Feather Samples Research Articles

Optimizing Genomic DNA Extraction from Avian Feathers: A Modified Phenol-Chloroform Approach for Enhanced Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness.

The procurement of blood and tissue samples for DNA extraction in avian species intended for molecular studies is associated with the induction of discomfort and pain in the subjects, compounded by practical challenges in application and ethical considerations. Consequently, feathers have emerged as a more prevalent source for molecular investigations, particularly in the fields of poultry and ornithology. However, the effective extraction of DNA from feathers necessitates the breakdown of the hard keratinized tissue within the feather structure. This study aimed to devise a highly efficient, cost-effective, and easily adaptable Modified Phenol-Chloroform (MPC) approach for genomic DNA extraction from feathers, addressing shortcomings identified in previous studies on feather-based DNA isolation. The MPC method was employed to extract genomic DNA from feather samples obtained from six distinct avian species (chicken, guinea fowl, canary, pigeon, emu, and goose). Comparative evaluation of DNA isolation efficiency was conducted by employing two different commercial DNA kits alongside the MPC method. The results showed significantly higher DNA concentrations (ng/ml) from chicken feathers using the MPC method compared to those obtained with commercial kits (p < 0.05), along with high DNA purity (1.83 ± 0.11). Subsequent PCR experiments, employing nuclear and mitochondrial DNA-specific primers, illustrated the effective amplification of short and long fragments from MPC-isolated DNA samples. In contrast to commercial kits, the findings underscore the successful application of the MPC method in isolating high-quality genomic DNA from feathers characterized by elevated keratin content.

Detection and molecular characterization of avian polyomavirus in budgerigar and non-budgerigar psittacine species in bird markets of Pakistan

Avian Polyomaviruses are imposing severe health problems in budgerigars, non-budgerigar Psittacine species, and non-psittacine species all over the world, including Pakistan. It marks future challenges for aviculturists and pet store owners, causing significant financial losses. This study emphasizes the occurrence and molecular characterization of polyomaviruses in budgerigars and non-budgerigar Psittacine species. Thirty-five feather Samples of adult birds and 15 tissue samples of deceased birds were collected for the detection of Avian polyomavirus based on the VP1 gene. Screening of samples by PCR revealed the presence of 550 bp VP1 gene in deceased nestlings of two lovebirds and four budgerigars, while the feather samples of adult birds were all negative for VP1 gene. The overall positive rate of APV in Psittacine birds was 6/50 (12 %), and the distribution frequency of virus among species was 4/19 (20 %) in Budgerigars and 2/31 (6.4 %) in non-budgerigar. Positive samples were subjected to partial sequencing which showed a nucleotide similarity index of VP1 gene between 97.46 % & 99.6 % with reference sequences in GenBank. The main problem that researchers are dealing with is the scarcity of data on the prevalence and identification of APV in Pakistan. This study is a milestone for further research on APV for the diagnosis and development of vaccines.

Mercury concentrations in blood and back feathers are repeatable, heritable and correlated in a long-lived seabird

Mercury pollution is increasing both in the environment and in various organisms, especially top-predators. If variation in individual mercury concentrations is underpinned by genetic among-individual differences in traits related to mercury uptake, storage or excretion, and results in variation in fitness, populations may have the potential to evolve in response to this development. Few studies, however, have been able to collect sufficient information to investigate the genetic basis of pollution levels. We ran Bayesian quantitative genetic analyses, combining pedigree information obtained from a marine top-predator, the common tern (Sterna hirundo), with total mercury concentrations (THg) measured in 1364 blood and 1560 back feather samples obtained from >600 individual birds across seven years. Blood and back feather THg concentrations differed in repeatability (19 vs. 64 %, respectively), but showed similar levels of heritability (c. 9 %) and evolvability (c. 2 %). Blood and back feather THg concentrations were positively correlated at the phenotypic, but not genetic, level. Although further work is needed to elucidate the uptake, storage or excretion pathways underlying these patterns, our study provides pioneering insights into the architecture of THg concentrations, and suggests that adaptation to environmental pollution may to some extent be possible.

