Article
Behavioral Sciences
Noa L. A. Rigoudy, Michael Clinchy, Mike J. S. Peel, Sarah Huebner, Craig Packer, Liana Y. Zanette
Summary: Research has shown that different large carnivores inspire varying levels of fear in their ungulate prey, which may lead to different impacts on the ecosystem, highlighting the importance of conserving large carnivore populations worldwide.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lucia Ripari, Joe Premier, Elisa Belotti, Hendrik Bluhm, Christine Breitenmoser-Wursten, Ludek Bufka, Jaroslav Cerveny, Nolwenn Drouet-Hoguet, Christian Fuxjaeger, Wlodzimierz Jedrzejewski, Raido Kont, Petr Koubek, Rafal Kowalczyk, Miha Krofel, Jarmila Krojerova-Prokesova, Anja Molinari-Jobin, Henryk Okarma, Teresa Oliveira, Jaanus Remm, Krzysztof Schmidt, Fridolin Zimmermann, Stephanie Kramer-Schadt, Marco Heurich
Summary: Habitat selection is a complex process influenced by trade-offs between benefits and risks. Eurasian lynx, a large carnivore, showed sensitivity to human disturbances and preferred natural landscape features associated with shelter and prey abundance. Gender had relatively low importance in lynx's general habitat selection behavior. The study sites showed similar responses at finer selection scales, suggesting that coarse-scale selection was determined by site differences and coarse-scale selection was driven by availability rather than preference.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabriele Russo, Annemieke Milks, Dirk Leder, Tim Koddenberg, Britt M. Starkovich, M. Duval, J. -x. Zhao, Robert Darga, Wilfried Rosendahl, Thomas Terberger
Summary: This study provides new evidence of Neanderthal-cave lion interactions during the Middle Paleolithic. They discovered cave lion remains that attest to the earliest instance of a large predator kill in human history and speculated that it was caused by a wooden thrusting spear used by Neanderthals. Additionally, they found the earliest example of Neanderthals using cave lion skin in Central Europe.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Jerry Owusu Afriyie, Michael Opare Asare, Pavla Hejcmanova
Summary: Local communities in rural areas heavily rely on hunting for their livelihoods and possess valuable knowledge about wildlife ecology. Their perceptions regarding bushmeat prevalence and illegal hunting trends are influenced by factors such as location, gender, and residence time. Understanding local people's knowledge and perceptions can contribute to developing effective conservation strategies and improving local socio-ecological systems.
Article
Ecology
Joshua P. Twining, Chris Mills
Summary: The article discusses cooperative foraging as an example of advanced social behavior, highlighting evidence of it in the yellow-throated marten in India. The authors emphasize that a tropical climate and seasonal changes in fruit resources may release the species from typical constraints associated with martens, challenging the current understanding of social behaviors in solitary carnivores. They suggest that advancements in biologging technologies will provide new insights into the social complexities of wildlife and should be used to refine ecological theories regarding sociality in animal populations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marie E. Martin, Sujay Singh, David S. Green, Sean M. Matthews
Summary: Livestock grazing, a common anthropogenic land-use activity, has significant effects on ecological communities. This study investigated the effects of cattle occurrence and vegetation structure on carnivore occupancy in a grazed forest system. The results showed that cattle occurrence had varied effects on carnivore occupancy, with vegetation structure having stronger effects. The findings suggest that vegetation structure may play a more important role than cattle occurrence in determining carnivore occupancy in grazed forest systems. Further research on the direct and indirect effects of livestock occurrence can inform conservation and management strategies in forested ecosystems.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Ricardo Sampaio, Ronaldo G. Morato, Andy Royle, Mark I. Abrahams, Carlos A. Peres, Adriano G. Chiarello
Summary: This study investigates the drivers of harvest-induced game population changes in sustainable-use reserves in the Brazilian Amazon. Using camera traps, the researchers found that proximity to local communities was the main factor impacting wildlife declines, although some game species exhibited higher abundances within 5 km of communities. Other factors such as community size and urban neighborhoods also contributed to species declines. The availability of alternative aquatic protein buffered declines in only two species, while local protection measures increased species richness and abundance.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Cortni Borgerson, Steig E. Johnson, Emma Hall, Kerry A. Brown, Pamela R. Narvaez-Torres, Be Jean Rodolph Rasolofoniaina, Be Noel Razafindrapaoly, Samuel D. Merson, Katharine E. T. Thompson, Sheila M. Holmes, Edward E. Louis, Christopher D. Golden
Summary: This study analyzed the annual rates of household-level lemur hunting near ten protected areas in Madagascar, revealing that lemurs are commonly hunted across the country, with the highest hunting pressure observed in the northeastern rainforest region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jarryd P. Streicher, Tharmalingam Ramesh, Colleen T. Downs
