Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Javed Riaz, Rachael A. Orben, Kayleigh A. Jones, Megan Shapiro, Andreas Winter, Paul Brickle, Alastair M. M. Baylis
Summary: Interactions between seals and commercial fisheries pose a significant threat to seal populations. This study in the Falkland Islands reveals a marked spatial overlap between South American fur seals (SAFS) and commercial trawling activity. SAFS concentrate their foraging effort in areas associated with greater squid and finfish catch quantities, where they compete with commercial fisheries by performing a high frequency of deep dives.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Derek B. de Amorim, Paula R. Ribeiro, Marcele B. Bandinelli, Joanna V. Z. Echenique, Matheus V. Bianchi, Paula R. Almeida, Fernando R. Spilki, Leticia F. Baumbach, Luciana Sonne
Summary: This study reports a rare case of B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma (B-SLL) found in a South American sea lion. The main pathological features of this case included poor body condition, generalized lymphadenomegaly, severe and diffuse splenomegaly, and multiple nodules in the kidneys and small intestine. Histological examination showed that these organs were partially or totally replaced by neoplastic lymphocytes with varying sizes and shapes, and a low mitotic count. These cells were immunolabeled positive for CD79 alpha and CD20, and negative for CD3.
DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashild J. Vagene, Tanvi P. Honap, Kelly M. Harkins, Michael S. Rosenberg, Karen Giffin, Felipe Cardenas-Arroyo, Laura Paloma Leguizamon, Judith Arnett, Jane E. Buikstra, Alexander Herbig, Johannes Krause, Anne C. Stone, Kirsten I. Bos
Summary: Pre-contact era humans from coastal South America were infected by Mycobacterium pinnipedii, most likely, through contact with infected pinnipeds. In this study, the authors investigate the presence of M. pinnipedii in pre-contact era humans from inland South America and explore potential scenarios of human-to-human or animal-mediated transmission. Previous ancient DNA research has shown that M. pinnipedii infected human populations living in the coastal areas of Peru prior to European colonization. The study demonstrates the widespread dissemination of M. pinnipedii beyond the coast, either through human-to-human and/or animal-mediated routes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Maritza Sepulveda, Diana Szteren, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Enrique A. Crespo, Luis Rene Duran, Alicia I. Guerrero, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Doris Oliva, Larissa R. Oliveira
Summary: The main issue affecting the conservation of most pinniped species in South American waters is interactions with fisheries and aquaculture. Research and conservation measures are urgently needed to address this problem, particularly for species of conservation concern. This study reviewed research and observations from the last 25 years on pinnipeds' interactions with fisheries and aquaculture in South American waters, highlighting the limited progress in incorporating mitigation measures and the low economic losses associated with sea lion depredation.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Christa Emmett, Mathilda Digby, Jemma Pope, Ellen Williams
Summary: Appropriate management of social groups is crucial for zoos and aquaria worldwide. A study on South American fur seals found that social relationships changed over time, with more positive than negative interactions. Establishing baseline social behavior profiles is recommended for evidence-based species management.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lidong Wang, Shengyang Zhou, Guangshuai Liu, Tianshu Lyu, Lupeng Shi, Yuehuan Dong, Shangbin He, Honghai Zhang
Summary: This study analyzed the skin transcriptomes of American minks to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying their fur color formation and development. The research found that keratin associated protein genes are the main genes regulating fur development, while members of the tyrosinase family genes are involved in hair color formation. The results provide molecular support for improving mink coat color and fur quality.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jaime A. Chaves, Fernando Lopes, Daniela Martinez, Dario F. Cueva, Gabriela I. Gavilanes, Sandro L. Bonatto, Larissa Rosa de Oliveira, Diego Paez-Rosas
Summary: The genetic consequences of the geographic distribution of rookeries in Galapagos fur seals were investigated. The results showed that the rookeries on four islands were genetically structured into three main groups. Gene flow analysis suggested migration from west Isabela to Fernandina islands, with limited migration in other directions.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Douglas J. Krause, Robert L. Brownell Jr, Carolina A. Bonin, Samuel M. Woodman, Douglas Shaftel, George M. Watters