A non‐invasive genetic approach for estimating the apparent survival rate of a long‐lived territorial raptor: a case study on the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

For long‐lived species, adult survival is the parameter that theoretically has the strongest impact on population dynamics; this makes its estimate crucial for conservation management. The use of non‐invasive genetic approaches coupled with capture–recapture methods is being used increasingly to estimate adult survival. Despite being regularly employed in mammals, it has been little‐used in birds and notably in long‐lived territorial species. This study aimed to determine if feathers obtained from eagle nests could be used to estimate the adult apparent survival rate and the costs associated with such an approach. Feather samples (n = 180) were collected in nests (n = 78) and directly from individual Golden Eagles (n = 36) Aquila chrysaetos in France and were genotyped using 17 microsatellite markers. The genotyping error rates obtained were low, with 3% amplification failures, 3.1% dropouts and 1.7% false alleles. The genetic variability of the markers was high, with a probability of identity between siblings of 6.8 × 10−6, allowing reliable individual identification. Of the feathers collected in nests, 90% were from breeding females; this allowed apparent survival to be estimated for adult females at a reasonable cost. The genotyping of three feathers collected from a nest ensured individual identification of the breeding female with near certainty. Our simulations showed that monitoring of at least 20 pairs over 5 years, or 10 pairs over 10 years is necessary to detect a 10% absolute decrease in adult apparent survival. Estimating the adult survival rate of long‐lived birds using feathers collected in nests is possible. A substantial budget, albeit one that is likely to be lower than that for a common capture–recapture survey, would be needed to obtain precise survival estimates.

Broad geographic variation in age- and sex-dependent origin of harvested eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope) revealed by stable-hydrogen (δ2H) isotope analyses of feathers

Migratory waterfowl are a harvested resource shared among multiple European countries, exposing them to potential overexploitation. Management of take is challenging since the life cycle of migratory waterfowl consists of several stages distributed among several locations, with possible spatio-temporal overlap among populations with differing population trends. Successful harvest management in such situations requires knowledge about the connections between breeding and non-breeding locations, and where birds are harvested. Breeding populations of Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope) are declining in Finland, underlining the need for more effective harvest management. Relative proportions and temporal distribution of local breeding birds and migrants from a larger Russian breeding population within the Finnish hunting bag has been unknown to date. We studied spatio-temporal origins of Finnish harvested wigeon by measuring stable-hydrogen (δ2H) isotope values from legally harvested birds. We modelled the changes in δ2H values of the feather samples within the hunting season using Gaussian processes and found that the origin of harvested wigeon in Finland changed during the hunting season and differed by age and sex. In juveniles and adult females but not in adult males, origin of harvested birds shifted from local and possibly western Russian birds to more long-distance migratory birds during the harvest season. These patterns likely reflected sex- and age-specific differences in migratory behaviour of Eurasian wigeon in the East Atlantic flyway, which can be used to guide future management and conservation of this species through the implementation of spatio-temporal harvest regulation.

Occurrence of Novel and Legacy Per/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) Feathers

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are contaminants of great concern due to their ubiquitous environmental occurrence in the environment and their potential adverse effects on organisms. There is currently limited information regarding the occurrence of PFASs in Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea). In this study, two feather samples per bird were obtained from 26 adults on Strofades colony (Ionian Sea/Greece) during the early phase of the chick-rearing period (late July 2019). The samples consisted of barbs and barbules of the primary feathers, P1 and P10, reflecting pollution pressures at the time and the place of feather growth, i.e., at the species’ breeding and wintering grounds for P1 and P10, respectively. There were 25 PFAS detected in the feathers, with detection rates ranging from 2% (perfluorododecanoic acid—PFDoDA; perfluorohexane sulfonate—PFHxS; 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate—9Cl-PF3ONS; 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropoxy)propanoate—Gen-X) to 98% (sodium 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctane sulfonate; 6:2 FTSA). ∑PFAS ranged from 25.93 ng/g to 426.86 ng/g of feather sample. The highest mean concentration (109.10 ng/g feather) was reported for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). No significant differences in PFAS concentrations with high detection rate (&gt;20%) were found according to the sex of the birds. PFAS concentrations with a detection rate &gt; 20% in the P1 vs. P10 feathers of Scopoli’s Shearwater adults were not significantly different, reflecting the fact that breeding grounds in the Mediterranean and wintering grounds in the Atlantic seem to be contaminated with similar PFASs levels, even though some compounds showed regional trends.

