Institute Of Zoology Research Articles

Intraspecific variation of <em>Scorpaenopsis possi</em> Randall et Eschmeyer, 2002 (Pisces: Scorpaenidae)

The genus Scorpaenopsis has been intensively studied in recent decades. Sixteen species were known before the revision by Randall and Eschmeyer, who described 8 new species in 2002, and nowadays 29 species are known. Two specimens of Scorpaenopsis from the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences are intermediate in a number of parameters between Scorpaenopsis possi Randall et Eschmeyer 2002 and Scorpaenopsis eschmeyeri Randall et Greenfield 2004. The range of S. possi extends from the Indian Ocean coast of Africa and the Red Sea to the Marquesas Islands in the Pacific Ocean, the latitude of the range lies between the 30th latitudes of both hemispheres. The species S. eschmeyeri inhabits a much smaller range from the east coast of Australia to the island of Fiji. The aim of this work is to explain the appearance of S. possi, similar to S. eschmeyeri in some morphological diagnostic characters, almost 12,000 km apart from its range. The number of soft rays in the dorsal fin, which is unusual for the genus Scorpaenopsis, is described. Due to the lack of persistent distinguishing characters between S. possi and S. eschmeyeri, it is highly probable that both are conspecific; in that case S. eschmeyeri would be a junior synonym of S. possi.

A high-altitude population of Hyperboreomyzon polaris (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) in Altai Mountains, South Siberia, Russia.

Hyperboreomyzon polaris Bolotov, Eliseeva, Klass & Kondakov, 2022 (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) is an enigmatic freshwater leech that was recently described based on three specimens from two remote regions of the Eurasian Arctic, that is, the Kolguev Island and Putorana Plateau, Russia. Later on, misidentified historical samples of this species were discovered in the Hirudinea collection of Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg, Russia). These samples were collected by Pavel G. Ignatov, a prominent Russian geographer and traveler, from a remote high-altitude area of the Altai Mountains (South Siberia) in 1901. To collect new samples from this population, we organized a field expedition to the same area (Lake Dzhulukul) in 2023. Molecular genetic data (COI and 18S rRNA) obtained from newly collected specimens revealed that they belong to H. polaris. Hence, this leech could be considered an Arctic-alpine species, the disjunctive range of which covers Arctic areas of Eurasia and Central Asian (South Siberian) mountains. We describe and illustrate living individuals of H. polaris for the first time, update its morphological diagnosis, present a life cycle reconstruction based on the frequency of four size classes in available samples. It is shown that this species prefers small lentic water bodies such as small lakes and lakelets. The crop content of a well-fed specimen from Altai contains DNA of the northern pintail Anas acuta Linnaeus (Aves: Anatidae), indicating that H. polaris feeds on blood of waterfowl. Our results indicate that Hyperboreomyzon may be considered a species adapted to cold high-latitude areas and mountain refugia.

Article 74.7.3 of the Code continues to destabilise zoological nomenclature: repeated lectotypification of Lemmus obensis bungei (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

In 2023, B. Kryštufek and G.I. Shenbrot published a paper in which they proposed to consider invalid 20 lectotype designations based on the specimens in the collection of mammals at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (St Petersburg). They also designated a lectotype for Lemmus obensis bungei Vinogradov, 1926. We argue that the authors’ decision was based on an incorrect interpretation of Article 74.7.3 and some other Articles and Recommendations of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The history of Article 74.7.3 is briefly reviewed to highlight its destabilising nature and to draw attention to this within the zootaxonomic community.

