Article
Veterinary Sciences
Petras Prakas, Josep Estruch, Roser Velarde, Mikas Ilgunas, Donatas Sneideris, Olga Nicolas-Francisco, Ignasi Marco, Rafael Calero-Bernal
Summary: By using histopathology and PCR-sequencing, researchers identified three Sarcocystis species infecting bearded vultures and black kites in Catalonia, Spain. The analysis showed that S. halieti was one of the infecting species in these raptors, with high similarity to previously identified S. halieti sequences. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of the complex epidemiology of Sarcocystis genus in avian hosts.
VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Beatriz Arroyo, Jerome Lafitte, Eric Sourp, Denis Rousseau, Luc Albert, Vadim Heuacker, Jean Francois Terrasse, Martine Razin
Summary: Based on a 24-year monitoring of Bearded Vultures in the French Pyrenees, factors explaining temporal and spatial variations in numbers and breeding performance were assessed. The study found an increase in the number of territorial pairs with increasing population size, but no negative trends in mean productivity. The colonization probability of new territories increased significantly with breeding population size the previous year and with the provision of supplementary food in the territory.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jesus M. Perez, Angeles Saez-Ventura, Gracia Liebanas, Luca Rossi, Mercedes Fernandez, Natalia Fraija-Fernandez
Summary: Habitat loss threatens species survival, including parasites that depend on their hosts for habitat. Co-extinction occurs when local extinction of host taxa leads to extinction of their parasites. This study focuses on the bearded vulture, which was successfully reintroduced in the Alps. Lice specimens collected from a bearded vulture in the Italian Alps were morphologically identified as Degeeriella punctifer, and their sensory structures and genetic characteristics were analyzed.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jacopo Cerri, Ilaria Fozzi, Davide De Rosa, Mauro Aresu, Marco Apollonio, Fiammetta Berlinguer
Summary: The study found an increased collision between Griffon Vultures and wind turbines in the populations on Mediterranean islands. Supplementary feeding stations provide large amounts of food, restricting the movement of Griffon Vultures. Wind farms should be avoided in highly active areas for the vultures and measures should be implemented to reduce food availability and carrion.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Melanie Streicher, Sonja Kruger, Franziska Loercher, Sandi Willows-Munro
Summary: This study examined the phylogeography and genetic connectivity of global bearded vulture populations using 14 microsatellite loci, finding spatially correlated genetic differentiation between regional populations and low levels of gene flow between them. Unlike the mitochondrial data, the microsatellite data support the management of genetically different populations as separate entities. The high inbreeding in the southern African bearded vulture population highlights the need for conservation programmes to effectively manage populations of this species and maintain extant genetic diversity.
BMC ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Tulsi R. Subedi, Juan M. Perez-Garcia, Sandesh Gurung, Hem S. Baral, Munir Z. Virani, Shahrul A. M. Sah, Jose D. Anadon
Summary: The study models and predicts the range dynamics of the Bearded Vulture, finding that climate change has led to a contraction of suitable habitat, particularly in warmer areas of Africa and Asia. From a biogeographical perspective, there have been no significant changes in the arrangement of suitable areas since the Last Glacial Maxima, which challenges previous hypotheses regarding the genetic structure of the population.
