Populations Of Endangered Species Research Articles

Assessing circovirus gene flow in multiple spill-over events.

The establishment of viral pathogens in new host environments following spillover events probably requires adaptive changes within both the new host and pathogen. After many generations, signals for ancient cross-species transmission may become lost and a strictly host-adapted phylogeny may mimic true co-divergence while the virus may retain an inherent ability to jump host species. The mechanistic basis for such processes remains poorly understood.To study the dynamics of virus-host co-divergence and the arbitrary chances of spillover in various reservoir hosts with equal ecological opportunity, we examined structural constraints of capsid protein in extant populations of Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) during known spillover events. By assessing reservoir-based genotype stratification, we identified co-divergence defying signatures in the evolution BFDV which highlighted primordial processes of cryptic host adaptation and competing forces of host co-divergence and cross-species transmission. We demonstrate that, despite extensive surface plasticity gathered over a longer span of evolution, structural constraints of the capsid protein allow opportunistic host switching in host-adapted populations. This study provides new insights into how small populations of endangered psittacine species may face multidirectional forces of infection from reservoirs with apparently co-diverging genotypes.

Genetic Diversity and Differentiation at Structurally Varying MHC Haplotypes and Microsatellites in Bottlenecked Populations of Endangered Crested Ibis.

Investigating adaptive potential and understanding the relative roles of selection and genetic drift in populations of endangered species are essential in conservation. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes characterized by spectacular polymorphism and fitness association have become valuable adaptive markers. Herein we investigate the variation of all MHC class I and II genes across seven populations of an endangered bird, the crested ibis, of which all current individuals are offspring of only two pairs. We inferred seven multilocus haplotypes from linked alleles in the Core Region and revealed structural variation of the class II region that probably evolved through unequal crossing over. Based on the low polymorphism, structural variation, strong linkage, and extensive shared alleles, we applied the MHC haplotypes in population analysis. The genetic variation and population structure at MHC haplotypes are generally concordant with those expected from microsatellites, underlining the predominant role of genetic drift in shaping MHC variation in the bottlenecked populations. Nonetheless, some populations showed elevated differentiation at MHC, probably due to limited gene flow. The seven populations were significantly differentiated into three groups and some groups exhibited genetic monomorphism, which can be attributed to founder effects. We therefore propose various strategies for future conservation and management.

Assisted reproductive technologies for endangered species conservation: developing sophisticated protocols with limited access to animals with unique reproductive mechanisms.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been proposed as a means of overcoming the significant challenges of managing small, isolated populations of endangered species in zoos. However, efficient protocols for ARTs do not exist for most endangered species. This review will focus on research efforts to characterize unique reproductive mechanisms and develop species-specific ARTs. Central to these studies are assays to measure steroid metabolites in urine or feces and/or training programs to allow unrestrained blood collections and ultrasound evaluations. The resulting information about estrous cycle dynamics, combined with studies of semen collection and processing, provides the foundation for the development of artificial insemination (AI). In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer are also discussed in relation to the advantages these techniques could provide relative to AI, as well as the significant challenges involved with technologies that require oocytes and embryos. Finally, an argument is made for additional research of nontraditional model species (e.g., domestic cats and dogs) and the development of novel models representing unique taxa. Whether these species are studied by zoo-based researchers with the expressed intent of developing ARTs for conservation or academic scientists interested in basic biology, the resulting information will provide a unique, evolutionary perspective on reproduction that could have wide-reaching benefits. The more information we have available, the better our chances will be of developing effective ARTs and making a difference in conservation efforts for endangered species.

Impacts of maternal characteristics and temperature on juvenile survival in the crocodile lizard: Implications for conservation.

Captive breeding is an important conservation measure that may restore and enhance wild populations of rare and endangered species. Multiple anthropogenic hazards have brought the crocodile lizard, Shinisaurus crocodilurus, to the brink of extinction. We initiated a captive breeding program and quantified female reproductive traits, including reproductive timing, litter size, litter mass, and neonate size. To identify the internal and external factors affecting female reproductive function, we then analyzed how maternal age is related to body size, temperature, and female reproductive traits. We found that larger female crocodile lizards produced more offspring than smaller ones, as both litter size and litter mass were positively related to maternal body size. In contrast, neonate size was independent of maternal body size. Maternal reproductive output varied among different age groups. Young and old females had significantly smaller living litter size and mass than middle-aged females. Among captive females, one-third exhibited early parturition in autumn and winter instead of the following spring, a pattern probably associated with higher ambient temperatures in captivity. Although female reproductive output and neonatal body size did not differ between early- and normal-parturition females, offspring from the former group died earlier than those from the latter. Our study highlights the danger of climate change in hastening parturition, a phenomenon that could significantly hamper neonate survival and impede population recruitment.

