Synanthropic Habitats Research Articles

Microbiome diversity and zoonotic bacterial pathogen prevalence in Peromyscus mice from agricultural landscapes and synanthropic habitat.

Rodents are key reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens and play an important role in disease transmission to humans. Importantly, anthropogenic land-use change has been found to increase the abundance of rodents that thrive in human-built environments (synanthropic rodents), particularly rodent reservoirs of zoonotic disease. Anthropogenic environments also affect the microbiome of synanthropic wildlife, influencing wildlife health and potentially introducing novel pathogens. Our objective was to examine the effect of agricultural development and synanthropic habitat on microbiome diversity and the prevalence of zoonotic bacterial pathogens in wild Peromyscus mice to better understand the role of these rodents in pathogen maintenance and transmission. We conducted 16S amplicon sequencing on faecal samples using long-read nanopore sequencing technology to characterize the rodent microbiome. We compared microbiome diversity and composition between forest and synanthropic habitats in agricultural and undeveloped landscapes and screened for putative pathogenic bacteria. Microbiome richness, diversity, and evenness were higher in the agricultural landscape and synanthropic habitat compared to undeveloped-forest habitat. Microbiome composition also differed significantly between agricultural and undeveloped landscapes and forest and synanthropic habitats. We detected overall low diversity and abundance of putative pathogenic bacteria, though putative pathogens were more likely to be found in mice from the agricultural landscape. Our findings show that landscape- and habitat-level anthropogenic factors affect Peromyscus microbiomes and suggest that landscape-level agricultural development may be important to predict zoonotic pathogen prevalence. Ultimately, understanding how anthropogenic land-use change and synanthropy affect rodent microbiomes and pathogen prevalence is important to managing transmission of rodent-borne zoonotic diseases to humans.

Relevance of forest fragments and synanthropic habitats for the maintenance of non-phyllostomid bats in an anthropogenic matrix

Relevance of forest fragments and synanthropic habitats for the maintenance of non-phyllostomid bats in an anthropogenic matrix

THE ALIEN FLORA OF THE NATIONAL NATURE PARK «VYZHNYTSKYI»

List of the alien vascular plant species of the National Nature Park «Vyzhnytskyi» are specified. For the beginning of 2024, it counts 125 species, 101 genera and 38 families. Over last 18 years, this list enriched by 49 alien species. The analysis by taxonomy, life forms, temporal elements, and origin are carried out. Habitat preferences and peculiarities of naturalization are established. Within all alien species, kenophytes of North American origin prevail; within archaeophytes Mediterranean species prevail. According to the degree of naturalization, 90.0% of archaeophytes and 84.1% of kenophytes belong to the group of epoecophytes, confined to anthropogenic habitats. So, natural biotopes of the NPP are resistant to the process of adventitization, alien plants spread mostly in synanthropic habitats, which area is insignificant (2,65 ha). According to the «National Habitat Catalogue of Ukraine» (2018), 103 alien species are occurred in 18 habitats oh the 4th level, 4 habitats are synanthropic. In study area, alien plant species are listed for 7 habitat types from Natura 2000 and 7 habitats from Resolution 4 of the Bern Convention. The most invasiables is a habitat 6510 Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis) with 16 alien species, but these species (except of Lupinus polyphyllus and Narcissus poëticus), occur as a single individuals and do not cause changes in a community structure. For the habitat 6430 Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels, 5 alien vascular species are listed, for the habitat 3230 Alpine rivers and their ligneous vegetation with Myricaria germanica – 4 species, for the habitat 3270 Rivers with muddy banks with Chenopodion rubri p.p. and Bidention p.p. vegetation– 2, in forest habitats 91E0, 9110 and 9130 – 1 species each in the herbal layer. Among 125 alien species, 26 belong to the group of high-active invasive plants in Ukraine, 2 of them impact plant cover on stude area significantly: Quercus rubra and Lupinus polyphyllus. Key words: alien plants, National Nature Park «Vyzhnytskyi», Chernivtsi region.

