Article
Microbiology
Lisa Segeritz, Ole Anders, Tomma Lilli Middelhoff, Deliah Tamsyn Winterfeld, Pavlo Maksimov, Gereon Schares, Franz Josef Conraths, Anja Taubert, Carlos Hermosilla
Summary: The study found a variety of parasitic infections in Eurasian lynxes in the Harz population, including nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and protozoans. Some of these parasites are pathogenic to lynxes, while others are specific to wild felids.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Farshad Behzadi, Mansoureh Malekian, Davoud Fadakar, Mohammad Ali Adibi, Eva Baermann
Summary: This study aimed to assess the phylogenetic status of Iranian populations relative to other populations of Eurasia. The results showed that the Iranian populations are genetically related to the populations in Russia and China, and the Caucasus region may have played an important role as a refuge during glacial cycles.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Suzanne T. S. van Beeck Calkoen, Michele H. Deis, Julian Oeser, Dries P. J. Kuijper, Marco Heurich
Summary: This study compared the risks imposed by humans and lynx on ungulate foraging behavior, and found that the risk effects of human activities outweighed those of a natural large carnivore. The study also measured browsing intensity, diet quality, and tree species selection to test the hypotheses, and confirmed their validity.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Deniz Mengulluoglu, Huseyin Ambarli, Axel Barlow, Johanna L. A. Paijmans, Ali Onur Sayar, Hasan Emir, Irfan Kandemir, Heribert Hofer, Joerns Fickel, Daniel W. Foerster
Summary: The study conducted a systematic analysis of the mtDNA of Eurasian lynx, revealing three major clades and at least five lineages, indicating an earlier diversification of the species than previously estimated. The results suggest that the Anatolian peninsula served as a glacial refugium for the Eurasian lynx, with previously unconsidered implications for the species' colonization of Europe.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Miha Krofel, Lan Hoc, Ursa Flezar, Ira Toplicanec, Teresa Oliveira
Summary: The arrival of a new carnivore can have important effects on local communities. This study focuses on the expanding native species, golden jackals, and their potential impact on native wildlife. The researchers report the first confirmed cases of jackals scavenging on lynx kills in Slovenia and highlight the potential consequences of this kleptoparasitic interaction. The study also calculates the overlap in distribution ranges between jackals and lynx in Europe, showing that jackals have colonized a significant portion of lynx range.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis, Iris Marti, Simone R. R. Pisano, Mirjam Pewsner, Martin Wehrle, Christine Breitenmoser-Wursten, Francesco C. Origgi, Anna Kuebber-Heiss, Felix Knauer, Annika Posautz, Matthias Eberspaecher-Schweda, Jon B. Huder, Juerg Boeni, Jakub Kubacki, Claudia Bachofen, Barbara Riond, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann, Marina L. Meli
Summary: A population of Eurasian lynx in Switzerland was found to have three individuals seropositive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in 2016-2017, prompting questions about the virus origin and its impact on lynx. Archived samples from previously captured lynx were FIV-negative, but the three seropositive lynx showed disease signs and co-infections similar to FIV-infected domestic cats.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marine Drouilly, M. Justin O'Riain
Summary: When reintroducing wild animals to habitats, it is crucial to consider both ecological feasibility and societal impacts and acceptability to avoid potential public opposition and conflicts of interest.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Robert W. Myslajek, Przemyslaw Stachyra, Michal Figura, Sabina Nowak
Summary: In this study, we investigated the diet and prey preferences of the Eurasian lynx in southeast Poland. The results showed that the lynx mainly preyed on roe deer and avoided other ungulates. Additionally, surplus and parallel killing behaviors were observed, indicating the flexibility of lynx in utilizing food resources. The high abundance of roe deer in southeast Poland was found to be crucial for the persistence of the lynx population.
JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Igor Khorozyan, Marco Heurich
Summary: The Eurasian lynx is an adaptable predator that takes ungulates according to their availability, rather than specializing in hunting hares. The predation on large prey is influenced by the density of prey populations and the forest environment. In the wild, ungulates, particularly roe deer, are the main food source for Eurasian lynx.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Teresa Oliveira, Mariano Rodriguez-Recio, Rok Cerne, Miha Krofel
Summary: Artificial feeding of wildlife has positive and negative effects on both target and non-target species, with potential impact on interspecific interactions. This study used GPS telemetry data to investigate the spatiotemporal response of lynx to artificial feeding sites, and found that experience level played a role in site selection. Experienced lynx tended to avoid feeding sites, while inexperienced lynx were attracted to them, indicating a learning process in response to altered interactions.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jenny Mattisson, John D. C. Linnell, Ole Anders, Elisa Belotti, Christine Breitenmoser-Wursten, Ludek Bufka, Christian Fuxjaeger, Marco Heurich, Gjorge Ivanov, Wlodzimierz Jedrzejewski, Radio Kont, Rafal Kowalczyk, Miha Krofel, Dime Melovski, Deniz Mengulluoglu, Tomma Lilli Middelhoff, Anja Molinari-Jobin, John Odden, Janis Ozolins, Henryk Okarma, Jens Persson, Krzysztof Schmidt, Kristina Vogt, Fridolin Zimmermann, Henrik Andren
Summary: This study investigates the reproductive phenology of the Eurasian lynx in Europe and finds that birth timing varies across regions and is influenced by temperature. The Eurasian lynx shows a degree of adaptability to different environmental conditions and may adjust its reproductive timing in response to climate change.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Enrico Bazzicalupo, Miroslaw Ratkiewicz, Ivan V. Seryodkin, Innokentiy Okhlopkov, Naranbaatar Galsandorj, Yuriy A. Yarovenko, Janis Ozolins, Alexander P. Saveljev, Dime Melovski, Alexander Gavashelishvili, Krzysztof Schmidt, Jose A. Godoy
Summary: Local adaptations to the environment in Eurasian lynx populations were investigated in this study. The researchers found genomic windows associated with local environmental conditions and observed differences in adaptive genetic structure compared to neutral genetic structure. The results have implications for genetic rescue programs and reintroduction efforts.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Patrick Scherrer, Marie -Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis, Iris A. Marti, Stephanie Borel, Caroline F. Frey, Norbert Mueller, Maja Ruetten, Walter Basso
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiological role of the Eurasian lynx as a potential carrier of Toxoplasma gondii in Switzerland. It was found that the Eurasian lynx can serve as both a definitive host and an intermediate host based on the serological and fecal analysis. Additionally, two different T. gondii genotypes were identified, shedding more light on the complex molecular epidemiology of the parasite.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Colin Guilfoyle, Ryan Wilson-Parr, Joanne O'Brien
Summary: Restoration of natural processes through the reintroduction of extinct species is a crucial part of rewilding. By using GIS software to identify available habitat, assessing connectivity between patches, estimating the potential population and studying long-term viability, it was found that the current habitat in Ireland has a low chance of sustaining a lynx population after 100 years. Improvements can be made by increasing habitat availability and connectivity through landscape-scale woodland restoration.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Suvi Viranta, Katja Holmala, Juha Laakkonen
Summary: The musculoskeletal anatomy of the Eurasian lynx hindlimb shows unique features adapted for hunting large prey, with characteristics such as a large insertion of the m. gluteus medius and relatively heavier musculus vastus medialis. These adaptations support the crouched hind limbs and powerful pounce needed to tackle large prey.
JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
A. L. Antonevich, H. G. Rodel, R. Hudson, G. S. Alekseeva, M. N. Erofeeva, S. V. Naidenko
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Studies
Sergey Naidenko, Mariya Chistopolova, Jose Antonio Hernandez-Blanco, Mariya Erofeeva, Viatcheslav Rozhnov
Summary: The study showed that the new illuminated highway built in the Russian Far East has had an impact on the distribution and activity of wild mammals, acting as a barrier separating local populations of ungulates and carnivores.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Alena S. Soboleva, Galina S. Alekseeva, Mariya N. Erofeeva, Polina S. Klyuchnikova, Pavel A. Sorokin, Sergey V. Naidenko
Summary: The study reveals that blood indices of domestic cat kittens during early postnatal ontogenesis are influenced by age, litter size, and multiple paternity. In the first two months, kittens from smaller litters have significantly higher numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mariya N. Erofeeva, Galina S. Alekseeva, Mariya D. Kim, Pavel A. Sorokin, Sergey V. Naidenko
Summary: Inbreeding and low diversity in MHC genes significantly affect the survival and quality of offspring in mammals, but do not affect the body mass of kittens in domestic cats.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sergey V. Naidenko, Mariya N. Erofeeva, Pavel A. Sorokin, Sergey O. Gershov, Nadezhda P. Yakovenko, Alena S. Botvinovskaya, Galina S. Alekseeva
Summary: A previously unrecorded parasite has been found in Russia, showing high genetic variability and occurrence in different cat species. This poses a potential threat to endangered species. Further genetic research is needed to understand the diversity and phylogeny of this parasite in Eurasia.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
V. M. Kovalzon, A. D. Komarova, G. S. Alekseeva, M. N. Erofeeva, S. Naidenko
Summary: The circadian rhythms of body temperature in Far Eastern forest cats and domestic cats were found to be absent or weak in fall, but reappeared as synchronized fluctuations during the winter cold.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sergey Naidenko, Galina S. Alekseeva, Polina S. Klyuchnikova, Mariya N. Erofeeva
Summary: Hair can be used as a useful matrix to examine the hormonal status of animals. In this study, seasonal changes in cortisol and testosterone levels were evaluated in four feline species with different breeding strategies. Both hormones showed annual dynamic fluctuations, coinciding with the reproductive seasonality of the species. Sexual differences in testosterone levels were only found during the mating season, with higher levels in males. Cortisol levels increased during the mating period, and in caracal, increased cortisol was associated with animal transfer to smaller cages.
Article
Psychology, Biological
Maryia N. Erofeeva, Nina A. Vasilieva, Marina S. Ananyeva, Polina S. Klyuchnikova, Sergey Naidenko
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sexual dimorphism and social interaction on female physiological condition in felids. The results did not support the hypothesis that sexual dimorphism influences the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) in females. Instead, the biology of the species and the frequency of partner interactions were found to be determining factors. Meeting a partner led to increased cortisol levels in females, particularly in species with high partner interaction frequency and a high degree of sexual dimorphism biased towards males.
BEHAVIOURAL PROCESSES
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Liliya M. Sedova, Ilya A. Volodin, Mariya N. Erofeeva, Galina S. Alekseeva, Sergey V. Naidenko, Elena V. Volodina
Summary: This study investigated the frequency, temporal, and power parameters of vocalizations in captive feral domestic cats during the mating season. The results showed that meows encode information about individual identity and sex, and the frequency differences in the meows exceed sexual dimorphism in body size in domestic cats.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Galina S. Alekseeva, Polina S. Klyuchnikova, Vadim E. Kirilyuk, Sergey Naidenko
Summary: Mongolian gazelle, one of the last large migratory mammal species in Asia, has experienced a considerable decline in population over the past century due to anthropogenic factors. In Russia, the Mongolian gazelle inhabits the northern part of its natural range, facing suboptimal conditions and being listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation. A study conducted in the Daursky State Nature Reserve from 2015 to 2021 examined the physiological status of Mongolian gazelle calves by evaluating their body mass and the presence of antibodies to various pathogens. The results showed that the calves' body mass varied depending on factors such as sex, age, year of data collection, and climatic conditions during the late stage of pregnancy. Seropositive individuals were identified for foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants, indicating exposure to these pathogens. The number of seropositive individuals varied from year to year, with the highest percentage observed in 2018. The Mongolian gazelle population in Russia, still connected to its main range, is gradually increasing. Study of the animals' physiological condition allows for predictions of changes in the status of this ungulate group.
NATURE CONSERVATION RESEARCH
(2022)
