Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin N. Sacks
Summary: Before European colonization, a unique American wolf species inhabited the eastern forests of North America. Today, the populations of red wolf and eastern wolf have significantly declined due to human persecution and coyote hybridization. However, recent research suggests that coyote populations in the southeastern region have a high prevalence of red wolf genes, which could be an important resource for red wolf conservation.
Article
Zoology
Joseph W. Hinton, Kyla M. West, Daniel J. Sullivan, Jacqueline L. Frair, Michael J. Chamberlain
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the occurrence and maintenance of melanistic phenotypes in Canis taxa and morphometrics, habitat selection, and survival rates. The results showed no correlation between morphometrics and pelage color. However, melanistic coyotes and hybrids had higher annual survival rates and exhibited a preference for areas with dense canopy cover and wetlands. These findings suggest that Gloger's rule is applicable to canids inhabiting regions with dense canopy cover and wetlands.
Article
Zoology
Kaija Klauder, Bridget L. Borg, Laura R. Prugh
Summary: Studies show that coyotes do not universally avoid wolves, but exhibit season-specific responses to wolf proximity and long-term landscape use by wolves. They avoid wolves in summer but prefer areas with wolves in winter, suggesting that mesopredators employ complex behavioral strategies to mediate apex predator effects.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
John P. Draper, Trisha B. Atwood, Noelle G. Beckman, Karin M. Kettenring, Julie K. Young
Summary: Coyotes are effective seed dispersers, capable of providing regular long-distance dispersal services and opportunities for secondary seed dispersal, which could aid in climate migration or serve to replace extirpated dispersal mutualists.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sibelle T. Vilaca, Michael E. Donaldson, Andrea Benazzo, Tyler J. Wheeldon, Maria Teresa Vizzari, Giorgio Bertorelle, Brent R. Patterson, Christopher J. Kyle
Summary: Eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) in southeastern Canada have been a topic of controversy. Mitochondrial DNA analysis suggests that they evolved in North America, while nuclear genome studies indicate they are a hybrid entity. By sequencing whole genomes, it was discovered that eastern wolves are a distinct taxonomic entity that evolved separately from grey wolves for about 67,000 years with a hybridization event with coyotes about 37,000 years ago. Great Lakes wolves originated from admixture between grey wolves and eastern wolves after the last glaciation, while eastern coyotes originated from admixture between western coyotes and eastern wolves in the last century. Eastern wolf nuclear genomes show signs of historical and contemporary gene flow with grey wolves and coyotes.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Michael E. Egan, Casey C. Day, Todd E. Katzner, Patrick A. Zollner
Summary: The study found that forest cover positively related to occupancy probabilities of coyotes and gray foxes, while urban cover did not impact gray foxes. Additionally, gray fox occupancy was negatively related to the index of the number of coyotes at each site. These models support the idea that interactions with coyotes impact gray fox occupancy across the eastern United States.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Craig D. Reddell, Fitsum Abadi, David K. Delaney, James W. Cain, Gary W. Roemer
Summary: Increasing urbanization and slope have an impact on the spatial distribution and transmission of sarcoptic mange in coyotes. Multistate occupancy models can assist in improving wildlife disease surveillance programs.
Article
Ecology
Alex J. Jensen, Elizabeth A. Saldo, Zoey G. Chapman, Joseph W. Butfiloski, David S. Jachowski
Summary: Large carcasses attract multiple carnivore species, and subordinate carnivores must weigh the reward of a profitable meal with the risk of being attacked by dominant carnivores. Factors such as scale-dependent risk and amount of remaining carcass influence the risk-reward trade-offs. In this study, the scavenging behavior of bobcats, gray foxes, raccoons, and opossums in response to risk from coyotes, vulture activity, forest structure, and remaining food was evaluated.
Article
Ecology
Connor A. Thompson, Jay R. Malcolm, Brent R. Patterson
Summary: The study found that urban coyotes are more likely to use natural areas during the day and residential areas at night, with increased usage during the breeding and pup-rearing seasons. Resident coyotes are less likely to use residential areas compared to non-residents.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Javan M. Bauder, Alyson M. Cervantes, Alexandra C. Avrin, Laura S. Whipple, Morgan J. Farmer, Craig A. Miller, Thomas J. Benson, Kirk W. Stodola, Maximilian L. Allen
Summary: In Illinois, researchers found that time of day and hunting effort were key factors influencing coyote detection, while landscape covariates had minimal impact on coyote occupancy. The use of citizen science data revealed the importance of considering imperfect detection when studying cryptic species with low detection rates.
ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Michael J. Chamberlain, Bradley S. Cohen, Patrick H. Wightman, Emily Rushton, Joseph W. Hinton
Summary: The study found significant differences between resident breeders and transient individuals in terms of space use, movements, and landcover characteristics. Resident coyotes tended to prefer areas with denser vegetation, while transients favored areas closer to roads and with lower canopy cover. Differences were also observed in behaviors during walking between the two groups.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Brock R. McMillan, Jacob T. Hall, Eric D. Freeman, Kent R. Hersey, Randy T. Larsen
Summary: Recent meta-analyses suggest that predator removal experiments only result in marginal increases in prey abundance. However, most of these studies lack targeted spatial approaches and do not consider the target prey's generation time. In this study, multiyear coyote removals were conducted using a crossover experimental design, and it was found that consecutive years of predator removal and removal efforts targeting fawning habitat significantly improved neonate mule deer survival.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Eric M. Gese, Patricia A. Terletzky, Cole A. Bleke, Erika T. Stevenson, Susannah S. French
Summary: This study examined the stress levels of captive coyotes during breeding and pup production using fecal sampling. The results showed that producing pups did not significantly impact the stress levels in coyotes.
Article
Biology
David E. Ausband, L. David Mech
Summary: Gray wolf recovery and conservation in the United States has been remarkably successful over the past 30 years. However, as wolf populations expand, they will encounter challenges such as fragmented habitats, barriers to dispersal, and increased conflicts with humans, pets, and livestock. We summarize the major scientific and social challenges that will be faced in wolf conservation and suggest actions to address each challenge.
Article
Ecology
Katey S. Huggler, Matthew M. Hayes, Patrick W. Burke, Mark Zornes, Daniel J. Thompson, Patrick Lionberger, Miguel Valdez, Kevin L. Monteith
Summary: The density and distribution of resources shape animal movement and behavior, which affect population dynamics. This study examined the movements and resource selection of coyotes across different reproductive stages of female mule deer in southwest Wyoming, USA. The findings indicate that coyotes select areas with a high probability of use by female mule deer, particularly during peak parturition, and also intensify their searching behavior during pulses of availability of deer neonates.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Valeria da C. Tavares, Alfred L. Gardner, Molly M. Mcdonough, Jesus E. Maldonado, Eliecer E. Gutierrez, Paul M. Velazco, Guilherme S. T. Garbino
Summary: This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships and species delimitation of four species of yellow-eared bats (Vampyressa) using ancient DNA protocols and sequence analysis. The results confirm the validity of V. elisabethae and V. voragine, but suggest that V. sinchi should be classified as a subspecies of V. melissa.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Susette Castaneda-Rico, Jesus E. Maldonado, Robert C. Dowler, Cody W. Edwards
Summary: The Amazonian marsh rat, a member of the subfamily Sigmodontinae, is a semiaquatic rodent distributed in South America. This study obtained and analyzed its mitochondrial genome, providing valuable insights into its evolutionary relationships.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Susette Castaneda-Rico, Cody W. Edwards, Melissa T. R. Hawkins, Jesus E. Maldonado
Summary: Historical DNA from natural history museum specimens has been used to study elusive, rare, or extinct species. This study focuses on the Peromyscus mekisturus, an endangered rodent species from Mexico, which is only known from two museum specimens collected over a century ago. The researchers used genetic analysis to confirm the taxonomic position of the species and propose it belong to a new genus. They also emphasize the importance of genomic data from type specimens and the need to continue building scientific collections for biodiversity research.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ali E. Basuony, Mostafa Saleh, Moustafa Sarhan, Mahmoud Younes, Fouad Abdel-Hamid, Carlos Rodriguez Fernandes, Paul Vercammen, Faraj Aboshaala, Farid Bounaceur, Elizabeth A. Chadwick, Frank Hailer
Summary: Through DNA sequencing, it was found that there is a relationship but also differences in the evolutionary history of the two closely related species, Ruppell's fox and the red fox. Ruppell's fox is classified within the red fox, but the red fox is not classified within Ruppell's fox, indicating a rapid speciation process or genetic mixing.
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Annalea Beard, Renata Medeiros Mirra, Elizabeth Clingham, Leeann Henry, Robert J. Thomas, Frank Hailer
Summary: We studied the Red-billed Tropicbird population at St Helena, South Atlantic, and found that it is the largest colony in the region and an important part of the global population. The survival rate from laying to fledging was low, with most nest failures occurring during incubation due to predation. Breeding interval was influenced by factors such as previous breeding interval and nest cavity fidelity. Management options for reducing mammalian predators are discussed to ensure the long-term viability of this population at St Helena.