A new fossil species of Nausibius (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) in Rovno amber: a beetle from Eocene forests with congeners thriving in warehouses today

A new species of silvanid flat bark beetle, Nausibius radchenkoi sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on a well-preserved inclusion in Eocene Rovno amber. It is the first fossil species of Nausibius, a cosmopolitan genus with representatives living worldwide today. The current finding confirms both the Eocene age of the genus and the presence of representatives of the genus in forest palaeoecosystems of Europe in that time. In addition, Austronausibius aenigmatista Alekseev & Bukejs, 2022, previously described from Rovno amber, is documented in Baltic amber for the first time. Thirteen common species of Coleoptera (including one newly recorded here) known from these two East European ambers are listed. The newly described species, as well as some other beetle taxa in Eocene European habitats (where Rovno and Baltic ambers were produced), have several congeners that live today in artificial synanthropic habitats, namely warehouses storing various food products.

On the report of a new world millipede (Rhinotus purpureus) from India

The Indian millipede fauna is diverse with many families and genera but remains seriously underexplored. Among the families of the order polyzoniida, Siphonotidae is the only family to have reports from the southern hemisphere. The tropical tramp species of this family, Rhinotus purpureus (Pocock, 1894) shows a cosmopolitan distribution. It has been repeatedly described as a new species leading to more than a dozen synonyms. It is designated as a common tramp species as it is frequently found in green houses and other synanthropic habitats from many different parts of the world including Kew Gardens in England, green houses in Germany, Central America and Southern USA, Comoro Islands, Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands. The present study provides the first record of R. purpureus, from the Indian subcontinent.

Molecular survey of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in ticks collected from coatis (Nasua nasua) in Iguaçu National Park, Atlantic Forest biome, southern Brazil.

Human contact with wild animals in synanthropic habits is often mediated by arthropod vectors such as ticks. This is an important method of spreading infectious agents that pose a risk to human health. Thus, this study aimed to molecularly detect Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., and protozoa of the order Piroplasmida in ticks collected from coatis of Iguaçu National Park (PNI), Paraná, Brazil. This study involved 553 ticks DNA, including Amblyomma spp. larvae, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi nymphs, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma coelebs, and adults of Amblyomma ovale. The DNA extracted from each sample was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the genes 23S rRNA for the Anaplasmataceae family, 16S rRNA for Anaplasma spp., dsb for Ehrlichia spp., flaB, 16S rRNA, hpt, and glpQ for Borrelia spp., and 18S rRNA for Piroplasmid protozoans. DNA from Anaplasma sp. was detected in ticks of the species A. coelebs (4/553); Borrelia sp. DNA was detected in A. coelebs (3/553), A. ovale (1/553), and Amblyomma larvae (1/553); and Theileria sp. was detected in A. coelebs (2/553). All tested samples were negative for Ehrlichia spp. Our study constitutes the newest report in South America of these microorganisms, which remain poorly studied.

Sibling cannibalism in the false widow spider is dependent on spiderling density and the reliable availability of fresh prey

AbstractAdult female spiders lay batches of eggs in silken egg sacs, and after hatching, the spiderlings live for transient periods in their mother's web before dispersing. Sibling cannibalism is frequently observed among spiderlings of many species under conditions of food deprivation. Here, we conducted assays in small Petri dishes with different densities of newly hatched (second instar) spiderlings of the false widow spider, Steatoda grossa, using a split‐clutch design. Prey (freshly killed fruit flies) availability was manipulated both numerically and temporally. Offspring from 10 different females were separated as siblings into densities of two, four, or eight spiderlings per Petri dish and these were provided with either 0 flies (starvation control), two flies, four flies, or eight flies that were replenished weekly or every 3 weeks. A further control was conducted with solitary spiderlings in Petri dishes deprived of flies. The number of surviving spiderlings per Petri dish was counted every 3 days until only one remained (or until death of the solitary spiderling). Our results show that the rate of cannibalism was lower with increasing spiderling density and when fresh flies were replenished more frequently, whereas the number of flies that were provided did not affect cannibalism. In S. grossa, juvenile cannibalism occurs primarily under conditions of extreme food limitation, although in synanthropic habitats where the spider is abundant, it may be an adaptive strategy owing to the potential scarcity of prey. Under certain conditions, cannibalism in spiderlings is adaptive by eliminating competitors and providing nutrient‐rich food.