Article
Ornithology
Stephane Duchateau, Gonzalo Cheliz, Juan Antonio Gil, Pascual Lopez-Lopez
Summary: The study systematically monitored Bearded Vultures in the Pyrenees between 2016 and 2020, analyzing the relationship between feather coloration, sex, mating system, and average productivity. Results showed that medium color morph was the most common, females were generally darker than males with some overlap, and dominant males in trios were darker than subordinate males. The best predictors of average productivity were years of territory occupation, mating system, and their combination, with coloration not being a significant factor.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Montserrat Sanz, Joan Daura, Ana Maria Costa, Ana Cristina Araujo
Summary: The archaeological record of the Lagar Velho rock shelter in Portugal provides evidence of significant Upper Palaeolithic occupations, including the Lapedo Child burial. Recent excavations have revealed a large quantity of coprolites, fossilized feces, in layer 143. These coprolites have been determined to belong to the bearded vulture and provide valuable insights into the avian scavenger's presence in archaeological sites.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eneko Arrondo, Jorgelina Guido, Pilar Oliva-Vidal, Antoni Margalida, Sergio A. Lambertucci, Jose Antonio Donazarb, Ainara Cortes-Avizanda, Jose Daniel Anadon, Jose Antonio Sanchez-Zapata
Summary: Transhumance is the practice of seasonal movement of herds between winter and summer pastures, which has significant effects on ecosystem functions. This study examined the relationship between vultures and transhumant herds, and investigated whether there is a shift in vulture’s use of space due to the decline of transhumance. The findings showed that vultures make greater use of summer pastures when herds are present, and this effect is more prominent in areas where transhumance is still relevant.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kanthan Nambirajan, Subramanian Muralidharan, Aditya Roy Ashimkumar, Shashikant Jadhav
Summary: Although the population of white-rumped vultures in India has not recovered to desired levels after the ban of diclofenac in 2006, two incidents in Gujarat in 2019 highlighted the continued threat to the species. Toxicological investigations revealed that nimesulide may have been responsible for the deaths of the vultures, indicating the need for further conservation efforts and a potential ban on the veterinary use of nimesulide to protect the critically endangered species.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Kristin Walter
Summary: This article describes lead poisoning, including its health effects, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Marta Linde-Medina, Carmen Guerra, Josep Antoni Alcover
Summary: The study identified three feeding groups in vultures: gulpers, rippers and scrappers, which are reflected in the anatomy of the skull and neck. Analysis of body core and limb bones showed that these feeding groups also emerge, but with some differences from the classification based on skull morphology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dahu Zou, Shilin Tian, Tongzuo Zhang, Nima Zhuoma, Guosheng Wu, Muyang Wang, Lu Dong, Stephen J. Rossiter, Huabin Zhao
Summary: Vultures, with their rare dietary specialization of obligate scavenging, provide essential ecological services but many species are endangered. Research suggests that their unique adaptations may have led to low genetic diversity, making them particularly vulnerable to human activities.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Irene Torres-Blas, Lourdes Migura-Garcia, Marta Cerda-Cuellar, Anais Carbajal, Manuel Lopez-Bejar, Rafael Mateo, Marta Herrero-Villar, Alex Llopis, Ignasi Marco
Summary: This study assessed the health status of captive bearded vultures in Catalonia, Spain. The research found that most hematologic and biochemical parameters of the birds were within normal range, but there were antibiotic-resistant bacteria present.
JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jonathan Wilson, Sherry L. Dixon, Courtney Wisinski, Carin Speidel, Jill Breysse, Michael Jacobson, Samantha Crisci, David E. Jacobs
Summary: There has been limited research on childhood lead exposure pathways since the 1990s. New data from Michigan in 2017-2021 reveals that a significant number of children in older housing have elevated blood lead levels, with paint and contaminated dust and soil being the main sources of exposure. This study emphasizes the importance of assessing and remediating lead hazards to protect children from unnecessary risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jorge Tobajas, Pilar Oliva-Vidal, Josep Pique, Ivan Afonso-Jordana, Diego Garcia-Ferre, Ruben Moreno-Opo, Antoni Margalida
Summary: The increase in ungulate populations has led to more carcasses available for mesocarnivores in temperate and boreal forests, potentially impacting prey species like the threatened western capercaillie. Scavengers primarily consumed carrion in forested areas occupied by capercaillie, with red foxes, wild boars, and martens being the main consumers. Season played a key role in determining scavenging activity, and the same predators consuming carrion were also preying on capercaillie, indicating a potential increase in predation pressure on the capercaillie population.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Thijs van Overveld, Daniel Sol, Guillermo Blanco, Antoni Margalida, Manuel de la Riva, Jose Antonio Donazar
