Wildlife Research Articles

Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos

BackgroundThe extraordinary Galapagos Islands, with an impressive number of endemic and native species, maintain the interest and curiosity for researchers from all over the world. The native species are known to be vulnerable to new pathogens, cointroduced with their invasive hosts. In the case of invasive parasitic arthropods, their evolutionary success is related to the association with other invasive hosts (such as domestic animals). These associations could become a significant driver of change, as occasionally they can seek another hosts and have the capacity to transmit pathogens between domestic and wild animals. The current study aims to identify the distribution and abundance of canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos Islands based on the possibility that some of them could spill over to endemic mammals.MethodsA total of 1221 blood samples were randomly collected from privately owned dogs on San Cristóbal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana Islands during the years 2021 and 2022. All samples were examined for vector-borne pathogens using the modified Knott’s test and conventional, nested, and multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), followed by sequencing.ResultsThe PCR and Knott tests confirmed the presence of Dirofilaria immitis (2%, 25/1221) in all islands. While molecular analyses showed heartworm DNA only in dogs from the San Cristóbal (3.3%) and Isabela (2.4%) Islands. Moreover, other pathogens Babesia vogeli (3%, 37/1221) and Hepatozoon canis (0.2%, 2/1221) were detected for the first time by molecular analyses.ConclusionsDogs from Galapagos are hosts to various pathogens, of which some are potentially zoonotic while some other could be spill-over to endemic endangered carnivores, such as sea lions. To understand and limit their impact, long-term surveillance, control, and awareness is needed.Graphical abstract

Wildlife as an affective multiplicity: Approaching Deleuzo–Guattarian pack-animals

Our study explores the ways, in which humans living and working in national parks, encounter, conceive and think about wild animals. The study is framed through the lens of Deleuzo–Guattarian concepts, notably wildlife as ‘affective multiplicities’ and ‘pack-animals’. Through ethnographic exploration in Latvian national parks, we uncover a spectrum of human responses to wildlife, from affectionate engagements to conflicts arising from conservation and livelihood practices. Our findings highlight the critical role of affective relationality and multiplicity in understanding human–wildlife coexistence. It suggests that Deleuzo–Guattarian pack-animal category offer a valuable framework for discussing coexistence, urging more research to deepen understanding of affective human–wildlife relations. This research underscores the importance of considering affective encounters and the multiplicity of wildlife in conservation and management practices, proposing a nuanced approach to human–wildlife coexistence that embraces ecological complexity and the myriad forms of life within nature.

Radicle emergence could overestimate the prediction of seed longevity in wild plants

Abstract Seed longevity influences the success of ex situ storage and preservation of plant genetic diversity and is thus a critical factor in conservation efforts. Rapid seed ageing experiments at high temperature and high humidity have been widely used to classify seed longevity for hundreds of plant species, with potential implications for longevity in ex situ conservation. In this approach, radicle emergence (R) is normally used as a measure of the viability of the seeds. However, R could overestimate the level of normal seedling development and, consequently, the perceived longevity of seeds. Here, seed lifespan for 33 alpine species was compared to assess whether germination criteria could affect seed longevity parameters. Seeds were exposed to controlled ageing [45°C, 60% relative humidity (RH)] and regularly sampled for germination assessment as both radicle emergence (R) and radicle plus cotyledon emergence (R + C). The time taken in storage for viability to fall to 50% (p50) was determined using probit analysis, including either R or R + C data. A coefficient of overestimation of seed longevity (OESL, %) was determined. The results highlight significant differences in seed longevity estimates both across species and the germination criteria. For 17 species, seed longevity estimated by R was significantly higher than that estimated using R + C, resulting in large variation in OESL (0.54–9.01 d). The introduction of OESL facilitates effective screening for seed longevity and recovery, enhancing the overall efficiency of conservation strategies for diverse species.