Helminths in Invasive Raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Southwest Germany.

As hosts of numerous zoonotic pathogens, the role of raccoons needs to be considered in the One Health context. Raccoons progressively expand their range as invasive alien species in Europe. This study aimed to investigate the intestinal helminth fauna of raccoons in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, as no such screening had ever been conducted there. In total, we obtained 102 animals from hunters in 2019 and 2020. Intestinal helminths were retrieved using the SSCT (segmented sedimentation and counting technique) and identified morphologically and by PCR-based Sanger sequencing. Fecal samples were assessed using the ELISA PetChekTM IP assay (IDEXX, Germany) and flotation technique. The artificial digestion method was employed for analyzing muscle tissue. We detected species of four nematode genera (Baylisascaris procyonis, Toxocara canis, Capillaria spp., and Trichuris spp.), three cestode genera (Atriotaenia cf. incisa/procyonis, Taenia martis, and Mesocestoides spp.), and three trematode genera (Isthmiophora hortensis/melis, Plagiorchis muris, and Brachylaima spp.). Echinococcus spp. and Trichinella spp. were not found. The invasive behavior and synanthropic habits of raccoons may increase the infection risk with these helminths in wildlife, domestic and zoo animals, and humans by serving as a connecting link. Therefore, it is crucial to initiate additional studies assessing these risks.

The Changes in the Forest Vegetation on the Danube River Aggradation Mound Affected by Water Regime Changes

Abstract This article is focused on the specific vegetation, which has formed from the floodplain forests on the aggradation mound (elevated sediment deposition) along the original Danube river in Slovakia in the part affected by Gabčíkovo waterworks that was put in operation in 1992. As a result of water regime changes, when a major part of the Danube water flow was redirected to the Gabčíkovo hydroelectric power plant, original floodplain forests on the aggradation mound began to suffer from a water deficit, which is also supported by shallow soils formed mostly on the gravel sediments with limited capillary rise of groundwater. It has triggered successional processes leading to the degradation of forest with changes in all layers. To identify these changes and development trends, we analyzed vegetation data from 2002, 2012, and 2022. The results indicate that the process of secondary succession of the original floodplain forest continues. This includes mainly an increase in the number of species, especially those typical for grasslands and synanthropic habitats. From an environmental point of view, the spread of some invasive species is striking. Ordination method (canonical-correlation analysis [CCA]) confirmed light, moisture, number of species, and Shannon–Wiener index as the main factors determining relevés’ variability.

Breeding biology of Red-backed Shrikes (Lanius collurio): distribution, performance and post-fledging survival in Denmark

Agricultural intensification and habitat degradation across Europe have caused declines since the 20th century in populations of birds adapted to open landscapes, such as the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio). Effective conservation strategies require knowledge on species’ breeding biology. To understand the status of the Danish breeding population better, we investigate which factors affect their breeding parameter (i.e. distribution, performance, post-fledging survival and behaviour). Our focus on the post-fledging period addresses present knowledge gaps due to the importance of this, yet under-studied, phase of passerines’ breeding cycle. We studied breeding pairs on different habitat types with Denmark-wide Citizen Science data, complemented by data of local projects in Northern Zealand and Northern Jutland (Denmark). Significantly fewer pairs were found in agricultural habitats and more in forests, semi-natural open habitats and synanthropic habitats. Pairs in forests had a significantly higher breeding productivity compared to agricultural or semi-natural open habitats for data from the years 2000 to 2021. Some project sites showed significantly higher number of fledglings compared to others, indicating that these sites are potential core areas for breeding productivity. Over the last two decades, the mean breeding productivity across Denmark was stable with 2.3 fledglings per successful pair. The survival rate of ringed fledglings increased during the post-fledging period, likely due to their increase in more active and independent behaviour. The relatively low breeding productivity found in this study calls for further studies including detailed data from potentially secondary habitats like agricultural areas to understand the effects of habitat on population fluctuations.