Summary: Water mongooses in the urban matrix prefer fragments of forest and bushland habitat types close to natural water sources, demonstrating their adaptability to anthropogenically modified landscapes.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Luis G. Salazar, Nicolas Rose, Brandon Hayes, Pachka Hammami, Eric Baubet, Stephanie Desvaux, Mathieu Andraud
Summary: This study evaluated ASF transmission in two regions of France using a stochastic model, showing that the introduction of ASF dramatically impacted wild boar populations. Habitat fragmentation and landscape connectivity were identified as important factors shaping ASF propagation.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jedediah F. Brodie, Sara Williams, Brittany Garner
Summary: Biodiversity is declining globally, primarily driven by habitat loss and harvest activities. Herbivores and frugivores are particularly vulnerable to declines from hunting and habitat loss, with significant implications for plant communities and nutrient cycling. While globally phylogenetically unique species do not have an elevated risk of decline, in certain areas they are more likely to be threatened.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Justin J. Remmers, Clayton K. Nielsen, Damon B. Lesmeister
Summary: This study investigated alpha and beta diversity of mammals across a 16,058-km2 region in southern Illinois, USA. Camera traps were used to collect data, and hierarchical occupancy modeling and meta-analysis techniques were applied. The study found that forest proximity and percentage forest cover had minor effects on beta diversity, while habitat heterogeneity, anthropogenic influence, and nearby forest cover were important factors influencing mammalian biodiversity.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Barry A. Nickel, Justin P. Suraci, Anna C. Nisi, Christopher C. Wilmers
Summary: The study highlights the importance of energy demands and fear of predators in shaping animal behavior and influencing short-term movement and long-term spatial ecology. Predation risk plays a primary role in driving long-term space use, indicating that fear of humans may be a major factor affecting wildlife movements worldwide.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Sarah J. McGrath, Alison M. Behie
Summary: Approximately 60% of primate species are threatened with extinction, primarily due to hunting and habitat loss. A study conducted in Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park in Cambodia found that local residents heavily rely on the park for resources and engage in hunting primates, with pygmy slow loris and northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon being the most targeted species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kelsey A. Barnick, Austin M. Green, Mary E. Pendergast, Cagan H. Sekercioglu
Summary: Human development and roads have distinct effects on wildlife. Understanding these effects can help inform conservation strategies. We studied the mammalian community composition near a major interstate highway in northern Utah, USA. Our findings suggest that the highway does not significantly affect species richness or community similarity. Factors such as housing and human population density negatively impact mammalian community composition and species richness, while increased NDVI and decreased human footprint have a positive effect.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Steve Seltzsam, Chunyan Wang, Bixia Zheng, Nina Mann, Dervla M. Connaughton, Chen-Han Wilfred Wu, Sophia Schneider, Luca Schierbaum, Franziska Kause, Caroline M. Kolvenbach, Makiko Nakayama, Rufeng Dai, Isabel Ottlewski, Ronen Schneider, Konstantin Deutsch, Florian Buerger, Verena Klaembt, Youying Mao, Ana C. Onuchic-Whitford, Camille Nicolas-Frank, Kirollos Yousef, Dalia Pantel, Ethan W. Lai, Daanya Salmanullah, Amar J. Majmundar, Stuart B. Bauer, Nancy M. Rodig, Michael J. G. Somers, Avram Z. Traum, Deborah R. Stein, Ankana Daga, Michelle A. Baum, Ghaleb H. Daouk, Velibor Tasic, Hazem S. Awad, Loai A. Eid, Sherif El Desoky, Mohammed Shalaby, Jameela A. Kari, Hanan M. Fathy, Neveen A. Soliman, Shrikant M. Mane, Shirlee Shril, Michael A. Ferguson, Friedhelm Hildebrandt
Summary: The study explores the use of reverse phenotyping to enhance molecular genetic diagnostics in CAKUT by re-examining cases for clinical symptoms that may have been overlooked during the initial diagnosis using exome sequencing.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mmatsawela Ramahlo, Michael John Somers, Daniel William Hart, Andre Ganswindt
Summary: This study investigates the effects of anthropogenic activity and human-mediated land transformation on the native small mammal community in the Magaliesberg Biosphere of South Africa. The study finds that capture/recapture frequencies vary significantly between sites and seasons, with the highest frequencies observed at agricultural and residential farmsteads. The residential and mine-adjacent farmsteads, which experienced intermediate levels of disturbance, exhibited the highest species richness and diversity.
