Article
Zoology
Rebecca E. COLMAN, R. Jory BRINKERHOFF, Joseph D. BUSCH, Chris RAY, Adina DOYLE, Jason W. SAHL, Paul KEIM, Sharon K. COLLINGE, David M. WAGNER
Summary: Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is widespread in rodent populations in western United States and periodically causes epizootics, especially in black-tailed prairie dogs. The study suggests that Y. pestis was introduced multiple times from different sources and may be transmitted to black-tailed prairie dogs through bridging hosts such as deer mice.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
R. A. Adams
Summary: Black-tailed prairie dog (BTPD) colonies are considered ecosystems engineers that enhance plant and animal diversity in grasslands. Research in the eastern foothills of Colorado showed that bats are significantly more active in BTPD colonies, especially species like the small-footed myotis. This study provides the first evidence of a relationship between BTPD colonies and bats in western North America.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sufia Akter Neha, Jorge Salazar-Bravo
Summary: This study examined the impact of habitat, geographic location, and environmental factors on the fecal microbiota of prairie dogs. The results showed that microbiota diversity and composition varied across sampling sites and habitats, with urban areas having reduced diversity and higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Alistipes shahii was identified as an important species driving changes in fecal microbiome composition. The average maximum temperature was found to be the best predictor of microbial diversity.
Article
Ecology
Mathilde Vidal, Juergen Heinze
Summary: Workers of the ant Cardiocondyla elegans promote outbreeding by dropping female sexuals into the nest entrance of other colonies to mate with unrelated, wingless males. Contrary to expectations, the colony growth rate of multiple-mated and outbred female sexuals was lower than that of inbred or single-mated females, suggesting that multiple mating may be a way for female sexuals to pay rent for hibernation in an alien nest.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pilar A. Haye, Nicolas I. Segovia
Summary: This study found high genetic diversity and low spatial and temporal genetic differentiation in Mytilus cf. chilensis populations in the Southeast Pacific. The high dispersal capacity of this species maintains population homogeneity and prevents diversity erosion. The slight genetic variation in different sites (space) and interannual comparisons (time) may explain the temporal variability in spat availability.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
E. V(Ginny) Greenway, Jennifer A. Hamel, Christine W. Miller
Summary: Multiple mating by females can alter male selection through sperm competition. The most promiscuous males mated with less polyandrous females, resulting in lower levels of sperm competition. Females with more mating partners produced more offspring.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Noelle C. Guernsey, Patrick E. Lendrum, Lindsey Sterling Krank, Shaun M. Grassel
Summary: Prairie dogs have drastically declined in North American grasslands. Translocations were used to reestablish colonies of prairie dogs and mitigate human-wildlife conflict, with positive results observed in this study. Understanding the behavioral responses of prairie dogs to translocation is crucial for species conservation and the survival of dependent species. The research demonstrates the importance of translocating prairie dogs as a conservation tool.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Colleen Crill Matzke, Jillian M. Kusch, David M. Janz, Jeffrey E. Lane
Summary: The Cort-Adaptation hypothesis suggests that elevated glucocorticoids can help animals adapt to environmental and physiological challenges. This study tested this hypothesis in black-tailed prairie dogs, a colonial prey species, and found that individuals located near fewer neighbors had higher glucocorticoid levels and reduced reproductive success, indicating a perceived higher risk of predation. Factors such as lactation status and season also influenced glucocorticoid levels.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Rashidah H. Farid, Dana L. Karelus, Vanessa Hull
Summary: Age- and sex-specific survival rates of Gunnison's prairie dogs were examined in this study. Females had higher apparent survival than males. Yearlings had a lower survival rate compared to juveniles and adults, indicating a possible reproductive cost. The reproductive output of yearlings was found to be the most significant potential driver of population growth.
Article
Agronomy
Limei Yi, Zhixiao Dong, Yu Lei, Junming Zhao, Yanli Xiong, Jian Yang, Yi Xiong, Wenlong Gou, Xiao Ma
Summary: The study utilized SRAP markers to detect genetic variability and structure of 80 prairie grass accessions, finding that they can be grouped into five clusters with three genetic memberships identified. Additionally, a low genetic differentiation was discovered among the accessions, with the North America group showing the highest genetic diversity within clusters.
Article
Zoology
C. D. Robinson, S. L. Lance, M. E. Gifford
Summary: Coloration in response to selection might evolve relating to colorful traits that affect survival or reproductive success. In prairie lizards, males exhibit blue ventral patches while females have fewer. There is a correlation between testosterone level and coloration, but it is not a strong driver of the evolution of ventral coloration in S. consobrinus.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ana D. Davidson, Michelle Fink, Michael Menefee, Lindsey Sterling-Krank, William Van Pelt, David J. Augustine
Summary: The black-tailed prairie dog ecosystem in North America's Central Grasslands is of great importance and is facing serious threats. This study developed a habitat suitability model to support conservation planning in the region. It identified large areas of suitable habitat across the western half of the historical range of the black-tailed prairie dog ecosystem. However, future climate change may lead to a northward expansion of their geographic range and a decline in habitat suitability in the southern Central Grasslands.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David L. J. Vendrami, Lloyd S. Peck, Melody S. Clark, Bjarki Eldon, Michael Meredith, Joseph Hoffman
Summary: CGP is a temporally unstable pattern of genetic differentiation in marine populations, likely arising from extreme sweepstake events and collective larval dispersal, with selection being relatively unimportant. This highlights the significance of neutral demographic forces in natural populations and has important implications for understanding the recruitment dynamics, population connectivity, local adaptation, and resilience of marine populations.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ketsarin Kamyingkird, Pornkamol Phoosangwalthong, Nutsuda Klinkaew, Alisara Leelanupat, Chanya Kengradomkij, Wissanuwat Chimnoi, Teerapat Rungnirundorn, Burin Nimsuphan, Tawin Inpankaew
Summary: This study finds that 13% of pet prairie dogs in Bangkok, Thailand carry the Giardia parasite, which can be transmitted between humans and animals. This highlights the potential risk of infection for both pet owners and their exotic pets. It is recommended for pet owners to improve sanitation, provide clean food and water, and regularly visit veterinary services for screening and treatment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David Eads, Travis Livieri, Tyler Tretten, John Hughes, Nick Kaczor, Emily Halsell, Shaun Grassel, Phillip Dobesh, Eddie Childers, David Lucas, Lauren Noble, Michele Vasquez, Anna Catherine Grady, Dean Biggins
Summary: This study evaluates the use of a grain bait laced with 0.005% fipronil for flea control and plague mitigation in black-tailed prairie dogs (BTPDs). The results show that the fipronil grain effectively suppresses fleas on BTPDs and improves their body condition and reproduction. During a plague outbreak, the use of fipronil grain protected BTPDs and significantly reduced their population on untreated habitats. The application of fipronil grain is also faster compared to dusting burrows.