Wild Ungulates Research Articles

Past, Present, and Future of Forbs in Old-Growth Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands

Forbs are important contributors to species diversity and ecosystem functions in low-latitude grasslands, where they support diverse herbivore communities and millions of people. Native forb assemblages tolerate disturbances and physiological stressors (fire, herbivory, drought, and frost) that together have shaped their exceptional functional diversity. Yet, compared to trees and grasses, forbs have received much less attention in grassland studies until recently. Here, we review forb-centric literature to illustrate that land conversion and responsible management of fire and herbivory are crucial to maintaining forb diversity. Management practices promoting forb diversity offer (a) high-quality food items and medicinal resources that support rural livelihoods and animal diversity (from wild ungulates and livestock to fossorial rodents and insects), including their adaptive foraging patterns, and (b) carbon and nutrient inputs that regulate belowground processes. Improved understanding of the above- and belowground regeneration strategies of forbs is critical for restoration and conservation to secure their services in future old-growth tropical and subtropical grasslands.

Wild Ungulates and Cattle Have Different Effects on Litter Decomposition as Revealed by Fecal Addition in a Northeast Asian Temperate Forest.

Litter decomposition is critical for maintaining productivity and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Large herbivores play an essential role in determining the processes of nutrient cycling. Asian temperate forests are becoming degraded and fragmented by the widespread intensification of anthropogenic activities, including excessive livestock grazing. However, the effects of livestock grazing and wild ungulates on forest litter decomposition remain less explored. In this study, we used a litterbag experiment to investigate the effects of the addition of cattle (Bos taurus) and sika deer (Cervus nippon) feces on litter decomposition. The study was conducted in Northeast China from July 2022 to October 2023. We found that the addition of deer feces significantly reduced litter decomposition, but the addition of cattle feces greatly increased litter decomposition. The presence of cattle and deer excrement significantly accelerated the release of C after 1 year of litter decomposition. Compared with the results of the control group (no addition of feces), the addition of cattle and sika deer feces increased C release by 37.45% and 22.69%, respectively. Fecal addition increased the release of N; however, for the three treatment groups, the maximum accumulation of N occurred in the middle of litter decomposition, which may have been due to the initial chemical quality of the leaves and snow melt as well as nutrient limitations at the sites. Compared with the results of the control group, P release in the feces of cattle increased by 4.35%, but P release in the feces of deer decreased by 27.55%. This work highlights that feces deposition by large herbivores (e.g., wild or domestic) in the forest has nonequivalent effects on litter decomposition. Such effects may further alter the nutrient cycling in temperate forest ecosystems, with far-reaching effects on the ecosystem that deserve closer attention. We suggest that conservation managers should seek evidence-based interventions to optimize livestock use of forest habitats shared with wildlife.

Response of the gut microbiota to changes in the nutritional status of red deer during winter

Unravelling abrupt alterations in the gut microbiota of wild species associated with nutritional stress is imperative but challenging for wildlife conservation. This study assessed the nutritional status of wild red deer during winter on the basis of changes in faecal nitrogen (FN) and urea nitrogen/creatinine (UN: C) levels and identified gut microbes associated with nutritional status via nutritional control experiments and metagenomic sequencing. The FN of wild red deer in winter 2022 was significantly lower than that in winter 2021 (p < 0.05, winter 2021: 1.37 ± 0.16% and winter 2022: 1.26 ± 0.22%), and the UN: C ratio increased (winter 2021: 2.19 ± 1.65 and winter 2022: 3.05 ± 3.50). Similar trends were found in late winter, which indicated greater nutritional pressure in winter (2022) and late winter. Compared with winter 2021, abundances of Ructibacterium and Butyrivibrio significantly increased, and Acetatifactor and Cuneatibacter significantly decreased during winter 2022 (p < 0.05). Compared with early winter, the cell growth and death pathways increased and lipid metabolism and its subpathway of secondary bile acid synthesis (ko00121) significantly decreased during late winter (p < 0.05), which was similar to the changes in malnourished experimental red deer. Abrupt alterations in the gut microbiota should receive increased attention when monitoring the nutritional health of wild ungulates. This study provides new insights and critical implications for the conservation of wild ungulate populations.

