Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suchaya Sanhajariya, Stephen B. Duffull, Geoffrey K. Isbister
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of myotoxicity following red-bellied black snake envenomation and found that early antivenom administration could reduce the incidence of myotoxicity. The venom concentration profile does not seem to be the main driver for myotoxicity, indicating that additional factors affecting patient sensitivity to snake venom/toxins need to be explored further.
Article
Neurosciences
Valentina Rueda-Garcia, Iang Schroniltgen Rondon-Barragan
Summary: This study characterizes the neurogranin gene in Colombian red-bellied pacu fish and investigates its expression in brain injury and sublethal toxicity. The findings demonstrate differential expression of NRGN under different experimental conditions, suggesting its potential as a biomarker in the fish brain.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Judith Schneider, Eduard Mas-Carrio, Catherine Jan, Christian Miquel, Pierre Taberlet, Katarzyna Michaud, Luca Fumagalli
Summary: Stomach content analyses are a valuable tool in human forensic science to interpret perimortem events. DNA metabarcoding has the potential to increase sensitivity and taxonomic resolution in identifying food components. This pilot study applied DNA metabarcoding to assess plant and vertebrate components of human stomach content samples, showing promising perspectives for biomedical dietary surveys.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Julieth Michel Petano-Duque, Kelly Johanna Lozano-Villegas, Angel Enrique Cespedes-Rubio, Iang Schroniltgen Rondon-Barragan
Summary: This study characterizes the HAMP1 gene and its expression in different tissues, as well as its regulation in brain injury and organophosphate exposure in Piaractus brachypomus. The study suggests that the HAMP1 gene may be involved in inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoxia and oxidative stress response.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hao Zheng, Junjie Wang, Hairong Fan, Shuocun Wang, Ruiwei Ye, Linxue Li, Sheng Wang, An Li, Yiming Lu
Summary: Predator-prey arms races provide ideal models for studying natural selection and adaptive evolution in the formation of biodiversity. This study focused on two closely related sea snakes with different prey preferences. Using proteomic analysis, the researchers found differences in venom composition and toxin-receptor binding activity between the two snakes, which are explained by trophic specialization. Additionally, noncoding RNAs were identified as regulators of toxin gene expression. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular basis and regulatory mechanisms of venom evolution in response to divergent diets, contributing to the understanding of coselection and coevolution in predator-prey ecosystems.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Esther Sebastian-Gonzalez, Jon Morant, Marcos Moleon, Daniel Redondo-Gomez, Zebensui Morales-Reyes, Roberto Pascual-Rico, Juan Manuel Perez-Garcia, Eneko Arrondo
Summary: This study reveals an underestimation of the role of scavengers in vertebrate food webs, especially for non-predator species and mammals. It suggests further investigation and recognition of the importance of carrion as a food resource for vertebrates.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dylan L. Bakner, Kevin M. Ringelman
Summary: Artificial nesting structures have been used to aid in the recovery and maintenance of avian populations, such as wood ducks. However, woodpeckers cannot be excluded from nest boxes, and this study found that red-bellied woodpeckers are predators of wood duck eggs. The researchers used custom-modified trail cameras to document the foraging and egg depredation behaviors of red-bellied woodpeckers and the egg removal actions of wood ducks.
Article
Ecology
Diego Sierra Ramirez, Giovany Guevara, Lida Marcela Franco Perez, Arie van Der Meijden, Julio Cesar Gonzalez-Gomez, Juan Carlos Valenzuela-Rojas, Carlos Fernando Prada Quiroga
Summary: Using DNA metabarcoding, the study examined the diet of the wandering spider P. boliviensis in three different Colombian populations, revealing a broadened diet with previously unregistered prey items. The spider was found to mainly feed on invertebrates and occasionally on small squamates, with observed differences in diet between genders and populations likely related to local prey availability. DNA metabarcoding is suggested as a useful tool for evaluating subtle dietary differences in distinct populations when direct observation is not feasible.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Taichi Fujii, Kaoru Ueno, Tomoyasu Shirako, Masatoshi Nakamura, Motoyasu Minami
Summary: This study used DNA metabarcoding to identify plant-derived food resources for the Japanese rock ptarmigan, and found that the Ericaceae family was the dominant food source. Rarefaction analysis showed that the food plant resources varied in different collection periods.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sharmila Tamang, Hari Prasad Sharma, Jerrold L. Belant
Summary: The Chinese pangolin is a critically endangered species in Nepal, inhabiting forests, agricultural lands, and grasslands. Habitat characteristics such as forest canopy cover, slopes, and distance to agricultural lands and ant nests influence its occurrence. Fecal analysis showed that Aphaenogaster symthiesii, Camponotus sp., Monomorium sp., and Pheidole sp. are the dominant prey in its diet. This study provides important baseline information for Chinese pangolin conservation in Nepal.
