Subspecies Of Red Deer Research Articles

Probiotic Potential of Lactobacillus and Enterococcus Strains Isolated From the Faecal Microbiota of Critically Endangered Hangul Deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu): Implications for Conservation Management.

The mammalian gut microbiota plays a crucial role in promoting host health, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly employed as probiotics for their beneficial effects. The Hangul deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu), a critically endangered red deer subspecies found in the Indian subcontinent, requires meticulous health management for its conservation. This pioneering study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the in-vitro probiotic functional properties of LAB strains from the faeces of Hangul deer. A total of 27 LAB strains were isolated and identified using 16S rDNA gene sequencing, followed by comprehensive probiotic characterization and safety assessment. Remarkably, four species exhibited robust resistance and survivability against varying pH levels and bile salts, along with high aggregation and co-aggregation capacities. Notably, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus mundtii strains displayed antibacterial activities. Safety assessment revealed the absence of hemolytic activity and virulence genes in all four strains. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus casseliflavus were susceptible to all tested antibiotics, while Enterococcus mundtii exhibited resistance to clindamycin, and Enterococcus gallinarum exhibited resistance to erythromycin. These findings suggest that the isolated LAB strains possess advantageous probiotic characteristics and hold potential as dietary supplements for promoting the health and disease management of Hangul deer.

Integrated omics analysis reveals the alteration of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in Cervus elaphus kansuensis

The gut microbiota is the largest and most complex microecosystem in animals. It is influenced by the host’s dietary habits and living environment, and its composition and diversity play irreplaceable roles in animal nutrient metabolism, immunity, and adaptation to the environment. Although the gut microbiota of red deer has been studied, the composition and function of the gut microbiota in Gansu red deer (Cervus elaphus kansuensis), an endemic subspecies of red deer in China, has not been reported. In this study, the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome and fecal metabolomics of C. elaphus kansuensis were identified and compared for the first time by using 16S rDNA sequencing, metagenomic sequencing, and LC-MS/MS. There were significant differences in gut microbiota structure and diversity between wild and farmed C. elaphus kansuensis. The 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that the genus UCRD-005 was dominant in both captive red deer (CRD) and wild red deer (WRD). Metagenomic sequencing showed similar results to those of 16S rDNA sequencing for gut microbiota in CRD and WRD at the phylum and genus levels. 16S rDNA and metagenomics sequencing data suggested that Bacteroides and Bacillus might serve as marker genera for CRD and WRD, respectively. Fecal metabolomics results showed that 520 metabolites with significant differences were detected between CRD and WRD and most differential metabolites were involved in lipid metabolism. The results suggested that large differences in gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolites between CRD and WRD, indicating that different dietary habits and living environments over time have led to the development of stable gut microbiome characteristics for CRD and WRD to meet their respective survival and reproduction needs.Key points• Environment and food affected the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in red deer• Genera Bacteroides and Bacillus may play important roles in CRD and WRD, respectively• Flavonoids and ascorbic acid in fecal metabolites may influence health of red deer

Genetic Diversity of the Eastern Subspecies of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in Russia Revealed by mtDNA and Microsatellite Polymorphism

Genetic Diversity of the Eastern Subspecies of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in Russia Revealed by mtDNA and Microsatellite Polymorphism

ALIEN MAMMALS IN THE ECOSYSTEMS OF THE CENTRAL PART OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS

The list of invasive mammals in the central part of the North Caucasus (Stavropol Krai, Kabarda-Balkar Republic, North Ossetia-Alania), including 18 taxa belonging to 4 orders (Chiroptera, Carnivora, Rodentia, Artiodactyla) is presented. The largest group according to the vectors of introduction into the fauna of the region is formed by intentionally introduced taxa: Sciurus vulgaris , Capreolus pygargus , Cervus nippon , Cervus elaphus , Dama dama , Bos grunneins , Bison bonasus bonasus , Procyon lotor , Nyctereutes procyonoides , Mustela vison , Ondatra zibethicus . The group of self-settling species includes the 5 ones: Canis aureus , Pipipipstrellus kuhlii , Capreolus capreolus , Canis familiaris and Rattus norvegicus . According to the degree of impact on the regional ecosystems, the most dangerous species among invasive mammals of the region are: spotted deer, non-native subspecies of red deer, domestic yak, jackal, American mink, raccoon dog, and raccoon-crawler. This occurs due to their number, impact on native fauna, flora and soil cover.