EMU-AUSTRAL ORNITHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Arlo Hinckley, Melissa T. R. Hawkins, Jesus E. Maldonado, Jennifer A. A. Leonard
Summary: This study investigated the population genetic structure of three species to understand the drivers of the biogeographic transition in the Isthmus of Kra. Results showed high levels of genetic divergence across the IOK in all three squirrels. The study suggests that ecological differences and topography may have influenced genetic differentiation during periods of rainforest expansion.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ternenge Apaa, Amy J. Withers, Ceri Staley, Adam Blanchard, Malcolm Bennett, Samantha Bremner-Harrison, Elizabeth A. Chadwick, Frank Hailer, Stephen W. R. Harrison, Matthew Loose, Fiona Mathews, Rachael Tarlinton
Summary: This study conducted PCR testing on two species of bats in the UK. The results showed that 44% of fecal samples and 56% of pooled samples from Rhinolophus hipposideros tested positive for a sarbecovirus coronavirus. However, no coronaviruses were detected in samples from Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, and there was no evidence of cross-species transmission.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Natalia A. Prado, Ellie E. Armstrong, Janine L. Brown, Shifra Z. Goldenberg, Peter Leimgruber, Virginia R. Pearson, Jesus E. Maldonado, Michael G. Campana
Summary: We provide novel genomic resources for understanding elephant health and aiding conservation efforts. We sequenced 11 elephant genomes and estimated germline mutation rates. We also developed a genotyping assay suitable for analyzing degraded samples, such as feces and hair. These resources will allow for more detailed studies and support elephant conservation and disease research in the future.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luis A. Escobedo-Morales, Susette Castaneda-Rico, Salvador Mandujano, Livia Leon-Paniagua, Jesus E. Maldonado
Summary: This study presents the complete mitochondrial genome of the Central American and Yucatan Peninsula brocket deer, providing insights into their taxonomic status and genetic relationship with other deer species.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sakandar Khan, Jo Cable, Muhammad Younus, Muhammad Imran Rashid, Frank Hailer, Haroon Akbar
Summary: Cystic echinococcosis is a global parasitic disease that affects food animals and humans. The disease has negative impacts on food production, socio-economics, and animal welfare. In this study, a potential candidate antigen, iEg67 kDa crude antigen, was identified and tested for ELISA kit development to improve the diagnostic accuracy for cystic echinococcosis in cattle and buffalo.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Alexandra L. Decandia, Laura Adeduro, Piper Thacher, Adrienne Crosier, Paul Marinari, Robyn Bortner, Della Garelle, Travis Livieri, Rachel Santymire, Pierre Comizzoli, Michael Maslanka, Jesus E. Maldonado, Klaus-Peter Koepfli, Carly Muletz-Wolz, Sally L. Bornbusch
Summary: The gut microbiome of endangered black-footed ferrets was characterized, and it was found that the composition of the microbiome differs between breeding and non-breeding seasons, as well as between sexes. The findings suggest that sex-specific physiological changes associated with breeding may contribute to the differences observed. The presence of potentially pathogenic microbes in the ferrets' gut highlights the importance of further study and possible interventions to promote a more balanced microbial community.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah J. du Plessis, Mark Blaxter, Klaus-Peter Koepfli, Elizabeth A. Chadwick, Frank Hailer
Summary: This study compared whole genome sequencing and microsatellite genotyping for the study of Eurasian otters. The results showed that whole genome sequencing provided more genetic information and higher resolution, revealing previously unknown genetic diversity and lineage differences. This study has important implications for understanding population structure and genetic diversity in otters.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Susette Castaneda-Rico, Lillian D. Parker, Evelyn Sanchez, Sheccid Rivas-Trasvina, Melissa T. R. Hawkins, Cody W. Edwards, Jesus E. Maldonado
Summary: The study obtained and characterized the mitochondrial genome and nuclear ultraconserved elements of the Crested-tailed deer mouse (Habromys lophurus) to determine its phylogenetic position within neotomine-peromyscine mice. The study confirmed the placement of Habromys species within a clade and provided support for the paraphyly of Peromyscus. These genomic resources will contribute to further understanding of the evolutionary history of this rare and critically endangered genus of rodents.
Article
Zoology
Vinicius C. Claudio, Roberto L. M. Novaes, Alfred L. Gardner, Marcelo R. Nogueira, Don E. Wilson, Jesus E. Maldonado, Joao A. Oliveira, Ricardo Moratelli
Summary: Based on molecular phylogenetic reconstruction and morphological comparisons, we provide evidence for restricting the name Eptesicus to two species, E. fuscus and E. guadeloupensis, and allocating the remaining New World species to a new genus. We also propose promoting Cnephaeus to the generic rank to accommodate all Old World taxa currently under Eptesicus. This arrangement resolves the paraphyly of New World Eptesicus and promotes taxonomic stability for Histiotus.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lillian D. Parker, Jessica D. Quinta, Isabel Rivera, Brian L. Cypher, Erica C. Kelly, Michael G. Campana, Robert C. Fleischer, Ryan Boarman, William I. Boarman, Jesus E. Maldonado
Summary: Subsidization of predator populations increases predation pressure on prey species. The development and validation of a qPCR assay for detecting Mojave desert tortoise DNA in predator scat have shown that this method is more sensitive than morphological analysis. Conservation managers can benefit from reducing subsidies and predation to improve the protection of the tortoise.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)