Plasticity and overlap of trophic niches in tropical breeding Laridae

Trophic ecology of seabirds in tropical regions remains poorly understood despite the large number of multispecies breeding colonies supported by these ecosystems. Here, we used the isotopic niche (δ15N and δ13C) of 5 Laridae species at 2 breeding areas in Cuba to analyze the plasticity and interspecific overlap of trophic niche determined from chick down and feather samples. The down samples reflected the female trophic regime before laying, while the feather samples incorporated the trophic regime of the chicks provided by the parents during rearing. Two main species groups were identified by their isotopic niche characteristics: species with small and quite stable isotopic niches (trophic specialists) and species with large and highly variable isotopic niches (trophic generalists). Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla, royal tern Thalasseus maximus, and sandwich tern T. sandvicensis were the generalists and showed significant isotopic niche differences between breeding areas and phases. Bridled tern Onychoprion anaethetus and roseate tern Sterna dougallii were trophic specialists, but only the former exhibited significant variations in isotopic niche breadth between breeding phases. Overall, trophic (inferred from isotopic) niche overlap was relatively low, suggesting that these tropical seabirds reduce competition through niche partitioning. We concluded that trophic niche plasticity and segregation appear to constitute an important adaptive strategy to ensure the breeding success of sympatrically breeding Laridae in north-central Cuba.

Temporal Characterization of the Viral Load of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Virus in Rosy-Faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis)

Psittacine beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is a widespread and highly pathogenic virus in parrots. The disease typically presents with feather and beak abnormalities, along with possible immune system suppression. No cure or commercialized vaccine is currently available. Our understanding of the Psittacine beak and feather disease often comes from infected individuals with visible symptoms. Limited knowledge exists regarding the pathology and role of asymptomatic individuals in disease transmission. Asymptomatic individuals could shed the virus in their crop secretion, feces, or feathers. In this study, we investigated the temporal change in the viral load in feather and fecal samples from 17 asymptomatic Rosy-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) using qPCR. Our results showed that most of the individuals had very low viral load, while three individuals with high viral load at the beginning of the experiment were observed to exhibit a decreasing trend in viral load in both fecal and feather samples. Surprisingly, the viral load in an individual can drop from a high level to an undetectable level within three months. This suggests that BFDV infection might not be lethal or highly pathogenic for some individuals. We also showed that the viral load in feathers was higher than in feces.

Evaluating washing techniques to eliminate external contamination of trace elements in bat fur and bird feathers