Анатомо-топографические особенности заднебедренной группы мышц тазобедренного сустава у благородного пятнистого оленя

The article presents the morphological and functional characteristics of the posterior femoral muscle group of the hip joint in the noble spotted deer. The research was carried out at the Department of Anatomy and Histology of Animals named after Professor A. F. Klimov of the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MBA named after K. I. Scriabin. The objects of research were a mature noble spotted deer (n=5). The article presents anatomical features of the posterior femoral group of hip extensors in the subspecies of red deer – spotted deer, which are absent in the available literature. The topological features of anatomical formations of the sciatic tubercle are revealed – the presence of dorsal, lateral and medial outgrowths on it. The last outgrowth of the spotted deer is on the same level with the lateral one, unlike the reindeer, which has a ventral outgrowth located below the dorsal outgrowth. As a result of our research, it was found that the gluteal-biceps muscle of the noble spotted deer is fleshy, the largest among the thigh muscles, forms a convex (rounded) contour in the gluteal region, filling most of the gluteal region. Extending in the distal direction, the muscle participates in the formation of the lateral and caudal contour of the thigh, and on the lateral surface of the lower leg forms a flattened tendon, following from the lateral surface of the kneecap, the cranial crest of the tibia to the calcaneal mound of the flattened. The established structural communications of the studied muscles may reflect their functional relationship. The data obtained are reference in assessing the biomechanics of the stato-locomotor act in representatives of the reindeer, as well as in the diagnosis of damage to the musculoskeletal system.

Importance of the morphological plasticity of Cervus elaphus in the biochronology of the Middle and Late Pleistocene of the Italian peninsula

The species Cervus elaphus is characterised by its significant and very swift ability to adapt to the broad woodland-related range of environments in the northern hemisphere, as can be seen by the large number of distinct populations and living subspecies. From studies on the phenotypic plasticity and adaptative capability of living populations of red deer, we can hypothesise that environmental conditions influenced the spread and the evolution of the species, especially in changing landscapes like those of the Italian peninsula during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. In fact, Cervus elaphus occurs on the Italian peninsula from the Middle Pleistocene, a period characterised by a particularly wide variety of environments determined by changeable palaeoclimatic and palaeogeographical conditions that are in all cases more significant in the late Middle Pleistocene and in the Late Pleistocene. If we observe the various fossil subspecies and apply the principle that present features like phenotypic plasticity are important keys to understanding the past, we must reconsider the Pleistocene red deer in evolutionary and taxonomic terms. This reappraisal also provides new data on the biochronological importance of the various red deer subspecies widespread in Italy during the Middle and Late Pleistocene.

Landscape-level habitat management plan through geometric reserve design for critically endangered Hangul (Cervus hanglu hanglu).

Hangul (Cervus hanglu hanglu), the only red deer subspecies surviving in the Indian subcontinent, is of top conservation priority with global importance. Unfortunately, it has lost much of its historical distribution range, and it is now confined to Dachigam landscape within the Kashmir valley of India. The Government of India initiated a recovery plan in 2008 to augment their numbers through ex-situ conservation programs. However, it was necessary to identify potential hangul habitats in Kashmir valley for adopting landscape-level conservation planning for the species. Based on geometric aspects of reserve design, we modeled hangul habitat using an ensemble approach to identify hangul habitats. The present model indicates that the conifer and broadleaf mixed forests were the most suitable habitats. Only 9% of the total study landscape was found suitable for the species. We identified corridors among the suitable habitat blocks, which may be vital for the species' long-term genetic viability. We suggest reorganizing the existing management of Dachigam National Park (NP) following the landscape level and habitat block-level management planning based on the core principles of geometric reserve design. We recommend that the identified patch (PID-6) in the southern region of the landscape to be converted into a Conservation Reserve or merged with the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary. This habitat patch PID-6 may be a stepping stone habitat and vital for maintaining the species landscape connectivity and metapopulation dynamics.