Distribution and Current State Cenopopulations of <i>Helichrysum maracandicum</i> Popov ex Kirp. in Uzbekistan

The current state of coenotic populations of rare and endangered species of Uzbekistan Helichrysum maracandicum is given. The range of species distribution is broad. The article contains 12 cenopopulations of Helichrysum maracandicum in Uzbekistan, which have considerable healing properties. During the researches, no censorship marks were recorded in any cenopopulation. Approximately, 1, 5, 11 censorpopulations were found to be close to optimal conditions. This indicates that adequate amounts of precipitation in these areas throughout the year have a positive impact on the growth and development of the plant. Most of the cenopopulations were transmitted to younger and transient states.

Bonobos' saliva remaining on the pith of terrestrial herbaceous vegetation can serve as non-invasive wild genetic resources.

Evaluating the genetic diversity of natural populations of endangered species is important for conservation. Although the genetic analysis of wildlife usually requires collecting DNA non-invasively, the variety of non-invasive DNA sampling methods is limited for each species. We present a method to obtain DNA of an endangered species, the bonobo (Pan paniscus), in which the pith of the terrestrial herbaceous vegetation (THV) that they consumed was newly utilized. We investigated the (1) frequency of encountering remnant saliva on three types of THV pith; (2) concentrations of DNA in the saliva samples by the real-time quantitative PCR; and (3) rates of positive PCR, accurate genotyping, and allelic drop out by analyzing two autosomal microsatellite loci (D7s817 and D9s910). The number of remnant saliva samples was recorded by following the bonobo groups on a daily basis. The frequency of encountering DNA samples was higher in saliva samples than in fecal samples. More than half of the saliva samples remaining on two types of THV pith provided sufficient concentrations of bonobo DNA (> 200pg/μl). Rates of positive PCR and accurate genotyping were high, and allelic drop out rate was low when the amount of template DNA was above 200pg per reaction. Our results suggest that the remnants of bonobo saliva on the pith of THV are a potential resource for obtaining DNA, and better than other kinds of samples from the perspective of the abundant sampling opportunities.

THE INTRAPOPULATION HETEROSPERMIA OF SOME ORCHID SPECIES

The aim of the work was a comparative morphological study of the peculiarities of the structure of seeds of certain Orchidaceae species from various subfamilies growing on the territory of the mainland Ukraine and Crimea. Methods. In order to carry out the morphological analysis , the seeds were examined on a scanning electron microscope JSM-6060 LA (JEOL, Japan). The size of the structures on the obtained microphotographs was determined using the UTHSCSA Image Tool 3.0 program. The morphometric parameters of the seeds were determined in accordance with the average size of viable seeds for a particular species of orchids. The seed index , the embryo index , and the relative size of the embryo were analyzed. The results of the comparative study of features of the structure of seeds of orchids ( Orchidaceae family) of domestic flora: ( Cephalanthera longifolia (L.) Fritsch., Epipactis palustris (L.) Crantz, Dactylorhiza incarnata (L.) Soo. s.l., Anacamptis coriophora (L.) R.M. Bateman) are presented. The significant heterogeneity of seeds of the studied species is revealed. The morphological analysis established that at the time of dissemination the major part of the studied seeds of orchids were nonviable. Species of orchids with the greatest part of viable seeds with large embryos ( D. incarnata and C. longifolia ) are considered as perspective reintroducents. Conclusion . The results of the research can contribute to the scientific and practical developments aimed at creation of reserve genetic collections in botanical gardens and in reserved areas and also at restitution of a number of natural populations of rare and endangered species.