Non-invasive proxies, such as fur and feathers, are likely to be increasingly used to assess the potential exposure of chemicals, including trace metals and metalloids. However, the amount of external contamination is usually unknown, and there is no standard method for removing external contamination of trace metals in fur or feathers. To date, 40 % of studies published related to the measurement of trace metal levels in fur or the hair of non-human mammals and 24 % of studies in feathers do not state any washing methods or did not wash the samples before analysis. We assessed three washing techniques to remove external contamination of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) from bat fur. We selected the three most frequently used fur washing methods from literature. To test these methods, fur samples from great flying foxes (Pteropus neohibernicus neohibernicus, n=15 individuals) from Papua New Guinea preserved over eight decades (AMNH, USA) were used. Percentages of trace metal removed are 87.19 % (SD= 12.28), 92.99 % (SD= 5.5) and 88.57 % (SD= 9.33) for As, 54.72 % (SD= 31.64), 55.89 % (SD= 37.87), and 53.93 % (SD= 41.28) for Pb, and 74.03 % (SD= 22.96), 22.93 % (SD= 73), and 24.95 % (SD= 49.5) for Zn using M2, M3, and M4, respectively. We also assessed four washing techniques to remove external contamination of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and zinc (Zn) from bird feathers. We identified the four most prevalent washing techniques in the literature used for feathers. We used feathers from the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) and the great blue heron (Ardea herodias) to test these methods. Percentages of trace metal removed are 34.35 % (SD= 44.22), 69.22 % (SD= 36.5), 62.59 % (SD= 48.37), and 80.89 % (SD= 14.54) for As, 66.97 % (SD= 13.26), 29.4 % (SD= 67.06), 49.68 % (SD= 42.33), and 28.88 % (SD= 69) for Hg, and <0 % (SD= 80.1), 0 % (SD= 29.55), 11.23 % (SD= 47.73), and 57.09 % (SD= 21.2) for Zn using M2, M3, M4, and M5, respectively. This study shows the importance of washing fur and feather samples prior to trace metals analyses in ecotoxicology and biomonitoring studies.

Identification of Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Aves: Phasianidae) Using Feather Calamus by Molecular Genetic Method

The ornate and vibrant bird, Pavo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 belongs to Phasianidae family and is proud to be the national bird of India due to it is extravagant feathers and cultural significance. Thus, the accurate identification of this species is significant for its conservation as well as for areas where it is endangered due to factors such as habitat destruction and hunting. This study applies molecular analysis for the identification of the Indian peafowl by analyzing shed feather samples non-invasively through DNA barcoding. Barcoding the species was done by using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. The study is rightly able to establish that DNA obtained from shed feathers can generate DNA barcodes, which help with species identification. This method provides a useful instrument for the wildlife tracking and the conservation of birds by providing an efficient and non-harmful way of identifying and tracking the population of the species. These results show that DNA barcoding could be useful in increasing the efficiency of species identification, differentiation in avian research to the broader field of molecular ecology for the monitoring, conservation and management.

Influence of paternal factors on plastic ingestion and brominated chemical exposure in East Tropical Atlantic Procellariid chicks

The presence of plastic debris and organo-brominated compounds in the marine environment poses a concern to wildlife. Plastic can absorb and release chemical compounds, making their ingestion potentially harmful, while chemical compounds have become omnipresent, with a tendency to bioaccumulate in the food web. Seabirds are often used as indicators of marine plastic pollution, yet studies on the exposure of tropical communities to plastic contamination are still scarce. In this study we monitored the amounts of plastics in faeces and organo-brominated compounds ingested/assimilated in feathers by adults and chicks of Cape Verde shearwaters and Bulwer's petrels from Cabo Verde. Anthropogenic pollutants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and naturally generated methoxylated-PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs) were among the probed compounds. The frequency of plastic debris ingestion was similar in both species' adults and chicks, although, the characteristics of the ingested plastic differed. Frequency and number of microplastics increased throughout the nestling season for chicks from both species. All species and age groups showed the presence of PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs. Among PBDEs, Bulwer's petrels exhibited higher concentrations than Cape Verde shearwaters, and chicks had higher concentration profiles than adults. Specifically, Bulwer's petrel chicks showed higher concentrations than Cape Verde shearwater chicks. On the contrary, Cape Verde shearwater adults exhibited higher occurrence and concentrations of MeO-PBDEs when compared to Cape Verde shearwater chicks. We found no effect of plastic loadings or loadings of organohalogen contaminants on body condition or size, although harmful effects may be hidden or reveal themselves in a medium- to long-term. Feather samples from both adults and chicks were shown to be useful for comparing intraspecific contamination levels and appear suitable for the long-term assessment of organohalogen contaminants in seabirds. Species-specific foraging and feeding strategies are likely the drivers of the observed variation in organochlorine contamination burdens among seabird species.