Spatiotemporal responses of ungulates to hunting in a fenced multi-use area

Context Human activities, such as tourism and hunting, affect the spatiotemporal behaviour of wildlife. For example, it is well documented that ungulates change their spatiotemporal behaviour as a response to hunting pressure, but less is known about ungulate responses to hunting in areas where human activity is common throughout the year and ungulates are constrained by fences. Aims In this camera-trap study, we analysed the change in spatiotemporal behaviour of wild ungulates (elk, Cervus canadensis (3519 events), moose, Alces alces (1153 events), and white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus (2708 events)) in response to the hunting period in a recreational and fenced park, the Cooking Lake–Blackfoot Provincial Area, Canada. Methods We used general linear models to compare species-specific patterns of intensity of use, calculated as events per week, in response to changes in the nature of human disturbance, namely a shift from recreation to hunting activity. In particular, we compared intensity of use in and out of the hunting season to determine whether species engaged in spatial patterns of avoidance with respect to hunting. We used daily and seasonal patterns of activity to determine how ungulates shifted their temporal use in response to hunting activity and whether they became more nocturnal as a result. Key results We found that ungulates responded temporally to the hunting period by generally shifting their activity to more nocturnal hours, with white-tailed deer showing the biggest temporal shift, suggesting that the ungulates distinguish between consumptive and non-consumptive human activities. Nevertheless, temporal overlap between humans and all ungulate species increased during the hunting period as humans targeted times of increased ungulate activity. Spatially, the response was less distinctive and was species-specific. Elk showed little change in spatial behaviour in response to the hunting period. In contrast, moose decreased the use of trail areas and other areas frequented by humans, whereas deer, counterintuitively, increased the use of trail areas, albeit their use became much more nocturnal. Conclusions We have shown that responses of ungulates to hunting exceed those to non-consumptive recreational use, and whereas temporal responses (increased nocturnality) were consistent across ungulate species, spatial responses were species-specific. Implications Management in small fenced multi-use areas needs to account for shifts in the intensity of disturbance resulting from a change in human disturbance from recreational activity to hunting. Providing spatial opportunities for avoidance of humans is key for most species if hours of operation in these areas already limit the timing of human activity.

Economic estimates of invasive wild ungulate damage to livestock producers in Hawai'i.

Invasive ungulates (hoofed mammals), including deer, feral pigs, feral goats, and feral sheep, are known to cause damage to agriculture, property, natural resources, and many other commodities. Most of the information regarding the economic impacts of wild ungulates is from North America, where some of these species are native. To evaluate invasive ungulate damage to livestock producers in the Hawaiian Islands, which have no native ungulates, a survey was distributed to livestock producers across the state. Survey results described how total annual costs are distributed among damage, control, and repairs for survey respondents, who represented a significant percentage of total ranchland acreage across the islands. The estimates, excluding fixed fence installation, revealed an annual cost to livestock producers who responded to the survey of US$1.42 million, which ranged from $3.6 million to $7.5 million when extrapolated to the entire state. The large cost contributors included damage to property, pastureland repair, control costs (excluding fencing), supplemental feed, and predation of calves by wild pigs. Additionally, producers reported spending more than $2 million in upfront fence installation costs. Most of these costs were reported by respondents on the islands of Hawai'i and Moloka'i. Study results revealed substantial damage to state livestock producers due to wild ungulates and are useful in determining an invasive ungulate management strategy that can appropriately aid the most impacted sectors of Hawai'i. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Wild ungulates employ spatio-temporal niche partitioning to coexist with livestock in resource-limited Trans-Himalayan rangelands, India