Time pattern variation of alien plant introductions in an insular biodiversity hotspot: the Balearic Islands as a case study for the Mediterranean region

Allochthonous plant species are considered among the main environmental issues worldwide, being especially accused in the Mediterranean basin. The present study aims to update Balearic Alien Flora and discuss its time and spatial variation and invasiveness. Information regarding allochthonous plant records of the Balearic Islands were gathered and analysed based on published checklists and online databases. For each species several general traits were assigned based on previous references to characterise the alien Balearic Flora. Records of allochthonous species between 1827 and 2023 indicate that Alien Balearic Flora is composed of 624 taxa recorded unevenly among islands, with lower records in smaller islands. Alien flora is mainly composed of therophytes and phanerophytes being held mainly in human related habitats. Introduction pathway is mainly ornamental, with over 50% of taxa entering through gardening and horticultural practices. Main biogeographical origins are American, Mediterranean, Euroasiatic and Cape origins. Invasive status of Balearic alien flora shows that 44% of all taxa can be regarded as casual, while 35% are naturalised, and 17% can be considered invasive, being the latter increased in smaller islands. Time variations trends starting mainly in the 70 s and predictive models show that alien species increase exponentially, being the most represented taxa from synanthropic habitats, introduced as ornamentals, lianas, phanerophytes and therophytes from Cactaceae, Asteraceae and Leguminosae families. The results of the present study can serve as a model to facilitate the scientifically informed decision making and management of plant invasions both in the Balearic Islands and other continental insular systems and Mediterranean regions.

PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE DEGREE OF NATURALIZATION IN SOME <i>EUONYMUS </i>SPECIES (CELASTRACEAE) IN CENTRAL PART OF EUROPEAN RUSSIA AND THE CAUCASUS: RESULTS AND FURTHER TRENDS

The degree of naturalization of a number of the Euonymus species in the conditions of Central part of European Russia (for E. europaeus L., E. nanus M. Bieb., E. maackii Rupr. and E. pauciflorus Maxim.) and in the Caucasus (for E. japonicus Thunb and E. fortunei (Turcz.) Hand-Mazz.) is analyzed. Critical analysis of the revealed data to establish that species run wild from the places of cultivation (old estate parks, gardens), for a long time are storring in abandoned estates, often give self-sowing and reproduce vegetatively (weed), occur in semi-natural and synanthropic habitats (forest belts and forest plantations, forest parks, near housing, roadsides); sometimes go into the forests. By the time of immigration, all species are neophytes; according to the vector of invasion - by ergasiophytes; according to the degree of naturalization - colonophytes (most species) or even hemiepecophytes ( E. europaeus ); have the status of potentially invasive. The "success factors" of these species, largely related to the peculiarities of their biology, as well as the proximity of the boundaries of their natural ranges, are also considered. An increase in the degree of adaptation of certain species was noted when moving to more northern regions of the Center and North-West of European Russia, and therefore it is necessary to monitor the state of their populations.

The naturalization of the almond Prunus dulcis in different ecological contexts in the Mediterranean: An underestimated process?

Although Prunus dulcis has been frequently listed in non-native floras all around the world, its naturalization has been rarely studied in the field. Probably, because this species has generally invaded synanthropic habitats. We assessed the density of natural regeneration of almond, biometric parameters (height and basal stem diameter), and the distribution in life stage classes in three different ecological contexts in Sicily (Mediterranean Italy): one natural habitat (maquis), one pine afforestation and two prickly pear orchards. We recorded 236 naturally regenerating almond individuals, with density ranging from 140 individuals per hectare (prickly pear orchard 1) up to 2,400 individuals per hectare (pine afforestation). Despite the higher density, almond individuals presented the lowest height and basal stem diameter under pine afforestation, suggesting a more recent establishment. Reproductive individuals were dominant (67.8%), followed by pre-reproductive (22.1%), and juveniles (10.1%). Although the naturalization of the almond in Mediterranean contexts is not new, in the last two decades there is evidence of an increasing trend. Most importantly, for the first time, we found the almond thriving within a natural habitat in large areas covered by Mediterranean maquis. Since the almond appears to be perfectly integrated within local plant communities, the origin and meaning of this peculiar vegetation aspect deserve to be further deepened.