Fast and Simple Molecular Test for Sex Determination of the Monomorphic Eudromia elegans Individuals.

Sex determination based just on morphological traits such as plumage dichromatism, sexual size dimorphism, behavior, or vocalizations is really challenging because of the sexual monomorphism present in more than half of avian species. Currently, a lot of them can be tested through DNA-based procedures, but they do not fit all the avian species, such as Eudromia elegans. The aim of this study was to design a new molecular method suitable for routine sex determination for that species that is fast, simple, and cost- and time- effective. DNA was isolated from dry blood stain and/or chest feather samples of E. elegans species. We used two sets of sex-specific primers (ZF/ZR and WF/WR) to amplify the expected fragments localized on the highly conserved CHD1 gene to distinguish between sexes due to the W-specific DNA sequence present only in females. We confirmed the accuracy and consistency of the PCR-based method based on length differences to distinguish between the sexes of E. elegans, which amplified two fragments in females and one fragment in males.

Prediction of individual differences in non-iridescent structural plumage colour from nanostructural periodicity and regularity.

Non-iridescent structural plumage reflectance is a sexually selected indicator of individual quality in several bird species. However, the structural basis of individual differences remains unclear. In particular, the dominant periodicity of the quasi-ordered feather barb nanostructure is of key importance in colour generation, but no study has successfully traced back reflectance parameters, and particularly hue, to nanostructural periodicity, although this would be key to deciphering the information content of individual variation. We used matrix small-angle X-ray scattering measurements of intact, stacked feather samples from the blue tit crown to estimate the sex-dependence and individual variation of nanostructure and its effects on light reflectance. Measures of nanostructural periodicity successfully predicted brightness, ultraviolet chroma and also hue, with statistically similar effects in the two sexes. However, we also observed a lack of overall effect of the nanostructural inhomogeneity estimate on reflectance chromaticity, sex-dependent accuracy in hue prediction and strong sex-dependence in position estimation error. We suggest that reflectance attributes are modified by other feather structures in a sex-specific manner, and that within-individual variation in nanostructural parameters exists within or among feathers and this confounds the interpretation of structure-reflectance relationships at the plumage area level.

Direct PCR assays for DNA barcoding and sexing of plucked feathers

The current practice of avian DNA barcoding and molecular sexing involves the use of purified DNA for PCR amplification. The effective use of lysate of minimally invasive plucked feather samples is however questionable for these applications. The present study has aimed at developing a protocol for methodological simplification of avian genetic analysis. The feather lysate was prepared by heating calamus in a dilution reagent at 98 °C for 2–15 min. A total of nine dilution reagents were tested for preparing feather lysates. PBS appeared to be the most efficient dilution reagent for preparing lysate as evidenced by PCR amplification of specific loci from mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. The PCR amplicons of 16S rRNA gene segment from 60 different avian species were subjected to Sanger sequencing. All of these samples were successfully analyzed as a result of one single PCR amplification and sequencing attempt. The PCR amplicons of CHD1 gene segments from Fischer's lovebird were denatured and effectively used for sexual differentiation with high resolution melting (HRM). In sum, direct PCR may be a suitable choice to perform avian genetic analysis using plucked feathers lysed in PBS.

