Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tamao Maeda, Sakiho Ochi, Monamie Ringhofer, Sebastian Sosa, Cedric Sueur, Satoshi Hirata, Shinya Yamamoto
Summary: The study utilized drone data to examine the multilevel structure of feral horse society, revealing patterns of unit relationships and positioning that indicate the presence of a hierarchical social organization. This contributes to understanding the functions and mechanisms of multilevel societies and offers insights for future cross-species comparisons and social modeling.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sarah A. Medill, David M. Janz, Philip D. McLoughlin
Summary: This study explores the concentrations of cortisol and testosterone in horse hair, and finds that these hormone levels are associated with an individual's social position and reproductive status. There are significant differences in hair cortisol concentrations among horses in different social positions, with immature males having lower levels. Hair testosterone concentrations are significantly higher in dominant breeding stallions compared to other social positions. These findings align with established literature on the physiological and social aspects of hormone concentrations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tamao Maeda, Cedric Sueur, Satoshi Hirata, Shinya Yamamoto
Summary: The study found that feral horses in a multilevel society best supported hypothesis D, which suggests that they coordinate with other conspecifics not only within a unit but also at an inter-unit level. This indicates that animals in a multilevel society synchronize their activities across units, not just within units.
Article
Ecology
Renata S. Mendonca, Pandora Pinto, Tamao Maeda, Sota Inoue, Monamie Ringhofer, Shinya Yamamoto, Satoshi Hirata
Summary: This article examines the demographic and dynamic changes of a population of Garranos horses in Serra d'Arga over six breeding seasons. The study finds that human interference and predation pressures have led to a drastic decline in the population, compromising their viability and survival. The research highlights the importance of managing populations and fighting against the extinction of horse breeds.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ovidiu Rosu, Iulia Melega, Alina L. Evans, Jon M. Arnemo, Susanne Kuker
Summary: The study evaluated the immobilization of 91 feral horses using a combination of 30 mg medetomidine and 775 mg ketamine, achieving successful immobilization in the majority of horses with smooth recoveries except for a few that required supplemental ketamine or antagonists. Oxygen supplementation is recommended due to observed hypoxemia during immobilization.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Alyson M. Andreasen, Kelley M. Stewart, William S. Longland, Jon P. Beckmann
Summary: Natural controls on exotic species are desirable due to lower costs and greater social acceptance. In the Great Basin ecosystem, cougars successfully prey on feral horses of all age classes.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biology
Li Ang, Gabriel Vinderola, Akihito Endo, Juha Kantanen, Chen Jingfeng, Ana Binetti, Patricia Burns, Shi Qingmiao, Ding Suying, Yu Zujiang, David Rios-Covian, Anastasia Mantziari, Shea Beasley, Carlos Gomez-Gallego, Gueimonde . Miguel, Seppo Salminen
Summary: Compared with their wild ancestors, domesticated horses have a different fecal microbiome composition and abundance, potentially influenced by diet and antibiotic use.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Renata S. Mendonca, Pandora Pinto, Sota Inoue, Monamie Ringhofer, Raquel Godinho, Satoshi Hirata
Summary: Investigating affiliative behaviors in feral horse populations revealed that social bonds and group cohesion are mainly sustained by familiar individuals, especially in newly formed groups. Same-sex dyads prefer close proximity, while grooming reinforces bonds between individuals of both sexes.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chodkiewicz Anna, Pronczuk Martyna, Studnicki Marcin, Wojcik Dawid
Summary: Research shows that Konik horses in European temperate wetlands mainly select open grasslands as their habitat during the growing season, while avoiding forests. The horses' habitat selection may depend on humidity and weather conditions, which may limit their role in protecting these ecological communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Peter S. Coates, Shawn T. O'neil, Diana A. Munoz, Ian A. Dwight, John C. Tull
Summary: In recent years, the population of feral horses in sagebrush ecosystems has drastically increased, exceeding the maximum appropriate management levels set by administrators; meanwhile, the population of sage-grouse in these environments continues to decline. Research indicates that exceeding a certain threshold of horse abundance leads to a decrease in sage-grouse populations, while appropriate management levels can mitigate this impact.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhineng Hao, Fasong Li, Rui Liu, Xiaoxia Zhou, Yujing Mu, Virender K. Sharma, Jingfu Liu, Guibin Jiang
Summary: The formation of silver nanoparticles in the atmosphere via reduction of Ag(I) by SO2 in moist environments is a previously unreported phenomenon, involving complex chemical processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sarah A. Medill, David M. Janz, Philip D. McLoughlin
Summary: Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in feral horses on Sable Island is primarily influenced by sex, age, body condition, and year effects. It is also affected by the presence or absence of a foal and social factors such as harem size and the number of bachelors in the area.
Article
Ecology
Jacob D. Hennig, Jeffrey L. Beck, Caleb J. Gray, J. Derek Scasta
Summary: The study found high temporal overlap in water use among feral horses, cattle, and pronghorn in a management area in the western United States, while mule deer and elk showed lower overlap with horses and cattle. Despite the temporal overlap, there was no evidence of interference competition between feral horses, cattle, and pronghorn.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Zoology
R. S. Mendonca, T. Maeda, P. Pinto, S. Inoue, M. Ringhofer, S. Yamamoto, S. Hirata
Summary: The position individuals occupy in social networks is crucial for maximizing fitness and group cohesion. In this study, we examined the relationship between proximity, grooming, and agonistic networks in feral horse groups. We found that proximity and grooming are closely linked to promoting social bonding, while agonism may result from close contact. Sociodemographic factors influence network centrality differently, with females and higher-ranking individuals being more central in spatial networks and younger ones benefiting from higher centrality in affiliative networks. Our results shed light on the costs and benefits of network centrality in non-matrilineal societies and mechanisms leading to social cohesion.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emil Ellegaard Thomassen, Eva Egelyng Sigsgaard, Mads Reinholdt Jensen, Kent Olsen, Morten D. D. Hansen, Jens-Christian Svenning, Philip Francis Thomsen
Summary: Trophic rewilding has been increasingly used in restoration efforts to reintroduce large-bodied mammals and promote biodiverse ecosystems. However, empirical evidence on the effects of megafauna introductions on other organisms and the mechanisms involved is still limited. This study used environmental DNA analysis of dung from feral cattle and horses to assess seasonal variations in their plant diet and dung-associated invertebrates. The results showed differences in diet and invertebrate communities between the two herbivores, demonstrating their complementary effects on vegetation and biodiversity. These findings are important for decision-making in rewilding projects.