Features of reproduction and postembryonic ontogenesis in voles Microtus kermanensis and M. mystacinus of the subgenus Microtus (Rodentia, Arvicolinae)

The voles Microtus kermanensis Roguin, 1988 and M. mystacinus De Filippi, 1865 are representatives of the “mystacinus” group in the subgenus Microtus (2n = 54). A three-year study of reproduction of these species was conducted in the Laboratory of Theriology of the Zoological Institute RAS. The laboratory populations of voles were created from animals caught in Iran. In this study, 38 pairs of M. kermanensis and 18 pairs of M. mystacinus were under observation. For the study of postembryonic ontogenesis, 39 litters (166 pups) of M. kermanensis voles and 14 litters (51 pups) of M. mystacinus were examined. For comparison, 10 litters (47 pups) of M. arvalis Pallas, 1978 (form “arvalis” from the Vladimir region) were used. The breeding of animals continued all year round. The average number of pups per litter was 4.3 in M. kermanensis, 3.6 in M. mystacinus, and 4.7 in M. arvalis; the sex ratio in all species was close to 1:1. High mortality was noted in the larger M. kermanensis (28.3%), with lower rates in M. mystacinus (15.7%) and M. arvalis (17.0%). In general, the development of pups of all three species during the first 12 days of life is fast. Among the distinctive features, the early separation of the auricles in M. mystacinus is of note. The large M. kermanensis is characterized by earlier divergence of the fingers on the fore and hind limbs, which ends by day 10 (in M. mystacinus and M. arvalis by day 12). Also, in M. kermanensis the timing of incisor eruption is extended; the lower incisors begin to erupt on day 3 and appear by day 9 in 100% of the pups (by day 7 in the other two species). The upper incisors begin to erupt from day 4, and 100% of the pups have them by day 10 (in M. mystacinus and M. arvalis, they completely erupt on day 8). In all three species, their eyes start opening at 9 days and open completely by day 12; such uniformity can serve as confirmation of the phylogenetic proximity of these species. All three species are characterized by the avoidance of incest.

Viral metagenomic analysis reveals potential biological hazards in non‐human primates in a zoo

AbstractPathogens have been documented to be transmissible between humans and non‐human primates (NHPs), with NHPs demonstrating susceptibility to human viruses. Conducting surveillance for viruses in NHPs to identify potential zoonotic agents that may emerge or pose a high risk of spillover remains a critical strategy for preparing for and responding to future zoonotic events. This study employed viral metagenomic analysis on nine randomly selected NHPs from the Zoo in China to detect potential pathogens within captive environments. The analysis identified the presence of picornavirus Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), poxvirus (BeAn 58,058 virus, BAV), and retroviruses (human endogenous retrovirus, HERV and baboon endogenous virus, BaEV). These viruses exhibited significant genetic homology to established viral strains, with EMCV demonstrating close relatedness to a strain previously detected in the United States, and BAV beling newly identified in NHPs. The study suggests that zoo rodents, particularly rats, serve as the primary reservoirs for the viruses, thereby posing a potential threat to public health. Therefore, this underscores the imperative to enhance rodent control measures within zoological institutions and provides strategic recommendations for mitigating interspecies viral transmission.

A REVIEW OF NEOPLASIA IN PROSIMIANS IN HUMAN CARE FROM 1995 TO 2022.

This retrospective study of neoplasia in prosimians in human care reports histologically diagnosed cases from the archives of a nondomestic species pathology service between 1995 and 2022, primarily submitted from zoological institutions. To date, the only prior retrospective study of neoplasia in prosimians, published in 2009, was conducted with cases from a single institution specializing in prosimian noninvasive research and care. In the present study, a total of 153 neoplasms from 109 individuals were identified in the pathology service archives. The most commonly affected species belonged to the Lemuridae (92/109, 84.4%), particularly ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta; 55/109, 50.5%), black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata; 19/109, 17.4%), and red ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra; 14/109, 12.8%). The digestive (49/153, 32.0%), reproductive (35/153, 22.9%), and integumentary (30/153, 19.6%) systems were most commonly affected. Hepatocellular neoplasia was the most common neoplasm overall (35/153, 22.9%), with a large proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma (23/35, 65.7%), suggesting a possible predisposition to this tumor in prosimians. The findings support aggressive behavior of these tumors in prosimians, and a majority (13/23, 56.5%) of cases had evidence of metastasis at the time of submission. Mammary neoplasia was also common (25/153, 16.3%) and predominantly malignant (18/25, 72.0%), in contrast with previous literature, although metastasis was uncommonly reported. The most common integumentary neoplasms were papillomas (12/30, 40.0%), and one report identified squamous cell carcinoma arising directly from a squamous papilloma. Several tumor types are reported herein for the first time in prosimian species, to the authors' knowledge. A literature review identifying additional cases reported since 2009 is also reported. This study contributes a large number of prosimian neoplasia cases to the existing literature to help determine trends in zoological collections and to inform captive prosimian health management.