Trace metal transfer to passerines inhabiting wastewater treatment wetlands

Wastewater treatment wetlands are cost-effective strategies for remediating trace metals in industrial effluent. However, biogeochemical exchange between wastewater treatment wetlands and adjacent environments provides opportunities for trace metals to cycle in surrounding ecosystems. The transfer of trace metals to wildlife inhabiting treatment wetlands must be considered when evaluating wetland success. Using passerine birds as bioindicators, we conducted a multi-tissue analysis to investigate the mobilization of zinc, copper, and lead derived from wastewater to terrestrial wildlife in treatment wetlands and surrounding habitat. In addition, we evaluate the strength of relationships between metal concentrations in non-lethal (blood and feathers) and lethal (muscle and liver) sample types for estimation of toxicity risk. From July 2020 to August 2021, 177 passerines of seven species were captured at two wetlands constructed to treat industrial wastewater and two reference wetlands in the coastal plain of South Carolina. Feather, blood, liver, and muscle samples from each bird were analyzed for fourteen metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and direct mercury analysis. Passerines inhabiting wastewater treatment wetlands accumulated higher concentrations of zinc in liver, copper in blood, and lead in feathers than passerines in reference wetlands, but neither blood nor feather concentrations were correlated with internal tissue concentrations. Of all the detected metals, only mercury in the blood showed a strong predictive relationship with mercury in internal tissues. This study indicates that trace metals derived from wastewater are bioavailable and exported to terrestrial wildlife and that passerine biomonitoring is a valuable tool for assessing metal transfer from treatment wetlands. Regular blood sampling can reveal proximate trace metal exposure but cannot predict internal body burdens for most metals.

A Pilot Study on Bioaccumulation and Tissue Distribution of Mercury in Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica).

Although extensive research has been carried out on the occurrence of mercury (Hg) in biota, bioaccumulation and tissue distribution of Hg in songbirds have not been well characterized. In the present study, Hg was investigated in insects and barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) to explore the bioaccumulation characteristics of Hg. Hg in swallow feathers and tissues including muscle, liver, and bone was investigated to determine the tissue distribution of Hg. The concentrations of Hg were 1.39 ± 1.01 μg/g, 0.33 ± 0.09 μg/g, 0.47 ± 0.10 μg/g, and 0.23 ± 0.09 μg/g in feather, muscle, liver, and bone samples, respectively. The trophic magnification factor of Hg in swallows and insects was higher than 1. However, the Hg concentrations in swallow feathers were not significantly correlated with stable isotope values of carbon or nitrogen, which implies the complex food sources and exposure processes of Hg for swallows. Feathers had significantly higher concentrations of Hg than liver, muscle, and bone samples (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). Feather, muscle, bone, and other organs had fractions of 64.4 ± 11.9%, 6.07 ± 2.06%, 20.0 ± 8.19%, and 9.56 ± 2.96% in total body burden of Hg in swallows. Hg in feathers contributed more than half of Hg in the whole body for most swallow individuals. Swallows may efficiently eliminate Hg by molting, and the excretion flux of Hg and other contaminants via molting deserves more investigation.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in waterbird feathers around Poyang Lake, China: Compound and species-specific bioaccumulation

As a nondestructive means of environmental monitoring, bird feathers have been used to analyze levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in specific environments. In this study, feather samples from 10 waterbird species around Poyang Lake were collected, and a pretreatment method for PFASs in feathers was optimized. The results showed that a combined cleaning method using ultrapure water and n-hexane effectively removed external PFASs. Twenty-three legacy and emerging PFASs were identified in the feathers of waterbirds, of which hexafluoropropylene oxides (HFPOs), chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESAs), and sodium p-perfluorinated noneoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS) were reported for the first time, with their concentrations ranging from 0.060–2.4 ng·g−1 dw, 0.046–30 ng·g−1 dw, and lower than the method detection limit to 30 ng·g−1 dw, respectively. Compound- and species-specific bioaccumulation of PFASs was observed in the feathers of different waterbird species, suggesting that different PFAS types can be monitored through the selection of different species. Moreover, the concentrations of most PFCAs (except perfluorobutyric acid), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) were significantly positively correlated with δ15N (p < 0.05), while the concentrations of HFPOs, Cl-PFESAs, and OBS had significant positive correlations with δ13C. This indicates that the bioaccumulation of legacy and emerging PFASs in waterbird feathers is affected by their trophic level, feeding habits, and foraging area.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Turkish Aseel chickens