Genetic structure of populations of several endangered and endemic Dianthus species revealed by microsatellite markers

Abstract In order to develop a proper conservation programme for several endangered, rare or endemic species of Dianhtus from Romania, molecular characterization by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers has been accomplished. Amplification of SSR loci in individuals belonging to different populations of D. callizonus, D. glacialis ssp. gelidus, D. henteri, D. nardiformis and D. tenuifolius revealed 23 polymorphic alleles. D. callizonus and D. tenuifolius showed particular sets of SSR alleles. D. glacialis ssp. gelidus, D. henteri and D. nardiformis proved to share almost the same alleles in most of the loci. The highest genetic diversity was observed in D. glacialis ssp. gelidus and D. tenuifolius in locus MS-DINMADSBOX. Allelic patterns across Dianthus species indicate that the mean number of different alleles was highest in D. glacialis ssp. gelidus, while the number of effective alleles was highest in D. tenuifolius. There are no particular differences in individuals belonging to the same species. Genetic diversity is generally low, ranging from 0.18 (D. callizonus) to 0.44 (D. henteri). Regarding the genetic diversity within populations of the same species, no differences were revealed by the use of the SSR markers tested in the present study.

Predictive species distribution model of two endemic kangaroo rats from Mexico: Dipodomys ornatus and D. phillipsii (Rodentia: Heteromyidae)

Predictive species distribution models (SDMs) allow identifying suitable areas for the conservation of populations of endangered species. Dipodomys ornatus and D. phillipsii are two Nearctic rodents endemic to Mexico that inhabit arid and semiarid environments. Endemic species have a restricted distribution, making it difficult to monitor their distribution and conservation status. Therefore, it is important to understand the interactions between these species and the environmental/ecological variables in their local habitat. In this study, we constructed SDMs for these two rodents using MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy model). Also, we defined the areas with the suitable ecological characteristics for the preservation of the species. In order to construct an SDM for each species, we used MaxEnt at a national scale (Mexico), with a resolution of 30 arc-sec (1 km2). To this end, 91 presence data (63 for D. ornatus and 28 for D. phillipsii) reported in the literature and data bases were used, along with 27 climatic and ecological variables. Maps with a high predictive capability (Area under a Receiver Operating Characteristic [ROC] Curve = AUC > 0.9) were obtained for both species. Principal Component Analyses were carried out, resulting in 11 PCs that accounted for 95% of variability of the original environmental variables. The D. ornatus SDM is defined mainly by PC2, PC11 and PC1. PC4, PC2 and PC6 are the most influential variables in predicting the SDM of D. phillipsii. Sites with suitable environmental conditions for D. ornatus are located in the States of Durango, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi, and Guanajuato, whereas the best environmental conditions for D. phillipsii were found in Puebla, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, and Hidalgo. As these species have a restricted distribution and field sampling is difficult, determining their conservation status is a complex issue; however, SDMs are a useful tool to identify areas with ideal characteristics to conduct surveys aimed at determining their conservation status or that could be used as future natural protected areas.

The microbiome of Haemaphysalis lemuris (Acari: Ixodidae), a possible vector of pathogens of endangered lemur species in Madagascar

Lemurs are primate species that are endemic to Madagascar. At present, about 90% of lemur species are endangered, and 5 species are among the 25 most endangered primates worldwide. Health status is a major factor impacting the viability of wild populations of many endangered species including lemurs. Given this context, we analyzed the microbiome of 24 specimens of Haemaphysalis lemuris, the most common tick parasitizing lemurs in their native habitats. Ticks were collected from 6 lemur species and microbiomes analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Our results show that the H. lemuris microbiome is highly diverse, including over 500 taxa, 267 of which were identified to genus level. Analysis of the microbiome also shows that there is a distinct “host” (lemur species) component when explaining the differences among and between microbial communities of H. lemuris. This “host” component seems to overwhelm any “locality” (geographic origin of the sample) component. In addition to the microbiome data, targeted PCR was used to test for the presence of three pathogens recently detected in the blood of wild lemurs: Borrelia sp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp., and Babesia sp. Overall, the presence of DNA of Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., Francisella spp., and a Babesia sp., in H. lemuris, is consistent with the hypothesis that these ectoparasites may act as vector for these pathogens. Further studies assessing vector competence are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

<b>Comparative cross-sectional survey on gastrointestinal parasites of captive, semi-captive, and wild Elephants of Sri Lanka</b>