Consumption of wild edible plants in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

BackgroundWild edible plants (WEPs) are neglected and have received little attention despite their significant contributions to the sustenance and livelihoods of rural communities. This study was conducted in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, to document the diversity, to assess the most preferred WEPs, their utilization, and threats they face.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Kofale and Heban-Arsi districts of the West Arsi Zone of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Data collection took place from February to September 2022 in Kofale and from November 2022 to April 2023 in Heban-Arsi district. To gather ethnobotanical information, the research employed semi-structured interviews, field observations, focus group discussions, and guided field walks. The interviews involved 290 informants who were selected via snowball sampling and systemic random sampling methods. Preference ranking values, direct matrix rankings, and use values (UVs) of documented species were computed.ResultsA total of 62 WEPs species belonging to 38 families and 56 genera were identified. The Moraceae family includes 7 species, followed by Fabaceae and Rubiaceae (each 4 species), and Lamiaceae (3 species). Shrub was the dominant growth form (32 species), followed by herbs (13 species). The largest number (24 species) of WEPs was collected from grazing lands/fields, followed by forest habitats (17 species). The most widely used edible plant part was fruit (40 species) and leaf (11 species). Most WEPs were collected for consumption from March to May (30 species), and the majority of the species (48, 77.4%) were utilized in their raw state. A large number of WEP (41 species) were consumed only during periods of food shortage, and the remaining (21 species) were used as staple food supplements. Multiple other uses of WEPs in the study area also reported. Fifty-two species mentioned for medicinal use, and the species that had the highest use value was Cordia africana Lam. (0.9). The direct matrix ranking results indicated that agricultural expansion was a principal threat to the WEPs in the study area.ConclusionThis study indicated that WEPs are widely used during food shortages in the study area, but many WEP species are under threat due to growing pressure from various anthropogenic factors. Thus, public awareness and community-based management need to be encouraged at all levels to conserve and sustainably use these resources to address food insecurity.

The Role of Science and Historiography in the Development of Transnational Environmental Law: A New History of the 1900 London Convention for the Preservation of African Wildlife

Abstract Historiographic studies of transnational environmental law (TEL) are increasingly relevant as scholars and practitioners search for ways in which to deliver more quickly and efficiently effective regulation that is responsive to global environmental issues. This article uses new and original archival research to better locate the Convention for the Preservation of Wild Animals, Birds and Fish in Africa (1900 London Convention) in its legal-scientific historical context. Most of the scholarship on this topic draws on historian John M. MacKenzie's groundbreaking analysis of what he called ‘the hunting cult’ and its role in the imperial advance into India, Africa, and elsewhere. When viewed through the dual lens of legal history and the history of science, the late 19th and early 20th centuries represented a period of transition during which a new science-based perspective advanced by evolutionary biologists was embraced by science-minded policymakers, and expressed in domestic law and foreign policy aimed at the preservation of endangered species and the protection of biodiversity. The 1900 London Convention is an early example of a modern TEL instrument informed by science and by values that today most recognize as being critically important and universal. The new history in this article also resonates as an example of how polarizing political narratives can delay law reform and the importance of maintaining focus on collaborative problem solving and science-based regulation of complex transnational environmental issues.

A nearly telomere-to-telomere diploid genome assembly of Firmiana kwangsiensis, a threatened species in China

Firmiana kwangsiensis is a tree species of high ornamental value. The species is critically endangered in the wild, and is listed as a first-class national protected wild plant in China, and a Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations in need of urgent protection. We have assembled a chromosome-scale, haplotype-resolved genome for F. kwangsiensis using a combination of PacBio HiFi sequencing, ONT sequencing, and Hi-C sequencing. The final assembled genome is 2.3 G in size and comprises 2n = 40 chromosomes. All chromosomal ends contain telomeric characteristic motifs (TTTAGGG), and there are only 2 gaps within the rDNA regions, both close to a T2T genome assembly. Two complete sets of haplotypes are present, Haplotype A (1169.19 Mb) and Haplotype B (1157.87 Mb), with contig N50 lengths of 58.37 Mb and 57.27 Mb, respectively. The genome contains a total of 67,527 coding genes, with 62,351 genes functionally annotated here. This is the first report of the genome of F. kwangsiensis, and lays the foundation for future conservation genomics research into this species.

Global change aggravates drought, with consequences for plant reproduction.