Understanding interactions between wild ungulates and livestock is critical for the conservation and management of rangelands. Sympatric animals use a diversity of strategies such as differential use of space or time to avoid interspecific interactions, especially competition and conflict. This study investigated the seasonal (summer and winter) spatial and temporal interaction of three wild ungulates; Tibetan argali, kiang, and blue sheep with livestock (sheep and goat) using camera trap data collected between 2020 and 2022 in different seasons (14,340 camera trap days and 234 locations). Blue sheep and livestock show the highest level of temporal overlap in summer and winter as both are diurnal irrespective of the season. The highest spatial overlap is observed between kiang and livestock in summer and winter. In the summer, kiang shows multiple activity peaks throughout the day as well as night i.e. cathemeral activity, possibly a strategy to avoid competition with livestock by using the same space actively and repetitively but for shorter periods. This allows them to access forage and water as needed. A significant avoidance of livestock by argali in terms of space use was observed. Based on our analysis, we argue that avoidance behavior by argali is a survival strategy in response to anthropogenic pressure and hunting in the past. The spatio-temporal coordination at a finer scale facilitates coexistence in our study area, which allows ungulates and livestock to exploit resources more effectively in the study area. The findings of this multi-scale spatio-temporal analysis provide insights into habitat preferences of wild ungulates and livestock and species-specific behaviour to avoid competition. These insights are critical to develop robust strategies and policies to conserve biodiversity while also supporting the livelihood of local communities in a multi-use landscape.

Performance of post-mortem diagnostic tests for tuberculosis in wild ungulates at low and high prevalence assessed using Bayesian latent class models.

Animal tuberculosis (TB) is often maintained by multi-host communities, including livestock and wildlife. Quantitative studies of such communities require estimating the true prevalence of TB, correcting the apparent prevalence by the diagnostic sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the test. The goal of this study was to lay the foundations for estimating the true prevalence of TB in wild ungulate populations (wild boar and two cervids: red deer and fallow deer). We used Bayesian latent class models to assess the Se and Sp of gross pathology, IS6110 real-time PCR in tissues, bacteriological culture, and P22 indirect ELISA. We analyzed 308 harvested wild ungulates (211 wild boar and 97 cervids: 92 red deer and 5 fallow deer). The Se of bacteriological culture (80.4%, CI95 61.0-96.3%) and gross pathology (87.9%, CI95 69.5-99.9%) was reasonably good in wild boar. These tests showed lower Se in cervids: 60.2% (CI95 38.3-82.3%) for bacteriological culture and 81.5% (CI95 63.6-96.2%) for gross pathology. The Se of the real-time PCR was low (50.7% in wild boar and 53.0% in cervids). These tests showed Sp between 95.2 and 99.1% in both taxa. The P22 ELISA performed reasonably well in wild boar (Se = 71.9%, CI95 59.2-83.4%; Sp = 98.8%, CI95 96.9-99.9%) but lacked Sp in cervids (Se = 77.1%, CI95 62.9-89.7%; Sp = 74.5%, CI95 65.7-83.3%). The real-time PCR in wild boar and cervids and bacteriological culture in cervids tended to show higher Se in low-prevalence populations, possibly due to a higher proportion of early-stage TB lesions. In cervids, the parallel interpretation of gross pathology and bacteriological culture significantly improved the diagnostic performance (Se = 93.1%, CI95 84.7-98.9%; Sp = 92.9%, CI95 86.0-98.3%). Our results allow the estimation of true prevalence from the results of a single diagnostic test applied to harvested wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer, paving the way for more precise quantitative ecological studies of the multi-host TB maintenance community.

The expanding host range of lumpy skin disease virus in wild and domestic animals.

Clinical lumpy skin disease (LSD) predominantly affects cattle and, to lesser extent domestic water buffalos. Whilst earlier work focussed on the disease in Africa, the recent emergence of LSD virus (LSDV) as a major cause of disease in Asia has led to a widening range of susceptible hosts for the virus. This article lists the wild and domestic ungulates in which LSDV infection has been confirmed and considers the significance of the disease for these species in Asia.