Parasites can influence the fitness of individuals particularly of small populations of endangered species. An island-wide, cross sectional, coprological survey was carried out from 03 January to 30 October 2015, to determine the gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of the Sri Lankan Elephant Elephas maximus maximus. Fresh fecal samples from wild, captive and semi-captive elephants were collected and analyzed using a modified salt floatation, Sheather’s sucrose floatation, direct iodine smears, and sedimentation methods. Species identification was done morphologically. Intensity of parasite infections was determined using McMaster technique. A total of 85 fecal samples (wild = 45, semi-captive = 20, captive = 20) were analysed; 58 (68.2%) samples were positive for GI parasites. Overall, helminth infections (60.0%) were more common than protozoan (37.6%) infections (Chi square test, χ2 = 8.499; p < 0.001). In the captive elephants, however, more protozoan infections were observed than helminthes, which could be due to anthelminthic treatment. A significantly higher prevalence of infection was observed in the wild elephants (93.3%) compared to semi-captive elephants (55.0%; χ2 = 13.516; p < 0.001) and captive elephants (25.0%; χ2 =32.289; p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in the prevalence between captive and semi-captive elephants (χ2 =3.750; p = 0.053). Ten types of GI parasites were observed, nine of which were recorded in wild elephants. Among them the most common infection was strongyles (34.1%) with high intensity (440.1±295.2 EPG). Semi-captive elephants harbored five types of GI parasites, while captive elephants had only three types. One captive elephant at the Temple of the Tooth was infected with the tapeworm Anoplocephala sp. at low intensity of 50 EPG. Some of the GI parasites recorded are highly pathogenic while others are incidental.

Captive individuals of endangered Philippine raptors maintain native feather mites (Acariformes: Pterolichoidea) species.

Endangered species of hosts are coupled with endangered species of parasites, which share the risk of co-extinction. Conservation efforts sometimes include breeding of rare species in captivity. Data on parasites of captive populations of endangered species is scarce and the ability of small numbers of captive host individuals to support the biodiversity of native parasites is limited. Examination of ectosymbionts of the critically endangered Philippine eagles and the endangered Mindanao Hawk-Eagle kept at the Philippine Eagle Center, Philippines, revealed three feather mite species despite regular treatment with insecticide powder. No other ectosymbiont taxa were detected. Studies in morphology and molecular phylogeny of these feather mites based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers indicate that species found were typical for Accipitridae. Three new pterolichoid feather mite species (Acari: Pterolichoidea) were described from two species of eagles (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) endemic to the Philippines: Hieracolichus philippinensis sp. n. (Gabuciniidae) and Pseudalloptinus pithecophagae sp. n. (Pterolichidae) from the Great Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi Ogilvie-Grant, 1896, and Pseudogabucinia nisaeti sp. n. (Kramerellidae) from the Mindanao Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus pinskeri Gould, 1863. The presence of H. philippinensis on P. jefferyi supports the recent finding that the Great Philippine Eagle belongs to the lineage of serpent eagles (Circaetinae) rather than to the Harpy and other eagles.

Identifying cost-effective invasive species control to enhance endangered species populations in the Grand Canyon, USA

Recovering endangered species populations when confronted with the threat of invasive species is an ongoing natural resource management challenge. While eradication of the invasive species is often the optimal economic solution, it may not be a feasible nor desirable management action in other cases. For example, when invasive species are desired in one area, but disperse into areas managed for endangered species, managers may be interested in persistent, but cost-effective means of managing dispersers rather than eradicating the source. In the Colorado River, a nonnative rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sport fishery is desired within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, however, dispersal downriver into the Grand Canyon National Park is not desired as rainbow trout negatively affect endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). Here, we developed a bioeconomic model incorporating population abundance goals and cost-effectiveness analyses to approximate the optimal control strategies for invasive rainbow trout conditional on achieving endangered humpback chub adult population abundance goals. Model results indicated that the most cost-effective approach to achieve target adult humpback chub abundance was a high level of rainbow trout control over moderately high rainbow trout population abundance. Adult humpback chub abundance goals were achieved at relatively low rainbow trout abundance and control measures were not cost-effective at relatively high rainbow trout abundance. Our model considered population level dynamics, species interaction and economic costs in a multi-objective decision framework to provide a preferred solution to long-run management of invasive and native species.

