipitation. The presence of the Chinese Sparrow-hawk and the Short-toed Snake Eagle were correlated with the humidity. Whereas the presence of the Peregrine falcon was correlated with the cloud cover. The presence of the Oriental Honey Buzzard was correlated with the wind speed, while the precipitation and air pressure were correlated with the presence of the Japanese Sparrow-hawk. The Japanese Sparrow-hawk arrived earlier at 10.00 whereas the other four species arrived later at around 12.00.

Perilaku Migrasi Sikep Madu-Asia dalam Pemanfaatan Lanskap di Flores Bagian Timur, Indonesia Berdasarkan Data Satellite-tracking

Raptor migration is complex phenomenon of migration which involving of millions of individual birds flying hundreds or thousands kilometers, between breeding habitat and wintering habitat. Migratory behavior consisted of period, route, and other aspects that affect the ecology of migratory birds. Pernis ptylorhynchus, Oriental honey-buzzard (OHB) is one of migratory raptors which have satellite tracked by ARGOS since 2003. Eastern part of Flores Islands consisted of small islands (23 islands) were identified as OHB’s migratory path to reach their wintering habitats in Kupang and Timor Island. This study has aimed to identify and analyze the OHB’s migratory behavior in Eastern part of Flores Islands. Four individuals OHB have satellite tracked in the period of 2007-2012 were used as main data for analyzing their migratory behavior. There was no particular pattern found on the way of OHBs selected islands for their stopover site because of the existence of small islands cluster provide variety of route for each OHBs. The length of their stay found relatively constant every year and tend to be stay longer on larger islands than the smaller one such as Flores Island and Lembata Island. This is apparently due to the larger islands provide more food supply than smaller islands.

Pemantauan Jenis Burung Pemangsa Pada Migrasi Arus Datang Di Gunung Sega, Karangasem Bali

Bird of prey migration is a phenomenon that occurs twice every year, namely the autumn migration and the spring migration. In Indonesia, autumn migration is also known as go-away migration, while spring migration is known as backflow migration. This study aimed to determine the species of birds of prey that pass on Mount Sega, Karangasem Bali during autumn migration in 2018. The study was conducted on 1 October - 30 November 2018 on Mt. Sega, Karangasem Bali using a method from Hume (1993). The species of birds of prey that were recorded were 7 species, consisting of 5 migrant species and 2 resident species. The migrant species recorded were the Chinese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter soloensis), the Japanese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis), the Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus), the Peregrine Falcon (Falco perigrinus), and the Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). The resident species recorded were the Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) and the Spotted Kestrel (Falco moluccensis).
 Keywords: Accipiter, bird of prey, migration, Mt. Sega

Olfaction in raptors

AbstractRaptors from the orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes have been considered to rely principally on vision. Historically, this assumption has led scientists to discount any possible sense of smell in these birds, until work on cathartid vultures indicated that these species at least rely on olfaction to find carrion. In this review I provide evidence that raptors in general have functional olfactory systems that they may use in a range of different contexts. Anatomical studies show that raptors have well-developed olfactory bulbs that are within the range of other bird species. Furthermore, all raptors studied have multiple functional olfactory genes, with, for instance, 283 olfactory genes in the Oriental honey buzzard, Pernis orientalis, of which 81.5% are functional. It has also been shown that some raptors species may functionally use olfactory cues to forage and, potentially, for communication. While further research is required, the available evidence suggests that olfaction may be a more important sensory modality in these birds than previously thought.

Seasonal contrasts in individual consistency of oriental honey buzzards' migration.

Individual consistency in migration can shine light on the mechanisms of migration. Most studies have reported that birds are more consistent in the timing than in the routes or stopover sites during migration, but some specialist species showed the opposite patterns, being more consistent in spatial than temporal aspects of migration. One possible explanation for this contrast is that specialists rely on particular food or habitat resources, which restrict the migratory routes they can take, leading to high spatial consistency. If this is the case, the effect of specialist foraging should become apparent only when birds forage, instead of fasting and flying continuously. To test this effect, we analysed individual consistency in migration of the oriental honey buzzard ( Pernis ptilorhynchus), a specialist raptor that feeds on honeybees and wasps, using a long-term tracking dataset. As honey buzzards make extended stopovers during which they forage in spring but not in autumn, the spatial consistency should be higher in spring than in autumn. Honey buzzards were highly consistent in both their migratory routes and stopover sites in Southeast Asia, but only during spring migration. Our results highlight an important link between species' migratory consistency and foraging ecology.

Hindgut Bacterial Flora Analysis in Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus).

The intestinal microbiome is known to affect host health through various effects on nutrition and immunity. The oriental honey buzzard (OHB) is a raptor that feeds on bees and wasps. Due to its restricted diet, we reasoned that the OHB may have a unique microbiome. The aim of this study was to characterize the structure of the intestinal flora of oriental honey buzzards and to investigate the difference of intestinal bacterial flora between individuals in the wild and those reared in captivity. We investigated the intestinal microbiome of seven wild buzzards (Wild), one zoo-reared (Zoo), and one individual reared in captivity for one month (Rearing). Average operational taxonomic units in Wild and Rearing were 69.4 and 113, respectively. Diversity indices such as ACE, Chao 1, Shannon, and Alpha were significantly lower in the Wild than in the Rearing samples. These results suggest that the variety of Wild microbiome is remarkably low. At the phylum level, the composition of the microbiome was similar in all three groups, with firmicutes and bacteroidetes predominating. The third most abundant bacterium in Wild was Proteobacteria, whereas it was Actinobacteria in Rearing and unclassified bacteria in Zoo. Thus, microbiome composition is affected even with just one month of human rearing.

Complete mitogenomes of two Accipitridae, Haliaeetus albicilla, and Pernis ptilorhynchus

We performed high-throughput sequencing on the complete mitogenomes of two raptors, white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and oriental honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus). This is the first time that the complete mitogenomes from Accipitridae subfamies, Haliaeetinae, and Perninae have been sequenced. Respectively, H. albicilla and P. ptilorhynchus mitogenomes were 17,719 and 17,927 bp base pairs long. The ND3 gene in both raptors possessed an insertion mutation, whereas only P. ptilorhynchus ND6 had two mutations. Our results benefit future raptor research through expanding the mitogenome database.