The frequency and intensity of droughts are expected to increase under global change, driven by anthropogenic climate change and water diversion. Precipitation is expected to become more episodic under climate change, with longer and warmer dry spells, although some areas might become wetter. Diversion of freshwater from lakes and rivers and groundwater pumping for irrigation of agricultural fields are lowering water availability to wild plant populations, increasing the frequency and intensity of drought. Given the importance of seasonal changes and extremes in soil moisture to influence plant reproduction, and because the majority of plants are flowering plants and most of them depend on pollinators for seed production, this review focuses on the consequences of drought on different aspects of reproduction in animal-pollinated angiosperms, emphasizing interactions among drought, flowering and pollination. Visual and olfactory traits play crucial roles in attracting pollinators. Drought-induced floral changes can influence pollinator attraction and visitation, together with pollinator networks and flowering phenology, with subsequent effects on plant reproduction. Here, we review how drought influences these different aspects of plant reproduction. We identify knowledge gaps and highlight areas that would benefit from additional research. Visual and olfactory traits are affected by drought, but their phenotypic responses can vary with floral sex, plant sex, population and species. Ample phenotypic plasticity to drought exists for these traits, providing an ability for a rapid response to a change in drought frequency and intensity engendered by global change. The impact of these drought-induced changes in floral traits on pollinator attraction, pollen deposition and plant reproductive success does not show a clear pattern. Drought affects the structure of plant-pollinator networks and can modify plant phenology. The impact of drought on plant reproduction is not always negative, and we need to identify plant characteristics associated with these more positive responses.

Abnormal c-Fos expression in TetTag mice containing fos-EGFP

Molecular and genetic techniques now allow selective tagging and manipulation of the population of neurons, often referred to as “engram cells,” that were active during a specific experience. One common approach to labeling these cells is to use the fos-tTA transgenic mouse (TetTag). In addition to tagging cells active during learning, it is common to examine the reactivation of these cells using immediate early gene (IEG) expression as an index of neural activity. There are currently multiple TetTag lines available. The original line, cryopreserved at MMRRC, contains only the fos-tTA transgene, while Jackson Labs provides a version of the mouse that expresses both the fos-tTA and fos-shEGFP genes. In the current experiments, we examined IEG expression in these two mouse lines. Unexpectedly, we found that Jackson fos-tTA/fos-shEGFP mice express increased levels of c-Fos in the hippocampus compared to wild type animals when examined with immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression of other IEGs, such as Arc and Egr-1, was not elevated in these mice, suggesting that the overexpression of c-Fos is not the result of increased excitability or broad changes in gene expression. qPCR revealed that Jackson fos-tTA/fos-shEGFP mice express mRNA corresponding to a c-Fos-Exon1-GFP fusion molecule, which may bind to C-Fos antibodies during IHC and inflate apparent c-Fos expression. Jackson fos-tTA/fos-shEGFP mice did not differ from their wild-type counterparts in fear expression or memory, indicating no behavioral effect of the presence of a c-Fos-GFP fusion protein. These results identify a major limitation inherent in the use of Jackson fos-tTA/fos-shEGFP mice.

PHENOTYPIC RESISTANCE PROFILES OF SALMONELLA ENTERICA ISOLATED FROM WILD FELIDS IN COSTA RICA BETWEEN 2021 AND 2022.

Salmonella spp. are one of the leading causes of illness, and in the last years there is an increasing interest in the role of different wild animals as reservoir of Salmonella enterica, especially multidrug resistant strains. To establish preventive and action strategies, it is essential to monitor bacterial resistance profiles and systematically collect information. This study aims to report Salmonella enterica and their resistance profile isolated from feces of wild felids that receive veterinary cares by the Hospital de Especies Menores y Silvestres, Costa Rica in 2021 and 2022. Overall, 100% (7/7) of Salmonella spp. isolates exhibited resistance against cefazoline, followed by 71% (5/7) to ciprofloxacin, and 43% (3/7) to nitrofurantoin. A single isolate was found to be multidrug resistant against Ampicillin/Sulbactam-Cefazolin-Ceftriaxone-Gentamicin-Ciprofloxacin-Nitrofurantoin. These resistant profiles highlight that Salmonella enterica isolation can represent a threat to public health and wildlife conservation, especially for those organisms expressing resistant phenotypes to drugs commonly used in clinical settings. Fluoroquinolone resistant Salmonella spp. have been called by the World Health Organization a high priority for research. As these organisms are expanding beyond livestock and hospital associated environments, to understand the epidemiology and impact of fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella spp. we require a One Health approach.