Article
Pediatrics
Donna J. Claes, Troy Richardson, Matthew W. Harer, Mahima Keswani, Alicia Neu, Allison C. Redpath Mahon, Michael J. Somers, Avram Z. Traum, Bradley A. Warady
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the survival and hospitalization outcomes of neonates with kidney failure. The majority of patients survived to discharge, while longer duration of mechanical ventilation and the requirement for extracorporeal dialysis were associated with increased mortality risk.
PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Jaime M. Restrepo, Laura Torres-Canchala, Hernando Londono, Eliana Manzi, Michael J. G. Somers
Summary: This study retrospectively observed a treatment protocol for recurrent FSGS, showing a high remission rate in pediatric renal transplant patients. The combination of plasmapheresis, cyclophosphamide, and standard immunosuppression treatment was found to be effective in improving remission rates for FSGS.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Asheeta Gupta, Michael J. G. Somers, Michelle A. Baum
Summary: Supportive treatment for PH1 includes high fluid intake and crystallization inhibitors. Pyridoxine and RNA interference agents can reduce urinary oxalate. Kidney dysfunction often leads to end-stage kidney disease and systemic oxalate deposition. Hemodialysis and liver transplantation are important treatments.
CLINICAL KIDNEY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Courtney J. MARNEWECK, Benjamin L. ALLEN, Andrew R. BUTLER, Emmanuel DO LINH SAN, Stephen N. HARRIS, Alex J. JENSEN, Elizabeth A. SALDO, Michael J. SOMERS, Keifer TITUS, Michael MUTHERSBAUGH, Abi VANAK, David S. JACHOWSKI
Summary: Small carnivores are more appropriate sentinels of global change than large carnivores due to their greater species diversity, wider range of ecological niches, more direct effect from changes at different trophic levels, faster response rates, easier management and monitoring.
Editorial Material
Urology & Nephrology
Michael J. G. Somers
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF KIDNEY DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Zoology
David G. Marneweck, Dave J. Druce, Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt, Elizabeth le Roux, Michael J. Somers
Summary: This study modeled the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the wild dog population in HiP, South Africa, and found that interspecific competition had a significant impact on population change and survival. Lions negatively affected adult and yearling survival, but pup survival was not affected. Wild dog populations in small protected areas showed high adaptability and could coexist with high levels of interspecific competition.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Fleur Visser, Marine Drouilly, Yoshan Moodley, Johan R. Michaux, Michael J. Somers
Summary: Research shows that current conservation strategies may not always ensure the long-term survival of threatened species. A study on lion conservation found that most research and funding are focused on southern and eastern African populations, while little attention is given to lions in West and Central Africa. Zoos also lack education programs and funding for the conservation of lions in this region. The study suggests shifting more attention and funding to the conservation of lions in West and Central Africa.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kyle Smith, Jan A. Venter, Mike Peel, Mark Keith, Michael J. Somers
Summary: Most subordinate South African carnivore species' daily activity patterns are not influenced by top-down forces from dominant species, but rather manifest as fine-scaled avoidance of core activity periods, according to camera trapping data analysis from four protected areas.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Pediatrics
Jaime Restrepo, Laura A. Torres-Canchala, Vanessa Ochoa, Hernando Londono, Michael J. G. Somers, Eliana Manzi
PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Pediatrics
JoAnn M. Morey, Michael J. G. Somers
PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Pediatrics
Camilla M. Cook, Amar Majmundar, Michael J. G. Somers
PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Emma E. M. Evers, Mariette E. Pretorius, Jan A. Venter, Terry-Lee Honiball, Mark Keith, Nokubonga Mgqatsa, Michael J. Somers
Summary: The study found temporal and spatial exclusion between lions and spotted hyenas in Madikwe Game Reserve, but no evidence of spatio-temporal partitioning between lions and leopards, and spotted hyenas and leopards. These findings suggest the need for adaptive management strategies to protect the persistence of large carnivore populations and their prey species.
Article
Ecology
E. Carlin, M. J. Somers, J. Scheun, R. Campbell, A. Ganswindt
Summary: This study used an ACTH challenge to identify a suitable enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) for measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations in rock hyrax, and found that 11 beta-hydroxyaetiocholanolone EIA was the most suitable assay. The research also showed different physiological stress responses in rock hyrax populations living in areas with varying degrees of anthropogenic activity. Seasonally, late spring had overall higher fGCM concentrations compared to winter, and fGCM levels were different between areas with different levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Additionally, the study found that the animals' flight initiation distance (FID) decreased in accordance with fGCM concentrations and varied significantly between sections.