Valuing biodiversity attributes: a choice experiment design.

This study seeks to estimate household's willingness to pay for biodiversity conservation in Dachigam National Park, which houses the last viable population of Asiatic Black Bear and the Hangul (which is the only surviving sub-species of red deer in the world). A survey based on choice experiment method was carried out at Dachigam National Park, an area that is threatened by several anthropogenic pressures. A set of attributes, such as endangered species, national park area and research and education opportunities the park holds, have been selected to substantiate the analysis. In order to estimate willingness to pay (WTP), a monetary variable involving an increase in water rates was also incorporated. Willingness to pay for the selected attributes per household ranges from Rs. 109.48 to Rs. 138.48 for enhancing population of endangered species, Rs. 48.54 to Rs. 82.36 for improvement in park area and Rs. 67.21 to Rs. 101.35 for increasing research and education opportunities the park holds. Findings that the study present can be used as an indicator of economic importance of biological resources for their better management and conservation that can help in ensuring sustainable utilization of these natural resources.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Tarim red deer, Cervus elaphus yarkandensis

Tarim red deer (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis) is the only subspecies of red deer (of 22 subspecies) from Central Asia. This species is a desert dweller of the Tarim Basin of southern Xinjiang, China, and exhibits some unique adaptations to the dry and extreme hot climate. We report here the assembly of a Tarim red deer genome employing a 10X Genomics library, termed CEY_v1. Our genome consisted of 2.6 Gb with contig N50 and scaffold N50 of 275.5 Kb and 31.7 Mb, respectively. Around 96% of the assembled sequences were anchored onto 34 chromosomes based on the published high-quality red deer genetic linkage map. More than 94% BUSCOs complete genes (including 90.5% single and 3.6% duplicated ones) were detected in the CEY_v1 and 20,653 genes were annotated. The CEY_v1 is expected to contribute to comparative analysis of genome biology, to evolutionary studies within Cervidae, and to facilitating investigation of mechanisms underlying adaptation of this species to the extreme dry and hot climate.

Identification of first-stage dorsal-spined lungworm larvae of Tunisian barbary red deer: First report of Varestrongylus sagittatus and Elaphostrongylus cervi in Africa

Barbary red deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus) is a protected rare subspecies of red deer. The study of its Protostrongylidae fauna based only on sporadic necropsy of naturally dead animals is difficult. Therefore diagnosis of lungworms rely mainly on the identification of the first stage larvae (L1). The L1 of the different species are not readily diagnosed on morphological basis since much variation is recorded within and among dorsal-spined larvae belonging to various species. The aim of this study was to identify the dorsal-spined lungworm larvae of the Barbary red deer. A discriminant function was established, using the measurements of L1 lungworms recorded from red deer in the literature, then applied to identify 220 dorsal-spined larvae extracted from 25 Tunisian Barbary red deer fresh fecal samples. Also the ITS2 region of rDNA of four pools of larvae (n = 25–60) were amplified, sequenced and analyzed. Using discriminant analysis of morphological traits, Elaphostrongylus cervi and Varestongylus sagittatus were identified. Molecular identification confirmed the presence of E. cervi which is the most prevalent species. This study represents the first identification of V. sagittatus and E. cervi in North Africa.

Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Sichuan deer (Cervus elaphus macneilli)

The Sichuan deer (Cervus elaphus macneilli) is a rare animal native to western Sichuan and southeastern Tibet, China. In this study, the entire Sichuan deer mitochondrial genome was sequenced; it was 16350 bp long (GenBank accession No: KX449334) and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and one control region (D-loop). Ten PCGs started with ATG, but ND2, ND3, and ND5 used ATA as the start codon. PCG homology between C.e.macneilli and four other red deer subspecies ranged from 93.9 to 96%, which indicates a clear difference among subspecies. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Sichuan deer clustered into a clade with other red deer subspecies with high bootstrap support. This work provides additional molecular information for studying red deer conservation genetics and evolutionary relationships.

Resolving the phylogenetic status and taxonomic relationships of the Hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) in the family Cervidae

The Hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) is a “Least Concern” deer species, and it is the only survivor of the Red Deer group in the Indian subcontinent. The phylogenetic status of the Hangul relative to the other members of the family Cervidae is not known because sequence data are not available in public databases. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the phylogenetic status and delineate the genetic boundaries of the Hangul with respect to the other Red Deer subspecies on the basis of cytochrome b gene sequence data (ca 421 bp). There are three major monophyletic groups of the Red Deer in the phylogenetic tree, which are referred to as the western (Hap-01 to Hap-10), eastern (Hap-11 to Hap-20) and tarim (Hap-21 to Hap-25) groups. The overall haplotype diversity and per-site nucleotide diversity were 0.9771 (±0.0523) and 0.0388 (±0.00261), respectively. In the phylogenetic tree, the Hangul clustered with the tarim group (Yarkand and Bactrian Red Deer) with a strong bootstrap support (92%) and was found to be genetically closer to the Bactrian Red Deer than to the Yarkand Red Deer. Our molecular analysis supported the idea that the Hangul diverged from the Bactrian Red Deer and migrated to India from Tajikistan approximately 1.2 MYA.

Structural–functional condition of the thyroid gland of red deer at different stages of postnatal ontogenesis

The histological structure and morphometric and some histochemical indices of thyroid gland of maral as a subspecies of red deer at the postnatal stage of ontogenesis were studied. It was established that the gland was structurally formed by the time of the birth. C-cells are detected at 6 months of age. With age, the ratio of follicles of different sizes changed: smaller forms predominate in newborns and those 6 months old, medium and large predominate in adults and in old deer. Histological, morphometric, and histochemical data indicate to activation of the thyroid gland in the period of intensive growth for up to 6 months and a gradual decrease in activity over the next years of life. During aging, along with an increase in stromal elements, large follicles with colloid are stretched and resorption processes in the follicles are reduced.

Sex and age-class differences in calls of Siberian wapiti Cervus elaphus sibiricus

Stag rutting calls are strongly different among subspecies of red deer Cervus elaphus. Studying sex-, age- and subspecies-related vocal variation may highlight the forces driving the evolution of vocal communication in this species after their expansion from Central Asia to Europe and North America, however, this information was lacking so far for any Asian subspecies of Cervus elaphus. We analysed frequency, temporal and power variables of contact and bugle calls, collected from 63 Siberian wapiti Cervus elaphus sibiricus, the most abundant Asian subspecies of red deer. The open-mouth (oral) and closed-mouth (nasal) contact calls were registered in all sex and age-classes, whereas the open-mouth bugles were found in both stags and hinds but not in the calves. The maximum fundamental frequency (f0max) of contact calls was similar between calves and hinds. Similarly to American subspecies, the small differences of f0 between calls of the young and adults in C. e. sibiricus suggests only a minor ontogenetic decrease of call fundamental frequency compared to European subspecies of red deer. At the same time, the call f0 of all sex and age-classes of C. e. sibiricus was substantially higher compared to those of European subspecies of red deer (C. e. hippelaphus, C. e. corsicanus, C. e. italicus and C. e. hispanicus), although lower than in any studied American subspecies (C. e. roosevelti and C. e. canadensis). These findings provide vocal cues to indicate subspecies of Cervus elaphus, in addition to existing molecular and morphological traits.