BILIARY DUCTAL PLATE MALFORMATION WITH SECONDARY PORTAL HYPERTENSION AND MULTIPLE ACQUIRED SHUNTS IN A LITTER OF AMUR TIGERS (PANTHERA TIGRIS ALTAICA).

Congenital abnormalities in tigers (Panthera tigris) are infrequently reported but have included ectrodactyly, cataracts, and vestibular disease. Primary hepatic disease has been documented in multiple nondomestic felid species but is considered uncommon in tigers. To the authors' knowledge, there are no previous reports of congenital abnormalities of the liver in tigers. In May 2022, two male Amur tiger cubs (Panthera tigris altaica) were born at a zoological institution via cesarean section to address dystocia, following the natural birth of a female cub. Between two and six months of age, all three cubs developed progressive lethargy, inappetence, and neurological signs consistent with hepatic encephalopathy, including obtundation and ataxia. In all three cases, serum biochemical values revealed progressive, marked elevations in hepatic enzyme levels with reduction in hepatic synthetic products (albumin, urea, cholesterol). Computed tomographic imaging showed a large cluster of aberrant tortuous vessels craniomedial to the left kidney in all three tigers, consistent with acquired extrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Histologic examination of the livers identified biliary ductal plate malformations. This report details the presentation, clinical findings, diagnoses, and therapeutic interventions attempted in three Amur tiger cubs with biliary ductal plate malformation and subsequent portal hypertension with multiple acquired portosystemic shunts, an unusual abnormality not previously reported in non-domestic felids.

HEMANGIOSARCOMA IN RED WOLVES (CANIS RUFUS) AND GRAY WOLVES (CANIS LUPUS) IN HUMAN CARE: SIX CASES.

Wolves are commonly housed in zoological institutions and captive breeding facilities that are essential for maintaining genetic diversity and for the recovery of declining populations. Neoplasia is a common cause of mortality in wolves, but hemangiosarcoma has not previously been described. This condition was diagnosed in four red wolves (Canis rufus) and two gray wolves (Canis lupus) housed at five different institutions between 2008 and 2018. Animals were 11-16 yr of age at the time of presentation. Clinical signs included loss of body condition, abdominal distension, lethargy, weakness, ataxia, and hyporexia. Three animals were mildly anemic. All animals were humanely euthanized within an average of 3 d from onset of clinical signs. Two animals had primary splenic tumors, two had pelvic tumors with one originating from the aorta, and one had a cranial mediastinal mass. Diagnosis was made on postmortem histologic examination in all cases. Four wolves had evidence of metastases with foci in the lungs, lymph nodes, mesentery, liver, subcutis/skeletal muscle, kidney, adrenal, and thyroid gland. Hemangiosarcoma should be considered in geriatric wolves presenting with nonspecific signs, particularly if abdominal distension, free peritoneal fluid, or anemia is present.

Molecular detection using hybridization capture and next-generation sequencing reveals cross-species transmission of feline coronavirus type-1 between a domestic cat and a captive wild felid.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is highly prevalent in domestic cats worldwide and has also been reported in wild felids, including endangered species, in which it has caused substantial population declines. Characterizing the genetic diversity of FCoV is crucial due to recent reports of novel pathogenic recombinant variants causing high mortality in feral cats in Cyprus. In this retrospective molecular epidemiology study, we used archived samples collected in a zoological institution in the U.S. in which a domestic and a wild felid succumbed to FCoV. Using hybridization capture (HC) and next-generation sequencing, we show for the first time that FCoV can be naturally transmitted between domestic and wild felids. We demonstrate the efficacy of HC for detecting and sequencing the whole genome of FCoV, which is essential to characterize its different genotypes.