Promising ichthyologic studies in Lake Baikal: fundamental and applied aspects

Promising areas of ichthyologic research in Lake Baikal have been examined. Particular attention is being paid to the technology of remote fsh census, including hydroacoustic methods and the method of quantitative environmental DNA analysis. These technologies may provide information on the status of artifcially reproducible populations in reservoirs for developing a proper fshing strategy. The areas of application of molecular genetic methods for solving applied problems in creating the biological bases of fsheries, studying diseases, associated microflora and parasitic fauna, as well as for identifying fsh feed objects have been determined. Studies aimed at restoring and maintaining the populations of rare and endangered fsh species using artifcial reproduction methods, including breeding, hybridization, hormonal stimulation of spawning producers, cryopreservation of sexual products, individual tagging, etc., are discussed. Prospects of mobile remote underwater video monitoring systems, the EthoStudio software package and the holography method to simulate sensory reaction in studying mechanisms of adaptations of fsh in natural environment and to develop criteria for assessing their stability in aquaculture conditionshave been reviewed. Combining ethological studies and in-depth integrated morphological, molecular-genetic and physiological-biochemical screening of Baikal fsh that would allow to better understand fundamental evolutionary processes responsible for the formation of behavioral adaptations, creation and maintenance of genetic diversity within and between populations in the natural environment, as well as developing recommendations on the introduction of state-of-theart scientifc monitoring approaches into aquaculture are very promising.

The Current State of Cenopopulation of <i>Tulipa micheliana</i> Hoog in Uzbekistan

The current state of coenotic populations of rare and endangered species of Uzbekistan-Tulipa micheliana Hoog is given. Based on the analysis of demographic indicators and a number of organisms and population signs, the state of the cenotic populations of the species was assessed, during the 2012-2018 years studied 15 cenopopulations different ecological-phytocenotic conditions in Uzbekistan.

The historical ecology approach in species conservation–Identifying suitable habitat management for the endangered clouded Apollo butterfly (<em>Parnassius mnemosyne</em> L.) in Sweden

A core task in biodiversity conservation is to protect and restore populations of endangered species. The analysis of causes of decline based on data sampled in declining populations in sub-optimal habitats risks overlooking necessary environmental factors because they are no longer present at the sites. It may therefore be necessary to search for conditions that were present before the species began to decline. We used an historical ecology approach to identify critical ecological needs for the endangered butterfly Clouded Apollo, Parnassius mnemosyne, in Sweden in relation to historical and current land use. The most suitable habitat structure and management was transformed into a plan for restoration and management, applied at two P. mnemosyne sites. The populations of P. mnemosyne and its host-plant, Corydalis solida, were monitored annually 2004–2014. Based on previous knowledge about P. mnemosyne, the Swedish plan for conservation of the species recommends regular clearings of shrubs and trees in order to maintain a mosaic tree-grassland habitat, and a limited of removal of ground biomass. Our analysis suggested an alternative management approach, late and rather intense grazing. The populations of P. mnemosyne and its host plant increased in response to this management regime and the butterfly started dispersing to new sites. We suggest a structured method for combining ecological and historical knowledge, which can reveal habitat conditions difficult to detect in the field today, but that are of crucial importance for successful species conservation.

Positive demographic effects of nest surveillance campaigns to counter illegal harvest of the Bonelli's eagle in Sicily (Italy)

AbstractIllegal trade in wildlife has been identified as one of the main challenges to wildlife conservation. In 2010, an illegal trade‐ring trafficking in birds of prey was uncovered in Sicily (southern Italy). This illegal trade targeted the three most endangered species in Italy: Bonelli's eagle Aquila fasciata, Lanner falcon Falco biarmicus and Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus, all of them long‐lived territorial raptors threatened with extinction across their European distribution. Illegal harvest primarily involved young birds and eggs taken from nests. After the discovery of these activities, surveillance camps and camera traps connected to the mobile Global System for Mobile communications network were established in nine Bonelli's eagle breeding sites in which illegal harvest was reported. Surveillance activities resulted in a sharp reduction in illegal harvest that has contributed to the recent increase in population size and number of breeding pairs of Bonelli's eagle in the island. This population represents 95% of the entire Italian population and is catalogued as Critically Endangered in this country. Importantly, our results highlight the impact of illegal harvest on the population dynamics of endangered species as demonstrated by a population viability analysis. This is particularly important in the case of insular species for which demographic recovery due to immigration from other geographic areas is unlikely. Systematic patrols by forestry police authorities, a resolute application of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species legislation via legal punishment, and the requirement of including all live captive specimens used for falconry in an obligatory DNA data bank would contribute to reducing the risk of extinction for small populations of endangered species of birds of prey.