Morphometry in development of red deer’s adrenal glands

Histological structures and morphometric and some histochemical indicators of elk's adrenal gland development as subspecies of red deer in prenatal and postnatal ontogenies stages was studied. It was found that the growth of the fetus adrenal glands weight and the thickness of the structures adrenal glands fragments continue throughout the prenatal period of ontogeny. The cells of androgenic zone with single wandering sympathogoniae are differentiated in the adrenal glands in the second month of development. The androgenic and definite zone and the adrenal medulla are differentiated by the third month of development. At the 4 months, adrenal gland cortex zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculate-reticularis are differentiated; zona reticularis is differentiated only by the seventh month. By the eighth month, the structure of adrenal glands corresponds to the adrenal glands of a newborn. Full structural formation of the adrenal glands takes place in young animals by age 1.5. Obvious structural changes were not found late in the postnatal stages of development.

Pragmatic perspective on conservation genetics and demographic history of the last surviving population of Kashmir red deer (Cervus elaphus hanglu) in India.

The hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) is of great conservation concern because it represents the easternmost and only hope for an Asiatic survivor of the red deer species in the Indian subcontinent. Despite the rigorous conservation efforts of the Department of Wildlife Protection in Jammu & Kashmir, the hangul population has experienced a severe decline in numbers and range contraction in the past few decades. The hangul population once abundant in the past has largely become confined to the Dachigam landscape, with a recent population estimate of 218 individuals. We investigated the genetic variability and demographic history of the hangul population and found that it has shown a relatively low diversity estimates when compared to other red deer populations of the world. Neutrality tests, which are used to evaluate demographic effects, did not support population expansion, and the multimodal pattern of mismatch distribution indicated that the hangul population is under demographic equilibrium. Furthermore, the hangul population did not exhibit any signature of bottleneck footprints in the past, and Coalescent Bayesian Skyline plot analysis revealed that the population had not experienced any dramatic changes in the effective population size over the last several thousand years. We observed a strong evidence of sub-structuring in the population, wherein the majority of individuals were assigned to different clusters in Bayesian cluster analysis. Population viability analysis demonstrated insignificant changes in the mean population size, with a positive growth rate projected for the next hundred years. We discuss the phylogenetic status of hangul for the first time among the other red deer subspecies of the world and strongly recommend to upgrade hangul conservation status under IUCN that should be discrete from the other red deer subspecies of the world to draw more conservation attention from national and international bodies.

Sex and age-class differences in calls of Iberian red deer during the rut: reversed sex dimorphism of pitch and contrasting roars from farmed and wild stags

Stag rutting calls differ among subspecies of red deer Cervus elaphus. Studying sex-, age-, and subspecies-related vocal variation may highlight the forces driving this evolution. This study presents the first bioacoustical comparison of oral calls produced during the rut by Iberian red deer Cervus elaphus hispanicus stags, hinds and calves and compares the acoustics of nasal and oral calls of hinds and calves. Also, it provides the first comparison of rutting roars between farmed and wild stags. Call maximum and mean fundamental frequencies (f0max and f0mean) were higher in farmed than in wild stags. Moreover, hinds had lower f0max and f0mean compared with both farmed and wild stags. The call minimum fundamental frequency (f0min) was indistinguishable between all groups of adults, irrespective of sex, farming and nasal versus oral vocal emission. In calves, but not in hinds, oral calls had higher f0max and f0mean compared with nasal calls. The higher fundamental frequencies in farmed as compared with wild stags may have resulted from emotional arousal due to human presence at recordings or from the higher body conditions of stags reared under a farm. The comparison of our results with previously published data on various subspecies of red deer suggests that there are different pathways of vocal ontogeny in eastern and western branches of Cervus elaphus and that the acoustics of stag and hind calls are more similar within the various subspecies than they are among the subspecies.