THE ISSUES OF MEDIEVAL RITUAL OAKS IN THE MIDDLE AND UPPER DNIEPER BASIN

In 2023 the abstracts of N. Khamayko, O. Pashkovsky, P. Goldin, M. Kubliya, and E. Yanish «Scientific studies of the cult “Oak of the Slavs» were published. The publication is focused on three pagan ritual oaks that were discovered in the Dnieper and Desna interfluve in 1909, 1975 and 1978/1979. The mandibles of pigs were embedded into these trees. The last two oaks, according to 14C indicators, are dated within the third quarter / late 7th — late 10th / mid-11th centuries. The main part of the mentioned publication is the results of laboratory archaeozoological research of animal remains from an oak trunk raised from the bottom of the Dnipro in 1975 conducted by employees of the Institute of Zoology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in 2020 and 2023. The researches have shown that the bones belong mainly to domestic or hybrid (semi-domestic/semi-wild) sows; the age of most animals is up to 3 years or more; the time of death of three animals falls on the second half of the annual cycle, and in two cases the period of death is determined by the winter season. According to most laboratory indicators, the bone remains of animals from the oak of 1975 were similar or identical to the corresponding indicators of the pig mandibles from the oaks of 1978/1979 maintained by the Institute of Zoology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in 1987. This proves the similarity between the analyzed specimens not only at the level of the main zoological and biological components. One can see the similarity or identity at the level of the content of the pagan ritual, during which the jaws of sows were inserted into tree trunks. The main indicators of archaeozoological and dendrological (regarding the oak in 1978/1979) research, as well as historical and ethnographic research, convince that the mentioned ritual trees are the realities of the calendar rituals of the autumn and winter seasons (in particular, perhaps, the rituals of productive magic) of local agrarians, and not the rituals of traveling merchants-wives, as was considered until recently. In the mentioned publication, the authors also touched upon the question of the ethnocultural attribution of the analyzed ritual oaks. Having based on a number of facts mainly of a general historical nature, in particular: 1) the appearance of the Vikings on the lands of the Lower Desna — the Middle Dnieper in the period of early Rus’; 2) the spread of the cult of trees and animals among pagan Scandinavians; 3) calibrated dating range of ritual oaks in 1975 and 1978/1979 within 776—938 years, i.e. largely within the Early Rus area; 4) change in the 10th century Slavic archaeological cultures of the Middle Dnieper region to the archaeological culture of Old Rus, they put in doubt (although not directly) the probable belonging of these trees to the local Slavs. However, this attempt lacks concrete and therefore convincing evidence of a historical, archaeological or historical-ethnographic nature. There is no reason to assume a significant influence of the Scandinavian newcomers on the spiritual sphere of the autochthons, especially on their calendar rituals of the agricultural cycle.

A Newly Dated Late Pleistocene and Holocene Archaeological Assemblage from Bukhtarma Cave in the Southern Altai Piedmont, East Kazakhstan