Summary: Despite unique ecological pressures, vultures exhibit a variety of innovative foraging behaviors and social adaptation skills. Further research is needed to investigate the cognitive basis of vulture skills and their implications in ecology and evolution.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jorge Tobajas, Francisco Guil, Antoni Margalida
Summary: Studies have shown that recreational free-flight activities have negative impacts on wildlife, causing increased energy expenditure, reduced feeding time, and decreased breeding output. However, the lack of research on many species and areas, as well as limited long-term studies, hinders a comprehensive assessment of the impact of this activity on wildlife.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesus Nadal, David Saez, Antoni Margalida
Summary: The increase of urban expansion poses a global threat to biodiversity and disease transmission, with the migration routes of quails affected by human activities, leading to increased risks of disease spread.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruth Garcia-Jimenez, Juan M. Perez-Garcia, Antoni Margalida, Zebensui Morales-Reyes
Summary: This study assesses the extent and value of Nature's Contributions to People (NCP) provided by European avian scavengers through scavenger-based tourism, identifying two types of visitors and their perceptions of avian scavengers. The majority of visitors perceive avian scavengers as beneficial providers of non-material NCP, primarily supporting identities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Delgado-Gonzalez, A. Cortes-Avizanda, D. Serrano, E. Arrondo, O. Duriez, A. Margalida, M. Carrete, P. Oliva-Vidal, E. Sourp, Z. Morales-Reyes, I Garcia-Baron, M. de la Riva, J. A. Sanchez-Zapata, J. A. Donazar
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of maintaining human-modified habitats, specifically the Iberian dehesas, for the conservation of avian scavengers in Europe. By tracking the movements of GPS-tagged Eurasian griffon vultures, the researchers found that individuals from different regions traveled long distances to forage in the dehesas, highlighting their significance for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Letter
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrea Santangeli, Munir Z. Virani, Antoni Margalida
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pilar Oliva-Vidal, Esther Sebastian-Gonzalez, Antoni Margalida
Summary: Rural abandonment and passive rewilding have significant impacts on scavenger assemblages and scavenging efficiency. Landscape type is the main factor influencing scavenging dynamics, and griffon vultures play a pivotal role in reducing carcass persistence.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jorge Tobajas, Rafael Finat, Pablo Ferreras, Antoni Margalida
Summary: We documented the unnoticed scavenging behavior of the endangered Iberian lynx on wild ungulate carcasses in a reintroduced lynx population in Spain. The study revealed that a significant proportion of lynxes consume carrion, and this behavior may be more common than previously thought. The consumption of carrion by lynxes has implications for their conservation, including potential exposure to disease-causing pathogens and toxins.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Richard Zink, Elena Kmetova-Biro, Stefan Agnezy, Ivaylo Klisurov, Antoni Margalida
Summary: This study reviews the responses of European vultures and other comparable species to unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) and provides recommendations for their safe and effective use in vulture conservation and research.
BIRD CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pilar Oliva-Vidal, Jose Maria Martinez, Ines S. Sanchez-Barbudo, Pablo R. Camarero, Ma Angels Colomer, Antoni Margalida, Rafael Mateo
Summary: The widespread use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) has led to these compounds becoming ubiquitous in rodent-predator-scavenger food webs. A study in NE Spain found that 39.1% of European avian scavengers had SGARs in their blood, with the prevalence and concentrations of SGARs related to the age and foraging behavior of the species studied.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Jorge Tobajas, Rafael Finat, Pablo Ferreras, Antoni Margalida
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jon Morant, Eneko Arrondo, Jose Antonio Sanchez-Zapata, Jose Antonio Donazar, Ainara Cortes-Avizanda, Manuel De La Riva, Guillermo Blanco, Felix Martinez, Juan Oltra, Martina Carrete, Antoni Margalida, Pilar Oliva-Vidal, Jose Maria Martinez, David Serrano, Juan Manuel Perez-Garcia
Summary: Quantifying space use and segregation is important for understanding species-specific movement ecology. In this study, GPS-tagged data of adult Griffon Vultures in Spain were used to describe their movement patterns, which were influenced by sex, season, and breeding region. The findings suggest that both extrinsic and intrinsic factors modulate the home-range and spatial segregation of Griffon Vultures.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eneko Arrondo, Jorgelina Guido, Pilar Oliva-Vidal, Antoni Margalida, Sergio A. Lambertucci, Jose Antonio Donazarb, Ainara Cortes-Avizanda, Jose Daniel Anadon, Jose Antonio Sanchez-Zapata