The importance of including survival release costs when assessing viability in reptile translocations

Translocations to restore populations of endangered species are an important conservation tool, but a reliable diagnosis is needed to assess their success. We used capture-recapture modeling to analyze the adult apparent survival of released and resident tortoises in two translocation projects in Spain monitored for 14 and 29years. We tested if long-term survival rates differ between released and resident individuals, if survival was lower during the phase of establishment (i.e. release cost), how long acclimation lasts and if increased density due to releases affects survival. We found lower survival of released tortoises during the phase of establishment (1 to 3years) when residents were already present. After establishment, survival was very high and unaffected by density-dependence. Body condition before release was similar between recaptured and dead/missing tortoises, and did not predict establishment survival. Stochastic population viability analysis showed that success when releasing small numbers of individuals strongly depends upon adult long-term survival. Release of small second batches of tortoises was not sensitive to a growing population, regardless of its release timing. Our results highlight long-term survival as crucial in translocation projects of long-lived species, invalidating short-term (first year) survival assessment, when survival release cost does not match long-term survival. A release cost of different duration should be included in model estimation before modeling predictions. Releasing tortoises (for welfare of captive individuals or for mitigating human negative impacts) in an already established population is not recommended under most circumstances. Acclimation cost is followed by survival approaching wild counterparts. If this milestone is not achieved, the project needs to be carefully assessed to adopt other management options or should be stopped altogether.

Uncertain recovery of the North Atlantic right whale in a changing ocean.

Human activities have placed populations of many endangered species at risk and mitigation efforts typically focus on reducing anthropogenic sources of mortality. However, failing to recognize the additional role of environmental factors in regulating birth and mortality rates can lead to erroneous demographic analyses and conclusions. The North Atlantic right whale population is currently the focus of conservation efforts aimed at reducing mortality rates associated with ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Consistent monitoring of the population since 1980 has revealed evidence that climate-associated changes in prey availability have played an important role in the population's recovery. The considerable interdecadal differences observed in population growth coincide with remote Arctic and North Atlantic oceanographic processes that link to the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Here, we build capture-recapture models to quantify the role of prey availability on right whale demographic transitional probabilities and use a corresponding demographic model to project population growth rates into the next century. Contrary to previous predictions, the right whale population is projected to recover in the future as long as prey availability and mortality rates remain within the ranges observed during 1980-2012. However, recent events indicate a northward range shift in right whale prey, potentially resulting in decreased prey availability and/or an expansion of right whale habitat into unprotected waters. An annual increase in the number of whale deaths comparable to that observed during the summer 2017 mass mortality event may cause a decline to extinction even under conditions of normal prey availability. This study highlights the importance of understanding the oceanographic context for observed population changes when evaluating the efficacy of conservation management plans for endangered marine species.

Perceptions and law enforcement of illegal and legal wolf killing in Norway: organized crime or folk crime?

On 20 April 2015, five men were convicted in a Norwegian court for breaching the penal law, namely for attempting to reduce the natural population of a protected endangered species on 15 February 2014. One was also charged with having killed a wolf on 14 March 2014. The sentences were the strictest ever imposed for similar crimes in Norway, with 20 months’ imprisonment for the main offender, partly because they were charged with organized crime—an aggravating circumstance. The verdict was appealed and a new conviction made on 5 April 2016, where the prison sentences for the five convicted men were considerably reduced, the strictest from 20 to 9 months, and with the law applied differently. The state appealed the decision from the Appeal Court to the Supreme Court [Høyesterett], concerning the application of law, and there four of the men were again found guilty of attempting to reduce the population of an endangered species. These verdicts invite discussion of how such crimes should be perceived-as serious organized crime or as “folk crimes”. This article argues that either way such acts should be regarded as theriocides that breach the Animal Welfare Act and its statement that animals have intrinsic value, and further that they cannot be viewed in isolation but must be seen in the context of state policy towards large predators. The crimes are thus discussed from a green criminology perspective, concentrating on seeing these theriocides as crimes, not “only” harms.