Serological monitoring of Influenza A among wild and domestic ungulates in Ukraine

The article provides a brief historical background of equine influenza, the spread of this disease worldwide, and the current epizootic situation. The results of serological monitoring by ELISA of wild and domestic ungulates from different farms and regions of Ukraine for the presence of antibodies to influenza A viruses are presented. Blood serum samples from 372 domestic horses and 32 wild ungulates were tested. Samples from animals collected in 2023 and 2024 and archival blood serum samples from 2021 were used and tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions using ELISA test systems manufactured by IDEXX, INGEZIM, and IDVet. The data obtained indicate a fairly active circulation of influenza A viruses in populations of unvaccinated domestic horses. The circulation was established not only in recent years (2023–2024, seroprevalence from 10% to 100%), but was observed earlier, as evidenced by the detection of 60.9% of positive samples in samples collected in 2021. In addition, two out of three positive samples were found in wild horses from Kherson Region, which indicates the circulation of influenza A virus among wild animals and requires further investigation. The results correlate with the worsening of the epidemiological situation regarding influenza in animals in Europe. The subsequent phase of the research is serotyping, which involves determining the presence of antibodies to specific virus subtypes by hemagglutinin

Resources of wild ungulates in the Russian Federation

Resources of wild ungulates in the Russian Federation

Ecological dynamics and coexistence patterns of wild and domestic mammals in an abandoned landscape

The issue of agricultural land abandonment in southern Europe has raised concerns about its impact on biodiversity. While abandoned areas can lead to positive developments like creating new habitats and restoring native vegetation, they can also result in human–wildlife conflicts, particularly in areas with extensive farming and free‐ranging livestock. To understand habitat selection and use of livestock and wild ungulates, it is essential to study their spatial and temporal distribution patterns. In this context, we conducted a long‐term large mammal monitoring project using camera traps in the Peneda‐Gerês National Park in northern Portugal. Our primary focus was on exploring habitat preferences, occupancy dynamics, and potential spatial use correlations between domestic and wild species, utilizing dynamic occupancy models. Most wild species exhibited stable area use patterns, while domestic species experienced marginal declines, and the Iberian ibex displayed signs of repopulation. We observed distinct effects of habitat variables on occupancy, colonization, and extinction, revealing species‐specific patterns of habitat utilization. Human disturbance had a notable impact on domestic species but did not affect wild ones. Camera sensitivity emerged as a critical factor, enhancing detection probability for all species. Additionally, habitat and weather variables exerted varying effects on detection probabilities, underscoring the necessity of accounting for these factors in modeling the detection process. We found shared habitat preferences between cattle and horses, both positively correlated with wolves, suggesting potential human–wildlife conflicts. Despite extensive spatial overlap, domestic and wild species seem to exhibit ecological independence possibly due to distinct strategies and low predation pressure. Overall, the study emphasizes the multifaceted factors influencing habitat use. The observed species associations contribute to understanding ecological relationships and potential resource competition, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental variables for effective wildlife conservation and management.

Hunting bag statistics of wild mammals in Portugal (1989–2022): on the need to improve data report and compilation

Wildlife monitoring is key for the effective management of natural resources. Hunting-based data (e.g., hunting bag statistics) is an important source of information to overcome the financial constraints imposed to long-term monitoring. Here, taking advantage of three decades (1989–2022) of hunting bag statistics of wild mammals in Portugal, we present the trends and discuss the issues regarding nine game species (five wild ungulates, two carnivores and two lagomorphs). Our results show that hunting bag statistics mirror the general population trends of wild mammal populations at a national scale. The data reflects the increase in number and distribution of roe deer, red deer and wild boar, and the recent expansion experienced by the Egyptian mongoose. The decline in the numbers of European wild rabbit and Iberian hare harvested are also noticeable. Hunting-based data have been used in several research contexts; however, this information is usually affected by geographical, temporal and recording bias. Portugal is no exception. Engaging the interested stakeholders is pivotal to ensure data quality. By reporting reliable and systematically collected hunting data, game managers and wildlife researchers will be able to better understand the main drivers of population dynamics, adjust hunting bags towards sustainable yield and assess the ecological and socio-economic relevance of the hunting sector.