Summary: Transhumance is the practice of seasonal movement of herds between winter and summer pastures, which has significant effects on ecosystem functions. This study examined the relationship between vultures and transhumant herds, and investigated whether there is a shift in vulture’s use of space due to the decline of transhumance. The findings showed that vultures make greater use of summer pastures when herds are present, and this effect is more prominent in areas where transhumance is still relevant.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Antoni Margalida, Ivan Almirall, Juan J. Negro
Summary: This study provides new observations about the regular use of a ferruginous spring by bearded vultures in the Spanish Pyrenees using camera-traps and GPS transmitters. The function of cosmetic coloration in these vultures is still unclear, but the findings suggest that it may be related to individual dominance status and potentially benefit subordinate individuals by reducing aggression from others.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muqiu Hu, Xin Zhao, Jinghan Gu, Lulu Qian, Zhiqing Wang, Yuanyuan Nie, Xiaoyu Han, Long An, Haiqiang Jiang
Summary: Due to its simple process, environmental friendliness, and low operating costs, biometallurgy has become a popular technology for metals recovering from low-grade ores and tailings. An optimized agar was used to isolate and grow functional bacteria, resulting in the successful isolation of six functional stains. These strains were further tested for their ability to leach metals from polymetallic sulfide tailings, with significant improvements observed when the strains were mixed together. The selection of leaching process should be based on tailings composition and target metals.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saqib Hassan, Aswin Thacharodi, Anshu Priya, R. Meenatchi, Thanushree A. Hegde, R. Thangamani, Ht Nguyen, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: An Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) is a compound that disrupts the function of the endocrine system and is found in the environment. EDCs, such as Bisphenol A and pesticides, have been shown to have negative effects on the female reproductive system. Understanding the relationship between EDCs and women's health is crucial for developing strategies to protect reproductive health and informing public policy decisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lichang Zhou, Zhaoling Li, Boyi Cheng, Jinqi Jiang, Xinqi Bi, Zongping Wang, Guanghao Chen, Gang Guo
Summary: Thiosulfate can promote sulfur-mediated bacterial activity, inhibit glycogen accumulating organisms, and enhance denitrification efficiency. After the carbon source is reduced, the competitive ability of glycogen accumulating organisms increases, resulting in reduced sulfate reduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claire E. Campbell, Devyn L. Cotter, Katherine L. Bottenhorn, Elisabeth Burnor, Hedyeh Ahmadi, W. James Gauderman, Carlos Cardenas-Iniguez, Daniel Hackman, Rob McConnell, Kiros Berhane, Joel Schwartz, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Megan M. Herting
Summary: Recent studies have found a connection between air pollution and increased risk for behavioral problems during development. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to investigate how exposure during the transition to adolescence may affect emotional behaviors.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing-hong Liang, Ru-yu Yang, Mei-ling Liu, Ying-qi Pu, Wen-wen Bao, Yu Zhao, Li-xin Hu, Yu-shan Zhang, Shan Huang, Nan Jiang, Xue-ya Pu, Shao-yi Huang, Guang-hui Dong, Ya-jun Chen
Summary: This study examines the association between urban Green and blue spaces (GBS) exposure and Emotion and behavior problems (EBP) in youth populations. The findings suggest that higher exposure to GBS, particularly green spaces (GS) and blue spaces (BS), is associated with a decrease in the risk of developing total difficulties in young individuals. The joint effect of GS and BS may also contribute to the decrease in EBPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Ruiz-Sobremazas, Mario Ruiz Coca, Miguel Morales-Navas, Rocio Rodulfo-Cardenas, Caridad Lopez-Granero, Maria Teresa Colomina, Cristian Perez-Fernandez, Fernando Sanchez-Santed
Summary: Air pollution is associated with a range of health issues and gestational exposure to environmental pollutants may be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. This study investigated the effects of oral gestational exposure to particulate matter (PM) on ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). The findings suggest that this exposure may lead to social deficits and abnormal gene expression related to neurotransmitter systems. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of air pollution on neurodevelopmental disorders and the neurotransmission systems involved.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yagmur Kabakci, Sadiye Kosar, Ozgur Dogan, Fehmi Gorkem Uctug, Osman Atilla Arikan