RENAL FUNCTION PARAMETERS OF HEALTHY CAPTIVE AND SEMICAPTIVE AMAZONIAN MANATEES (TRICHECHUS INUNGUIS).

Evaluating renal function is essential for managing captive wild animals, particularly threatened species like the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) in rehabilitation and prerelease programs. A series of urine diagnostic tests, such as gross appearance, semiquantitative chemical analyses, microscopic review of sediments, and quantitative analyses of urea and creatinine, were performed in 57 free-catch urine samples. On the same occasion, 52 serum samples from the same individuals were analyzed for creatine kinase activity, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations; serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) was measured for the first time in the species. Females had higher urine creatinine concentration (21.7 ± 11.8 mg/dl) and specific gravity (1.003 ± 0.003 mg/dl) than males (11.9 ± 8.5 mg/dl and 1.001 ± 0.002 mg/dl) (P < 0.01 for both). Males presented higher urine creatinine:urea ratio than females (24.8 ± 29.2 and 20.5 ± 29.2, respectively) (P < 0.05). Urine pH was lower in manatees from the semicaptive area (7.8 ± 0.6) than in manatees under human care (8.5 ± 0.6) (P = 0.02) using the benchtop pH meter but showed no difference between areas in the dipstick reaction (P = 0.71), given its lower sensitivity and narrower range detection. Furthermore, 18 and 75% of urine samples were positive for the presence of blood and/or nitrite, respectively, in the dipstick reaction, possibly because of sample contamination. Significant correlation was observed between serum blood urea nitrogen and urine urea concentrations (P = 0.02), and between serum and urine creatinine concentrations (P = 0.01). Serum SDMA did not differ between sex or between captive and semicaptive individuals. However, it positively correlated with urine (P = 0.02) and serum creatinine (P = 0.01) demonstrating its potential as a bioindicator of kidney function. The renal function of Amazonian manatees can be effectively assessed by urinalysis, especially when combined with serum biochemistry.

DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION OF AMERICAN ROBINS (TURDUS MIGRATORIUS) WITH FATAL ETHYLENE GLYCOL TOXICOSIS AND CONCURRENT PLASMODIUM SPP. INFECTION WITH RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF 44 YEARS OF DIAGNOSTIC DATA.

We describe a mortality event involving at least 44 adult American robins (Turdus migratorius) that were found dead on the morning of February 25, 2023 in a residential backyard in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. Five carcasses were submitted for diagnostic evaluation. All five robins were in good nutritional and feather condition with no external indicators of injury or illness. Grossly, kidneys were diffusely pale in all robins and 4/5 also had splenomegaly. Consistent histologic lesions included severe, multifocal to coalescing, renal tubular degeneration and necrosis with intraluminal, birefringent calcium oxalate crystals and calcified concretions. Toxicologic testing revealed a markedly elevated calcium concentration (10,000 parts per million) in a pooled kidney sample. Collectively, these findings support a diagnosis of ethylene glycol toxicosis. Ethylene glycol, an ingredient in antifreeze, is a hazardous toxicant in domestic and wild animals living in residential areas, although confirmed reports in songbirds are scarce. In the present case, the circumstances of ethylene glycol exposure are unknown but most likely anthropogenic in origin. Additionally, splenomegaly prompted molecular testing, which detected Plasmodium unalis in three robins and P. vaughani in one robin. Both Plasmodium spp. can infect a wide range of hosts, and although infections likely were subclinical, their detection raises awareness of their potential pathogenicity in wild birds. This mortality event underscores the need to recognize health risks posed by environmental contaminants and vector-borne pathogens to wildlife, and reinforces that wildlife, especially peridomestic species, can serve as sentinels for risks to domestic animal and human health.