Comparative analysis of the gut microbiome of ungulate species from Qinghai-Xizang plateau.

Several studies have investigated the gut bacterial composition of wild ungulates in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. However, the relationship between their gut microbiome dendrograms and their phylogenetic tree remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed 45 amplicons (V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene) from five wild ungulates-Pseudois nayaur, Pantholops hodgsonii, Gazella subgutturosa, Bos grunniens, and Equus kiang-from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau to clarify the relationship between their phylogenies and gut microbiome dendrograms. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis indicated that G. subgutturosa is closely related to P. nayaur; however, these results were inconsistent with their phylogenetic trees. Additionally, the indicator genera in the microbiome of each wild ungulate showed strong associations with the diets and habitats of their host. Thus, diet and space niche differentiation may primarily account for the differences between the gut microbiome characteristics of these wild ungulates and their phylogeny. In summary, our research provides insights into the evolutionary factors influencing the gut microbiome of wild ungulates in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.

Use of livestock by jaguar (Panthera onca) in an agrolandscape of northeastern Mexico

ABSTRACT Jaguars are endangered in Mexico, with negative interactions with livestock producers being one of the main threats to their populations. We collared three jaguars with search Global Positioning System (GPS) clusters to document prey species eaten by them in the Sierra del Abra-Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve (RBSAT) and surrounding agrolandscape, in northeastern Mexico, to determine the relative use of natural prey and livestock. We detected, through examination of the carcasses (scavenging and predation events), 35 individual prey at feeding sites, primarily collared peccary (40% of sites), cattle (23%), and white-tailed deer (20%). Cattle comprised 64% and wild ungulates provided 34% of the estimated biomass in jaguar diets (biomass was calculated based on the estimated mass consumed and the assumption of an edible portion), with cattle consumed only during the dry season. Seasonal use apparently reflected increased encounters between jaguars and livestock during the dry season, probably due to the presence of limited permanent water sources concentrating livestock (and natural prey) along with jaguars taking advantage of the increased vulnerability of livestock during the dry season (either through predation or scavenging).

Detection of Brucella S19 Vaccine Strain DNA in Domestic and Wild Ungulates from Brazilian Pantanal.

The Pantanal region, the largest floodplain in the world, has a huge biodiversity and is an important livestock center. Bovine brucellosis has been reported in the region over the last three decades, posing implications for cattle industry as well as for the maintenance of biodiversity. We aimed to investigate the presence of B. abortus S19 vaccine strain DNA in unvaccinated domestic and wild ungulates from the Brazilian Pantanal. Fifty-two heifers, 63 ovine, 24 domestic pigs, 28 feral pigs, and three Pampas deer were sampled. Brucella spp. was detected through bcsp31 PCR of blood samples in 45.3% (77/170) of the sampled animals, of which 36.4% (28/77) showed positivity in ery PCR corresponding to B. abortus S19 strain. Feral pigs presented the highest occurrence of positive samples in bcsp31 PCR (75%), followed by ovine (47.6%), domestic pigs (41.7%), and unvaccinated heifers (30.8%). We did not observe positivity in Pampas deer. Our results strongly suggest that vaccination against bovine brucellosis may promote spill-over of B. abortus S19 strain in the Pantanal region. Moreover, our data indicate that wild strains of Brucella circulates in the Pantanal Biome.