Article
Ecology
Nickolas Moreno, Andrew Heaton, Kaylin Bruening, Emma Milligan, David Nelson, Scott Glaberman, Ylenia Chiari
Summary: Pseudemys alabamensis is highly endangered due to habitat restriction and threat of hybridization with other turtle species. Genetic differentiation exists between populations in Alabama and Mississippi, with evidence of inbreeding and reduced population sizes. Conservation efforts should focus on habitat preservation, maintaining genetic diversity, and population monitoring.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ashley N. Peterson, Matthew J. McHenry
Summary: This study examines the strategy of red lionfish in pursuing faster prey. The behavior of successfully capturing prey is defined as the "persistent-predation strategy", which includes pure pursuit, uninterrupted motion, and high success rate in strike.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Ruben C. Cuadros, Norma L. S. Rivadeneyra, Anai Flores-Gonzales, Omar Mertins, Jose C. O. Malta, M. Enrique Serrano-Martinez, Patrick D. Mathews
Summary: The study identified the parasitic infection of R. rondoni nematode in farmed red-bellied pacu in the Peruvian Amazon, causing histopathological alterations in the intestinal tissue. These alterations include villi fusion, edema, and disorganization of epithelial cells. The findings highlight the importance of improving parasitic prevention and control strategies to prevent future disease outbreaks.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Adam J. D. Marques, Vanessa A. Mata, Guillermo Velo-Anton
Summary: DNA metabarcoding is a useful tool for dietary analysis of predators, with the study on fire salamander diets revealing them as generalist feeders. Differences in primers do not significantly affect prey detection, while varying prevalence of prey was observed in different sampling regions.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Stacey R. Tecot, Madalena Birr, Juliana Dixon, Jean Pierre Lahitsara, Dominique Razafindraibe, Soafaniry Razanajatovo, Alicia S. Arroyo, Aime Victor Tombotiana, Jean Baptiste Velontsara, Andrea L. Baden
Summary: Fathers play a significant role in infant care, although the mechanisms of paternal bonding and interactions are not well understood. Hormonal changes occur in males transitioning into parenthood, and elevated estradiol levels might be associated with paternal care. However, this study on red-bellied lemurs found that infant age, rather than paternal behavior, correlated with hormone levels in new fathers, indicating that estradiol may not be directly linked to day-to-day paternal care expression. Further research should explore estradiol's role in facilitating behaviors and preparing fathers for infant care.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David E. Peacock, Bronwyn A. Fancourt, Matthew C. McDowell, Ian Abbott
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2018)
Article
Zoology
Bronwyn A. Fancourt, Mark Sweaney, Don B. Fletcher
AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY
(2018)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Bronwyn A. Fancourt, Stewart C. Nicol
VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Parasitology
P. L. Taggart, B. A. Fancourt, J. Fabijan, D. E. Peacock, K. N. Speight, C. G. B. Caraguel, M. M. McAllister
JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Bronwyn A. Fancourt, Peter Cremasco, Cameron Wils, Matthew N. Gentle
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bronwyn A. Fancourt, John Augusteyn, Peter Cremasco, Barry Nolan, Samuel Richards, James Speed, Cameron Wilson, Matthew N. Gentle
Summary: Reducing the impacts of invasive predators is a global goal, but the effectiveness of control programs varies. This study focused on a predator baiting program and found that bait availability, attractiveness, and lethality factors contributed to its inefficacy in reducing feral cat populations. Improving bait deployment patterns, densities, and palatability could enhance future control program outcomes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bronwyn A. Fancourt, Christine Zirbel, Peter Cremasco, Peter Elsworth, Glen Harry, Matthew N. Gentle
Summary: Feral cats pose a significant threat to wildlife, agriculture, and human health, but controlling them is challenging. New 1080-based feral cat baits have shown promising results in Australia, but their safety for nontarget species in eastern Australia needs further assessment. Our study found that small Eradicat baits present a greater risk to nontarget species in eastern Australia, emphasizing the importance of conducting site-specific risk assessments for different bait types.
INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Patrick L. Taggart, Bronwyn A. Fancourt, Wayne S. J. Boardman, David E. Peacock, Charles G. B. Caraguel
Summary: The study found that the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in kangaroos is proportionate to infection pressure, but there was no difference in seroprevalence for other species in regions of low infection pressure. In regions with high infection pressure, there was significant variation in seroprevalence between species.
JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
T. Henderson, B. A. Fancourt, R. Rajaratnam, K. Vernes, G. Ballard
Summary: In fragmented landscapes, there is no spatial or temporal separation between the endangered spotted-tailed quolls and introduced red foxes, suggesting that the low fox density at the site may facilitate their coexistence. The lack of separation may explain local extinctions of quolls in other fragmented landscapes where they do not modify their activity to avoid foxes. Future research should investigate interactions between quolls and foxes along a gradient of fox densities to understand how higher fox densities impact coexistence in fragmented landscapes.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
T. Henderson, B. A. Fancourt, R. Rajaratnam, K. Vernes, G. Ballard
Summary: This study demonstrates that fragmented forest landscapes can still support relatively high densities of quolls, highlighting the importance of preserving these fragmented habitats for the conservation of endangered quoll populations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Zoology
T. Henderson, B. A. Fancourt, R. Rajaratnam, K. Vernes, G. Ballard
Summary: The spotted-tailed quoll is an endangered mesopredator in Australia that is generally associated with large, intact forested habitats. However, recent research has shown that they can also thrive in fragmented agricultural landscapes, suggesting that their habitat preferences may be more flexible than previously assumed.
Article
Ecology
Patrick L. Taggart, Bronwyn A. Fancourt, David Peacock, Charles G. B. Caraguel, Milton M. McAllister
Article
Ecology
Patrick L. Taggart, Bronwyn A. Fancourt, Andrew Bengsen, David E. Peacock, Patrick Lodgens, John L. Read, Milton M. McAllister, Charles C. B. Caraguel
Article
Ecology
Bronwyn A. Fancourt, Clare E. Hawkins, Stewart C. Nicol
Article
Zoology
Patrick L. Taggart, David E. Peacock, Bronwyn A. Fancourt
AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY
(2020)