This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity, maternal origin, and population structure of Turkish Aseel chickens. The research was conducted on Aseel roosters and chicks older than one year. DNA was extracted from 96 Turkish Aseel feather samples collected from various regions of Türkiye for the study. Sample DNAs were amplified using specific primers for the D-loop region of the chicken mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The sequences were produced using the amplified DNA samples. The mtDNA D-loop regions were compared with the sequences of the same genetic area from other chicken breeds. Turkish Aseel chickens provided 34 haplotypes and 18 genuine polymorphisms across 41 distinct regions that were particular to the breed. According to the findings of the phylogenetic tree, Turkish Aseel chickens tend to establish clusters of haplogroups among themselves. Although most Turkish Aseel samples clustered individually into three clades, at least one sample has been discovered with five distinct clades. According to the phylogenetic tree and the Median Joining Network, it can be concluded that while many of the haplogroups of Turkish Aseel cluster among themselves, they have diverse maternal origins and lack breed-specific maternal lineages. This research is the first extensive study to examine genetic variability in Turkish Aseel chickens. Considering the lack of similar data on other Aseel varieties raised in different counties, the current work is a pioneering study with data on the genetic characterization of the Aseel breed.

Geographic distribution of feather δ34S in Europe

AbstractGeographic distribution models of environmentally stable isotopes (the so‐called “isoscapes”) are widely employed in animal ecology, and wildlife forensics and conservation. However, the application of isoscapes is limited to elements and regions for which the spatial patterns have been estimated. Here, we focused on the ubiquitous yet less commonly used stable sulfur isotopes (δ34S). To predict the European δ34S isoscape, we used 242 feather samples from Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) formed at 69 European wetland sites. We quantified the relationships between sample δ34S and environmental covariates using a random forest regression model and applied the model to predict the geographic distribution of δ34S. We also quantified within‐site variation in δ34S and complementarity with other isotopes on both individual and isoscape levels. The predicted feather δ34S isoscape shows only slight differences between the central and southern parts of Europe while the coastal regions were most enriched in 34S. The most important covariates of δ34S were distance to coastline, surface elevation, and atmospheric concentrations of SO2 gases. The absence of a systematic spatial pattern impedes the application of the δ34S isoscape, but high complementarity with other isoscapes advocates the combination of multiple isoscapes to increase the precision of animal tracing. Feather δ34S compositions showed considerable within‐site variation with highest values in inland parts of Europe, likely attributed to wetland anaerobic conditions and redox sensitivity of sulfur. The complex European geography and topography as well as using δ34S samples from wetlands may contribute to the absence of a systematic spatial gradient of δ34S values in Europe. We thus encourage future studies to focus on the geographic distribution of δ34S using tissues from diverse taxa collected in various habitats over large land masses in the world (i.e., Africa, South America, or East Asia).

Interactions Between Heavy Metal Exposure and Blood Biochemistry in an Urban Population of the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) in Australia

There is growing recognition of the threat posed to wildlife by pollutants. Waterbirds are robust bioindicators of ecosystem health, and metal toxicity is a threat to these species in waterways worldwide. Urban waterbirds are likely to be at the highest risk of heavy metal exposure, but this issue has not been widely explored in Australia. Our aim was to estimate contemporary heavy metal exposure in a sedentary urban waterbird population: black swans (Cygnus atratus) inhabiting an inner-city wetland in one of Australia’s largest cities, Melbourne. To investigate the physiological implications of legacy heavy metal exposure in these birds, we quantified blood biochemistry profiles and examined their relationships with metal concentrations in feathers. We caught 15 swans in 2021 and took feather samples to measure the concentration of eight heavy metals (chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg)), and blood samples to measure the concentration of 13 plasma analytes. Multivariate regression analysis revealed few associations between heavy metals and biochemistry markers, and no differences between sexes or age classes. This study presents a baseline dataset of these contaminants and blood biochemical profiles of swans at this wetland that can be used for future monitoring and is an important step toward a better understanding of the threat posed by heavy metals to Australian urban waterbirds.