Attraction or Repelling Effects of Commercial Plant Essential Oils on the Synanthropic Cheiracanthium mildei (Araneae: Cheiracanthiidae).

The northern yellow sac spider Cheiracanthium mildei L. Koch, is expanding its range to Central Europe, especially to synanthropic habitats. The spiders become unwanted companions because of the unreasonable fear - arachnophobia, and estetic reason - silk retreats in corners, capturing dust. The most commonly used substances against spiders are pesticides, which are, however, toxic. In our work we tested the attraction or repellence of 15 essential oils (EO) from plants representing eight families to C. mildei. Our research has shown a significant repellent effect of EO from three plants, namely Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et L. M. Perry (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Poales: Bromeliaceae) and Musa sp. (L.) (Zingiberales: Musaceae). In contrast, some EOs appeared to have an attraction effect, particularly Carum carvi L. (Apiales: Apiaceae). Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberales: Zingiberaceae) reduced the tendency of spiders to construct the silken retreat. S. aromaticum, A. sativus, Musa sp. and Z. officinale have the potential to be used as natural repellents against spiders.

Distribution and Ecology of Neophyte Lactuca Tatarica Population on the East Baltic Sea Coast in Latvia

Abstract There is an increasing need for species occurrence data at a regional level for the global assessment of invasiveness of neophytes. Therefore, the distribution and habitats of Lactuca tatarica (L.) C.A. Mey. in Latvia (Baltic Sea region) was studied. L. tatarica was observed for the first time in Latvia in 1920. During the next 60 years, it was mainly found in synanthropic habitats. Since the 1980s, the species has spread along the Gulf of Riga (the Baltic Sea) coast. In 2019, recent data on the distribution of L. tatarica were obtained in a large-scale habitat mapping project. Lactuca tatarica was observed in 147 polygons (total area of 230 ha) representing nine habitat types of EU importance. The largest proportion of L. tatarica localities was recorded in beach habitats, and the highest abundance and total area in white and grey dunes. Lactuca tatarica was observed in the following associations: Cakiletum maritimae, Honckenyetum peploidis, Elymo-Ammophiletum arenariae, and Festucetum polesicae. In most localities, L. tatarica genets are scattered or in small groups covering small areas. In some coastal sections (southern part of the Gulf), L. tatarica forms dense stands that tend to spread. Lactuca tatarica in Latvia is considered as a neophyte successfully naturalised mainly in coastal dune habitats, and in some locations it corresponds to the criteria of invasive species with a high risk to endanger natural habitats.

First Records of the Palearctic Species Trechus obtusus Erichson from the Appalachian Region of the Southeastern United States (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae: Trechini)

The Palearctic species Trechus obtusus Erichson is reported for the first time from eastern North America. Recent collections in Virginia and North Carolina (new state records) indicate the establishment of the species in the Appalachian region. DNA was extracted from six individuals, and the COI barcoding region was sequenced. All but one of the COI barcode haplotypes were identical to those of T. obtusus collected in western North America. No matches were found with available Palearctic sequences. Individuals of T. obtusus were collected from caves and forest leaf litter, both habitats used by native trechine species. Sampled Appalachian populations of T. obtusus appear to be small, with the exception of the population in Mebane Saltpeter Cave (Pulaski County, VA), which is large and included teneral individuals. Currently, there is no evidence that the species is displacing or otherwise negatively affecting native trechines. The species should be monitored carefully going forward, and targeted sampling of synanthropic habitats will be the best method for early detection.