Parameterisation of a bluetongue virus mathematical model using a systematic literature review

Bluetongue virus (BT) is a vector-borne virus that causes a disease, called bluetongue, which results in significant economic loss and morbidity in sheep, cattle, goats and wild ungulates across all continents of the world except Antarctica. Despite the geographical breadth of its impact, most BT epidemiological models are informed by parameters derived from the 2006–2009 BTV-8 European outbreak. The aim of this study was to develop a highly adaptable model for BT which could be used elsewhere in the world, as well as to identify the parameters which most influence outbreak dynamics, so that policy makers can be properly informed with the most current information to aid in disease planning.To provide a framework for future outbreak modelling and an updated parameterisation that reflects natural variation in infections, a newly developed and parameterised two-host, two-vector species ordinary differential equation model was formulated and analysed. The model was designed to be adaptable to be implemented in any region of the world and able to model both epidemic and endemic scenarios. It was parameterised using a systematic literature review of host-to-vector and vector-to-host transmission rates, host latent periods, host infectious periods, and vaccine protection factors. The model was demonstrated using the updated parameters, with South Africa as a setting based on the Western Cape’s known cattle and sheep populations, local environmental parameters, and Culicoides spp. presence data.The sensitivity analysis identified that the duration of the infectious period for sheep and cows had the greatest impact on the outbreak length and number of animals infected at the peak of the outbreak. Transmission rates from cows and sheep to C. imicola midges greatly influenced the day on which the peak of the outbreak occurred, along with the duration of incubation period, and infectious period for cows. Finally, the protection factor of the vaccine had the greatest influence on the total number of animals infected. This knowledge could aid in the development of control measures.Due to gradual climate and anthropological change resulting in alterations in vector habitat suitability, BT outbreaks are likely to continue to increase in range and frequency. Therefore, this research provides an updated BT modelling framework for future outbreaks around the world to explore transmission, outbreak dynamics and control measures.

Influence of wild ungulates on the secondary succession of an Apennine silver fir forest after windthrow

Windstorms are natural factors in vegetation dynamics, but their intensity is increasing and undermines the forest resilience. Post-event interventions depend on forest types and management purposes. To promote mixed stands that are less susceptible to windthrow than monocultures, natural tree regeneration is usually recommended. However, wild ungulates attracted by the increased food supply in the new clearings can influence the secondary succession and slow down vegetation recovery. The impact of ungulate pressure on secondary successions in blowdown areas is still poorly known, especially in Mediterranean areas, which is particularly vulnerable to climate stressors. We investigated this topic using a monospecific silver fir (Abies alba) forest of artificial origin in the Apennines as a model system. The forest was left to natural succession after a severe windthrow in 2015, offering the opportunity to establish an ungulate exclosure experiment to analyse vegetation changes over six years. For the whole plant community, cover and height, α-diversity (species richness, Shannon and evenness indexes), and species composition were recorded yearly, together with tree seedling density, in open and fenced plots at increasing distances from the forest edge. Ecological and functional traits (proportion of light-demanding and forest specialists, endo-/epi-zoochorous species), and life-forms of the community samples were also analysed. Overall, we found that ungulates significantly influenced the dynamic trajectories of secondary succession. The effects on plant cover and diversity were negative and increased with distance from the forest edge. The presence of ungulates favoured generalist species and endozoochorous taxa. However, distance from the forest edge strongly reduced the latter effect. The average density of tree seedlings was overall high (ca. 10,000/ha), but it was strongly reduced by ungulates for three deciduous species and A. alba, the most browsed species. Natural recolonization after windthrow in Apennine pure silver fir stands may favour the formation of mixed, less susceptible forests, but the current ungulate pressure slows down this process, especially in the areas furthest from the forest edge.

Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: Occurrence and Host Associations over Four Years of Wildlife Surveillance in the Liguria Region (Northwest Italy).