Summary: This study investigated the effect of electrohydrolysis pretreatment on municipal solid waste. The results showed that applying electrohydrolysis pretreatment increased methane production and reduced the time required for hydrolysis, suggesting it is a promising method to improve anaerobic digestion efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuanwu Zhao, Yaozhong Pan, Hanyi Wu, Yu Zhu
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of industrial zones on urban heat islands using remote sensing images and a novel spectral index. The research found that the contraction or expansion of industrial zones has a significant effect on land surface temperature. The results are valuable for environmental assessment and fine management of industrial cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bang Du, Zhongzhong Wang, Piet N. L. Lens, Xinmin Zhan, Guangxue Wu
Summary: This study investigated the performance, syntrophic relationships, microbial communities, and metabolic pathways of ethanol-fed reactors with different operational modes and solids retention times. The results showed that different microorganisms were enriched under different SRT conditions, and syntrophic bacteria related to methane production could be enriched under low SRT conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gokulan Ravindiran, Sivarethinamohan Rajamanickam, Muralikrishnan Ramalingam, Gasim Hayder, Balamurugan Karupaiya Sathaiah, Madhava Krishna Reddy Gaddam, Senthil Kumar Muniasamy, Priya Arunkumar
Summary: The present study investigated the sustainable approach for wastewater treatment using waste algal blooms. The biochar produced by the marine algae Ulva reticulata was used to remove chromium, nickel, and zinc from aqueous solutions. The study examined the adsorbents' properties and stability using SEM/EDX, FTIR, and XRD. The results showed that the biochar had high removal efficiency for the toxic metals, and the packed bed column effectively removed the heavy metal ions. The Thomas and Adams-Bohart models were found to best fit the regression values, and desorption studies were conducted to understand the sorption and elution processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vignesh Vinayagam, Kavitha Nagarasampatti Palani, Sudha Ganesh, Siddharth Rajesh, Vedha Varshini Akula, Ramapriyan Avoodaiappan, Omkar Singh Kushwaha, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: The presence of pollutants in water contributes to global pollution and poses significant threats to humans and wildlife. Finding effective wastewater treatment techniques is crucial for reducing pollutant accumulation in the environment. This paper highlights recent advances in the electrochemical advanced oxidation method and other processes for treating pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticide-polluted effluents.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. M. M. Ahmed, Kai-Yue Chen, Fang-Yu Tsao, Yi-Cheng Hsieh, Yu-Ting Liu, Min Tzou
Summary: This study investigated the sorption of citric acid onto humic acid-iron hydr(o)xide coprecipitate (HAFHCP) and the reciprocal effects of citric acid and P sorption on HAFHCP. The results showed that citric acid could increase P availability and have an impact on P sorption.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xibo Xu, Zeqiang Wang, Xiaoning Song, Wenjie Zhan, Shuting Yang
Summary: The selection of predictor variables is crucial in building a digital mapping model for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil. Traditionally, spatial and spectral parameters have been used as predictor variables, but the temporal dimension is often overlooked. This study demonstrates the value of incorporating temporal indices in the model, leading to significant performance improvements. The temporal-spatial-spectral covariate combinations used in a random forest (RF) algorithm achieve satisfactory mapping accuracy and outperform other methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Pei, Xun Liu, Mengbo Cao, Zijun Wang, Hongbing Yang
Summary: Heteroatom doping can reconfigure the electronic structure of heterogeneous catalysts, leading to the development of advanced oxidation water purification materials with superior performance and stability. In this study, a series of catalysts with different elemental doping were prepared using a simple and environmentally friendly method. The S-doped NiCo2O4 catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance for the removal of Tetracycline, with significantly increased kinetic constant and high oxidation and mineralization efficiency in a wide pH range. The degradation process was dominated by non-radical oxidation pathway after S doping, and the overall process moved towards low toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Srivalli Thimmarayan, Harshavardhan Mohan, Gaddapara Manasa, Karthi Natesan, Shanmugam Mahendran, Pavithra Muthukumar Sathya, Byung-Taek Oh, R. Ravi Kumar, Rangasamy Sigamani Gandhimathi, Arul Jayaprakash, Kamala-Kannan Seralathan
Summary: This study investigated the bacterial degradation of naphthalene (NPT) isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil. Bacillus sp. GN 3.4, a potential bacteria for NPT biodegradation, was isolated and the optimal conditions for NPT degradation were determined. The study suggests that Bacillus sp. GN 3.4 could potentially aid in bioremediation by eliminating NPT from the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