Plant use at Funnel Beaker sites: combined macro- and microremains analysis at the Early Neolithic site of Frydenlund, Denmark (ca. 3600 bce)

AbstractUnderstanding the neolithisation process in northern Europe requires detailed knowledge of both the type of crop plants as well as gathered food plants from Neolithic Funnel Beaker sites (4000–2800 bce). However, although many sites from this culture are known, significant gaps remain in our knowledge on which taxa were used as well as on how plant food was prepared. Here, we present the results of combined plant macro- and microremains from the Early Neolithic site of Frydenlund in present-day Denmark. The macroremains include carbonised seeds, fruits and underground storage organs from a variety of contexts. The microremains are phytoliths and starch granules recovered from 14 grinding stones that are among the oldest from Denmark as well as the first from this region analysed using state-of-the-art methods. The data are discussed in the context of an updated overview of crop spectra, evidence of gathered plants and of plant food preparation techniques at Funnel Beaker sites in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. The results from the Early Neolithic site of Frydenlund show that the macroremains assemblage was dominated by Triticum turgidum ssp. durum (durum wheat), T. turgidum ssp. dicoccum (emmer wheat) and Hordeum vulgare var. nudum (naked barley), which apart from durum wheat fits the observed pattern from other Funnel Beaker sites in northwestern Europe. These crops were presumably cultivated separately as summer crops. Corylus avellana (hazel), Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) and R. idaeus (raspberry) were probably consumed as well, and possibly R. caesius (dewberry). While cereals were abundant in the macroremains assemblage, the microremains from the grinding stones indicate that these were used for grinding solely wild plants. The carbonised cereal grain fragments are therefore interpreted as possible evidence of cereal consumption mainly in the form of porridge or gruel, which corresponds well to comparable finds at other contemporary northwestern European sites. Future analysis of comparable high-quality data on combined macro- and microremains analysis is necessary to further refine our understanding of plant diets and plant food preparation techniques of the Funnel Beaker Culture as well as during the neolithisation process.

A Study on Wild and Domestic Animal Detection for Farm Protection by using Computer Vision

Crop protection against wild animal intrusion has become a pressing challenge with significant social and economic implications, particularly in agricultural-dependent nations like India. In response, an innovative AI-driven surveillance system is designed to detect and determine potential threats from animals to farm environments. The system accurately identifies and classifies animals in farm images by leveraging advanced computer vision techniques and machine learning algorithms, including Support Vector Machines, K-Means clustering, Random Forest, Decision Trees, and Logistic Regression. The model generalizes effectively by analyzing a diverse dataset comprising various animal species. Key features such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and confusion matrices are employed to assess model performance comprehensively. The results showcase high accuracy across multiple algorithms. The proposed system offers a promising solution to protect crops, minimize losses, and foster harmonious coexistence between farming and wildlife. The results demonstrate good accuracy for various algorithms: 92.75% for Logistic Regression, 86.47% for Decision Trees, 95.65% for Random Forests, and 94.20% for Support Vector Machines. This highlights how reliable the system is in classifying animals, providing a viable way to safeguard crops, reduce losses, and promote peaceful cohabitation between agriculture and wildlife.

Ethnobotanical Assessment of Wild and Semi-Wild Edible Plants in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

Ethnobotanical Assessment of Wild and Semi-Wild Edible Plants in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

First report of Anthracnose on Asparagus kiusianus caused by Colletotrichum spp. in Japan.

