The Iberian lynx, (
Lynx pardinus), is the most endangered felid in the world. To determine whether sympatric carnivores are reservoirs of pathogens posing a disease risk for the lynx, evidence of ...exposure to 17 viral, bacterial and protozoan agents was investigated in 176 carnivores comprising 26 free-living lynx, 53 domestic cats, 28 dogs, 33 red foxes (
Vulpes vulpes), 24 Egyptian mongooses (
Herpestes ichneumon), 10 common genets (
Genetta genetta) and 2 Eurasian badgers (
Meles meles) in the areas inhabited by the last two populations of Iberian lynx, both in Andalusia (South-Western Spain).
The results indicated that the lynx had low rates of contact with viral pathogens, with one seropositive finding each for feline leukemia virus, parvovirus and canine adenovirus-1, whereas contact with bacteria and protozoa appeared more frequent. Active infections with parvovirus,
Ehrlichia spp.,
Mycobacterium bovis,
Leptospira interrogans and
Cytauxzoon spp. were confirmed. In contrast, 53% of the domestic cats were exposed to some infectious agent (prevalence range 4.5–11.4%). Antibodies to canine distemper virus and parvovirus were frequently found in dogs (32% and 42%, respectively) and foxes (30% and 12%). Past or present infections with parvovirus,
Ehrlichia spp.,
Chlamydophila spp.,
M. bovis,
Salmonella enterica,
L. interrogans,
Toxoplasma gondii, and
Neospora caninum were also detected in these and other species surveyed.
Questionnaires to owners revealed that 14% of the dogs but none of the cats had been vaccinated, and no cat had been neutered. Based on the apparent absence of acquired immunity of the lynx against infectious agents, the frequent detection of agents among sympatric carnivores, and the reported lack of immunocompetence of the Iberian lynx, a disease outbreak among the local abundant carnivores may pose a serious disease risk for lynx conservation.
•We described the development of daily activity in captive Iberian lynx cubs.•We analyzed the ontogeny of circadian rhythm in captive Iberian lynx cubs.•Daily activity was stabilized by 50% from the ...third month of life.•Captive Iberian lynx showed a crepuscular circadian pattern similar to that observed in wild lynx.
The aim of this paper is to describe the ontogeny of the circadian activity rhythms in captive-born Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) from birth to subadult age and to verify if they develop a bimodal circadian pattern similar to the one they show in the wild. The amount of daily activity and the circadian rhythmicity of 61 Iberian lynx (48 mother-raised and 13 hand-reared) cubs were studied in two breeding centers. During the first month of life, the cubs were active 30% of the day. Activity increased up to 50% during the following two weeks, and then it remained constant until the end of the lynx physical development. The location of the breeding center affected the amount of daily activity of the cubs probably as result of different climatic conditions. Once the lynx cubs had completed their development, there was no difference in the time spent active between wild and captive lynx. Newborns had a constant level of activity throughout the day (24h) during the first month of life. During the second month, once they had developed sufficiently to leave the den, a crepuscular bimodal circadian rhythm started to emerge. This pattern was completely defined by the third month of life. The overlap in circadian activity was over 0.88 when comparing the sexes, breeding centers and rearing methods. However, there was a significant difference between mother-raised and hand-reared cubs – the latter being more active in the morning–, as well as between breeding centers – again due to climate differences. Finally, an overlap of 0.85 in circadian activity pattern was observed between wild and captive lynx, although the wild animals were more active at night.