Summary: Antarctic fur seals, especially the South Shetland Antarctic fur seals, face unique environmental challenges and have experienced a significant decline in population. Addressing threats such as debris entanglement, climate change, incidental mortality, and resource competition with the krill fishery is crucial for their successful recovery. Updated population estimates and further research on their viability and foraging behaviors are urgently needed for effective conservation actions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jaume Forcada, Joseph I. Hoffman, Olivier Gimenez, Iain J. Staniland, Pete Bucktrout, Andrew G. Wood
Summary: This study focuses on the recovery trajectory of the Antarctic fur seal and highlights the reasons and factors influencing its population growth, discussing the impacts of environmental change and anthropogenic pressures on this species.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Yasmin Daoualibi, Renata F. Moreira, Marcele B. Bandinelli, Joanna V. Z. Echenique, Paulo G. C. Wagner, Joao F. Soares, Saulo P. Pavarini
Summary: This study aims to identify, describe, and detail the histological and molecular characteristics of verminotic pneumonia caused by Parafilaroides spp. in South American fur seals. Through necropsy and histological analysis of 26 specimens of Arctocephalus australis found on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, it was found that 12 specimens had parasites in the lung parenchyma, and only one specimen showed a granulomatous lung lesion. Microscopically, the nematodes were mainly found in the alveoli with little or no inflammatory response, and their morphological characteristics were compatible with metastrongylids. Molecular identification confirmed the presence of Parafilaroides sp. in these specimens. Verminotic pneumonia caused by Parafilaroides represents an important differential diagnosis of lung disease in South American fur seals found on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zanri Strydom, Lauren J. Waller, Mark Brown, Herve Fritz, Kevin Shaw, Jan A. Venter
Summary: This study investigated predation behavior of Cape fur seals on Cape gannets and methods to reduce predation. The results showed that selective culling effectively reduced predation probability. Additionally, increased numbers of gannet fledglings and fish biomass were found to decrease predation probability. Therefore, increasing food availability is a viable approach to promote the conservation of Cape gannets.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mathilde Martin, Tess Gridley, Simon Elwen, Isabelle Charrier
Summary: The impact of man-made noise on Cape fur seals was studied, comparing their behavioural response to boat noise exposures at two different study sites. Higher levels of noise resulted in increased vigilance in the seals. Intrinsic factors such as age, sex, arousal state and extrinsic factors such as ambient noise and human-seal interactions were suggested to contribute to the observed variations.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Renan C. de Lima, Valentina Franco-Trecu, Thayara S. Carrasco, Pablo Inchausti, Eduardo R. Secchi, Silvina Botta
Summary: The study found differences in isotopic niche width and overlap between male and female South American fur seals, with males showing higher values. There was minimal isotopic niche overlap between sexes and limited seasonal variation. Females had a wider isotopic niche in spring compared to other seasons.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Galaxia Cortes-Hinojosa, Michael J. Adkesson, Susana Cardenas-Alayza, Mauricio Seguel, Hector Paves, James F. X. Wellehan Jr
Summary: Adenoviruses were found in South American fur seals and Humboldt penguins, with some viruses shared between the two species during the 2009 ENSO event. Environmental changes, such as ENSO, can impact viral diversity and host specificity, highlighting the need for further studies in mixed species populations to better understand viral evolution.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Political Science
David A. Bateman
Summary: In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the uniqueness of the southern region in the United States and its impact on the nation as a whole. This article provides an analysis of recent research and the interpretive debates surrounding it. The findings suggest a departure from the traditional image of the South in political science, emphasizing instead its enduring commitment to white supremacy and its influential role in shaping national politics and institutions.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
(2023)