The Altai mountains contain a number of cave and rockshelter sites that have given crucial information about human evolution in Asia. Most of these caves are located in the Gornyi Altai of Siberia, while the southern flank of the range remains much less known. Bukhtarma Cave was a karstic cave located near the former village of Peshchera, on the banks of the Bukhtarma River running through the foothills of the southern (Kazakh) Altai mountains. The Soviet East Kazakhstan Archaeological Expedition carried several excavation campaigns in the cave in the early to mid 1950s, discovering Paleolithic stone tools as well as animal bones. The collections were split between the East Kazakhstan Regional Museum of Local History in Öskemen (the lithic and part of the faunal collection) and the Zoological Institute in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) (most of the fauna). Subsequently, the site was flooded by the construction of the Bukhtarma Reservoir in 1958, such that further fieldwork is impossible. However, in 2020, we reanalyzed the zooarchaeological collections and obtained several 14C dates. Based on the excavation documentation and the newly obtained dates exclusively taken from cut marked and carnivore-modified bone, we reconstruct at least three Paleolithic archaeological horizons, spanning the time between ca. 47–30 ka cal BP and exhibiting Middle and Upper Paleolithic characteristics, as well as the remains of several Holocene occupations, the latest of which dates to the Bronze Age. We present here a summary of the lithic and faunal assemblage and draw general conclusions about the site’s placement within the regional Paleolithic.

Review of the genus Scolopostethus Fieber, 1860 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae) from Central Asia with description of a new species

Prior to this study, five species of the genus Scolopostethus Fieber, 1860 were documented from Central Asia. Thorough examination of the collection retained at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg), resulted in the description of a new species from this region, S. ferganensis sp. n. Earlier distributional records of S. affinis (Schilling, 1829) from Central Asia were demonstrated to be the result of misidentifications. An illustrated key, diagnoses, and data on distribution are provided for all five species of the genus Scolopostethus found in Central Asia.

Evidence for seasonal shift in the reproduction of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in managed care in the Northern hemisphere compared to the natural habitat in the Southern hemisphere.

Ex situ breeding constitutes an important tool for species conservation; however, many reptile species are not managed sustainably under human care due to poor fecundity in ex situ settings. In this study, we tested whether the translocation of a seasonally reproducing species to a different environment results in decoupling of extrinsic signals and intrinsic conditions. The endocrinological patterns of plasma steroid sex hormones, follicular development, and mating behaviour of two female and two male sexually mature Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in a zoological institution in the Northern hemisphere was aligned with enclosure climate data (mean monthly daylight duration, temperature, and precipitation) and compared with respective hormone patterns of wild individuals and climate conditions in the native habitat on the Aldabra Atoll in the Southern hemisphere. Whereas occurrence of mating behaviour was not considered a limiting factor, lack of ovulation and subsequent follicular atresia was the main reason for the lack of reproductive output. While it was impossible to elucidate the triggering factors of ovulation and the multifactorial complexity of reproduction was not fully addressed, this study indicates suboptimal temperature conditions and relative temporal shifts of interacting external triggers (temperature and photoperiod) in the zoo setting.

On the Composition of the Type Series of the Blanford’s Rock Gecko, <i>Bunopus blanfordii</i> Strauch, 1887 (Reptilia: Sauria: Gekkonidae)

Composition of the type series of gecko Bunopus blanfordii Strauch, 1887 is clarified based on original description and type specimens stored in the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg. We designate ZISP 18290 as a lectotype.

How to plan and provide general anesthesia for a troop of 98 hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) for contraceptive and preventative health interventions.

Present an approach to the safe and efficient provision of anesthesia and birth control measures to a large group of primates. 98 hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) held in a German zoological institution. A group of 12 veterinarians, 2 zookeepers, and 6 volunteers anesthetized all animals within 2 days. The baboons were orally premedicated with midazolam (0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg) and anesthetized with medetomidine (40 to 60 µg/kg, IM) and ketamine (2 to 4 mg/kg, IM); isoflurane at rates of 1.5% to 2% was used for maintaining anesthesia if necessary. All animals received a physical examination, prophylactic medication, and tuberculin testing. For population management, the animals received a contraceptive implant (adult females), orchiectomy (young males), or vasectomy (breeding males). Young males received intratesticular blocks with lidocaine. All animals received atipamezole (125 to 150 µg/kg) before recovery. Premedication resulted in anxiolysis, which facilitated separating and darting. Median time from darting to access to the animal was 10 minutes. Mean anesthetic times were 25 minutes for females and 55 minutes for males. The depth of anesthesia was appropriate for the procedures. No fatalities were recorded. One animal was injured by other baboons but recovered after treatment. Health management and birth control measures are necessary in baboon troops under human care. Anesthesia and/or contraception of individual animals often leads to intraspecific aggression. This case series describes how to provide anesthesia and contraception to an entire troop as an alternative approach that can be adopted to future similar interventions.