The unique Mesola red deer of Italy: taxonomic recognition (Cervus elaphus italicus nova ssp., Cervidae) would endorse conservation#

Most likely, the red deer Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758 from the Bosco della Mesola Nature Reserve are the last autochthonous red deer in the Italian peninsula. In the 20th century, they nearly became extinct and have only recently recovered to higher numbers (at least c. 150 head in 2010). Apart from their historical relevance to the Italian fauna, they are also evolutionarily distinct at both the genetic and the morphological level. However, taxonomically, they are classified as part of the Central European red deer subspecies (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus), which encompasses most of the red deer from the European mainland. While we are fully aware of the high degree of arbitrariness of subspecific designations, it is also a fact that taxonomic recognition supports conservation, because subspecies are a legal category whereas other designations (such as evolutionarily significant units, ESUs) are not. We therefore argue that the Mesola red deer should be assigned to a subspecies of their own, and give an official description of Cervus elaphus italicus nova ssp., including the designation of a holo- and a paratype specimen. Given the evolutionary status of the Mesola red deer, subspecific recognition is certainly much better founded than is the case for many other so-called subspecies in present red deer taxonomy.

Loss of genetic diversity and inbreeding in Kashmir red deer (Cervus elaphus hanglu) of Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir, India

BackgroundHangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu), the eastern most subspecies of red deer, is now confined only to the mountains in the Kashmir region of Jammu & Kashmir State of India. It is of great conservation significance as this is the last and only hope for Asiatic survivor of the red deer species in India. Wild population of free ranging hangul deer inhabiting in and around Dachigam National Park was genetically assessed in order to account for constitutive genetic attributes of hangul population using microsatellite markers.ResultsIn a pool of 36 multi-locus genotypes, 30 unique individuals were identified based on six microsatellite loci. The estimated cumulative probability of identity assuming all individuals were siblings (PID sibs) was 0.009 (9 in 1000). Altogether, 49 different alleles were observed with mean (± s.e.) allelic number of 8.17 ± 1.05, ranging from 5 to 11 per locus. The observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.08 and 0.83, with mean 0.40 ± 0.11 and the inbreeding coefficient ranged between −0.04 and 0.87 with mean 0.38 ± 0.15. Majority of loci (5/6) were found to be informative (PIC value > 0.5). All loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium except Ca-38 (P > 0.05) and none of the pairs of loci showed significant linkage disequilibrium except the single pair of Ca-30 and Ca-43 (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe preliminary findings revealed that hangul population is significantly inbred and exhibited a low genetic diversity in comparison to other deer populations of the world. We suggest prioritizing the potential individuals retaining high heterozygosity for ex situ conservation and genetic monitoring of the hangul population should be initiated covering the entire distribution range to ensure the long term survival of hangul. We speculate further ignoring genetics attributes may lead to a detrimental effect which can negatively influence the reproductive fitness and survivorship of the hangul population in the wild.

Roaring high and low: composition and possible functions of the Iberian stag's vocal repertoire.

We provide a detailed description of the rutting vocalisations of free-ranging male Iberian deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus, Hilzheimer 1909), a geographically isolated and morphologically differentiated subspecies of red deer Cervus elaphus. We combine spectrographic examinations, spectral analyses and automated classifications to identify different call types, and compare the composition of the vocal repertoire with that of other red deer subspecies.Iberian stags give bouts of roars (and more rarely, short series of barks) that are typically composed of two different types of calls. Long Common Roars are mostly given at the beginning or at the end of the bout, and are characterised by a high fundamental frequency (F0) resulting in poorly defined formant frequencies but a relatively high amplitude. In contrast, Short Common Roars are typically given in the middle or at the end of the bout, and are characterised by a lower F0 resulting in relatively well defined vocal tract resonances, but low amplitude. While we did not identify entirely Harsh Roars (as described in the Scottish red deer subspecies (Cervus elaphus scoticus)), a small percentage of Long Common Roars contained segments of deterministic chaos.We suggest that the evolution of two clearly distinct types of Common Roars may reflect divergent selection pressures favouring either vocal efficiency in high pitched roars or the communication of body size in low-pitched, high spectral density roars highlighting vocal tract resonances. The clear divergence of the Iberian red deer vocal repertoire from those of other documented European red deer populations reinforces the status of this geographical variant as a distinct subspecies.