Detection of Rickettsia spp. in ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) and ticks of the Iguaçu National Park, Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Wild animals are of considerable importance in the ecology of infectious agents, as they can function as hosts and even as possible vectors. In this study, DNA from Rickettsia spp. was detected on ticks and fragments of skin collected from wild coatis with synanthropic habits in the Iguaçu National Park (INP) in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil. Testing was carried out on a total of 566 ticks, comprising Amblyomma spp. larvae, nymphs of Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma coelebs, and adults of Amblyomma ovale. The samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by amplifying htrA, gltA, ompA, and ompB gene fragments to detect Rickettsia spp. A fragment of each positive sample was sequenced in both directions, submitted to Genbank for a homology search, and also used for phylogenetic analyses. Samples of A. coelebs (1.90%, 8/420), A. ovale (13%, 6/45), and ring-tailed coati skin (1%, 1/75) amplified Rickettsia spp. DNA. Through sequencing, Rickettsia bellii was observed in A. ovale, Rickettsia amblyommatis in A. coelebs, while Rickettsia rhipicephali was detected in the skin samples. Wild ring-tailed coatis with synanthropic habits in the INP and their ticks are infected by Rickettsia spp., and associations with new hosts have been described.

The Muscidae (Diptera) from the Atlantic Forest of Serra de Paranapiacaba, southestern Brazil

A first survey of Muscidae in the State of São Paulo (Southeastern Brazil) is presented here with a one-year of Malaise trap collecting from August 2010 to July 2011 at the Biological Reserve Alto da Serra de Paranapiacaba (23°46′00″-23°47′10″S, 46°18′20″-46°20′40″W, 750-891 m of altitude). A total of 1,284 individuals of muscids were collected, and 15 genera and 39 species of Muscidae were identified. So far, only one muscid species had been recorded to the Reserve, which now has its Muscidae diversity increased to 40 species. Thirteen species are new records for the State of São Paulo. With this, the number of species of Muscidae species known to occur in the State of São Paulo is increased to 169. The interval between November and February was higher in number of individuals and number of species. Muscidae presented a seasonal pattern, with more abundance and diversity in that interval. The study area is covered by secondary forest and very close to São Paulo metropolitan area, and the composition of the fauna of Muscidae signalizes this environment changing and anthropic stress with nine species with synanthropic habits, two of them are typically synanthropic species.

Synanthropic habitats of the Mediterranean recluse spider Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae: Sicariidae) in central Italy

The Mediterranean recluse spider Loxosceles rufescens (Dufour, 1820) is a public health concern due to its ability to inject venom that can cause skin lesions, referred to as loxoscelism. The spreading alarmism about recluse spiders which recently arose in Italy made it advisable to deepen knowledge about L. rufescens habitat preferences in human housing. Here, we report 14 confirmed cases of its occurrence in synanthropic habitats, and describe the housing characteristics. Our results pinpoint that traditional Italian houses of central Italy, in medieval towns and countryside, can be suitable for recluse spider colonization. The main features include the presence of walls of stone (with cracks and crevices), cellars, false ceilings, crawl spaces, wood materials (woodshed or wooden beams), and the occurrence of prey. Further characteristics which make conditions even more suitable are: large size, complex structure, and unoccupied premises. Due to its cryptic habits, even where L. rufescens is abundant, only the deployment of traps, following the recovery of a single or few individuals, revealed severe infestations. Our results confirm an unjustified negative notoriety of recluse spiders, considering that none of the inhabitants concerned, even if living in heavily infested housing, suffered from confirmed loxoscelism.

Bites by the noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis can induce Latrodectus-like symptoms and vector-borne bacterial infections with implications for public health: a case series

Context In recent years, the Noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis (Thorell, 1875) has expanded its range globally and may represent a potential threat to native ecosystems and public health. Increasing numbers in synanthropic habitats have led to more human encounters and envenomations. Steatoda nobilis bites were previously classed as medically significant with similarities to bites from true black widows of the genus Latrodectus but deemed milder in onset, with symptoms generally ranging from mild to moderate. Case details In this manuscript we present 16 new cases of S. nobilis envenomations bringing the total number of confirmed cases reported in the literature to 24. We report new symptoms and provide discussion on the contributing factors to pathology following bites by S. nobilis. Discussion We report a range of pathologies including necrosis, Latrodectus-like envenomation symptoms that include debilitating pain, tremors, fatigue, nausea, hypotension, and vectored bacterial infections including cellulitis and dermatitis. Symptoms ranged from mild to severe, requiring hospitalisation in some cases.