Asparagus kiusianus Makino, a native and endangered wild plant of the asparagus genus, is endemic to Northern Kyushu's coastal area in Japan (Ito et al. 2011). In July 2022, symptoms of a disease characterized by stem browning and dark brown patches were observed on wild A. kiusianus plants along the Nijinomatsubara coast (33°26'45.24"N 130°00'10.44"E) in Saga Prefecture, Japan, with an incidence rate reaching 20%. Thirty symptomatic stem segments (approx. 1 cm) were collected for detailed examination. Samples were surface sterilized with 70% ethanol for 30 s, followed by immersion in 5% sodium hypochlorite for another 30 s. After three rinses in sterile water, they were placed on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and incubated in the dark at 25°C for 7 days. Five representative isolates were identified based on morphology and named as AKW 22.207, AKW 22.208, AKW 22.212, AKW 22.302 and AKW 22.306. For AKW 22.207, AKW 22.208, and AKW 22.302, the colonies were flat and orange, with the center and surrounding areas displaying a black coloration. The conidia were slightly curved, hyaline, unicellular, aseptate, and fusiform with blunt ends, measuring 11.5 to 23.6 μm in length and 2.2 to 3.1 μm in width (n = 20). For AKW 22.212, the colony was fluffy and grayish-brown, with a dark brown reverse side. Extracellular pigment caused a reddish-brown discoloration in the PDA medium. The conidia were falcate, hyaline, unicellular, aseptate, and fusiform, tapering gradually to each end, measuring 17.6 to 24.4 μm in length and 1.8 to 3.0 μm in width (n = 20). For AKW 22.306, the colony initially appeared white, then developed gray aerial mycelium and produced yellow and black acervuli. The conidia were hyaline, unicellular, aseptate, and cylindrical in shape, measuring 13.7 to 17.8 μm in length and 3.8 to 5.3 μm in width (n = 20). Fungal DNA extraction was performed, using the DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (manufactured by QIAGEN). PCR amplification targeted the ITS, ACT, and GAPDH regions using the primers ITS1 / ITS4 (White et al. 1990), ACT-512F / ACT-783R (Carbone et al. 1999) and GDF / GDR (Templeton et al. 1992), respectively. The obtained sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS, LC790306 to LC790310; ACT, LC790312 to LC790316; GAPDH, LC790317 to LC790321). A phylogenetic tree was constructed using RAxML 8.2.12 software, which identified one isolate as Colletotrichum fructicola (AKW 22.306), one as C. guizhouense (AKW 22.212), and three as C. liriopes (AKW 22.207, AKW 22.208 and AKW 22.302). Six healthy A. kiusianus plants were inoculated, five with different isolates and one as a control. Stems were washed, wounded, and inoculated with isolate discs, secured with bandages and parafilm. A sterile PDA disc was used for the control. Plants were incubated at 25°C under a 14-hour light/10-hour dark cycle. The experiment was repeated twice for reproducibility. After one week, stem browning occurred, and all Colletotrichum isolates were successfully re-isolated. The morphology and DNA sequences of the re-isolated fungi were matched the original isolates, thereby fulfilling Koch's postulates. This study marks the first isolation of Colletotrichum spp. from naturally infected A. kiusianus plants in the wild, demonstrating their role as causative agents of anthracnose in this species. In Japan, anthracnose disease of A. officinalis caused by C. gloeosporioides and C. spaethianum has been reported (Moriwaki et al. 2021). However, the Colletotrichum spp. identified in this study are distinct from the previously reported species.

Survival of Trichinella spiralis and T. pseudospiralis in Experimentally Infected Wild Boar Muscle Tissue under Freezing and Environmental Conditions

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the survival of Trichinella spiralis and T. pseudospiralis in decaying wild boar tissue and assess their freezing tolerance in experimentally infected animals. Methods: The present study was conducted in Buenos Aires City, Argentina during the 2018-2019 period. Two wild boars were used, one infected with 20,000 muscle larvae (ML) of T. spiralis and the other with T. pseudospiralis. Both animals were euthanized 19 weeks post-infection. Limbs from each boar were placed over soil in plastic containers to assess ML survival in decaying tissue, under natural temperature and humidity, shielded from rain. Weekly samples were taken for artificial digestion, and the ML were inoculated into mice to determine their reproductive capacity index (RCI). Additionally, to evaluate the freezing tolerance of the ML, muscle samples were stored at -18°C. Six samples were taken and digested after 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, and 14 days, with subsequent inoculation into mice to assess RCI. Results: T. spiralis remained infective in decaying wild boar tissue for 11 weeks, while T. pseudospiralis remained infective for only 4 weeks. The freezing tolerance assay showed that T. spiralis ML remain infective for 9 days. However, T. pseudospiralis ML remain infective for only 2 days at -18°C. Conclusion: The findings highlight the survival strategies of T. spiralis and T. pseudospiralis in different environmental conditions, which may have implications for understanding their transmission dynamics in wild animals

Comparison of Oxytetracycline and Sulfamethazine Effects Over Root Elongation in Selected Wild and Crop Plants Commonly Present in the Mediterranean Cropland and Pasture Scenarios.

Fertilization with animal manure and sewage sludge, and the use of sewage water for irrigation, can lead to high antimicrobial concentrations in agricultural soils. Once in soil, antimicrobials can exert direct and indirect toxic effects on plants by misbalancing plant-microbe symbiotic relationships. We performed germination tests to determine the optimum germination conditions of 24 plant species (10 crop and 14 wild species). Subsequently, we analyzed the differences in oxytetracycline and sulfamethazine phytotoxicity in 19 plant species for which optimum germination conditions could be established. The root elongation of the majority of wild species was inhibited in the presence of oxytetracycline and sulfamethazine, whereas crops were mainly affected by oxytetracycline. There were no differences in sensitivity to oxytetracycline between crop and wild plant species, whereas wild plants were significantly more susceptible to sulfamethazine than crop species. Thus, to cover both productivity and biodiversity protection goals, we recommend pharmaceuticals' predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) values based on crop and wild plant species phytotoxicity data.