Мисливствознавство та мисливські лабораторії в Україні за 100 років: трансформації ідей та інституцій

The study is devoted to the history of game management laboratories as one of the most obscure pages of Ukrainian theriology. The prerequisites for the formation of such laboratories as a system of applied research related primarily to ‘useful’ fauna are considered. These laboratories form a continuous chain of research centres that have existed in different cities. They were founded in 1929 by V. Averin in Kharkiv, developed by A. Mygulin and his followers in Zavorychi (1936–1962), K. Kopein at the fur farm in Kolo-Mykhailivka near Vinnytsia (1963–1973), and M. Evtushevsky in Cherkasy (1973–2004). The final phase was completed by two academic game management laboratories: at the Institute of Zoology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (in 1975–1989, led by V. Kryzhaniv¬skyi) and the Institute of Forestry of the Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences (in 1991–2022, in Oleshky, led by I. Sheihas). The stages of research development in a series of successive transformations, in the wake of socio-political events and changes in public demands are analysed. The distinct sequence and, in fact, continuity of their existence in time (despite their movement in space) indicates a corresponding demand for them from the state, including the support of state budgetary programmes. Their tasks were constantly changing, and each period had its own specifics. The first period (Kharkiv) was supposed to put the system of survey, monitoring, and rational use of game resources on a scientific basis, as well as to streamline and direct the work of hunting communities. The second phase (‘Zavorychi’) was focused on providing the state with the necessary amount of fur for the needs of international trade and (undoubtedly) the military. The third phase remains the most obscure and is most likely associated with the formation of elite hunting grounds. The fourth phase (Cherkasy) was characterised by increased attention to fur farming and a waning interest in hunting as such. The fifth phase (Kyiv and Oleshky) was characterised by a cooperation with the State Committee of Forestry, the Ukrainian Society of Hunters and Fishermen, and certain (elite) farms. It is shown that the origins of many well-known scientific schools in Ukraine are related to hunting practices and that game management laboratories became leaders in developing action plans to maintain populations of game animals.

New world lampyrid types at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences

New World lampyrid taxonomy faces severe taxonomic impediments. Most species remain known from original taxonomic descriptions only, often insufficient for accurate identification. Therefore, the study of type specimens is critical to ensure proper identification. The Russian entomologist Viktor Ivanovich Motschulsky was one of the most important authors of firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) taxonomy during the XIXth century, and his work is still relevant today. Part of his material, including the type specimens of several species, is deposited at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Unlike their European, Asian, and Oceanian counterparts, the taxonomy of Neotropical fireflies is still in its infancy, partly due to largely outdated literature and difficulties in accessing type specimens. Here, we review the type specimens of 38 firefly species deposited at ZIN, 15 of which are holotypes and 7 are lectotypes. For each specimen, the name-bearing status, condition of preservation, as well as the associated label data are provided. Lectotypes are designated for the following species described by Motschulsky: Bicellonycha lividipennis, Ellychnia californica, Lychnuris klugii, Macrolampis longipennis, Pseudolychnuris suturalis, Telephoroides lineaticollis, Telephoroide occidentalis.