The Iberian lynx (
) is one of the most endangered felid species in the world. Conservation efforts have increased its population size and distribution and reinforced their genetic diversity through ...captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. Among several threats that the Iberian lynx faces, infectious and parasitic diseases have underlined effects on the health of their newly reintroduced populations, being essential to identify the primary sources of these agents and assess populations health status. To achieve this, 79 fresh faecal samples from Iberian lynx and sympatric mesocarnivores were collected in the reintroduction area of Extremadura, Spain. Samples were submitted to copromicroscopic analyses to assess parasite diversity, prevalence, and mean intensity of parasite burden. Overall, 19 (24.1%, ±15.1-35.0) samples were positive for at least one enteric parasite species. Parasite diversity and prevalence were higher in the Iberian lynx (43.8%) compared with the others mesocarnivores under study (e.g., the red fox
and the Egyptian mongoose
). Ancylostomatidae and
were the most prevalent (15.6%) parasites. Obtained results revealed that Iberian lynx role as predator control might have reduced parasite cross-transmission between this felid and mesocarnivores due to their decreasing abundances. Surveillance programs must include regular monitoring of this endangered felid, comprising mesocarnivores, but also domestic/feral and wild cat communities.
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•Orientation values towards wildlife are diverse and not exclusive in rural key actors.•‘Environmental concerns’ is associated to knowledge about lynx historical presence.•’Dominion’ ...does not impede holding a positive opinion about lynx reintroduction.•Perceptions about ‘wild’ and ‘predator’ can be an obstacle to lynx conservation.•Single-fixed categories are reductionist to describe relationships with nature.
Iberian Lynx reintroduction started in southern Portugal in 2015. As part of this project we have been following local key actors’ positions towards the process, including their perceptions about this threatened species and other predators. Using an ethnographic approach and conducting interviews we explored local discourses about nature, environmentalism, predators and reasons for positions towards reintroduction of a wild species.
We categorized the content of 94 interviews in terms of value orientations towards wildlife. We found that as well as dominion and utilitarian dispositions, other ways of relating to the wild could be found including ‘affection’, ‘attraction’, ‘environmental concerns’ and ‘symbolism’. In fact categories are not exclusive and there is a diversity of values towards wildlife in rural key actors. Environmental discourse is integrated in a local culture where being dominant over wildlife and nature is the main way of relating to it in particularly with respect to those related to hunting activities. However that was not a hindrance to being positive about reintroduction. Furthermore local memory about the historical presence of the lynx was significantly associated with the category ‘environmental concerns’.
Single-fixed categories are reductionist and limited for describing relationships with nature. Content analysis of spontaneous discourse and having knowledge about human practices proves to be important for an ethnoecological characterization of the coexistence of humans and lynx.
Appropriations of the lynx as a local theme by social groups are described and a reflection about wildlife ownership, human-predator competition and wildness meanings as well as ontologies is presented. Local perspectives have implications for conservation projects and must be incorporated into management decision-making.
Thirty fecal samples from wild specimens of Iberian lynx were collected and analyzed for Enterococcus spp. (27 isolates) and Escherichia coli (18 isolates) recovery. The 45 isolates obtained were ...tested for antimicrobial resistance, molecular mechanisms of resistance, and presence of virulence genes. Among the enterococci, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus hirae were the most prevalent species (11 isolates each), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (5 isolates). High percentages of resistance to tetracycline and erythromycin (33% and 30%, respectively) were detected among enterococcal isolates. The tet(M) and/or tet(L), erm(B), aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia, ant(6)-Ia, or aph(3′)-IIIa genes were detected among resistant enterococci. Virulence genes were detected in one E. faecalis isolate (cpd, cylB, and cylL) and one E. hirae isolate (cylL). High percentages of resistance were detected in E. coli isolates to tetracycline (33%), streptomycin (28%), nalidixic acid (28%), and sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim (SXT, 22%). Additionally, the blaTEM, tet(A), aadA, cmlA, and different combinations of sul genes were detected among most ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, chloramphenicol and SXT-resistant isolates, respectively. Two isolates contained a class 1 integron with the gene cassette arrays dfrA1+aadA1 and dfrA12+aadA2. The E. coli isolates were ascribed to phylo-groups A (n=5); B1 (n=4); B2 (n=6), and D (n=3), with the virulence gene fimA present in all E. coli isolates. This study found resistance genes in wild specimens of Iberian lynx. Thus, it is important to notice that multiresistant bacteria have reached species as rare and completely non-synanthropic as the Iberian lynx. Furthermore, the susceptibility of this endangered species to bacterial infection may be affected by the presence of these virulence and resistance genes.
•Antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus spp. and E. coli from wild Iberian lynx•High percentages of resistance to tetracycline, erythromycin and streptomycin•Half of E. coli isolates were ascribed to phylogenetic groups B2 and D.•High prevalence of resistance genes and virulence determinants in commensal E. coli
Abstract
Background
When assessing connectivity, it is crucial to rely on accurate modeling frameworks that consider species movement preferences and patterns. One important aspect is the level of ...randomness or unpredictability in the route selection. In this respect, traditional approaches (based on least-cost path or circuit theory) consider species movements unrealistically as totally deterministic or as totally random. A recent approach (randomized shortest path) advocates for choosing intermediate levels of randomness through a single parameter. This parameter may be optimized by validating connectivity surfaces developed from different levels of randomness against observed movement data. However, connectivity models are seldom validated, and it is still unclear how to approach this task. To address this knowledge gap, this paper aims at comparing different validation methods to infer the optimal randomness level in connectivity studies. Additionally, we aimed to disentangle the practical consequences of applying traditional connectivity approaches versus using an optimized level of movement randomness when delineating corridors.
Methods
These objectives were accomplished through the study case of the Iberian lynx, an endangered species whose maintenance and recovery depend on the current connectivity among its population nuclei. We firstly determined a conductance surface based on point selection functions accounting for the behavioral state (territorial or exploratory) of individuals. Secondly, we identified the level of randomness that better fits lynxes’ movements with independent GPS locations and different validation techniques. Lastly, we delineated corridors between lynx population nuclei through a) the randomized shortest path approach and the extreme and optimal levels of randomness of each validation method, and b) the traditional connectivity approaches.
Results
According to all used validation methodologies, models with intermediate levels of randomness outperformed those with extreme randomness levels representing totally deterministic or random movements. We found differences in the optimal randomness level among validation methods but similar results in the delineation of corridors. Our results also revealed that models with extreme randomness levels (deterministic and random walk) of the randomized path approach provided equivalent corridor networks to those from traditional approaches. Moreover, these corridor networks calculated with traditional approaches showed notable differences in patterns from the corridor network calculated with an optimized randomness level.
Conclusions
Here we presented a connectivity model with a solid biological basis that calibrates the level of movement randomness and is supported by comprehensive validation methods. It is thus a step forward in the search and evaluation of connectivity approaches that lead to improved, efficient, and successful management actions.
To document the biochemical and pathologic features of vitamin D intoxication in lynx and to characterize mineral metabolism in healthy lynx, blood samples were obtained from 40 captive lynx that had ...been receiving excessive (approximately 30 times the recommended dose) vitamin D3 in the diet, and from 29 healthy free ranging lynx. Tissue samples (kidney, stomach, lung, heart and aorta) were collected from 13 captive lynx that died as a result of renal disease and from 3 controls. Vitamin D intoxication resulted in renal failure in most lynx (n = 28), and widespread extraskeletal calcification was most severe in the kidneys and less prominent in cardiovascular tissues. Blood minerals and calciotropic hormones in healthy lynx were similar to values reported in domestic cats except for calcitriol which was higher in healthy lynx. Changes in mineral metabolism after vitamin D intoxication included hypercalcemia (12.0 ± 0.3 mg/dL), hyperphosphatemia (6.3 ± 0.4 mg/dL), increased plasma calcidiol (381.5 ± 28.2 ng/mL) and decreased plasma parathyroid hormone (1.2 ± 0.7 pg/mL). Hypercalcemia and, particularly, hyperphosphatemia were of lower magnitude that what has been previously reported in the course of vitamin D intoxication in other species. However, extraskeletal calcifications were severe. The data suggest that lynx are sensitive to excessive vitamin D and extreme care should be taken when supplementing this vitamin in captive lynx diets.