Presence of metal-resistance and antibiotic-resistance genes in Salmonella spp. isolated from broiler chicken farms in Vinh Long province, Vietnam

Salmonella can carry multiple antibiotic-resistant and metalresistant genes and transmit these genes among strains worldwide. This study examined seventy-five Salmonella isolates from small-scale chicken farms (chicken feces, bedding, feed, wild animals) in Vinh Long province for the presence and relation of antibiotic and metal-resistance genes in these strains. The single PCR method was applied to detect seven antibiotic-resistance genes (blaampC, blaTEM, dfrA1, tetA, strA, sul2, mcr1) and four metal-resistance genes (pcoR, czcD, cnrA, silE). The results indicated that those Salmonella isolates harbored several patterns of antibiotic-resistance genes. Genes blaampC and tetA were the most prevalent (48.00%), while genes mcr1 and dfrA were the most minor (1.33%). Of those Salmonella isolates, 92.00% harbored one to five antibiotic-resistance genes, and the blaampC + strA pattern was frequently obtained (12.00%). Moreover, 30.67% of Salmonella isolates showed multidrug resistance to three or four antibiotic categories. Among metal-resistance genes, gene pcoR encoding for copper resistance was the most predominant (53.33%), and gene cnrA encoding for cobalt-nickel resistance was the lowest (5.33%). There were diverse patterns of metalresistance genes, and one Salmonella isolate carried four examined genes (1.33%). Furthermore, these Salmonella isolates had several combined patterns of metal-resistance and antibiotic-resistance genes. Among them, pcoR, czcD, and silE genes had a significant coefficient relation to the examined antibiotic-resistance genes. It indicated the correlation between metal resistance and antibiotic resistance genes and revealed the potential risk of increasing antibiotic resistance in Salmonella isolates in chicken farms in Vinh Long province.

Overview and Comparison of Deep Neural Networks for Wildlife Recognition Using Infrared Images

There are multiple uses for single-channel images, such as infrared imagery, depth maps, and others. To automatically classify objects in such images, an algorithm suited for single-channel image processing is required. This study explores the application of deep learning techniques for the recognition of wild animals using infrared images. Traditional methods of wildlife monitoring often rely on visible light imaging, which can be hindered by various environmental factors such as darkness, fog, and dense foliage. In contrast, infrared imaging captures the thermal signatures of animals, providing a robust alternative for wildlife detection and identification. We test a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model specifically designed to analyze infrared images, leveraging the unique thermal patterns emitted by different animal species. The model is trained and tested on a diverse dataset of infrared images, demonstrating high accuracy in distinguishing between multiple species. In this paper, we also present a comparison of several well-known artificial neural networks on this data. To ensure accurate testing, we introduce a new dataset containing infrared photos of Slovak wildlife, specifically including classes such as bear, deer, boar, and fox. To complement this dataset, the Fashion MNIST dataset was also used. Our results indicate that deep learning approaches significantly enhance the capability of infrared imaging for wildlife monitoring, offering a reliable and efficient tool for conservation efforts and ecological studies.

Potential use of microbial product to degrade Chlorpyrifos in tea cultivation soil

Pesticides containing organophosphate (OP) compounds in general and Chlorpyrifos (CPF) in particular are used to control insects and pests. However, they have been proven to be highly toxic not only to some insects and wild animals but also have negative impacts on the environment and human health. This study provides an assessment of the effectiveness of using microbial product (MP) to degrade CPF in a large- and small-scale tea cultivation environment. The research results show that in some farming areas, residual CPF exists both in the soil and in agricultural products. When using the MP, the CPF content in tea decreased by 77.66%; the efficacy of CPF treatment in the soil reached 72-76% in the small scale . Additionally, the use of MP also increased the total microbial density in the net house scale from 106 to 107 CFU/g and beneficial microorganisms in the soil, stimulating growth and productivity for tea plants.