Description of a new species of the genus Polycaena Staudinger, 1886 (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae) from China with designation of lectotype of Polycaena lua Grum-Grshimailo, 1891

A new species, Polycaena eckweileri sp. n., is described from Gansu Province, China. Based on the analysis of the barcode region of the mitochondrial COI gene, the new species belongs to the P. lama Leech, 1893 species group. The new species differs from all the known species of the genus in peculiar characters of the male genitalia. Polycaena eckweileri sp. n. is known to date only from the type locality in Têwo County. The phylogenetic reconstruction of the main lineages of the genus Polycaena based on analysis of a 658 bp region of the COI mitochondrial gene is provided for the first time. Lectotype of Polycaena lua Grum-Grshimailo, 1891 is designated from a series of syntypes deposited in the collection of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Testing Mini-FLOTAC for the Monitorization of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Birds Kept at Four Iberian Zoological Institutions

Birds kept in zoological institutions are highly exposed to gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism caused by coccidia and nematodes. The current research aimed to characterize the avian GI parasitic fauna in several zoological collections in Portugal and Spain. During the full year of 2022, a total of 120 fecal samples were collected from four zoological institutions: Lisbon Zoo, Olivais Pedagogical Farm, and Avian Biodiversity Center (Lisbon, Portugal), and Avifauna park (Lugo, Spain). Analysis was conducted in domestic bird species (autochthonous and exotic poultry breeds), and 18 different exotic bird species like Galliformes (peacock, pheasant), Anseriformes (duck), Psittaciformes (parrot, macaw, cockatiel, parakeet, cockatoo), Coraciiformes (motmot), Charadriiformes (avocet), Strigiformes (owl), Phoenicopteriformes (flamingo), Struthioniformes (ostrich), Rheiformes (rhea), and Casuariiformes (emu, cassowary). Feces were processed using Mini-FLOTAC (MF), to identify parasitic forms and quantify their shedding (oocysts or eggs per gram of feces). Moreover, 15 fecal samples from pheasants were also processed using the McMaster method (McM), to compare the parasite shedding and frequencies between techniques. MF implementation allowed identification of coccidia infections in all bird collections. Also, peacocks of the Lisbon Zoo tested positive for Trichostrongylus tenuis and Strongyloides pavonis, and the exotic birds from Avifauna park were also positive for several nematode species, with Ascaridia sp., Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., and Syngamus trachea eggs being detected in pheasants’ feces. Moreover, the analysis of pheasants’ feces with MF detected prevalences of 33% for coccidia oocysts, and 47% for Capillaria sp. and Ascaridia sp. eggs, while McM detected prevalences of 13%, 27%, and 40% for the respective parasite taxa, with no differences being observed between methods (p = 0.39, p = 0.45, and p = 0.50, respectively). This research provided more scientific support regarding the importance of using Mini-FLOTAC in routine parasitological diagnosis in birds kept at zoological institutions.

GUT MICROBIOME DIVERSITY OF THREE RHINOCEROS SPECIES IN EUROPEAN ZOOS.

The wild rhinoceros populations have declined drastically in the past decades because the rhinoceros are heavily hunted for their horns. Zoological institutions aim to conserve rhinoceros populations in captivity, but one of the challenges of ex situ conservation is to provide food sources that resemble those available in the wild. Considering that the mammalian gut microbiota is a pivotal player in their host's health, the gut microbiota of rhinoceros may also play a role in the bioavailability of nutrients. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the fecal microbiome composition of grazing white rhinoceros (WR; Ceratotherium simum) and greater one-horned rhinoceros (GOHR; Rhinoceros unicornis) as well as the browsing black rhinoceros (BR; Diceros bicornis) kept in European zoos. Over the course of 1 yr, 166 fecal samples in total were collected from 9 BR (n = 39), 10 GOHR (n = 56), and 14 WR (n = 71) from 23 zoological institutions. The bacterial composition in the samples was determined using 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing. The fecal microbiomes of rhinoceros clustered by species, with BR clustering more distantly from GOHR and WR. Furthermore, the data report clustering of rhinoceros microbiota according to individual rhinoceros and institutional origin, showing that zoological institutions play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome of rhinoceros species. In addition, BR exhibit a relatively higher microbial diversity than GOHR and WR. BR seem more susceptible to microbial gut changes and appear to have a more diverse microbiome composition among individuals than GOHR and WR. These data expand on the role of gut microbes and can provide baseline data for continued efforts in rhinoceros conservation and health status.