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a considerable public health problem worldwide. The occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) was investigated via PCR and sequencing in 683 ticks collected from 105 roe deer, 61 wild boars, 49 fallow deer, and 2 chamois, in the Liguria region, northwest Italy, between 2019 and 2022. The ticks were morphologically identified. Four different tick species were found: Ixodes ricinus (66.8% of the collected ticks), Dermacentor marginatus (15.8%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (15.7%), and Haemaphysalis punctata (0.9%). Six ticks (0.9%) were only identified as Rhipicephalus spp. Of the 222 pools analyzed, 27.9% were positive. Most pools (n = 58, 26.1% of pools analyzed) were positive for Rickettsia spp., and several species were found: Rickettsia slovaca was the dominant species (15.3%), followed by R. monacensis (8.1%), while R. helvetica (1.8%), R. massiliae (0.5%), and R. raoultii (0.5%) were found only sporadically. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified in three pools and B. burgdorferi s.l. in one pool. All samples were negative for C. burnetii and TBEv. Significant associations were found between I. ricinus and roe deer, D. marginatus and wild boar, and between R. monacensis and I. ricinus. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. differed significantly between tick and host species. This updated picture of tick species and TBPs in wild ungulates in Liguria, where the population of these animals is increasing, shows a widespread presence of potentially zoonotic Rickettsia spp. Continuous monitoring and public information on preventive measures are needed.

Absence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in wild lagomorphs and their ticks in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an emerging tick-borne pathogen in different European countries. Since 2013, clinical and fatality cases associated with CCHFV infection have been reported in humans in Spain. During the last few years, endemic circulation of this virus has been detected in ticks and wild ungulates in this country, but the role of other sympatric wild species in the sylvatic cycle of this multi-host virus remains poorly understood. The aims of the present study were to assess exposure to CCHFV in wild lagomorphs in southern Spain, a CCHFV endemic area, and to determine the presence of the virus in ticks feeding on these species. Serum samples from 473 European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and 162 Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis), and 120 ticks feeding on 85 of these wild lagomorphs were collected on 133 hunting grounds between 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 hunting seasons. The presence of antibodies against CCHFV was assessed in all serum samples using a commercial ELISA, whereas ticks were tested for the presence of CCHFV-RNA by a multiplex RT-qPCR that detects all known genotypes of this virus. None of the 635 (0.0 %; 95 %CI: 0.0–0.6) lagomorphs tested had anti-CCHFV antibodies and CCHFV-RNA was not found in any of the 120 (0.0 %; 95 %CI: 0.0–3.0) ticks analyzed. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first epidemiological study conducted on CCHFV in Iberian hare worldwide. Our findings indicate absence of exposure to CCHFV in European wild rabbit and Iberian hare populations, as well as in their ticks, which suggests that they do not seem to play a relevant role in the epidemiology of CCHFV in Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain.

Switch or perish? Prey–predator interactions in a Mediterranean area

AbstractPredator–prey relationships can influence community processes, and a rich prey spectrum is important to favour carnivore conservation, as well as to buffer single prey towards intensive predation. Antipredator behavioural responses can occur and can be dynamic in time and space, which may generate counter‐responses in predators. However, data are scarce on their role in modulating carnivore diet and behaviour. Data are especially needed for European landscapes that are largely anthropized and have been recently recolonized by large carnivores. In a protected area in central Italy recently recolonized by the wolf and hosting a rich community of wild ungulates, we studied the interactions between this predator and three ungulate species. At the initial stage of wolf recovery, the fallow deer and the wild boar were the main prey, while the roe deer was a minor food item. Through camera‐trapping and predator food habits, we assessed temporal changes in wolf–prey relationships throughout 5 years (2017–2022). Wolf detection rates were spatially associated with those of fallow deer and wild boar, but shrub cover was positively related to predator and negatively to prey, suggesting possible prey avoidance of sites with lower visibility and greater predation risk. Throughout the years, the fallow deer increased its diurnal activity, with a decreasing temporal overlap with the predator. The wolf showed crepuscular/nocturnal activity, with an increased synchronization with the wild boar, which replaced the fallow deer as first prey. No support for major spatiotemporal responses was reported for wild boar and roe deer. With the ongoing recovery of carnivores across Europe, conservation priorities may emphasize the need to maintain an efficient ecological role of predators. Our results support the role of antipredator responses in modulating predator behaviour and diet and emphasize the importance of a diverse spectrum of wild prey to ensure the conservation of the ecological role of carnivores.