The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is an endangered species restricted to several areas of Spain and Portugal. Its low genetic diversity likely provokes immune depression and high susceptibility to ...infectious diseases. The intestinal microbiota is closely related to host health and nutrition. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the Iberian lynx intestinal microbiota, fecal microbiota of captive specimens from two breeding centers ("La Olivilla" and "El Acebuche"), located in Southern Spain, were studied by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). Results grouped microbiota in two main clusters (I and III) which included DGGE patterns of 19 out of 36 specimens, cluster I being the most frequent in "La Olivilla" (50%) and cluster III in "El Acebuche" (55.55 %) specimens. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla were identified. Segregation of clusters I and III was attributed to different microorganism presence (Pseudomonas koreensis, Pseudomonas migulae, Carnobacterium sp., Arthrobacter, Robinsoniella peorensis and Ornithinibacillus sp.) and ability to use different carbon sources. Biolog EcoPlates® results indicate high functional diversity of fecal microbiota, it being higher in cluster III. The great impact of intestinal microbiota on host health supports the importance of its microbial composition understanding. This study is the first report of captive Iberian lynx fecal microbiota composition. Int Microbiol 20(1): 31-41 (2017).
The Southeast region of Portugal, particularly the Guadiana valley, is currently the reintroduction territory of Lynx pardinus (Iberian lynx), one of the most endangered felids in the world that is ...only found in the Iberian Peninsula. Over the last century, populations have declined, placing L. pardinus at extremely high risk of extinction in the wild and relying on reintroduction projects. Among the aspects taken into account in the establishment of new populations is the sanitary status of the selected habitats, especially concerning infectious diseases, including tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). This study presents the results of TBPs survey on ticks collected at sensitive conservation areas of Southeast Portugal. From 2012 to 2014, 231 ticks obtained from vegetation, sympatric domestic and wild animals were submitted for analysis. The presence of Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, among other Anaplasmataceae, and Coxiella burnetii were investigated by PCR. Six tick species were recorded, Dermacentor marginatus (n = 13/5.6%), Hyalomma lusitanicum (n = 175/75.8%), Ixodes ricinus (n = 4/1.7%), Rhipicephalus bursa (n = 7/3.0%), R. pusillus (n = 21/9.1%) and R. sanguineus sensu lato (n = 11/4.8%). The molecular screening confirmed the presence of two tick-borne pathogens, C. burnetii (N = 34) and Anaplasma platys (N = 1), and one tick-endosymbiont, Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii (N = 45). The results obtained provide new information on the circulation of ticks and TBPs with potential veterinary importance in Iberian lynx habitat.
•231 ticks from six species were collected in Iberian Lynx reintroduction areas.•Hyalomma lusitanicum was the dominant species with new data on hosts and tick-borne agents association.•Two pathogens (C. burnetii and A. platys) and a tick-endosymbiont were detected by PCR.•These are veterinary pathogens that could have potential impact on Lynx population fitness.
The feline immunodeficiency virus is a
lentivirus
that infects felids worldwide. It may induce a profound immunodysfunction in domestic cats, while wild felids seem less prone to disease. During ...routine health check monitoring of the endangered Iberian lynx populations, 465 samples from 311 individuals were tested between 2004 and 2017. All of them tested negative for molecular detection of provirus. Similarly, only one adult male tested positive for FIV antibodies by means of both ELISA and immunoblot. This lack of contact contrasts with the seropositivity detected in other wild felid species, mainly in Africa and the Americas, and confirms that the Iberian Peninsula is not an FIV-endemic area. To prevent a potential disease spreading, the seropositive individual was kept captive for 22 months and remained FIV antibody-positive and antigen-negative during this period. After evaluating potential risks, it was re-introduced to nature. Among other possibilities, this Iberian lynx could have cleared an FIV infection. Moreover, we found 0% qPCR prevalence in 84 feral cats sampled in the area between 2012 and 2016.
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